Commuter Bible NT

As Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth draws to a close, he reminds them to set money aside at the beginning of each week according to how each one prospers. This would have been a way of prioritizing the work of the church, funding and supporting other believers who labored in preaching and teaching. He continues on with updates about the work of various men and women who are doing such work, and as he does so, he encourages the church to honor and support those who labor in the gospel and to humbly submit to them.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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What would the Christian faith be like if Christ had not been raised from the dead? It’s hard to imagine what that would be like, but we can assume that such a worldview would be devoid of power and hope, relegated only to teachings about morals and good behavior. In today’s reading, Paul addresses those within the church who say that Christ was not raised and that there is not resurrection from the dead. Declaring such a faith to be pitiable, Paul moves on to talk about the coming resurrection, reassuring the church that Christ’s resurrection guarantees our resurrection. The change that occurs between one’s earthly body and one’s heavenly body can be compared to a seed that is planted in the ground which sprouts something very different.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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In chapter 12, Paul began to admonish the church to consider the nature of spiritual gifts within the church. Individuals within the church really wanted to have the gift of speaking in tongues, but Paul says that they should rather think of themselves as a body with many parts, all working together, though each part if different. It is within this context that Paul speaks of the nature of love. Yes, this is the chapter that is often read at weddings, and that can be fitting. However, in the original context, Paul is telling the church that these gifts of the Spirit, no matter how impressive, mean nothing if the church does not love one another. Furthermore, prophecy is a superior gift, and Paul explains why in chapter 14.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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In today’s reading, Paul begins a new topic of discussion that will carry us through the next few chapters, and that is the topic of spiritual gifts. In the early church, speaking in another language by the Spirit must have been an incredible and awe-inspiring sight, as indicated in the books of Acts at Pentecost. This gifting was so unique and thrilling that everyone wanted to have that gift. Paul begins to tell the church at Corinth that there are different gifts given to different members of the church so that all might work together as one body for the building of the church to the glory of God. Some gifts are more notable, but this shouldn’t mean that other gifts are unimportant or disposable. 

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The first half of today’s reading will cover Paul’s recommendation to the Corinthian church concerning head coverings for women. While different cultures and different interpreters come to varying conclusions as to whether or not this particular recommendation is prescriptive in all societies, it is clear that Paul intends to establish a distinction between male and female, as well as a structure of authority. Next, Paul moves on to consider the celebration of the Lord’s Supper within the church, particularly as it regards to fair distribution, unity within the body between those of varying socioeconomic status, and self-examination before partaking.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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In today’s reading, Paul offers a word on faithfulness in the midst of temptation. Referencing the book of Moses which we call Numbers, Paul reminds his hearers that Israel desired evil things rather than God, and thereby received just punishment from the God with whom they had covenanted as a people. When we are tempted, we may feel that we are the only ones who have ever experienced what we are experiencing, but Paul reminds us that no temptation is out of the ordinary. Moreover, with every temptation one might face, God provides a way out so that you may be able to bear it. As such, we should devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord, using our freedom to give God glory, instead of using it as a cover-up for evil.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Chances are that if you visit a friend’s house for dinner tomorrow night that you won’t be offered food offered to an idol, but in Paul’s day, that would have been more common. Paul says that there is only one God and all food is from him, so food sacrificed to idols, in reality, means nothing. Just because you can eat food sacrificed to idols, however, doesn’t mean you should, because it might cause your brother or sister to fall into sin. Later, Paul argues that those who serve as a minister of the gospel should be cared for with provisions, because if God cares about a farm animal reaping the rewards of his work, then surely he cares for those who preach and teach the Scriptures.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Paul continues to write to the church in Corinth concerning sexual ethics, and in today’s reading, he writes specifically about situations concerning marriage. In general, men and women are to give themselves to each other, for in marriage one’s body is not one’s own. If someone is married to an unbeliever, Paul commends that such a person should stay married because he or she may be able to save their spouse through their faithful, daily witness. Paul goes on to tell individuals in the church to be content to live life in whatever situation the Lord assigned when God called them. Finally, Paul spend an extended amount of time discussing matters of singleness and divorce.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The church in Corinth had some messed views about what was permissible, especially where it pertains to sex and morality. Our reading opens with Paul addressing the church on resolving a matter the could fit well on day time talk shows: a man is having sex with his stepmother, and the church isn’t doing anything about it. Paul directs the church to execute church discipline, telling them to “hand that one over to Satan” but not so that he might be forever lost, but “so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” Paul continues by discouraging the church from internal lawsuits, saying it is better to be wronged and cheated than go to court against a brother. Finally, Paul tells the church to flee sexual immorality.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Paul continues his thoughts from our last reading into today’s chapter concerning the way leaders are revered among the Corinthian church. As you’ll recall they had been attaching themselves to particular leaders within the church, causing unnecessary division. One shouldn’t be concerned with how others judge, but on how God judges, and he sees the intentions of the heart. Paul doesn’t want any of them to become arrogant, especially those among them who have become arrogant as teachers. Those who instruct may be many, but those who come alongside believers as humble and loving fathers are few. Paul aims to be a father, and he wants others to imitate this posture within the church.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

facebook.com/commuterbible

instagram.com/commuter_bible

twitter.com/CommuterPod

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[email protected]