Paul to the Corinthians
113
With the Gentiles his manner of labor was different. He plainly
informed them that the sacrificial offerings and ceremonies of the Jews
were no longer to be observed, and preached to them Christ and him
crucified.
The apostle in his labors encountered a class who claimed that the
moral law had been made void, with the precepts of the ceremonial
system. He vindicated the law of ten commandments, and held it up
before the people as a rule of life. He showed that all men are under the
most solemn obligation to obey that law, which Christ came to make
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honorable. He taught that Christ is the only one who can release men
from the consequences of breaking the divine law; and that it is only by
repentance for their past transgressions, faith in the atoning sacrifice
of Christ, and a life of obedience, that men can hope to receive the
favor of God.
Paul did not make light of the conscientious scruples of those who
were weak in faith or dull of comprehension. He did not display his
superior knowledge, and show contempt for their ignorance; but he
placed himself as nearly as possible on a level with them, manifesting
for them true sympathy and love, and leading them to nobler and
more elevated views. He says, “I am made all things to all men,
that I might by all means save some.” By cheerful, patient kindness
and Christian courtesy, he won the hearts of the people, quieted their
prejudices, and endeavored to teach them the truth without exciting
their combativeness. All this he did because he loved the souls of men,
and desired to bring them to Christ that they might be saved.
Paul endeavored to impress upon the minds of his Corinthian
brethren the importance of firm self-control, strict temperance, and
unflagging zeal in the service of Christ. To illustrate the Christian
warfare, he compared it with the games celebrated near Corinth, and
always attended by vast multitudes of spectators. This illustration was
calculated to make a vivid impression upon the minds of those whom
he addressed, as it referred to that with which they were intimately
acquainted. Various games were instituted among the Greeks and
Romans for the purpose of amusement, and also with the design of
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training young men to personal vigor and activity, and thus qualifying
them for warfare. The foot-races were the most ancient and the most
highly esteemed of these games. They were held at stated times and
places with great pomp, and were patronized by kings, nobles, and