. . . in Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:2)
Over the coming weeks, our first readings will come from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. His epistle offers us a window into the life of this early Christian community. It gives insight into these believers’ strengths and weaknesses, and it shows us Paul’s fatherly care for them. Let’s take a look.
Corinth was a leading Greek city in Paul’s day, a bustling seaport and commercial gateway between Rome in the West and the wealthy civilizations of the East. It attracted people from all over the world and had become a melting pot of different cultures. There was a Jewish community in the city, some of whom had begun to follow Jesus. In addition, some Gentiles had converted to Christianity, so this small church faced a challenge. It was one of the first places where Jews and Gentiles learned to live and worship together as one community. That combination led to a clash of cultures that crops up regularly in Paul’s letter.
But let’s begin where Paul begins. He reminds the Corinthian believers of all they have received “in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Later, he will address their shortcomings and give his famous treatise on love. But before any correction, he sums up his letter and his whole mission: it’s all about Jesus. In nine verses, Paul uses the name of Jesus eight times: Paul’s call as an apostle comes from Jesus; the Church is made up of all who call upon the name of Jesus; and the Corinthians have received grace, sanctification, peace, instruction, spiritual gifts, strength, and their call to fellowship—all “in Christ Jesus.”
Paul certainly gets his message across: Jesus is the center of it all. The Corinthians faced many challenges, and they had a lot to learn. But Paul wanted to remind them why they had come together in the first place: because Jesus had called them and changed their lives. He was their Lord, their source, their purpose, and their guide. He would be their strength and wisdom, the well they would draw from. Jesus would help them love one another and keep them standing firm until his return.
He will do the same for you.
“Jesus, be my strength and my joy today.”
Psalm 145:2-7
Matthew 24:42-5
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