I Corinthians 15:35-49 What a delightful passage to read! Paul makes so many comparisons, mostly one-to-one but also men-beasts-birds-fish and sun-moon-stars. But what I really love are his pairings: perishable-imperishable; dishonor-honor; weakness-power; natural-spiritual; soul-spirit; earthly-heavenly. Very well written, St. Paul!! You fool! (v. 36a) Paul is pretty hard on the Corinthians. I thought they had …
Author Archives: Fred
May 14 / I Cor. 15:20-34
I Corinthians 15:20-34 I will venture where I don’t belong, theology over my head! …what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? (v. 29) “…baptized on behalf of the dead…” What’s this all about? My Study …
May 13 / I Cor. 15:1-19
I Corinthians 15:1-19 And if Christ has not been raised, … we are of all people most to be pitied. (vv. 17a, 19b) For many years I was quoting this “verse”, except that it was not one verse, but the combination of two partial verses. So much for my Bible memory skills…!! But the reality …
May 12 / I Cor. 14:26-40
I Corinthians 14:26-40 A couple of comments today… First, I was struck by a small phrase in the following verses: …let each of them keep silent in church (v. 28) and For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (v. 36) The two-word phrase, “in church…” Has Paul ever used that phrase …
May 11 / I Cor. 14:13-25
I Corinthians 14:13-25 Given our church’s Anglican, liturgical, non-Charismatic orientation, I find it difficult to comment about Paul’s discussions on tongues and prophecy. They are not much a part of our character, even though they are gifts intended for the whole church. Our former church back in Northern Virginia (then Episcopal, now Anglican), however, was …
May 10 / I Cor. 14:1-12
I Corinthians 14:1-12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. (v. 12) My Study Bible noted that this exhortation is the summary verse for all of chapter 14. Frankly, it’s a lesson for all Christians for all time! Every one of us …
May 9 / I Cor. 13:1-13
I Corinthians 13:1-13 Chapter 13, I daresay, one of the best-known chapters in the Bible, second only to Psalm 23. It is probably quoted, in whole or in part, in more Christian weddings than any other Scripture. What could we possibly add to what Paul has already written??!! But…, there is one item that I …
May 8 / I Cor. 12:15-31
I Corinthians 12:15-31 But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it… (v. 24b) The “widow’s mite” comes to mind – a poor woman who gave all she had, and Jesus lauded her for it. I also think of John and Charmayne in the kitchen cleaning our cups …
May 7 / I Cor. 12:1-14
I Corinthians 12:1-14 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (vv. 4-6) It’s hard to miss this triad: …varieties, varieties, varieties…; gifts, service, activities; …
May 6 / I Cor. 11:17-34
I Corinthians 11:17-34 I can remember vividly the first time I read verses 23 to 26 in today’s reading. I had been raised in the Catholic Church and was born again at age 26. Somewhere along the line I started reading the Bible – I can’t remember any pattern that I followed, but it surely …