Corinthians Worship
I have been thinking about the idea of worship. People talk about Traditional verses Contemporary. But I think it would be better stated as a modern creation verses a previous creation. Some think they need to do traditional worship because it is what the Corinthians did. Others think Contemporary worship is more what the Corinthians did. I have not study ancient Roman Culture, or everything related to the city of Corinth in detail but here is my view of the Corinthian Church's worship.
1 Corinthians 11 reminds us they gather together and they eat a meal. When Paul then describes Worship he indicates that, "When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. ... Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. ... For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in [the assembly]."
based on this various times of gathering together in Acts. I have theorized that the Church gathered in houses. They Gathered in small groups, and each brought with them their various questions about God. They used their understanding of Scripture to help build each other up in the Faith. This reminds me more of a Bible Study. Thus, I would theorize that They had gathered together for a meal of celebration. They would have a dinner conversation related to God. The Women were not permitted to speak but to ask their Husbands all questions later. Thus, Husbands need to pay a lot of attention in order to answer questions.
Rather, than a Sermon and hymns and order of service, it seems that it was more conversational. One would stand up and give a presentation. If anyone had questions they would be able to inquire of him, or if they had a conflicting thought. This would lead to a better interaction between Pastor and Laity. The point of the meal reminds me of a celebration of the Passover which is where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Also you will remember that Jesus taught the disciples and generally had a meal. Finally to point out that these discussions would last well into the night.
Thus, I would suggest that they gathered on Sunday Evenings. They gathered around a feast. They brought to the feast various questions which would be discussed. They ready entire letters of Paul or Large portions of Scripture. Then when all discussions where done they would celebrate the Lord's Supper.
Therefore, If you wanted to do this you would have a Sunday Evening Potluck. You would read Say half the Gospel of Matthew or maybe even the Entire Epistle to the Romans. You would discuss the various issues Paul has to teach us. Then you would Celebrate in a very similar way to a Passover Seder. The church would look very different, this is not a church with rows of Chairs but one joined table. This is not a large gathering but a small connected group of people. Thank you.
1 Corinthians 11 reminds us they gather together and they eat a meal. When Paul then describes Worship he indicates that, "When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. ... Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. ... For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in [the assembly]."
based on this various times of gathering together in Acts. I have theorized that the Church gathered in houses. They Gathered in small groups, and each brought with them their various questions about God. They used their understanding of Scripture to help build each other up in the Faith. This reminds me more of a Bible Study. Thus, I would theorize that They had gathered together for a meal of celebration. They would have a dinner conversation related to God. The Women were not permitted to speak but to ask their Husbands all questions later. Thus, Husbands need to pay a lot of attention in order to answer questions.
Rather, than a Sermon and hymns and order of service, it seems that it was more conversational. One would stand up and give a presentation. If anyone had questions they would be able to inquire of him, or if they had a conflicting thought. This would lead to a better interaction between Pastor and Laity. The point of the meal reminds me of a celebration of the Passover which is where Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Also you will remember that Jesus taught the disciples and generally had a meal. Finally to point out that these discussions would last well into the night.
Thus, I would suggest that they gathered on Sunday Evenings. They gathered around a feast. They brought to the feast various questions which would be discussed. They ready entire letters of Paul or Large portions of Scripture. Then when all discussions where done they would celebrate the Lord's Supper.
Therefore, If you wanted to do this you would have a Sunday Evening Potluck. You would read Say half the Gospel of Matthew or maybe even the Entire Epistle to the Romans. You would discuss the various issues Paul has to teach us. Then you would Celebrate in a very similar way to a Passover Seder. The church would look very different, this is not a church with rows of Chairs but one joined table. This is not a large gathering but a small connected group of people. Thank you.
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