Chapter 15—Paul to the Corinthians The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul during the latter part of his stay in Ephesus. For no church had he felt a deeper interest or put forth more earnest effort than for the believers at Corinth. The good seed sown by him had seemed to promise an abundant harvest; but tares were planted by the enemy among the wheat, and ere long these sprung up, and brought forth their evil fruit. The period of Paul’s absence was a time of severe temptation to the Corinthian church. They were surrounded by idolatry and sensualism under the gayest and most alluring aspect. While the apostle was with them, these influences had little power. With his firm faith, his fervent prayers, and words of instruction, and, above all, his own example to inspire and encourage, they could gladly choose to suffer affliction for Christ’s sake, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin. But when Paul departed, natural tastes and inclinations would assert control. It is not in a day that the education and habits of a life are to be overcome. Little by little, many departed from the faith. {LP 149.1}

Det første brev til korinterne blev skrevet at apostlen Paulus under den sidste del af hans ophold i Efesus. Ingen menighed havde følt en dybere interesser eller anstrengt sig mere end de troende i Korint. Den gode sæd han havde sået lod til at love en rigelig høst; men fjenden plantede rajgræsset iblandt hveden, og inden længe voksede dette op, og frembragte deres onde frugter. Perioden for Paulus fravær var en hård fristelse for korintermenigheden. De blev omgivet af afgudsdyrkelse og sanselighed under udsvævende og mest forføriske aspekter. Da apostlen var hos dem, havde denne påvirkning lille magt. Med hans faste tro, hans inderlige bønner, og belærende ord, og frem for alt, hans eget eksempel til at inspirere og opmuntre, kunne de glade vælge at lide pinsler for Kristi sag, frem for at nyde syndes fornøjelser. Men da Paulus rejste, ville naturlig smag og tilbøjeligheder tage over. Et livs opdragelse og levevaner kan ikke overvindes på en dag. Lidt efter lidt, forlod mange troen.