As a result, we can imagine a dramatic scene in which Paul has a dialogue with his scribe (or secretary, if you prefer a modern slant) and with himself as he is composing his letter, and this provides an engaging vehicle for presenting the text.
Directions
You need two actors: Paul and his scribe, and there is one line to be said by an off-stage voice. In the script, Paul continually interrupts his scribe. The latter shows growing impatience with this through looks, sighs, and tone of voice when reading.
Script
The scribe sits at a table with a scroll, and pen in hand. Paul enters as if returning from an interruption.
Paul: I do beg your pardon – busy life, full of interruptions – now, where were we? Read back what we’ve got, if you would.
Scribe: (Reads v.1)
Paul: (Interrupting) Which reminds me, where is Sosthenes? He was supposed to see me this morning. I need to run something past him before this evening’s meeting. Sorry, sorry – easily distracted. Continue.
Scribe: (Reads v.2, to ‘…called to be saints’ at which point Paul interjects)
Paul: Saints – exactly. Called. Sanctified. They need to remember who they are! Sorry, go on.
Scribe: (Reads to the end of v.2)
Paul: And what they’re part of! (Raises his hands in apology, and nods to continue)
Scribe: (Reads v.3)
Paul: Quite. Quite so.
Scribe: (Reads v.4 without waiting to be bidden)
Paul: I do – I do give thanks for them.
Scribe: (Takes a deep breath, then reads vv.5-6)
Paul: Indeed it has!
Scribe: (Doggedly ploughing on, reads v.7)
Paul: They’re not lacking. Quite right. They’re good – good! – people. Praise God for them! (He stops and stares into space, as if fondly remembering the Corinthian congregation)
Scribe: (Waits for a moment, looking expectantly at Paul. When Paul does not interrupt, reads on pausing at the end of v.8 as if expecting another interruption. But Paul is still staring, smiling into space, so the scribe continues to the end of v.9. Again, he waits expectantly for a moment) Erm, that’s as far as you’ve got.
Paul: Eh? Oh, yes. What next? (Looks away, distractedly) Such good people. Thank God for them. Thank God for the church everywhere. (Snapping out of his reverie) Now, to continue…
Off-stage voice: (Calling) Brother Paul!
Paul: Oh, it’s Sosthenes – thank God for him too, I suppose! Would you excuse me a moment? Coming brother! (Paul exits. After a moment, Scribe shrugs and exits)