1nodern REFORMATION gospel was being undermined by those who sought to turn it into the speculative - mysticism of Greek philosophy. Combining Christianity, folk religion, and esoteric wisdom, the "super-apostles" attracted the metropolitan upper-classes much as Eastern philosophy has gathered a following among professionals in our time. Silver-tongued speakers would put on seminars and promise the keys to success and happiness. Because they made at least some appeal to Christ, the super-apostles convinced some of the Corinthian believers that they were simply bringing together the best of secular literature and philosophy by secular wisdom and Christian belief. quoting pagan poets and writers by The gospel was not enough; to make memory. In fact, when in Athens, Paul Christianity relevant in a pagan addressed his audience with comparisons commercial center such as Corinth, in and contrasts between Christianity and order to really market it well, the church Greek wisdom. Against the Epicureans, had to promise answers to questions the he argued God's sovereignty (Acts 17:24Â Bible never answered and solve riddles 26); but against the fatalistic Stoics, he about which the Bible was not the least presented a personal God who took bit interested. Where the Scriptures were account of people for their actions. Paul silent, secular wisdom threw in its two quoted from the Cretan poet Epimenides, cents-worth. The sophisticated Corinthian, from the Cilician poet Aratus, and from The Hymn to Zeus, by Cleanthes. This he confident and self-assured, had little time also does elsewhere, to the Corinthians (1 for sin and judgment, guilt and grace. Cor. 15:33), and to Titus (I: 12). Notice Religion was supposed to supply social that Paul took the time to become familiar glue, give people a philosophy oflife and with the culture he was addressing (and a way of living a happy and meaningful quite possibly not simply for evangelistic life. In this sort ofsetting, the gospel was purposes) and yet he used that familiarity probably viewed as an answer to a as a bridge for communication, not question the people were not even asking: accommodation: How can I, a condemned prisoner ofmy own depravity, ever have a relationship "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, with a holy and just God? but now he commands all people everywhere But Paul's response is clear. Instead to repent. For he has set a day when he will of taking a marketing survey of judge the world with justice by the man he has Corinthian attitudes and developing a appointed. He has given proof of this to all by gospel that would address "felt needs," raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31). he told them what their real needs were, whether they felt them or not. In fact, The result was not overwhelming, but "a said Paul, ifthey do not feel within them few men became followers of Paul and the need or are not asking the right believed," while others conceded, "We questions, it is not because the gospel is want to hear you again on this subject" irrelevant, but because "the message of (w.32-33). the cross is foolishness to those who are But in Corinth, the simplicity of the perishing" (I Cor. 1: 18). "The man
Corinthian
Distractions
Paul sadvice to the Corinthians just might be relevant for today sdistracted Church. By MICHAEL S. HORTON
T
he commercial capital of Greece, Corinth was the quintessence of metropolitan sophistication in the region. Athens was the center of academic life, but the practical Corinthians liked to think that they were up on the latest ideas, too. Temple prostitution was big business at the shrine ofAphrodite (goddess oflove). Down the street was the shrine ofAsclepius, the god of healing. In fact, even decades later, after all of the 12 pagan temples were converted to churches in Corinth, the healing shrine continued to be frequented. The purpose of Paul's letters to the Corinthian believers was news the apostle had received about divisions in the church (I: 11). "Super-apostles," as Paul called them, had gained access to the congregation, bringing confusion in their train, and the apostle's patience was wearing thin: "For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those 'super-apostles.' I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge" (2 Cor. 11 :4-6).
Indeed, Paul did have knowledge: Not only was he a well-educated Pharisee; he demonstrated a remarkable facility with 22
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MARCH/APRIL 1993
