How does 1 Corinthians compare to Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians?
First Corinthians addresses a local church's questions about its many problems; that congregation was the most carnal and least spiritual of all Paul's churches. Comparing it with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians makes all the difference in the world, revealing the distinct setting and purpose of each letter.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians is Paul's response to the congregation's written questions, as shown in 1 Corinthians 7:1 where Paul says, "concerning the things whereof ye wrote to me." The Corinthian church was the most carnal and least spiritual of all the churches Paul had anything to do with. Les emphasizes that comparing this letter with Ephesians, Philippians, or Colossians makes all the difference in the world, helping us understand the setting. He notes that in all his years of teaching he used various portions of 1 Corinthians but never taught it verse by verse.
More Questions
Why is 1 Corinthians so different from Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians?
Comparing 1 Corinthians with letters like Ephesians, Philippians, or Colossians makes all the difference in the world, which is why the setting of the Corinthian church has to be understood.
Why does comparing 1 Corinthians with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians matter?
Comparing 1 Corinthians to letters like Ephesians, Philippians, or Colossians makes all the difference, showing why the setting of the Corinthian church must be understood.