Wednesday in the Word

what the Bible means and how we know

Corinthians

30 What does Paul mean by head, 1?

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30 What does Paul mean by head in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, part 1 | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul appeals to the creation of Adam and Eve from Genesis 2 to make his argument. This podcasts examines what Genesis 2 teaches us and why Paul appeals to it.

What Paul means by head is one of the major controversies in this passage. Entire books have been written on this question. This blog post and podcast do not fully cover the debate.

Review

I argued in a previous podcast that in Corinthian culture married women kept their heads covered in public as a sign of respect for their husbands while husbands removed their head coverings when they stood up to pray or prophesy as a sign of respect for God.

Women did not participate in the Jewish worship service. In the Christian church, women begin participating alongside men, creating a conflict of symbols. 

What’s a married woman to do when she stands up to pray or teach? If she removes her head covering that is respectful to God but disrespectful to her husband.  If she keeps her head covering on, that is respectful to her husband but disrespectful to God. 

I understand Paul to be saying wives in Corinth should keep their head coverings on because that symbol speaks the loudest in their culture.

Passage

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 11:3

Why does Paul appeal to a “hierarchy” as part of his argument?  (I am using hierarchy for lack of a better word.)

  • Paul clearly teaches that Christ is the head of the entire church, which includes both genders (Ephesians 5, 1Corinthians 11, etc).
  • Genesis 2 clearly teaches that both genders are in the image and glory of God.
  • The one point all 3 of the major positions agree on is that men and women are created equal before God and both genders are created in His image.
  • However, the relationship between husbands and wives is asymmetrical: The husband has a responsibility the wife does not have and the wife has a responsibility her husband does not have.
  • The husband/wife relationship is not a “hierarchy” in that sense of rank or importance;  it is “hierarchy” in that the roles are asymmetrical roles where one role is dependent on the other. 
  • Paul appeals to the creation of Adam and Even to establish these roles.

Genesis 2:15-25

2:15Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. 16The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” 18Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 19Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. – Genesis 2:15-25

  • Before the fall, God created humans with a need for intimacy. Marriage is His solution to that need.
  • God gives Adam the responsibility of tending creation before He creates Eve. Adam is the one who is held accountable for the fall.
  • Husband headship is the biblical concept that God assigned the husband responsibility for the marriage and resulting family.
  • Being a Helper is recognizing who is responsible and granting him the freedom to follow his conscience.
  • The need for a head arises because biblical marriage is a permanent partnership. Every permanent partnership needs a way to break ties.
  • The head has the responsibility to cast the deciding vote because he is the one who will ultimately be held accountable.
  • Head and and helper are roles. They speak to responsibility, not ability, worth, talent, value or dignity.
  • Being the head is not equivalent to being the decision-maker, dictator or master.
  • Being the helper is not equivalent to being the housekeeper, laundry mat, gardener, chef, and chauffeur.
  • While many abuses have been practiced in the name of headship, the Bible never teaches that the “head” has the privileged position of being able to get his way in every situation. 
  • The Bible never teaches that a husband owns his wife the way a master owns a slave. 
  • The Bible never teaches that the man has the authority or freedom to dictate his will to the rest of the family. 
  • The roles of head and helper function within the commitment of a biblical marriage. 

Resources:

What is a hard complementarian?

What is a soft complementarian?

What is an egalitarian?

Marriage God’s Way (8 audio files)

Marriage: In Order to Form a More Perfect Union (4 audio files)

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

Next: 31 What does Paul mean by head, 2?

Previous: 29 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Cultural background

Series: 1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the church

Study: 1Corinthians Resources

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29 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Cultural background

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29 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Cultural Background | WednesdayintheWord.com

The cultural background behind Paul’s advice on women wearing head coverings is incomplete and contradictory. Here’s what we know and (what I think is) the best way to put it together.

1Corinthians 11 is one of the more difficult passages of Scripture. Even though everything I say in this podcast is debated, I will not begin every sentence with “I think” — that is implied. While I have reached a level of certainty in my thinking, I acknowledge there is a greater than average chance that I am wrong because this is a very difficult passage. 

Review

I argued in the previous podcast that in Corinthian culture married women kept their heads covered in public as a sign of respect for their husbands while husbands removed their head coverings when they stood up to pray or prophesy as a sign of respect for God.

Women did not participate in the Jewish worship service, but in the Christian church, women begin to participate alongside the men, creating a conflict of symbols.  What’s a married woman to do when she stands up to pray or teach? 

If she removes her head covering that is respectful to God but disrespectful to her husband.  If she keeps her head covering on, that is respectful to her husband but disrespectful to God.  We have a clash of cultural practices. I understand Paul to be saying wives should keep their head coverings on because that symbol speaks the loudest in their culture.

Passage

11:2Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. 4Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 6For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 7For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 8For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man; 9for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake. 10Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. – 1Corinthians 11:2-16

Is this issue timeless or cultural?

  • The fact that Paul appeals to timeless principles (Scripture and creation) does not negate the cultural component of his argument.
  • Suppose a group of married men begin removing their wedding rings when in the company of single women, and Paul wrote them a letter instructing them to keep their wedding rings on. In the course of his argument, he might appeal to Genesis, the permanent commitment of marriage and the 10 commandments which call us to avoid adultery, lying and coveting.
  • Now suppose a colony on Mars 2000 years in the future has given up the practice of wearing jewelry of any kind including wedding rings. Are you disobedient to Paul’s commands? No.
  • The timeless principles of Scripture have not changed, but the cultural situation in which they are being applied has changed.

Corinth was a mix of 3 cultures

  • Corinth, a city in Greece, was heavily populated by Romans.
  • The church in Corinth was a mix of Gentile God-fearers and Jewish converts.
  • At least three cultures were influenced the culture of Corinth: Jewish, Greek and Roman.

The cultural situation for men

  • Roman men covered their heads when they prayed, prophesied or offered a sacrifice in the temple.
  • When they met a superior on the street, Roman men uncovered their heads as a sign of respect.
  • Greek men kept their heads uncovered in the pagan temples.
  • Jewish men begin covering their heads in the temple but we don’t know whether that practice started before or after Paul’s time.
  • Some argue that Jewish men begin covering their heads to distinguish themselves from the Christian men who kept their heads uncovered.
  • All men who wanted to dress and act like men kept their hair short.

The cultural situation for women

  • We have mixed evidence concerning both Roman and Greek women. Some of them did cover their hair in public and some didn’t.
  • Some not only uncovered their hair in the pagan temples, they let their hair down.
  • We have evidence that the Jewish women of Tarsus wore veils. But evidence suggests that most Jewish women kept their hair covered in public.
  • Women who wanted to dress and act like women were expected to have long hair that they typically kept up in public.
  • In some situations, an adulterous woman had her head shaved or her hair cut as part of her punishment.

For further reading:

Many commentaries have a thorough summary of the cultural background and existing evidence. See also:

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

Next: 30 What does Paul mean by head, 1?

Previous: 28 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Should women wear head coverings?

Series: 1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the church

Study: 1Corinthians Resources

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28 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Should women wear head coverings?

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28 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Should women wear head coverings? | WednesdayintheWord.com

When a woman participates in a public worship service, is it proper for a her to uncover or head?  This podcast gives an overview of what (I think) Paul meant to say and what it means for us today. If you only want the bottom line, listen to this podcast. The next several podcasts cover the details and the controversies.

1Corinthians 11 is one of the more difficult passages of Scripture. Even though everything I say in this podcast is debated, I will not begin every sentence with “I think” — that is implied. While I have reached a level of certainty in my thinking, I acknowledge there is a greater than average chance that I am wrong because this is a very difficult passage. 

My standard advice on difficult passages, especially those which cover controversial issues is twofold: 

  1. Make it your goal to know what you believe and why.
  2. Mke it your goal to understand the other side (or sides) well enough to know why they fail to persuade you. 

As you listen to the podcast, realize I am giving you my educated but good-for-nothing opinion.  It’s my best shot and I may be wrong.

Review

We are in a section of the letter where Paul is responding to specific questions the Corinthians have asked him.  The phrase “now concerning” signals the start of a new question. We don’t have a “now concerning” here instead we have “Now” in 11:2 which I understand to be short for “now concerning.”

1Corinthians 11:13 suggests the question he’s been asked is:  When a married woman is participating in a public worship service, is it proper for a her to pray to God with her head uncovered or should she keep her head covered? 

Passage

11:2Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every husband, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ. – 1Corinthians 11:2-3

  • Unlike the other sections, Paul praises them for the way they are trying to handle this situation. His tone is quite moderate.
  • “Traditions” in 11:2 implies this is not a matter of getting the gospel right. Rather he’s talking about practices and conventions (e.g. music, dress, meeting time, etc).
  • In this passage, I would translate “man” (ἀνήρ Strong’s G435) as husband and “woman” (γυνή Strong’s G1125) as wife. The words mean both man/husband and woman/wife respectively. Context determines which the author means.
  • This passage turns on the meaning of the word head (κεφαλή Strong’s G2776). Entire books have been written on this question. I will explore it in 2 later podcasts.
  • It is critically important not to read the historical abuses of patriarchy into this passage.
  • I think to be the head means to be the one who will be held accountable and is charged with the responsibility.
  • Paul gives 3 pairs of relationships with a lack of symmetry. Within each pair, the two differ in role and responsibility. 
  • In the relationship between the God and His Messiah, God is the responsible party.  God designed and is responsible for the plan of redemption even though Jesus implements the plan.
  • In the relationship between Jesus and mankind, Jesus is responsible for redeeming and rescuing His people. 
  • In Jesus we see the clearest example of the proper exercising of headship (Mark 10:43-45 for example). 
  • In relationship between husband and wife, God will hold the husband accountable for their life together in a way He will not hold the wife accountable. We’ll explore this more in a later podcast. 
  • That difference in responsibility implies a certain kind of honor or respect from the one not held responsible in the pair.  Showing that respect is the basis for this tradition in their culture which is creating the problem.

11:4Every husband who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 5But every wife who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as a woman whose head is shaved. 6For if a wife does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a wife to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. – 1Corinthians 11:4-6

  • At that time in Corinth when men stood to pray, they removed their head covering as a sign of respect for God.
  • At the time in Corinth, married women kept their heads covered in public as a sign of respect for their husbands.
  • A married woman is in two of these relationship pairs. Christ is her head in one relationship. Her husband is her head in another relationship. What should she do when she stands to pray? The cultural symbols conflict.
  • This is a new problem because Jewish women did not participate in the worship service.
  • Similar to his advice about meat sacrificed to idols, Paul’s answer is: How would your culture interpret her actions?  If she removes her scarf, would they say, “there’s a woman who is honoring God?”  Or would they say, “there’s a woman who’s dishonoring her husband?” They would say she’s dishonoring her husband, so keep your head covering on. 
  • Speaking to the side who is arguing for remove their head coverings, Paul says removing her scarf is sending the same message as cutting her hair or shaving her head (both of which were considered disgraceful in their culture).
  • 11:5 to prophesy (προφητεύω Strong’s G4395) means to speak for God (rebuking, encouraging, reminding, etc.). I think it means what we think of as teaching today.

11:7For a husband ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the wife is the glory of her husband. 8For the husband does not originate from the wife, but wife from husband; 9for indeed the husband was not created for the wife’s sake, but wife for the husband’s sake. 10Therefore a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the message. – 1Corinthians 11:4-10

  • Paul is NOT a wife unlike her husband is not the image and glory of God.  That is not compatible with the rest of Scripture and Paul’s other teaching.
  • We know from Genesis that both genders are created in the image and glory of God.
  • IN ADDITION to being the image and glory of God, a wife has an additional role as the glory of her husband. 
  • Just as children can bring honor or disgrace to their parents, employees can bring honor or disgrace to their companies, students can bring honor to their teachers, etc., so mankind can bring honor to God’s name and wives can also bring honor to their husbands.
  • 11:8-9 refer to Genesis 2 (which we’ll look at in another podcast) to defend this idea of roles within marriage.
  • 11:10 I would translate “angels” (ἄγγελος Strong’s G32a) as “message. The word means messenger (either human or divine). I think this use is a metonymy where the word messenger has come to stand for the message itself.

11:11However, in the Lord, neither is the wife independent of her husband, nor is the husband independent of his wife. 12For as woman originates from man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God. – 1Corinthians 11:11-16

  • “In the Lord” means in a biblical marriage.
  • A biblical marriage is a partnership of equals before God even though they have different roles within the marriage.
  • Both of husband and wife should view themselves as in this relationship where they love, serve, honor and nurture each other.
  • 11:13 “Judge for yourself” indicates this is a cultural issue. Paul would never write “Judge for yourself is murder right or wrong?” because murder is always wrong.
  • 11:14 -“nature itself”: Paul is appealing to their cultural expectations. In that culture men who wanted to dress and act like men were expected to have short hair.  If he had long hair, he was dressing and acting like a woman, which they considered dishonoring.
  • In that culture women who wanted to dress and act like women grew their hair long and married women kept their hair up and covered in public. To do otherwise they considered shameful.

Summary

  1. Women can pray and prophesy (that is teach).
  2. Women and wives do not need to wear a head covering today unless they are in a cultural situation where it would be expected and not to do so would be shameful.
  3. We need to seriously consider the message our actions send to our culture and make sure we are not confusing the gospel.

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

Next: 29 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Cultural background

Previous: 27 1Corinthians 10:14-11:1 Flee idolatry

Series: 1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the church

Study: 1Corinthians Resources

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27 1Corinthians 10:14-11:1 Flee idolatry

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27 1Corinthians 10:14-11:1 Flee idolatry | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul concludes this section (1Corinthians 8-10) by summarizing his two main themes: 1) We need to take care lest our freedoms are a covering for idolatry and 2) We should limit our freedoms out of love for our neighbor.

Review

In 1Corinthians 8-10, Paul addresses the question of whether it is okay to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols, an issue which is splitting the Corinthian church.

  • In 1Corinthians 8, Paul agreed that it is okay to eat the meat, but if the action causes another to stumble, refrain.
  • In 1Corinthians 9, Paul used his practice of declining support when it would hinder his proclamation of the gospel, as an example of how the Corinthians should exercise their freedoms.
  • In 1Corintihians 10:1-13, Paul cited the example of the Israelites in the wilderness to make the point that being part of the tribe does not guarantee God is pleased with you.  Each individual has to choose faith and choose to follow God. 

Passage

10:14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. 16Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. 18Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? 19What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we? – 1Corinthians 10:14-22

  • The key word in this section is “sharing” which is the Greek word koinonia (Strongs G2842), which is usually translated fellowship. The basic meaning of this word is to have a share in something with someone else.
  • If I have fellowship with a group, I belong to the group and I participate in whatever benefits are gained by being part of the group.
  • Paul mentions two religious meals: communion in the Christian church and meals in the Jewish temple.
  • When we take communion, we are saying we share in the benefits of the sacrifice of Christ’s body and blood. 
  • When the Jews ate the meat in the temple, they were saying we share in the benefits of the sacrifice to our God. 
  • What do you think you’re saying when you eat meals at the pagan temple?  These religious meals are intended to be about more than eating. 
  • Paul is not saying that the food itself contains some property that makes you part of God’s people.  Rather the meal has symbolism.
  • You can’t belong to both groups: Christ and idols. The idols are fake but the demons are real. There are forces of evil who would love to entice you off the path of following Christ and into idolatry.
  • Like a husband who wants his wife to be faithful to him alone, God is jealous and insists His people worship Him alone.

10:23All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 25Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; 26FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. 27If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; 29I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? 31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. 11:1Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. – 1Corinthians 10:23-11:1

  • It’s not enough to claim ‘the rules allow my behavior;’ I must ask what impact my behavior has.
  • At the meat market, buy the meat, take it home and eat it. It belongs to the Lord.
  • If you go to an unbeliever’s house for dinner, eat the meat without asking where it came from.
  • But if they would interpret your eating as joining them in idolatry, don’t eat.

Knowing what’s right and wrong is not enough. I have to consider what message my actions communicate to others.  And I want that message I communicate to be God’s glory. 

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

Next: 28 1Corinthians 11:2-16 Should women wear head coverings?

Previous: 26 1Corinthians 10:13 Escaping temptation?

Series: 1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the church

Study: 1Corinthians Resources

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26 1Corinthians 10:13 Escaping temptation?

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26 1Corinthians 10:13 Escaping temptation? | WednesdayintheWord.com

1Corinthians 10:13 is often memorized as a stand-alone verse that promises God always provides a way to escape sin, if only you’ll take it. But in context, Paul is saying something quite different.

I was taught that 1Corinthians 10:13 teaches: every time we face the temptation to sin, God provides a way for us to escape the temptation.  If we grab hold of the way out, we will avoid falling into disobedience and be delivered from the temptation. But if you don’t find it, that’s your fault. God has done His part; it’s up to you do do yours.

The problem is: it doesn’t work. Left to ourselves, we are never going to choose the way out because we are sinners.  We choose to sin. 

I do not believe Paul teaches this theology.

Review

In 1Corinthians 8-10, Paul addresses the question of whether it is okay to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols, an issue which is splitting the Corinthian church.

  • In 1Corinthians 8, Paul agreed that it is okay to eat the meat, but if the action causes another to stumble, refrain.
  • In 1Corinthians 9, Paul used his practice of declining support when it would hinder his proclamation of the gospel, as an example of how the Corinthians should exercise their freedoms.
  • In 1Corintihians 10:1-12, Paul cited the example of the Israelites in the wilderness to make the point that being part of the tribe does not guarantee God is pleased with you.  Each individual has to choose faith and choose to follow God. 

Passage

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. -1Corinthians 10:13

  • The Greek word translated temptation (Strong’s G3986) can have the idea of temptation or enticing someone to do something wrong.
  • It can also mean testing or putting pressure on something to test its quality. Trials typically test faith.
  • If Paul means temptation, obedience is at stake. If Paul means trials, persevering in faith is at stake.
  • Paul has been talking about trials in this section: The Israelites were not falling into transgressions on their journey; they were tested to see if they will trust God. Paul faced a test over whether to work or accept support. The Corinthians faced a test over whether to limit their freedoms for the sake of their brothers.
  • Our trials are common to humanity. They don’t require superhuman abilities to endure.
  • The Greek word translated “escape” (Strongs G1545) can mean: 1) the way out or exit; 2) the end or conclusion; or 3) the outcome or result.
  • I think outcome fits the context best. God provides along with the trial the outcome which is you will endure.
  • God is faithful so that even if His children fail the immediate test, they will repent and grieve over their sins.  They might sin but they won’t fall away.

Paul is NOT saying if you ever find yourself in a circumstance where you are tempted to sin, look for the escape route God has provided and you’ll be able to avoid sin.

Instead Paul is saying your faith is being tested.  The test is hard but God is faithful.  If you are His, He will not let you fall away. 

Paraphrase: No trial has overtaken you but such as all people face; and God is faithful. He is not trying to break you and He will not allow you to be tested beyond what you are able. Rather with the trial, God will also provide the outcome which is that your faith will endure.

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

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Previous: 25 1Corinthians 10:1-12 Take heed lest you fall

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Study: 1Corinthians Resources

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25 1Corinthians 10:1-12 Take heed lest you fall

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25 1Corinthians 10:1-12 Take heed lest you fall | WednesdayintheWord.com

Appealing to the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, Paul warns that not everyone who saw the miracles entered the promised land. Being part of the tribe does not guarantee God’s favor.

Review

In 1Corinthians 8-10, Paul addresses the question of whether it is okay to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols, an issue which is splitting the Corinthian church.

  • In 1Corinthians 8, Paul agreed that it is okay to eat the meat, but if the action causes another to stumble, then we should refrain.
  • In 1Corinthians 9, Paul used his practice of declining support when it would hinder his proclamation of the gospel, as an example of how the Corinthians should exercise their freedoms.

Paul has addressed several issues around this question of eating meat sacrificed to idols:

  • The pressure to join them in eating that the meat-eating group is putting on the abstaining group is unloving and unfaithful.
  • The meat-eating group ought to value loving their brothers and obedience to God more than indulging their freedom.
  • The meat-eating group may be using their freedom as a covering to participate in idolatry – which is the issue Paul warns against in 1Corinthians 10.

Passage

10:1For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; 2and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3and all ate the same spiritual food; 4and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness. 6Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 7Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY.” 8Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. -1Corinthians 10:1-12

  • Idolatry is more than worshiping the wrong deity or thinking God can be captured in a statue; It is looking to someone or something else other than God to provide life and blessing.
  • Paul’s emphasis is that ALL of the Israelites saw the miracles in the wilderness, but that participation did not guarantee God’s favor.
  • Likewise, the fact that the Corinthians have been baptized, take communion and are part of the local church does not guarantee God is pleased with them.
  • Each individual must choose to follow God.
  • By “spiritual” food and “spiritual” drink, Paul means supernatural.
  • Water from the Rock refers to Exodus 17 and Numbers 20.
  • Just as the people in the dessert were delivered from death by the water God miraculously provided from the rock, likewise we are delivered from death by Christ. 
  • 1Corinthians 10:5 is Paul’s key point.
  • 1Corinthians 10:7 refers to Exodus 32.
  • 1Corinthians 10:8 refers to Numbers 25.
  • 1Corinthians 10:9 refers to Numbers 21.
  • 1Corinthians 10:10 could refer to several incidents, perhaps Numbers 14.
  • To try the Lord is to demand that God proof himself when He has already given you ample proof.
  •  Paul’s point is being part of the tribe does not guarantee God is pleased with you.  Each individual has to choose faith and choose to follow God. 
  • Learn from the lesson of the Israelites and make the right choice.

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

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24 1Corinthians 9:15-27 Living on support, 2

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24 1Corinthians 9:15-27 Living on support, 2 | WednesdayintheWord.com

In 1Corinthians 9, Paul uses himself as an example of how the Corinthians should exercise their freedom.  As an apostle, Paul has the right to receive financial support, but he declined to take any support from them.  He wants the Corinthians to learn from his example and exercise their freedom the same way.

In part 2 of his argument, Paul explains why he declined to take support.

Review

1Corinthians 9:15-27 is the second half of an argument that began in 1Corinthians 9:1. 

1Corinthians 9 is part of an argument that started in 1Corinthians 8:1. 

In this section of the letter, Paul is answering questions the Corinthians have asked him. In 1Corinthians 8-10, Paul answers the question or whether it is okay to eat meat sacrificed to idols.

In 1Corinthians 8 Paul said:

  • There is only one God and He is not concerned with religious restrictions on food.  The meat-eating group is right that there are no idols and they can eat the meat sacrificed to idols.
  • On the other hand, the meat-eating group has been exercising their freedom to eat this meat in an unloving manner. 
  • It’s not enough to know the truth, we must also use our knowledge in the context of loving our neighbors. 

In 1Corinthians 9:1-14, Paul said:

  • He is a true apostle and he has the same right to same support that the other apostles have.
  • It is wrong not to pay those who work on your behalf.  Experience suggests this and the law of Moses confirms it.
  • The temple shows that God intended those who proclaim the gospel to make their living from the gospel, and those who receive that instruction to support them.

Passage

9:15But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. -1Corinthians 9:15-18

  • Paul is not arguing for his right to take support in order to get a back paycheck. He did not take money from the Corinthians for a reason.
  • The Greek word translated “boast” in 9:15 means something that is true about me that has value and worth. It is a good thing I point to with joy and satisfaction. In this context, reward and boast are synonyms.
  • Paul’s boast is not the fact that he is an apostle. The fact that Paul is an apostle reveals nothing about him as a person because he was drafted into that job. 
  • The way he exercises his freedom while preaching the gospel says something about who he is and what he values and believes. 
  • Paul’s boast is the fact that he is a believer and his reward will be eternal life. 
  • His free choice to refuse support from the Corinthians reveals how important the gospel is to him and that he believes the gospel he preaches.

9:19For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; 21to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. 22To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 23I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. – 1Corinthians 9:19-23

  • Paul generalizes the argument beyond money.
  • 9:19 “I am free from all men” – Paul has his own understanding and worldview. He knows what he is free to do and not do, yet he chooses to limit his freedom so as not to hinder the gospel.
  • When he is in a group which follows a larger set of regulations than he does, he follows their rules so that they might more easily hear the gospel.
  • When he is in a group that follows a larger range of freedom, he enjoys those freedoms with them so that they might hear the gospel.
  • But he does not become lawless; he always follows what is right, good and true.
  • “Weak” in 9:22 is weak in understanding; not weak-willed.

Paul argues: If I’m talking to someone who has been taught to believe that practice A is immoral, I avoid practice A when I’m with her.   She believes that a person who does A is a person who does not believe in God.  I want her to believe in God. Why do practice A in front of her? She’s likely to conclude that I don’t believe in God and believing in God is exactly what I want to persuade her to do.  Why would I hinder the gospel that way?

9:24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. – 1Corinthians 9:24-27

  • You don’t get the prize by signing up for a race.  You get the prize when you finish the race.
  • Athletes make disciplined choices because their goal is finishing the race (e.g. when to train, how to train, what to eat, how much to sleep, what shoes to invest in, how much water to drink, etc.)
  • Their prize is a medal that will rust. Our “prize” is eternal life which cannot be broken, stolen, lost or destroyed.
  • Paul’s goal is not just proclaiming the gospel to others; he wants to believe it himself. Like an athlete in training, his choices reflect that goal.

For Paul, how he exercises his freedom when he preaches the gospel is a test of whether or not his goal is mature faith in Christ.  Likewise, for the Corinthians, this issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols is a test of whether their goal is faith in Christ. 

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

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23 1Corinthians 9:1-14 Living on support 1

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23 1Corinthians 9:1-14 Living on support, 1 | WednesdayintheWord.com

In 1Corinthians 9, Paul uses his own situation as an example of how the Corinthians ought to think about exercising their freedom.  As an apostle, Paul has the right to receive financial support, but declined to take support from them.  He wants the Corinthians to learn from his example and exercise their freedom the same way. In part 1 of his argument, Paul defends his right to accept support.

Review

Since 1Corinthians 8:1, Paul has been addressing the issue of meat sacrificed to idols. We saw 3 themes in Paul’s answer so far:

  1. There is only one God and He is not concerned with religious restrictions on food.  The meat-eating group is right that there are no idols and they can eat the meat sacrificed to idols.
  2. On the other hand, the meat-eating group has been exercising their freedom to eat this meat in an unloving manner. 
  3. It’s not enough to know the truth, we must also use our knowledge in the context of loving our neighbors. 

Passage

9:1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3My defense to those who examine me is this: 4Do we not have a right to eat and drink? 5Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? -1Corinthians 9:1-6 NASB

  • Paul establishes that he has a right to support.
  • Paul was called and commissioned by Jesus to be one of his apostles.
  • The Corinthians have first-hand knowledge of Paul’s teaching, preaching and signs that verify his calling.
  • Paul appeals to the example of the other apostles who receive support for both themselves and their wives.

9:7Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? 8I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? 9For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. – 1Corinthians 9:7-10 NASB

  • Next, Paul gives 3 analogies from experience: A soldier is fed and clothed while he is a soldier; The worker who plants a vineyard expects to share in the product or fruit of his labor; The shepherd expects to reap the rewards of having a flock.
  • Whatever work you do, you receive the benefit of having done the work. We can see from the Law that God intends the world to work this way. 
  • The ox is yoked to a wheel that grinds grain while it is turning. As it turns, some of the grain falls at the the ox’s feet. God prohibits muzzling the ox to prevent him from eating the falling grain.
  • God has a bigger concern than that we treat our oxen well. He’s teaching this principle that those who labor share in the fruit of their labor.
  • It is appropriate for workers to expect to be compensated for their work.

11If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. -1Corinthians 9:11-14 NASB

  • Just like a field worker sows physical seed in the field, Paul has sowed spiritual seed in Corinth.
  • Paul gave them the knowledge of how to find eternal life, which is infinitely more important than baking them a loaf of bread.  They pay their baker.  How much more ought they to support Paul who brought them the bread of life?
  • Yet Paul declined to take support so as not to hinder the gospel.
  • Before explaining why he declined support, Paul adds one final argument from the temple practice: God instructed the Levites to live from a share of the temple offerings.
  • Thus we can see that God intended those who proclaim the gospel to make their living from the gospel.

Summary

  1. Paul is a true apostle and he has the same right to same support that the other apostles have.
  2. It is wrong not to pay those who work on your behalf.  Experience suggests this and the law of Moses confirms it.
  3. The temple shows that God intended those who proclaim the gospel to make their living from the gospel, and those who receive that instruction to support them.

Paul is not trying to convince the Corinthians to pay him.  He’s making a point that even though he had the right to be paid, he didn’t ask for that support for a reason. That reason (which we’ll look at in part 2) is the lesson he wants them to learn.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 NASB

  • Paul gives three directives regarding work: 1) follow our example of work (3:6-9); 2) work for your own bread (10-12); and 3) mark those who won’t work (13-16).
  • Paul wanted the Corinthians to learn something about his willingness to decline to exercise his rights.  Paul wants the Thessalonians to learn something about his willingness to work. 
  • Paul argues everyone is called to be responsible for their own needs (If you don’t work, you don’t eat).
  • Loving my neighbor requires me to not deliberately make myself a burden on someone else.

Putting Thessalonians and Corinthians together

  1. All of us are responsible before God to work and to provide for our own needs — no matter what kind of work we do.
  2. As a giver, it’s appropriate to support someone out of gratitude, patronage, or charity.
  3. If I have benefited from someone’s ministry, I ought to be willing to support them as I am able.
  4. As a full-time Christian worker, I have no reason to be ashamed for accepting gifts of gratitude or patronage but I ought not to put myself in a position where I require charity. 

See: The Holiness of Financial Independence by Jack Crabtree

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

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22 1Corinthians 8:4-13 Concerning meat and idols

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1Corinthians 8:4-13 Concerning meat and idols | WednesdayintheWord.com

In 1Corinthians 8, Paul argues that knowing the truth is not enough; we must use our knowledge in the context of loving our neighbors as ourselves and consider the implications of our actions.

Review

Paul founded the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and stayed with them about 1.5 years. Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus during his third missionary journey.  Paul is responding to a letter the Corinthians wrote him and to a verbal report he received about the situation in the church in Corinth. Some of they have decided that Paul does not have wisdom as they define it and have gone so far as to reject his authority as an apostle.

In 1Corinthians 7, Paul starts answering specific questions that the Corinthians asked him. 

In 1Corinthians 8-10, Paul answers their second question: Is it okay to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols?

Situation

The Corinthians asked Paul whether or not they should eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols.  Some feel strongly that it is okay to eat such meat.  Others feel strongly that it is wrong. 

At the time Paul is writing, Corinth had various temples to a variety of pagan gods where people made offerings of meat.  Some of the the meat was burned during the offering. The rest was sold in the marketplace or in the temple dining rooms where members of the community could eat together like a restaurant. 

Before converting to Christianity, the gentile believers in Corinth participated in these temple meals and bought temple meat at the market.  Now they have come to faith, should they stop eating such meat and attending these meals? This issue is dividing the church.

Passage

8:4Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. – 1Corinthians 8:4-6

  • The Corinthians who want to eat the meat their accurate understanding of what they are doing makes eating the meat okay.
  • Paul agrees that their knowledge is correct, but it is not enough. They must also consider the effect of their actions on others.
  • Paul agrees while there are many things people worship as god, there is only one God and the idols are fake.
  • In 8:6 Paul highlights the different roles of God, the Father and Jesus Christ. Lord refers to Christ’s role as master and king.
  • To understand “Lord”, compare with Psalm 110:1; Luke 20:41-44; and Acts 2:34-36
  • God, the Father, is the source of all life and blessings. Jesus Christ is the means by which we receive that life and blessing.

Paraphrase

The pagans obey many lords and masters so that they can find help and blessing.  But we Christians know there is only one God, the father, and that everything comes from Him, and we Christians belong to Him alone.  And we know that there is only one Lord and master, Jesus the Messiah, and that everything that God has for us, He is giving us through Jesus because of what Jesus did for us.

7However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. 9But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. 12And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble. – 1Corinthians 8:7-13

  • By conscience, Paul means the set of ideas that I use to inform my choices is misinformed in some way. To have a “weak conscience” in this context is to have an inaccurate or incomplete understanding.
  • Paul agrees they are correct that it is okay to eat the meat, but it is more important how their actions affect others.
  • A stumbling block is that thing that I trip over and causes me to fall. In this context, it is that which causes me to leave the faith. It is not anything which might offend me.
  • The principle is that we should act out of love, seeking our brother’s best welfare — which may mean we need to offend or upset him at times.
  • We should not encourage others to participate in what they believe to be sin — even if they are wrong.

Every generation struggles with the temptation to dabble in practices that seem over the edge to their parents (playing cards, watching movies, dancing, listening to certain music, reading certain books, wearing jeans to church, drinking, swearing, etc). Paul would warn us to be very careful that our actions do not cause another to sin.

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

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21 1Corinthians 8:1-3 Knowledge makes arrogant

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21 1Corinthians 8:1-3 Knowledge makes arrogant | WednesdayintheWord.com

Paul addresses a new question: Can we eat meat sacrificed to idols? His answer gives us deep insight into the relationship between knowledge and freedom, truth and love.

Review

Paul founded the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and stayed with them about 1.5 years. Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus during his third missionary journey.  Paul is responding to a letter the Corinthians wrote him and to a verbal report he received about the situation in the church in Corinth.

In 1Corinthians 1-4, Paul responded to that verbal report.  Paul has a rather contentious relationship with the church in Corinth.  Some of they have decided that Paul does not have wisdom as they define it and have gone so far as to reject his authority as an apostle.

In 1Corinthinas 5-6, Paul rebukes them for not dealing with blatant sin in their church.

In 1Corinthians 7, Paul starts answering specific questions that the Corinthians asked him. 

In 1Corinthians 8-10, Paul answers their second question.

Situation

The Corinthians asked Paul whether or not they should eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols.  Some feel strongly that it is okay to eat such meat.  Others feel strongly that it is wrong. 

At the time Paul is writing, Corinth had various temples to a variety of pagan gods where people made offerings of meat.  Some of the the meat was burned during the offering. The rest was sold in the marketplace or in the temple dining rooms where members of the community could eat together like a restaurant. 

Before converting to Christianity, the gentile believers in Corinth participated in these temple meals and bought temple meat at the market.  Now they have come to faith, should they stop eating such meat and attending these meals? This issue is dividing the church.

Passage

8:1Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. -1Corinthians 8:1-3

  • The argument of those who feel free to participate is that they know the idols aren’t real.  This is just meat.  The fact that it was offered to an idol before it was placed on their table doesn’t change anything.  
  • Their accurate understanding of what they are doing gives them the freedom to eat the meat.
  • Paul argues that the knowledge that I am free to eat the meat is not enough.  I must also ask how my actions effect others. 
  • Paul agrees that their knowledge is correct: the idols are fake and there is nothing intrinsically wrong with eating the meat.
  • 8:1 – Paul is not dismissing knowledge in favor of love. Paul is correcting the attitude that says, I can ignore you because I know the truth.  I’m right, you’re wrong, get over it.
  • 8:2 – If anyone has that kind of arrogant knowledge, he is not yet using his knowing as God intended knowledge to be used. 
  • 8:3 – You may know about God but the one who knows God knows more than that God exists, he also strives to follow Him. 

Paraphrase

Now concerning your question regarding meat sacrificed to idols, I know that some of you are justifying your behavior by saying you know that the idols are fake.  While I will grant you the truth of that, such knowledge is not enough.  Thinking that you are superior because of your knowledge only inflates your opinion of yourself whereas love (our true calling) is intended to build up others.  If someone thinks he knows the truth, and is therefore justified in ignoring those who disagree with him and doing whatever he wants, he is not using his knowledge in the way God intends. But if anyone loves God as opposed to just knowing about God, then not only does he know god, but more importantly God knows him.

For more detail and explanation, please listen to the podcast.

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