Summary: Acceptance and tolerance have quickly replaced obedience and accountability as our culture has rejected the notion of living to a divine standard, instead choosing to pursue a lifestyle of indulgence. Ours is not the first culture to set God aside. The city of Corinth also walked down the road of disobedience in the first century. Thankfully we have two books written to the church in that city calling them out of their spiritual doldrums and into a greater obedience, teaching them how to live morally in an amoral world. Acts See Acts. 1 Corinthians Author Paul, originally named Saul, a Pharisee until confronted by Jesus Christ. Date Most likely written from Ephesus between A.D. 55 and early 57. Theme The Church’s Challenges Part 1 The church faced challenges that were rooted in personal and corporate selfishness and greed. Additional Info Corinth had been destroyed and left barren since 146 B.C. However, because of its strategic location, Julius Caesar had the city rebuilt in 46 B.C. The city of Corinth was located in the Roman province of Achaia (the peninsula of Greece) just north of Athens, and had been chosen as the seat of Roman government in that province. “Corinthian” became a slang term referring to loose and wild living, pursuing one’s personal passions without limit. © Dr. Rick Taylor 2 Corinthians Author Paul, originally named Saul, a Pharisee until confronted by Jesus Christ. Date Likely mid to late A.D. 57. Theme The Church’s Challenges Part 2 The church faced challenges that were rooted in personal and corporate selfishness and greed. Additional Info After sending a previous letter with Titus, often referred to as the “sorrowful letter” (1 Corinthians 2:4), Paul continued ministering in Troas, then set sail for Macedonia, where he met Titus and got the report that the church at Corinth had taken Paul’s letter to heart and had repented. Immediately, Paul penned 2 Corinthians to affirm their repentant spirit and to challenge them to be ready for his impending visit. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 1, 2 Corinthians Acts 18:23-20:38 (1, 2 Corinthians) Life Group Guide [Video File] [Audio File]
