December 16, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 6
1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The sixth chapter of the First Letter to the Corinthians addresses two central themes that are vital for Christian life and community: handling disputes within the church and the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks firmly to the Corinthians, urging them to recognize their calling to holiness and unity in Christ. He exhorts them to align their behavior, both in their interactions with one another and in their personal conduct, with the grace and righteousness of God. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that Christians are called to reflect Christ’s lordship in every aspect of their lives.
Commentary
In the opening verses of the chapter, Paul challenges the Corinthians by asking how it is possible for disputes between believers to be taken before secular courts instead of being resolved within the community of faith. He emphasizes that the saints, who will one day judge the world and even angels, should be capable of settling everyday matters. By pointing out the spiritual calling of the believers, Paul sharply criticizes the practice of seeking judgments from secular courts and rhetorically questions whether there truly isn’t a single wise person in the church capable of mediating such conflicts. His appeal aims to move the Corinthians toward an attitude of humility and forbearance. Rather than litigating, Paul argues, it would be better to endure injustice or be disadvantaged than to compromise the witness of the Christian community.
In the second part of the chapter, Paul shifts the focus to the personal holiness of the believers. He reminds them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, received from God. Emphasizing the binding nature of their redemption through Jesus Christ, Paul calls on the believers to honor God through their way of life. He particularly highlights the warning against sexual immorality, explaining that sexual sin is not only a sin against others but also against one’s own body, which belongs to Christ. This exhortation is tied to the concept that believers have been “bought at a price” and should, therefore, glorify God in both body and spirit.
The chapter underscores the importance of preserving both communal unity and personal integrity. It illustrates the high calling of believers to live lives that reflect the grace of God and highlights the consequences of neglecting this calling.
Summary
1 Corinthians 6 reminds believers to resolve their disputes within the Christian community rather than taking them to secular courts. Paul emphasizes the believers’ calling to live as saints, who will one day judge the world. He asserts that it is better to endure wrongdoing than to damage the church’s testimony. In the second part, Paul issues a strong warning against sexual immorality, stressing that the bodies of believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. Believers are urged to view their bodies and spirits as belonging to God, having been bought at a high price through Christ. The chapter calls the church to a holy, God-fearing lifestyle that reflects the unity and purity of the believers.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 80—In Joseph’s Tomb
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 80 describes the final hours of Good Friday and the Sabbath, during which Jesus rests in the tomb after His crucifixion. This section highlights the significance of Jesus’ death and the rest in the tomb in relation to creation and redemption. At the same time, it establishes the symbolic connection between Jesus’ sacrificial death and the Sabbath rest. The chapter paints a profound picture of human sorrow, divine providence, and the priests’ efforts to suppress the memory of Jesus.
Commentary:
Jesus’ Rest in the Tomb and Its Significance Jesus’
Sabbath rest in the tomb mirrors God’s rest after creation. While creation was completed on the seventh day, Jesus’ rest symbolizes the completion of the redemptive work. This connection demonstrates that the cross is not only a place of suffering but also of triumph over sin. The Sabbath becomes a day of hope, pointing to the restoration of creation and eternal life.
Testimonies and Confessions After the Crucifixion
The words of the Roman centurion and the conversion of many spectators of the crucifixion serve as evidence that Jesus’ life and death had transformative power. The faith of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus is highlighted in this chapter, as they courageously advocate for Jesus’ dignified burial despite their previous hesitations. This shows that Jesus’ death also moves hidden believers to take action.
The Priests’ Uneasy Conscience
Despite their apparent triumph, the priests are plagued by fear and doubt. Their efforts to seal and guard Jesus’ tomb reflect their uncertainty. Their attempt to prevent Jesus’ resurrection ultimately fulfills God’s plan and provides stronger evidence of His divinity.
The Testimony of Creation
Nature itself testifies to Jesus’ divinity: the darkness during the crucifixion, the earthquake, and the torn temple veil. These events underscore the significance of Jesus’ death and His connection to creation and the plan of redemption.
Summary:
Chapter 80 emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ rest in the tomb as a symbol of completed redemption and connects it with the Sabbath rest of creation. While Jesus’ enemies continue to try to suppress His influence, their actions ultimately provide evidence of His divinity. The chapter shows how Jesus’ death moves not only His disciples but also other witnesses of His crucifixion. The Sabbath following the crucifixion becomes a day of silence and reflection, harboring hope for the resurrection. The triumph of God over human plans and the glorification of His name are central themes of this chapter.
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