Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
Acts 18:1
So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.
Acts 18:11
Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow.
Acts 18:18
It is clear that Paul spent a lot of time in Corinth. There is debate as to whether the time frame mentioned in 18:11 has taken account of “the some time after” mentioned in 18:18. Are these separate time periods or is the “some time after” included in the year and a half. The way Luke has mentioned it seems to suggest two separate time periods yet it is written as though the time in Corinth was continuous. Now it is time to look at what we can gain from the Corinthian letters to shed light on Paul’s contact with the Corinthians. Furthermore the contact between Paul and the Corinthian is a key to understanding the letters to the Corinthians.
For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters.
1 Corinthians 1:11
That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 4:17
When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin.
1 Corinthians 5:9
Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter.
1 Corinthians 7:1
When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.
1 Corinthians 16:10
Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.
1 Corinthians 16:12
I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me.
1 Corinthians 16:17
In addition to the letters that were written there were clearly visits by others both to and from the Corinthians. It is clear that Paul was very up with the play as to what is happening in Corinth. Now let’s add to these references from Second Corinthians.
So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
2 Corinthians 2:1-4
I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.
2 Corinthians 7:8
Although the New Testament only contains two letters to the Corinthians, the evidence from the letters themselves is that he wrote at least four letters.
- 1st Letter: is referred to in 1 Cor 5:9 (“I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people”, NIV) – sometimes called the “warning letter”.
- 2nd Letter: 1 Corinthians
- 3rd Letter: The Severe Letter – 2 Cor 2:3-4 and 7:8 (see above) Paul refers to it as the “letter of tears”. 1 Corinthians does not match that description.
- 4th Letter: 2 Corinthians
Now it is time to put it all together. See if you can track the order and timing of letters and visits between Paul and the Corinthians. When we understand what was happening between them, the pieces of the letters fall into place easier.
Win or learn.
Anon
God will use both our strengths and weaknesses to mould us into the image of Christ.
Ian Vail
Integrity is head-to-toe commitment.
Deron Spoo
Pain masks our ability to perceive God’s presence.
Ian Vail
The impala will not jump anywhere it cannot see where its feet will land.
Anon