1&2 Corinthians FINAL

Characterize in one word or short phrase the subject Paul deals with in 1st Corinthians 11.

Worship order and head coverings

What are three possible meanings of the word “head?”

Authority, Origin, physical head

What does Paul mean by the word “head” as he uses it in 1st Corinthians 11:3-10.

Authority and leadership/ Order

Why does Paul say a woman should have her head covered?

To show respect for authority and for propriety in worship.

Why is it that women are not required to wear a head covering in today’s church?

Cultural expression, not timeless command

How does our textbook by Johnson explain the concept of “covering” as related to the head of men and women?

Symbol of submission to authority, propriety, and cultural modesty

Why does Paul say, “because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head?” 1 Cor. 11:10

Out of reverence for divine order and observers of worship

Does 1 Cor. 11:2-16 limit the role of women in the worship service?

No, it emphasizes their authority and participation while addressing cultural practices of the time.

What do we mean when we say that a text of Scripture is “culturally conditioned?

Shaped by the customs of its time

What principle for today’s church would you draw from reading 1 Cor. 11:2-16?

The importance of respecting cultural contexts while maintaining core principles of worship and leadership roles.

If the principle of hierarchy of authority, God-Christ-man-woman, apparently expressed in 1 Cor. 2-16 is applicable to today’s church, then the requirement of head covering showing that hierarchy should apply also. Correct?

Not necessarily; this principle must be interpreted in light of cultural relevance and the context of worship today.

Would you say, from reading 1st Corinthians 11, that all women in general should be in subjection to all men or that it is only wives that should be in subjection to husbands?

Wives should be subjection to their husbands

How do you explain Galatians 3:28 (There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male nor female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus) in the light of what Paul writes in 1st Cor. 11?

Equality in value; distinct roles in function

What is the primary subject matter in 1 Cor. 11:17-34?

Abuses of the Lord’s Supper

Why did Paul say to the Corinthians that their “meetings do more harm than good?”

Selfishness and divisions during the Lord’s Supper

How did Paul get his idea of how the ceremony of the Lord’s Supper should be conducted?

Revelation from the Lord

How did Paul say one could eat and drink the communion elements in an “unworthy manner?”

By failing to recognize the body of Christ, leading to judgment.

Do you agree with Johnson’s statement on page 213 that the Lord’s supper be open to all without discrimination?

Yes

What is the “Passover lamb” described in Exodus?

Sacrificial lamb protecting Israel in Egypt

What two attributes show that Jesus was truly the Passover Lamb?

He was sinless and sacrificed for redemption.

What Old Testament history does Paul use as a warning to the Corinthians about temptation and being careful not to fall?

Israel’s wilderness failures

What is meant by Paul’s comment, “on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come?”

End-time reality in Christ’s coming

How can being married detract from devotion to the Lord?

Divided interests and responsibilities

What is a “spiritual marriage?”

Devotion to Christ without earthly marriage ties

Explain when, where, and why 1st Corinthians was written.

Mid-50s AD, from Ephesus, to correct church issues

How were the Corinthians profaning the solemn ceremony of the Lord’s Supper?

They were indulging in gluttony and drunkenness, treating it casually instead of with reverence.

What is another term that means the Lord’s Supper or Communion?

Eucharist

How is it possible for a Christian to eat and drink the communion elements in an “unworthy manner?”

Without self-examination, in division, or irreverence

Why, in your professor’s thinking, is it not theologically proper to use the phrase “broken for you” in the communion service?

Jesus’ bones weren’t broken

Is a spiritual gift the same thing as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit?

No, a spiritual gift refers to specific abilities given to believers, manifestation represents any visible action or presence of the Holy Spirit.

According to Scripture, does everyone receive the spiritual gift of tongues?

No

What do the words “now about” signify when Paul uses them.

New topic or issue raised by the Corinthians

What is the Greek word for “gifts?”

Charismata

If you hear a prophecy or a word spoken about the Lord, how do you know whether it is authentic?

Discernment by the Spirit and alignment with Scripture

Where do spiritual gifts come from?

Holy Spirit

Who gets spiritual gifts?

Believers

Why does a Christian get a spiritual gift or gifts?

To serve and edify the church.

Is the list of spiritual gifts in 1st Corinthians exhaustive or are there more gifts than what is listed there; and, if there are, where can one find them?

No; see Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4

Paul says there is a gift of “faith.” How is that different from the faith that every Christian has?

Extraordinary trust for specific situations vs. basic belief

There are three views among Christians about whether spiritual gifts are for today’s church. Name and briefly describe the three views.

Cessationism (gifts ceased after apostles), Continuationism (gifts are still active), and Open but Cautious (gifts are valid but practiced with discernment).

Why does Paul use the analogy of a human body when he is describing the gifts given to the church?

To emphasize unity, diversity, and interdependence

Paul seems to list the three most important gifts. List those gifts in order.

Apostles, prophets, teachers

Paul says all spiritual gifts are important; and, with his analogy about the body, all gifts are essential for the effective working of the church. Why then would he urge the Corinthians to “desire the greater gifts?” Wouldn’t that cause more arguments and divisions?

Greater gifts build up the church more effectively

What are the “greater gifts?”

Those that edify others—like prophecy, teaching

Why would Paul write about love right in the middle of correcting the Corinthians’ thinking about spiritual gifts?

Love is the necessary context for using gifts properly

Is love a spiritual gift?

No; it’s a fruit of the Spirit

What kind of love is Paul writing about?

Agape—self-giving, sacrificial love

With a couple sentences and/or examples describe what Paul would understand as Christian love.

Patient, kind, not self-seeking

What one word describes the essence of a truly spiritual life?

Obedience

What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians to “pursue love?”

Make love your top priority

What is “prophecy?”

Spirit-led message that edifies and reveals God’s truth

What is a “tongue?”

A Spirit-given language, unknown to the speaker

Explain how in a worship service prophecy is better than speaking in a tongue.

It builds up the church; tongues don’t without interpretation

What is the purpose of a spiritual gift and how does tongue speaking fulfill that purpose?

To edify the church; tongues do only with interpretation

What do you think Paul means when he tells the Corinthians to “stop thinking like children?”

Grow in spiritual maturity and discernment

What is the greatest commandment and how does it apply to Paul’s idea of orderly worship?

Love God and others—orderliness shows love and respect

Give two rules Paul sets down for the expression of tongues in a worship service.

Limit to 2–3 speakers; must be interpreted

What Old Testament prophet does Paul refer to when he explains that tongues are a sign to unbelievers.

Isaiah

How would prophesy convince an unbeliever that he is a sinner?

Reveals their heart and need for God

Why did Paul write that women should remain silent in the church?

To preserve order in questioning or judging prophecy

Do you think that Paul would agree that in every case, in every worship service, women should never speak?

No

What warning does Paul give when listening to a prophecy?

To test the spirits to see whether they are from God.

What is Paul’s purpose for his long discussion of tongues?

To emphasize edification and understanding in the church.

What is the single most important doctrine of the Christian faith?

Resurrection of Jesus

If a person speaks in a tongue and someone interprets, what do you have?

Prophecy or Revelation

Do you think every worship service should have meaning?

Yes; all should be edifying and clear

What is the purpose of spoken language?

Communication and Understanding

Which would Paul is more likely to convince an unbeliever, prophecy or speaking in tongues?

Prophecy

What would you say is the purpose of music in a worship service?

Worship and Praise

Can music be considered “Christian” if it never had words applied to it?

Yes, if it reflects God’s glory and intention

What evidence can you give that Paul probably knew what he wrote would be considered inspired scripture?

Commands given “from the Lord”

Name at least two women that Paul would probably praise for their Christian work.

Phoebe and Priscilla

What do you think Paul means that by hearing prophecy the unbeliever will have the “secrets of his heart laid bare?” (14:25)

Prophecy exposes hidden sin and need for repentance

At the end of 1st Corinthians Paul gives the Corinthians five commands. What was the final command?

Do everything in love

Why would Paul send greetings to the Corinthians from Aquila and Pricilla?

They lived in Corinth and helped start the church there

Why would Paul write, “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand?”

To authenticate the letter with his own handwriting

What is the main subject of 1st Corinthians Chapter 15?

Resurrection of Christ and believers

Of all the churches that Paul founded which do you think was probably his favorite?

Philippi

What are the five parts of a typical 1st century letter?

Opening, Thanksgiving, Body, Exhortation, Closing.

What four things do you know about Timothy?

Paul’s protégé, leader, young, co-sender of letters

What would you say is one reason why God comforts us?

So we can comfort others

What is the Paraclete?

Holy Spirit

When and from where did Paul write 2nd Corinthians?

Around 55–56 AD, Macedonia

Explain Paul’s “severe letter,” where, why, and to whom it was written.

A now-lost letter written between 1 and 2 Corinthians to rebuke sin and call for repentance

How many visits did Paul make to Corinth before he wrote 2nd Corinthians?

Two visits (initial church plant and painful visit)

Give at least 2 reasons why Paul wrote 2nd Corinthians.

Defend his apostleship; encourage reconciliation/generosity

What “affliction” did Paul experience when in the province of Asia?

Severe trial or persecution, possibly near-death experience

What is it about God that gave Paul hope to keep on keeping on in his ministry?

God's comfort and faithfulness, enabling endurance through suffering.

Where is Corinth located?

Southern Greece, on the Isthmus of Corinth

What is “the day of the Lord” and why does Paul reference it in 2 Corinthians 1?

Judgment and vindication day; Paul appeals to his sincerity before God

What city did Paul travel to after leaving Ephesus following the riot there.

Troas, then Macedonia

Who is Silas? Tell two things you know about him.

Co-worker of Paul, imprisoned with him in Philippi

How many chapters are there in 2nd Corinthians?

13

What is the name of the best and most ancient document we have of Paul’s epistles?

Papyrus 46

Name one ancient writer from before the 3nd century AD who attests to the existence of 1st and 2nd Corinthians.

Clement of Rome

Why does Christ “set his seal of ownership on us? 2Cor. 1:22

Guarantee of ownership and the Spirit as a down payment

What chapters of 2nd Corinthians do some scholars think are the text of the “severe letter?”

Chapters 10-13

Explain when Paul made a “painful visit” to the church at Corinth.

Between 1 & 2 Corinthians

Where is Troas?

Northwest Asia Minor

What two things do you know about Troas?

Paul had a vision there in Acts 16; he preached all night in Acts 20