Paul wraps up his first letter to the saints in Corinth by tying up loose ends and giving some final instructions. He clarifies the process for the collection they are gathering for the needs of the persecuted church in Jerusalem, and he begins to make plans for coming and staying for a while - if the Lord permits.
Paul makes provision for Timothy and Apollos visiting and being accepted well. Paul gives a word of instruction that we would all do well to heed, "Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Cor. 16:13-14 NRSV.
Some theologians have thought that perhaps Paul placed his own signature on these letters that he dictated. This would verify the author and the content to the reader. Paul's greetings and naming of specific people and situations would also tend to lend credibility to the authenticity of the letter.
Onward to 2 Corinthians!
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2 comments:
What an exciting way to end - verses 13-14. Do everything in LOVE. How about that? Is that what we are doing, or do we sometimes forget? It is definitely important to be strong, keep alert, and stand firm in our faith - it seems like now, more than ever. It's so great to have people to do this with, so that I do not feel alone.
I think that it was so cool that he ended by signing his name himself - it reminds us that he did have a scribe writing down what he said, which is weird to think about these days. Doctors have people do that, right? The authenticity thing is pretty cool though - and although I never worried about whether it was authentic, I feel even better now!
God bless, all.
Marshall
Paul doesn't seem quite pleased with Apollos ;)
I couldn't help but think of apportionments with the first part of the letter about a collection for jerusalem!!
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