Gift of Remembrance: Paul and the Lord’s Supper in Corinth – a review
Trinity Sunday
The Lord be with you
In the Spring 20016 (volume 42|number 2) issue of Concordia Journal, there is an article by Mark A. Seifrid (professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) titled “Gift of Remembrance: Paul and the Lord’s Supper in Corinth.” (While this particular issue is not yet available on line, when it becomes available it will be found at: http://www.csl.edu/resources/publications/concordia-journal/. You may read back issue of Concordia Journal at this site.)
As one would imagine from the title, the article addresses Saint Paul’s instruction concerning the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). The specific focus is on the word of Jesus to do this “in remembrance of me.”
Corinth was a troubled congregation with divisions among themselves. These divisions were manifesting themselves in the celebration of the Sacrament. Paul’s message is that this shouldn’t be the case. The meal brings to us Christ, and Christ is not divided. The forgiveness of sins offered in his body and blood to those who believe should bind us together, not accent our differences. This unity is one of Christ’s gifts in the Supper.
To be honest, Seifrid’s writing style is aimed at those who have been through the seminary and therefore understand the stylized vocabulary of the theologian as well as know the Greek language. Therefore this particular article is not for everyone. That being said, the content is quite good as he digs into the biblical background and understanding of “remembrance.”
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor