Throughout his Corinthian correspondence, Paul has guided this quarrelsome community towards a truer, more genuinely Christ-like life of faith. All the apostle’s admonitions and advice are aimed at a singular goal: that of transforming bickering believers into Spirit-filled followers. Instead of arguing among themselves, Paul sought to set their sights on a higher horizon—to the crucified Christ and the redeemed life. In his final words to this community, Paul sums up what living this kind of redeemed life will look like and what that holy life will bring.

For such a few short verses there is considerable discussion and disagreement among scholars about just what Paul says and how he says it. The debates begin with no less than Paul’s very first directive: Finally brothers and sisters, “cha…