1. The principle revealed in Romans 8:28 is illustrated many times in the Bible. 2. In this lesson we are studying another occasion when all things worked together for good in the life of Paul, the apostle who wrote this special passage. 3. We are examining events that occurred in Corinth (Acts 18:1-11). Discussion: I. (Acts 18:1-11) PAUL'S WORK IN CORINTH RESULTED IN MANY CONVERSIONS
A. (vs.1) Paul traveled from Athens to Corinth [from Philippi he had traveled to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens -- Acts 17]. B. (vs.2-3) In Corinth, Paul lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla. 1. Aquila and Priscilla had recently moved to Corinth. 2. Because they also worked as tentmakers, Paul lived and worked with them. C. (vs.4) Paul worked as a tentmaker; however, he taught in the synagogue every Sabbath. D. (vs.5) Silas and Timothy joined Paul in Corinth. 1. They had been in Macedonia, and they brought a gift to Paul (2 Corinthians 11:9). 2. Consequently, Paul earnestly declared to the Jews that Jesus is Christ. E. (vs.6) After the Jews rejected his message, Paul turned to the Gentiles. F. (vs.7) Paul went to the home of Justus. G. (vs.8) Crispus, his household, and many people in Corinth were converted. H. (vs.9-11) The Lord encouraged Paul, and he taught in Corinth for a year and 6 months. I. Later, Paul wrote 2 letters to the Christians in Corinth that have been preserved for us. II. 1 & 2 CORINTHIANS CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A. (2 Corinthians 5:17) A Christian is a new creature. B. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) This occurs when a person is "washed,""sanctified," and "justified in the name of the Lord." C. (1 Corinthians 12:13) A person enters the Lord's 1 body through baptism (Galatians 3:27). D. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul emphasized the fact that Christians are members of the 1 body (vs.12, 14, 20, 27). 1. It was necessary for him to do this because the Christians in Corinth possessed a diversity of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), and they were divided over their gifts. 2. These gifts were given when the apostles laid their hands on Christians (Acts 8:14-17). 3. Even though spiritual gifts played a vital role in the growth and edification of the early church, they would eventually cease to exist (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
