Adam G. White’s research while affiliated with Alphacrucis College and other places

In 1 Cor. 4.21, Paul threatens to return to Corinth with a rod of discipline in order to deal with certain arrogant members of the Christian community. In addressing the passage, scholars generally gloss over the metaphor with little regard to its meaning. Those who do comment assume it refers to some kind of rebuke on Paul’s part but go no further in their interpretation. This article seeks to discuss the metaphor’s intended meaning, arguing that the rod comes on the back of two prior warnings outlined in 1 Cor. 4.14-20 and is itself the final act of discipline to divisive members of the church: excommunication.

This article focuses on the practice of Pentecostal preaching in comparison with Paul’s letter writing. It argues that the adoption and use of technology and modern forms of communication by Pentecostal preachers is in fact in keeping with Paul’s (and the early church’s) adoption and use of their contemporary form of communication: the letter.

Pentecostalism is perhaps best known for its charismatic worship and preaching, which are part of the reason for its continued growth and influence. Sunday services are often an experience of lights, music, multimedia, and inspiring preaching. Such a service is not out of place in a culture that has the highest expectation when it comes to entertainment and media. However, in this pursuit of excellence, we also create the potential for divisions akin to these seen in the Corinthian Christian community. This paper explores modern Pentecostal liturgy, and especially preaching, in light of Paul’s mini testimony in 1 Cor. 2.1-5.