Thunder Followed by Gentle Rain: Terror and Tenderness
Paul's closing to the Corinthians presents a stunning paradox: he writes in his own hand—a solemn gesture—an *anathema* (ἀνάθεμα), a sentence of devoted destruction for...
This is historical examples on divine judgment and mercy and the nature of Christian love, drawing on 1 Corinthians 16:21-24.
Paul's closing to the Corinthians presents a stunning paradox: he writes in his own hand—a solemn gesture—an anathema (ἀνάθεμα), a sentence of devoted destruction for the unloving, yet immediately follows with 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.' Thunder gives way to gentle rain, and sunlight glistens on the drops. Throughout this epistle, Paul has wielded the rod of remonstrance, irony, and indignation.…
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