Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Welcome to BibleBum where we are exploring the entire Bible in one year to better learn how to follow God’s instructions and discover the purpose for our lives.  The BibleBum blog uses The One Year Chronological Bible, the New Living Translation version.  At the end of each day’s reading, Rob, a cultural history aficionado and seminary graduate, answers questions from Leigh An, the blogger host, about the daily scripture.  To start from the beginning, click on “Index” and select Day 1.

Romans 15-16:27

2 Corinthians 1-2:4

Questions & Observations

Q. (Romans 16:1-27): Paul makes it a point to mention lots of people in his letters to the church.  I’m sure he has had close talks with all of them and thinks of them dearly.  I bet he also does this to bring them all together and give them a charge to keep on keeping on in the Good News.  And, speaking of giving charges, again, I feel that Paul is talking to all of us.

A. It was common writing practice in this day to formally list those whom you know, had stayed or traveled with, etc. in a formal letter — most of which Paul’s letters are.  But the early Church long ago saw the Spirit at work in Paul’s words, which is why they did consider them to be for EVERYONE as you said.

Q. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7): Comfort sounds great.  But, it is hard to find time to call people who you know are troubled.  Also, I think there is a fine line in giving comfort respectfully.  Sometimes we feel like we have to so we pay our respects, but I think there is a way to give comfort in an appropriate way.  You don’t want to remind people of the pain they are going through.  I think offering a distraction, an uplifting thought or a helping action, like meals or somehow giving people some rest or a break are more respectful ways to comfort.

A. While chapter 1 does set a tone of comfort, chapter 2 sets a more accurate tone for the letter: one of confrontation and criticism.  Paul appears to have his reasons according to chapter 2: this letter is what they are getting INSTEAD of a direct visit from a very angry Paul to Corinth.  What did they do?  Wait and see…