How To Read The Bible For All Its WorthSample

A Surprisingly Powerful Technique for Bible Study: Think Paragraphs!

Let's zero in on the first problem in 1 Corinthians — the problem of division within the church (chs. 1 – 4).

The Historical Context of 1 Corinthians 1-4: Bad Blood

The place to begin is by making note of what Paul specifically says. But a careful reading with an eye for the problem should cause a couple other things to surface. For example, there appears to be some bad blood between the church and Paul himself (see 4:1-5 and 18-21).

The Literary Context: Think Paragraphs!

The next step in studying the letter is to learn to trace Paul’s argument as an answer to the problem of division. This is something you can do without initial dependence on scholars and their commentaries.

We simply cannot stress enough the importance of learning to THINK PARAGRAPHS, and not just as natural units of thought but as the absolutely necessary key to understanding the argument in the various epistles.

The one question you need to learn to ask over and again is what’s the point? Therefore, you want to be able to do two things:

• In a compact way state the content of each paragraph. What does Paul say in this paragraph?
• In another sentence or two try to explain why you think Paul says this right at this point. How does this content contribute to the argument?

Paul began by exposing the Corinthians’ inadequate understanding of the gospel. Then he turns to expose their inadequate understanding of leadership in the church and at the same time warns both the leaders and the church itself of God’s judgment on those who promote division. At the end of the chapter (3:18 – 23) he brings these two themes together in a concluding statement. Human wisdom is folly; therefore, “no more boasting about human leaders!”

You may have further questions about specific points of content, for which you can consult your commentary. But all of what we have done here, you can do.

What we have done so far is only half the task. It is the essential first half, but now we want to go on to ask how these various texts apply to us.

We have learned to hear God’s word to them. What about his word to us? We'll explore this next time.