Tuesday 10 February 2015

Psalm: Psalm 106:1-8

Background

We are fortunate to have information in the book of Acts aboutthe church in Corinth. Acts 18 tells us that Paul went to Corinthand worked alongside some inhabitants, using his trade of tentmaking. He also made the most of his opportunity to talk aboutJesus, reasoning with Jews and Greeks in the synagogue everySabbath.

The same chapter also gives some background to Apollos (Acts18:24-28) - a educated man who spoke with great passion andexperience. It was up to two members of the church in Corinth totake him to one side and explain the way of God to him moreaccurately (Acts 18:26).

What is important to note is that Paul and Apollos were notrivals (the way Paul writes in 1Corinthians 4:6 adds to this). Rather it was the people in thechurch who created factions under the banners of Paul, Apollos andCephas. Paul is horrified by this, as he appeals to the recipientsof the letter repeating for emphasis (v. 10), "all of you be inagreement", then for good measure "there be no divisions amongyou", before finishing "be united in the same mind and the samepurpose".

He finished the passage for today reminding them of the power ofChrist in terms of the cross - "to us who are being saved [thecross] is the power of God" (v. 18).

To Ponder

• What unites you with others in your church? And what mightdivide you? What is the relative importance of each?

• How do you enter into meaningful conversation with Christiansfrom other denominations?

• To what extend are denominational boundaries a help or ahindrance in sharing faith and supporting each other in theirdiscipleship?

• How would you describe the power of God?