The Feasts in 1 Cor 1-3
This passage is arranged symmetrically (chiasmus) but is also progressive, following the pattern of the Feasts (which also follow the pattern of Genesis to Judges).
Sabbath/Genesis – Paul’s word of greeting (Grace and peace)
……….Passover/Exodus – Divisions in the church
………………..Firstfruits/Leviticus – Wisdom of Christ
…………………………Pentecost/Numbers – Crucifixion of Christ
………………..Trumpets/Deuteronomy – Mind of Christ
……….Atonement/Joshua – Divisions in the church
Tabernacles/Judges – The Day will declare (judge) it (Church as Sabbath-Temple)
Kelby asked if these patterns are simply the work of the Holy Spirit, or if the authors of the Bible were consciously composing their writings in this manner. Good question. I think the answer is both. Bible books sometimes arrange events out of chronological order to fit this pattern. But then, Bible history also follows this pattern at various levels. The authorship of Scripture is like the humanity and divinity of Christ: inseparable.
