Day 65 : 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Helpful Background Information:
Paul was extremely well educated—studying at the feet of one of the most respected Pharisees of his time, Gamaliel (see Acts 22:3). Also, Paul shows more than one sign of being studied in other areas that would have gotten him respect in the secular world (e.g. quoting poetry from well-read secular poets in Acts 17:28, Tit. 1:12, 1 Cor. 15:33 ). Yet instead of appealing to this or the incredibly respectable resume he had, he came to them “in weakness” (1 Cor. 2:3).
Paul also possessed Roman citizenship (Acts 22:26-27), grew up in a place—Tarsus (Acts 22:3)—that was heavily influenced by the culture around him (more specifically Hellenism), and was raised in a family that was devoutly Jewish and was trained in the Law (Phil. 3:4-6).
Reflection Questions:
Compare and contrast the passages. How do you see Paul modeling Jesus’s character in the 1 Cor. passage? (hint: Mark 6:2-3)
Think about your own “hometown and among [your] relatives and in [your] own household” (Mark 6:4). How does Paul’s example bring to light the ways you fail to proclaim the gospel to your people: family, friends, acquaintances, businesses, schools, and more?
In light of the question above. Let’s be more specific and think thoroughly through the process. What ways do you either:
Model un-Christlike behavior to those you are ministering to?
Proclaim the gospel in ways that Paul seems to warn against (for example: proclaiming Jesus in a prideful, forceful, or impatient manner)?
Reread 1 Cor. 2 and see the way Paul proclaimed and modeled Christ. How can you follow the example of Paul, laying down your “resume” and modeling Christ to your people?