Saturday, November 21, 2009

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame (KJV)

Then: "Awake" translates a Greek word directed to drunks (Baker, p. 229). Paul uses strong language for these party-loving Corinthians, people who walk so close to sin they don't recognize elements of paganism or atheism. Wright (p. 219) points to the need for people to question how an idea matches known characteristics of the Lord. When they let their minds be corrupted, their actions reflect their shameful lack of knowledge of God.

Now: In a quick return to Paul's teachings on resurrection, Baker reminds readers that the author of the resurrection of Christ, and of us, can do all things. He is especially able to change and fit a physical body for life in eternity. If our knowledge of God places limits on his abilities and powers, then surely those foreign ideas are to our shame just as much as they were shameful to the Corinthians.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

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