Or, at least that's what it seems like, reading Paul's next three chapters. They've been staying up late in Corinth, and engaging in some actions that some people won't do. And even if they aren't all behaving immorally, they are not calling into account one of their own who is (ahem) sleeping with his father's wife, for example.
The Corinthians brag that they are free -- they are free, right? That means they can do whatever they want, right? Paul is all for freedom, but thinks that the Corinthians might have misunderstood him.
Of course, that's not all of it. Paul begins by calling the Corinthians on their arrogance. They are acting as if they "know-it-all". They don't need a teacher; they don't need instruction. Paul sarcastically says, "We are fools for Christ, but you are wise for Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, but we are dishonored.!" The Corinthians have let some success in spiritual matters go to their heads, and it has affected their vision with regard to their behavior toward one another as well.
(This reminds me a little of the arrogance of the Enron executives right before its fall. They were so drunk with their financial success they lost their moral compass.)
The Corinthians are wayward not only in sexual matters, but also in matters of how they treat one another. They accuse each other and bring lawsuits against each other. They are contentious. They treat each other (and themselves) with disrespect.
Yes, you're free, Paul tells them, but free for what? That's the question.
In Corinthians, Paul's ethics is defined by this axiom: "Don't you know that your body is temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? Do't you know that you have the Holy Spirit from God, and you don't belong to yourselves?"
Honor your body. Respect your body as given by God and a dwelling for the Holy Spirit. And respect and honor your neighbor's body too.
It's not just your spirit that is important. It is your beautiful, breathing body, created by God.
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