HIS Word for HIS Day

  Footnotes 9:1   As implied by the perfect active indicative. Paul has seen the Lord, but the effects of that “seeing” continue on in full force (i.e., “I continue to have him in my sight”). 9:1   These four forceful rhetorical questions are emphatic in the Greek construction, which means they each demand an answer in the affirmative. Although some commentators view these four questions as qualifications of an apostle, there is no indication that this is indeed the purpose of his questions. Paul is defending his apostleship, not listing qualifications of apostles. The seven arguments he makes in defense of his apostleship are the following:    (1) He enjoys freedom from all bondage, both from the world and religion (v.  1 ). (2) He had face-to-face encounters with Jesus (v.  1 ;  15:8 ). (3) The formation of the church of Corinth validates his apostleship (vv.  1–2 ;  Acts 18 ). (4) His unselfish lifestyle resulted in not demanding to b...

  Footnotes 8:1   Or “we all have knowledge.” 8:1   That is, knowledge may make a person look important, but it is only through love that we reach our full maturity. It is simply “Love builds up.” It builds up our lives, our churches, our families, and others. Love is the most powerful substance for building what will last forever. 8:3   Explicit in the Aramaic and implied in the Greek, which can also be translated, “is known [acknowledged] by God.” 8:4   See  Deut. 6:4 . 8:10   Or “have his conscience built up.” Ironically, this is the same Greek word Paul used in v.  1  for love “builds up.” The implication is that the weak believer will be emboldened to violate his conscience by watching a more mature believer freely eating food offered to idols. 8:11   This is because the “freedom” of the mature could lead the immature believer back into what he feels is idol worship. 8:12   That is, “They bring an offense against the teachings ...

  Footnotes 7:1   Or “not to marry.” The Aramaic can be translated “It is proper for a husband not to have intimacy with his wife at times.” Paul now responds to a series of questions posed by the church of Corinth. 7:2   Or “because of immoralities” or “because of prostitutions.” 7:3   The Aramaic (and a few of the oldest Greek manuscripts) can be translated “The husband should pay back the love he owes to his wife and the wife to her husband.” 7:5   Some later manuscripts add “and fasting.” 7:5   Or “[lack of] self-control.” 7:6   Or “concession.” There are at least two ways this could be interpreted: (1) Paul is saying that to be married is advisable but not commanded. This seems the most likely because of v.  7 . (2) Paul is referring to the preceding paragraph, especially regarding the advice of abstinence during seasons of prayer. 7:7   The Aramaic can be translated “I wish that all humanity lived in purity as I do.” It is possible that...

  Footnotes 5:1–2   Or “pagans” (gentiles). 5:1–2   Or “his father’s wife.” This incestuous relationship was forbidden by the law. See  Lev. 18:8 . The sin is more than the illicit acts of this unnamed man, but the tolerance of a church that refused to correct and deal with the sin in their midst. Indeed, this chapter implies that the church was somewhat smug and arrogant (“puffed up”) over conduct that violated sensibility. 5:4   God had given Paul exceptional ability to have his spirit present, along with the power of God, in their meetings together. 5:5   Satan means “accusing adversary.” When one is put out of the fellowship of the church family, the accuser has access to harass and oppress. There is a blessed protection in the fellowship of God’s people, for the Lord is present with us when we gather in his name. 5:5   Or “Turn this man over to Satan for the destruction of your fleshly works so that your spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord....

  Footnotes 4:1   Paul uses an unusual Greek word,  huperetes , which means “subordinate” or “personal assistant.” The compound word  huperetes  literally means “under-rowers,” and it is used in classical Greek to describe those who sit on benches in the lower parts of the ship rowing. Apostolic ministry does not mean that an apostle is seen as important and in first place, but as one who will often be in a hidden role of moving a church and region forward as a subordinate of our captain, Jesus Christ. 4:1   Or “stewards” (“estate managers,” “trustees”). Paul is here referring to the apostles who helped establish and set in order the church at Corinth. 4:4   Both here and in v.  5 , the Aramaic can be translated “Lord Yahweh.” 4:5   The Aramaic can be translated “He will pour light upon the hidden things of darkness.” 4:5   The clear inference is that God will bring to light the secret motives of love, faithfulness, righteousness, kindne...

  Footnotes 3:2   This “milk” would include the basic teachings of our faith. Even so, every newborn needs milk to survive and be sustained. See  1 Peter 2:2 . The more advanced teachings Paul describes are spiritual “solid food”—something we can “sink our teeth into” and look for deeper meaning in. 3:4   Apollos was a brilliant, educated Alexandrian Jew and a follower of John the Baptizer. While in Ephesus, Apollos met Priscilla and Aquila, who directed him into deeper teachings of Christ ( Acts 18:24–26 ). Apparently the church of Corinth was deeply divided and in need of wisdom and unity. 3:4   Or “Are you [merely] men?” 3:9   Workers have different gifts and abilities, but true growth of God’s kingdom is through divine power. No one is a superstar; we are all members on God’s team. 3:9   See  Gen. 2:8 ;  Song. 4:12–16 . 3:10   Or “grace” (for the task). 3:10   Or “wise, first-class architect.” We would say in today’s Englis...

  Footnotes 2:1   Or “brothers.” 2:1   As translated from the Aramaic. Some Greek manuscripts have “testimony.” Paul, as a steward of the mysteries of God ( 1 Cor. 4:1 ), comes to them bringing a clear revelation of God’s mysteries. The Greek word  mustērion  (secret, or mystery) is found twenty-eight times in the New Testament. 2:2   Paul could have easily impressed the Corinthians with his vast knowledge of the Torah and the Jewish laws. But he was resolved to forget every other topic and stay focused on Christ and his cross. He wanted the power of the Spirit to work through his singular message. 2:3   As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “I was with you in fear and trembling.” 2:3   Paul was not simply filled with dread or fear, but filled with how important it was to present the gospel clearly to the Corinthians. See also  2 Cor. 10:10 ;  11:6 . 2:6   Or “those who have reached perfection.” The Greek term for “...