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 thanksgiving
- Paul begins per usual, with profound and continual thanks to God for his church plant
recipients. In this case, such an act may reflect great courage. Among his listeners that
Paul addresses the letter to are people who have opposed him, rivaled him, and openly
challenged his authority. Yet Paul thanks God "for you" (v. 11). [1]
code language? - Seems Paul, right at the beginning of the letter
raises words that may very well be coded or even controversial words-"speech"
and "knowledge"-that apparently the pneumatakoi have claimed and valued over
other charismata while disparaging other gifts. Such inclusion may provide the clue
concerning the contingency of the letter.
origen, bishop of alexandria [fl. 200-254 ] - Paul does not just
give thank for the Corinthians some of the time, nor only when the do good. He puts
himself in the position of a father who is thankful for his children all the time,
whatever they may have done. [ED: or believed!]. [2]
 [3] If all you had to go on was
vs. 4-9, what would be your impression of this congregation to which Paul writes?
What does your community of faith still share in common with this ancient congregation?
 block #1 - Note the
words of thanksgiving that Paul offers God for this congregation; imagine what kind of a
congregation in our own day that would merit such affirmation. Imagine what their
committees and outreach must have been like.
block #2 - Shift to a brief profile of the church at Corinth - a
background of the church within the context of the city would be useful.
block #3 - Why would Paul thank God for this congregation?
They’re a mess! But despite their horror stories, arguing, and headaches, he
continues to thank God for them. "He knows that within the chaos, God has already
done marvelous things that can bring blessing to the multitudes." [4]
God does the same with us . . . in our own struggles, headaches and whining in the
church, God is at work both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure and that
includes bringing order out of charismatic chaos.
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