The picture Paul paints of the Corinthian Church is of people who are dying spiritually and of people who are allowing Satan to rule in their lives. Far from being a perfect example of spiritual maturity, those at Corinth were a perfect example of how NOT to live the Christian life.
The point for us Christians of today is WILL we learn from the Corinthian example of spiritual immaturity? will we fall into the same trap of only using the milk of the Word of God and remain spiritual babes? (1 Cor 3:1-3)
There is not a lot of historical documentation about the people of Corinth. However, what is known gives us an insight into the potential problems of being a Christian in that society.
Corinth was the capital of Achaia in 57 A.D. and was a huge export-import centre between Asia and Europe, being at the crossroads of a major trade route. The city was very wealthy and notorious for its LICENTIOUS lifestyle. The city's reputation was so bad that it became a proverb in some foreign languages and was immortalized by Latin poets, so much so that the term "to Corinthianize" became a part of the Greek vocabulary and meant "to live in drunken immoral debauchery."
On a hill above the city towered the great temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, with one thousand priestesses who were nothing more than temple prostitutes who spent their evenings selling their bodies in the city of Corinth. The city also had the religions of its many diverse inhabitants who came to ply their trades in this prosperous area.
The bulk of the inhabitants were Italian freemen, Greeks, Jews and people from the cities of Levant. Within this city of wealth, immorality, and paganistic Satanic religions, God called a cross section of its citizens to become saints. When one considers their environment and cultural background, it is no small wonder that these people had difficulty growing to mature Christians.
Before doing a detailed study into the scriptures in 1 Corinthians that speak of the use of various languages in congregational services, it would be good to review what the Apostle Peter had to say about Paul's writings: "And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other scriptures unto their own destruction" (2 Pet 3:15-16).
Three things should be noted about chapters 12 through 14:
1. Paul was not present to witness the manifestation of speaking in foreign languages by the Corinthians. Paul is responding to reports he has heard concerning activities within the Corinthian Church.
2. Paul considered these activities as major problems, worthy of much discussion in his letter.
3. If there had NOT been a major problem with speaking in foreign languages, these chapters probably would not exist in this very corrective letter.
CONCERNING SPIRITUAL THINGS
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (v. 1)
One thing that is interesting about this first verse is that the word "gifts" is not in the original text, but was added by the King James translators. What Paul is saying in verse 1 is that he does not want them to be ignorant about spiritual matters. When the word "gift" is incorrectly inserted into this scripture, it severely limits what Paul is talking about-which is a broad spectrum of spiritual behaviour and attitudes. Therefore, this word "gifts" will be left out where it is not found in the original so that it will not cloud the intent of the scriptures.
"You know that you were Gentiles (nations or masses), carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led" (v. 2. Note also 1 Cor 6:9). "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy spirit" (v. 3)
In this verse Paul says a strange thing that seems to be out of context with what he is addressing. Or is it ? Since Paul is obviously correcting the Corinthian Church throughout this letter, this is undoubtedly more of the same correction. It would seem that Paul would not mention this subject unless it was a problem within the Church. If we ask ourselves what king of a spirit would curse our Saviour, then we can begin to understand what Paul is saying.
Basic knowledge of the spirit world tells us there are good and evil spirits, with both having the ability to influence human behaviour, depending upon each individual's frame of mind and attitude. James says to "......Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). If indeed some of those at Corinth were allowing themselves to be deceived, controlled and inspired by demons to curse Christ in the frenzy of a charismatic experience, it then becomes very easy to understand what Paul is saying.
It is very important to keep in mind that the religious background of many of the Corinthians was PAGANISM, which included the worship of idols, sex orgies, intellectual philosophies, miracle working, supernatural healing and, yes even speaking in unintelligible babblings with uncontrolled emotional outbursts.
Note: The word "gifts" use throughout chapter 12 is the Greek word `charisma' and means grace (charis) on the part of God as the donor" (Vines, p 487).
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are differences of administration, but the same Lord. and there are diversities of operation, but it is the same God which works all in all" (vs 4-6. Note also chapter 12:7-10 & 12:28-31).
"But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (v.7)
Verse 7 is very important because Paul is setting the stage for the rest of the chapter. Here Paul is saying that there are different spiritual gifts and whatever that gift is, it is given for a purpose, and Paul says the purpose is to PROFIT THE ENTIRE CHURCH.
"For to one is given by the spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit; To another faith by the same spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of languages; To another the interpretation of languages" (vs 8-10).
Notice that NOT ALL have the same gift or power from the spirit. How does this square with the event in the book of Acts? Did not all those mentioned in Acts, as a group, speak with foreign languages? This is the first indication that what Paul is speaking of here in chapters 12 through 14 may not be the same subject matter spoken in Acts.
Now if all Christians do not have the same ability or power from the Holy spirit, how do these scriptures square with the popular doctrine of the charismatic movement? And how do they square with the accounts in the book of Acts? In Acts we see that entire groups of believers spoke in various languages; they all were given this supernatural power at the same event.
"But all these work that one selfsame spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ" (vs 11-12).
It is God who distributes these various skills, talents and attributes to individual Christians. Not all have the same attributes.
Paul further explains the purpose of these individual strengths and skills: "For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or gentiles, whether we be bad or free; and have been all made to drink into one spirit" (v. 13). Notice the stress on UNITY in these scriptures.
"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" (verses 13-16). Some apparently thought that they were somehow more righteous because they could speak various languages while others could not:
" If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? if the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased him" (vs. 17-18). Again and again Paul continues to stress the point of unity and the necessity of the body (church) to work together.
"And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you" (vs. 19-21). Notice the rebuke to those who thought their particular attribute, talent or spiritual gift was superior in value to that of another of the body of Christ.
"Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness" (vs. 22-23). Each member has a VALUABLE function and should be respected for the part he plays in the overall functioning of the body as a whole. God the Father has specifically chosen each individual that he wants to be a part of the body of Christ in this age (John 6:44-65).
Not just one or two, but everyone He has chosen is a part of the Church, and all are necessary else they would not have been chosen. Each one chosen is just as important to God
as another. And each has a function to carry out for the benefit of the whole Church.
It behooves all to take care for one another in order that the whole Church may prosper. No member of the body of Christ is unimportant unless they make themselves so.
"For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked (v.24). That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another (v.25). "Schism, a rent or division, is translated `schism' in 1 Corinthians 12:25. Metaphorically of a contrary condition to that which God had designed for a local church in tempering the body together" (Vines, p. 1008)
A major part of the problem with the Corinthian Church seems to centre around their lack of Christian maturity, unity, and order. Notice what Paul says early on in his correction to them: "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius" (1 Cor 1:13-14)
This comment by Paul is a stinging rebuke to the entire Church. Only Crispus, the former chief priest of the Jewish synagogue at Corinth (Acts 18:8), and Gaius were spared from this rebuke. This rebuke says a lot about the problem of disunity within the Church.
"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (vs 26-27).
Notice again the ranking order of these skills and talents. When we consider that Paul is giving them strong correction for its misuse, it is more than significant that Paul listed the ability to speak various languages last in this list.
"And God has set some in the Church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, government, diversities of languages. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with languages? do all interpret? (Greek: diermeneuo = interpret fully, explain)" (vs. 28-30).
Obviously not! This group of questions by Paul seems designed to drive the point home that all Christians do no have the same skills, talents and attributes, but whatever the attribute, skill or talent an individual has, it is God who has placed him in the body of Christ. As we saw in verse 7, these gifted persons are for the profit of all the Church, and they are to use these gifts for the good of each member. But, in Corinth this was not happening, thus necessitating Paul's harsh correction.
God calls individuals to become a part of His Elect (John 6:44,65) and gives powers and gifts as HE deems necessary for the perfection of the Elect. "And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we ALL come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of God, unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:11-13)
Once a person is placed into the body of Christ, whatever spiritual gifts or attributes one is blessed with are not for one's own PERSONAL aggrandizement, entertainment or mere PUBLIC DISPLAY. They are for the edification and enrichment of the Elect, whom God is training to serve all mankind through His Family and Government.
"But covet earnestly (desire) the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way" (vs. 30-31). (The best gifts will be explained by Paul in the following chapters.)
Paul now begins to show the Corinthians, the solution to their problems. Notice he says to desire the best gifts, and then he says that he will show them something that is far better than having the skills, talents and attributes of which he has been speaking.
Though I speak with the language of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal" (v. 1).
Some believe that Paul is saying that he was able to speak in the language of angels; it would be worthless without love. Perhaps the reason he refers to these musical instruments is because the beating of cymbals and the blowing of trumpets accompanied the vain worship of the PAGAN GODS Dionysus and Cybele of that time period. The implication is that preaching in any language was useless unless love was present.
"And though I have prophecy (inspired preaching), and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing" (v. 3)
Paul goes on to say that any of these attributes, which are held in high regard, do not profit unless there is genuine love as the prime motivation behind the actiones. "Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; Rejoices not in iniquity; but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (vs 4-7)
The Living Bible Paraphrased renders the meaning of these powerful words thus: "Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges, and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. "
What is this love of which Paul is speaking? And what does it have to do with the subject of
speaking in various languages? The word Paul uses for "love" is the Greek noun `agape' and describes a particular kind of love that is not self-serving, but is selfless, placing the welfare of others above the self. It is a expression of deep concern for others, with attending actions as a physical expression of this kind of love. Agape is the kind of deep, outgoing love God has for humanity.
Paul is showing that of all the spiritual attributes, love is the one to be most sought after.
All other spiritual attributes are nothing unless one has the agape love. But why? The reason is: if we are to be as God and emulate him, we must seek to have this kind of love, or, if you will, this kind of character. This is the point Paul was trying to get across to the Corinthians. He was saying in essence: " You people are missing the point. You're placing the emphasis on the WRONG spiritual attributes. You should be seeking Godly love above all else."
"Charity [love] never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there
be languages, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophecy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (vs. 8-10).
Paul seems to be saying that even with special gifts of the spirit we do a poor job at best,
but when we are made perfect these gifts will be done away because there will be no need for them as they pertain to the physical and not the spiritual.
"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 " (v.11). What childish things is Paul referring to here? Are not all the things he has been correcting them about childish? None of the things he was correcting them about were the behaviour patterns of the spiritual mature.
" For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (v. 12). Paul explains to the Corinthians that we as Christians do not understand everything. In fact we understand very little about the spirit world. But when we see God face to face, we shall understand even as God understands each of us.
Again we see Paul stressing the attitude of love as he goes into the topic of inspired preaching: " And now abides faith, hope, charity [love], these three; but the greatest of
these is charity [love]" (v.13).
Yes, the greatest attribute a person can possibly have is love, --- love that is completely selfless, love that shows forth Godly character. Paul chose his words very carefully when speaking about this, the greatest of character traits, in order to make sure that the Corinthians knew exactly what he was talking about. Notice Paul even prefaces his next admonition with the phrase "pursue after love."
"Follow (pursue) after charity (love), and desire spiritual, but rather that you may prophesy" (v. 1). The word "spiritual" here is the Greek `pneumatikos' ... and always connotes the idea of invisibility and power. It does not occur in the Septuagint no in the gospels. It is an after Pentecost word ... spiritualities" (Vines, p 1087).
The general theme and meaning of the words "prophesy and prophesieth" in chapter 14 seems to be in the area of inspired preaching, to the intent of conveying spiritual knowledge to the edification of the brotherhood. Or, as Vines has it,"... speaking forth the mind and counsel of God" (Vines, p 903).
"For he that speaks in a language speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; how be it in the spirit (mind?) he speaks mysteries" (v.2)
The first part of this verse can be understood thus: If a person If a person is speaking an actual communicative language that no one around him understands because they are not schooled or trained in it - not just gibberish or uncontrolled babblings-he is speaking only to God because only God, who understands all languages, would understand it. In fact this is almost exactly how the Greek Interlinear translates the understanding of this verse.
The second part is more difficult. However, the same reasoning applies: God understands our every thought, as many scriptures tell us. So it follows that even if the one speaking understands what he is saying, he is still speaking in mysteries to those about him, if they do not understand the language in which he is speaking.
"But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (v.3).
Paul is saying that the man who communicates the truth of God gives something of value, and implies that the type of person he was speaking of in verse two does not edify anyone.
It is important to note that when Paul refers to inspired speaking within the formal worship service, he never uses the female gender. And he is always referring to those who are speaking in the capacity of a minister or teacher. ----to be contd.
Editors comment. Many thanks to Mr Cocherell and Answers and Research and Education of San José for this 2nd Part
Alex Cain
A vicar who told children that Father Christmas and the tooth fairy were not real apologised yesterday 17 Dec 95 Disillusioned children burst into tears as about 50 boys and girls, some dresses as shepherds and angels for a nativity play, heard Canon Brian Andrews say that it was their parents and not Santa Claus who filled their Christmas stockings. Yesterday , after complaints from parents and Sunday School teachers at St Lawrence's church, Abbots Langley, Herts Mr Andrew recanted. He said: "At the family service on Sunday Dec 10 I told the congregation that the money under our pillows and the presents in our stocking were put there by out parents and not by the tooth fairy and father Christmas. "I believe this to be and ill judged remark and I apologise for any pain or hurt that I have caused." Mr Andrew's said he had simply been trying to show children that, while the story of Santa Claus was a fairy tale, the story of the birth of Christ was not. The apology was given to a mainly adult congregation of about 150 while the children were at Sunday school. One parent said: "It was felt that if the vicar brought up again in front of the children it would cause even more problems." As the service ended around 20 children unveiled a merry Christmas banner at one end was a smiling Santa clause.
Editors comment. Oh how nice. So now we have a least one Vicar who has realised what a sham and lie the whole Pagan idea is. If one can get young children to accept a lie at an early age then they will accept one later on easily. Like the evolutionary idea, or the government is always right, or their is no such thing as a grand conspiracy. Remember Christ was not born on 25 December and he said if you will enter into life KEEP the commandments not his birthday, which was quite difficult to ascertain until quite recently.
The leader of this "Philadelphian" offshoot is actually encouraging its followers to follow in the footsteps of Mr Armstrong. Mr Armstrong Deceived one whole generation into parting with their hard earned money believing they were doing the work of god using a false Tithing doctrine. The next generation could also be fooled into doing the same thing for a short time.
The Church of God says don't follow in Mr Armstrong's footsteps or the leader of the "Philadelphian" offshoot. Mr Armstrong did at least say follow God; this leader however says worship Mr Armstrong by copying Mr Armstrong. That's IDOL worship. That's part of the Babylonian mystery religion. Has this "Philadelphian" leader also explained that only 12.000 of Manasseh become firstfruits. Now That's a hard one to swallow. If they read the Ambassador Report they will also find that Mr A separated families; Hardly an Elijah type act. Think "Philadelphians" think. You may be deeper in the Laodicean era than you realise.
Thursday March 21 is Nissan 1
Wednesday April 3rd is Nissan 14
Thursday April 4th 1996 is the 1st day of Passover or Nissan 15
Friday April 5th, Nissan 16, 1st day after Passover
Friday May 24 SIVAN 6, 50th day after Passover or Pentecost
We received a number of phone calls from the London underground of which the basic question was about Homosexuality did they go into the Kingdom of God. The answer quite simply is neither homosexuals nor lesbians enter the kingdom of god, unless they repent.
The scriptural basis for this is that after the 10 Commandments were given they were followed by other laws. Lev 18:22; 20:13-15; and Deut 27:21 all indicate misuse of sex. And it is an abomination in Gods sight. These unbelievers and abominable have their place in the lake of fire Rev 21:8.
Quite clearly God intends sex to be used INSIDE marriage where it can be enjoyed for the rest of life and also shows that the God family is in the process of reproducing itself after its kind. Ask for our free article Why Sex?
apologies for letters
We apologies for late answering of letters and delay in The Countdown, we are in the process of up grading our equipment (going for the latest as always) and the changeover has not been smooth. We can now start to do scanning of graphics and Wordscan.
NEW READERS Please note if you do NOT want to carry on receiving the Countdown Magazine please let us know and we apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused-- Editor
If you use WP 6.0 for DOS or can convert we will be quite happy to let you have all past material. We will send you the discs. Otherwise patients is required. Send for latest list of free articles.
Phone international: () 44 (0)1252 547397
() code out of Your Country
44 into Britain
(0) local only
Please not after 2200 hrs or 10 o'clock GMT
© Church of God 1995
This article has been financed by others, our Religious Organisations Girobank No. is 17 799 7206
Not to be sold to the general public but you may photocopy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes I/we would like to receive " The Countdown" Monthly Magazine
Name________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Church of God, P.O. Box 53, Farnborough, Hants, GU14OYZ UK .
"Ephraim" describes and examines sources showing that the peoples of the British Isles and Northwest Europe descend from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Seven Biblically-derived criteria determine who belongs to the Lost Ten Tribes: The British-descended peoples fulfil all of them. There were traditions of Jewish origin that located the Lost Ten Tribes in the western Isles of Britain. Talmudic and related sources confirm these findings which are also applicable to North America. The existence of specific archaeological proof of Israelite identity exists and was predicted by Scripture. A COMING SHOWDOWN BETWEEN THE "ANGLO-SAXON" TRIBES OF JOSEPH ON ONE SIDE AND GERMANY AND ROME ON THE OTHER IS COMING. It was foretold that the Lost Tribes would be Christians. When they return the Third Temple will be built. Israel Field of Susia in the Hebron mountains speaks of the need for Re-union and Reconciliation between Judah and Joseph.
The author, Yair Davidy, has received world-wide recognition as an authority in the field of Lost Israelite Tribal and National identity.
Editors comment: Emphasis has been added to convey the urgency of the message. This is an excellent book by a true Modern Scholar (one who has a profound understanding of his subject). Yair Davidy exceeds all other writers on the subject and effectively ties together the subjects of Babylonian Mystery Religion; Identity of modern day Ephraim (Britain) and the other tribes; Conspiracy and Prophecy. Students of Conspiracy will be well satisfied as it is up to date. The Philadelphian Spirit pervades the book and the Author has shown himself to be VERY adventurous. It is an ideal addition to "The Tribes" his other book. The Book can be got from 8 Blades Court Deodar Road London SW152NU UK. 12.00, Including post and package
The Start of the Russian Bolshevik revolution was financed by GERMANY (page 34). Thompson viewed (that)--German INDUSTRY and German BANKING were the real enemy (page 97). What better way to divert attention from the real operators than by the medieval bogeyman of Anti-Semitism (page 189) of Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution by Sutton. 7.00 from Bloomfield Books, 26 Meadow Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk, England, CO10 6TD Tel International +44 1787 376374.
Church of God, P.O. Box 53, Farnborough, Hants, GU14OYZ UK .
