1 Corinthians (Written)

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?  1 Corinthians 9:5

In this verse, Paul continues to show that he bears the rights of an apostle, whether he exercised those rights or not. His question, which is composed of several parts, is rhetorical in nature. In essence, it is a strong affirmation, not a perplexed question needing validation. In this verse, much interpretive abuse has taken place over the centuries because of the policies of the Roman Catholic Church and the mishandling of concepts by early sects and individuals.

Paul begins with, “Do we have no right to take along a believing wife?” In this, the clear and obvious interpretation is that he is speaking of an actual wife. However, because of those who forbid the clergy to marry (and other confused thoughts), they interpret this not as a “wife” but as merely a sister in the Lord who would accompany an apostle. This however only brings in even greater difficulties and is certainly not the intent of the verse. Rather it is speaking of a right known among the Christians of that time. That right is that the apostles who were married could be accompanied by their wives and both the apostle and the wife were to be supported by the church.

This is the intent of “as do also the other apostles.” Those apostles who were married were accompanied by their wives during their apostolic travels and they were supported by the church. Therefore, Paul’s rhetorical question is, “Don’t we have this right as well?” In response, a “Yes” answer must be given whether he were to accept the right or not. The “we” is speaking of Barnabas who accompanied Paul (who will be mentioned in the next verse). They were also entitled to this right.

The question next includes “the brothers of the Lord.” Accepting this portion of the verse at face value has caused a great deal of apoplexy among many over the centuries. The cult of “Mary” worship and the nutty ideas that she is a “perpetual virgin” has lead to unreasonable interpretations of these words. The word translated as “brothers” could be referring to children of Joseph and Mary, but it could also refer to children of Joseph from a former marriage, or even more distant relatives of the Lord.

Of course, those who heretically worship Mary will inevitably claim that one of the latter two was correct and that Mary never had relations with Joseph. Such biblical interpretations are inexcusably forced and unnatural. These were sons of Joseph and Mary, born after the birth of Christ Jesus as the Bible indicates elsewhere. They, like the other apostles, were entitled to this right and privilege as well.

And finally, a separate distinction is made for Peter – “and Cephas.” This spirit-inspired wording was certainly intended to keep the church from heresy concerning leadership. The leader of a body is entitled to be married and is entitled to have the wife supported by the church. Despite the clarity here, the Roman Catholic Church, claiming that the Pope is directly linked to Peter, does not allow their Pope to be married; something completely contrary to the very model given in the person they claim as their first “pope.”

Not only does this verse show that Peter was married, but other such indications are given in Scripture. In Matthew 8:14, 15 this is noted –

“Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.”

It would be rather nutty to acquire a mother-in-law and not a wife. A clear interpretation of this verse is that Paul had the rights of an apostle to be married and to bring his wife along at the expense of the church; that Jesus had half-brothers who were the sons of Joseph and Mary; and that Peter took a wife when he took a mother-in-law.

From these points we can deduce that 1) it is right and acceptable that the clergy of the church may marry and that the wife should be supported by the church. Further, the ideology of a church which forbids such marriage is contrary to Scripture. 2) When the church clergy travels for church business, including missionary work, the wife should be supported by the church, thus keeping the clergy member from possible temptations during that period of absence and for the general well-being of the husband and his wife. 3) There is no obligation of a clergy member to be married, but there is also no tenet which would forbid them from marrying.

Life application: When evaluating the Bible, keeping one’s thoughts free from pre-suppositions is always the right approach. If one comes to the text already supposing something is the case, then he will manipulate what is being read in order to fit what is already believe. This is not sound interpretation and it can only lead to great problems in doctrine.

Many blessings You have upon us showered
Kindness beyond measure You have poured up us
Delicious food, clouds of white, and radiant fields which have flowered
But none of these compare to our Lord Jesus

You send us rain in due time to soften up the earth
And beauty adorns the mountains which stand before us
Our hearts are filled with joy, gladness, and mirth
But nothing compares to the delight of knowing Jesus

What kind of love! How You care for Your children!
What kind of love You have lavished upon us!
Indeed, You have been so good to the sons of men!
By sending us Your greatest Gift, our Lord Jesus!

Glorious God Almighty! Of all the wonders and the joys You have given to us in order to delight our senses, fill our minds with wonder, and make us hope for even more as each day unfolds, above all this You have given us the most marvelous Gift of all by granting us a personal glimpse of Your heart and Your love reflected in the face of our wondrous Lord, Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Monday, 1 September 2014

Do we have no right to eat and drink? 1 Corinthians 9:4

Paul’s words concerning his rights as an apostle here have grown naturally out of his previous discussion about food sacrificed to idols. There, in verse 8:9, he said, ” But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” In that verse, the word “liberty” is translated from the same word as “right” which Paul uses here in 9:4. Though the subject has changed – from meat sacrificed to idols to the rights of the apostle, the example remains consistent.

Paul finished chapter 8 by saying that “if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” This was immediately followed by his claim to apostleship. He has a “right to eat and drink” at the expense of the church. But he hadn’t exercised that right as will be noted in the verses to come.

In not using this right, however, some may have come to the conclusion that he wasn’t actually an approved apostle. In essence, “If Paul were an apostle, the church would pay his bills and he wouldn’t be working side jobs in order to support himself.” The same could be concluded today – “Peter Preacher isn’t really a pastor because he has several part time jobs. He is just ‘playing pastor’ at the church he preaches at.”

However, Paul has preempted this line of reasoning by stating the somewhat parenthetical thought of verses 9:1-3. His apostleship is, in fact, validated by those in Corinth; they are the seal of his apostleship. As this is the case, then why doesn’t he exercise his rights as an apostle? The answer will come in due time, but before it does, he will continue to rhetorically ask several more questions concerning apostle’s rights. These questions will be answered from the words of Scripture including words from Jesus Himself.

Life application: Is it a mark of an unacceptable ministry that a preacher has side jobs in order to pay his wages? Is a small home-church of less importance than a large mega church? Using Paul as an example, surely the opposite may at times be true. The preacher, pastor, or priest who relies solely on the church for his expenses is in the comfortable position of preaching whatever he wishes without worry of where his bread will come from. Because of this, his heart may or may not truly care about the word which he has been called to present. But the one who stands behind the pulpit without receiving a full measure for his efforts is more than likely doing so because of a profound sense of care and respect for God’s superior word. Which then is more likely to feed, defend, tend to, and be willing to give all for his flock?

Precious heavenly Father! Thank You for those who strive to share Your word without trumpets sounded before them. Thank You for the quiet scholars who sit and analyze Your word, straining to understand every subtle nuance it contains. Thank You for the missionaries who truly care about the lost and not about the exciting travels and surroundings that accompany their duties. Thank You for the pastors of wee little churches off the beaten path who care more for instruction than they do for flash, pomp, and notoriety. And Lord, thank You even for the folks who clean the restrooms so that the church is tidy. Thank You for Your servants who possess a servant’s heart. Amen.

Sunday, 31 August 2014

My defense to those who examine me is this: 1 Corinthians 9:3

The NKJV (cited here) phrases this verse as Paul’s introduction to his defense when in fact he has already made his defense. The terms he uses for “defense” and “examine” are legal in nature, used during an inquiry. He had been legally challenged and he has legally defended his position. Therefore, this verse is referring not to what follows, which is a series of questions on which he bases his defense. Instead, they are a series of rhetorical questions in confirmation of what he has defended.

This verse then should end with a period, not a colon because the subsequent verses are merely rhetorical questions given as a follow up to these previously submitted facts:

1) He is an apostle (verse 1)
2) He is free (verse 1)
3) He has seen Jesus Christ our Lord (verse 1)
4) Those in Corinth are his work in the Lord (verse 1)
5) The Corinthians are the seal of his apostleship in the Lord (verse 2)

He has been challenged and he has responded in a manner which proves his apostleship. From this springboard of his certified status, he will next show what rights he is entitled to in that status.

Life application: Understanding Paul’s method of writing allows us to more accurately interpret his words. He was trained under the law and was skilled at identifying an issue and then defending that issue preemptively. This is an excellent way of handling a sensitive discussion which will keep others from thinking they have outwitted you. Thinking of contingencies that may arise and responding to them in advance will usually bolster one’s viewpoint in the end.

Be my defense O God as I face the enemy’s darts
When they speak against me, fill me with Your word
Though they may have graphs, notes, and charts
You are on my side; my Defender is my Lord

Knowing Your word is a most valued tool
Because it was given by You to guide me through each trial
Against the vain utterings of the wicked and the fool
By standing on it, the attacks will end after a short while

Every good lesson given there is a great defense for us
Because they are lessons which reflect the very heart of Jesus

Lord God, the more I read Your word, the clearer the difficult issues of this life become. I can see why bad things happen, even to the best of people. I understand that wickedness has an end. I find there hope and solace in times of depression and trial. In Your word I find these and so much more. Help me to direct others to this wonderful tool, guide, and path of sound reason where they also can find sure footing and contentment. This I pray that they will be edified and You will be glorified. Thank You for your precious, superior word. Amen.

Saturday, 30 August 2014

If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:2

It can be inferred from these words of Paul that there were people who had come to Corinth and accused Paul of not being a true apostle. Some have speculated that it was from the camp of Peter, but this is unlikely, unless it was at a time before Peter fully grasped the nature of Paul’s ministry. In his second epistle, Peter wrote the following words concerning Paul. They conclusively show that he believed in and supported Paul’s apostleship, including the authority of his letters which he actually places on the same level as all other Scripture –

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; ¹⁵ and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, ¹⁶ as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” 2 Peter 3:14-16

Whoever it was who was attempting to undermine Paul’s authority, he gives his own defense here to show that his ministry is a valid one. Beginning with “If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you.” So what if others don’t accept his status as an apostle? This shouldn’t matter at all to those in Corinth because those in Corinth were brought to Christ through his ministry. If they had called on Christ after hearing his words, then their actions validate that he was a minister of Christ. One cannot lead someone to Christ if they are talking about someone other than Christ!

In substantiation of this, he continues by saying, “For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” Their conversion is the proof needed that he is, in fact, an apostle. He has already shown that he meets all of the requirements of being an apostle. Using that status, his work resulted in their conversion and thus “sealed” those necessary requirements of the office; they were a convincing demonstration of his apostolic authority. The “seal” (or Greek sphragis), is a seal, signet ring, or impression of the seal or ring which attests to the validity of what was conveyed. His words show that they are the attestation of his office, one that was sure and irrevocable.

Understanding this seal in the Corinthians, we can then rightly deduce that Paul’s words are valid for doctrine, reproof, and correction. His letters, included in the pages of Scripture, are fully authoritative and they have been attested to by those who came to Christ through his ministry. Like Peter’s comments about Paul above, the Bible is a self-validating document. It is a marvel and a treasure and it gives us the certainty that we are on the right track in the pursuit of our faith.

Life application: If you come to a time of doubt in your faith, the best place to go is to the Bible. The more you open it and read it, the surer you will be of He whom you have trusted. God has organized it in such a way that it will resolve your doubts, edify your walk, and correct your thinking. Be content in the fact that you have properly trusted in God’s provision when you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ!

Well Lord, another day is here and I’m still waiting on Your return. Instead of worrying about that, I will rejoice in it. You have shown that I have another day to tell others about Your goodness. I won’t waste it speculating on whether you’ll be back tomorrow or the next day. Instead, I’ll use the time You have granted in the way in which You intended… to glorify You, to give You praise, to tell others about Your offer, and to faithfully work in the job in which You have placed me. You’ll be back at the right moment. Until then, I am content to wait. Amen.

Friday, 29 August 2014

Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?1 Corinthians 9:1

This first verse of chapter 9 appears to both look back to the concluding statement of chapter 8 and also forward to the main subject area of chapter 9 which concerns Paul’s apostleship. Looking back, he has just noted that “if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” Even as an apostle, which indicates that he had personally seen and been commissioned by the Lord, he was willing to make such a concession for his “weaker” brethren. If he was willing to give up such rights in this way, it should be considered an example for those in Corinth.

Looking forward, there are those who may have questioned his apostleship, something he will immediately defend in order to dispel such a thought. Additionally, there are those who may have felt he was abusing his rights, overstepping his authority, or unnecessarily inserting himself into their local affairs. He will defend himself concerning these and other issues as he progresses through the chapter.

And so to begin, he asks rhetorically, “Am I not an apostle?” In essence he is saying, “I am an apostle.” He meets the requirements of apostleship and he carries the commission of the office. Continuing, he asks, “Am I not free?” Elsewhere, he calls himself “a bondservant of Christ.” This is not what he is speaking of, but rather that he has the freedom found in Christ that all other Christians also possess, including those freedoms which belong to the office of apostle. He should be free from working for money, but rather should be paid for his ministry. However, he will discuss later why he didn’t exercise that right. This is the type of freedom he speaks of.

After that, a third rhetorical question, “Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” The answer is with all certainty, “Yes.” He saw the Lord on the road to Damascus; he saw Him in Arabia (as can be inferred from Galatians 1:17); he saw Him in Jerusalem (see Acts 22:17); he saw Him there at Corinth (see Acts 18:9); and, he had seen Him at least one other time as well (see 2 Corinthians 12:1). In having seen the Lord and been commissioned personally by Him (see Acts 9:15, 16), he met the necessary requirements of the office of Apostle.

Finally in this verse, he asks, “Are you not my work in the Lord?” The answer is surely once again, “Yes.” He established the church in Corinth and was their “father” in the faith as he noted earlier in this epistle –

“I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:15, 16

Paul is taking the time to note that he bears the apostolic authority because he meets the requirements of an apostle. He is doing this in order to logically defend his words and his position on important matters. All of this can ultimately be traced back to the beginning thoughts of the epistle which spoke of divisions within the church. As an apostle, he was working for harmony within the church, not divisions. There is one Lord and He is not divided. Therefore, in order to demonstrate that his words were intended as a unifying and valid set of instructions, he is taking the time to defend his position as an apostle.

Life application: There are certain requirements necessary in order to claim the title of “apostle.” These were for a set duration of time known as the “apostolic age” of the church. There are no longer any true apostles within the church and people claiming such a title only demonstrate that they are not qualified to bear the title because they have not properly understood the very basis for claiming the title. Hold fast to what is sound and in accord with Scripture and don’t be led astray by those who make claims to titles which sound impressive, but which bear no weight or authority.

Lord God, I do not mind doing menial labor or taking on otherwise seemingly boring jobs. You have given us this world in which we live and if someone doesn’t pick up the trash, then Your world will be trashy. If someone doesn’t clean the restrooms, then the restrooms of Your church won’t be pleasant. If the trees don’t get trimmed, then the house will appear shabby. Whatever work I do, I know that it can be something to reflect Your order, intent for that which is beautiful, and also a willing heart to not be proud or lifted up. In all my tasks, I will endeavor to bring You honor and glory so that others see it and praise You. Amen.