This is a presentation that was used by Prason in a Bible study class to teach from the book of Corinthians. Go through the presentation and revert for clarifications.

1. A Research study by Prason Christopher Robin

2. Remove that
denomination glasses
and read the Bible so
that you do not have a
denominational bias in
your understanding

3. Agenda
•
•
•
•
•
Corinth
Background of the Epistle
Two Divisions
Group Discussion
Final Take aways

4. 1. Corinth
• The city was founded by Corinthos (Descendent
of Helios [Sun God] ) 2000 BC
• The city was renowned for the temple prostitutes
of Aphrodite - the goddess of love. So most
people visited Corinth for sexual pleasures.
• Temple of Apollo
• People were not much educated, not much wise,
relied heavily on business and were idol
worshippers before they accepted Christ.
• They consisted of Jews, Greeks and Romans

5. Tri-remes – 500 BC
Corinth was famous for warships

6. Apollo Temple- Ancient Corinth
Apollo is associated with
healing, Miracles and Prophecy

7. Different Time Periods
• Babylonian Period ( Fall of Jerusalem) Till
mid 500 BC
• Persian Babylonian period ( Xerxes ) Mid 500
BC to Early 300 BC
• Hellenistic Period – 330 BC to 50 BC
• Roman Period – During the birth of Jesus

8. Biblical mention of Corinth
• Under the Romans, Corinth was rebuilt as a major city
in Southern Greece or Achaia. It had a large mixed
population of Romans, Greeks, and Jews.
• Paul wrote two of his epistles to the Christian
community at Corinth
• Three Epistles

10. Agenda
•
•
•
•
•
Corinth
Background of the Epistle
Two Divisions
Group Discussion
Final Take aways

11. 2. Background of the Epistle
• When the apostle Paul first visited the city (AD 51 or
52), Paul resided here for eighteen months (see Acts 18:1–
18).
• Paul became acquainted with Priscilla and Aquila with
whom he worked and travelled.
• Paul Goes to Ephesus (Acts 19,20,21) (1 Cor 16:8)
• He writes first letter( lost epistle) (1 Cor 5:9)
• House of chloe reported to Paul ( 1 C0R 1:11, 5:1)
• Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achaicus was sent by
Corinthian assembly to Paul to get clarification on some
issues.

12. Agenda
•
•
•
•
•
Corinth
Background of the Epistle
Two Divisions
Group Discussion
Final Take aways

13. 3. Two Divisions
• Chapters 1- 6 : Paul’s advice to the Corinthians based
on Chloe’s report
• Chapters 7-16 : Paul’s answers to the questions posed
by the Corinthians (16 :17)
• Language – Koine Greek (Common Spoken language)
Major Theme
Establishing the Church in the True Gospel

14. Chapters 1-6
• Paul’s style of opening his letter
– Grace, Speech and Knowledge, Spiritual gifts,
Eagerly awaiting the coming of the Lord (1:4-7)
• Paul knew that there were quarrels among
people ( Paul, Apollos, Cephas) (1:12 , 3 :4)
• Proud people will not understand truth (1:24,25)
• Encouragement to those who think that they don’t
have eloquence of speech ( 2:1 , led by Spirit -2 :12,13)
• Don’t boast about men (3 :21)

15. Chapters 1-6
• Corinthians even doubted Paul (4:3,4)
– Paul’s testimony (4:9-16)
• Content of Lost epistle (5th chapter)
– Immorality – Incest ; still they were proud (5:2)
– Deliver to satan (5:5)
– Judge whom (5:12,13)
• Are you not ashamed to draw each other to
draw each other to court cases? (6th chapter)
– Judge angels (6:3)

16. Chapters 1-6
• Body is not for sexual immorality (6:13)
– Sins against his body (6:18)
– Honour God with your body (6:20)

17. Chapters 7-16
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marriage and Divorce
Food offered to idols
Questions on Paul’s apostleship
Spiritual gifts
Tongues and Prophecy
Resurrection of the dead

18. Chapters 7-16
• Because of immorality, marry (7:2)
• Unmarried and Widows can marry (7:8)
• Married Wife should not separate from
husband. If she does, she should not remarry
• Husband should not divorce ( even a non believer
wife); but if they leave, let them leave. (7:15)
• Food offered to idols
– There is no idol (8:4)
– Stumbling block (8:9)

19. Chapters 7-16
• Paul was single and he worked. So people
doubted whether he was an apostle (9:5,6)
• Living from gospel (9 :14) – But Paul was not
• Paul reminds the Corinthians about Israel
History
–
–
–
–
Against idol worship
Sexual immorality
Do not eat food offered to idols
What ever you do, do it for the glory of God.

20. Chapters 7-16
•
•
•
•
•
Covering of heads (11:7 ,8)
Long hair ( 11:15)
Lord’s supper- Disorder( 11:19,20,21)
Be very careful when you take communion (11:29)
Gifts of the spirit
1.Message of wisdom 2. Message of Knowledge 3. Faith 4. Healing
5. Miraculous powers 6.Prophecy 7. Discernment 8 Different kinds of tongues
9. Interpretation of Tongues
• Body Example (12:12)
• Five types of ministry
– Apostles ,Prophets , Teachers , Miracle workers,
healers, administrators, Tongues, interpreters

21. Chapters 7-16
• Love 13
• 13:8 – Some denominations base their theology on
this verse
• Tongues and Prophecy (14)
• Reminding the Gospel (15)
–
–
–
–
Christ died for our sins (15:3)
Resurrection of the dead (15 :12)
What body (15:35)
Let nothing move you away from God (15:58)

22. Chapters 7-16
• Corinthians knew what Paul preached to
Galatians (16:1) – Help God’s people
• Treat Timothy well (16:10)
• Apollos refused to go to meet the Corinthians
(16:12)
• Acquilla and Priscilla was with Paul in
Ephesus
• Church (Body of Christ and not building) –
(16:19)

23. Discussion

24. Six Positives from Corinth Church
•
•
•
•
They were brand-new believers.
They participated.
They made mistakes, but out of enthusiasm.
They practiced their new faith while still growing
in it. .
• Their new faith was relevant to their world.
• They were a real church.