Biblical Poems Embedded in Biblical Narratives by Sharon R. Chace

Author:Sharon R. Chace [Chace, Sharon R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781725262317
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Published: 2020-11-04T19:18:48+00:00

34. Carter and Levine, New Testament, 62.

352. When I first wrote this, I made a typo. I wrote “glowed” instead of “flowed.” The word “glowed” works emotionally. Glowing with inner light is blessing life.

36. Johnson, Gospel of Luke, 82.

37. McWhirter, Rejected Prophets, 49.

38. McWhirter, Rejected Prophets, 45.

Session 4

Paul Preaches in Poetry

First Corinthians 13

Reflection: General Background to First Corinthians: The First Letter to the Corinthians

First Corinthians is a letter that is part of a discussion that continues with 2 Corinthians. Paul wrote this letter around AD 54 or 55. He likely wrote from Ephesus39 to a congregation of mostly Gentile Christians.40 Because Paul was away, he sent correspondence to assist with the problems and divisions in the emerging church. The most serious division was between rich people and poor people (11:17–22). The sacrament we know as Communion, or the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, was not the same for everyone. The rich ate first and the poor came later. Paul knew that Christian love means equal regard. Basically he told the rich people to eat at home if they were that hungry (11:33). The practice of speaking in tongues presented problems because some people who spoke that way thought they were better than other people. Paul stressed the variety of gifts that people offer to God (12:27–31).

The congregation also argued about what Christians should eat. Paul maintained that Christians could eat meat sacrificed to idols because that pagan practice was meaningless. But if others were upset, the better choice was not to eat the sacrificial meat. His slogan was “‘all things are lawful,’ but not all things are beneficial” (10:23). His disapproval of eating in pagan temples must have presented a bigger problem for his congregation. Not socializing with friends who did not become Christians could result in a loss of status that was very important in a society based on honor and shame, patronage and pride of place.

Warren Carter and Amy-Jill Levine examine the New Testament through various methods and meanings. In their treatment of 1 Corinthians they analyze through the lens of social-scientific criticism. The word “scientific” does not imply exact precision but rather as a general guide.41 Social, then and now, refers to society and its customs, attitudes, values, and rules. “Negotiations around the concept of honor and shame and around patron-client structures offer insights into ways in which the church defines itself.” Paul plays down the markers of his Roman society such as noble birth, wealth, and education. Instead he emphasizes commitment to a crucified lord.42 His congregation had to give up what we call today their social support systems of meals and burial societies. Therefore, to my mind, people in the Corinthian assembly or church would need a loving community to counter isolation and loss of friendships or even family. The poetry of 1 Corinthians 13 could further the good will or Christian love (agape) in their new community of faith. Poetry can be sustaining for individuals and communities.

Background to

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