October 30, 2021 — 1 Corinthians 1:1 – 25

“Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.” 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, the one that we call 1 Corinthians is not his first letter to this troubled church. We learn in 1 Corinthians 5:9 – 12 that he had previously written to the Corinthian church to deal with an issue around sexual immorality. Unfortunately, we don’t have the first letter. Paul most likely arrived in Corinth in circa 50 CE shortly after he established churches in Philippi and Thessalonica. This letter called 1 Corinthians most likely was written sometime around 53 or 54 CE. The makeup of the Corinthian church is quite complex – most of the members were poor with only a few people having some wealth or status.

Now, it was the fact that only “some” of the people had wealth and status that created some of the most pressing problems Paul needed to deal with. It seems that the wealthy were able to adjudicate matters in court; possessed homes and staff large enough to host the church including services, meals and Eucharistic celebrations; and were able to be the first to arrive for dinner to get the best food and drink. The poorer members, however, arrived late because they were working and did not have the same privileges. This imbalance between classes caused many of the struggles between the Corinthian believers. Paul’s opening to the Corinthian church is a call for unity – to be in the same mind and purpose.

I think this is an excellent letter to refer to when the church is split and suffering because of disagreements. It also reminds us that since the beginning of the church, members have had a difficult time being “of the same mind”. As humans, this is one of our biggest struggles — which we see so often today in many aspects of life — and the church. It reminds us that we must be diligent in seeking unity.

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, you prayed to your Father that the church would be united – would be one with one another as you were one with the Father. We continue to seek that unity today – in the church and in the world. Help us to be united in our love for you and for each other – no matter our status or gender or nationality. Amen.

Pastor Dave

October 29, 2021 — Romans 16:1 – 27

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” Romans 16:1-16

The name Junia that is listed in verse 7 has some controversy attached to it. In the earliest manuscripts that we have, the name is listed as Junia, a feminine name. Many later manuscripts have changed the name to Junias, a male name. It seems that some later scribes changed the name from female to male, since the name is described as an apostle. When biblical scholars seek to figure out discrepancies in the manuscripts, they usually say the earlier manuscripts are more authoritative. This makes Junia most likely the proper translation, and also makes her the only woman listed as an Apostle in the New Testament.

Women obviously played a large role in the early church. Leadership roles ascribed to women include deacon, fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, saints, and prominent among the Apostles. When I was in Ocean City on vacation a few years ago, my wife and I were determined to attend the Lutheran Church near 100^th Street. The pastor that morning was a guest pastor from a nearby college. She in fact was Beth Platz, the first woman ordained in the Lutheran Church – she attended Gettysburg Seminary by the way, the only Seminary that would accept her. It only took the better part of 2000 years to get women back as leaders, worship leaders in the Lutheran church. And yet, there still are churches and denominations who will not allow women to have leadership roles. That fact makes this Lutheran pastor sad — for I have many colleagues, especially women pastors who are wonderful and faithful ministers of word and sacrament, and ministers of word and service — both rostered leadership roles in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It makes me even more proud to be a Lutheran.

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, you value all people: men and women, old and young, rich and poor, black and white, immigrant and native alike. All people have the capacity to be leaders in the church – and should also have the opportunity. Give all leaders and aspiring leaders your love and strength to follow their callings. Amen.

Pastor Dave