Women in the Church: Lesson One 1 Corinthians 1-4:21

Introduction to Women in the Church

I Corinthians 1-4:21

Lesson One

Explanation:

The previous handout “Study of Women in the Church” noted the following scriptures that are most studied and controversial of studies of women in the church.  The four major scriptures studied are:

·       Eph. 5:21-33

·       I Cor. 11;2-16

·       I Cor. 14:34-35

·       I Tim. 2:9-15

·        Gal. 3:28

Of these, two are in the Corinthian letter.   It is important to understand the context of these verses and  the context of the whole letter in order to understand the intent then. Only by understanding this context and understanding God’s purpose for women can we begin to understand  the theological principles to be used  for understanding women in our culture and congregational setting.   It also provides some time for the group to be comfortable with interactive group discussion.

Group Discussion Ground Rules:

As noted previously, the study will be done using interactive group discussion.  The following are the “rules of the road” for interactive group discussion:

• Read and study beforehand
• Limit scope of the discussion to the assigned bible lesson—not the whole bible
• Immediate context of verse assigned
• Context of 1 Corinthians Next, then other writings of Paul
• Exception are references to Acts at Corinth for Exegesis
• Study without imposing our systematic theology—Be Bereans
• Be courteous
• Do not demand agreement
• In discussion, all opinions are welcome--- you may be asked to put your figure on the verse.
• In interactive group discussion, you are expected to “talk to one another”.  This means the group leader is NOT the teacher telling you what the verses mean.  Rather, he is a facilitator to guide and summarize the results of the discussion.
• If for some reason you do not wish to participate in the discussion, let the facilitator know.  You do not have too.  Otherwise you may be ( and expect to called on ) for you input. 

GENERAL EXEGESIS QUESTIONS

Exegesis is the “process of examining a text to ascertain what its first readers would have assumed it to mean.” (Biblical Interpretation”, W.Tate, Hendrickson, 1991)

Exegesis Procedure Step One:

·       What Does the Text Call Them to Do?

o   To whom is the text addressed? 

o   Identify the social setting in which these models or commands appear? 

o   What is the Context of this address in the document in which it appears?

o   Identify the meaning of the words involved in the text.

o   Identify what the text models or commands.

Exegesis Procedure Step Two:

·       Why did the text in this setting, call for this behavior

o   What rationale is present in the text

o   To what does the writer appeal as the basis of the command or behavior to model

o   What cultural factors are involved in the context?

o   Does the writer appeal to or echo any biblical text

It is noted the above questions are simply guidelines to suggest the type of questions one should ask when doing exegesis. They are NOT exhaustive, neither is the sequence necessarily best for all scripture examined.   Remember in doing exegesis, we are separated by:

·       Time

·       Language

·       Culture

·       Geography

As much is possible, we must set aside our presuppositions to try to understand what the text meant when written and received by the original recipients.

Group Discussion

I Corinthians 1-4:21

Exegesis Step One?

1.      Who wrote the letter we call 1^st Corinthians?

2.      Who specifically does the text say the letter was written to?

3.      When was the letter written?

a.      What are the clues in the text that might let us determine the date?

4.      We call this book 1 Corinthians.  Is this the first time Paul has written to the Corinthian church?

5.      According the account of Paul’s journey in Acts 18, what do we know about Paul at Corinth?

6.      How did Paul identify the Corinthian congregation? (what words or labels are used?)

7.      What is the cultural context in the city of Corinth?

a.      Where is Corinth?

b.      Why was it founded there? When founded?

c.       Who founded it and who were the primary inhabitants?

d.      What was life like in Corinth at the time of the writing

8.      What does Paul command or appeal the Corinthians to Do?

Exegesis Step Two

9.      What was the problem?

10.  What was Pauls’ argument for his appeal?

11.  What words are used in Paul’s argument describing behavior that indicate cultural is affecting behavior?

12.  What specific Corinthian cultural factors on speech and orators are pertinent?

13.  What are the specific biblical texts Paul refers to boaster his argument?

14.  With this background, what do you think was the real problem?

15.  Paul uses himself and those with him to contrast their status with how the Corinthians view themselves.  What are the contrasting images used?

16.  Paul also contrasts his ministering to them vs how he views the Corinthians ( see 3:5-17)

Conclusion:

A.     What was the problem?

B.      What did he call them to do?

C.      Why did he call them to do this?