Author: Administrador

What motivates us to proclaim the good news? What shapes our proclamation? For Paul, the motivating force of his proclamation is a profound sense of call. For Paul, God’s call to him is shaped by a pair of powerful and interlaced forces: the God who called him and the people who would hear the good … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Commentary by Eric Barreto”

In 1 Corinthians, Paul undertakes to address a series of church conflicts, theological debates, and disputes over community practices. These range from the nature and reality of Jesus’ resurrection (ch. 15) to the correct foods to bring to or eat at a church supper (ch. 8-10). This epistle stands as Exhibit A for anyone seeking … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Commentary by Frank L. Crouch”

The text assigned is an entire, but fairly brief, chapter in 1 Corinthians, located at the beginning of a longer unit extending over three chapters (1 Corinthians 8:1 through10:33). In that lengthy section, Paul questions whether it is permissible for believers at Corinth to eat meat (in temple dining areas) that remains after animal sacrifices … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Commentary by Arland J. Hultgren”

At first glance, this might seem like a good text to pass over as the basis of a sermon. How does one bring out the contemporary relevance of an ancient debate over whether to eat food offered to idols?  However, the other passages offer their own challenges — from Mark (casting out an unclean spirit) … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Commentary by Frank L. Crouch”

This is one of my favorite passages in Paul’s letters. It gives us access to a concrete situation in Paul’s communities, and gives us some sense of how Paul thought and what he decided to put first in his dealings with his communities. It is even more accessible to us because in a sense the … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Commentary by Valerie Nicolet-Anderson”

The Second Lesson prescribed for any given Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary does not usually cohere with the core message of the Gospel for the Day. Except on special occasions, it is typically a passage that is part of a continuous reading within Acts, an epistle, or Revelation, and given attention over several weeks. … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Commentary by Arland J. Hultgren”

This brief passage revolves around two related ideas: “the appointed time has grown short” (verse 29) and “the present form of this world is passing away” (verse 31). This (plus this week’s gospel reading) could prompt one to focus on things eschatological.  If one’s congregation has not recently (or ever) pondered the varieties of biblical … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Commentary by Frank L. Crouch”

This section of 1 Corinthians is found in the middle of a series of injunctions concerned with marriage in particular. It is closely related to what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:17 where Paul admonishes his addressees to remain in the state in which they have been called. What matters to Paul thus is not … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Commentary by Valerie Nicolet-Anderson”

This Sunday marks some major transitions. Up until now, our attention has been on the infant Jesus. We celebrated his Nativity, his presentation in the Temple, and the good news of the Word having come in the flesh. Beginning with this Sunday, however, we read in John’s Gospel about the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Commentary by Arland J. Hultgren”

First Corinthians stands as a masterful example of a leader addressing a divided congregation and honestly critiquing the views of each side. Prior to this passage, Paul repeatedly attempts to move people away from an attitude of “It’s all about me” to a focus on the one who calls and saves them.  He opens the … Continue reading “1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Commentary by Frank L. Crouch”