In New Testament times Corinth was an important city and had been for a long time. It controlled land and sea trade routes and that meant big money was being made. It was not only an important commercial city, but it was also the administrative center of the whole Province. Corinth was so big, its main theater held 20,000 people.
Temples, shrines, and altars covered the city. A thousand sacred prostitutes made themselves available at the temple of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Sex sells, and Corinth was open for business. It was the Las Vegas of it’s day. It was known for its lack of morals and scandalous lifestyles. It was a society that created many difficulties for the believers who lived there.
1 Corinthians 3:1-2
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit, but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
Why was Paul comparing them to infants? Why weren’t they ready for mature topics? What defines spiritual maturity? Was it Knowledge of the scriptures, authority, power or intellect?
1 Corinthians 3:3-4
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?
What defines spiritual maturity? Love! Loving God and people. Love leads to unity in diversity, but this church was too busy arguing over leadership styles, and personalities. They would rather be right than be loving.
It’s wonderful that we can refuse to let any of our diversity or distinctives separate us from fellowship with brothers and sisters who, whatever our differences, love Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?