1Co 12:1-3 Recall that the Corinthians had written to Paul with questions about various topics that he had been addressing (see 1Co 7:1, 8:1). What topic does he now begin to address? Note: The questions the Corinthians had about spiritual gifts were the same ones churches today have: Because of its glitz some were exalting…
1Co 11:17-22 In 1Co 11:2 Paul praised the Corinthians for holding firmly to the traditions he had passed on to them: the church was observing the creation order of headship by having the women cover their heads when praying or prophesying, and it was also observing the Lord’s supper. What question had arisen about the…
In light of Paul’s arguments in 1Co 11:2-16 in support of the head covering tradition he handed down, do you think it is something we ought to take seriously?[1] Is it conceivable that in light of Paul’s arguments there is actually more to the practice than a cultural custom and that in God’s wisdom He…
What does Paul say nature has bestowed upon women as a physical manifestation and visual representation of her glory? See 1Co 11:15; cf. Pro 20:29, Num 6:5,18. Did Paul believe it was disgraceful for a woman to have short hair? See 1Co 11:5-6. Is it significant, or just a coincidence, that as women in western…
In 1Co 11:2, what tradition that he delivered to the Corinthians does Paul have in mind that he praises them for holding firmly? See 1Co 11:3-16. Were there competing cultural practices in that day in regard to head coverings during worship? Note: Roman men and women both covered their heads during worship; neither Greek men…
1Co 11:1 How is this verse a summary of 1Co 8-10? See 1Co 8:13, 9:12,19-22, 10:32-33. 1Co 11:2-7 When praising the Corinthians for holding firmly to the traditions he had delivered to them, what traditions in particular does Paul have in mind? See 1Co 11:3-16, 17-34. Was the former tradition a mere custom without meaning…
1Co 10:1-4 The word “For” in 1Co 10:1 shows a connection between what follows and what precedes; what is the connection? See 1Co 9:27-10:13. What did the cloud that covered the Israelites represent? See Exodus 13:21-22, Num 9:15-22. What did their passage through the sea represent? See 1Co 10:2, cf. 1 Pet 3:20-21. What did the…
1Co 9:1-3 What does Paul mean “Am I not free”? Free from what? See 1Co 9:4 and the context of chapter 8. What was the significance of his being an apostle to the point he is arguing? See 1Co 9:4-6. Who was examining Paul, and what were they saying about him? See 1Co 4:3-4, 2 Cor…
1Co 8:1-3 Recall that Paul has begun answering questions posed to him by the Corinthians; what question does he begin answering here? Note: In Roman and Greek culture, animals were not just slaughtered for food, but nearly always sacrificed to the gods; a portion would go to the officiating priest, and the remainder would then…
Notice the change in format: Paul in the previous 6 chapters has been addressing the divisions, immoralities and lawsuits in the Corinthian church that he had been informed about probably by “Chloe’s people” (1Co 1:11). Now he begins to address “the things about which you wrote” (1Co 7:1), referring to some letter they had written…