Observation: While Paul is the 'writer' of 1 Corinthians, the person who actually penned the letter was likely a man named Sosthenes. He is named in the first paragraph of the letter as the second person sending this letter, and Paul used a scribe for all his letters (which it is believed was because his penmanship was so bad). However, as in other letters, Paul would sometimes add the last few sentences in his own writing, and that's what happens here ... Paul writes verses 16:21-24 in his "own hand". Verses 23-24 are a standard bless-and-peace conclusion, but verse 22 is very, very different.
Paul declares he is writing these last verses and immediately pronounces ... a curse. Now, he is writing to the believers of Corinth, so this curse is not a curse upon them. He trusts in their faith, and even says so several times, stating that while he is being harsh on them for some of their behaviors, that does not change the fact he understands they believe in Jesus. In fact, by giving correction throughout the letter, Paul is actually saying he knows they are such good believers that they want to improve. Therefore, when Paul is about to write something for himself ... why make it a curse against non-believers?
The answer is likely that Paul intended this curse as comfort, inspiring to the church in Corinth. By his authority - an authority the believers all knew involved the Holy Spirit that the Lord has bestowed powerfully upon Paul - Paul is declaring that those in Corinth who stand opposed to the Lord are cursed. This means that all those who ignore God, and especially those who act in opposition to the faithful who believe in Jesus, are now under a curse from the Lord.
Application: There are three ways to feel about the idea that non-believers live under a curse. One way to feel is sad, as many of these people are also friends, relatives, loved ones, or even just strangers who may still be kind people. The idea they are cursed and won't respond to attempts to know Jesus is indeed sad. Another way to feel is ambivalent. As believers we fully understand the future black-and-white scenario of salvation by faith alone, and we also understand that during life on earth 'good' events and 'bad' events can happen to anyone. Therefore, we know the curse, we know the blessing, we know everyone has had a choice, and that's just the way of it.
However, the third way to feel is joyful, and there is one great reason to feel this way ... because we are cursed too! Specifically, as sinners, we stand in the Lord's judgment, and are cursed to death, however by faith in Jesus forgiveness will come to us and the judgment will pass by us. When we love the Lord, the curse we deserve is lifted, replaced with forgiveness, restoration, and hope.
Today, I am reminded of this ... I am actually cursed, yet by my faith in Jesus the curse is lifted. This is, indeed, encouraging.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for Jesus, and Jesus I do love you and believe in you. I know I should be cursed, yet somehow by your love that curse is removed, and replaced with hope, love, and joy. You are great, and greatly to be praised. Amen.
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