A Familiar Language

To communicate effectively in an unfamiliar culture can be an almost impossible task. In Chapter 4 of Cultures in Conflict, Ray Vander Laan continues the presentation of the challenges that Paul faces as he proclaims Christian concepts in Corinth. There are a number of metaphors that Paul uses in First and Second Corinthians. Vander Laan notes that “Paul teaches through the metaphors of life in Corinth.” This technique is another strategy that helps people better understand the essential message. There are many metaphors that are used to describe God such as shepherd, living water, husband and father; words used to describe Jesus such as bread of life, true vine, Lamb, King, door, gate and light; words used to describe His people such as flock, servants, bride and children; and words used to describe those who oppose God such as stiff-necked, wayward, reprobate and hard-hearted. Because of the popularity of the Isthmian Games, Paul was able to “use metaphors from the games to communicate what the Scriptures teach about living according to the culture of God’s kingdom.”

In addition to using the metaphors of Olympic competitions, Paul also used the metaphors that highlighted the importance of humility, simplicity and versatility. By contrasting the cultural assumptions related to the value of the contents of precious vessels, Paul teaches that those who follow Jesus learn that the most valuable treasure is found in jars of clay. The prevailing culture assumed that “the more exotic the treasure, the more exquisite its container.” The value of these ordinary jars was sometimes revealed when they were used for the most mundane tasks of life. The value was discovered in the utility rather than the exclusivity. In other words, the value was determined by the function rather than how rare an item may have been.

In the games of the Olympics, the sole honor that is sought by each competitor is to be crowned with a perishable wreath. In the Paul explains that Christians desire to be crowned at the end of the race of life with an imperishable crown that is available to everyone. The setting for the competition for Christians is not the stadium, theatre or hippodrome. Instead, the competition is the daily encounter in the marketplace in which Christians choose the cultural norms by which they will live. The scores earned in the competition will be determined by effective engagement with those who need to be released from the cultural norms that enslave rather than liberate.

We will look forward to seeing you and your neighbor in worship and in class Sunday morning!

In Christ,
Jon McCoy