L1 Corinthians

A modern English translation of the Bible, the New International Version.

Understanding the events, culture, and beliefs of the time and place where a text was written.

Understanding the surrounding text to comprehend a biblical passage's meaning within its larger context.

Careful study and explanation of a text, focusing on its original meaning.

Key ideas or beliefs revealed in a biblical passage.

Considering how the truths presented in a text can be applied to current life.

The sequence of events and main points in a biblical text.

A common literary device in the Bible where ideas or phrases are repeated for emphasis.

Corinth was a key trading hub between Europe and Asia, fostering significant commerce.

Large sporting event held in Corinth, with a significant seating capacity.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with flourishing arts, philosophy, religious syncretism, and sacred prostitution.

Corinth's population was diverse, including Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free people, and others from various backgrounds.

A common practice in Corinth, particularly associated with the Temple of Aphrodite.

Paul was a Jewish Pharisee from Tarsus, Roman citizen, and educated in Greek and Hebrew traditions.

Paul's conversion experience on the Damascus Road marked a turning point in his life.

Paul greatly influenced early Christianity by providing its first form of theology.

The cultural and historical context of the New Testament, encompassing Greek and Roman influences.

A political and economic system that encompassed the Mediterranean region, including Greece and Rome.

The required font and size for academic papers.

A feature on Zoom that allows students to ask questions during a lecture.

An academic essay that focuses on interpreting and explaining a specific biblical passage.

A Christian ritual commemorating Jesus' last meal with his disciples.

A chapter in the Bible that deals with the Lord's Supper and other practical issues.

The complex social, historical, and cultural factors that influence a text's meaning.

Read the entire book of 1 Corinthians in one sitting, or divide it into two parts, chapters 1-6 and 7-16. Reread it weekly, focusing on the assigned chapters for class.

The textbook is supplemental, not a primary teaching tool. It's meant to provide additional information, not replace lectures.

Create an outline of 1 Corinthians, identifying the main divisions and topics of each chapter. This assignment helps you understand the book's structure.

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in a logical and organized manner, unlike 2 Corinthians, which is more fragmented.

Paul's first visit to Corinth occurred during his second missionary journey, where he established the church there.

Construct a timeline outlining Paul's visions and letters to the Corinthians, based on the passages provided by the syllabus.

Understanding the historical and literary context of Paul's letters is crucial to accurately interpret his message.

Paul often uses questions to engage his audience and make them think critically about the topic at hand.

Conjunctions like 'therefore' and 'but' indicate logical connections and transitions in Paul's arguments.

Look for recurring patterns, ideas, and key concepts that emerge throughout Paul's writings.

Pay attention to the verbs as they can reveal actions, states, and the speaker's perspective.

Theological concepts are the core beliefs and doctrines revealed in a text.

Identify words or expressions that convey emotions and reveal Paul's tone of voice.

Paul presents key theological arguments throughout his letters. These are the foundations of his teachings.

Examine the text to see how God is active and involved in the events described and how God is portrayed in Paul's writing.

A person's social standing or rank, often determined by birth and occupation. It was generally fixed, meaning a person's social status rarely changed throughout their life. Examples include slavery, farming, and trades.

A person's status determines their typical roles and activities. For example, people at the lower end of the social ladder often perform manual labor, while those at the upper end avoid it.

Because Paul was a highly educated person from a higher social status, working with his hands in Corinth was seen as beneath him. This challenged the social norms of the time, making him an unusual figure.

A system of mutual favoritism where you help those in your social circle and expect them to help you in return. This system was based on personal connections and favors rather than objective criteria.

In ancient Corinth, religion deeply permeated all aspects of life. Numerous gods were worshipped for various things like cities, households, and even specific purposes.

When the Greeks conquered Corinth, they brought their own cultural elements, merging with existing traditions. This resulted in a diverse and complex religious landscape, incorporating gods from different cultures.

The polis refers to a Greek city-state, similar to a modern-day city. It was an important center for political, social, and economic activities in ancient Greece.

A system where people in positions of power use their influence to help their friends and allies, expecting favors in return.

A cultural system characterized by a focus on personal relationships, favors, and a strong religious influence on daily life.

A Greek city-state, often viewed as an independent political and social entity.

The spread of Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the Mediterranean region, particularly after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

The use of a single language across a diverse region, facilitating communication and trade.

A scholarly paper that analyzes a specific biblical passage, focusing on its original meaning and historical context.

Read 1 Corinthians in one sitting, or break it into two parts (chapters 1-6 and 7-16). Then, reread each week, focusing on the assigned chapters for class.

A Christian ritual commemorating Jesus' last meal with his disciples, as described in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.

Create a structured outline of 1 Corinthians, identifying the main topics and divisions of each chapter.

Construct a timeline showing the sequence of Paul's visits and letters to the Corinthians, based on the information provided.

Even though Paul was highly educated, he was criticized in Corinth for working with his hands, which was considered beneath him.

The Greeks conquered Corinth, bringing their own cultural elements, merging with existing traditions to create a complex religious landscape.

Roads built by the Romans to facilitate trade and travel throughout their empire. They were essential for commerce and military movements.

People in the Roman Empire often traveled in groups for safety and protection. This was especially important in dangerous territories.

The Roman Empire provided support to its citizens in cities, particularly those who were unable to survive on the land. This was partly to prevent rebellions.

The Roman government imposed taxes on many aspects of life, including trade, property, and even individuals. This was necessary to fund the empire's expenses.

Roman society was divided into distinct social classes, with a clear hierarchy. The wealthy elite held the most power, followed by professionals and slaves.

Slavery was widespread in ancient Rome, with an estimated 25 million slaves out of a population of 75 million. Slaves performed various tasks, from manual labor to professional services.

The Roman Empire faced internal conflict due to social tensions between different classes, including slaves. This led to violence and unrest.

A biblical story used to highlight the Roman Empire's dangers and the need for travel safety. It tells the story of a traveler attacked and helped by a Samaritan, contrasting with those who ignored him.

The ability to create new ideas and ventures, often facing challenges and risks, similar to Paul's work in the early church.

A world where ideas and products spread quickly across different cultures and countries, like how Paul's message reached diverse people.

Paying attention to inner guidance and God's prompting for creative ideas and actions, as Paul did in establishing the church.

People who followed polytheistic religions, worshipping multiple gods, similar to the context of Paul's ministry.

People who identify as Christian but do not actively practice their faith, mirroring the challenge Paul faced in Corinth.

The Gospel's message of breaking down barriers like race, social class, or gender, which Paul emphasized in his ministry.

Paul's teams were diverse, reflecting the ideal of a unified church where different people work together, breaking down societal divisions.

Divisions in society based on factors like wealth, ethnicity, gender, and slavery, which the Gospel aimed to overcome.

Corinth's isthmus allowed ships to be dragged across land, avoiding a dangerous sea route. This made Corinth a major hub for trade between east and west, attracting merchants and boosting its economy.

Corinth was a large, bustling city, attracting a diverse population. Its strategic location and thriving trade made it a place of opportunity for those seeking a better life and wealth.

Corinth was a multicultural city influenced by Greek traditions, Roman administration, and various other cultural elements. This created a diverse society with diverse religious practices and social structures.

Corinth was a primary trading center between Europe and Asia. Its location on a strategic isthmus allowed for efficient trade, attracting merchants and making it a valuable location for commerce.

To understand what the original audience understood, not what the text means to us now.

Corinth's isthmus allowed for a quicker and safer passage for ships compared to the dangerous sea route around the Peloponnese. This facilitated transportation and made Corinth a vital center for commerce.

Corinth attracted people from diverse backgrounds seeking economic opportunities. Its strategic location and thriving trade made it a place where individuals could build wealth and improve their lives.

Read the passage several times, avoiding commentaries.

The city of Corinth was marked by its fusion of different cultures. It was a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and other influences which resulted in a unique and dynamic society.

To grasp the storyline and identify key ideas, phrases, words, and patterns.

It's the time and place where a text was written.

It's the beliefs, customs, and way of life of the people in the text's setting.

It's the surrounding text, including the verses before and after the passage.

To prevent being influenced by other interpretations and encourage independent thinking.

Paul was a highly educated person from a higher social status. Working with his hands was seen as beneath him, challenging the social norms of the time.

Corinth's strategic location allowed for swift and safe transport of goods via land. Ships could be dragged across the isthmus, avoiding the perilous sea route, making it a hub for trade and attracting merchants seeking wealth.

Exegesis is the careful and systematic study of a text to understand its original meaning within its historical and cultural context.

Historical context helps us understand the time and place where a text was written, enabling us to grasp the events, beliefs, and practices that influence its meaning.

Cultural context refers to the beliefs, customs, and way of life of the people in a text's setting. Understanding this context is crucial for interpreting the text accurately.

A society where a person's reputation and social standing are heavily influenced by the opinions of their peers, family, and community.

An individual's position in society based on factors like wealth, education, family background, or political connections.

A person who receives support, money, or services from a patron.

A system of support where patrons in the early church helped others without expecting anything in return, unlike the typical transactional patterns of the time.

Even though the early church valued all believers equally, social status and wealth still played a significant role in how individuals engaged with each other.

Exegesis is the careful study of a text to understand its original meaning.

Corinth was a major trading center between Europe and Asia, situated on a strategic isthmus.

Corinth's isthmus allowed ships to be dragged across land, avoiding a dangerous sea route. This facilitated transportation and made it a vital center for commerce.

This idea applies to both individual churches and Paul's missionary work, emphasizing that local communities are part of something much larger.

Paul targeted important cities as strategic locations to spread the Gospel, as they were centers of commerce, culture, and influence.

This refers to the acceptance of multiple gods and beliefs within a culture, common during Paul's time.

The blending of different religious practices, leading to new beliefs and rituals, often seen in ancient cultures.

This describes the tolerance of diverse beliefs and expressions in Western culture, where people appreciate hearing stories but may be uncomfortable with the 'big story' of faith.

The tension and conflict that arose when early Christians rejected the traditional gods of their culture to follow Jesus.

Paul's perspective on persecution for following Jesus, viewing it as a shared experience with Christ and not necessarily a negative.

This refers to the collection of gods worshipped in a particular culture, reflecting the belief in multiple deities.

Paul often asks questions to make the reader think and engage with the text. He also uses conjunctions like "therefore" or "but" to show connections between ideas.

Pay close attention to repetitions, contrasts, lists, cause and effect, metaphors, and emotional terms. These elements reveal important themes and meaning.

Whenever the word "therefore" appears, it indicates a consequence or conclusion based on what was discussed before. Look back to see what led to that statement.

Recognize that it's only one side of the story. We need to understand the Corinthians' perspective to get the full picture.

Verbs can reveal if an action is happening directly or being done to someone. Consider their impact on the meaning of the passage.

These are the core beliefs and doctrines revealed in the text. They help us understand the author's message and its wider impact.

Pay attention to the emotions expressed in the text. Is Paul angry, encouraging, or teaching? This can reveal his intentions.

Look for evidence of God's involvement in the events and how God is portrayed. This helps us understand God's relationship with the people in the text.

Corinth's strategic location on an isthmus allowed ships to avoid the dangerous sea journey around the Peloponnese. This made it a quicker and safer passage, attracting merchants and facilitating trade between Europe and Asia.

Corinth attracted people from different backgrounds seeking economic opportunities. Its thriving trade and strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures, including Greek, Roman, and even Jewish elements.

Paul, despite being highly educated, was criticized for working with his hands in Corinth. This was considered beneath him, challenging the social norms of the time and making him an unusual figure.

The Greeks conquered Corinth, bringing their own cultural elements, which merged with existing traditions, resulting in a diverse and complex religious landscape. This included a blend of Greek gods with local deities, creating a unique cultural mix.