Day 133, 1 Corinthians 1
While Paul was in Ephesus (see yesterday’s reading), a delegation came from his church plant in Corinth with news of errors and misunderstandings . Paul, the father of this young congregation, writes with loving clarification to reveal the fulness of the good news and their relationship with God. There is correction, but it is fatherly correction, undergirded with love.
Although the letter is written to correct mistakes and misunderstandings in one specific church in an ancient city, it is most relevant to us to day. Corinth was a cosmopolitan crossroads where multiple spiritualities converged and individualism was treasured. It was the New York or San Francisco of the day.
Paul opens his letter addressing it to all believers (v2). He highlights the riches of God’s gift to us; Jesus has bestowed every spiritual gift on His body, the Church. In light of this, we are to prioritize unity and harmony.
Corinth was not unlike many American cities today: factions, competition and human reasoning are ascendent, denying the power of the gospel. Paul’s exhortation is to bring them back to the cross. This central event is the pivot of history and it seems stupid to those who consider themselves wise, yet God has designed it to be the solution to all this world’s inadequacies.
This divine reversal is good news for anyone humble enough to recognize their own lacks. We boast in God’s abundant generosity, not in our own credentials!
Become a nobody who is somebody to God.
Have a great day!
Mark.