1 Corinthians 16
Apparently, Paul is writing from Ephesus (v8) around 57 AD. His ministry in Ephesus seems to be starting well, for preacing and persecution. He tells the Corinthians church that he wants them to take an offering for the Jerusalem church. Apparently their communist-like experiment (Acts 22:38-44) was not working well now that a famine had hit the area hard. So, Paul was calling for an intentional act of giving to support that congregation (which had initially opposed Gentile Christianity and Paul's work (Acts 15, Galatians 1-2). In Paul's mind the body of Christ was universal, and each congregation needed to do its part. We would be well to remember the far-reaching nature of God's kingdom in our world.
We also see his love for the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Berea, Thessalonica--see Acts 16). They were always his most ardent supporters.
There is also a marvelous list of fellow-workers with Paul. How would you like to have your name commended by Paul in a letter like this? It says something about those men serving beside him. We need to serve as a team, and work together to see God's work done. Are you ready to be fellow-worker? Would your name be included if Paul were working in our church today?
Notice also, he says he writes a greeting with his own hand, meaning someone else probably helped him write the rest of the letter.
"If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him." Paul is serious about the Gospel and knows that some in Corinth do not believe as they should. So, instead finshing on a light note, Paul reminds them that it is Jesus or nothing.
We also see his love for the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Berea, Thessalonica--see Acts 16). They were always his most ardent supporters.
There is also a marvelous list of fellow-workers with Paul. How would you like to have your name commended by Paul in a letter like this? It says something about those men serving beside him. We need to serve as a team, and work together to see God's work done. Are you ready to be fellow-worker? Would your name be included if Paul were working in our church today?
Notice also, he says he writes a greeting with his own hand, meaning someone else probably helped him write the rest of the letter.
"If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him." Paul is serious about the Gospel and knows that some in Corinth do not believe as they should. So, instead finshing on a light note, Paul reminds them that it is Jesus or nothing.
Labels: body of Christ, First Corinthians
posted by Randy Rogers at
1:10 PM
5 Comments:
Good entry...
What do you think Paul means by v.16 when he says to submit to those who have devoted themselves to the service of the saints? It seems to be a cool dual of submission in Christ and in love.
also, what does he mean in verse 22 when he says Marana tha? Is he speaking of Christ's return and ensuing judgement? I thought 2 Pet 3:15?
Thanks for the compliment. It is nice to have a good entry once in a while. :)
On v. 16, the submission that Paul mentions seems very similar to his comments on women to husbands, slaves to masters, community to government, and church to Christ. The term is similar as well (hupotasso). So, I think he feels that those who have proven themselves worthy by their leadership deserve respect and voice in the church. Thus, the subsmission of the church leadership to Christ (leading to action on behalf of the church) leads to submission on behalf of the congregation. The leader who submits to Christ and loves his people will receive the same. Funny how many young leaders and Christians I run into who want love and leadership without exercising love and servanthood first.
That's how I see the submission and love thing working.
ON v. 22. Let me see here . . . Yes, Marana Tha means
Come, Lord! I think his call for the return of the Lord is eschatological, and it is within the context of the verse--thus judgment on those who do not believe. However, I do not think he is judging the average lost person as much as he is judging the false teachers in the congregation at Corinth.
In other words, Come quickly Lord (to show those unbelieving opponents of mine just how ignorant they really are).
Ah, I gotcha... I understand the marana tha and the submission. I actually just re-picked-up Calvin Miller's "The Empowered Leader", subtitled "10 keys to servant leadership". After reading Ch 1, I realized...serving is hard work and it comes unnaturally. Doing everything for myself feels much more natural/normal. It surprises me sometimes how fleshly I still am. I almost seek to keep myself out of situations were my service would be needed. Instead, I'd rather serve when I feel like it... oh the affects of sin.
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