BIBL 360
Unlocking The Scriptures Project: Interpretation Template
Chapter Eight: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
A. Who? (The Characters)
Question 1: Who is the author of 1 Corinthians?
Initial proposal based on content: The author of 1 Corinthians is Apostle Paul.
Context: In 1 Corinthians 1:1, Paul introduces himself as the letter’s author, saying, “This letter is from Paul, selected by God’s will to be a messenger of Christ Jesus, as well as from our brother Sosthenes” (Gardner, 2018)
Comparison: Paul is regarded as one of the Bible’s authors, having written a quarter of the New Testament. In all of his letters, he introduces himself in the same way. “This letter is from Paul, selected according to the will of God to be a missionary of Christ Jesus,” says Ephesians 1:1 and Colossians 1:1, respectively. “This epistle is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, divinely appointed to be an apostles and sent to preach his Good News,” Paul begins in Romans 1:1.
Consultation: Paul is credited with writing one-third of the New Testament, a sum of thirteen letters. He is widely regarded as the foremost communicator of Christ’s teachings. Paul presents himself as a “apostle” of Christ on every occasion. An apostle is a person with tremendous authority, intelligence, and who has been called to serve and to begin the work in God’s kingdom. Paul has been both an eyewitness to Christ and a divinely appointed preacher to the Gentiles. He achieved this through preaching the gospel and assisting in the establishment of churches on three missionary travels. (Gardner, 2018)
Conclusion: Paul, an apostle of Christ, was an author to several epistles among them being the letter to the Corinthians.
Question 2: Who are the recipients of 1 Corinthians?
Initial proposal based on content: The letter from Paul was addresses to the people of Corinth, also known as the Corinthians.
Context: 1:2 Corinthians “I am writing to God’s church in Corinth,” Paul begins the letter (NLT). The inhabitants of Corinth, like Paul, were regarded to be chosen by God. “To you who are called by God to become his own holy people,” says 1 Corinthians 1:2. (Gardner, 2018). When it pertains to the word “church,” Paul employs the single form to emphasize that his listener was limited to the faithful in the Corinth church, not “all the saints” or “all God’s favored.” Paul addresses the community of Corinth explicitly because of the splits and conflicts that are recorded in 1:10-17.
Comparison: Prior to his explanation of God’s wisdom and power, Paul addressed some pressing difficulties with the Corinthian church. There has been a lack of agreement and division among the church, according to Paul (1:10-17). Human leaders, rather than God, are to blame for this schism. Just as he did in his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul addresses another congregation in his epistle to the Thessalonians, albeit with a slightly different context. For 1 Thessalonians 1:1, “Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote this letter.” Thessalonica’s church, those of you who worship God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord, receive this letter from us. May God’s grace and peace be with you (NLT).
Consultation: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ were among the leaders who professed allegiance to the Corinthian Church, which went through division. Chloe’s family had written to Paul about the divisions occurring inside the Corinthian church, so Paul was aware of what was going on. Because he trusted her family members, he felt confident in their statements regarding the church. (Prior, 2020)
Conclusion: The Corinthian church was the only recipient of Paul’s letter because of the many problems they were facing. (“Church at Corinth”, 2022)
Question 3: Who are “those who are perishing?”
Initial proposal based on content: Individuals who may not believe in Jesus Christ and the message are said to be “perishing” in this context.
Context: 1 Corinthians 10:18 compares “those who perish” with all those of us being rescued, all within the confines of a single verse. This text reveals that “those who are perishing” and “those who are saved” are polar opposites. In 1:13-17, Paul establishes the tone of his letter by making a reference to Christ’s crucifixion, which serves as a reminder as he continues to draw a distinction between those who accept and those that do not.
Comparison: The term perish appears several times in the Old Testament. People who choose to trust in God shall not perish, as described in the text of John 3:16. “But when they perish the virtuous increase” is mentioned in Proverbs 28:28. (NASB). Likewise, in 2 Peter 3:9, Simon Peter mentions what the Lord accomplishes, “not intending for any to die but for everyone to come to redemption” (NIV) (NASB).
Consultation: To perish is to be physically or spiritually destroyed or to die. Since believers and unbelievers are no longer useful terms for describing the entire race, Paul substitutes: “those who are perishing” and “those who are being saved.”(2 Corinthians 2:15) In contrast to those who reject the message of the gospel as folly, those who are “being saved” have faith in the gospel message, but those “who are perishing” do not. No one knows where people “who are perishing” will spend eternally or if that is really Paul’s aim in this epistle. If the persecuted do not change their ways and believe in the gospel, they will perish, as Paul says here in the present tense.
Conclusion: In other words, those “who are perishing” are those who think the cross’ message is absurd.
Question 4: Who are “those whom God has called”?
Initial proposal based on content: It is those who have embraced the gospel and have faith in God’s plan for their lives who are referred to as “those whom God has called.”
Context: They are both referring to the same thing: those with whom God has chosen and those who have been saved. Paul is arguing that those that have accepted the gospel message are those that have been called by the Lord. In this chapter, Paul uses the word “called” twice, once in line 24 and once in verse 26.
Comparison: Throughout the Bible, this statement can be found frequently, but it is notably prevalent in the New Testament. To begin with, Paul’s letters commence with the statement that Paul is a servant of Christ and has been “called to be an apostle.” In Romans and 1 Corinthians, this may be seen. In his letter to the Romans, Paul makes the argument that they are among “those who are chosen to come to Christ,” as indicated in Romans 1:6. However, as stated in Romans 8:28, “‘And we know that God works all things for the benefit of those who worship God and are led according to his plan for them” (NLT).
Consultation: It is the Holy Spirit who influences and empowers those who have been “called” to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Similarly, “believers” and “saved” are likewise analogous. 9
In order to respond to God’s call on our lives, we must be able to discern it and be open and resigned to what He requires of us. According to verse 24, both Jews and Gentiles can benefit from the power and knowledge of God. Only by trusting in God’s salvation work through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross can they do this. 10 In order for the gospel message to be heard and responded to by as many people as possible, it is near and dear to the Lord’s heart. Since we were given free will, we can decide whether or not we wish to answer the phone. Paul sees the calling as more of a “internal” or “salvation-predicted” calling from God. In Romans 2:28-30, it is indicated that this is the case.
Conclusion: People who are called by God are those who have embraced Christ’s death and have been reborn into a lovely family and a new way of thinking. On top of that, there’s the hope that we will live a life in keeping with what Christ says.
Question 5: Who is more likely to receive God’s wisdom and power?
Initial proposal based on content: A follower of Christ who is obedient to God’s will in everything they do.
Context: Christ is indeed the power and the insight of God for those who are called to Serve to salvation, as stated in Romans 1:16. (NLT). To be able to accept God’s wisdom and power, we must first have the gift of eternal life and be in Christ. Again, Paul underlines that the only way we can access God’s wisdom is because of Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul never states that this insight and power will be given to everyone. When we accept the gospel and give up our own desires, we are able to receive this gift from God. Because their “knowledge” is dumb before God, many people who consider themselves wise by human standards look down on this verse. (Prior, 2020)
Comparison: Those who glorify God receive understanding, knowledge, and delight, as the author of Ecclesiastes explains in 2:26. The wealth, on the other hand, will be taken away from the rich and given to the righteous. Like “following the wind,” this is pointless (NLT). Salvation is not something people acquire by our own efforts, but rather a gift from God as a consequence of his grace on their life, according to Paul in Ephesians.
Consultation: Only because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is there any hope for people to have any form of connection with God or to spend eternity in his presence. According to the Bible, individuals who reject the gospel will not be able to enter the kingdom of God, and will be deprived of everything that Christ has to offer. It was God’s plan all along that human intelligence would not be the means by which humans would come to know Him. 12 Faith in Christ alone provides believers with holiness, forgiveness, wisdom, and strength.
Conclusion: To put it simply, a person who is devoted to God’s ways rather than rejecting them is a person who is a follower of Christ.
B. What? (The Key Truths or Events)
Question 1: What is meant by the word “foolishness” in these verses?
Initial proposal based on content: The phrase “foolishness” is supposed to represent how nonbelievers see the meaning of the cross. They think the cross’ message is a waste of time and energy.
Context: There are six instances in which the term “foolishness” or “foolishness” appears in the text. As soon as he begins his sermon, it is clear that he is attempting to convey a fundamental truth about God’s knowledge and might. Human wisdom apart from Christ’s is foolishness to him. All who consider at the cross see it as stupidity, and those who believe are considered idiots by the rest of the world (nonbelievers). Unbelievers think God’s plan to save the world is ridiculous, but it is considered smarter than any plan proposed by an unbeliever. It is clear from Paul’s words that both Jews and Greeks consider that Christ’s crucifixion was a waste of time and effort.
Comparison: Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus refers to the difference between a fool and a smart person numerous times. If you hear these words from Me and do nothing with them, you will be like the foolish guy who built his castle upon the sand, as Jesus says in Matthew 7:26. (NASB). Even Jesus in the flesh says that human understanding pales in comparison to the wisdom that comes from God the Father through the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Jesus also says, “For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take oil with them,” in Matthew 25:3. (NASB).
Consultation: Nearly 360 instances of the word “foolishness” are found in the Old Testament. People who are foolish and ungodly are described by this word in all of its incarnations. 14 Something that is described as “silly or simple” is called “foolishness.” 15 Paul’s initial point is that wisdom is the antithesis of folly. Christ’s death and rising as a pathway of redemption for those who believe is a teaching that the world considers “foolish.” 16 Christ’s message was considered ridiculous by the Jews because they think that the Messiah will return as a king surrounded by miracles. They searched for evidence to support their beliefs. 17 As a result of their disbelief in corporeal resurrection, the Greeks, often referred to as the Gentiles, turned to human understanding for guidance. (Prior, 2020)
Conclusion: Many times in this text, the word “foolishness” was employed as a synonym for “those who are dying.” In the eyes of those who do not believe, the meaning of the cross is still a hoax.
THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION
Question 2: What is meant by the word “stumbling block” in these verses?
Initial proposal based on content: The lesson of Christ’s crucifixion was seen by the Jews as a barrier they could not cross or grasp.
Context: Both Jews and Greeks had a hard time believing in the meaning of the cross, regardless of their ethnicity. As soon as it reached the Jewish people, they demanded miracles as proof that it was true. The Greeks, on the other contrary, viewed the message as a joke. Both sets’ thinking is labeled “foolish” as a result. Whether the Jews and the Greeks believe us or not, our mission is to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. If they are prepared to accept the cross’s message, both the Jews and the Gentiles can receive God’s wisdom and power.
Comparison: Paul defined the phrase “stumbling block” twice in his letter to the Corinthians, the second time in chapter 8. Corinthians are cautioned by Paul to “be careful that the practice of your independence does not become an obstacle for the weak” when exercising their independence. Stop passing judgment on one another, Paul tells the readers in Romans 14. Instead, make a conscious decision not to impede your brother’s progress.”
Consultation: Jews and Greeks were noted for being closed-minded and focusing on older, more traditional ways of life. Because of this, these two groups were hesitant to put their faith in Christ. The Jews, on the other hand, rejected the cross’s message because they didn’t believe in the Messiah’s death on the crucifixion. When it came to believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Paul’s preaching always focused on the cross. This was a major roadblock for the Jews. All of the Jewish people’s hopes and expectations were shattered when Jesus Christ was crucified. Jesus, on the other hand, refused to perform any miracles for the Jews in order to support his claims about Christ. The Gentiles, like the Jews, thought the idea of salvation by the death on a cross was absurd.
Conclusion: For the Jews, Paul’s teaching of the crucifixion was a heresy because it contradicted their traditional view of the Messiah and Christ, who were both crucified on a cross.
Question 3: What does it mean to “boast in the Lord”?
Initial proposal based on content: Even though we shouldn’t boast about anything, everything we have and have been given to live for is a gift from God. As a result, he is fully deserving of all the accolades. However, we cannot take pride in our own selves or abilities while simultaneously praising him for his accomplishments.
Context: Without God’s grace, supply, and guidance, nothing on this planet or in human history would have been conceivable. When Paul says, “God has linked you with Christ Jesus,” in 1 Corinthians 1:30, he confirms this. God made him the epitome of intelligence for our own good. As a result of Christ’s atoning work, we are now right with God, pure and holy, and free of our sins. There is no other way for us to establish a personal relationship with God other than via him. Paul, the church, or any other apostle, man, or religious figure achieved nothing; it was all up to God. Aside from mentioning this in verse 26 to the Corinthian church, Paul also tells them to think back to their former selves. It was made clear to the Corinthians by Paul’s prompting them to think on this that nothing they achieved or did was imaginable without the Lord, and it is to Him that we must give all the glory and honor.
Comparison: The prophet Jeremiah goes on to speak against boasting in his book of Jeremiah. As stated in Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Don’t let the smart brag in their knowledge, or the mighty boast in their strength, or the rich brag in their riches. If you want to boast, this is the only thing to do (NASB). Not only in his letter to the Corinthian church, but also in his letter to the Galatians, does Paul emphasize bragging. “As for me, may I never brag of anything except the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he writes in Galatians 6:14. (NLT).
Consultation: The terminology used The act of praising oneself is what is meant by the term “boasting.” Many people hold the belief that boasting is wrong, and I can see why they might have this view, yet the Bible says otherwise. This type of boasting can be both good and bad, according to the Bible. 25 When it comes to praising one’s own achievements or capabilities according to human standards, boasting is always a bad idea. With regards to future hope, the cross, God at work in one’s life, God who saved one or the salvation of others, Christians consider boasting to be praiseworthy. When something is accomplished solely via the power of human will, it is not deemed wise in the sight of the Lord. When it comes to salvation, God’s saving power in the gospel is the most important factor. Because everything we have is a gift from God, we should only be able to take pride in His redemptive work after it is done for us.
Conclusion: When we say we “boast in the Lord,” we’re saying that we should give all the honor, glory, and praise to Jesus’ redemptive work.
Question 4: What is Paul’s tone in this passage?
Initial proposal based on content: Much like Christ, Paul spoke to the Corinthians in an authoritative but gentle tone.
Context: To begin his epistle to the church of Corinth, Paul writes in a cordial and thankful tone, thanking God and the Corinthians alike. He doesn’t appear worried or agitated, despite the fact that he received a report about the Corinthian church. He explained the purpose of his letter to the congregation in a straightforward and straightforward manner. Because he is trying to help people understand what they are expected to do as a follower of Christ, his motives are pure.
Comparison: Comparing Paul’s stance in this scenario in Corinth to the letter he sent to the Roman church, he appears calmer and more collected. In light of Paul’s time spent in the church, Paul was certain that the church had a solid basis in the gospel. He seems more interested with reminding the Corinthian church of what the Lord had spoken and how they should spend their lives as Christians in this letter. Paul’s approach to the Roman church was vastly different from his approach to other churches. It’s safe to assume that Paul went into more detail and context in his letter to the Roman church because the gospel was likely being proclaimed for the first time in Rome. While addressing the Corinthian church, Paul uses gentleness and encouragement to help the congregation narrow its emphasis on becoming more like Christ.
Consultation: With his attitude at the start of his letter, Paul creates a strong relationship with the Corinthian church. He conveys his message in a way that is sincere and condemnatory, yet when necessary, he is adamant. Paul’s choice of words is both mild and forceful, and he hopes that the power of the cross, not his words alone, will convict the recipients.
Conclusion: Rather than criticism, Paul’s letter has a conviction-inspiring tone. Despite his kind demeanor and authoritative tone, he managed to convey the message of how the Corinthians should live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Question 5: What is meant by “the things that are not – to nullify the things that are”?
Initial proposal based on content: Individuals who think they are superior or more influential are shown to be wrong by the fact that God uses those who are not considered important at all.
Context: In verses 27-29, Paul is comparing and contrasting a number of things. After making the comparisons between people who are naive, weak, and disliked, he proceeds to “nullify” those who are not. Throughout Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he emphasizes the need of relying solely on the power and knowledge provided by God.
Comparison: Paul was using the word “nullify” repeatedly in his epistle to the Romans. “What then?” he asks in Romans 3:3. God’s faithfulness will not be tarnished by the actions of those who do not believe, will it?”. “Do we then nullify the Law via faith?” he asks in Romans 3:31. I hope that doesn’t come to pass! We, on the other hand, enact legislation. Later letters, such as 1 and 2 Corinthians and Galatians, continue to use the word “nullify,” as does Paul. I do not negate the grace of God, since if righteousness is through the Law, then Christ sacrifice is useless,” Galatians 2:21.
THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION
Consultation: For the both believers and nonbelievers, God’s commands can be difficult to understand at times. Taking these verses out of their proper context can make them appear to be incoherent or even contradictory. Here, Paul tries to describe who God chooses and why he makes those choices in the first place. He contrasts the foolish with the wise, the weak with the strong, and the humble or despised with what already exists in order to “nullify” what already exists (Carson, 2019). Nullifying anything is making it meaningless or meaningless. It was God’s primary objective to prevent human bragging by selecting the ignorant, weak, and despised as his subjects. To do this, one method was to bring down those who boast. Jesus Christ used people who society would consider “nobodies” or “lowly”
Conclusion: The weak, ignorant, and despised people of this world were chosen by God to humble and remove those who brag in their own abilities.
C. Where? (The Geography and location)
Question 1:
Initial proposal based on content: This letter is being written by Paul while he is in Ephesus.
Context: Paul’s missionary voyage continued after his time in Corinth with a stop in Ephesus. He was not at Corinth at the time he penned the letter to the Corinthian church. It was brought to his attention that the Corinthian church was experiencing difficulties, and he wrote to express his concern. While ministering in Ephesus, he was inspired to pen a letter to the church there.
Comparison: Paul ministered in Corinth for eighteen months before arriving in Ephesus. According to verses 1 and 18 of Acts 18, Paul’s entrance at Corinth and his departure from the city were both during that time period. After hearing about the problems and divisions in the church from Chloe’s residence, Paul decided to return to Corinth. According to 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, this can be seen. Paul stayed at Ephesus until Pentecost because he had more work to do there and hence couldn’t leave until after Pentecost, as shown in 16:8-9.
Consultation: Paul spent about two and a half years in Ephesus at the end of his third missionary tour through Galatia and Phrygia. He planned to remind Ephesus, but Paul wanted to return to Corinth and deal with the church’s difficulties. Paul’s travel intentions are mentioned and documented at the end of his epistle to the Corinthian in 16:5-9. A description at the end of each letter from Paul indicated where he was going and who he wanted to see. No trip to Corinth was ever made by Paul, despite his intention to do so later on. Later, the Corinthian church accused Paul of being uncrushable and sought to weaken his authority because of this letter.
Conclusion: During his time in Ephesus, Paul wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He was on his third trip as a missionary.
Question 2: Where is Ephesus in relation to Corinth?
Initial proposal based on content: Corinth and Ephesus are known to be a long way apart. . (Corinth & Ephesus, 2022)
Context: While the location of Ephesus is mentioned in the passage of scripture, it is neither identified or explicit. The fact that Paul chose to send a letter to the church rather than just appear in person to resolve the difficulties suggests that Ephesus and Corinth were a long way apart. A visit to the Corinthian church is on Paul’s agenda for later in the book of Acts, when he says, “After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you.” In light of the passage, we can infer that Corinth is located near Macedonia (Carson, 2019).
Comparison: His ministry has taken him to many other locations. A trip to Spain and Jerusalem is mentioned by Paul in Romans 16. While verse 26 refers to Macedonia, the reader is left wondering if Paul had previously been to Macedonia or if he had just mentioned it.
Consultation: It is located in modern-day Turkey near the Cayster River’s mouth. The isthmus that connects the Greek peninsula and mainland is named after Corinth. By definition, Ephesus and Corinth are located on opposite sides of the Aegean Sea, which separates them. While it took Paul longer to travel via Macedonia rather than directly over the sea to Ephesus, it was the more direct path. Even though he wanted to see other churches in Macedonia, Paul decided to travel through. The journey from Ephesus to Corinth took around eight days and a distance of about 300 miles across the Aegean sea.
THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION
Conclusion: Nearly 300 miles east of Corinth lies Ephesus across the Aegean Sea. (Corinth & Ephesus, 2022)
D. When? (The Time Factors)
Question 1: When was this letter to the Corinthians written?
Initial proposal based on content: Immediately following Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, Paul wrote this epistle to the Corinthians.
THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION
Context: It’s a reference to the gospel of the cross that 1 Corinthians 1:18 discusses. Christ’s final labor on the cross couldn’t be mentioned if it were authored before his death and resurrection. Verse 23 also discusses the crucifixion of Christ. This was not intended as a prophecy about the future, but rather as a reminder of the cross’s final and rescuing work. Later in the letter, Paul explains that he is writing to the church even though he is not in Corinth at the time, since he has heard through Chloe’s family about what is going on at the church.
Comparison: The letter is addressed after Christ’s death and resurrection, according to 1 Corinthians 1:12. Also, this is where Paul names the leaders of the Corinthian church, who the Corinthians claim to follow. It included Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or even Christ himself. This letter could not have been written unless the Corinthian church had witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to 1 Corinthians 16, Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote this letter and sent Timothy to deliver his message to the Corinthian church.
(Prior, 2020)
Consultation: Paul’s letters are said to have been written between A.D. 52 and 54, nearly 20 years after Christ’s crucifixion. Prior to the Feast of Pentecost in A.D. 54, he is likely to have written the letter. 36 During the final months of Paul’s long ministry in Ephesus, the letter was completed. (Corinth & Ephesus, 2022)
Conclusion: Corinthian letter was written towards Paul’s third missionary tour
written in the year A.D. 55, according to some sources. (Corinth & Ephesus, 2022)
E. Why? (The purpose of this passage)
The Need: Many problems arose in the church of Corinth, not the least of which was a lack of comprehension and direction regarding what it meant to boast in the Lord rather than in oneself.
The Message: Paul’s message is that we can only acquire God’s wisdom and power via Christ and Christ’s crucifixion. Throughout the rest of his letter, Paul tells the Corinthian audience that human intellect and strength pale in comparison to God’s In our frailty, we bring honor to God, who alone is worthy of all the praise and adoration we can muster (Carson, 2019).
References
Carson, D. A. (2019). Showing the spirit: A theological exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14. Baker Books.
Coogan, M., Brettler, M., Newsom, C., & Perkins, P. (Eds.). (2018). The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version. Oxford University Press.
Gardner, P. D. (2018). 1 Corinthians. Zondervan Academic.
NEEDS, W. T. S. C. THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION.
Prior, D. (2020). The message of 1 Corinthians. InterVarsity Press.
The BAS Library. 2022. Corinth & Ephesus. [online] Available at: [Accessed 30 May 2022].
Church at Corinth. (2022). Retrieved 30 May 2022, from https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/places/related-articles/church-at-corinth