Sunday, August 25, 2013 pm
STUDIES IN 1 CORINTHIANS (59)
Plans
1 Corinthians 16:5-12
Typical of his
writings we find personal greetings of people acquainted or concerned
with both parties. These
personal greetings and other information are helpful in determining the
background of the various writings.
With that background we can better understand the intent of
various subjects addressed and statements that are made.
BUT also in the midst of these writings are lessons to be
learned. In our lesson today
and the following lessons on this book, we will make these applications.
a.
Paul’s
plan to visit them (5-8) – the
general consensus is that Paul wrote this letter during his 3rd
preaching trip while in Ephesus.
Part of the reason for believing this are these verses along with
the account recorded in Acts 18-20.
In that text we find Paul on his 2nd preaching trip
comes to Corinth (Macedonia) where he will stay for 18 months (Acts
18:1-11). Following his time in Corinth, he comes to Ephesus where he
stays only a short while before going to Jerusalem and then back to
Antioch of Syria (where he began each of his trips) (Acts 18:18-22).
Then in vs. 23 we find the beginning of his 3rd
preaching tour (missionary journey).
He revisits many congregations strengthening the brethren.
Acts 19 records Paul’s time at Ephesus during this 3rd
tour. Acts 19:10 tells us he
was teaching daily for 2 years in the school of Tyranus during which
time “all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and
Greeks.” Later in this
journey, Paul will again see the elders of the church at Ephesus by
summoning them to Miletus as he is on his way to Jerusalem.
This visit is recorded in Acts 20:17-38.
Verse 31 tells us that Paul’s time in Ephesus was 3 years (which
included the 2 years teaching in the school of Tyranus).
It is believed that it was during this time that Paul received
report(s) from Corinth which prompted him to write 1 Corinthians.
As we read 2 Corinthians 1, it becomes clear that his plans to
visit Corinth were delayed for a while, though he eventually would make
it there (after writing his 2nd epistle to them).
b.
In 1
Cor. 16:5-9 we find the following details:
i.
Paul
intended to come to them though he would first pass through Macedonia
(which he did – Acts 20:1).
Macedonia would include the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica
and Berea and perhaps others.
ii.
He hoped
to stay a little while with them, perhaps for the winter. Acts 20:2
tells us that Paul spent 3 months in Greece which would have included
Corinth and perhaps it was during the winter (though probably a year
later than they originally anticipated).
iii.
After this
he hoped that they would send him on his way, wherever he would go.
It just so happened that he will go to Jerusalem where he will be
arrested.
iv.
His reason
for delay is 2-fold: (1 Cor. 16:7-9)
1.
“I
do not wish to see you now on the way.”
When Paul writes his 2nd epistle, one of the first
things he addresses is why he delayed – to spare them.
He wanted them to have time to
process this 1st epistle and correct their conduct (which
they did much of it). 2 Cor. 1:23
says, “Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came
no more to Corinth.” In 2
Cor. 1:15-22 he explains more about his delay in coming.
2.
“I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are
many adversaries.”
Paul had opportunities that he wanted
to take advantage of while still in Ephesus (this explains to me why he
was there 3 years). We will
discuss the open door more in a few moments.
c.
His
hope was to send Timothy to them
(10-11) – according to Acts 19:21-22, while Paul was in Ephesus, he sent
Timothy and Erastus toward Corinth, but by way of Macedonia (see also 1
Cor. 4:17). After this, it
seems that Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus (1 Cor. 16:17-18) arrive
from Corinth and report to Paul.
Perhaps it is their report that prompted this first letter.
It is believed that they returned to Corinth by ship with this
first letter and since they were sailing they would have arrived before
Timothy (and Erastus). This
is a plausible chronology of events. That
Timothy had not yet arrived (at least at the time of these men leaving
Corinth) is seen in Paul’s words in our text, “If Timothy comes.”
So much could be said about Timothy.
He was a faithful, young traveling companion of Paul.
Some believe that Paul was actually mentoring Timothy to continue
his work after he was gone (hence 2 letters to him and numerous mentions
in his travels).
IN OUR TEXT, they are instructed to receive Timothy and make him
welcome. “See that he may be
with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.”
Paul also recommends him as worthy of support in whatever
capacity they were able to help him.
Why? “For he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.” (1 Cr. 16:10)
d.
Apollos, was not to come at that time
(12) – we read of Apollos in Corinth after he is corrected about his
erroneous teaching on the baptism of John.
He arrived in Ephesus after Paul had left on his 2nd
preaching trip (the short visit – Acts 18:24).
In Ephesus, Apollos was corrected by Aqula and Priscilla, and
began teaching the truth.
We are told after this that he crossed over to Achaia ( a part of
Greece) (Acts 18:28-19:1) and was at Corinth.
Obviously, Apollos had an influence on Corinth (see 1 Cor. 1:12,
3:4-6), but as Paul is writing, Apollos is elsewhere working and
unwilling to go back to Corinth at that time.
Even with Paul’s urging, Apollos chose to stay (NOTE: There is
something to be said about Paul’s influence here.
In such matters, Paul would not COMMAND Apollos to go).
But Paul noted that at a more convenient time, he would come to them.
e.
THIS IS
THE BACKGROUND OF THE TEXT we are examining.
Let us now notice some lessons to learn from these verses.
a.
Timing – As Paul wrote, he
did not wish to come to them immediately.
WE discussed the reasons above (to spare them, other work to do
first, etc.). But he did
intend to see them.
i.
Timing is
an important factor in the work we do for the Lord, and also a challenge
in determining what is the right time to do something.
ii.
With
wisdom, we need timing in dealing with situations.
iii.
Sometimes
we have priorities to address before taking something else on.
EVEN if something is a good work, it might not be the best work
for you right now.
NOTE: This might be the reason why Apollos was not able to go to them
then (vs. 12)
iv.
Sometimes,
a “cooling off” period is good.
Time for tempers to cool down and for good and honest hearts to
evaluate a situation.
Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be
angry and do not sin: Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give
place to the devil.”
But that is no excuse to sweep a
problem under the carpet.
Eventually the problem has to be dealt with – see 1 Cor. 5:6.
v.
In
Ephesians 5:15-16 he said, “See
then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming
the time, because the days are evil.”
That is a part of timing.
vi.
ONLY
experience will help you develop timing!
It is a product of true wisdom.
b.
IF
the Lord permits – in all
that we do we need this attitude.
i.
Paul
always acted upon the contingency of the Lord’s will.
In Ephesus, as Paul was headed toward Jerusalem (culminating his
2nd preaching trip) they wanted him to stay.
But he did not consent but took leave saying, “I must by all
means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to
you, God willing.” (Acts 18:20-21)
Even in 1 Corinthians 4:19 he said, “But
I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills…”
ii.
James
4:15, in dealing with making plans to travel, rather than saying them
with self-reliant confidence, “Instead
you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or
that.”
iii.
“IF the
Lord wills” keeps our standing before God in proper perspective.
It keeps us humble and grateful.
c.
A
great and effective door has opened
– the concept of the open door is opportunities that present themselves.
i.
It is a
frequently used expression in scripture
1.
Acts
14:27-28, “Now when they had come
and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done
with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
2.
2 Cor.
2:12, as Paul is explaining his delay in coming he says, “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door
was opened to me by the Lord,”
3.
Colossians
4:2-3, “Continue earnestly in
prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also
for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the
mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains”
4.
Revelation
3:7-8, “And to the angel of the
church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who
is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts,
and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before
you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little
strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
ii.
Are we
looking for them? Are we
praying for opportunities to teach others and to do good works?
And when they present themselves, will we walk through the door?
iii.
Thought:
When a door opens for someone else, do we support them in that or do we
seek to deter them from entering through it?
d.
There are many adversaries
– as we strive to stand for truth, there
will always be resistance.
i.
While Paul
was in Ephesus, he was very effective in converting people both in the
city and throughout Asia.
But there were also problems.
1.
Acts
19:8-9 we find Paul going first to the Synagogue as he always did.
But they rejected him and some spoke evil of “the Way” so that he
withdrew and went to the Gentiles.
2.
Later, as
Paul preached, it caused concern for the sellers of idols and shrines.
Acts 19:23-34 records how Demetrius and others stirred up the
city to oppose Paul because he was supposedly a threat to the great
goddess Diana. A near riot
occurred.
ii.
Satan will
often try to hinder us. 1
Thess. 2:18 finds Paul desiring to come to Thessalonica, “But Satan
hindered us.”
iii.
And so
will some of his followers!
You would be amazed at WHO will resist you if you are trying to do the
right thing. 1 Pet. 4:12
tells us not to think it strange when we face fiery trials.
Jesus told us we would be betrayed by our own families (Matt.
10:34-36).
iv.
WE must
NOT let them stop us from doing what is right.
2 Cor. 2:11 tells us to not let Satan take advantage of us and to not be
ignorant of his devices.
1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us to be sober and vigilant of the devil.
We are also told to resist him.
e.
On
supporting your preachers and elders
– Paul instructed the brethren to see to it that Timothy work with them
without fear.
i.
The reason
why is not given. Some
believe it was because of his youth, but that cannot be proven, though
it is plausible. But
regardless, brethren were told to support him rather than despising him.
He was a preacher of the gospel and those who followed the gospel
ought to respect that.
ii.
Preaching and doing the work of
an elder (or perhaps deacons) requires making difficult decisions, at
times exposing error and rebuking those in sin.
We should do what we can to make their work as pleasant as
possible.
iii.
We should
not put preachers and elders in a situation where they dread coming to
us or addressing serious concerns.
Read Hebrews 13:7, “Remember
those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose
faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”
Vs. 17, “Obey those who
rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as
those who must give account.
Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be
unprofitable for you.”
iv.
NOTE the
reason why we support elders and preachers – of Timothy, Paul said, “for
he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.”
(1 Cor. 16:10) WE
stand behind them because of the work they do and the message they
preach. NOT because of who
they are personally. Elders
“watch out for your souls” (Heb. 13:17).
Preachers preach the word, “in season and out of season. Reprove,
rebuke and exhort” (2 Tim. 4:2)
If we would learn to separate personality from the message, we could
respect God’s word regardless of how we feel about the preacher (or
elders).
v.
NOTE: I am
NOT saying that their character is not important!
IT IS! Just examine
the qualifications of elders (1 Tim. 3, Titus 1) and how Timothy was to
conduct himself (1 Tim. 4:12-16, 2 Tim. 2:24-26, etc.).
The point is, we must uphold the message and stand behind those
who stand up for the truth.