Commentary on 1 Corinthians

“Commentary on the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians” (16 chapters) is one of the voluminous Commentaries on the 14 Epistles of the Apostle Paul, written by Bl. Theodoret of Cyrus later than all his other comments. In the preface, Bl. Theodoret briefly reveals the purpose of the apostolic letter: “The Corinthians were jealous of sophistic debates and of curiosity, divided into many societies, appointing eloquent men as teachers.” The Apostle Paul reproaches such church division, speaks about the difference in spiritual gifts, and gives advice about virginity and widowhood. Blzh. Theodoret emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, noting that divisions and disagreements are contrary to the spirit of Christ. The commentary analyzes various spiritual gifts, emphasizing the importance of love as the highest virtue that should govern all manifestations of spiritual life. The author draws attention to the doctrine of resurrection, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 God-wise Paul was the first to bring a saving sermon to the Corinthians and spent a lot of time with them, according to the clear command of the Lord, for the Lord said to him: “Speak, and let not be silent,... My people are many in this city” (Acts 18:9-10). So, after a year and six months, the Apostle went to other cities to preach, and the Corinthians became jealous of sophistic debates and curiosity, divided into many societies, appointing eloquent men as teachers; Each society marveled at its teacher, and everyone argued about them among themselves. One of these, magnified in eloquence, dared to commit great lawlessness, because he had communication with his stepmother; those belonging to his community did not pay attention to this, but praised eloquence alone. Therefore, the divine Apostle at the beginning of the letter condemns this imaginary wisdom and proves that the sermon, although devoid of it, has very great power. He reproaches those who compete with each other about other matters, and choose worldly leaders as judges in this. He forbids them to eat things sacrificed to idols, making it clear that others dared to do this too. Meanwhile, he offers useful advice about virginity and widowhood, and also gives a long speech about spiritual gifts, explaining their differences and commanding the gift of tongues to be used not out of curiosity, but as needed. He also offers them the doctrine of the resurrection, since, probably, some of them tried to prevent the doctrine of the resurrection of bodies. And something else (I will not go into words, talking about everything in detail) the Apostle explained in writing to them, both useful for them and serving for the benefit of every person. But he said little about dogma, because, having spent a lot of time with them, he taught them exactly how they should philosophize, and the wonderful Apollos, coming after Paul, supported the apostolic teaching. Therefore, he imitated a skilled doctor and offered cures corresponding to ailments. Stephanin, Furtunatus and Achaik, who were sent by Paul to the Corinthians, served in the delivery of the Epistle, as he announces at the end of the Epistle. For although he sent blessed Timothy to them, he did not send it with a message, and he himself informs about this; for he said: “If... Timothy comes, take heed that you may have no fear” (1 Cor. 16:10). You might be interested in: