Post by pastorann on Jan 22, 2014 20:34:51 GMT
Today we are looking at 1Corinthians 1:10-16
I want to remind you that Paul's purpose is to unite the Corinthian congregation. He is writing to them because Chloe's people tattled to Paul. It is important to get the correct tone that Paul is using. In the NRSV translation of the scripture Paul uses the word "appeal". The tone here is loving. The original word used is also the one used by the father to the older son in the parable of the prodigal sons (Luke 15:28). He wants to achieve loving unification and harmony. Paul isn't SHOUTING IN ALL Caps. He is writing in gentle italics. His appeal is to stop the quarreling. This word "quarrel" means war or to incite war. Paul is not addressing little tiffs, but big issues that are dividing the church.
The first division is allegiance to heritage.
Corinth was a town that witnessed many different controlling powers over its history. Paul uses a great literary device to call them all out of their ideas of superiority. He uses different names to represent the different heritages and cultural allegiances. He is very careful not to shine a light on specific people and cause more divisions.
Cephas is the Hebrew name for Peter
Paul is the Roman name for Saul
Apollos is the leading god of the Greeks.
Paul uses these names to say that we do not follow as Jews, Romans, or Greeks, we follow as those saved by the cross.
But what about those other people listed? Those that call themselves "followers of Christ"? Are they off the hook? No!
Paul is saying that they are being just as divisive in their self-righteousness as the others who still hold to their past affiliations. They are being divisive by considering themselves better than the other followers.
What is Paul's answer? Think of the cross and your baptism. Christ died for you and it is in His name you are baptized.
Some questions to think about
What are war causing divisions in allegiances in churches today? What are the reasons or motivations for people to incite division? If you look at what Paul presents in being unified through Jesus how can that prepare you to "appeal" as divisions arise.
If this war mongering mentality that arises in the church turns you away from organized religion are you in danger of being party with the self-righteous followers?
Ouch! May need to rethink that stance. Could you be called to bring the "appeal", the change that is needed for a church to be united?
Paul condenses it all into a sweet little package of Jesus. We are all united by the Cross! Remember Jesus came to save not condemn and it is good news for all people.
Next lesson What is all this talk about words and wisdom. 1Corinthians 1:17-2:2
Many of the ideas shared about the interpretation of this scripture come from Kenneth Bailey and his book Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes:Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians.
I want to remind you that Paul's purpose is to unite the Corinthian congregation. He is writing to them because Chloe's people tattled to Paul. It is important to get the correct tone that Paul is using. In the NRSV translation of the scripture Paul uses the word "appeal". The tone here is loving. The original word used is also the one used by the father to the older son in the parable of the prodigal sons (Luke 15:28). He wants to achieve loving unification and harmony. Paul isn't SHOUTING IN ALL Caps. He is writing in gentle italics. His appeal is to stop the quarreling. This word "quarrel" means war or to incite war. Paul is not addressing little tiffs, but big issues that are dividing the church.
The first division is allegiance to heritage.
Corinth was a town that witnessed many different controlling powers over its history. Paul uses a great literary device to call them all out of their ideas of superiority. He uses different names to represent the different heritages and cultural allegiances. He is very careful not to shine a light on specific people and cause more divisions.
Cephas is the Hebrew name for Peter
Paul is the Roman name for Saul
Apollos is the leading god of the Greeks.
Paul uses these names to say that we do not follow as Jews, Romans, or Greeks, we follow as those saved by the cross.
But what about those other people listed? Those that call themselves "followers of Christ"? Are they off the hook? No!
Paul is saying that they are being just as divisive in their self-righteousness as the others who still hold to their past affiliations. They are being divisive by considering themselves better than the other followers.
What is Paul's answer? Think of the cross and your baptism. Christ died for you and it is in His name you are baptized.
Some questions to think about
What are war causing divisions in allegiances in churches today? What are the reasons or motivations for people to incite division? If you look at what Paul presents in being unified through Jesus how can that prepare you to "appeal" as divisions arise.
If this war mongering mentality that arises in the church turns you away from organized religion are you in danger of being party with the self-righteous followers?
Ouch! May need to rethink that stance. Could you be called to bring the "appeal", the change that is needed for a church to be united?
Paul condenses it all into a sweet little package of Jesus. We are all united by the Cross! Remember Jesus came to save not condemn and it is good news for all people.
Next lesson What is all this talk about words and wisdom. 1Corinthians 1:17-2:2
Many of the ideas shared about the interpretation of this scripture come from Kenneth Bailey and his book Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes:Cultural Studies in 1 Corinthians.