Acts 2:14a, 36-41
The book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke around 85 to 90 CE.
Today’s reading presents the last part of Peter’s long speech after the Pentecost Event. Rather than offend the ruling Romans by stating that they crucified Jesus (which they did), the author’s account of the speech repeats the statement that the Israelites crucified Jesus (v.36).
As discussed at greater length in last week’s Scripture in Context, a variety of accusations were made against the Israelites/Judeans/Pharisees in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John. These Gospels (and Acts) were written from 70 CE to 100 CE when the Jesus Followers were contending with the Pharisees for control of Judaism going forward. Harsh words were expressed in the Gospels, and the Pharisees took exclusionary actions by expelling Jesus Followers from the synagogues.
In the same verse (36), Acts says God “made” Jesus Lord and Messiah. This statement shows that, in the early church, the understanding of who and what Jesus of Nazareth was/is continued to evolve. Verse 36 presents a view that is generally described as “adoptionism” – the idea that Jesus was a man whom God adopted as God’s Son and “made” him Lord and Messiah. This understanding is inconsistent, for example, with John’s theology in which the Logos/Word pre-exists from all eternity and becomes flesh in Jesus (John 1:14).
In concluding his speech, Peter urges the Israelites to repent (change their religious thinking), be baptized and have their sins forgiven. After baptism, Peter says they will receive the Holy Spirit. This presents a different sequence from the accounts of most baptisms described in Acts – typically, the Holy Spirit comes first to persons and is the reason they are baptized.
The account concludes by stating that 3,000 persons were baptized on that day.
1 Peter 1:17-23
In the First Century, it was not uncommon to write something in another person’s name so that the writing would have extra “authority” – particularly when the writer believed he knew what the “authority” (in this case, Peter) would have said.
The First Letter of Peter was likely written in the last quarter of the First Century, long after Peter’s death. It was written in sophisticated Greek and resembles the form of Paul’s letters. Its focus is not on the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth, but on the Resurrection and the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.
Today’s reading contains two (of five) directives to the Jesus Followers: (1) to live in reverent fear of the Lord, knowing they were ransomed by the blood of Christ; and (2) love one another deeply from the heart, knowing they were born anew through the word of God.
2017, May 21 ~ Acts 17:22-31 & 1 Peter 3:13-22
by Thomas O'BrienActs 17:22-31
The book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke around 85 to 90 CE. The second half of Acts (Chapters 16 to 28) recounts Paul’s Missionary Journeys.
Just before today’s reading, Paul was at a synagogue where he would have focused his conversion efforts on Gentiles who were sympathetic to Jewish Law (called “God Fearers”). (The Jesus Follower Movement was part of Judaism until the Destruction of the Temple in 70 CE and for some years thereafter.)
In today’s reading, Paul is presented as making an address to the Athenians at the Aeropagus (a hill west of the Acropolis and a place associated with Socrates). Modern persons would likely call Paul’s audience “pagans,” but in the First Century, most persons worshiped many gods and even regarded Jews as non-theists because they worshiped only one god.
The Athenians and the Romans had local gods, gods for activities such as farming and war, and gods for their homes. “Care” of the gods was performed through cult practices (including prayer and sacrifices) and was considered very important to the good functioning of society. (“Cult” is derived from a Latin word meaning “care” as in the word “agriculture” – care of the fields.)
Although an inscription to an unknown god has never been found in Athens, the author of Acts has Paul present the argument to the Athenians that their statue to the “unknown god” shows how religious they are (likely an ironic statement). He presents a God unknown to them who creates and gives life to all, allocates the boundaries of nations, commands all persons to repent, will have an appointed man judge the world in righteousness, and gives assurance of all this by raising the man from the dead.
1 Peter 3:13-22
In the First Century, it was not uncommon to write something in another person’s name so that the writing would have extra “authority” – particularly when the writer believed he knew what the “authority” (in this case, Peter) would have said. The First Letter of Peter was likely written in the last quarter of the First Century, long after Peter’s death.
In today’s reading, the author urges his audience to be willing to suffer for doing what is right, just as Jesus suffered for doing good. He summarizes the Christian Faith as hope (v.15) and notes that Jesus The Christ was “put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (v.18).
He presents the Flood in Noah’s time as prefiguring Baptism which is “an appeal to God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (v.21)
2017, May 14 ~ Acts 7:55-60 & 1 Peter 2:2-10
by Thomas O'BrienActs 7:55-60
The book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke around 85 to 90 CE.
Today’s reading presents the death by stoning of Stephen, the first martyr.
Stephen’s story began in Chapter 6 when the apostles appointed Stephen as one of the first seven deacons (based on a Greek word “to serve”) to distribute food to the widows of Jewish Jesus Followers and Gentile Jesus Followers.
Stephen is portrayed as performing signs and wonders. His opponents, however, seized him, brought him before a council, and falsely accused him of speaking against the Temple and the Law. He responded by giving a lengthy account of the stories of Ancient Israel including Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and David. (Some aspects are different from the stories in the Hebrew Bible because the author of Acts relied on the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible called the Septuagint.) Stephen concluded by accusing his opponents of being “stiff necked” and failing to follow the law.
In today’s reading, as Stephen is facing death, he has a vision of “the Son of Man” standing at God’s right hand. “Son of Man” is a term found both in Daniel and in Ezekiel, and is best understood as “THE Human Being” — the best that a human can be. The reading concludes by noting that the witnesses to Stephen’s death laid their coats at the feet of Saul – the Jewish version of the Roman name “Paul.” Saul’s “Damascus Road Experience” is recounted in Chapter 9 of Acts, and Paul is the main character in Chapters 15 to 28 of Acts. As Stephen dies, he asks God not to hold the sin against his executors, an echo of Luke 23:34 (“Father, forgive them”) – words found only in the Gospel According to Luke.
1 Peter 2:2-10
In the First Century, it was not uncommon to write something in another person’s name so that the writing would have extra “authority” – particularly when the writer believed he knew what the “authority” (in this case, Peter) would have said.
The First Letter of Peter was likely written in the last quarter of the First Century, long after Peter’s death. It was written in sophisticated Greek and resembles the form of Paul’s letters. Its focus is not on the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth, but on the Resurrection and the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.
Today’s reading contains the last (of five) directives to the Jesus Followers: to long for the means of spiritual nourishment. It emphasizes that we are all part of “a holy priesthood” (v.5) and that the Christian life is communal, not individual (“a chosen race, a holy nation, God’s own people.” (v.9)
2017, May 7 ~ Acts 2:42-47 & 1 Peter 2:19-25
by Thomas O'BrienActs 2:42-47
The book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke around 85 to 90 CE.
Today’s reading is a description of the early Jesus Follower community (they were not called “Christians” until 85 CE or so). It follows the long speech given by Peter after the Pentecost Event and shows that Jesus Followers saw their religious practices as a part of Judaism. Verse 46 states: “They spent much time together in the temple.” The Temple was active until its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE in response to the Jewish/Zealot Revolt in 66.
The Jesus Followers’ devotion to “the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (v. 42) is imported word for word into the Baptismal Covenant used by The Episcopal Church. In Acts, “the breaking of bread” refers both to common meals and to the Lord’s Supper.
Common ownership of goods was understood by the Jesus Follower community as consistent with Jesus’ teachings, such as those found in Chapter 12 of the Gospel according to Luke. Common ownership was also practiced in the Essene community at Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found), a religious community that had subtle (but discernable) influences on the Jesus Follower Movement in the First Century.
1 Peter 2:19-25
In the First Century, it was not uncommon to write something in another person’s name so that the writing would have extra “authority” – particularly when the writer believed he knew what the “authority” (in this case, Peter) would have said.
The First Letter of Peter was likely written in the last quarter of the First Century, long after Peter’s death. It was written in sophisticated Greek and resembles the form of Paul’s letters. Its focus is not on the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth, but on the Resurrection and the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.
Today’s reading holds up Jesus the Christ as an example to Jesus Followers of one who endured unjust suffering, based largely on the model of the “Suffering Servant” described in Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12.
2017, April 30 ~ Acts 2:14a, 36-41 & 1 Peter 1:17-23
by Thomas O'BrienActs 2:14a, 36-41
The book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke around 85 to 90 CE.
Today’s reading presents the last part of Peter’s long speech after the Pentecost Event. Rather than offend the ruling Romans by stating that they crucified Jesus (which they did), the author’s account of the speech repeats the statement that the Israelites crucified Jesus (v.36).
As discussed at greater length in last week’s Scripture in Context, a variety of accusations were made against the Israelites/Judeans/Pharisees in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John. These Gospels (and Acts) were written from 70 CE to 100 CE when the Jesus Followers were contending with the Pharisees for control of Judaism going forward. Harsh words were expressed in the Gospels, and the Pharisees took exclusionary actions by expelling Jesus Followers from the synagogues.
In the same verse (36), Acts says God “made” Jesus Lord and Messiah. This statement shows that, in the early church, the understanding of who and what Jesus of Nazareth was/is continued to evolve. Verse 36 presents a view that is generally described as “adoptionism” – the idea that Jesus was a man whom God adopted as God’s Son and “made” him Lord and Messiah. This understanding is inconsistent, for example, with John’s theology in which the Logos/Word pre-exists from all eternity and becomes flesh in Jesus (John 1:14).
In concluding his speech, Peter urges the Israelites to repent (change their religious thinking), be baptized and have their sins forgiven. After baptism, Peter says they will receive the Holy Spirit. This presents a different sequence from the accounts of most baptisms described in Acts – typically, the Holy Spirit comes first to persons and is the reason they are baptized.
The account concludes by stating that 3,000 persons were baptized on that day.
1 Peter 1:17-23
In the First Century, it was not uncommon to write something in another person’s name so that the writing would have extra “authority” – particularly when the writer believed he knew what the “authority” (in this case, Peter) would have said.
The First Letter of Peter was likely written in the last quarter of the First Century, long after Peter’s death. It was written in sophisticated Greek and resembles the form of Paul’s letters. Its focus is not on the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth, but on the Resurrection and the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.
Today’s reading contains two (of five) directives to the Jesus Followers: (1) to live in reverent fear of the Lord, knowing they were ransomed by the blood of Christ; and (2) love one another deeply from the heart, knowing they were born anew through the word of God.
2017, April 23 ~ Acts 2:14a, 22-32 & 1 Peter 1:3-9
by Thomas O'BrienActs 2:14a, 22-32
The book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke around 85 to 90 CE.
Today’s reading presents the second half of Peter’s long speech after the Pentecost Event, and reflects the theology of the community from which Luke-Acts came. In Luke and Acts, everything that happens is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit and is part of “God’s Plan.” Peter’s speech says “God’s Plan” included the handing over of Jesus to the Israelites (v. 23), the crucifixion by the Israelites of Jesus “by the hands of those outside the law” (i.e. Gentiles, Romans), and the “impossibility” (v. 24) that death could hold Jesus in its power. The balance of the speech states that Jesus descended from King David whose line was promised by God to endure forever (2 Sam. 7:13).
To put the harsh words against the Israelites in context, it is important to remember that after the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, the only two surviving sects in Judaism were the Pharisees and the Jesus Followers (not called “Christians” until 85 or so). The other sects (Sadducees, Zealots, Herodians, Essenes) became irrelevant or were killed by the Romans. For example, the Sadducees (priests) disappeared because there was no Temple for animal sacrifice.
For the next 30+ years, the Jesus Followers and the Pharisees contended for control of Judaism. Matthew, Luke-Acts and John were written during this time. Around 100 CE, there was a “parting of the ways” – the Jesus Follower Movement evolved into Christianity and the Pharisaical Movement evolved into Rabbinic Judaism. In the post-70 Gospels (and Acts), there is harsh language against Israelites, Judeans/Jews, and Pharisees (but hardly any against the ruling Romans who crucified Jesus as an insurrectionist). Unfortunately, the historical controversies that led to the harsh words in the post-70 Gospels (and Acts) is often forgotten.
1 Peter 1:3-9
The First Letter of Peter was likely written in the last quarter of the First Century, long after Peter’s death. It was written in sophisticated Greek and resembles the form of Paul’s letters. Its focus is not on the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth, but on the Resurrection and the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.
In today’s reading, the author notes that Jesus Followers “had to suffer various trials” (v. 6), not so much from overt governmental persecution, but because the Jesus Follower Movement was a minority sect within Judaism, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
The author also expects that God will send the Christ soon because “salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time” (v.5) and “your faith …will result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (v. 7).
2016, April 16 ~ Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6 & Colossians 3:1-4
by Thomas O'BrienActs 10:34-43
The book called “The Acts of the Apostles” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke. The first 15 chapters of Acts are a didactic “history” of the early Jesus Follower Movement starting with an account of the Ascension of Jesus and ending (in Chapter 15) at the so-called Council of Jerusalem in 49 CE. According to Acts, at the Council, it was agreed by the elders of the Jesus Follower Movement that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised or keep all the kosher dietary laws in order to become Jesus Followers.
Today’s reading is a synopsis of the entire Gospel According to Luke, and is delivered by Peter when he is asked to baptize the Roman centurion, Cornelius. In the verses that follow today’s reading, Peter notes that Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit. He therefore baptized him, even though he was a Gentile. At the Council of Jerusalem, the Baptism of Cornelius was referred to by Peter as a reason for permitting Gentiles to become Jesus Followers (15:7-8).
Jeremiah 31:1-6
After the righteous King Josiah was killed in battle in 609 BCE, the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had a series of hapless kings from 609 until Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Babylonians deported some Judean leaders in 597 and a larger number of them in 586 (the beginning of the Babylonian Exile). Jeremiah’s prophesy (i.e. speaking for Yahweh) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.
In today’s reading, the prophet speaks for YHWH to say that all the families of Israel (the 12 Tribes) will be restored, just as the Israelites were restored in the Exodus. They will again take their tambourines (v.4), just as Miriam (Moses’ sister) and the women used tambourines to celebrate passing through the Sea of Reeds (Ex. 15:20).
Colossians 3:1-4
Colossae was a town in what is now western Turkey. A Jesus Follower community was founded there by Paul’s associate, Epaphras (1:7). The letter is short and expresses concern about practices that were inconsistent with Paul’s understanding of being a Jesus Follower. Scholars debate whether it was written by Paul or his disciples in the decade after Paul’s death in 63 CE.
In today’s reading, the author expresses an eschatological vision – not the end of the world, but an end of the world as the Colossians knew it. He urges the Colossians, as persons who have already “been raised with Christ,” to focus on heavenly matters rather than earthly concerns. The statement “for you have died” (v.3) is a reference back to “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe” (2:20) – you are no longer limited by the four primal elements.
2017, April 9 ~ Isaiah 50:4-9a & Philippians 2:5-11
by Thomas O'BrienIsaiah 50:4-9a
The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.
Just before today’s reading, the prophet told the Judeans that YHWH has not broken the promises made to them, but their sin is the cause of their suffering and the Exile. The prophet asserts that he is YHWH’s agent to teach (v.4) the Judeans to pursue righteousness. He (sometimes understood as Judea) describes his suffering at the hands of the Babylonians, but because YHWH helps him, he has not been disgraced and will be vindicated (v.7).
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road to Byzantium (Istanbul) and most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul has a deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanks them for gifts sent to him in prison (4:18).
Today’s reading is derived from a hymn that was already in use in Jesus Follower communities, perhaps in a Baptism liturgy. Its statements are not only religious, they are also political. The Roman Caesars claimed to be “in the form of God” and (as rulers) to be the “Lord.”
By contrast, instead of exploiting his connectedness to God, Jesus took the form of a slave/servant and emptied himself (poured himself out) for others. For this, he has been highly exalted (resurrected). As the Christ/Messiah, he is also called “Lord” and at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend.
2017, April 2 ~ Ezekiel 37:1-14 & Romans 8:6-11
by Thomas O'BrienEzekiel 37:1-14
Ezekiel is one of the three “Major” Prophets – so called because of the length of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a priest who was among the first group of persons deported by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem in 597 BCE.
The Book of Ezekiel is in three parts: (1) Chapters 1 to 24 are prophesies of doom against Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE; (2) Chapters 25 to 32 are prophesies against foreign nations; and (3) Chapters 33 to 48 are prophesies of hope for the Judeans written during the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BCE).
Today’s reading is the “Valley of the Dry Bones” in which Ezekiel is called by YHWH to “prophesy” (speak for God) to the bones (which is a metaphor for the Judeans). Just as YHWH gave life to the “adam” (the earthling made from fertile earth in Genesis) by putting breath/spirit/life in him, the LORD says breath will be put in the dry bones (v. 5) and sinews will bind the bones together (v. 6). After this happens, breath/wind/life comes to those slain (v. 9) and a multitude stood on its feet. The “multitude” continues the metaphor of the people of Judea who will be restored to Jerusalem.
Romans 8:6-11
Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.
In today’s reading, Paul contrasts (a) flesh and sin with (b) the Spirit, the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. “Flesh” is a shorthand word Paul uses for the values of the world: selfishness, self-centeredness and the desire for power and wealth. It is contrary to “righteousness” – being in right relationships with God, with others and with the world. “Flesh” is not intended as a substitute for physical sins such as lust. Similarly, “sin” as used by Paul is best understood as “sinfulness” or living according to the inclinations of the “flesh” – all of which will lead to the “death” (v. 6) of an unfulfilled life that is not in right relation with God.
The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ bring life and peace (v. 6) – a peace that passes all understanding – and a life of righteousness (v.10).
2017, March 26 ~ 1 Samuel 16:1-13 & Ephesians 5:8-14
by Thomas O'Brien1 Samuel 16:1-13
The Book of Samuel is part of the “Deuteronomic History” that includes the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. These books emphasize that God controls history, and when the people (and their kings) worship Yahweh properly, good things happen to them. When they worship false gods, however, bad events overtake them.
In Chapter 15, YHWH (through Samuel) directs Saul, the first king of a united Israel, to attack the Amalekites and kill every person and animal. Saul obeys, but brings back the King of the Amalekites and some of the best sheep and cattle which he says he will offer as a sacrifice to YHWH. YHWH tells Samuel he regrets that he made Saul king because Saul disobeyed Him.
In today’s reading, YHWH tells Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from among Jesse’s sons. Samuel realizes this would be treasonous, but YHWH tells him to pretend he is going there to offer a sacrifice for YHWH. The elders of the city meet Samuel and are concerned if he is coming in peace.
Samuel meets the seven oldest of Jesse’s sons, but none of them is approved by YHWH. Jesse calls for his youngest son, the shepherd boy David, and YHWH tells Samuel to anoint him king. Samuel does so, and the spirit of YHWH came mightily upon David (v.13). At this point, then, Israel had two anointed kings – Saul and David.
Ephesians 5:8-14
Ephesus was a large and prosperous city in what is now western Turkey. In the Acts of the Apostles and 1 Corinthians, Paul visited there. In Ephesus, there were Jesus Followers who were Jews and Jesus Followers who were Gentiles, and they didn’t always agree on what it means to be a Jesus Follower. This letter was written by one of Paul’s disciples and was intended to unify the Ephesus community.
Today’s reading is part of a longer ethical exhortation which relies on apocalyptic imagery for the hostile spiritual powers (darkness) and God and Christ (light).
2017, March 19 ~ Exodus 17:1-7 & Romans 5:1-11
by Thomas O'BrienExodus 17:1-7
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, covers the period from the slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh (around 1250 BCE, if the account is historical), the Exodus itself, and the early months in the Wilderness.
In Chapter 16, the people complained about not getting enough food, and YHWH told Moses that He would “rain bread from heaven.” This was “manna,” a Hebrew word that means “What is it?” Manna is real stuff and can be purchased even now in Arab markets in Jerusalem. It is the carbohydrate-rich excretions of insects that feed on the twigs of tamarisk trees.
In today’s reading, the Israelites quarreled with Moses and asked (rhetorically) if he brought them out of Egypt only so they could die of thirst. YHWH is portrayed anthropomorphically and tells Moses to strike a rock with his staff to get water.
Israel’s lack of trust in YHWH reappears in the Book of Deuteronomy (and other books by the Deuteronomists – Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings) as a reason the fortunes of Israel declined and the people were subjugated to the Assyrians and the Babylonians.
Romans 5:1-11
Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE) – about ten years before the first Gospel (Mark) was written.
Paul uses some words that are difficult for us. He say we are “justified” in verse 1. This means living in “righteousness” or in a right relationship with God – being “justified” as a page of type is “justified” when the margins are square on both the left and the right.
Paul’s use of “faith” is better understood today as “faithfulness” because of its active aspect. For many modern persons, “Faith” is understood as intellectual assent to one or more propositions. “Faithfulness,” however, is an active living into one’s beliefs through grace and trust in God.
Paul was a Jew who became a Jesus Follower (the term “Christian” hadn’t been invented in Paul’s lifetime). All during his life, animal sacrifices were made at the Jerusalem Temple as a way Jews were reconciled to YHWH. Animal sacrifices continued until the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE – after Paul’s death. It is therefore not surprising that Paul uses “sacrifice” language to interpret the meaning of the Crucifixion: “Christ died for us” (v.8); we are “justified by his blood” (v. 9); and “through whom we have received reconciliation (v. 12).