CFM: September 4–10
Videos and Podcasts
Video/ Podcast | Lesson Extension | Additional Materials |
Scripture Central | ||
Follow Him | ||
Line Upon Line | ||
Teaching with Power | | |
Don't Miss This | | |
CFM New Testament | ||
Unshaken | | |
The Interpreter Foundation | ||
Teaching Helps with John Hilton | 1 Corinthians 14-16 (not yet posted) | |
Ponderfun | 1 Corinthians 14-16 (not yet posted) | |
Talking Scripture | ||
Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson
Be sure to review the Corinthian Cultural Insights in our previous lessons. This will be very useful information while we continue our studies in 1st and 2nd Corinthians. Also, please forgive me for getting ahead of myself last week. I was trying to get the lesson material out under a tight time crunch while juggling multiple other projects simultaneously. For some reason, I got my wires crossed and thought 1 Corinthians 14 was part of last week's lesson. So much of the commentary that I provided regarding Paul's discussion of musical terminology and the topic of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 should actually be in this week's lesson.
Rather than repeating what was already said, please refer to last week's commentary, Ye are the Body of Christ. There are some valuable insights regarding music as a language of the Spirit and Paul's supposed admonition for the women of the Church to remain silent and not ask questions.
In last week's lesson, I discussed how 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 is confusing because there is a good possibility that Paul did not even write this passage or it was intentionally manipulated. This may be one of the plain and precious truths that were lost (1 Nephi 13:29-40). What better way can the adversary thwart the doctrines and mission of the Kingdom than to attack the family, one of the most fundamental and precious units of its structure? This is a familiar tactic he has used for a very long time.
Several scholars suggest that verses 34 and 35 were interpolations, small snippets that had been written into the margins of an early manuscript as a gloss, which were later incorporated into the main body of the text (Philip Barton Payne, Walker, Philip J. Abbott). Ongoing debate abounds about the details regarding who the scribe or scribes may have been who wrote or altered these verses and what their purposes were; some suggest Paul himself may have penned a thought into the margin, and others elaborated on it. Others suggest differing theories. Regardless of the specific details, this section is highly controversial, questionable, and unreliable for multiple reasons. This is important to understand because this passage has sadly been used and abused for almost 2,000 years to suppress and devalue women and to minimize their sacred and divine roles as Mothers in Zion and as Daughters of God. Since the very beginning of time, women have possessed the rights and privileges of receiving direct revelation and inspiration from their Heavenly Father.
While some try to rationalize these verses in various ways, significant extrapolation and creative calisthenics are required to try to make sense of them, and most attempts fall flat. This is true because most of these arguments simply don't make sense, even within the context of ancient Patriarchal Jewish culture. In addition to the women Paul praises in his epistle to the Romans, including Priscilla, Mary, the apostle Junia, Tryphina, Persis, Julia, and others, there are many examples of notable Jewish women who were highly respected and regarded as women who possessed divine gifts of prophecy in the Jewish world, Rebecca, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Hulda, Noadiah, Esther, and others. We see similar reflections in the Book of Mormon with Abish, and King Lamoni's Queen in Alma 19. We read about the mothers of the stripling warriors who prophesied to their sons through their words and examples.
It is rather ironic that these passages appear in the context of a chapter that is all about edification, which in Greek literally means "building families." Taking a woman's voice out of that conversation is damaging and detrimental to the family and society, and it literally does the exact opposite of what the rest of this chapter focuses on. This becomes even more apparent as one examines the Greek and what it means to prophesy and edify. Within the broader context of the chapter, verses 34 and 35 are completely out of place. When one recognizes the broader context, history, and language, these verses stand out as clunky and awkward.
By no means is this discussion intended to devalue the role of the Priesthood or the Patriarchal and hierarchical structure of the Lord's kingdom. God's kingdom is a kingdom of order. That was established from the very beginning; Adam was assigned the administrative roles and privileges of the Priesthood so that he could possess and develop the tools he needed to serve and protect his family. This enabled Eve to fulfill her divine role as a mother, the very first calling issued in mortality following the Savior's calling as the Messiah. Adam's administrative role in the priesthood and his sacred responsibilities to provide for and protect his family allowed Eve the opportunity to devote her time and attention to her calling, the nurture, education, and welfare of God's children during the formative years of their mortal sojourn upon the Earth. Both roles represent a divine and sacred partnership with God, and both roles should be honored, celebrated, and respected. Both the creative and administrative aspects of the Priesthood are absolutely essential for building up the Kingdom of God upon the earth. Sherrie Mills Johnson offers some valuable perspective on this in her article, “Paul’s Teachings in 1 Corinthians on Women.”
Sadly, these verses require significant clarification, but I don't want this topic to distract from some of the most powerful and beautiful messages that are included in the readings for this week. In addition to Paul's teachings about the powerful gifts of the Spirit and the process of receiving and recognizing revelation in Chapter 14, Chapter 15 is the pinnacle of Paul's entire letter. Not only does Paul provide a powerful witness for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and a beautiful explanation of what that means, he also teaches about important topics such as the Plan of Salvation and the saving ordinances of the gospel for both the living and the dead. Several excellent articles explore the writings of Paul regarding these subjects and how they relate to the revelations that Joseph Smith received in the early phases of the Restoration. I hope readers will take the time to read and study these links and resources.
Overview:
1 Corinthians 14 addresses the orderly conduct of worship services in the Corinthian church, focusing on the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues and prophecy. Paul provides guidelines for edifying worship that promotes understanding and unity among believers.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
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Vs. 1-5 | Eager Pursuit of Spiritual Gifts for Edification | Paul encouraged the members of the Church to pursue gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy, for the benefit and edification of the whole church. He explains that prophecy is more valuable than speaking in tongues because it clearly communicates with others in a way they can understand. In classical Greek, a prophet or prophetess was regarded as an "interpreter of the gods." and this would have resonated with the Greek community. (See: γλώσσῃ "tongues, foreign language" λαλεῖ"speak, express one's thoughts, דָבַר, προφητεύων "prophesy, interpretation, to bring forth light" (related terms: prophet, profess, Professor, profit) οἰκοδομὴν "edification, building/ domesticating the home/family" παράκλησιν "exhortation, consolation," παραμυθίαν"comfort" διερμηνεύῃ "interpret, explain, תַּרְגֵּם") | |
Vs. Verses 6-25 | Distinctive Roles of Tongues and Prophecy |
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Vs. 26-33 | Regulation of Tongues and Prophecy in Worship | Requirements & Regulations
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Vs 34-40 | Women's Participation and Silence in Worship | Women's voices silenced (which significantly contradicts other passages made by Paul in addition to the teachings of the Savior). Vs 34 & 35 are most likely interpolations that were added into the text later.
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Vs 36-40 | Guidance for God's order of Receiving Personal Revelation | Verses 36-38: Response to potential objections and questions. Paul asserts that his teachings are consistent with doctrine and that God is a God of order. If 34 and 35 are, in fact, interpolations, these later verses are not referring to women's roles at all. They specifically apply to God's role as the author of peace and his regulations regarding how prophesy and the gift of tongues should be received, understood, and regarded. If someone receives personal revelation, it should not contradict what the Prophets have already revealed through the commandments and the writings.
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1 Corinthians 15 is a pivotal chapter in which Paul addresses the doctrine of the resurrection and its significance for Christian faith. He tackles questions about the resurrection of the dead, the nature of the resurrection body, and the victory over death through Christ.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
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Vs. 1-11 | The Resurrection of Christ and Its Implications | Paul explains the Resurrection is the core message of the gospel. Paul addresses the implications of denying the resurrection, emphasizing that it is because of the Resurrection that we can be saved. He affirms the testimonies of the Twelve and his own as witness of Jesus Christ as the Resurrected Lord. (Notable Words: ἑστήκατε "to stand firm in one's beliefs," σῴζεσθε "save, preserve, protect הושִׁיעַ from יָשַׁע root." κατέχετε "keep, possess, hold fast to, adhere to firmly" (the word and memory of the gospel message τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην), Κηφᾷ "the rock, Peter" | "This chapter is both the crown and close of the whole epistle but, more importantly, it holds the key to the epistle’s real intent. Though resurrection is this chapter’s overriding theme, behind it and giving it force and meaning is Paul’s understanding of the grace of God. It is the doctrine of the Resurrection that provides the insight necessary to understanding what grace really is and how it actually works. Grace is an expression of the Father’s love for his children shown by his free gift to them of immortal life through the Resurrection. That gift, however, came about through another of God’s supernal gifts, that of his Son (John 3:16). The Son himself, through his own act of grace, opened the door to its power. This was accomplished through the Lord’s death, carried out by the instrument of the cross." (Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 1129 Draper & Rhodes) |
12-19 | Dire consequences of no Resurrection | Paul addresses the significant implications of denying the resurrection of the dead. He emphasizes the centrality of Christ's resurrection to the Christian faith, asserting that if there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised either. In such a scenario, the apostles are false witnesses, faith is futile, believers remain in their sins, and all who have died will perish. Paul underscores the fundamental importance of the resurrection in affirming the hope of eternal life through Christ, emphasizing that without it, the entire foundation of the Christian message crumbles. | |
Vs. 20-34 | Christ as the Firstfruits of those who have slept |
| "As the Millennium begins, “the face of the Lord will be unveiled,” noted Elder Pratt, “and those who are alive will be quickened, and they will be caught up; and the Saints who are in their graves, will come forth and be caught up, together with those who are quickened, and they will be taken into the heavens into the midst of those celestial beings who will make their appearance at that time. These are the ones who are the firstfruits, that is, the firstfruits at the time of his coming” (compare D&C 88:97–98). These are they who will inherit a fullness of joy and glory in the Celestial Kingdom. They include those who believed on the name of Christ and entered into covenants with him and strove to keep them. They are the ones who received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and who endured to the end in faith. Further, they were sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise and became members of the Church of the Firstborn and were ordained kings and queens, priests and priestesses (see D&C 76:50–57) and entered into the eternal state of marriage (D&C 131:2–3). -Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (p. 1129) Draper & Rhodes. |
Vs. 35- 49 | The Nature of the Resurrected Body & Three Degrees of Glory |
| John 14:2, D&C 76, D&C 88, D&C 121, D&C 131 The doctrines of the three degrees of Glory are present in several early Christian records, including Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (70-130), Justin Martyr, Dionysius the Areopagite, and others. However, many of these records and doctrines were later rejected and abandoned; in many cases, these writings were found objectionable because they contradicted the Trinitarian philosophies that grew to dominance during the 3rd & 4th Centuries. Elder Orson Pratt taught, "All who are placed within the power of redemption will be redeemed—not redeemed to the same degree of salvation, but some will inherit one kingdom, and some another; some receiving the highest or celestial glory, being crowned with crowns of glory in the presence of God forever, shining forth like the sun in its meridian strength; while others, though celestial, will be subject to them, inheriting a less degree of celestial glory. Others will inherit a terrestrial glory, or the glory of the moon. Others will inherit a glory still less than this, which may be termed a telestial glory, like that of the stars—a glory small indeed! They are all redeemed, according to their repentance, faithfulness, and works of righteousness, into these various degrees of glory.” |
Vs. 50-59 | The Victory over Death |
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1 Corinthians 16 serves as the concluding chapter of the epistle, touching upon various practical matters related to the collection for the Jerusalem church, Paul's travel plans, and personal greetings.
Scripture | Major Topics/ Themes | Summary | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
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Vs. 1-4 | Matters of Business: The Collection for the Jerusalem Church |
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Vs. 15-12 | Paul's Travel Plans and Visit |
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Vs. 13-24 | Encouragements and Personal Greetings |
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Vs. 21-24 | Conclusion and Benediction |
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Church Videos & Resources
Scripture Central
Reading Guide
1 Corinthians 14–16
Lynne Wilson, "1 Corinthians 14-16," Come Follow Me: The New Testament, 2019.
Commentary
Talyor Halverson, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” Interpreter Foundation, July 7, 2013.
The Gift of Prophecy
Dean Sorensen, “Is the gift of prophecy limited to those whom we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators?” Ensign, April 1990.
Paul and Keeping Women Silent
Sherrie Mills Johnson, “Paul’s Teachings in 1 Corinthians on Women,” Shedding Light on the New Testament: Acts–Revelation, ed. Ray L. Huntington, Frank F. Judd Jr., and David M. Whitchurch (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2009), 129–52.
Richard D. Draper, “New Light on Paul’s Teachings,” Ensign, September 1999.
Baptisms for the Dead
H. David Burton, “Baptism for the Dead: LDS Practice,” Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Krister Stendahl, “Baptism for the Dead: Ancient Sources,” Encyclopedia of Mormonism
David M. Calabro, “Early Christian Temples and Baptism for the Dead: Defining Sacred Space in the Late Antique Near East,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 46 (2021): 77-100.
Kevin L. Barney, “Baptized for the Dead,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 39 (2020): 103-150.
Daniel B. Sharp, "Vicarious Baptism for the Dead: 1 Corinthians 15:29,” Studies in the Bible and Antiquity 6, no. 3 (2014).
Robert L. Millet, “Was baptism for the dead a non-Christian practice in New Testament times (see 1 Cor. 15:29), or was it a practice of the Church of Jesus Christ, as it is today?” Ensign, August 1987.
David L. Paulsen, Roger D. Cook, and Kendel J. Christensen, “The Harrowing of Hell: Salvation for the Dead in Early Christianity,” Journal of Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 19, no. 1 (2010): 56–77
David L. Paulsen and Brock M. Mason, “Baptism for the Dead in Early Christianity,” Journal of Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 19, no. 2 (2010): 22–49.
David L. Paulsen, Kendel J. Christensen, and Martin Pulido, "Redeeming the Dead: Tender Mercies, Turning of Hearts, and Restoration of Authority," Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 20, no. 1 (2011): 28–51.
David L. Paulsen, Kendel J. Christensen, Martin Pulido, and Judson Burton, “Redemption of the Dead: Continuing Revelation after Joseph Smith,” Journal of Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 20, no. 2 (2011): 52–69.
Christ’s Victory Over Death
Paul V. Johnson, “And There Shall Be No More Death,” General Conference April 1985.
Nicholas J. Frederick, “‘If Christ Had Not Come into the World’,” in Abinadi: He Came Among Them in Disguise, ed. Shon D. Hopkin (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2018), 117–138.
Robert J. Matthews, “Resurrection: the Ultimate Triumph,” in Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, ed. Paul H. Peterson, Gary L. Hatch, and Laura D. Card (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2002), 313–33.
David Larsen, “Death Being Swallowed Up in Netzach in the Bible and the Book of Mormon,” BYU Studies Quarterly 55, no. 4 (2016): 123–134.
Resurrected Bodies
Bruce K. Satterfield, “Nature of Resurrected Bodies,” Brigham Young University
Jared T. Parker and Todd B. Parker, “An Analysis of the Joseph Smith Translation of 1 Corinthians 15:40,” Religious Educator 19, no. 2 (2018): 83–117.
J. Peter Hansen, “Paul the Apostle: Champion of the Doctrine of the Resurrection,” in Go Ye into All the World: Messages of the New Testament Apostles, 31st Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002), 13–26.
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Additional Videos & Insights
Spiritual Gifts Worksheet PDF by Amanda Rapp
Paul, Apostle of Christ (full movie available for purchase or rental on YouTube)
Early Church History Timeline 0 to 500 AD (PDF version, download)
Truman G. Madsen, “The Temple and the Restoration,” in Temple in Antiquity: Ancient Records and Modern Perspectives, ed. Truman G. Madsen (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010), 12.
BYU Studies; Richard D. Draper; Michael D. Rhodes. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (p. 1129). BYU Studies. Kindle Edition.
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