Time to say Good Bye.  1 Corinthians 16.10-24

We’ve been reading someone else’s mail.  If the Corinthians know, they might even feel embarrassed that we know so much of their dirty laundry!  I mean, think of it—they fought over their teachers, took one another to court, involved themselves in some practices that would have made pagans blush!  They turned the Lord’s Supper into an excuse to party, they abused their spiritual gifts, using them for their own glory, and turned God’s house into a freak show.  Embarrassing.

Paul had no idea that people like us would be reading this letter 2,000 years later, in a much different time and place, but because his writing was inspired by the Holy Spirit, it survived the centuries.  More than that, our understanding of the gifts, and doctrine of the Resurrection would be incomplete without this first letter of Paul’s to the Corinthian believers.  (What would wedding ceremonies be without “love is patient, love is kind…” from chapter 13??)

Foremost among the teachings from this letter is Paul’s succinct delivery of the gospel in chapter 15—that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and he appeared alive again to hundreds of witnesses.  That’s it, Friends—Jesus did what was prophesied 700 years earlier of him, he did what he told his disciples he would do—we serve a risen Lord! 

Perhaps of secondary importance would be the message of chapter 13—without love, we are nothing.  ‘Doesn’t matter if you are an eloquent speaker with an Ivy-league degree, rich pedigree, and filled with spiritual gifts—if you do not have and live in love, none of the rest counts.

Paul closes out his letter to the Corinthian believers, making sure that they would love and accept one another well.  He both endorses and commends those who have been faithful and worked hard in the service of God.  Once again, we see Paul mentioning fellow believers in different towns so that they would know they were part of a larger movement—Christianity was on the rise!

If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.  No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.  Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. 

    Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  

                          Do everything in love.

 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers,  to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.   I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.   For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.  All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

 If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. (he will be accursed) Come, O Lord!

 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.      1 Corinthians 16.10-24

What a brilliant charge Paul gives those he loves!

Be on your guard.    Stand firm in the faith.

       Be men of courage.   Be strong.

              Do everything in love.  v. 13-14

If I was being shipped off to Siberia today and could write Bible study no longer, that would be a great closing statement.   Five things—be aware, Christian—there’s a battle going on around you; stand firm, and be strong in your faith.  Be men of courage—I especially like this charge because we have become so weak as individuals, it seems like courage has long ago been abandoned.  And then, the standard—do everything in love. 

Grace to you,

Christine