Tuesday 17 February 2015

Psalm: Psalm 111

Background

Paul is writing to a divided Corinthian church. Part of theirdivision is over choosing which Christian leader to follow (1Corinthians 3:3-4), congratulating themselves on their ownwisdom in choosing the best leader, and their own spiritualsuperiority over those who have foolishly chosen another Christianleader.

Paul has established his own credentials for being able toaddress them - he is an apostle, trusted by God as a 'steward ofGod's mysteries' (1 Corinthians 4:1), as are all theapostles.

But, Paul tells them, they think they know better than him intheir own cleverness. And so in this passage, Paul sarcasticallycriticises their smugness. He has reminded them (1Corinthians 4:6-7) that if they are indeed spirituallysuperior, then it is a gift of God and nothing they themselvesshould be proud of.

He contrasts the humility and sufferings of the apostles withthe Corinthians who feel that they themselves have already becomeco-rulers with Christ in heaven (verse 8). He piles on the sarcasm:they are so much better than those who are persecutedas the "dregs of all things" (v. 13) - aren't they?

Incidentally, some commentators have noticed that the word usedby Paul for 'dregs' is the same word used for the scum swilled offa sacred vessel which is washed and purified for use in worship.Perhaps Paul is also pointing to the way that the Body of Christ isbeing made pure by the suffering and faithfulness of theapostles.

To Ponder

• To what extent do people still believe that suffering proves alack of God's blessing? Do you agree? Why or why not?

• Is it always best for a church to rely on the vote of themajority? Why?

• What does this passage say to you about the best people to leada church, as its 'kings'?