A Protector

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3 NIV)

When Paul opens his letter to the church in Corinth, he seems to be starting in much the same way he opens many of his letters.  He wishes them Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  As the letter progresses, however, his tone seems to change.

Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. (Acts 18:1-5 NIV)

Paul started the church in Corinth just like many of the churches who were recipients of his letters.  This makes sense because he clearly cares about the people who gather together as the Church in that city.  He loves them, cares about them, and wants to protect them, keeping them safe.

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way--with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge-- God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:4-8 NIV)

How about you?  Do you have people in your life whom you want to protect spiritually, so they will be “blameless on the day of our Lord?”  Who do you want to spiritually protect?