The Divine Lamp

This post completes the Introduction to First Corinthians by Father Charles Jerome Callan.  I posted it earlier on my other blog, a site which contains all the posts found here and more besides.  You can view all the notes on 1 Corinthians which that other site offers by going to my NOTES ON 1 CORINTHIANS Page.

8. Division and Analysis. In this Epistle we distinguish three main parts: an Introduction (1:1-9), a Body (1:10-15:58), and a Conclusion (16).

1.  The introduction contains: [a] the salutation of St Paul and his “brother” Sosthenes to the Church at Corinth and to all those who call upon the name of the Jesus Christ (1:1-3); [b] and expression of thanksgiving to God for the gifts of speech and knowledge accorded the Corinthians, and a hope of their final perseverance, founded on the faithfulness of God and their communion with Jesus Christ (1:4-9).

2.  The Body of the Epistle falls naturally into two divisions, of which the first (1:10-6:20) reprehends the vices of the Corinthians, and the second, (7:1-15:58) replies to their letter and questions.

A. The First Part of the Body of the letter, also composed of two parts, condemns first the divisions in the Corinthian Church (1:10-4:21), and secondly the moral disorders among the faithful at Corinth.

There ought to be unity in the Church, but it is a fact that there are divisions among the faithful (1:10-12).  These factions are most injurious to the Church of which Christ is the center and head (1:13-17a).  The fact that the Gospel was preached in simplicity to the Corinthians should not be a cause of dissension or disagreement, because God’s message is not after the manner of human conceptions, but according to divine wisdom (1:17b-3:4).  Preachers of the Gospel are simply ministers and instruments of God and must render an account of their stewardship (3:5-17).  The faithful, therefore, ought not to glory in this or that preacher, but in God alone: He only is the judge of His ministers (3:18-4:6).  Humility is necessary in preachers of the Gospel (4:7-13).  St Paul has suffered much for the faithful, and they should imitate him (4:14-16).  The Apostle is sending Timothy to visit the Corinthians and he himself will come shortly (4:17-21).

Following upon their lack of unity, moral disorders and relaxation of religious discipline set in among the Corinthians,  The faithful should have put out of their number the incestuous man, whom St Paul now excommunicates (5:1-5).  That case was a cause of grave scandal; the Corinthians should remember the warning contained in the Apostle’s first letter, to avoid sinners (5:6-13).  Disputes among Christians should not be carried to heathen courts; those who are the cause of such lawsuits shall receive a severe judgment (6:1-11).  All things lawful are not expedient; the faithful must fly from the sin of fornication.

B. The Second Part of the Body of the letter (7:1-15:58) replies to the questions and the doubts raised by the Corinthians.

Matrimony and its use are perfectly lawful (7:1-9).  Marriage is indissoluble (7:10-24).  The state of celibacy is more excellent than that of matrimony (7:25-40).

With regard to meats offered to idols it is to be noted that such meats are not bad in themselves, although it may necessary to avoid them on account of scandal (8:1-13).  On account of the danger of scandal, the apostle says it is sometimes necessary to forego one’s rights, as he himself did in refusing support from the faithful (9:1-18).  He suffered countless privations and made many sacrifices for the salvation of souls (9:19-23).  Thus also should the Corinthians be willing to make sacrifices in order to save their souls (9:24-27).  Many benefits received from God are no guarantee that we shall be saved (10:1-13).  Therefore, all things being considered, the faithful should take no part in sacrifices offered to idols; we cannot be on the side of God and of His enemies at the same time (10:14-22).

At the public services of the Church women should have their heads covered, as is evident from various considerations (11:2-16).  All disorders and unseemly conduct are especially out of place at the Eucharistic celebration (11:17-22).  The institution of the Lord’s Supper, and the manner in which it should be observed (11:23-34).

The Corinthians have abused their spiritual gifts, allowing them to become an occasion of pride and envy.  The extraordinary gifts which the faithful enjoy come from God.  They should not be a source of discord, since they all come from the same Holy Spirit (12:1-11).  The faithful are all members of the same spiritual body; and hence they who possess lesser gifts should not envy those who are blessed with greater ones; and, on the other hand, those who are more highly favored should not despise their more humble brethren (12:12-30).  While each one ought to be content with the gifts he has, it is not forbidden to desire the better ones (12:31).  The most excellent of all the gifts and virtues is charity, without which everything else is as nothing (13:1-3).  The nature of charity; it endures forever (13:4-13).  Of the gifts of tongues and prophecy the latter is more excellent, because more useful to the faithful and to unbelievers as well (14:1-26).  Some practical directions are necessary with regard to the use of the various spiritual gifts (14:27-36).  St Paul observes that he is speaking with divine authority (14:37-40).

Regarding the resurrection of the dead St Paul affirms its truth and reality, proving it first from the Resurrection of Christ (15:1-28), and then from a practice of some of the faithful and from his own life and sufferings (15:29-34).  Next the manner of the resurrection and the qualities of the glorified bodies are explained (15:35-50).  The just shall be transformed at the coming of Christ (15:51-53).  The victory of Christ over death (15:54-58).

3.  The Conclusion of the Epistle (16) treats [a] of the collection to be made for the poor in Jerusalem (16:1-4); [b] of the Apostle’s forthcoming visit (16:5-9); [c] of the welcome that should be extended to Timothy and Apollo (16:10-12); [d] of the necessity of earnestness and love (16:13-14); [e] of the charity and gratitude the Corinthians ought to show towards their delegates Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:15-18).  The Epistle closes with a greeting, a warning and a blessing (16:19-24).