1Corinthians 1:3 – More than a formality

…Grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul always starts his letters with this greeting. And because we read this so often, we easily overlook it. While the frequency of this communication is meant to determine us with the great importance of it. The words are so much more than a formality. The salutation is not a wish, but a simple statement: grace is with you.

This letter is primarily directed to Corinth where in practice   a lot nonsense and dissatisfaction was to be experienced. But here too, Paul demonstrates that not our practice, but the promise of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ is decisive. By starting this letter in this way, Paul immediately corrects the ‘carnal’ thinking of the Corinthians. They were focused on that which appeals to the senses and to that which is respected by humans. But that is starting off on the wrong foot. To experience grace (= joy for free) and real peace you need to be with GOD our Father. And with the Lord Jesus Christ. By listening to their living word, grace and peace are guaranteed to be yours!

Delen: