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| 1 CORINTHIANS |
| Explanatory Footnotes |
| 2:3 Paul at a Crossroads This brief paragraph hints at a grave personal crisis in the apostle Paul's ministry, and Acts 16-18 gives important background. In three cities Paul saw a promising beginning crushed by fanatical Jews. Then in Athens he met little success in communicating to the intelligentsia. Many scholars believe that he reached Corinth shaken and discouraged and that he resolved to make Christ the sole subject of his teaching and preaching while there. 3:5 Personality Cults In this chapter, Paul expands on a theme first introduced in chapter 1 (verse 12). Converts were lining up behind various church leaders: Peter, who had walked and talked with Christ on earth; Apollos, with his sophisticated, cultivated style; Paul, the famous missionary; and Christ himself. Paul had no tolerance for that kind of hero worship. He stressed vigorously that the Corinthians belonged only to God, not to any human worker. 4:8 A Hint of Trials to Come Paul's intense feelings come to the surface in this paragraph, as sharply worded as any in the New Testament. He alludes (verse 9) to the Roman practice of parading the gladiators condemned to death - a poignant reference in light of the martyr's fate that awaited him and other apostles. 5:5 Handed Over to Satan The strong phrase used in this verse has a biblical parallel in 1 Timothy 1:20. To Paul, expelling someone from the church and Christian privileges meant pushing them out into the world ruled by Satan. In both references, however, Paul stresses that the action was designed to teach the offender a lesson. 6:12 Corinthian Slogans The phrases given here in quotes ("Everything is permissible |