Tag: paul

  • Death Put Under the Authority of God —Resurrection — in Order

    Death Put Under the Authority of God —Resurrection — in Order

    For God has put everything under his feet.

    1 Corinthians 15:27a CSB

    How can this include DEATH?

    Is death not the antithesis of LIFE —decay into deep darkness the defeat of created man?

    How can the resurrection of the dead — even those martyred in Christ — take place?

    The Apostle Paul continues to address the concerns of the Corinthian church putting all things in order and now addressing THE END.


    The Order of Resurrection

    The apostle to the gentiles (Hellenists, that is, Greeks including Corinthians) began his logical argument with
    The Fact of Christ’s Resurrection and logically continued to connect those facts.

    LAST TIME, we ended with Paul’s astounding opening statement about death and resurrection about an ORDER of the Resurrection:

    Then comes the end…

    1 Corinthians 15:24a CSB


    I stumbled over it. Do you?

    THE END…

    Isn’t DEATH, after all, the end?

    And in the end
    The love you take
    Is equal to the love
    You make…

    “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
    All good children go to heaven…
    Everybody’s laughing
    Everybody’s happy
    Here come the Sun King…

    Of course, we all have much anti-Christ philosophy replaying in the mortal minds of our imaginings (it isn’t hard to do..).


    The cultural challenges of the resurrection were no less for Paul and the Corinthians than the Promethean philosophical objections of the 20th century and this Common Era.


    AGAIN, as we first addressed in the Facts: 

    Cultural ‘science‘ of Promethean Logic

    Prometheus, in Greek religion, one of the Titans, the supreme trickster, and a god of fire. His intellectual side was emphasized by the apparent meaning of his name, Forethinker. In common belief he developed into a master craftsman, and in this connection he was associated with fire and the creation of mortals.

    Source: Britannica

    Perhaps they also hope against hope that these things aren’t really so..

    in a self-deceived way..

    the problem here is not merely cognitive..

    but.. Promethean…

    from WARRANTED CHRISTIAN BELIEF PP290-294

    NO – Death is NOT ‘The End.’

    The Apostle Paul will address this — DEATH and its threats did not phase him and should not prevent those possibly facing martyrdom for claiming Jesus Christ and the resurrection to the crowds of Corinth.

    What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus?

    If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

    1 Corinthians 15:32 ESV

    Paul has emphasized order in worship and now, the Apostle even presents an order in the resurrection of the dead, rather than random godless chaos without form.


    1 Corinthians 15:

    King James Version 

    For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

    1 Cor 15:3-4 KJV

    But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

    v. 20

    AND what were the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Twelve sent to some with the Gospel?


    The Fruit of Faith (an illustration from a parable of Jesus)

    And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

    But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

    from Gospel of Luke 12:19-20 KJV

    And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:

    Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

    Gospel of Luke 12:4-5 KJV – Jesus on death and judgment

    Some foreboding in our Lord's call to stand up to death — is there not?

    Saul of Tarsus & the fearless witness of Paul

    When Paul had met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, Christ’s new apostle to the gentiles came to understand the reality of WHY those Saul had previously persecuted and killed had not changed their testimony — even as these saints of Ephesus or Corinth faced mortal death.

    (And remember Stephen as he was stoned to death in Jerusalem?)

    Just three or four years after he writes to the Corinthians, Paul also will witness the resurrection to King Herod Agrippa II, hearing his case brought by the Jews until Paul appeals to Caesar.

    Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

    Acts of the Apostles 26:22-23 NKJV


    Christ the firstfruits of Resurrection

    For as in Adam all die, even so 

    in Christ shall all be made alive.

    But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

    1 Corinthians 15:22-23 KJV


    WHAT AN ILLUSTRATON! — āḏām [man – אָדָם] — made in the image of God — now mortal and re-destined to dust — in Christ (and Christ alone) redeemed and revived from DEATH — death, common to every creature made alive for a time by God.

    Let me explain the REIGN of Christ, Paul reasons:

    Once again, in the more AUTHORITIVE-sounding King James Version, let's examine Paul's text in words provoking push-back from Christians unaccustomed to such absolute authority of a most-powerful King. 

    Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father;

    when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

    For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

    1 Corinthians 15:24-25 KJV


    IS this the JESUS we know?

    Afterward —The Whole Harvest

    At the same time the wicked shall rise also. But they are not taken here into the account.

    v. 23

    Then — After the resurrection and the general judgment. Cometh the end — Of the world..

    When he shall have delivered up the kingdom to the Father, and he (the Father) shall have abolished all adverse rule, authority and power — Not that the Father will then begin to reign without the Son, nor will the Son then cease to reign…

    But this is spoken of the Son’s mediatorial kingdom.. which will then commence.

    John Wesley; Parallel Commentary on the NEW TESTAMENT, p.580

    John Wesley provides explanation and delineation of the roles of the Father and of the Son — in the time between the resurrection of ALL the dead and prior to the Judgment — and until the end.


    The King James Bible Commentary provides additional insight into Paul's explanation to the Corinthians of the end time.

    ” The logic is inescapable.

    KJB Commentary on 1 COR 15:14 , p.1496

    If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain.

    The proclamation of the Gospel (vs.1-11) is hollow. Not only that, but your faith is .. ‘groundless.’

    Faith in a dead saviour is both preposterous and pathetic.

    ibid.

    Much in the way Wesley's explanation of 'Who does what?' helps us, the KJB commentary also guides our understanding of the order of THE END [vs.23-26]. 

    The end refers to he end of the kingdom of God. At that time he will have put down all rule.

    27-28 .. However two facts must be accounted for here:

    • First, when Paul say s that the Son is subject to the Father he is not speaking of the Son in terms of his essence, but in terms of his function, or ministry, as the incarnate Son.
    • Second.. At this present time the administration of the messianic kingdom is given to the Son.
      • However, at the conclusion of the messianic kingdom this function will be returned to the triune God that God may be all in all.

    ibid.


    WE don’t trust God, because of many who have claimed God — or Christ Jesus — in ways worthy of our suspicion.

    Roger@TalkofJesus.com

    The Apostle Paul is trying to show the Corinthians (and us) something about the order of God we do not understand, as well as the Authority all flesh tends to resist.


    ὑποτάσσω – ‘Put under’ (in order)

    Believe only Scripture and an order of the resurrection makes sense in the redemptive providential plan of God.

    Misapply portions of the Gospel or add an oversimplified imagined LIFE after death without consequence for opposing God and your gospel claims will prove false — Promethean in the sense that you know that it can NOT be true (but you continue to hope that it is).

    Take a look at the Biblical use of the word — hypotassō — primarily a military term that Paul uses NINE TIMES here IN TWO VERSES:

    1 Corinthians 15:25-28 For He must reign…

    v.26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

    For he hath put G5293 all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under G5293 him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put G5293 all things under G5293 him.

    And when all things shall be subdued G5293 unto him, then shall G5293 the Son also himself be subject G5293 unto him that put G5293 all things under G5293 him, that God may be all in all.

    1 Corinthians 15:27-28 KJV — Lexicon :: Strong’s G5293 – hypotassō


    How does New Testament Scripture use this term [ὑποτάσσω]?

    • to arrange under, to subordinate
    • to subject, put in subjection
    • to subject one’s self, obey
    • to submit to one’s control
    • to yield to one’s admonition or advice
    • to obey, be subject
    Personally, most of us (including Christians) do not like any part of this kind of order. 

    Let every soul be subject G5293 unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

    Romans 13:1 KJV

    How are YOU, dear saint of Christ, doing with that?

    YES, the Apostle Paul — put under Christ — obediently presents the resurrection of the body in order.

    NEXT, he will talk about the resurrection body. And shortly Paul will urge the saints of Corinth to submit to those who have labored with the Apostle bringing forth the firstfruits of Achaia [16:15-16].


    What do you think?

    (logically and Biblically, of course) about the order of DEATH and the Resurrection?

    Are you prepared to die daily (along with Paul) for the Lord Christ Jesus?

    Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel

  • And Now the News – Resurrection of the Dead

    And Now the News – Resurrection of the Dead

    Paul first establishes the indisputable facts of the Resurrection of Christ supported by evidence.


    the Logic of Christ’s Resurrection

    The FACTS established, now the Apostle to the Gentiles must convince believing Corinthians influenced by cultural ‘scientists of Promethean logic‘ about the truth of the nature of the resurrection of the dead.

    • How can worshippers of myths — a myriad of made-up gods and goddesses — purport LOGIC as truth?
    • How can we present the resurrection of the dead as truth rather than myth (upon which Greek religion tenuously stands)?

    This is Paul’s cultural challenge — and ours.


    Resurrection is Key to the Gospel

    Even Jerusalem’s Sadducees denied the truth and evidence of the resurrection.

    Certainly many Greek worshippers of pagan gods held philosophies allowing the evil of the body to coexistence with a soul (hopefully) worthy of heaven.

    Paul had encountered such opposition in Athens just before he arrived in Corinth to preach.

    Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked...

    Acts of the Apostles 17:32a

    Easter or Resurrection Sunday is the day the tomb of Jesus is found empty and when the risen Messiah appears risen after His crucifixion on a Corss

    Note that this mocking at mention of the resurrection is similar to that in Jerusalem at the time many Jews received the Holy Spirit.

    They believe these things, but hate them; and they also hate God.

    WARRANTED CHRISTIAN BELIEF P.291

    Is it not so? Hasn’t this hatred of God also been your experience simply at the mention of Jesus Christ?

    Pagan ridicule of the resurrection provides false evidence to their Promethean proofs justifying the sins their flesh-indulged minds.

    This was the challenge of the Apostle Paul in A.D. 55, as it is ours in this Common Era of indulgent inclusion.


    IF Christ is risen..

    Paul has established the indisputable facts of the bodily death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now he continues in his key logic of the gospel of resurrection of the body and spirit.

    1 Corinthians 15: –

    “.. this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

    1 COR 15:11b BSB

    : RESURRECTION IS: CERTAIN (15:1-34)


    Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead,

    how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

    1 Cor 15:12 ESV

    Paul now addresses those believing doubters of the resurrection influenced by the surrounding pagan culture.

    The Apostle follows a step-by-step logical argument:

    But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.

    1 Cor 15:13 ESV

    These logical Greek Corinthians hear the argument of the Pharisee (Saul of Tarsus) refuting the unbelieving Sadducees.

    — AND Paul has just presented the FACTS and evidence that Christ was raised from the grave after His crucifixion.

    And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

    1 Cor 15:14 ESV


    SO — You are a follower of The Way – a saint of your local church…

    WHY THEN did we preach Christ to you and your fellow saints?

    Is your faith in a myth just vanity?

    And Paul continues rhetorically challenging the veracity of his own preaching of the Christ and Jesus' resurrection from DEATH on a Roman cross in Judea.

    The apostle of this gospel self-convicts in this alternative scenario concluding:

    We are even found to be misrepresenting God,

    because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.

    1 Cor 15:15 ESV

    Heresy!

    What is the Apostle’s proposition?

    YOU — Corinthians — (and YOU, Common Era questioners) — must judge the TRUTH of the RESURRECTION of the dead based on the FACTS & EVIDENCE that the Lord Jesus Christ was the first man raised from death for your sins.

    Why do I make the bold point that this  would be HERESY? 

    Other translations provide a more pointed translation of the Greek that may help us understand the seriousness of Paul's alternative false proposition.

    εὑρισκόμεθα δὲ καὶ ψευδομάρτυρες

    v.15a Moreover we are even found [in a legal sense] to be false witnesses [pseudomartys] of God..

    [This would be false testimony against Almighty God, certainly punishable by death of the mortal body and punishment of their immortal soul.]

    HERESY – αἵρεσις – hairesis

    But the Corinthian saints know that Paul has NOT chosen himself over GOD [Theos].

    The Apostle, however, continues down this logical path of its false-reasoning conclusion.

    Now to the Apostle’s logical connection:

    For if the dead are not raised,
    not even Christ has been raised.

    1 Cor 15:16 ESV
    (Paul has already opened his argument to the court of logic with Christ's resurrection.)

    Then those also who have fallen asleep [koimaō  a metaphor for death] in Christ have perished [ἀπόλλυμι – .apollymi].

    1 Cor 15:18

    The Perishing Promethean Heretics

    Paul, in providing a clear choice to those who trust in the Way and Truth and Life of Christ, offers a clear logical choice.

    The Apostle had opened his Epistle to the Corinthians clearly stating:

    For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing G622,

    but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written,

    “I WILL DESTROY G622 THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,

    AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”

    1 Corinthians 1:18-19 LSB – Paul, citing Old Testament Scripture


    “Where is the one who is wise?

    Paul had rhetorically asked in the opening of this epistle [1 Cor 1:20].

    νυνί – now, at this very moment

    NOW Paul continues in the only logical conclusion: :

    But now [at this very moment] is Christ risen from the dead

    1 Corinthians 15:20a – KJV [def. Gk. νυνί]

    The Apostle here is emphatic in his belief proclaimed in his closing.

    “But in fact..,” “At this very moment..,” “And now..,

    Christ hath risen out of the dead,” read just a few English translations of Paul’s logical Greek argument.

    Then Paul proclaims the benefits of Christ’s resurrection applied to the death of those in Christ.

    Christ’s resurrection + the firstfruits

    But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…

    .. Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

    1 Cor 15:20,23b ESV

    Between Paul’s representation of the resurrection of Christ and resurrections of ‘those who belong to Christ’ — (faithful saints of the Church redeemed in Him) — the Apostle points back once more to original sin and the source of death replacing eternal life with God.

    Jacob de Baker Garden of Eden

    For as in Adam all die…


    Paul proclaims:

    But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

    For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

    For as in Adam all die,

    even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

    1 Cor 15:20-22 KJV


    IN ADAM… ALL DIE.

    IN ABRAHAM & JACOB.. ALL DIE.

    IN MOSES ALL DIE

    and IN DAVID… ALL DIE!



    Good NEWS of the Resurrection of the DEAD - To be continued... 

  • Propriety in Worship of the Church – 1 Corinthians 14

    Propriety in Worship of the Church – 1 Corinthians 14

    Paul wanted his churches to exhibit a modesty and propriety recognized by the surrounding culture, especially in worship.

    (1 Corinthians 14)

    THE BAKER ILLUSTRATED BIBLE COMMENTARY P.1303

    An Overview of Paul’s Epistle

    Most outlines of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians include what we are about to read next under a smaller heading of ‘spiritual gifts’ or ‘the gifts of tongues and prophesy’ as part of a larger section of the epistle — as a conclusion of the previous chapters.

    Remember that like our letters to anyone it had no chapters.

    Without returning to my original introduction to 1 Corinthians, I would like to point to these larger points of Paul’s letter here:

    1 Corinthians
    • Response to their questions [chaps. 7-16]
    • Recommendation of others & closing

    One of the central cultural issues of propriety and order the Apostle has addressed in response to several Corinthian questions is that of the role of women.

    Within the Apostle’s response to the Corinthian elders some of these issues include:

    * Immorality in the Church (5:1–6:20)

    These issues applied to men certainly affect all women. 
    • But actually, I wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.
      • 1 Cor 5:2
    • Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body.
      • 1 Cor 6:18

    Marriage in the Church (7:1–40)

    • 3 A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband.
    • 10 To the married I give this command — not I, but the Lord — a wife is not to leave her husband.

    Liberty in the Church (8:1–11:1)

    This section ends with Paul's personal example: 

    Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.

    AND — (as introduction to our current larger section of his epistle) — the Apostle continues by encouraging those who have done so.

    Worship in the Church (11:2–14:40)

    Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

    3 But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ.

    – 1 Corinthians 11:2-3 CSB

    Intro to Apostolic instructions about Head Coverings

    • Roles of Men and Women in the Church (11:2–16)
    • The Lord’s Supper (11:17–34)
    • Spiritual Gifts (12:1–14:40)


    The Context of Worship – A.D. 55 or 2025 CE

    As you can see, the Apostle has introduced this smaller section of his letter about spiritual gifts in the context of worship

    AND that he has already addressed some of the roles of men and of women who worship the Lord Jesus Christ as the Apostle has ‘delivered‘the traditions’ to them.


    What is propriety?

    • for a first century Corinthian
    • or (for example) a 21st c. Cincinnatian
    Lady with blue and gilt garment, fan and sun hat, from Tanagra - 4c. BC

    This photo next to the BAKER commentary for 1 Corinthians 14 got my attention to focus back on

    the propriety and modesty of a classic Corinthian woman. 

    Propriety – conformity in socially acceptable conduct and speech, appropriateness, fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior especially between the sexes.

    source

    In light of this, consider propriety from the earlier BAKER quote.

    At Corinth he [Paul] was particularly concerned about women’s reputation. For women modest draped clothing with a head covering was common. (see 1 Corinthians 11:2-16),

    as seen here in a sculpture from 300 BC (Tanagra, Greece)

    ibid.


    Here is more background on the culture of Corinth named for a goddess descended from the Greek Titans [also pictured on our cover to this post].

    In Greek mythology, Tethys was Consort of Oceanus, father of the river gods and goddesses including a Greek goddess who founded Corinth named Ephyra.

    The Greeks and Romans honored many gods and goddesses of culture and worshipped these with some order and propriety, while worship of others included temple prostitutes, so much debauchery and excess witnessed in festive celebrations.

    (Sound familiar, 21st c. christian?)

    Yet the modesty of a proper woman is important to the Corinthians, both men and women, thus the Apostle’s insistence on the propriety of head-coverings in worship of the church.


    What’s allowed in proprietary worship of God?

    1 Corinthians 14:

    Concerning Prophesy and Tongues

    Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.

    .. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

    .. — since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church.

    13Therefore the person who speaks in a tongue should pray that he can interpret.


    Who’s in charge?

    Using several references from Paul's letters to the Corinthians in "DIVINE PROVIDENCE," STEPHEN CHARNOCK [pub. AD 1680, updated 2022] provides us with a helpful overview of the Apostle's thinking: 

    The edification of the church is the great end that we are commanded to work toward:

    Stephen Charnock – DIVINE PROVIDENCE, p.146

    Since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.”

    1 Cor, 14:13 – ibid.


    Then, under the heading 'The Gifts and Common Grace of Bad Men and Women' Charnock addresses Paul's order of propriety mentioned in this and other epistles. 

    God is the giver of gifts, Christ is the governor of those gifts, and all is for your sake.

    ibid.

    I find this particularly helpful.

    Think of it:

    God the Father (or because of their Oneness in substance, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) — who created ALL things —

    charges CHRIST (Jesus, the Person of the Son of Man and Son of God) — THE CORNERSTONE of the Church — as its governor

    with perfect distribution of the gifts to the church — gifts that GOD has given to the church for the LORD’s divine purpose for the sake of those chosen before creation to worship him .


    Now think of Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares for this next one: 

    There are some husks that come up among men and women, and God uses them to shelter the church in common works, and he [GOD] restrains these men and women through the knowledge of Christ.

    God gives gifts to them out of love for his church, not out of love for them.

    DIVINE PROVIDENCE, P.147

    Get a grip on this: it’s not about YOU — God’s love is about HIS CHURCH.

    REMEMBER, what the Apostle has just written?

    • IF I [do any of so many things]
    • BUT have NOT [agape {love}]
    • I am nothing
    • and I gain nothing.

    Dearly beloved,

    Do you take this bond of your church to have and to hold..?


    OR is our desire to try out relationships of LOVE 

    to try out church es

    — NOT having or holding  any commitment to Christ Jesus  and His body the Church?


    What then, brothers?

    We realize that this is not a politically correct question in this common era (and some English translations soften it), but Paul uses the Greek word ἀδελφός - adelphos - a masculine noun for brethren. 

    What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation.

    Let all things be done for building up.

    1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV

    The Apostle, under Christ, under God addresses the men of the church — not the women saints of Corinth — as was proper in Corinthian culture.

    The Apostle has addressed:

    • quarreling among you, my brothers. (1:11)
    • But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. (3:1)
    • But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of.. [a long list of sins] (5:11)

    Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

    1 Corinthians 14:20 ESV

    Order and Propriety

    Each of you (brothers).. (not the sisters.. and not ONLY the pastor in charge under Christ).

    What then is it, brothers? When you may come together, each has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation.

    Let all things be done for edification.

    1 Corinthians 14:26 Berean Literal Bible – [more study]

    • Tongues?
      • two or three at most
      • in turn &
      • must have interpretation
    • Prophets?
      • two or three
      • others weigh in on what is said
      • IF a personal revelation is made to one present, the man receiving it must remain silent.
      • all may profit by learn and be encouraged by (this kind of) prophesy
      • prophets are subordinate [hypotassōto] to each other

    Now do not be offended by Paul's next orderly instruction for worship — for it uses the same Greek word [hypotassō] — for the Corinthian women of propriety and modesty expected in worship. 

    For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

    As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches.

    For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission , as the Law also says.

    1 Corinthians 14:33-34 ESV

    Note that the Apostle — who has been addressing order and propriety in worship throughout his epistle to the saints of Corinth — also speaks to ALL the CHURCHES [ekklēsia] of the SAINTS [hagios].


    ARE YOU, beloved 21st century worshipers of the Lord Jesus Christ, not also His saints?

    and we have believed,
    and have come to know, that you are the Holy One [hagios] of God.”

    Gospel of John 6:69 ESV – Simon Peter to the Lord Jesus

    Yes, the women of Corinth and of your 21st century church could be of the Holy Ones - saints - of God; so don't be offended by what the Apostle Paul next instructs the saints by the Spirit - even if God formed you as a woman. 

    If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

    1 Corinthians 14:35 ESV

    Paul then proceeds to instruct ‘the brothers’ in those issues the apostle has already addressed, prophesies and spiritual gifts (essentially reiterating ‘listen to me about these things).

    And the Apostle Paul’s conclusion to this large section of his letter to the Corinthian saints

    who are of course free from the Law (as servants of God, Christ and each other) —

    But let all things be done properly and with order.

    1 Corinthians 14:40 BLB


    And since Paul's epistle (like any letter) lacks chapters, what does the Apostle NEXT remind the Corinthians -- the saints of Christ's Church? 

    About THE RESURRECTION.

    Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel