1 Corinthians 8-16

Notes compiled from my BSF group


1 Corinthians 8–9


A few principles mentioned in this passage include...


1. An idol is nothing but man-made things. God is the ONLY ONE true God (1 Corinthians 8:1-3).


2. As Christians living in the world where there are many other religions and their “gods”, we know that those are false gods. We know that only Jesus Christ is our Lord, through whom all things came and through whom we live (1 Corinthians 8:4-6).


3. However, not everyone sees or understands this Truth. 


These people still worship the idols, because it is part of their culture or background. For example, some people still eat certain foods or worship with certain foods all thinking this would satisfy their gods or bring them closer to their gods (1 Corinthians 8:7). Paul described the minds of these people as weak, and because of their weak conscience, their minds are defiled and remain defiled. Paul says “defiled”, because they do not see the truth and continue to believe in things that are not real. Worse, these things are the manipulations of Satan, and by not believing in the one true God, they are trapped by Satan’s deceptions. And because their minds are weak and cannot see what they’re doing is wrong, they have been led astray by Satan, therefore becoming defiled.


4. Materialistic things, such as food, do not dictate how close we are to God (1 Corinthians 8:8).


5. Even though Christians know the truth, we need to be careful how we tell people about the truth.


Paul said, “If what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall” (1 Corinthians 8:13). This is to illustrate that as a Christian, we should be supportive of those around us. We should help them find God’s way, and avoid doing things that would cause them to falter. Even if what we do is the right thing to do, we should avoid doing it if it confuses other people, causing them to do the wrong thing.


Zondervan NIV footnote:


8:12 wound their weak conscience. Eating meat offered to idols when they feel it is wrong tends to blunt their consciences, so that doing what is wrong becomes much easier. The result may be moral tragedy. you sin against Christ. Cf. Mt 10:40; 18:5; Mk 9:37; Lk 9:48; Ro 14:15 and note; 14:19-20.


8:13 I will never eat meat again. Paul presents himself as an example for the church (cf. Ro 14:21).


As Christians, we know there is no meaning in bowing down to other gods, because those gods have no meaning. Worse, some of those gods are demonic in origin. However, many cultures still bow down to these gods because it has been passed down for generations.


I think it is necessary for Christians to share the Truth with these people, but we need to be sensitive. These traditions, even if they are wrong, are still an important part of these people’s lives, and we need to understand that. I like what my pastor said about this important issue. We are not saying what our ancestors have been doing for thousands of years is wrong. We are saying the gods they have been idolizing are false idols.


Instead of telling people how wrong they are, we need to communicate with them and reason with compassion. People get very attached to cultural values, especially when it is deeply integrated in their society. We need to be sensitive to that and let them know that we still have respect for our ancestors, but we cannot have a weak mind and give in to doing things that we know are wrong.


Those who are weak cannot see the truth by themselves. We need to be stronger for them and make sure what we do help them see the truth, as opposed to pushing them away.




1 Corinthians 9


Paul did not stand on his right to receive financial support from the Corinthians because, as Christians, “we put up with anything rather than hinder the Gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12). In other words, there are many things Paul should be able to freely do, but he doesn’t, because he knows that if he does, it would cause other people to falter and prevent the spreading of the Gospel. And as a disciple of Christ, we know that the most important thing we have to do in this life is to spread the Word, therefore we need to know that it’s not about us being right. It’s about us preaching the Gospel so that it can be heard by everyone.


Examples of how Paul was willing to be supportive to help more people hear the Gospel:


"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).


Zondervan NIV footnote


9:11 material harvest. Food, lodging and pay supplied by the Corinthians (cf. Gal 6:6). Paul here sets forth the principle that those who serve the church should be supported by the church (cf. Php 4:14-19).


9:12 did not use this right. The point of Paul's discussion in ch. 9. He had numerous rights that he did not claim because of his love for the Corinthians. Thus ch.9 is an extended personal illustration of the practice advocated in ch. 8. Because of love for others, believers should be ready to surrender their rights (see Ro 14:15 and note).


9:15 this boast. That he had preached the gospel without charge, so that they could not say that they had paid him for it.


9:18 my reward ... in preaching the gospel. Paul's reward in preaching is not material things but the boasting that he has preached to the Corinthians without charge and has not taken advantage of the rights he deserves: food and drink, shelter and pay (vv.3_12).


9:19 I make myself a slave to everyone. Not only did Paul not use his right to material support in preaching the gospel but he also deprived himself - curtailed his personal privileges and social and religious rights - in dealing with different kinds of people. to win. To bring to Christ.




1 Corinthians 9:19–27


Paul said, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26).


Paul is comparing the Christian life to running a race. Just like athletes who train before a race, we, too, need to train hard (that is, to diligently study and LIVE the Word). 


Athletes race to win medals, but Christians train hard to remain on God’s Way for eternal life in God’s glory.


We, too, therefore should keep our eyes on our eternal life. We should not be distracted in our focus on Jesus. When we are weak, we should seek God for nourishment. God will strengthen us so that we can continue our walk as Christians.




1 Corinthians 10–11


Sins of Israel:


1 Corinthians 10:7 = They committed idolatry (Exodus 32:6)


1 Corinthians 10:8 = They committed sexual immorality (Numbers 25:1-9)


1 Corinthians 10:9 = They tested Christ (Numbers 21:5-6)


1 Corinthians 10:10 = They grumbled (Numbers 16:41-49)


Additionally, the Book of Isaiah summarizes the sins of Israelites really well.


We are tempted to commit these each day by Satan’s deceptions.


However, if we place our faith in God, He will guide us through any temptation, for we have been told, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This means with God guiding us, we can overcome any temptation of this world.




1 Corinthians 10:23, 31–33


Principles shared are...


1. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial nor constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23).


2. Whatever we do, we should do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).


Do things not for the sake of yourself, but for te sake of many, so that they may be saved (1 Co 10:33).


Zondervan NIV footnote:


10:23 not everything is constructive. See 6:12 and note. Personal freedom and desire for one's rights are not the only considerations. One must also consider "the good of others" (v. 24; cf. 8:1; Gal 6:2).


10:31 all for the glory of God. The all-inclusive principle that governs the discussion in chs. 8-10 is that God should be glorified in everything the Christian does (see note on Ro 16:27).


10:32 Do not cause anyone to stumble. Living to glorify God will result in doing what is beneficial for others, whether Christians ("the church of God") or non-Christians ("Jews, Greeks").


10:33 please everybody in every way. Paul will do nothing that might hinder someone else from receiving the salvation proclaimed in his gospel. that they may be saved. See 9:22.




1 Corinthians 11:1–16


In a Christian household, the head of the house is man (1 Corinthaians 11:2). The man and woman are equal partners, for neither the man nor woman is independent of each other (1 Corinthians 11:11). We are all a part of the body of Christ and have our own duties to fulfill. Let us accomplish our tasks with no contention is this order of authority, for this is God's order, and everything we have comes from God (1 Corinthians 11:12). If we are contentious about it, then we can no longer do God’s will.


Zondervan NIV footnote:


11:3 Some understand the term "head" to refer primarily to the concept of honor, in that one's physical head is the seat of one's honor (cf. vv. 4-5). Thus as Christ honored God, each man is to honor Christ, and each woman is to honor her husband. Others see in the word "head" the idea of authority (which would also include the concept of honor). They point out that Paul clearly uses the term in the sense of authority in Eph 1:21-22 ("under his feet"; "head over everything"), in Eph 5:22-23 (where headship is seen in a context of submission) and in Col 1:18; 2:10. Thus as Christ has authority over "every man" and is therefore to be honored by them, so the husband holds a position of authority and is therefore to be honored by his wife. See note on 15:28.


The passage spoke about women needing to cover their heads with hair. This was because back then, only prostitutes would shave her head. Paul is using this as an example to show what ungodly women dress like. This doesn’t mean women who shave their heads are committing a sin. Paul is just using current events as vivid symbols.


The idea here is doing God’s will in a Godly manner. Whatever order has been set by God, we need to abide by that and have no complaints.




1 Corinthians 11:17–34


As we take Communion, we need to remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. On the night Jesus knew it would be His last, He told His disciples that when we break bread, we should do it in remembrance of Him, of how He broke His body for us. Similarly, as we drink from the cup of wine, we should also drink it in remembrance of Jesus, the wine representing the blood Jesus shed for us. Every time we take Communion, we are reminded again of the sacrifice of Jesus, dying on the cross for us, to wash us clean of sins, understanding at the same time that Jesus will come back for us, giving us eternal life (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).


Paul further said that, “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27).


Lastly, I really like what Paul said here, “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment” (1 Corinthians 11:31). It is always easier to judge others. But then, what of it? After we judge others, what changes can take place? That accomplishes nothing more than aggravating other people. However, if we judge ourselves with God’s Word, we can discipline ourselves to become better Christians. And this is so much more beneficial, because when we stand in front of God on Judgment Day, we would know that we are disciplined.




1 Corinthians 12–14
Romans 10:9–10
Galatians 3:26–28


When we claim, with our heart, that Jesus is Lord, we have the Holy Spirit in us (1 Corinthians 12:3). With our heart, we believe, and we are justified, we have received Jesus’s gift of Salvation. With our mouth, we proclaim our faith, and we are saved, because we proclaim the truth flowing only from the Holy Spirit (Romans 10:9-10)


Every Christian should be active in some way, because we are all granted with our own gift in the Holy Spirit. We all have talents that contribute differently in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). We can’t all be heads or arms or legs. We each have our own role, and we need to contribute to ensure proper function of the whole body. This is why Paul said, “God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).


God is love. John said that, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). And Jesus also taught us the most important thing is to love God (Matthew 22:37). From these passages, we learn that love of God (which gives off love for God and love from God) is the root of all our actions. Furthermore, note that Satan can also perform miraculous signs. But, it is very evident that he has no love of God, and his fate is Hell. This, I believe is the best illustration of what Paul is saying, that if we do things without the love of God, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).




1 Corinthians 14


Several principles about the use of spiritual gifts in the church:


- Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1).


- He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified (1 Corinthians 14:5)


- I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind (1 Corinthians 14:16).


- Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22).


- When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church (1 Corinthians 14:26).


- Women should remain silent in the churches (1 Corinthians 14:34).


See http://aletheia-seekers.blogspot.com/2011/04/womens-place-in-spiritual-leadership.html for elaboration.

- Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40).


Zondervan NIV footnote:


14:1-5 The basic principle Paul insists on is that whatever is done in the church must contribute to the edification (building up) of the body. This is in keeping with the declaration in 12:7 that gifts are "given for the common good." It also is in agreement with the principle of love (ch. 13). What is spoken in the church, then, must be intelligible - it must be spoken in the vernacular language or at least be interpreted in the vernacular. Prophecy is therefore more desirable than tongues (unless an interpreter is present) because prophecy is spoken in the native language of the listeners.


14:26-27 everyone ... anyone ... someone. The stress here is again on the diversity and yet complementary nature of spiritual gifts. It is also apparent that every member could participate in worship, not just certain leaders or officers.




1 Corinthians 15:1–10


After Jesus rose from the dead, He made at least 6 different appearances:
1. to Peter
2. to the 12 Apostles
3. to more than 500 brothers
4. James
5. to all the apostles
6. to Paul




1 Corinthians 15:3–4


The 3 basic Christian beliefs are:


1. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3)


2. Christ was buried according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4)


3. Christ was raised from the dead on the 3rd day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4)


The reason why Christians have Good News (the Gospels) to share with the world is because Jesus conquered death. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, Christianity would be no different than any other religion. It would be just another religion teaching us how to be morally good people with no promise of better things to come after our physical death.


The following verses, Paul discusses why this is:


“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:14-15).


“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).




1 Corinthians 15:23–28


The order of events from Christ’s resurrection until God is all in all:


1. Christ comes for those who belong to him (Rapture) (1 Corinthians 15:23)


2. The end of the days comes to destroy Satan and his followers (including those who refuse to accept God’s Grace) (1 Corinthians 15:24)


3. Christ reigns until all of His enemies are under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25)




1 Corinthians 15:35–58


When we die as believers of Christ, God will resurrect us in our new bodies. Each body would be unique and corresponds to the Will of God that God has for each one of us (1 Corinthians 15:35-38).


Therefore, our heavenly bodies are different from earthly bodies; the splendor of the heavenly bodies is different from the splendor of the earthly bodies (1 Co 15:40).


Paul said, “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).




1 Corinthians 15:51–57


If we’re still alive when Jesus Christ returns, we will not die a physical death. Instead, we will be changed, from mortal to immortal, in the twinkling of an eye. When the last trumpet of God’s judgment sounds, those who died as believers in Christ will rise from the dead first, receiving their new bodies. Then, those still living and are believers of Christ will immediate change into their new bodies.


The living believers will not die but will be changed instantly from perishable/mortal to imperishable/immortal.


The dead believers will also be raised imperishable/immortal.


Thus, death will be conquered, as prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 25:8).


(However, all unbelievers will perish. Therefore, the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.)




1 Corinthians 15:57–16:24


All Christians should know that our King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, is a LIVING God. He was put to death, but He conquered death through His resurrection. This is why we have hope for our sins. Because Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead, we have the confidence that through Him, we are made righteous in the eyes of God. We, too, may receive eternal life after the death of our physical body. Christ is alive now and is preparing a place for us in Heaven. That is the Good News. Our King is a LIVING God!


Some of the things we should always keep in our heart are...


- Receive the gift of salvation that God has given to everyone.


- Give thanks always for everything to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:57).


- Stand firm in faith. Let nothing move us (1 Corinthians 15:58).


- Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).


- Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13).


- Do everything in love (1 Co 16:14).


- Submit to one another in the fear of Christ (1 Corinthians 16:15-16).