Topical Bible: Corinth: The Congregation of Alienation of, from Paul

◄ Corinth: The Congregation of Alienation of, from Paul ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Historical and Geographical Context

Corinth was a prominent city in ancient Greece, strategically located on the narrow isthmus connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. This location made it a bustling hub of commerce and trade, attracting a diverse population. The city was known for its wealth, cultural diversity, and moral decadence, which presented unique challenges and opportunities for the early Christian church.

The Establishment of the Church in Corinth

The Apostle Paul established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 18:1-18. Paul spent approximately 18 months in the city, preaching the gospel and building a community of believers. The church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles, reflecting the city's diverse population. Paul's initial success in Corinth was marked by the conversion of key figures such as Crispus, the synagogue leader, and many others who believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8).

Paul's Correspondence with the Corinthian Church

The relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church was complex and fraught with tension. After leaving Corinth, Paul maintained contact with the congregation through letters, addressing various issues that arose within the church. The two canonical epistles, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, provide insight into the challenges faced by the Corinthian believers and Paul's efforts to guide them.

1 Corinthians: Addressing Division and Immorality

In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses several issues that threatened the unity and spiritual health of the church. The congregation was plagued by divisions, with members aligning themselves with different leaders, such as Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul admonishes them to be united in Christ, emphasizing that the wisdom of the world is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:25).

The letter also confronts moral issues, including sexual immorality, idolatry, and lawsuits among believers. Paul calls the church to holiness, reminding them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). He provides guidance on matters of marriage, spiritual gifts, and the proper conduct of worship, urging the Corinthians to do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).

2 Corinthians: Defense of Apostolic Authority

In 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostolic authority against false apostles who sought to undermine his influence. He expresses his deep concern for the church, recounting his sufferings for the sake of the gospel and his commitment to the Corinthians' spiritual well-being (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Paul emphasizes the power of God's grace in weakness, stating, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Paul also addresses the issue of a previous painful visit and a severe letter he had sent, which had caused sorrow but ultimately led to repentance and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). He expresses his joy at their renewed commitment to the gospel and encourages them to continue in generosity and faithfulness.

Theological Themes and Legacy

The letters to the Corinthians highlight several key theological themes, including the nature of the church as the body of Christ, the importance of spiritual gifts, and the call to holiness and unity. Paul's correspondence with the Corinthian church serves as a timeless reminder of the challenges faced by believers living in a morally complex world and the necessity of adhering to the teachings of Christ.

The legacy of the Corinthian church is one of both struggle and growth. Despite the issues they faced, the church in Corinth remained a vital part of the early Christian movement, contributing to the spread of the gospel throughout the region. Paul's letters continue to instruct and inspire believers, offering guidance on how to live faithfully in a world that often stands in opposition to the values of the kingdom of God.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Conservative Reaction, and the Liberal victory --
... The alienation of the apostles was merely temporary. ... They split the congregation
in Corinth into several parties and caused the apostle the deepest anxiety. ...
/.../section 35 the conservative reaction.htm

On Schism
... together in the Church," the Christian congregation, "I hear ... charges on the communicants
at Corinth in this ... It undoubtedly means an alienation of affection in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 75 on schism.htm

Acts XX
... and he began to fear the alienation of the ... Moreover, Gaius, who lived in Corinth,
was his host at ... affection which he bore toward the congregation there, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... Each local congregation was for a while autonomous, and it was the local constitution ...
a personal letter of Bacchylus, bishop of the church in Corinth, and of a ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... trial, of Christ's temptation, and of the angel of Satan by whom Paul was buffeted ...
"Be not," etc.; the tertium comparationis is evidently the alienation from God ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... And therefore let us, as Paul saith again, "Cleanse ourselves ... For this cause some
of those at Corinth were by ... in thy closet nor in the congregation of saints. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm