The
Book of 1 Corinthians

Corinthians was written from Ephesus by the Apostle Paul sometime between 53 -
57 A.D. Paul, who
started as one of Christianity's most zealous enemies, was hand-picked by Jesus
Christ to become the gospel's most ardent messenger.
His message was that Christ is the church and
Christ only deserves the credit. Paul preached (as Christ did), against
denominationalism. He taught Christ Crucified, and that everything in the Word
is of Christ, not of man. Paul addresses the issue regarding challenges
to his apostleship and defends the issue by claiming that it was given to him
through a revelation from Christ. The salutation (the first section of the
letter), reinforces the legitimacy of Paul's apostolic claim.
Paul was appointed by God: (2 Timothy 1:11). Paul preached to the Gentiles, the
Kings, and the children of Israel. (Acts 9:15-16). Peter gives Paul solid
credentials: (2 Peter 3:15). Paul founded the church in Corinth: (Acts 18:1-17), then spent
approximately three years in Ephesus. (Acts 19:8, 19:10, 20:31).
1 Corinthians 1
1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will
of God, and Sosthenes our brother, You know, at
first it was Paul's will to destroy the Christian church as a Roman soldier.
However, God struck him down on the road to Damascus, and it was God's will for
Paul to be an apostle for Christ. (Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:1).
Sosthenes was a ruler of the synagogue who became a believer. (Acts 18:17).
1Co 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are
sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every
place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Those who are called by God and Sanctified through the truth in the Word (John
17:17-19), by means of Christ Jesus. God's elect (those dedicated to
service), are those who
teach the truth in the Word as it is written. (God calls us saints).
1Co 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Yahveh Savior the
anointed one.
1Co 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is
given you by Jesus Christ; Paul was
always thanking God for himself and others. (Acts
27:35).
1Co 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and
in all knowledge; Jesus Christ enriches your everyday life
through the Holy Spirit. "Gifts
of the Holy Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:8, 12:10, 2 Corinthians 8:7).
1Co 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
The testimony of Christ is established in you.
1Co 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ:
Every spiritual
gift that you need is available to you while waiting on the Lord Jesus Christ at His return.
1Co 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be
blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God and the
Holy Spirit will keep you strong and blameless till the Lord Jesus Christ
returns. (Philippians 1:6, 1:10).
1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of
his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. God is faithful to do what
He says, and has invited you into a partnership with His Son Jesus Christ. "You
can have no better partner, or friend than Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3, 1:7, 4:13).
Family and friends may bring you down; "Jesus will always bring you up."
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among
you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the
same judgment.
To live in harmony
in the name we teach under. Teaching in the same simplicity and truth that Christ teaches.
(There is only One God and One Word). A good teacher can make anyone understand
the truth in the Word. (Forget all the traditions of men that cause division
among the churches).
1Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them
which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Chloe (a tender shoot), and the members of her household brought to
Paul's attention that there were arguments in the church of Corinth.
(Just as in many churches today).
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of
Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. People were splitting into little groups, each claiming they were more spiritual
than the other. This is the problem with denominations. (It causes division
between the churches). Follow Christ and His teachings! "Forget
denominational teachings and traditions of men."
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized
in the name of Paul? Christ cannot be divided into parts.
He is the "One and Only," the "True Vine," that binds together,
not divides. We
don't baptize in the name of man; we baptize in the name of Jesus! (Acts 10:48,
19:5).
1Co 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Paul didn't come to baptize in his name, he baptized in Jesus name. However,
Paul came to teach the truth in the word, "not to baptize."
1Co 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
No one can say they were baptized in
my name.
Man has no power in baptism; it is the power of God and the Holy
Spirit that confirms the baptism, "in Jesus name."
1Co 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not
whether I baptized any other. However, I did baptize the
household of Stephanas (in Jesus name), but no one else.
1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not
with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Christ didn't send Paul to baptize, or to preach with clever speech, "but to teach
the Word truthfully and to the point."
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
This message that Paul taught was the message of the cross; the powerful message
about Jesus Christ. This may be a foolish message to those who scoff at the Word
of God. Don't worry about those who make fun of you for your beliefs in the true
Word of God. They are just heading for destruction.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
God destroys the wisdom of the worldly wise and discards the intelligence of the
intelligent. (Isaiah 29:14).
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is
the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
The wisdom of man and the world is just foolish to God. i.e. "Those who profess
to be wise are just fools." (Isaiah 44:25, Romans 1:22).
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not
God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
i.e. Man can't come to find God by just being real smart. It is only by
believing in Jesus Christ that will lead you to salvation and
eternal life.
1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Paul exposes the faults in the Jews who ask for signs from heaven (Matthew
12:38-39, Mark 8:11, Luke 11:16); and the Greeks who seek human wisdom (Acts
17:18-21), rather than the wisdom of the Almighty.
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and
unto the Greeks foolishness; Preaching Christ crucified to
many of the Jews became a
stumbling-block. (Isaiah 8:14-15, Romans 9:32-33, 1 Peter 2:8).
It is important that you keep in mind who
crucified Christ. (It was mainly the Kenites, the sons of Cain (sons of the devil), who instigated the crucifixion). "To the
Greeks, they considered anyone who would be crucified of no account." (1
Corinthians 2:14).
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the
power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Those called by God to salvation (no matter who you are), Christ is the power
and the wisdom of God. (Colossians 2:3).
1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness
of God is stronger than men. i.e. Even God at His lowest
(foolishness and weakest) point, is far beyond the wisest and greatest human.
"God is the Supreme Being that nothing can compare."
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after
the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
God
does not call the over educated, or those who think they are so wise in the
world. In fact, many of the things of God are hidden from the wise. (Matthew
11:25-26, Luke 10:21). (Not
so great to be so smart, or think you are).
1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things
which are mighty; Things of the world are just foolish to
God and those who think they are so wise. God chose things that are powerless to
shame those who are so powerful. (God loves to use ordinary people who will
follow Christ). Not a bunch of (I think I am so smart), know it all's. Remember
Peter and John when they were arrested and put on trial before the Jewish
religious leaders. (Acts 4:11-21). They blew away the religious leaders with
what they had to say.
1Co 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath
God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that
are: God chose things despised by
the world, things counted as nothing. You were chose by God to serve Him and
bring forth truth in the Word. "If you have the spirit of God within, you have power over the things of the world."
1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
The point is that no one can boast in the presence
of God. (No man can take credit
for what God has done).
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
God can redeem you no matter what you have done. Not man! "Only God has placed
us in Christ." He made us pure and holy, and freed us from sin.
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in
the Lord. "If you are going to boast, let it be about The
Lord."
(Jeremiah 9:23-24, 2 Corinthians 10:17).
I
Corinthians 2
1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of
speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
Paul is saying that he never used fancy speech and big words to impress the
people. He didn't use mans wisdom to tell about god's secret plan. Paul taught
straight forward with simple speech and common sense. Gods Word is for the
humble and common people, the ones like Jesus kept in touch with.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ,
and him crucified.
Paul taught Jesus crucified and left out all the nonsense that causes division
among the churches. Most churches today are on the right track professing Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior and preaching Christ crucified. However, it seams that
most church denominations want to keep themselves separate from one another in
fear of losing members of the congregation. i.e. they lose their income.
1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
I came to you humble and as a frail man.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of
man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Teaching plain and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Not with the wisdom and
words of man. (Romans 16:18, 1 Corinthians 2:13, Colossians 2:4).
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the
power of God. I did this so you would not trust in man;
trust in God and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. It is true that we all want to
be there for the people as teachers of the Word. However, the truth is that we
have very little to offer. "Teach people to trust in Jesus, not in you."
1Co 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
When Paul taught the mature believers the meat of the Word, it was not his
wisdom, or the wisdom of the world. Paul taught God's wisdom through the Holy Spirit.
(Hebrews 5:14).
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
We speak of the wisdom of the mystery of God. His plan that was previously
hidden from the beginning of the world. (Matthew 13:35, Romans 16:25-26,
Ephesians 3:4-9, 2 Timothy 1:9). The word "mystery," used here in the Greek
Strong's Concordance #3466 is "Muo," a secret or mystery).
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known
it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Who are the rulers of this world that should have known the mystery? The worldly wise, the
unbelievers, along with Satan.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that
love him. No man has seen, heard, or even imagined what
God has ready for those who love Him. (Isaiah
64:4-8, 1 Peter 1:12, James 2:5).
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
"God
reveals His deep secrets to us through the Holy Spirit.”
(Amos 3:7, Matthew 13:11, 1 John 2:20). However, you need to search the
scriptures for yourself with the help of the Spirit.
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man
which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of
God. No one can know the thoughts of man except God.
(Proverbs 20:27, Jeremiah 17:9). No one can know the thoughts of God except the
Holy Spirit. (Romans 11:33-34).
"Only the
Holy Spirit can reveal the true thoughts of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10).
1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit
which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of
God. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the most important
gift you could ever have. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can know the
wonderful things God has "freely" given us. (Romans 8:32).
Since God gave His only begotten Son for us all, as
believers and His children, don't you think He will give us
everything else?
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with
spiritual. Man has nothing to offer you when it comes to
Spirituality. Spiritual truth comes from the Holy Spirit through the study of
Gods Word. (Mans word is just nonsense).
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God:
for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned. People who do not have the
Holy
Spirit within (the flesh man), cannot receive the truths of Gods Word.
"It is
just foolishness to them." Only those who have the Spirit of God within can
understand Gods truths. (Matthew 13:11-17, John 10:26-27, 14:26, 1 John 5:20).
(Mans understanding is just foolishness).
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is
judged of no man.
Discern all things,
but judge no man.
(1 John 4:1). Don't believe everything
you hear just because someone says it is a message from God. There are a lot of
false prophets and teachers in the world. Be familiar with God's Word and you
will not be deceived. Remember that all wisdom comes from God. (Proverbs 1:7).
(Mans wisdom is worthless).
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ. Who can know the thoughts
of the Lord? (Isaiah 40:13-14, Romans 11:34). However, when you have the "Holy
Spirit," you can have the thoughts of Christ through His Word. (John 15:15,
16:13-16). "That is true wisdom."
I
Corinthians 3
1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto
spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
Paul is saying that at first he couldn't teach in a mature matter, so he taught
the people as new Christians.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for
hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
I taught you on a level that you could understand.
(The milk always comes
before the meat). When you teach new Christians, or unbelievers, you start
them with the basics, then you build up to the harder teachings as they mature in the
Word.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among
you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
When you are controlled by your sinful nature as people of the world, you
are not a
mature Christian yet. (Ephesians 4:22-24, 1 Peter 4:2). You must first build up
your good spirit within so it will have control of your self. Do not let
the worldly spirit (evil spirit), take control. Remember, there is
good and evil within us all as long as we are in these flesh bodies.
1Co 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am
of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Their jealous
of one another and quarrel over teachings. (This is denominationalism). Those
who follow traditions of men and think they have all the right answers.
1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but
ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
All these teachers of old were
just regular men that were not so good. "God chose them for His will."
When He chooses you, don’t take the credit; God made you what you are,
and all knowledge of truth comes from God. (John 3:27, 1 Peter 4:10).
1Co 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the
increase.
You can plant the seeds of truth, but only God
can make them grow. When you share a truth with someone, they may hear it, or
they may not. You or someone else may add to it, but only God can make it take.
1Co 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither
he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. It is
not important who plants the seed, or who adds to it (waters it).
What is
important is that God makes it grow if it is His will. (All the credit goes to
God).
1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and
every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
The one who plants and the one who waters are working together for the same
purpose. If the truth takes by Gods will, both will receive a reward for their
works. Have you ever listened to a truth from one pastor but you didn't quite
get it, then you hear about the same truth from another pastor and then it all
comes clear? This is an example of two different teachers working together in
the same body of Christ. (Both of them will be rewarded for the same truth).
1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's
husbandry, ye are God's building.
God dwells
in His own people who are workers for Him, not a building. Your body is the
temple (a personal spiritual building) of God when you believe in Him.
(Ephesians 2:20-22, Hebrews 3:6, 1 Peter 2:5).
1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me,
as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth
thereon.
But let every man take heed how and what he builds
upon.
God lays
the foundation that is built on Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:24). (Christ is our
Foundation, Cornerstone, and
Rock). When you build upon the Foundation, do it Gods way through the truth in the
Word. Don’t change things up to suit yourself or others as many teachers do.
(Luke 21:8, 2 Peter 2:1-3).
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,
which is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the only
Foundation we need to build on. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 4:11-12, Ephesians 2:20).
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Examples
of materials to build upon and how they will stand against the fire of truth.
1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day
shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try
every man's work of what sort it is. Standing the test
of fire on the day of the Lord. (Acts 2:20). Wood, hay, and stubble burn right
up in fire. However, precious stones withstand the fire. Gold and silver
become pure in the fire because it gets rid of the slag. Are your works built on the
gold, silver, and precious stone to withstand the fire, or are your works built
on the wood, hay, and stubble that burn right up? "All your teachings will be
tested in the end."
1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon,
he shall receive a reward. If your works are good you will
receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer
loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
But, if the works are burned up (2 Peter 3:10), the builder will suffer a great
loss. However, the builder will be saved barely escaping. i.e. When you are
trying your best to make it, barely getting by. (1 Peter 4:18). So, if the righteous are barely saved, what
do you think will happen to the
godless sinners?
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that
the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? The many member body of
Christ is the Temple of God. The Holy Spirit dwells within the person/persons to
form the many member body of Christ. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 2 Timothy 1:14, 1
John 4:12, 4:15-16).
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God
destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. "A warning to anyone who tries
to destroy a truth teaching church, or one of Gods chosen ones." (Jude 10,
Revelation 19:2).
1Co 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you
seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
Any man who thinks he is so wise by this worlds standards is just deceiving
himself. (Galatians 6:3, 1 John 1:8). It is better to become a strong Christian
(whom the world thinks are fools), but are righteous in God's eyes. (Proverbs
3:5, Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 4:10).
1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
The wisdom of this world means nothing and is just foolish to God. God traps the
worldly wise in a trap of their own cleverness. (Isaiah 44:25, Romans 1:21-22, 1
Corinthians 1:19-20, 2:6).
1Co 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise,
that they are vain. "God knows the thoughts of the worldly
wise; and knows that they are worthless." (Psalm 94:11, Romans 1:21).
1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are
yours; Don't get all puffed up and boast about a
particular man, pastor, priest, or teacher of the word. (1 Corinthians 3:4-7,
4:6). "All knowledge belongs to Christ." (Romans 4:13, 8:28, 8:32).
1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or
life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
All
knowledge belongs to the many member body of Christ; "not man."
(2 Corinthians 4:5, Ephesians 4:11-12). The calling to the ministry to build up the church
and body of Christ. "Gods Word is to be freely shared among the
whole body of Christ." (It is not one mans word, or one churches word to be owned
or copyrighted).
1Co 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
We belong to Christ and Christ belongs to the Heavenly Father.
The
many member body put together person by person with Christ as the head
cornerstone and foundation. We being the servants of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 7:22).
I
Corinthians 4
1Co 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and
stewards of the mysteries of God. This word
"stewards" of
the mysteries is "oikonomos" Strong's G3623 "manager, overseer, or preacher." (1
Peter 4:10).
1Co 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Faithful and trustworthy so you can count on what he says. Don't be afraid to
teach the truth of the Word, because it is the truth that sets people free from
bondage to false teachings and traditions of men. (Proverbs 13:17).
1Co 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you,
or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
People will always judge you in this world. Do the best you can in life and
teach God's Word if it is your calling, and you will do fine. If your calling is
not to teach, do the best you can as a productive Christian and good citizen.
(Be respectful and kind to others; be the first to greet people with a hello
and a smile). One of may favorite greetings among Christians: "Praise the
Lord."
1Co 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he
that judgeth me is the Lord. Even if your conscience is
clear and you think what you teach is correct, does not prove that you are
right. The Lord Himself will examine you and decide. If it is something wrong,
God will bring it to your attention.
1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who
both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest
the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Be careful on judging others. Only God is the judge and He is always fair. "On
the Lords Day all our darkest secrets will be revealed." Everyone will get what
they have coming. (2 Corinthians 5:10).
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself
and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think
of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one
against another. You don't need to put your priest,
pastor, or teacher on a pedestal. (Jeremiah 17:5-6, 1 Corinthians 3:21). "As
a teacher of the Word, don't think you have all the answers." (2 Corinthians
10:7). "All are equal in God's eyes." (it's all the same Word).
1Co 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou
that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou
glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
The only
good things we have come from God in Heaven. (John 3:27). "Don't dream up special messages
and say that they came from God." (When you hear a message from a man, check it
out with the Word of God). "If it is not in God's word, it did not come from
God."
1Co 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without
us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
Paul being a little sarcastic here. They think because their churches are full
that they are rich (Revelation 3:17), but they cut out God and listen to man.
(Galatians 6:3). Remember that this is Gods ministry, not mans.
1Co 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were
appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels,
and to men. People will make fun and snicker at you when
you teach the truth. (Psalm 44:22).
1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in
Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable,
but we are despised. Paul's sarcasm again. However,
there are many people out there in the world that just make fun of Christians.
"They despise truth, but love the ways of the world."
1Co 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are
naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
Things were a little tough back then. They were not quite as
fancy as many of the priests and rabbi's, but they did get the Word out.
(Its
not how big and fancy your church is; or how pious and slick your priest or
pastor might look, but rather what is being taught).
1Co 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless;
being persecuted, we suffer it: Not all pastors and
teachers of the Word live off the church and congregation. Many of us have to
work for a living like they did back then. (Acts 18:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:8).
We also try
to be patient with those who abuse us. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14).
1Co 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world,
and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
We appeal gently when people talk about us, but we are treated like the worlds
garbage.
1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn
you. Paul is warning us that when you
teach the
truth of the Word, expect this kind of treatment.
1Co 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have
ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the
gospel.
You may have
thousands of instructors, but only our Heavenly Father gives us the one true Word.
He
sent Christ to be the only Savior. (Paul became like their father in Christ).
1Co 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Paul wants us to be like him. One who is controlled by Christ to teach the truth
in the Word. "Paul sets a good example." (Philippians 3:17, 1 Peter 5:3).
1Co 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved
son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways
which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Timothy was a faithful helper to Paul and he was sent to help get the church
back on track.
1Co 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
Some of you have become arrogant and will not listen.
1Co 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not
the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
Paul would meet these arrogant ones sometime and would test them to see if they
really have God's power. (If it would be the Lords will).
1Co 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
Being part of Gods kingdom is not just a lot of talk; its living by God's power. (Luke 10:19),
"As true and faithful Christians, God gives us
power over everything."
1Co 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and
in the spirit of meekness? Paul is saying, you will
get what you have coming to you. (Love, or correction). Sometimes people
need to be corrected to set them straight.
I
Corinthians 5
1Co 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you,
and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one
should have his father's wife.
Referring to
insist that wasn't even common among the pagans. (They were allowing such fornication to
happen their).
1Co 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath
done this deed might be taken away from among you.
So proud of themselves and desperate for people that they take anyone in.
1Co 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged
already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this
deed, Paul is saying that he will not put up with it, even
though he is not there. He was with them in spirit. (Colossians 2:5).
1Co 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together,
and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Call a meeting of the church about this matter and I will be with you in spirit,
as well as the power of our Lord Jesus.
1Co 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh,
that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Throw this man out and hand him over to Satan, having nothing to
do with him. i.e.
Some people you
must kick out and let them hit bottom before they wake up. Then they will have a
chance to be saved in the day of the Lord.
1Co 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven
leaveneth the whole lump? They think they are doing good,
but sin will spread throughout the whole church if you let it. (Galatians 5:9).
Its happening in churches today; its also happening to our country. (Sin and
evil is spreading through this country like wildfire).
1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye
are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Get rid of the "old yeast" by removing the wicked people from among you.
(Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:5-9). The feast of "unleavened bread" was
associated with the Passover. Celebrated for seven days following the Passover.
(Exodus 13:6-7). "Christ is our Passover." (John 1:29, 1:36,
Acts 8:32-35, 1 Peter 1:19-20, Revelation 5:12).
1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with
the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of
sincerity and truth. Celebrate the "Feast of Passover" in
remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
Speaking of people
who indulge in sexual sin. You can talk to them, but you are not to participate,
or socialize with them, making what they do seem alright. (Ephesians 5:11, 2
Thessalonians 3:14). You don't need to give into
their ways, even if they are family. "They want to be sinners, let them dwell
in their own sin."
1Co 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the
covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of
the world. I'm not talking about unbelievers who live in
the ways of the world, who indulge in sexual sin, greed, or cheat people. You are
always going to be around people like that. "Just don't give into their ways."
(Also, don't think you are to good for them). "Remember, we are all
sinners."
1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that
is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer,
or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
I am talking about those who claim to be Christians yet they indulge in sexual
sin, are greedy, rip off people, or those who worship idols. "We call them
hypocrites." (We are not to associate, or fellowship with them).
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye
judge them that are within?
Don’t judge the
outsiders, but you are responsible for those inside the church. "But
remember, let God be the true judge."
1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among
yourselves that wicked person. God will judge the outsider
(Romans 2:16, 2 Peter 2:9). But as the scriptures say, "you must remove the evil
person from among you." (Deuteronomy 17:7, Matthew 18:17). If you
don't, sin will spread among you. (There will be no room for the wicked in
the Kingdom of God).
I
Corinthians 6
1Co 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against
another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Always
try to work out your problems when you have a dispute with another before going
to a secular court. Especially when it is with another brother in Christ. You
can always have your dispute decided among the believers. (Matthew 18:15-17).
1Co 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the
world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the
smallest matters?
You will judge the
world in the millennium. (Ezekiel 44:23-24, Psalm 149:5-9, Revelation 20:4).
i.e. If you can judge the world, you should be able to handle little matters
among yourselves.
1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how
much more things that pertain to this life? Don't you realize that you
will even judge the angels. (2 Peter 2:4). (We
are speaking here of the fallen angels). Those bad angels (the nephilim), who left their habitation and came
to earth to seduce the daughters of Adam. (Genesis 6:1-2, Jude 1:6). The
geber, or in the Greek gibbor, were the giants that were the
offspring of the nephilim.
1Co 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining
to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
i.e.
Handle your disputes within the church when possible.
1Co 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is
not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his
brethren? They didn't have an
arbitrator. Every church, or organization should have an arbitrator. Common law
is of the bible, the law of president is used by our courts.
1Co 6:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that
before the unbelievers. You believers make fools of one another by suing
another right in front of unbelievers. (Not a good example of Christianity).
1Co 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among
you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why
do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? You would be
better off to forget about the dispute than to have a unbeliever judge you.
(Matthew 5:39-40).
1Co 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your
brethren. No justice among you. You wrong and cheat even your fellow
believers. (1 Thessalonians 4:6).
1Co 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Those who indulge in
sexual sin, worship idols, commit adultery, prostitution, or effeminate. This
word "effeminate" is "malakos" a catamite, or young boy prostitute.
1Co 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. No thieves,
greedy people, drunkards, abusive people, cheaters, or scammers will enter the
Kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21). If you claim to be Christian and continue
in this kind of unrepentant lifestyle, you are just fooling yourself.
1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed,
but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and
by the Spirit of our God. You were once like that but now you are made
right with God in Jesus name and by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 26:18, Galatians
3:24).
1Co 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things
are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under
the power of any. You can do anything as long as you are obeying God's
law; but don't be under the power, or become a slave to anyone, or anything.
(Like a bad habit for example).
1Co 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats:
but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for
fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. God gave you an
appetite for food and a stomach to digest it. But, that does not mean we should
eat more than we need. (God will do away with both when we are in our
spiritual bodies). However, sexual sin is never right; our bodies were not
made for that. (Do not abuse your flesh body, save it for Holy Spirit to
dwell within). Also, keep in mind that we have two bodies; a flesh body and a spiritual body. "The
flesh
body for this life and a spiritual body for the next life." (Romans 14:17).
1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will
also raise up us by his own power. We will be raised to eternal life, if
we earn it in this life. (Acts 17:31, Romans 6:4-8, Philippians 3:21).
1Co 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members
of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the
members of an harlot? God forbid. Realize that your bodies are part of
Christ. "So, don't take this body and join it with sin." Example: When a person
commits fornication they are taking a part of Jesus with them, they are not
sinning just by themselves. (Ephesians 5:30).
1Co 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to
an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. Two become
one flesh. (Mark 10:8)
1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one
spirit. Your spiritual body is joined with Christ. (John 3:6, Philippians
2:5).
1Co 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth
is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own
body. Run from sexual sin! "No sin affects your own physical body like
this one." (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Peter 2:11, Romans 1:24,).
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple
of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not
your own? Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit, given to you by God. (1 Corinthians 3:16). Don't think you own
yourself; "All
souls belong to God." (Ezekiel 18:4, Psalm 100:3).
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Jesus
paid the highest price for your salvation. "Christ's blood was shed on
the cross for all mankind." (Hebrews 2:14, 9:12).
I
Corinthians 7
1Co 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good
for a man not to touch a woman. We don't know exactly what
the question was. However, Paul is saying that yes; it is good to abstain from
sexual relations with a woman if all possible, unless you are married. (Hebrews 13:4).
1Co 7:2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own
wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
To avoid sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman
her own husband. (Husband and wife; not partner and partner).
1Co 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise
also the wife unto the husband.
The husband should fulfill his wife's needs, and the wife should fulfill her
husbands needs. (1 Peter 3:7).
Husbands should also give honor
to their wives and treat them with understanding. Wives should respect their
husbands and treat them like men, instead of trying to rule and control them.
The problem today is that women want act like men, and men want to act like
women.
1Co 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and
likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives
authority over his body to his wife. (Your one flesh and belong to each other).
1Co 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a
time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together
again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Do not deprive each other from sex. If you both agree to refrain from sex to
give yourself more time for prayer, make sure that afterwards you come together
again. This keeps Satan from tempting you because of your lack of self-control.
(i.e. don't cheat on your mate).
1Co 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
Just a little wise advice from Paul.
1Co 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath
his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
Paul wished that everyone could remain single and faithful to God only. (Matthew
19:12). However, each person has their special gift from God. (Married or not).
1Co 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if
they abide even as I. To those who aren't married and
widows, Paul is saying that it is better to stay unmarried. (1 Corinthians
7:26-27, 7:34-35).
1Co 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry
than to burn.
If you
can’t control yourself, it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1
Corinthians 7:2).
1Co 7:10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let
not the wife depart from her husband:
For those who are married, ladies, don't leave your man. (Matthew 19:6).
"This
comes straight from God."
1Co 7:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to
her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
If the wife leaves her husband, let her stay single (not run off and marry
another), or she should be reconciled to him. "The same goes for the man." (Mark
10:2-12).
1Co 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife
that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her
away.
If a man is
a Christian and the woman is not, but they do not interfere in their beliefs, it is alright to
marry. But if they interfere, it is better not to be married. The same goes if
you are married, if their is no interference, there is no cause for divorce.
1Co 7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be
pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. The same
goes for the woman. (No problems, no reason for her to leave her husband).
1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the
unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean;
but now are they holy. The believer, husband or wife,
brings holiness to the marriage and to the children. (It may be tough at times,
but the unbeliever may always change to a believer).
1Co 7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister
is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
You are to
have peace in the family. If an unbeliever wants to leave the marriage, let them
go. (The same goes for the congregation in the church). If you have an
unbeliever that wants to leave, let them go.
1Co 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy
husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
However, the unbelieving spouse might be saved because of the believing spouse. (1
Timothy 4:16).
1Co 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called
every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
God has called you in the
situation in which you live. If
your spouse wishes to leave, let them go so that you will have peace.
(Paul's rule for all the churches). "Better to live in peace than in
misery."
1Co 7:18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become
uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
Paul's example: If a man was
circumcised before he was a believer, one should not try to reverse it. If a man
was uncircumcised when he became a believer, he should not be circumcised now.
Circumcision
was done away with when Christ was crucified on the cross. Now it is of the
heart, not the physical body. (Galatians 5:1-3, Colossians 3:11).
1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the
keeping of the commandments of God. It makes no difference
if a man has been circumcised or not. The important thing is that you do God's
will and keep His commandments to the best of your ability. (John 15:14, 1 John
5:2-3, Revelation 22:14).
1Co 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Every person has their special calling from God. (Luke 3:10-14). Be content
where God has put you.
1Co 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou
mayest be made free, use it rather.
Don't let it bother you if you are a slave, or servant in this world.
(In reality,
we all are). "You can still serve God." His truth will set you spiritually
free.
1Co 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the
Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's
servant. If you were a slave when the Lord called you, you
are now free in the Lord. If you were free when the Lord called you, you are now
a servant of Christ. (Galatians 5:1).
1Co 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Your freedom from the ways of this world was paid for by the blood of Christ on the
cross. So, don't be a slave to any man. (Matthew 23:8-11, Galatians 2:4).
1Co 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with
God. If God called you for a special work as His servant,
then remain that way. We all have certain gifts from the Lord, so we should be
happy with what He has blessed us with.
1Co 7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give
my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
Paul is going to give his opinion with his wisdom from God.
1Co 7:26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I
say, that it is good for a man so to be. Best
to remain as you are if possible.
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed
from a wife? seek not a wife. Paul is saying, if you have
a wife, or husband, stay married. But, if you don't, try to stay single as Paul
was. (Marriage is way over rated). "Especially for a man who lives for
freedom."
1Co 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry,
she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I
spare you. It is not a sin to marry, but marriage can have
lots of troubles, especially in today's world.
1Co 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth,
that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
Time is short, so those with wives should not only focus on their marriage.
(More important things in life than trying to please your wife all the time).
1Co 7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice,
as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
Marriage can bring problems over ideas and possessions, so don't be absorbed by
them. (Forget the little pink house, two cars, and unlimited credit cards).
"These things will never buy your happiness."
1Co 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the
fashion of this world passeth away. Use the things of
this world to get by; but don't get attached to them. "This world will soon pass
away."
1Co 7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried
careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
Don't get caught up in the things and ways of this world.
"An unmarried man has
much more freedom to serve the Lord."
1Co 7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world,
how he may please his wife. A married man has more
earthly responsibilities to please his wife. (In today's world the woman can
sure keep you running).
1Co 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The
unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in
body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world,
how she may please her husband. In the same way, a
woman who is married has more earthly responsibilities to please her husband.
"If
she is not married, she can spend more time serving the Lord." You see, this
works both ways.
1Co 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare
upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord
without distraction. Paul is saying this for our benefit.
Not to place restrictions upon us, but he wants us to do whatever will help us
serve the Lord better without all the distractions.
1Co 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his
virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him
do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. If the
passion flares, it is better to marry than to have sex with anything that comes
along.
1Co 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no
necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart
that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. If one can
control their passion, their is no need to marry if that is your choice.
Again, better to stay single if you can.
1Co 7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he
that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. The
married person can do well in the Lord, but the unmarried person can do even
better. (If they are devoted to God).
1Co 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if
her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in
the Lord.
Bound to their spouse, but if one dies, they are free to re-marry. (Romans
7:2-3).
1Co 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think
also that I have the Spirit of God.
In Paul's opinion, it is better that they remain single.
I
Corinthians 8
1Co 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
The
first part of the verse is speaking of meat that was
sacrificed to idols and resold. Some of the Christians had a problem with eating
the meat that was sacrificed to false gods. The second part of the verse is Paul
explaining that when people have a lot of knowledge about things, many times
they get puffed up. (Romans 11:5, 12:16). However, it is love that strengthens
the church. (Ephesians 4:16).
1Co 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing
yet as he ought to know. Anyone who thinks they have all
the right answers about God's Word is just fooling themselves. (Galatians 6:3).
No one pastor, priest, rabbi, or teacher of the Word has all the answers. Jesus
Christ had all the answers when he was a man in the flesh, but that is all we
need. The rest of us need to research, study, and learn truths from others. "The
full body of Christ." (Don't be a one person worshipper).
1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
If you love God, He will always bless you.
1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered
in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world,
and that there is none other God but one. No big
deal... We know that an idol means nothing in the world. There is only one God and
He requires no sacrifices from us. Jesus Christ was the One and Only sacrifice
that was needed for the sins of the world.
1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in
earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) "They
claim to have gods everywhere, but they have nothing." (Galatians 4:8).
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are
all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all
things, and we by him. One God, the Father of everything
that was created. (John 1:3). Only one Lord, Jesus Christ, whom God made
everything and through Him we have eternal life. (Matthew 28:18). (If
you have seen Christ, you have seen the Father).
1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some
with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto
an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
Not all believers know this and you may offend them by eating certain meat that
would be sacrificed to idols. (1 Corinthians 10:28-29, Romans 14:14). However,
to a learned Christian, a steak is a steak.
1Co 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the
better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. You
can't be saved, or have Gods approval by what you eat. (Romans 14:17). So in
reality, it makes no difference what you eat that will effect you spiritually.
However, it can effect you physically, and God can't use you if you eat yourself
to death. (What amazes me is that we are one of most obese countries
in the world). My own home town is number 10 on the list for the most obese cities
in the country. (Lets get your act together Erie).
1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a
stumblingblock to them that are weak.
Eat what you want,
but do not offend the one who it becomes a stumbling block to.
1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the
idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to
eat those things which are offered to idols; Paul is
saying with a little sarcasm here; if others see you with your "superior
knowledge" eating in the temple of an idol, this will encourage them to violate
their conscience by eating food offered to idols. (i.e. The weaker brother will
follow you, because of your example).
1Co 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom
Christ died? The weaker brother could turn from the Lord
because of what you do, so be careful. (This does not only apply to food, but to
how you live your life as an example to others).
1Co 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak
conscience, ye sin against Christ. When you encourage
other believers to do something they think is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. (Matthew 25:45).
1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to
offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to
offend. Try not to do something that will offend another, or make them
stumble. (Romans 14:21).
It is
better not eat meat,
or drink wine etc.,
if it might offend
another believer and
cause him to
stumble. (1
Corinthians 8:13, 2
Corinthians 11:29).
Don't do that in
front of weak
person. (The subject
is idol
sacrifice here, but
this can apply to many things we do).
I
Corinthians 9
1Co 9:1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not
seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
Paul kind of insuring his credentials. Paul was a sent one and free born.
(Galatians 5:1). Paul tells them that he has seen the Lord and has brought them
the truth of the Word. (Titus 1:1-3).
1Co 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet
doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. My credentials
are shown in my work. (2 Corinthians 12:12). Your calling comes from God to
teach His word, not from some man or seminary. (Seminary teachings barely
get you a sixth grade education in the word).
1Co 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
This is my answer to those who question my authority.
1Co 9:4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?
Don't we have the power to live in our homes and share our
meals?
1Co 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a
wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Don't we have the right to bring a Christian wife with us as the other apostles
and as Cephas? (Surname of Peter). Yes, Peter had a wife. (Matthew 8:14). Jesus
healed Peters mother-in-law. (Do you think those who claim that Peter was the
first pope will mind that he was married)?
1Co 9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power
to forbear working? Barnabas and I work to support our
own way. (1 Thessalonians 2:9). "Were not beggars." (Just as The Good News
Ministry is totally self suppored; we pay our own way and God always
provides).
1Co 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own
charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or
who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
i.e. You do have the right to be paid as a pastor, or teacher of the Word. (I find
that learning and sharing the truth in the Word is reward enough).
1Co 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not
the law the same also? Paul is saying
that this is his human opinion.
However, the law says the same thing.
1Co 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou
shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God
take care for oxen? It is written. (Deuteronomy 25:4,
1 Timothy 5:18).
1Co 9:10 Or saith he it altogether
for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written:
that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope
should be partaker of his hope.
Speaking of humans
also. A hard working farmer benefits from the harvest.
1Co 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things,
is it a
great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? We
have planted spiritual seed among you, so aren't we entitled to a harvest of
at least
food and drink?
1Co 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over
you, are
not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all
things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Even though others were paid, Paul never took a salary for teaching the Word.
"Paul was full of zeal and just liked teaching the Word." (His reward will be
greater in the eternity).
1Co 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister
about holy things live of the
things of the temple? and they which wait at the
altar are partakers with the altar?
The
priests always took their part of the sacrifice. It was their right to partake.
1Co 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they
which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
In the same way, those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who
benefit from it. However, the important part is that you feed the people the
truth. You can be more truthful with the people when you are not depending on
their money. This way you do not need to feed them what they want to hear just
to keep them in the congregation as many churches do.
1Co 9:15 But I have used none of these things:
neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for
it were
better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
I haven’t practiced
any of these things. I do what I do because I believe in what I do.
(Christianity was a reality to Paul, not someone who just goes through the
motions). He conversed with the Lord and shared his teachings without any
payment. "Not something most priests, or pastors can boast about."
1Co 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have
nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if
I preach not the gospel! Yet preaching the Good News
is something I cannot boast about. Paul was compelled by God to do it. (It was
necessary to Paul to teach, and he taught on many levels so all could
understand).
1Co 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a
reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is
committed unto me.
Paul is saying that if he was doing this on his own, he would deserve payment,
but God has given him this work to do. (Dispensation used here in the Strong’s
Concordance is Greek #3622 Oikonomia,” meaning stewardship or, administration). A
sacred trust or special privilege to teach the Word without payment.
1Co 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that,
when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge,
that I abuse not my power in the gospel. Paul's reward
was his teaching people the Word. (Makes you feel good when someone comes to
Christ and accepts the truth). I know it makes me feel good everyday when I
study and teach the Word, and that is plenty of payment for me.
1Co 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I
made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Paul didn't need to answer to any man or denomination. However, he considered
himself a slave to the people to bring many to Christ. It is a good feeling not
to be under bondage of a denomination, or organization when teaching God's Word.
(The only way you can teach truth).
1Co 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that
I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law,
that I might gain them that are under the law; When
Paul taught the Jews he followed the Jewish law, even though he was not subject
to that law. Paul was led by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:18). However, the
law is good and keeps us on our toes. (Romans 6:14-15). Sin should no longer be your master because you are no longer
under the requirements of the law. You are free from bondage and you
can live under the freedom of God's grace. (John 1:17).
Does this mean because God's grace has set us free from the law that
we can go on sinning and ignore the law? Not at all. "We are still under the law
of the Ten Commandments." Break one of these commandments and see
what it brings you. Lets take a couple of examples. If you steel
something from a store and get caught, you will be prosecuted.
Commit murder and chances are you will end up in jail for a long
time, or may receive the death penalty. You get the picture. "Christ
did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill the law." (Mathew
5:17).
1Co 9:21 To them that are without law, as without
law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I
might gain them that are without law.
When with the Gentiles who did not follow the Jewish law, Paul spoke using
natural teachings to explain the law. (Romans 2:14).
Even those who do not have
the written law, show that they know Gods law when they obey it.
1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might
gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I
might by all means save some. When Paul was with those
who are weak, he would share their weakness. Paul was there before and knew how
they felt. Paul's heart was to communicate with those who were lost. (Learn to
bring yourself to the level of the person you are talking to). This goes for
life itself when you want to communicate with others.
1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that
I might be partaker thereof with you.
Spread the Good News and share in it's blessings.
1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race
run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Do your best when teaching the Word. Make it interesting with your individual
touch, but keep it true to the teachings of Christ. (Then you would have run the
race to win).
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the
mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain
a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. The
difference in the race we run is that athletes are disciplined in training to
win a prize that will fade away. (Forget the trophy's, they mean nothing). We are disciplined in the Word and run the race
for the crown of eternal life. (2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 2:10).
"Eternal life is the real prize."
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so
fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
Paul is saying that he runs with purpose in every step. (He is not just shadow
boxing).
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into
subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself
should be a castaway.
Paul disciplined himself like an athlete to do what he should. Research and know
about what you are teaching like Paul. Then you know that the people are getting
the whole truth and nothing but the truth. (2 Peter 1:10). Work hard to prove that you
really are among those God has called and chosen, and you will not fail.
I
Corinthians 10
1Co 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that
all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
Ancestors
that came out of Egypt under the cloud (cloud of protection), and had escaped
through the parting of the red sea. (Exodus 14:19-20).
1Co 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Just as we are baptized in Christ, they had a kind of baptism as followers of
Moses. (Baptized by the sea and cloud of protection).
1Co 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
They all
ate and drank spiritual food. Angels food, quail, and water from the rock.
(Exodus 16:35, Nehemiah 9:15).
1Co 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that
spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Our
spiritual rock is Christ.
1Co 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were
overthrown in the wilderness. God was not pleased with
most of them and they were scattered in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb
made it from the red sea to the promise land. (Numbers 26:64-65).
1Co 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust
after evil things, as they also lusted. These things
happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things of the world
as they did. (Hebrews 4:11, 2 Peter 2:6).
1Co 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is
written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
They were worshipping idols, feasting, drinking, and even indulged in pagan
revelry. (Party on)!
1Co 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and
fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
They engaged in
sexual immorality causing 23,000 to die in one day! "The total number being
24,000." (Numbers 25:9).
1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were
destroyed of serpents. Don't tempt God! Many have died
like those in the wilderness who were constantly complaining. (Numbers 21:6).
1Co 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were
destroyed of the destroyer.
Many grumbled and were
destroyed by the death angel. (The Passover angel).
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
these were examples
to us. Why? So you would know how it would go down in the end times.
1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Be careful not to stumble, and watch out for Satan! (Proverbs 16:18, 28:14,
Romans 11:20).
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:
but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye
are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be
able to bear it.
You
are never tempted with more than you can handle in life. (1 Corinthians 10:13, 2
Timothy 3:11). "God will always show you a way
out when your in trouble."
1Co 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Flee from idol worship, false religions and traditions of men. (1 John 5:21,
Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 21:8).
1Co 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
Your reasonable people, decide for yourself if what I say is true.
1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the
blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body
of Christ? We bless the cup of wine at the Lords table and
share His blood. We bless and break the bread and share His body. Yes, we do
this in remembrance of Christ.
1Co 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we
are all partakers of that one bread.
We are all one
body in Christ. (1 John 1:3, 1:7).
1Co 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the
sacrifices partakers of the altar? Weren't the people of
Israel united by eating the sacrifices at the altar? Yes.
1Co 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is
offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? Am I saying
that food offered to Idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? Not
at all!
1Co 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice,
they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have
fellowship with devils.
I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to
God. "Don't participate or take communion with devils."
1Co 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye
cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
You can't have both! Know the difference between those who follow the real Christ, or
the false Christ. Those who participate in things of the Lord, or traditions of
men.
1Co 10:22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Don't tempt God! "He is a jealous God." (Deuteronomy 4:24, Joshua 24:19, Zephaniah
1:18).
1Co 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all
things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. You
say that "I am allowed to do anything," but not everything is good or beneficial
for you. i.e. it may be alright to eat what you like, but if it offends someone,
don't do it in front of them.
1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Don't just always think of yourself. "Think of the good of others also."
(It's not all about you).
1Co 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no
question for conscience sake: Don't let your conscience be
bothered over this. "You can eat whatever is sold in the market place."
1Co 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it is organic." (Deuteronomy 10:14).
1Co 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye
be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for
conscience sake. If someone who isn't a believer invites
you to dinner and you accept, eat whatever they serve without question with
a clear conscience. (Don't offend them and say, I don't like that, or it is
wrong to eat this on a certain day).
1Co 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto
idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the
earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
However, if they say we should not eat this because it was offered to an idol
for example, don't eat it for the conscience of the one who told you.
Again, it's not all about you.
1Co 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my
liberty judged of another man's conscience?
Always think of the other person before yourself. Just because you have this
freedom, many may still think they do not.
1Co 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that
for which I give thanks? Thank God for the food and enjoy
it.
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to
the glory of God. Whether you eat or drink, or whatever
you do, do it for God's glory.
1Co 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to
the church of God:
Don't show offense to anyone.
1Co 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking
mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Paul is saying that he is not
just thinking of himself; but he does what is best for others, so that they may
see the truth and be saved. "Be humble towards others." (This
is the mark of a true
Christian).
I
Corinthians 11
1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Be a follower of Christ and always try
to do things His way to the best of your ability. (Ephesians 5:1-2,
Philippians 2:4-5).
1Co 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and
keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
Following the traditions and laws of Christ, not man. (Luke 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:6).
1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and
the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
One thing you should know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of every
woman (speaking of a wife), is man (the husband), and the head of Christ is God.
(Gods chain of authority if you will). They all may have equal value, but one needs to
be in authority. (Philippians 2:10-11, Ephesians 5:23-24, Colossians 3:18, 1
Peter 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28, John 14:28, Philippians 2:7-11). The
problem with the world today is everything is backwards. "Women are acting and
becoming like men, men are acting and becoming like women." A man should act
like a man and provide, protect, and guide his wife and family through the ways
of the world and in the ways of the Lord. The worst part is that the world in
general is taking God out of the equation. (Keep
Christ on your mind and in your heart). "Follow His chain of authority."
1Co 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered,
dishonoureth his head. Keep your head uncovered while
praying or prophesying. "We are worthy of God with unveiled faces." (2
Corinthians 3).
1Co 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head
uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
The woman dishonors herself if she prays, or prophesies without covering her
head. Yes woman can prophecy. (Luke 2:36, Acts 2:17, 21:9). However, in Corinth
many of the women sold their bodies for the goddess of love Aphrodite. (The way
you could tell who the prostitutes were was that they did not cover their heads).
1Co 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be
a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
Being shaven for a woman was a symbol of shame.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he
is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
Man is not to wear anything on his head when worshiping, because man is made in
God's image and reflects God's glory. "Woman reflect man's glory." (Genesis
1:26-27, 3:16).
1Co 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
Man was not by taking the woman's rib, the woman was created by taking man's rib. (Genesis 2:21-22, 1 Timothy 2:13).
1Co 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the
man. The woman was made for man, not the other way around.
(Genesis 2:18, 2:20). However, in marriage of a "man" and a "woman," they become
one flesh. (Genesis 2:23-24). "You need the two opposites to become one in
Gods eyes; not two of the same."
1Co 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head
because of the angels. Many think that this is to show
that the woman is under the mans authority. However, it is not talking of that.
The purpose is
because of the fallen angels. (Genesis 6:1-4). This was the reason for Noah’s
flood. (Matthew 24:37). It will happen again just like before in the future.
1Co 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the
woman without the man, in the Lord.
Among the Lord's people, woman are not independent of men, and men are not
independent of women. "They become one flesh when they unite." (Galatians 3:28). We
are all Christians
and now all one in
Christ. (Romans
10:12, John 10:16,
17:21).
1Co 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man
also by the woman; but all things of God. Even though the
first woman came from man, every other man was born of woman, and everything
comes form God. (Proverbs 16:4, Romans 11:36, 2 Corinthians 5:18, Ephesians
3:9). Everything good comes from God alone.
1Co 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God
uncovered? Paul is saying: You think about it and do the
judging. (1 Corinthians 10:15, Luke 12:57, John 7:24).
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long
hair, it is a shame unto him? Lets lose the pony-tails
guys. (You don't want the fallen angels to think your a woman when they return).
"Well, some of you may; the fallen angels surely won't care."
1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her
hair is given her for a covering.
Covering for a
veil. (Christ is that veil you want covering your head).
1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom,
neither the churches of God. We don't need to argue about
this. (But, it makes wise sense, and all the churches feel the same way about
this).
1Co 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not,
that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
When it comes to following instructions, it appears that it does more harm than
good among you.
1Co 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that
there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
To much division and a
bunch of clicks in the church.
(1 Corinthians 3:3). "The downfall of every church."
1Co 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are
approved may be made manifest among you. But,
there must be divisions among you (1 John 2:19, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 2 Peter 2:1-2).
Then those who have God's approval will be recognized.
1Co 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not
to eat the Lord's supper. When you come
together to eat, it isn't the Lords supper (communion), you are taking.
1Co 11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper:
and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
You hurry to gobble down your own meal without sharing with others. Then there
is nothing left for the poor to eat while you are getting drunk.
1Co 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the
church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I
praise you in this? I praise you not.
Don't you have homes to eat and get drunk? Paul is
saying that you shame the poor by acting like this and I won't praise you for
this. (Proverbs 17:5, James 2:5-6).
1Co 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto
you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took
bread: Jesus took the bread during the Passover meal at the last
supper when he was betrayed.
1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it,
and said, Take, eat: this is my
body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
The bread symbolic of His body given for us. (We are to do this in remembrance
of Him at least once a year).
1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had
supped, saying,
This cup is the new
testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink
it,
in remembrance of me. The
wine symbolic of His blood and the cup of the new covenant. (Do this also in
remembrance of Him).
Jesus only asked and required us to take communion once a year at the Passover
in His remembrance. Some take communion at Passover, Pentecost,
and the Feast of trumpets. Others take communion once a week or more. (This is
more of a personal thing between you and God).
1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew
the Lord's death till he come. (Partaking of the
crucifixion and remembering the resurrection).
1Co 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup
of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
If you are
a unbeliever and believe Christ was unworthy, then you are guilty of sinning.
You must have the faith, and you must believe that Christ was worthy and that He
paid the price for you. (John 6:51, 6:63-64). "Don’t let man judge you when
taking communion."
1Co 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that
bread, and drink of that cup. Examine yourself and
be sure of your faith and what you believe. (1 Corinthians 11:31, 2 Corinthians
13:5, Galatians 6:4, 1 John 3:20-21). "No need to judge someone else."
1Co 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh
damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Don't take communion if you are not honoring the body of Christ, if you do, you
are just condemning yourself. i.e. if a unbeliever takes communion, they may
think this is just a silly ritual. But, in fact, they are disgracing the body of
Christ.
1Co 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many
sleep. Many weak and sick and have even died because of
their abuse of communion.
1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Judge yourself and what you do, then change your actions, or you will be judged
by God. (1 John 1:9, Revelation 2:5).
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we
should not be condemned with the world.
God will
correct you at times because He loves you. Receive His correction, repent, and
follow Him and you won't be condemned along with the world. (Romans 3:19, 1 John
5:19).
1Co 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for
another.
Wait for
each other when you gather together for communion. (Don't take it hear and there
like a drive though restaurant for convenience).
1Co 11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not
together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
If you are that hungry, eat at home;
or respect one
another and wait on each other. I will clear up any other matters when I arrive.
(1 Corinthians 4:19, 16:5).
I
Corinthians 12
1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have
you ignorant.
Don't be misunderstood when it comes to spiritual gifts, God wants you to be
educated in them.
1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols,
even as ye were led. When you were still pagans, you were
led astray and followed dumb idols. "Follow idols instead of God and you will
become dumber." (Habakkuk 2:18-19).
1Co 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the
Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus
is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
You can’t
profess that you follow Jesus without the Holy Spirit. (1 John 4:2-3). (Beware
of evil spirits out there). Don’t listen to those who curse Christ.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are many special spiritual gifts, but the Holy Spirit is the source of
them all. (Ephesians 4:4, Hebrews 2:4, 1 Peter 4:10).
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
There are many different ways to serve God, but they are all of the same Lord.
(Ephesians 4:11-12). All spiritual gifts are for edifying the body of Christ.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all.
God works
in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work through us.
(Philippians 2:13).
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal. Again, spiritual gifts are given to us to help the whole
body of Christ, not just yourself. (Ephesians 4:12).
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
Words of wisdom
to one and the spirit of knowledge to another.
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing
by the same Spirit; The spirit gives faith to one, and to
someone else the gift of healing.
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:
Gifts to
prophecy, miracles, or to understand tongues. (Other languages). Also
interpretation of other languages to get the proper message across.
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
God knows what gifts to give to a certain person. If He gives it to you, it is
because God wishes to. It has nothing to do with you, and you don't choose your
special gift.
(Romans 11:29). Gods calling and
gifts are without repentance.
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members
of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
The human body has many parts that make up the whole body.
"It is the same with the many member body of Christ." (We all take part in the
many member body of Christ as true professing Christians).
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we
be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit. Baptized into one body
(the many member body of Christ), by one Spirit. "The Holy Spirit." (Matthew
3:11, Ephesians 4:5).
1Co 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. The
many parts of the whole body, not just yours. (Ephesians 4:25).
1Co 12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the
body; is it therefore not of the body? All the parts of
the body work together and are all of the same body.
1Co 12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the
body; is it therefore not of the body? It takes all the
body parts to be complete. i.e. No one person is more important than the other
when it comes to the body of Christ. (You know how people are; one believes this and one that). As Christians we should work together
striving to find the one truth in the Word.
1Co 12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the
hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
Again, it take all the parts working together. That means we should all be
working together for the same purpose instead of being so separated in our
faith.
1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as
it hath pleased him.
God puts each of us where He wants us in the body of Christ for His purpose.
(Ephesians 1:5, 1:9, Revelation 4:11).
1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
The body would be a little strange and crippled if it only had one part. In the
same way, Christians would be in trouble if they only followed one man. No one
man or group has all the answers. (Follow Christ, and learn from the Word).
1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Many parts, but one body. (Many believers, but all part of the same body).
1Co 12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor
again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
One part of the body can't say they do not need the other. (We need the
knowledge of the whole body of Christ to know the whole truth). When you are
learning God's Word from others, take what lines up with the Word of God, and
discard what does not. (It's called discerning the truth). Don't get
hung up on one preacher who thinks they have all the answers.
1Co 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more
feeble, are necessary: Even what seams the weakest and
least important part of the body are actually the most important. Many times a
member of your congregation can be more important than your preacher. Never
underestimate the poor wise man. (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15, Luke 9:48).
1Co 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less
honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts
have more abundant comeliness.
Certain
parts may even need to be covered up and never seen. (Those working behind the
scenes to promote the whole body).
1Co 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the
body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which
lacked:
Extra care
to those parts that have less dignity. (They may have less status and
recognition, but they are very important in the spreading of the Word). Just as
it is in life; the workers are in the background while the chiefs get all the
credit.
1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the
members should have the same care one for another. There
should be harmony among the members of Christ. Not discord! It makes no
difference what your position is as a member of the body of Christ, you are
still important to God.
1Co 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or
one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
If one part
suffers all the parts suffer, and if one is honored, all the parts are glad.
1Co 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
All of us have
their own part, but we are all a part of the same body of Christ. (Romans 12:5,
Ephesians 4:12, 5:20).
1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. Some of the important
parts appointed to the church: First the Apostles, second the prophets, third
the teachers. (The apostles and prophets are not with us today, so we rely on
the teachers). We have seen miracles happen. Then we have those who have the
gifts of healing, those who help others, those who have the gift of leadership,
and those who speak different languages for interpretation.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all
teachers? are all workers of miracles? No... We are
what we are according to the gifts God has given us.
1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all
interpret?
No again... First off; Christ does the healing, not any man. Speaking in a
different language and an interpreter of languages are two different things.
i.e. no one person has all the gifts. "Only Jesus Christ had all theses gifts."
1Co 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more
excellent way.
Desire the most
helpful gifts, but be satisfied with what He gives you. (They are all special to
God). However, the best is charity or love. (1 Corinthians 13:13).
I
Corinthians 13
1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not
charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Paul is saying here that even if he had the gift of speaking different languages
without learning them; and could speak every language there is in heaven and
earth, but didn't love others, he would only be making noise.
No matter what gifts you have from God, without love for others, they mean
nothing. (Galatians 5:6, 5:22). "Love and charity towards others can cover
a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8).
1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all
mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Paul saying, even with his knowledge and understanding in the mysteries of God,
without charity, is nothing. You
can have everything, but without love, you have nothing. (i.e. you may have the
gift of prophecy, but if you cannot deliver Gods message in love, it will not be
as affective).
1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though
I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
There is no gain
without love. (Love brings patience, understanding and compassion). True
Christians always have compassion towards others.
1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Love is
patient and kind. (Not jealous, boastful, or proud).
1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
Love is not being
rude or demands its own way. Not irritable and keeps no record of being wronged.
"Always complaining about others doing them wrong." (You heard it before).
1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Be one who does
not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices when truth wins out. (The feeling you get
when the good guys win the fight).
1Co 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things.
Love never gives
up, or loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they
shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there
be knowledge, it shall vanish away. Speaking in
different languages, and having special knowledge will become useless. But, love
will last forever.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
We don't know everything. (At least not yet). Prophecy only reveals part of the
whole picture and divine plan of God.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part
shall be done away. These partial things will become
useless when Christ returns at the seventh trump. (All things will be made known
at this time).
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
When your a child you think and speak as a child, but when you grow up, you put
away childish things and become a mature adult. (Well, some don't). You see,
childish things are not needed when the adult part of you comes and takes over.
(i.e. the things of the spirit will be considered childish compared to meeting
Christ face to face).
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now
I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Know we only know the things of God in part, but when Christ
returns, we will know everything completely, just as God knows us completely.
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest
of these is charity. Faith, hope, and
love will last forever. (The greatest of these is love).
I
Corinthians 14
1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather
that ye may prophesy. Always keep love as your highest
priority. However, the gift of teaching is awesome in itself because it gives
people knowledge of truth and hope.
1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto
men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he
speaketh mysteries.
Unknown is
not in the manuscripts. (When in italics, it was added by man). It simply means a tongue (language),
you are not born with. God can understand what is said by all. (Acts 2:4-11).
And everyone present was filled with the "Holy
Spirit" and began to speak in languages they did not know.
(Literally, in languages they did not know). The "Holy Spirit" gave
them the ability to understand in every language spoken. Man cannot
do that, only the "Holy Spirit" can.
They were all stunned to "hear their own languages being spoken" by the
disciples. Spoken to understand in their very own dialect where they were born.
(Not babble and unknown confusion).
1Co 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort. One who teaches and prophesies
strengthens others, encourages and comforts them.
1Co 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but
he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Unknown tongues
(language), will only build up oneself unless you have an interpreter. Teaching
and prophecy strengthens the whole church. (Speak so everyone can understand
or keep your mouth shut).
1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye
prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with
tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Paul is saying, I
wish you could all speak different languages (Paul spoke several languages). But
prophecy is greater if they understand what you are saying.
1Co 14:6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall
I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge,
or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Speaking in a language
you are not familiar with will not help you at all. (It will just sound like
babble). But, if I bring you a
special message of truth, that will be helpful. (Ephesians 1:17, 3:4,
Philippians 3:15).
1Co 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp,
except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is
piped or harped? i.e. If the notes of an instrument are
not played clearly, no one will recognize the melody. (It's just a bunch of
noise).
1Co 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare
himself to the battle?
Revelry,
Charge, or taps, you will understand what it is. "If the trumpeter plays it
wrong, the army will be confused." (Hope your not confused at the seventh
trump). "Know when the real Christ returns."
Do not be deceived!
1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be
understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the
air.
If you can’t speak
their language, they won’t understand what you are saying. (Just a bunch of hot
air that benefits no one).
1Co 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and
none of them is without signification. There are
many different languages in the world and every language has meaning.
1Co 14:11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto
him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian
unto me.
If you can't understand each other, there will be no communication between the two.
1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts,
seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Seek
the gifts that will
edify the
church. (Don't just think about what's good for you, or what makes you look so
holy to others in the church or community).
1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray
that he may interpret.
Again, unknown is in
italics. (It was added by man). i.e. if you speak a foreign language,
pray that you can interpret to others what you have said, or have an
interpreter.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but
my understanding is unfruitful. "Gibberish
and babble is
not productive, or any benefit to others." Example: The Pentecostal tongue was
understood by all who were present in their own dialect. (Acts 2:6-8).
1Co 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with
the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also.
I will
speak and pray in my language that I speak and understand.
1Co 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he
understandeth not what thou sayest? If you don't know what
others are saying, you won't even know when to say Amen.
1Co 14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
You may be giving thanks with a fancy prayer, but others won't understand you
and it will not strengthen anyone. (All for show).
1Co 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Paul spoke many languages. (Hebrew, Latin, Greek).
1Co 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my
understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten
thousand words in an unknown tongue. However, Paul
is saying that if I speak thousands of words in all those other languages they
will not understand me. But, if I speak only five words in their language, it
will help them more. (Common sense). "Don't over think things, Gods word
is simple and made for all to understand."
1Co 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye
children, but in understanding be men. Don't be childish
in understanding matters of this kind. "Ways of the Lord." If you are going to
be naive, be innocent as babes when it comes to evil. "Ways of the world." (1
Thessalonians 5:19-22, Romans 16:19).
1Co 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and
other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not
hear me, saith the Lord. The Lord will speak and convey
His message through many languages. (Their own language which people
understand), but they still will not listen. (Isaiah 28:11-12).
1Co 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to
them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe
not, but for them which believe. Speaking in many
languages is for the unbelievers, so that they may understand. (It conveys the
message). But prophecy, is for the benefit of the believer, so that they do not
stay as babes in the Word. (It gives growth to the believer).
1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and
all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or
unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
. If the
whole church was speaking different languages, this would be confusing to the
unbeliever. "Speak one at a time and speak with understanding."
1Co 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or
one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
Be careful when you prophecy to the unlearned. (Hebrews 4:12).
The Word of God is like a double
edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit. It will expose our innermost
thoughts and desires. (Revelation 1:16).
The sharp
two edged sword represents the
Word of God. The Word can cut
deep into our soul and set
people straight, or it can teach
us and build us up. However, if
you are to aggressive with an unbeliever, it can turn them away. (Let God's Word do the
convicting, not the teacher). i.e. Don't set yourself up to judge others.
1Co 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling
down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a
truth. Teach the Word of God (not man), and
the unbelievers as well as the believers thoughts will be exposed, and they will
fall to their knees and worship God. "Because of the truth in the Word." (The
teacher is there to convey the message, not to convict or judge).
1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you
hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an
interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. Paul
is being a little sarcastic here. What he is saying; there is to much going on
in the church and it is all to confusing. (It chases people away). Our God is
not a God of confusion. When it comes to teaching God's Word, it needs to be
simple and to the point so that the whole church can be built up. "Lets leave
out all the rituals and get down to business of edifying." (Ephesians 4:12). The
calling to the ministry to build up the church and body of Christ. (You call it
an organization, so lets get organized).
1Co 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by
two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one
interpret. You don't need more than two or three that
speak different languages. (More would be confusion). They should speak one at a
time as someone interprets what they say so all will understand.
1Co 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church;
and let him speak to himself, and to God.
i.e.
If people
don’t understand what you are saying, keep your mouth shut.
1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
The same goes for prophecy. You don't need more than two or three who prophecy.
(Let the
others evaluate what was said).
1Co 14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the
first hold his peace.
Paul is saying here, if one is
prophesying and another receives a revelation, or wants to ask a question, stop
and let them speak. (Job 33:31-33, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20). "This way people
will learn instead of being confused."
1Co 14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may
be comforted.
This way, all who prophecy, or have questions will have a turn to speak.
"Everyone will learn and be encouraged."
(Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
1Co 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
People who prophesy should be in control of their spirit. However, don't believe
every spirit. (1 John 4:1). Test every spirit with the Word and do not be
deceived.
1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in
all churches of the saints.
Not a God
of confusion, but of peace in all meetings of His holy people.
1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not
permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under
obedience, as also saith the law. No one ever wants to
tackle this scripture because of degrading women. (After all, they are the
biggest donors). In the first part of the scripture: "All that is being said; women
should not chatter, or gossip in church." (The same goes for men who can't keep
their mouth shut during service). The second part simply says that the man
should be head of his household. (Ephesians 5:22-24).
The husband should be
able to take care of his family "in all ways," and is the head of the house as
Christ is the head of the church. If he does not take care of his family, he is
worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8).
1Co 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at
home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
If you need to discuss the teachings, do it at home. (Don't chatter and disrupt
the service). Keep in mind that in those days, many women were still
segregated from the men in the worship service. "Today it is a little
different."
1Co 14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
Are you the only
ones who think they can understand the truth Paul is asking the Corinthians. "It
was not just given to you."
1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him
acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the
Lord. If any of you claim to be a prophet, or
think you are so spiritual, then you should recognize that what I am saying is straight from
God.
1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
If you don’t
understand, you will not be recognized. (Matthew 15:14, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
1Co 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak
with tongues. Be eager to prophecy,
and don’t
forget to speak and interpret other languages for the benefit of all.
1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Do everything in order and avoid confusion.
I
Corinthians 15
1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Paul preached the good news to these people before and they
received and stand firm in it. "Always stand for truth in the Word." (Romans
5:2).
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached
unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. Paul is
referring to the substance of his teaching based on the facts of the Lord's
death and resurrection. Some of the false teachers of Corinth challenged his
teachings. (You will always find those against you when you teach the
truth).
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Paul's message was that Christ died for our sins as it is written.
(Psalms 22:15, John 19:30).
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures: Buried and raised from the
dead (defeating death), just as the scriptures said. (Psalm 16:10, Isaiah
53:10-12, Jonah 1:17, Hosea 6:2, Matthew 12:39, Luke 11:29).
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
Cephas (surname of Peter). Witnessed by all twelve of the apostles.
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of
whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Seen by many of His followers at one time. (Some still alive at the time and
some passed on).
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
James (half brother to Jesus. (Galatians 1:19). Believed by many scholars to be
head of the church in Jerusalem. "James seen Jesus in His transfigured body."
(After that all the apostles seen Him).
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due
time.
Paul is saying that he
didn’t see him at the time He was with them, but when he was struck down on the
road to Damascus, he had seen Him. (Acts 9:3-5).
1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Paul saying he felt the least of the
apostles because of what he have done to other Christians. (Remember that Paul,
as a Roman soldier, persecuted the early Christian church). (Acts 8:3, 22:4-5,
Galatians 1:13).
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was
bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they
all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Paul worked
harder that any other apostle, but would still not take credit that he wrote
most of the new testament. (He knew that it was God working through him).
1Co 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye
believed.
We all preach the
same message of the "Good News" you have already believed. "Preaching Christ
crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2, 15:3-4).
1Co 15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some
among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
If Christ
rose from the dead, why would you teach that people are still dead in the grave.
(When you die, your soul and spirit returns to the Father form which it came).
Remember, you have a physical body (your flesh), you have a soul (which is yourself, as a
unique person), then you have your spirit (the intellect of the
soul, or your thought process). "Body, Soul, and Spirit." (Not mind,
body, and spirit, like many may tell you).
1Co 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not
risen:
If there is no
resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either.
"You can't have it both ways."
1Co 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and
your faith is also vain.
If we say there is no
resurrection, then our preaching is useless.
1Co 15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have
testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that
the dead rise not. If you say that there is no
resurrection, you are saying that Christ did not rise and that we are just
liars. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Those who die, return to the Father in spirit
from which they came. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Those who are alive when Christ
returns at the second advent, will gather back to Him in their spirit bodies. (1
Thessalonians 4:15-17). (This is not a rapture of the church). Christ
returns at the seventh trump right here on earth. No need to fly away like
many want you to believe.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.
1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet
in your sins. If you believe that Christ has not been
raised, then your faith in unless, and you are still guilty of your sins.
1Co 15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Not only is your faith useless, but all who have died believing in Christ are
lost. (Gone forever)!
1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
If all our hope is only for this life and not eternal life, than we are worse
off than anyone else in this world.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
firstfruits of them that slept. Jesus Christ paved the way to
eternal life for us all. (Acts 26:23, 1 Peter 1:3).
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the
resurrection of the dead. Death through man,
resurrected life through
Christ. (John 11:25, Romans 6:23).
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Again, death through man, but all will rise for judgment through Christ. (The
good, the bad, and the ugly).
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward
they that are Christ's at his coming. The
order of
resurrection... Christ raised first, then all of us will be raised when He returns
at the second advent. (At the seventh trump and not before).
1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the
kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all
authority and power.
At the end of
the millennium. (The 1,000 year reign).
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
(Psalm 2:6-10, 110)
will document this. (Christ will reign until He humbles all His enemies beneath His
feet).
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
The enemy is Satan. (Hebrews 2:14). He held the power of death till Christ
defeated death at the crucifixion. However, there is a second death for people who do not make it.
Not only physical death, but the death of the soul.
(Revelation 20:14). Remember, only God can kill the soul.
1Co 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all
things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did
put all things under him. i.e. Even though God has put all
things under Christ's authority, God the Father will not be under authority to
Jesus the Son.
1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son
also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be
all in all. Once Jesus conquers all, God will be in full
control.
1Co 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the
dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
This is a misunderstood
scripture. What it is saying is... If you think Christ did not rise from the dead, why would you want to
be baptized in a dead mans name. "You cannot be baptized for one who is lost or
dead." However, you can be baptized in Jesus name. (Romans
6:3-4). "The one who lives."
1Co 15:30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? Why
should we risk our lives hour by hour if there is no resurrection. "Many were
tortured and put to death standing for the truth, especially during the
reformation years." (Romans 8:36).
1Co 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord,
I die daily. Paul is saying that he faces death daily, but
he still rejoices.
1Co 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus,
what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to
morrow we die.
Paul is saying; why would I even do this if there was nothing to it. If there is
no resurrection, lets just live for today and party on. (Acts 19:23-41).
1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Don't be deceived! (Matthew 24:4, 24:11, Galatians 6:6, Ephesians 5:6). "Bad
company corrupts good character." (Proverbs 13:20). "Watch who you
hang with."
1Co 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the
knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. Think
about what is right (rightly dividing the Word), and stop sinning. Some of you
don't even know God.
1Co 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with
what body do they come?
Some will ask, how will the body be raised? What kind of body will they have?
(We have two bodies, a physical body, and a spiritual body). We will be
raised in our spiritual body.
1Co 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except
it die: Paul uses farming to illustrate his point. When
you put seed into the ground, it doesn't grow unless it dies first. (John
12:24). The same goes for the physical body. It must first die before it can be
raised into a spiritual body.
1Co 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall
be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
What you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed
of what you are planting. i.e. Your physical body may be corrupt, but when you
are raised into your spiritual body, you will be raised without corruption.
1Co 15:38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed
his own body. God gives it the new body He wants it to
have. Different plants grow from different seeds. (Genesis 1:11-12). The same
goes for us. You will look the same in your spirit body as you do in your
physical body. However, you will just be in a different dimension.
1Co 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one
kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and
another of birds. Not all flesh is the same.
Different
kinds of flesh for humans, animals, birds, etc.
1Co 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but
the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the
terrestrial is another. There are heavenly bodies
(celestial), and earthly bodies (terrestrial), and the glory of the bodies are
different.
1Co 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the
moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from
another star in glory. The sun, the moon, and the
stars are all different from each other, just as we are. (You are unique in your
own way, even though we have the same terrestrial bodies).
1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in
corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
An earthly
body is sown in corruption and raised to incorruption. (Psalm 49:9). "The
physical body dies and the spiritual body never dies."
1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in
weakness; it is raised in power: More difference between
the earthly body and heavenly body. (Buried in brokenness and weakness, raised
in glory and strength).
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is
a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Again, you
have two bodies. (Natural and spiritual).
1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul;
the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. First man
Adam "who sinned" (Romans 5:12-14). He became a living person. (Genesis 2:7).
But,
the second man Adam that is Christ is a "life giving" spirit from the beginning.
(John 1:4, 5:21).
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that
which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
The natural
body comes first, the spiritual comes later. (Not the other way around).
1Co 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is
the Lord from heaven.
Adam was made from
dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). Christ came from heaven.
(John 3:12-13).
1Co 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:
and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
Earthly is earthy and spirit is spirit. We need to work on the spirit within us
and become more spiritual. (Let the spirit control the physical body, not the
other way around). How do we
accomplish this? "Exercise the spirit." The more you study and learn about God's
Words, the stronger your spirit will become.
1Co 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear
the image of the heavenly.
Just as we
are earthly, we will someday be heavenly. Just as we are now more like Adam in
our physical bodies, in our spirit bodies, we will be more like Christ.
(1 John 3:2). We can't imagine what it will be like later on, but we know that
when Christ appears on the scene again, we will be like Him. Christ was 33 years old
when He was crucified, and when He returns, He will be just as when He left. We
will be like Him as a result of seeing Him as He really is.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the
kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
It is a
different dimension. We would not survive God's presence in these physical
bodies. You can’t enter the Kingdom of God with an earthly body. (It is a
transition that takes place).
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed, The secret Paul is revealing here is that;
we
may not all die and experience physical death, but we will all be transformed.
(1 Corinthians 15:52).
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed.
The last
trump "the seventh trump." (Revelation 8:2). We will be raised to live forever
in our spirit bodies.
(Revelation 11:15).
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal
must put on immortality.
Mortal is
liable to die. We will be transformed into immortal. However, there is the second death.
(Matthew 10:28, Revelation 20).
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this
mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying
that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
The flesh body will be transformed into the spirit body. "Then, death is swallowed up
in victory."
(Isaiah
25:8, Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 21:4).
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy
victory?
Death
doesn’t exist anymore, and the grave has no victory. (Hosea 13:14).
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is
the law.
The law is
good and lets you know when you are doing wrong. (Some of the ordinances were
done away with, but the law still stands). "The ten commandments for example."
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank God we have Christ "the Anointed One," where we have victory over sin and
death because of Him. (Romans 7:25).
1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not
in vain in the Lord.
Be strong and make
a stand when you work for the Lord. (Hebrews 13:21, Revelation 14:13, 19:7-8). Your
works in this life are the only thing you can take with you. (Let them be
works the Lord loves).
I
Corinthians 16
1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order
to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Paul is telling
them they should follow the same procedure he gave to the church in Galatia.
Paul never took a salary for teaching. If he did receive an offering, he sent it
on to Jerusalem. (Kind of like here at the Good News Ministry, we never take a
salary, ask for, or except donations). "Our Heavenly Father always provides when needed."
After all, the word is freely given and received as it should be.
1Co 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by
him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when
I come. Set aside your offerings each week. Don't wait
till I get there and pass the offering plate to impress me. Paul wrote that you
must each make up your own mind as how much and how often you should give, and
that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7). However, when you can't
make ends meet, you don't need to give. Our Heavenly Father understands. You
know; tithes and offerings are to promote the spreading of the Word and to help
the poor, not for the priests, pastors, or church leaders to live lavish
lifestyles at the cost of the congregation. Many pastors may not like that, but
that's the way it should be. As for the majority of super-churches, they are
more like country clubs rather than places of worship.
1Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters,
them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
i.e. have only people you can trust to handle the money. (There should always be
at least two or more in control of finances).
1Co 16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
If it seems suitable for Paul, they could travel with him.
1Co 16:5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I
do pass through Macedonia. Coming to visit after traveling
through Macedonia.
1Co 16:6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye
may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. We will
spend some good time together Paul is saying.
1Co 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while
with you, if the Lord permit. If it be God's will, I want
to stay a while with you. (Always follow the will of God).
1Co 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
However, I will stay here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost.
1Co 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are
many adversaries. The door is open for great
work here because of all the click churches. (Lot of churches of men, not
churches of God).
1Co 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear:
for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
When Timothy arrives, accept and greet Him. He is doing the Lord's work just as
I am.
1Co 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace,
that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
Paul really loved Timothy. He is telling the others to treat him right and when
they send him on his way, to make sure he has everything he needs with their
blessings.
1Co 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to
come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this
time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Appollos wasn't to thrilled
about going there
because they named a church after him. (Some called themselves, followers of Appolos).
1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Stand firm and be strong in the faith. (Don't be a wimp when you have the power
of God with you).
1Co 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity. Do
everything with love. Sometimes it may be tough love if you care about
someone.
1Co 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it
is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to
the ministry of the saints,) The house of Stephanas were
the first-fruits (first converts) of Achaia, the area that Corinth was part of.
(They could not get enough of the Word). Did you ever feel like that?
1Co 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth
with us, and laboureth.
Accept them
as part of the many member body of Christ. (Be willing to follow those who are
addicted to the ministry and the truth in the Word). These make good leaders in
the church. (1 Timothy 5:17). (The Word is the only addiction that will give you
life instead of death).
1Co 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus:
for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
These guys have been providing the help you weren't here to give me.
1Co 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge
ye them that are such. Paul is saying that they have been
a wonderful encouragement to him, as they have been to you. Show your
appreciation to those who serve God so well. (3 John 1:4, 11-12, Philippians
2:29).
1Co 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you
much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Aquila was
a Jew that departed from Rome with his wife Priscilla. (Acts 18:2). Priscilla was
also a
women preacher. (Acts 18:26).
They were both good friends of Paul. (Romans 16:3-4).
1Co 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
Customary at the time. (Romans 16:16).
1Co 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
Paul's greeting in his own handwriting. (Most of Paul’s letters were
dictated to a scribe. He would sometimes write a small portion in his own
handwriting to show that it was really him).
1Co 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema
Maranatha. Anathema: "Accursed," a thing devoted to
destruction. Maranatha: "Our Lord, come." (Approaching divine judgment).
1Co 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
1Co 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first
epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus
and Achaicus and Timotheus. Paul gives his love to all in
Jesus Christ.
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