Howdy Y’all!
This week’s reading entailed the rest of the book of Acts, from chapter 26 to its concluding chapter 28, and then the first four chapters from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church. Well, let’s begin at the (relative) beginning shall we? Yes, let’s.
Acts 26 is an incredible chapter which documents Paul’s apologia to King Agrippa. An apologia is a speech of defence, which is where we get the word‘apologetics.’ Though it is also the root of the word ‘apology’, this doesn’t mean that Paul is apologising for the gospel. Rather, he is recounting and defending his first-hand account of the transforming powers of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Paul explains to Agrippa how he was once a fervent persecutor of Christians and Christianity but, through his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, has now become a witness to and a servant of God. The response of Festus, who was a high ranking officer present, is probably not exactly what Paul was hoping to hear: “You are out of your mind, Paul!”, “Your great learning is driving you insane.” (Acts 26:24).
Chapter 27 and the first part of chapter 28 chronicle Paul’s eventful trip to Italy. Paul and some other prisoners are put in the custody of a centurion named Julius. En route to Italy, Paul forewarns of a storm coming (verse 10) but Julius ignores him. The storm comes (verses 14-16) and they are shipwrecked (verse 41). Chapter 28 begins with Paul et al ashore on Malta (where their ship ran aground), and tells of miraculous healings done by Paul there (verses 8-9). The rest of the chapter recounts Paul’s arrival and early ministry in Rome, which he is able to do with relative liberty for a short period of time at least (verses 30-31).
1 Corinthians is the name given to the first letter written by Paul, in response, to the church in Corinth. He begins by encouraging them heartily: “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”(1 Corinthians 1:4-5). What fantastic words to hear! And a great way to start a letter, I reckon. Do you think others feel this way about you? Do you feel this way about others? And if so, do you tell them? I know I don’t!
In the rest of chapter 1, Paul deals with the supposed divisions that had emerged in the church using some cutting rhetorical questions: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” (Verse 13). And to end any confusion, he spells out what his role is: “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel – not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (Verse 17). I think this is a hugely powerful verse, though slightly odd at first reading. If Paul is not to preach with wisdom, does that mean that he is supposed to preach foolishly? I don’t think so. Note the ‘human’ in the phrase ‘human wisdom’. I don’t think Paul is telling us to speak foolishly, but rather to not infuse the gospel with our own ‘human wisdom’. The words “lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” are a stark warning of what can happen if we attempt to intellectualise the gospel without taking its spiritual power into consideration.
“No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” (Acts 2:7). In verse 6 through to 16 (chapter 2), Paul explains what is meant by wisdom from the spirit. I think a nice way of approaching it is in the words of verse 13: “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words”. Once again, Paul is reminding the Corinthians of the spiritual nature of gospel, and the futility of trying to interpret it in any other way. We can take heed from his words. Is reading the gospel a spiritual act for you? Or an academic one?
In chapter 3 Paul continues to address the issue of divisions within the church, this time reminding the Corinthians that it is “only God, who makes things grow.” (verse 7). This simplifies our job, as servants of Christ. We can plant seed, and we can water it, but growth is in the dominion of God alone.
Paul continues to humble the Corinthians in chapter 4: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (verse 7). I find this verse very challenging personally. As a part of an affluent middle-class UK church community, I have so, so much. And yet, as Paul says, what do I have that I haven’t received? Nothing, is the honest reply. What makes me different from anyone else? Nothing, is the honest reply.
What an amazing verse that cuts through our socio-economic hierarchy like a knife through butter! What do you think?
...Cardiff Theology Network...Big Read 