Jesus went forth into the heart of humanity, into the roughest and earthiest of trades and situations, and invited followers from all social classes and occupations. He showed concretely that his message was not to be restricted to a chosen few. Light not only symbolizes freedom happiness, and glory, but also is needed for finding one s way, for direction on a journey. This light applies to Christ, the ultimate object of these prophecies, because he comes with new life, and a new way of life. In darkness one can see neither the goal nor the road to it.
Light enables one to keep the goal insight, and find one s way on the road to it.
To see the Lord in his goodness is proof of his love, and is itself the reward of fidelity. The Christian community at Corinth had lots of problems, and Paul s letters there provide some of his strongest teaching. The factions which plagued this community were set up on the basis of allegiance to whomever had the strongest influence on these individuals. Disciples of Peter would tend to be Judaizers, while those of Paul would likely be missionary and charismatic. Apollos, as a Greek native, would probably appeal to those of a more philosophical bent, while there may have also been some in the community who had known Jesus personally, and they might have felt superior to the others.