First Letter to the Corinthians – The Mars Hill Institute

Parting Words – I Corinthians Chapter 16

Posted on March 28, 2018March 28, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in First Letter to the Corinthians

Join us as we continue studying the history of the early church in the Book of I Corinthians and follow up on the 21 Days to Knowing Jesus Christ Bible Study. I hope that you enjoy this study and that it will be helpful to you in building a daily Bible study habit. Click the appropriate links below to access the content for the day. You can select what version of the Bible you prefer at the top of the page in the link below (King James Version is the default):

Read Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 16 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 16. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 16 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of I Corinthians Chapter 16 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of I Corinthians Chapter 16 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 1-4, Paul gives instructions for church collections. He instructs the Corinthian believers to do the same as he has instructed the churches of Galatia. He tells them that on the first day of the week, that each of them should lay aside their offering so that there will be no need to hold a special collection when Paul comes. Paul says that when he then comes, he will send who they designate to deliver the offerings (their gift) to Jerusalem. He adds that if it is needed for him to go, that the designated person will accompany him to Jerusalem.
In Verses 5-12, Paul tells the Corinthian believers that he will visit them when he passes through Macedonia and that he may remain with them for a while or winter with them. He tells them that he intends to spend time in Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective opportunity has been presented to him and that there are many adversaries. He asks them, that if Timothy comes, they would take care of him and see that he may be with them without fear, because he does the work of the Lord. He asks them to send him on his journey in peace that he may join Paul, who is waiting for him with the brethren. Paul tells them that he strongly urged Apollo’s to come to them with the brethren, but that he was quite unwilling to come at this time. However, he said that he would come at a more convenient time.
In Verses 13-18, Paul tells the Corinthian believers to “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” He urges them to follow the example of the household of Stephanas, who have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. He says that he is glad for the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus who supplied what they were lacking and encouraged the Corinthians to acknowledge them.
In Verses 19-24, Paul sends greetings from the churches of Asia, from Aquila and Priscilla, and also from all the brethren. He tells them to greet one another with a holy kiss. Paul tells them that he is signing the letter with his own hand and closes with the following words “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
This closes Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

Thank you so much for joining us in our ongoing study. I hope that it is as encouraging and enlightening to you as it is to me. Please follow the ministry of the Mars Hill Institute on our Facebook page at HERE. You can go back and visit the daily posts at any time on the website or Facebook page. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the website by email so that you can be directly notified when new posts or materials become available.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

The Last Enemy – I Corinthians Chapter 15

Posted on March 28, 2018March 28, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in First Letter to the Corinthians

Read Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 15 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 15. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 15 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of I Corinthians Chapter 15 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of I Corinthians Chapter 15 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 1-11, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers of the Gospel that he proclaimed to them, and in which they stand, and by which they were saved. He tells them that he delivered to them what he had also received, that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures. That he was buried and rose again on the third day, again according to the scriptures. He was then seen by Cephas (Peter), and then by the twelve disciples, and then by over five hundred people at once. He says that of the five hundred witnesses, many of them are still alive to that day but that some are now passed on. After this, He was seen by James and again of the disciples and then of himself, Paul, “as one born out of due time.” Paul says of himself and the gospel that was preached to the Corinthians “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so you believed.”
In Verses 12-19, Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection. He asks them how it is that if Christ is preached that He was raised from the dead, that some of the believers there say that there is no resurrection of the dead? He says plainly to them “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep (died) in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiful.”
In Verses 20-28, Paul assured the believers that Jesus has , in fact, risen from the dead and that He has become the first fruits of those who have “fallen asleep.” He tells them “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he has put all things under his feet. But when he says all things are put under him, it is evident that he is excepted which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
In Verses 29-34, Paul asks why they stand in jeopardy every hour if there is no resurrection of the dead? He says “I die daily. If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” He goes on to say “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”
In Verses 35-49, He tells the believers that some will come and ask the question “How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?” He answers “Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.” He goes on to explain “So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” He goes on “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”
In Verses 50-58, Paul summarizes by describing our final victory over the last enemy, death, through Jesus Christ. He says “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption (imperfection) inherit incorruption (perfection). Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Order in the Church – I Corinthians Chapter 14

Posted on March 27, 2018March 26, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in First Letter to the Corinthians

Read Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 14 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 14. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 14 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of I Corinthians Chapter 14 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of I Corinthians Chapter 14 here

Observations from the text:

In Verses 1-5, Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to pursue love and to desire spiritual gifts, but especially that they might prophesy. He says that those who speak in tongues do not speak to men, but to God and no one understands what they are saying (without an interpreter). Those who speak in tongues speak great mysteries in the spirit but, without an interpreter, nobody else can benefit from it. But those who prophesy speak edification, exhortation and comfort to those who hear. He tells them that the ones who speak in tongues edify (or instruct) themselves, but those who prophesy edify the entire church. He says “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”
In Verses 6-19, Paul asks the believers to what benefit would it be if he came speaking in tongues unless he spoke to them by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophecy, or teaching? He tells them that there are many languages, and none of them insignificant. However, if one does not understand the language, the one speaking doesn’t make any sense. He encourages those who are zealous for spiritual gifts, that they should desire it for the edification or the instruction of the church. He says “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” He goes on to say “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” It sounds as if there were many in the church at Corinth who desired to show off their spiritual gifts by speaking in tongues but this was not helpful or instructional to the church because people couldn’t understand what they were saying. This is why he tells them that if they speak in tongues that they should have one who is able to interpret what is being said in order for it to be useful to the body of believers.
In Verses 20-25, he encourages the believers to be mature in understanding and quotes the law as saying:
With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

He tells them that speaking in tongues is not a sign to the believer but to the unbeliever. In contrast, prophesying is useful for the believer and not necessarily the unbeliever. Paul says “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.”
In Verses 26-39, Paul notes that whenever the Corinthian believers come together that each of them have a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation or an interpretation. He encourages them to conduct themselves in a way that all things are done for edification (or helpful instruction). He instructs them that if anyone is to speak in tongues, that they should go one, two or three at the most at a time and that one should interpret. Otherwise, they should keep silent for the sake of keeping order. He says to those who prophesy, that they should allow two or three to speak and the others judge. He says “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” Paul concludes “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.”

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

The Greatest Gift – I Corinthians Chapter 13

Posted on March 26, 2018March 25, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in First Letter to the Corinthians

Read Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 13. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 13 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of I Corinthians Chapter 13 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of I Corinthians Chapter 13 here

Observations from the text:

In this chapter, Paul continues in his discussion on the topic of spiritual gifts and addresses the topic of the greatest of those gifts, Love.
In Verses 1-3, Paul compares the spiritual gifts that he previously named with the greatest gift, Love. He says that although he may speak with the tongues of men and angels, if he has not love, these tongues are just sounds as clanging brass or cymbals. If he has the gift of prophecy and understands all mysteries and all knowledge, and although he may have all faith to the point that he can move mountains with it, if he has not love, He is nothing. He says that even if he gives all of his goods to the poor or sacrifices himself for the good of others, if it is without love, then it is of no value and profits him nothing.
In Verses 4-7, Paul describes love as long-suffering (patient) and kind. He goes on to say that love does not envy, it does not parade itself, it does not puff up with pride, it does not behave rudely, does not selfishly seek its own, is not provoked, and thinks no evil. He says that love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
In Verses 8-10, In comparing love to other spiritual gifts, he says that love never fails. He says that where there are prophecies, that they will fail; where there are tongues, that they will cease; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. He says “For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”
In Verses 11-13, Paul closes by saying “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” The greatest love of all will be known to us when we see the Lord face to face.

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.

Unity in The Body of Christ – I Corinthians Chapter 12

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Jonathan Bennett, PE, D.GE in First Letter to the Corinthians

Read Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 12 here

There are two links below to the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 12. There is a Concise version and a Complete version. The Concise version is a short, abbreviated version while the Complete version is typically a lot longer and can sometimes be longer than the Biblical text itself. Choose whichever one you have time for. The Complete version goes further in depth but the Concise version is illuminating while not as lengthy.

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary on I Corinthians Chapter 12 (Concise) here

Read the Matthew Henry Commentary of I Corinthians Chapter 12 (Complete) here

Listen to a personal reading of I Corinthians Chapter 12 here

Observations from the text:

In this chapter, Paul addresses the topic of spiritual gifts and unity within the body of believers while each having differing gifts, abilities and functions.
In Verses 1-11, Paul begins by telling the Corinthian believers that he does not wish for them to be ignorant regarding spiritual gifts. He reminds them that they were once Gentiles that had been carried away by idolatry. He wants to make known to them that no person who is speaking through the Spirit of God can call Jesus accursed, neither can anyone say that Jesus is Lord except that they be moved by the Holy Spirit to do so. This is to say that the Holy Spirit is present and instrumental in those who believe. He tells the believers that there are various spiritual gifts and various ministries within the church, but one and the same Lord. He tells them that the manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit are the spiritual gifts and that spiritual gifts are given believers for the benefit of all. Not everyone necessarily has the same gifts but some are given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, some the word of knowledge through the Spirit, to another the gift of faith, to another the gift of healing, to another the gift of miracles, to another the gift of prophecy, to another the gift of discerning spirits, to another the gift of tongues, to another the gift of interpretation; all through the one and same Holy Spirit, distributed to each as He wills.
In Verses 12-31, Paul likens the church (the body of Christ) to a human body. He says that while there are various members, there is one body. He says that the collective body of believers is like this in that there are different members but that they all have been baptized into one collective body of believers by one Spirit. He goes on to say “If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?” Paul closes by saying “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”

You can go back and listen to the audio readings of our study at any time as well at the following links on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play.

You can also access our YouTube channel HERE to view videos associated with this study and the work of the Mars Hill Institute.

What are some key take-aways for you from the Chapter we reviewed today? Feel free to dig further on your own if you have time. Have a GREAT and Blessed Day!

Support: email themarshillinstitute@gmail.com if you have problems accessing the content.