Epiphany’s Epistle: 1 Corinthians

Beginning with the Second Sunday after the Epiphany (in Year A), a serialized reading of 1 Corinthians begins for the Epistle (meaning “letter”) New Testament reading. (Note: these readings will not usually be in thematic harmony with the other appointed scriptures for the day).

• Epiphany 2: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Paul writes from Ephesus to the Christian congregation in Corinth, thanking God for the spiritual growth that has come to them in Christ.
• Epiphany 3: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 – Paul appeals to the members of the new congregation to be joined to one another in unity of mind and thought, and not to form cliques centered upon the person who introduced them to their faith.
• Epiphany 4: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – Paul reminds the Corinthians that God uses the powerless, the people of lowly origin, and even the simple and despised to bring about his purposes. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
• Epiphany 5: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) – The secret and hidden wisdom of God is not the wisdom of human beings. God reveals himself through Spirit.
• Epiphany 6: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 – Paul compares himself and other missionaries to workers in a field who plant and water, but growth is from God.
• Epiphany 7: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 – Still troubled by disruptions in the church of Corinth, Paul says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? . . . you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”
• Epiphany 8: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Paul describes in caustic terms his understanding of what it means to be a disciple.

These consecutive weeks offers an opportunity to teach and reflect upon the Christian church in Corinth and our church today.

• What insights does Paul provide in his letter to the Corinthians about the growth of faith in the community?
• What does it mean that we are each a part of God’s holy temple?
• What should our response be to Gods saving of the world through Jesus Christ?