Writing to the Corinthians in chapters 6 and 7 about chastity and marriage, celibacy and divorce, bondage and freedom, Paul applies the principles of the Law to their particular circumstances in a way that speaks clearly today.
Conybeare and Howsen, in their study of the Life and Epistles of St. Paul, suggest that the motto of this First Epistle could be Chapter 7, verses 29-31:
"I mean brethren, the appointed time has grown very short; from now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with this world as though they had no dealings with it. For the form of this world is passing away."
In Paul's answers to questions of transitory interest, he lays down principles of eternal obligation.
Has God ever spoken to you through your concerns about temporal things?
Hmm, let's see. Are there any of the Corinthians passing concerns mentioned by Paul that are relevant to me?
ReplyDeleteLawsuits between Christians?
"Forbidden" foods?
Appropriate clothing?
Speaking out in Church?
Nope, nothing here!
Don't forget the veiling of women. No-one talks about that any more, either.
ReplyDelete