Read Reflect Paul writes as a missionary-pastor to house churches in the Roman city of Corinth. This section of Paul’s letter contrasts prophetic speech with prayer in unknown languages. Modern readers need to recognize two things. First, there was a competition for “air time” or public recognition in the Corinthian house churches. Paul was concerned […]
Read More prophecy, order, tongues, worshipRead Reflect This passage provides wonderful insight into the participatory nature of worship in the congregations of Corinth. Paul begins by emphasizing that that all aspects of worship must for the good (building up) of everyone present (v 26). He concludes by stating that every aspect of worship is to be done properly and with […]
Read More worship, joy, women, vitalityRead Reflect Death often comes to us an unwelcome intruder, an enemy, and a destroyer. We are shocked by the violent murder of innocent people or the diagnosis of a terminal disease. We all grieve the loss of loved ones. Death hung over a city like Corinth. Mortality rates were high (by modern standards) particularly […]
Read More death, hope, resurrectionRead Reflect Death is more than the result of age, disease, and accidents. Powerful individuals and groups can use the power in an evil manner to inflict death. In Paul’s time, Rome’s armies were feared by conquered people and nations on the borders of the empire. Today, violent people engage in genocide, terrorism and war. […]
Read More eternity, hope, resurrectionRead Reflect One of my most haunting memories is a visit to a church in Rwanda after the genocide. The bones of hundreds of Tutsi people lay on the floor where they had been killed. I was overwhelmed by the horror of decayed bodies reduced to bones in a place of worship. Standing before death, […]
Read More death, hope, comfortRead Reflect Paul’s conclusion provides valuable insights into his life as an itinerant missionary-pastor. The first theme is the collection to assist Christian sisters and brothers in Jerusalem (vv 1-4). A famine had struck the region and members of the Christian movement, as a minority group, were particularly vulnerable. Paul and his associates organized a […]
Read More relief offering, Christian lifestyleRead Reflect Paul, the pastor-missionary, opens his heart and reflects on his vocation in 2 Corinthians. Some parts of the letter are intensely personal and reveal his inner struggles. The debate about the unity of the epistle (there are suggestions that it was composed of portions of two or more letters) does not affect our […]
Read More trouble, comfort, service, times of needRead Reflect Leaders that break promises betray the trust of their followers. In our time, politicians, presidents of corporations, and directors of service organizations are expected to stand by their word. The demand for integrity is even higher for church leaders. Paul, the missionary-pastor, had planned to make a double visit to Corinth on route […]
Read More God’s faithfulness, integrity, healthy relationshipsRead Reflect Leadership is always challenged. Yesterday’s reading showed that Paul’s delay in visiting Corinth resulted in public criticism that he was fickle and unreliable as a leader. Paul continues to address this personal attack in today’s reading. Paul calls on God as his witness. The main factor in his decision to change his travel […]
Read More forgiveness, fellowship, discord, destructive behaviour, church disciplineRead Reflect After facing death in Asia, Paul traveled to Troas and then to Macedonia to proclaim the good news. We are reminded that travel was difficult in the first century notwithstanding the network of roads built by the Romans. Paul’s words reveal his commitment to his colleagues. He was unable to rest because of […]
Read More work of the Spirit, covenant, transformation