Studies in 1 Corinthians
Plans
1 Cor. 16:5-12
Background • Paul’s plan to visit (5-8)
• Believed this letter written from Ephesus during his 3rd preaching trip – Acts 18-20
Background • Paul’s plan to visit (5-8)
• Believed this letter written from Ephesus during his 3rd preaching trip – Acts 18-20
• In Ephesus for 3 years – Acts 19:10, 20:31
• He plans to visit Corinth
Background •1 Cor. 16:5-9• He intended to come to them
by way of Macedonia (Acts 20:1)
• He hoped to stay for the winter (cf. Acts 20:2)
• His hope, they would send him on his way (Jerusalem)
Background •1 Cor. 16:5-9• WHY the delay?
• “To spare them” (2 Cor. 1:23)
• “A great and effective door has opened” (vs. 9)
Background • His hope to send Timothy 1 Cor. 16:10-11
• Timothy sent to Corinth via Macedonia (Acts 19:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:17)
• Possibly, others (1 Cor. 16:17-18) then arrived from Corinth and reported to Paul.
• Paul recommends Timothy!
Background • Apollos not coming right now 1 Cor. 16:12
• Apollos as at Corinth while Paul came to Ephesus (Acts 18:28-9:1)
• Evidently Apollos left and was now in Ephesus.
• Apollos influential to Corinth (1 Cor. 1:12, 3:4-6)
Observations – Timing!• An important factor as we
work!• Consider priorities • Sometimes we need to “cool
off” before responding•Ephesians 5:15-16• Experience and wisdom
develop timing
IF the Lord Permits• Paul’s contingency – Acts 18:20-21, 1 Cor. 4:19•James 4:15• This keeps our standing
before God in proper perspective – humility, gratitude, etc.
An open door• Used frequently of opportunity
– Acts 17:27-28, 2 Cor. 2:12, Col. 4:2-3
•Revelation 3:7-8• Are we looking for “open
doors”? Are we praying for them?
• Thought: Do we resist open doors for others?
Many adversaries• Paul in Ephesus – Acts 19:8-9, 23-24;
• Satan WILL try and hinder us 1 Thess. 2:18
• So will his followers! Cf. Matt. 10:34-36
• Don’t let them stop us from doing what is right – 2 Cor. 2:11, 1 Pet. 5:8-9
Supporting leaders• The brethren were to accept
Timothy and even assist him.
• Preaching, and the work of elders is not always easy.
• We should NOT contribute to difficulties – Heb. 13:7, 17; 2 Tim. 4:2, etc.
Supporting leaders• Why? He does the work of the
Lord Heb. 3:17, 2 Tim. 4:2
• NOTE: Godly character is a MUST in our leaders, but the point is that our respect is for the message and work, not personalities.
Let us respect EVERY word God has spoken to us!
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