INTRODUCTION WE NOW ENTER upon the epistle which above all others deals with matters concerning the local assembly, and the order which by Divine appointment should be observed in it. The church, or assembly, of God in Corinth was a large one, as we gather from Acts 18:10. It had within it some very unsatisfactory elements, as is not unusual in such a case, and these elements were introducing ways and habits and even doctrines, of a sort which were common enough in the Corinthian world, but which were absolutely foreign to the nature and spirit of the assembly of God. Partly perhaps it was due to the ignorance of the Corinthian saints, for they had written a letter of inquiry to the Apostle Paul, who had brought the Gospel to them, as to certain matters, as is indicated in verse 1 of chapter 7. Still Paul not only answered their questions but also brings home to them in most vigorous language their grievous errors both in behavior and doctrine. This he did not in annoyance or anger or sarcasm, but, “out of much affliction and anguish of heart... with many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4). Hence the powerful effect which his letter produced, as evidenced in 2 Cor. 7:8-11.
The copyright for this material is assigned to Scripture Truth Publications. Used by permission.