Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
1 Corinthians 9

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Food Offered to False Gods 1 CORINTHIANS (8:1-11:1) The Rights of an Apostle A Pattern of Self-denial Paul's Rights As an Apostle Rights and Duties of an Apostle Paul Invokes His Own Example 1Co_9:1-2 1Co_9:1-18 1Co_9:1-2 1Co_9:1-2 1Co_9:1-14 1Co_9:3-12 a 1Co_9:3-7 1Co_9:3-7 1Co_9:8-12 a 1Co_9:8-12 a 1Co_9:12-18 1Co_9:12-14 1Co_9:12-14 Paul is Free to Waive

His Apostolic Rights Saving All Men 1Co_9:15-18 1Co_9:15-18 1Co_9:15-18 1Co_9:19-23 1Co_9:19-23 1Co_9:19-23 1Co_9:19-22 1Co_9:19-23 Striving for a Crown 1Co_9:23-27 1Co_9:24-27 1Co_9:24-27 1Co_9:24-27 1Co_9:24-27 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.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 1Co_9:1-27

A. This chapter is related to chapter 8 in the sense of seeking a balance between Christian rights and responsibility in love (cf. Rom_14:1 to Rom_15:13 and 1Co_8:1-11; 1Co_13:1-13).



B. It is obvious from the context that Paul's leadership was being attacked by some group or groups in the church at Corinth.

1. rhetorically trained Jewish itinerant teachers

2. incipient Gnostics



C. There is a variety of personal pronouns (and verb forms) used in this chapter.

1. First person singular, in 1Co_9:1-3; 1Co_9:6; 1Co_9:8; 1Co_9:15-23; 1Co_9:26-27

2. First person plural, in 1Co_9:4-5; 1Co_9:10-11; 1Co_9:25

a. since Barnabas is mentioned specifically in 1Co_9:6 he is probably to be assumed in 1Co_9:4-5

b. in 1Co_9:10-11 Paul seems to include Apollos and possibly other visiting preachers, even Peter

c. often Paul used the editorial plural "we" to speak of himself

3. Second person plural, in 1Co_9:13; 1Co_9:24 refers to the Corinthians who claims such "full" knowledge of the things of God

4. Paul's use of pronouns is notoriously difficult and the source of many Greek manuscript variants



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. How is chapter 9 related to chapter 8?

2. Is it proper for a preacher to receive support from the church?

If so, why did Paul not allow this church to support him?

3. How can Paul act differently toward different groups and not be considered a hypocrite?

4. In 1Co_9:24-27 the athletic metaphor is emphasized. How does this metaphor apply to our Christian lives?