Epiphany 5 with Corinthians

1 Corinthians 2:1-12

Corinth was known for its promiscuity and sea port sleeziness, yet the proud Corinthians liked to imagine that they were sophisticated, wise and learned in philosophy. It became evident later that some at Corinth despised Paul for not being a gifted speaker or able to present the Gospel in philosophical terms. This chapter provides one of several defences Paul makes of his methods in the two Biblical letters to Corinth.

IN FACT Paul does have a philosophy. His philosophy is that human weakness is a vehicle for divine strength, divine foolishness is better than human wisdom. Our wisdom is a 'secret wisdom'. This wisdom precedes time and will outlast it. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the Gospel still thrives best among unsophisticated people.

In the current revival of Christian faith in the west is it surprising that growing congregations are often found among those who have tried most of the 'cool' life styles on offer and found them wanting, or among people at the bottom of the social amd economic pyramid?

• HOW EFFECTIVE is our work with people in these groups?