arded (xv. 35-58).
St. Paul concludes with an order for the collection of alms on behalf
of the faithful in Jerusalem, and says that he hopes to come soon to
Corinth. After some personal matters, he characteristically appends
with his own hand a curse on those who do not love the Lord, and a
prayer and loving message for the faithful.
ANALYSIS
Salutation, thanksgiving (i. 1-9).
(1) Evils in the Church: i. 10-vi. 20.--Sectarianism. This is rebuked
on the ground that all the apostles, etc., are working for one end, and
all their power is God's. Christ is supreme over all (i. 10-iv. 21).
Incest. The Church is to deliver the sinner to Satan (the severest
form of excommunication). St. Paul mentions a previous warning not to
associate with immoral Christians (v.).
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Going to law with a Christian in the pagan courts is rebuked. Warning
against profligacy (vi.).
(2) Answers to a letter from the Corinthians: vii. 1-xi. 1.--Marriage
and celibacy. It is well to avoid marriage. But the married must not
separate. Under present circumstances, the apostle would prefer others
to be unencumbered as he is (vii.).
Food offered to idols. Christian liberty (viii.). St. Paul's example
in not claiming one's own rights (ix.). Danger of thinking that we
stand. We are "one bread," and must seek each other's good (x.-xi. 1).
(3) Other evils in the Church: xi. 2-34.--Women to be covered. Conduct
at the Eucharist and the Agape. An account of the institution of the
Eucharist.
(4) Answer to a question concerning spiritual gifts: xii.-xiv.--Unity
in diversity (xii.). Charity the greatest gift (xiii.). Prophesying
and tongues compared (xiv.).
(5) Vindication of the Resurrection: xv.--The evidence for Christ's
resurrection.[2] The nature of our resurrection.
(6) Some directions and personal details: xvi.
[1] 1 Cor. xv. 29. This verse is very obscure. It has been
interpreted as meaning that when a convert died before it was possible
for him to be baptized, it was a custom of the Corinthians to allow a
friend to undergo baptism in his stead. But perhaps it simply means
being baptized for the sake of some dear one who was a sincere
Christian, and begged that his or her surviving relatives would be
baptized and meet him or her hereafter.
[2] It is important to notice that St. Paul, in writing of the death
and resurrection of our Lord, gives powerful evidence in support of St.
John's asserti
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