So Many Questions About The Bible, So Little Time!
Corinthians Winter, 2002

Bible Study Identity Statement St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal group-study draws from Biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome, honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us.

In his letters to the Corinthians, were Paul’s remarks about the roles of women merely a reflection of the times?

As one of the first apostles, what challenges did Paul face?

What impact have his letters had on the Christian church?

These are just a few of the many thought-provoking questions the St. Joan of Arc Bible Study tackles every week.

Rik Murray

“Great questions are one thing we’re never short of at Bible Study,” says Rik Murray, one of the group’s facilitators. “It seems the more we learn, the more questions we have…which is a good thing. Fortunately, we enjoy the journey as much as we enjoy discovery,” he said.

The Tuesday evening gatherings always seem to be filled with dynamic discussion, insightful analysis and yes, sometimes, even a few answers to all those questions. For example this past session the group studied I and II Corinthians, and this is some of what they learned, discussed and debated:

Temple at Corinth

• Corinth
  Corinth was a young, growing and diverse Greek city with a population of about 100,000. A seaport trading center situated on the narrow isthmus joining the Greek mainland to the Peloponnesus, Corinth was the gateway from the East to the West. Corinthians ranged from rather wealthy to quite poor and included many prisoners who had been shipped over and released from elsewhere. It was home to Greeks, Romans and Jews -- and was full of pagan cults and temples. It’s reputation for being “morally challenged” was well known.
• Church of Corinth
  Early Christians met in homes within the community. Both women and men led the services and used Paul’s letters as “scripture,” since the gospels had yet to be written. (Mark’s was the first in about 65 CE)
• Paul
  Paul was a Roman citizen who was well educated in Greek and was trained as a Pharisee. After his conversion experience, (Acts 9:1-19) he became a Christian (around 34 CE) and began to preach the meaning of the resurrection.

  He made three missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor, Turkey, Greece and Macedonia. Around the year 49 CE, Paul went to Corinth and lived and worked among the Corinthians for about 18 months. During this time, he developed a strong and intimate bond with the community. He later wrote I Corinthians while on one of his missionary journeys (around 54 CE).

  His standing within the Corinthian community is reflected in his letters. At times his tone is strong and convincing. Other times it seems emotional and defensive.
  

  
  
• Letters of Paul
  Paul wrote seven letters: Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians & Philemon. (Others were ascribed to him, but written by others.)

  Some of his writings can be difficult to follow for two reasons. 1.) The letters are not presented in a chronological order and 2.) Paul’s structural style of writing (ABA) presents a topic, changes the subject completely, and finally returns to the previous topic to make a point.

  Paul

  Paul did not preach about the events of Jesus’ life or promote a set of beliefs about Jesus. Rather, Paul focused on the message that God works through the death and resurrection of Jesus to save us all.

  Paul preached and wrote with the belief that Christ would return during his lifetime, or soon after. Most likely, he never envisioned that his personal writings would become the foundation for the present-day Christian church.

• I & II Corinthians
  

Paul addresses a number of issues in his letters to the Corinthians. They include (but are not limited to) the following:

• True wisdom and spiritual maturity
• The evaluation of an apostle (including himself)
• Sexual immorality
• Advice concerning marriage
• Liturgical dress and behavior
• The Resurrection
• Alms Giving - for the “church” in Jerusalem
• Comparing the old and new covenant
• Defense of his ministry

Tell Me Your Story, The Parables of Jesus -Arthur Zannoni From the Publisher Everybody loves a good story. A great storyteller can captivate children, enchant adults and change the minds and hearts of those who listen. Jesus was a master storyteller. His parables continue to intrigue, inspire, puzzle, challenge and amuse all who encounter them. In Tell Me Your Story: The Parables of Jesus, Arthur Zannoni offers insight into the stories that Jesus told, using the latest scripture scholarship. Then he invites us to understand the stories as challenges for today's disciples and as a key to helping us unfold the mysteries of our own stories. Preachers, catechists, Bible-study groups, continuing education classes and individuals who wish to grow in their appreciation of the word of God will appreciate and enjoy this book.

The book/study guide for this session will be Tell Me Your Story, The Parables of Jesus, by Arthur Zannoni. It will be available at the St. Joan of Arc Book Store. The first meeting will be held April 16, at 7:00 in Hospitality Hall. St. Joan’s own “Biblical Scholar” Tom Smith-Myott will provide general background information and share some fascinating historical insights.

The members of the St. Joan’s Bible Study group would like to encourage all those interested in learning more about the Bible to give the group a try. “As a group, we’ve talked about what a rewarding experience it’s been for all of us,” said Rik. “And we always look forward to seeing new faces -- and making new friends.”

Karen Hall and her husband, Curt, have two young kids, Ross and Anna, who keep them more than busy. Karen works from home as a freelance copywriter and has been attending the Bible Study for the last three years (She says it’s her chance to talk to grown-ups about meaningful things.) She loves to cook and is the “Soup Lady” to some senior neighbors. Karen says her “15 Minutes of Fame” came in February when she won a trip to Orlando to compete in the granddaddy of all cooking contests - the Pillsbury Bake-Off.

Watch the bulletin for more information about the St. Joan of Arc Bible Study, or email Rik at: Riko8@iaxs.net.