1 Corinthians 1 Commentary
The church at Corinth gives us context to the Book of Corinthians, but the material is for all the churches. Verse 2.
We have issues with this picture. It affords us some level of liberty to ignore some items. The argument could be that the items were meant for the church at Corinth under specific conditions and cultural backgrounds. Ours is definitely different.
We know the material is for us and we must apply the word in our own time. Capturing, filtering, contextualizing, conceptualizing, and then applying; how can it be an easier job! The holy script is God’s word and so the Spirit speaks and these complications disappear under the light of the Spirit of Jesus. You know when the LORD has spoken!
Paul doesn’t consider human wisdom and eloquence as assets. They should be everything to a public speaker but Paul isn’t fooled. The more we rely on eloquence to explain the scripture, the more we empty God’s word of its power. Verse 17.
It shouldn’t disturb the saint that the world diminishes the significance of God’s word. It is foolishness to the perishing. The saint is warned: There is no red carpet for the gospel in the streets! Let the evangelist know. Verse 18.
The world’s palaces are for the cream of this world. In England, an MBE is never awarded to nameless individuals. You are never called Sir Paul without a name for yourself. The title ‘lord’ isn’t for everyone. And you must be a son of the king to be called Prince William. But the nameless saint is God’s son or daughter! And guess what, they didn’t earn it by themselves! It is all about God’s election. Verse 28. The saint sits down in awe of God’s generosity!
It is all about God’s grace. Never mind the names of the tools the LORD uses. It is Jesus who died for you and not a human being.
Paul has removed all the layers: wisdom, intelligence, human support, preachers, and the world’s systems. The means by which we feel we can attain salvation are pulled down. It is a strange one, but wisdom or a decision from you to say yes to God isn’t the reason you are saved. If there is wisdom, it is this: that Jesus died for the undeserving. Then they can be titled men and women – sons and daughters of the King.
Let the church be united in this knowledge. Then there will be no divisions based on who is who of the church.
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