1 Corinthians

Monday, 11 May 2015

All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 16:20

Paul has completed his short list of those he singled out for personal greetings. Now, in the same thought in order to promote the general good of the congregation, as well as a deep-seated display of love, he tells them to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” This was, and still is, the custom in many parts of the world. The kiss is intended as a greeting just as western nations today shake hands or possibly hug, depending on familiarity. In the Far East, a deep and respectful bow is given in substitute of this.

Although Paul’s letters are prescriptive, intent must always be considered. Is Paul mandating that all people in all churches meet one another “with a holy kiss?” The answer is “No.” The reason why this is important is because there are small pockets of churches that mandate this even today and even in western societies. However, the intent of the kiss of greeting is cultural, not merely biblical. Proof of this follows from the first kiss noted in the Bible in Genesis 27:26 when Isaac blessed his son Jacob before he departed to Padan Aram.

From that point, the kiss is seen among the covenant people and among those who aren’t yet in the covenant, thus demonstrating the cultural nature of the greeting. It is used in the same way we use a handshake. When Jacob met Rachel, without knowing her in any familiar way yet, he kissed her. In 2 Samuel 20, the following exchange begins with a kiss of greeting and ends in death –

“Then Joab said to Amasa, “Are you in health, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa did not notice the sword that was in Joab’s hand. And he struck him with it in the stomach, and his entrails poured out on the ground; and he did not strike him again. Thus he died.” 2 Samuel 20:9, 10

In 1 Samuel 20:41, David and Jonathan, close male friends, gave a fraternal kiss in accord with the culture before departing. And, Proverbs 27:6 notes the following –

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6

This demonstrates clearly that the kiss is cultural because even enemies will kiss rather than shake hands. This is seen in these parts of the world today when leaders who are at war with each other still greet with a kiss. Replacing “kisses” with “shaking of hands” in this Proverb would hold exactly the same meaning and intent.

And as a premier example of this, read the following exchange between Jesus and Simon the Pharisee –

“And He said to him, ‘You have rightly judged.’ Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.'” Luke 7:43-47

And of course, the most famous kiss in history is recorded concerning Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and reflects the sentiments of Proverbs 27:6 (above) perfectly.

It is important then to understand the cultural nature of this admonition by Paul lest we get swept up into legalism over something which is actually not intended for all cultures and in all situations. If a person with an immune deficiency were to use this verse in a prescriptive manner, he could soon be dead from receiving the germs of others.

Finally, the kisses in these and other verses throughout the Bible which are between men and men (such as David and Jonathan noted above) are not in any way intended to convey the perverse sin of homosexuality as modern liberals often imply. They are merely cultural and welcoming displays just as handshakes are today. To imply this in their writings shows a disregard for God’s order in the natural world.

Life application: If you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you are in Japan, do as they do. It wouldn’t be appropriate to go to church in the Far East and attempt to hug, kiss, or even shake the hands of another unless they first offered. If you are in a mid-eastern area, a fraternal kiss may accompany a greeting. In America, a hearty handshake and maybe a friendly hug is the custom. The intent of Paul’s words is promoting warmth and harmony between believers, not causing offense.

Lord God, how grateful I am to travel the world and to see so many different cultures that worship You in their own way. And yet, each still exalts the wondrous work of Jesus. You truly are the God of the nations and He is Lord over all people. The songs differ, layout of the meeting places varies, and the way prayers are conducted are unique, but when the Son is exalted, You O God are glorified! How good it is to for brothers of all nations to dwell together in harmony. Amen.

Sunday, 10 May 2015

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19

“Asia” here is the general area of Asia Minor. The churches that were in that region obviously communicated with one another often. In their communications, they remembered those in Corinth with fraternal thoughts. As Paul traveled, he certainly brought up the many areas he had visited in conversation, remembering their needs and speaking of their strengths.

Along with the churches, Aquila and Priscilla wanted to make sure those in Corinth knew they were still on their hearts and minds. They had previously been members of the church in Corinth and moved with Paul as he traveled. Together “with the church that is in their house” they sent on their hearty greetings.

Paul’s final salutations are careful to include such heartfelt thoughts, knowing that such remembrances add a personal touch to the communication. In the case of this letter, it would help those in Corinth to assimilate all of his advice and instruction in a welcoming manner. The issues he has addressed were many and very sensitive in nature. For him to add these thoughts from other churches and people shows that they were held in a positive light during his conversations with them. It is a tactful way of closing out this important epistle.

Life application: Speaking well of others when they aren’t around is always a favorable way of ensuring that they know they are loved. Such words of favor inevitably will get back to the one being spoken of. Let our words about others always be salted with grace and charity.

Lord, how easy it is for misunderstandings to come up between people when conversations are misconstrued. Help my words to be filled with grace and charity and also with thoughtful consideration as I speak or write. Because misunderstandings arise, feelings are inevitably going to be hurt unless intent is clear and the words are spoken in love. And should my words be taken in a wrong way, give me the ability to correct the confusion in a manner which will bring restoration to the relationship. Help me in this Lord. Amen.

Saturday, 9 May 2015

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 1 Corinthians 16:18

Still speaking of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus who had come to Paul with the news of those in Corinth, he notes that “they refreshed my spirit.” Paul carried with him the thought of the churches he had established and those he had come to know. He certainly wondered how they fared, grieved when they strayed, and rejoiced as they pursued the Lord. Hearing about those in Corinth was therefore a refreshing thing, even if much of the news was less than wonderful.

By knowing where there were trials or dysfunctions, he could set them on a right course. This is exactly the purpose of writing this letter. But this wasn’t just a one-way street. Not only was he refreshed by their coming, but their spirit was as well. He would carry the letter back which would answer their questions, tell them of how he was, and direct them in how to handle the divisions which had arisen within the church. The anxieties and suspicions that were felt on both sides would be quelled through this encounter.

And because these three were willing to leave their home and travel to Paul in order to have these things come about, Paul asks them to “therefore acknowledge such men.” Missionaries travel to places others don’t. They carry a message which is there for the refreshing of spirits. Musicians often travel with gospel songs intended to uplift the churches they encounter. Evangelists travel spreading their message as they go. These and others should be acknowledged for their efforts.

Life application: In the church, there are a host of duties which need to be accomplished in order to get the message of Jesus Christ out. Each person can do something, but those who bear the heaviest of burdens should be given the highest of praise. Be sure to thank those who minister in various ways, acknowledging them for the efforts.

Lord, I really am grateful for those who step out and carry the message which needs to be proclaimed. Missionaries, musicians, evangelists, and even street preachers are all doing something in hopes of increasing Your kingdom and spreading Your word. I pray for them today, asking that You give them an extra blessing and a hand of comfort as they continue with their most notable of efforts. Amen.

Friday, 8 May 2015

 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 1 Corinthians 16:17

These three who came to Paul at Ephesus were probably the ones chosen to carry the letter referenced in 1 Corinthians 7:1. They traveled together until they reached Paul and probably had a good discussion as they reviewed the words of the letter. They also must have included discussions concerning the “divisions” of the church mentioned so often by Paul. At the same time, the fellowship with Paul, and their ability to accept his counsel, would have encouraged him.

He knew he had to travel to Corinth and he knew that problems existed there. This probably caused him to anguish, as a father would over a child that had such problems. With their arrival and their working together over these issues, he was given a sense of comfort. The words “for what was lacking on your part they supplied” seem to show a rebuke and are probably better rendered as the ESV states – “because they have made up for your absence.”

In other words, Paul felt the absence and the miles between them which kept him from providing the sound counsel they needed. With the coming of these three, the miles melted away and with them went the frustrations that he had felt. Rather than a rebuke, this is a grateful and filling comment made by Paul to his beloved church.

Life application: Sometimes only the presence of another can cut through one’s loneliness and frustration. If you perceive someone is having difficult times and you can personally visit them then this is often the preferred option. Surely nothing can replace human contact and a smile from a friend.

Lord, some people just seem to know when to reach out to others and fill the voids that they are facing. Nothing can replace a friendly voice and a welcome smile. I know this, and so I would ask that You would fill me with this type of wisdom. Help me to know when to step in and offer that special touch to those in need. I know that they will benefit from it and that I will always learn from it as well. Amen.

Thursday, 7 May 2015

…that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 1 Corinthians 16:16

Taken together along with the previous verse, we will get a better sense of Paul’s intent –

“I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— ¹⁶ that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.”

He wants those in Corinth to see their necessary duty because of the voluntary duty of another. Just as the household of Stephanas has “devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints” they should likewise “submit to such.” Even though Stephanas was probably a slave belonging to Chloe’s household, he was a free man in Christ. In this status, Paul is asking those free Corinthians to submit themselves to him. In Christ, there are truly no distinctions which the world notices. Hence we get a better sense of Paul’s words in Galatians 3 –

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

This is the reality which is found in this new life in which we live. Those who minister in the Lord are to be given the honor of that ministry, regardless of their worldly position. This includes slaves such as Stephanas “and to everyone who works and labors” in the service of Christ.

Life application: There are some very fine Bible teachers who have day jobs that might seem lowly – janitors, electricians, farmers, or grocery baggers may be great theologians willing to share their knowledge with others. If so, they should be given both respect and gratitude for their efforts.

Heavenly Father, thank you for those regular folks who have day jobs and busy schedules and yet who are willing to take on the additional work of Bible teaching. I would pray that those who learn under them would give them an additional touch of respect and a sharing of their own blessings in acknowledgement of their faithful service. It is good and proper that they are recognized for their service to You and their careful attention to Your word. Thank You for blessing them. Amen.