Thoughts for the Day

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..........

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, or ‘I belong to Apollos’, or ‘I belong to Cephas’, or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I'm going to look at St Paul's letter to the Corinthians periodically over the next few weeks - parts are well known, parts almost unknown. Paul made three missionary journeys. passing on the Good News of Jesus Christ as he went, and establishing new churches. This first letter was probably written between AD 53-55 while in Ephesus. The Corinthians seems to have doubted his authority, perhaps because he had not been one of the original twelve disciples. However, he reminds them that Jesus called him to be an apostle while he was on the road to Damascus. He uses the word "saints" for those who believe in Jesus, that is someone who hears God's message and puts their trust in Him.

The city of Corinth was a Roman city with a terrible reputation, and it seems to have influenced the new church, which is split with division. Paul continually uses the words 'our Lord Jesus Christ' in his attempt to make the Corinthians realise that it is Jesus, the Son of God who came to offer reconciliation with God, that unites them.

Today, when there are disagreements or quarrels in the church community we should remember that it is Jesus Christ that unites us - only in Christ are we made whole. And we are 'saints' - perhaps with a small 's'!

Lord Jesus Christ,
You called Your servant Paul
to preach the Gospel to the people.
He faithfully carried out this task,
and continued to nurture them -
calling them back to the right road
again and again.
We thank You for our church leaders
who preach and teach Your people,
and ask Your blessing on their work.
Amen.