Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Corinthians 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Corinthians 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
1 Corinthians 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Greetings and Thanksgiving Greeting Salutation Greetings Address and Greetings 1Co_1:1-3 1Co_1:1-3 1Co_1:1-3 1Co_1:1 1Co_1:1-3 1Co_1:2 1Co_1:3 Spiritual Gifts at Corinth Thanksgiving Blessings in Christ Thanksgiving 1Co_1:4-9 1Co_1:4-9 1Co_1:4-9 1Co_1:4-9 1Co_1:4-9 Divisions in the Church Sectarianism is Sin Divisions at Corinth Divisions in the Church Dissensions Among the Faithful 1Co_1:10-17 1Co_1:10-17 1Co_1:10-17 1Co_1:10-13 1Co_1:10-16 1Co_1:14-17 The True Wisdom and the False Christ the Power and Wisdom of God Christ the Power and Wisdom of God Christ Crucified

(1Co_1:18 to 1Co_2:5) Christ the Power and Wisdom of God 1 CORINTHIANS (1:17-3:4) 1Co_1:17-25 1Co_1:18-25 1Co_1:18-25 1Co_1:18-25 1Co_1:18-20 1Co_1:21-25 1Co_1:26-31 1Co_1:26-31 1Co_1:26-31 1Co_1:26-31 1Co_1:26-31 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why is God's calling emphasized so often by Paul?

2. How can God call sinful people "holy"?

3. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church?

4. Why was the church at Corinth so factious?

5. How does 1Co_1:12 relate to modern denominations?

6. Is Paul putting down baptism in 1Co_1:17?

7. Why did the Jews reject the gospel?

8. Why did the Greeks reject the gospel?

9. Why has God chosen to use weak people with no social or intellectual standing to spread the gospel?