This week's Epistle text, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, is Paul's preface or proemium to his entire letter. Typical of his letters the apostle begins by specifically identifying his audience (verses 1-2), and then formally greeting them with his own unique "Christianized" format. In verse 3 instead of a simple Greek greeting Paul focuses on the most distinctive action God has taken in human lives: grace. This grace is combined with the more traditional Jewish greeting of peace (shalom) to bring to mind the new reality that's now available to these Corinthian Christians who live in Christ Jesus.

After this salutation Paul moves into the thanksgiving portion of his text. Again this letter displays his standard format: thanks to God for those to whom he's writing. Also common to Paul's thanksgiving i…