We continue our study of First and Second Corinthians. In the last chapter of his first letter, Paul gives instructions about the fellowship which the Corinthians were sending with him to minister to the poor saints in Jerusalem. He is careful to avoid any “appearance” of evil concerning these funds by telling the Corinthians to appoint those from Corinth whom Paul would use to carry this fellowship to Jerusalem.
Paul planned to visit Corinth again, but until he was able to come, he would send Timothy. The Lord had opened a wonderful door for preaching in Ephesus, and though there were many adversaries, Paul would stay and preach the gospel. The assembly in Corinth, therefore, is instructed to receive Timothy even as Paul himself; he was serving the Lord. Apollos, who would be helpful too, would come when he had a convenient time.
A special commendation is given to the household of Stephanas, who had fully given themselves to the service of the assembly. Paul ends his first letter with the assurance of his love in Christ to them.
1. Satan is the great adversary of believers and of the assembly of God. What character does Satan take in order, as our adversary, to try to fool us?
2 Corinthians 11:___
2. What character does our adversary take when he tries to destroy us?
1 Peter 5:___
3. While teaching the young men to walk soberly, what does Paul tell the younger women to do, so that the adversary may not speak reproachfully of their conduct? 1 Timothy 5:___
4. The assembly at Jerusalem was very poor and needy. The assembly in Corinth was evidently a very wealthy assembly and thus they had the privilege of sending fellowship to the brethren in Jerusalem. What instructions does Paul give to believers who are rich? 1 Timothy 6:___
5. The household of Stephanas was wholly committed to serving their brethren as a labor of love for the Lord. What does Paul beseech the Roman believers to present to God? Romans 12:___