The church at Corinth was full of turmoil. It was the epitome of sin and division. The city itself was a port city and made a lot of money dragging ships across the peninsula that separated the Ionian Sea from the Aegean Sea. Because people from many parts of the world came through this city, it was influenced by customs and traditions of many different cultures. This also found its way into the church.
As Paul writes to his fellow Christians, he warns, rebukes, and encourages them to help them in their spiritual journey. In the beginning of the letter, Paul addresses the division in the church. It seems that some people were following preachers as opposed to Jesus and His word. Paul told them in no uncertain terms that they are to follow Jesus and Jesus alone!
Paul also addressed an issue of unbelief among some Jews and Greeks. There were some that were not fully convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. A Savior that would die on a cross seemed foolish to the Greeks who considered themselves wise and enlightened. The crucifixion was a stumbling block to Jews because they were expecting a military savior who would lead them in a revolt to conquer Rome. Besides, the Jews knew the word of God said that anyone who hung on a tree is cursed (Deuteronomy 21:23). So, the Greeks demanded wisdom so that they may see the logic in a God who would die for His people. The Jews demanded signs to prove that Jesus was from God.
Now before people judge the first century Jews and Greeks too harshly, we need to remember that this mindset is still prevalent today. There are people who challenge the teachings we read in the Bible and say that if anyone believes it, they are foolish and need to be enlightened. It is difficult to deal with this mindset because people that think like this usually feel that there is no real truth, and each person can choose their own truth. Then there are those who also demand proof that the Bible is true. They want signs. They fail to see the signs all around them.
God’s power and majesty is displayed every day in nature. We see prayers answered for healing when medical professionals have all but given up. The Old Testament is full of prophecy that later came true. One of the most amazing is when a man of God from Judah came to Bethel and prophesied against the altar that had been corrupted by Jeroboam. The man of God even named the man that would destroy the altar at Bethel, Josiah (I Kings 13:1-3, II Kings 23). Josiah became king around 300 years later and destroyed the altar at Bethel among may other reforms.
Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies about Himself from the Old Testament. It was foretold that He would be born in Bethlehem. The prophets wrote how the weight of the government would be upon His shoulders. Isaiah said He would suffer in silence. Of course, Jesus prophesied that He would die at the hands of men and raise again on the third day. All of the prophesies came to pass. How many more signs do people need?
Jesus is the Savior of the world and He died for everyone’s sins. He has offered the gift of salvation to all who are willing to accept it. God’s wisdom has been showered upon us and we can see the signs. We can choose to obey or continue to question; the choice is up to each individual. Friends, you will spend eternity somewhere, why not choose heaven?
Read Acts 2:36-41