Short Course: Corinthians January 27, 2010

In his book, Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, Jurgen Becker says that Paul wrote letters to particular churches about particular problems. He says, “Paul never took pen in hand or dictated to a scribe in order to establish matters of theological orientation that in his view should have validity for all times and all churches.” Becker says that Paul would not have considered his letters capable of influencing the whole of Christendom over the centuries.

Those of us who claim the name, “Christian” almost two thousand years after Paul know his teachings to be considered foundational to the meaning and substance of Christianity. That is because, in large part, in trying to work out the problems of local churches, Paul appealed to and in sometimes crafted theological arguments that he often had to restate or deepen as he addressed the concern at hand. Several of these can be seen in the two books (actually several letters) we call First and Second Corinthians. Here are some examples of where Paul’s thoughts in response to questions or problems reflect and/or have become basic Christian doctrine:

I Corinthians

The nature and meaning of baptism

The baptized are one church as opposed to several vying for spiritual superiority based on who baptized them or who taught them the gospel. God triumphed through weakness, that is death on a cross. Understanding the crucifixion eliminates boasting and therefore, factions

Eating of meat sacrificed to idols

Part of larger question of whether Christians had to follow Jewish rules. How is Christianity related to Judaism? Same God, same scriptures. Same rules?

Lord’s Supper

separates the sacrament from a meal simply for filling the belly. Lord’s supper is sacred--sacrament

Spiritual gifts identified by Paul as “spiritual.”

The list of “gifts” was common in other religions in the Hellenistic world. Paul tied them to the Spirit within for Christians.

The future resurrection of the dead

We see Paul having to work out the then/now ness of the Christian hope

II Corinthians

Humility of Ambassadors for Christ

Paul responds to stories about opponents wanting to be leaders in the community.

The idea of the “foolishness of Christ”

developed to counter the superlative apostles who claim greatness because of their spirituality and their works.

Some Questions for Tonight:

Where do you see these concepts in the gospels?

Is there anything here that seems out of synch with the gospel accounts?

Has Paul surprised you in any of his thinking or language? How?

What stories about Jesus do you think might have led Paul to his views?