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2019, December 25 ~ Isaiah 52:7-10 and Hebrews 1:1-12

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Isaiah 52:7-10

Reading

7. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
8. Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see
the return of the LORD to Zion.
9. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Commentary

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Ancient Israel’s history. The writings were compiled from about 700 BCE to about 300 BCE.

Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and are the words of a prophet (one who speaks for YHWH – translated as “LORD” in all capital letters in the NRSV) who called for Jerusalem to repent in the 30 years before Jerusalem came under siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55. In these chapters, a prophet brought hope to the Judeans during the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they had suffered enough and would return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 in which a prophet gave encouragement to Judeans who had returned to Jerusalem (which was largely destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BCE) after the Exile had ended.

Today’s reading is central to the message of Second Isaiah. It describes the return of YHWH to Jerusalem and Mount Zion. The “sentinels” (v.8) are the prophets who sing for joy that the Babylonian Exile will end. “Nations” (v.10) is a translation of the Hebrew word “goyim” which is also translatable as the “Gentiles.” In the triumphant return of YHWH to Zion, the Gentiles will also see that YHWH brings salvation.

Hebrews 1:1-12

Reading

1. Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,
2. but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.
3. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4. having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”?
6. Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
7. Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.”
8. But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
9. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
10. And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11. they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing;
12. like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.”

Commentary

The Letter to the Hebrews was an anonymous sermon to both Jewish and Gentile Jesus Followers, urging them to maintain their Faith and Hope in the face of hardship. The letter developed many important images such as Jesus the Christ as the High Priest. The author emphasized the continuing importance of Jewish tradition and quoted (and paraphrased) extensively from the Greek LXX translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.

In today’s reading, the author identifies the Son with Holy Wisdom that was present at creation (Prov. 8:22) in the words ”through whom he also created the worlds.” (v. 2) The author also anticipates the language of the Gospel According to John – “all things came into being through him [the LOGOS or Word]” (John 1:3).

Because the theology of the Trinity was evolving in the late First Century, the author stops short of identifying the Son with the Father as God, and refers to the Son as “a reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being” (v.3) and as superior to angels (v.4).

The quotations in verses 5 to 12 are purportedly about the Son and are “cherry picked” from the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the Psalms. Verse 5 is a quotation from Psalm 2:7 and from 2 Sam. 7:14, both of which refer to David as God’s son. Verse 6 is a paraphrase of the LXX version of a portion of Deuteronomy 32:43, which says that the “heavens” will worship YHWH when YHWH restores Judea. Verse 7 is a paraphrase of Psalm 104:4. Verses 8 and 9 loosely paraphrase Psalm 45:6-7, a psalm that commemorates a royal wedding, but does not refer to a son. Verses 10 to 12 are based on Psalm 102:25-27, a psalm that is a prayer to YHWH for the restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple after the Exile. In the Psalm, the quoted verses contrast the permanence of YHWH with the impermanence of heaven and earth.

2019, January 13 ~ Isaiah 43:1-7 and Acts 8:14-17

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Isaiah 43:1-7

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Ancient Israel’s history. The writings were compiled from about 700 BCE to about 300 BCE.

Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and are the words of a prophet (one who speaks for YHWH) who called for Jerusalem to repent in the 20 years before Jerusalem came under siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55. In these chapters, a prophet brought hope to the Judeans during the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they had suffered enough and would return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66. For the most part, a prophet gave encouragement to Judeans who returned to Jerusalem (which was largely destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BCE) after the Exile.

Today’s reading is from Second Isaiah and is a poetic oracle of salvation in which the prophet spoke for YHWH (translated as LORD in all capital letters) who emphasized a close relationship with Jacob/Israel.

The prophet (speaking for YHWH) told the Exiles in Babylon that all Israel would be redeemed and its sons and daughters would be brought back to Israel. Verses 3 and 4 “anticipated” (with 20-20 hindsight) that Cyrus the Great of Persia would conquer Babylon, Egypt, Ethiopia and Saba (Arabia). The “people” and “nations” (i.e. Gentiles) would, according to the prophet, be given as ransom for the Judeans (v.4).

Acts 8:14-17

The book called “The Acts of the Apostles” was written around 85 to 90 CE by the anonymous 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 the Ascension of Jesus and ending at the so-called Council of Jerusalem where it was agreed that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised and keep all the Kosher dietary laws in order to become Jesus Followers.

Chapters 16 to 28 of Acts are an account of Paul’s Missionary Journeys, his arrest and his transfer to Rome – and the stories are not always consistent with Paul’s letters.

Today’s reading described the spread of the Jesus Follower Movement from Jerusalem to Samaria. Ever since Samaria was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BCE and Samaritans intermarried with non-Jews, Samaritans were looked down upon by Jews from both Judea and Galilee. Samaritans worshiped at Mount Gerizim (not Jerusalem) and had their own version of the Torah.

In the verses just before today’s reading, the author stated that persecutions against Jesus Followers occurred in Jerusalem, and Philip (one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles in Acts 6) went to Samaria and proclaimed “the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (v.12). Men and women were baptized.

The apostles (who remained in Jerusalem and were coordinating the spread of the good news) sent Peter and John to convey the Holy Spirit by laying hands (a ritual of consecration) on the Samaritans who had been baptized (v.17).

This passage reflects a continuing theological evolution in the Jesus Follower Movement in the First Century. According to the author, Baptism “in the name of Lord Jesus” (v.16) was not seen as infusing the baptized with the Holy Spirit. In other parts of Acts, however, the Holy Spirit came upon Gentiles listening to Peter even before they were baptized (10:44).

One of the major themes of both the Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles is the impact of the Holy Spirit – often portrayed as the driving force for all that happens. Today’s reading is an example of the importance the author of Luke/Acts gave to the Holy Spirit.

2017, December 17 ~ Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

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Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

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 calls for Jerusalem to repent in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during 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, for the most part, gives encouragement to Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of “Third Isaiah.” It can be a bit difficult to follow because there are three different “voices” speaking.

In the first four verses, Isaiah describes what a prophet is and does. A prophet is one anointed by YHWH/LORD to bring messages that YHWH wants conveyed to the people – in this case, that they and Jerusalem will be restored.

In the second two verses of today’s reading, YHWH is portrayed as speaking directly to the people. YHWH promises an everlasting covenant with them.

In the last two verses, Isaiah speaks for the people who have received salvation and righteousness from YHWH. The people rejoice that they are like a bridegroom, a bride and the earth in Springtime that brings forth its shoots. They say that YHWH will cause righteousness to spring up among all the nations. (In the Hebrew Bible, the word that is translated as “the nations” is sometimes – depending on context – translated as “the pagans” or “the Gentiles.”)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

The letter to the Thessalonians was Paul’s first letter and was written around 50 CE. Thessaloniki is a seaport and was the capital of Macedonia. The letter encouraged the Jesus Follower community to be steadfast in the face of persecution.

Today’s reading consists of the concluding verses of the letter, and follows an exhortation for the Jesus Followers to be at peace among themselves (v.13) and to not repay evil for evil (v.15). Paul encourages them to rejoice, pray, hold fast to that which is good (vv. 16-21). In his prayer that their “spirit and soul and body be kept sound (v.23), Paul is not treating these as separate parts of a human person, but as three vantage points for viewing persons, each of which is important. Paul emphasizes that God’s call to us is ongoing (v.24).

2017, January 15 ~ Isaiah 49:1-7 & 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

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Isaiah 49:1-7

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.

Today’s reading is from “Second Isaiah” and repeats many themes from last week’s reading (42:1-9). The prophet speaks for YHWH (“LORD” – all capitals – in the NRSV) and refers to Israel as the LORD’s servant (v. 3). Today’s reading is sometimes called the second of the “Servant Songs” that are in Isaiah from Chapters 42 to 53. It says Israel will be restored and reunified and will be a “light to the nations [pagans, foreigners, Gentiles]” (42.6 and 49.6). The reading concludes with statements that YHWH is faithful and chose Israel for a special role.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Corinth, a large port city in Greece, was among the early Jesus Follower communities that Paul founded. Its culture was Hellenistic and emphasized reason and secular wisdom. In addition to Paul, other Jesus Followers also taught in Corinth, sometimes in ways inconsistent with Paul’s understandings of what it means to be a Jesus Follower. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was written in the 50’s (CE) and presents his views on several issues.

Today’s reading from the opening chapter is a salutation customary in ancient Greek letters (vv. 1-3) followed by a thanksgiving for the grace of God given to the Jesus Followers in Corinth through Christ Jesus (vv.4-7). He reminds them that they were called into “the fellowship of the Son” (v.9).

Having praised the Corinthians and reminded them of the gifts from God, in the verses that follow today’s reading, Paul launches into his arguments and appeals that “there be no divisions among you” (v.10).

2016, December 4 ~ Isaiah 11:1-10 & Romans 15:4-13

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Isaiah 11: 1-10

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 mostly written in the 30 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 contains encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

The date of today’s reading is disputed among scholars. Although it is in the first 39 chapters, this passage and the rest of Chapter 11 present post-Exilic themes in anticipation of a Messiah. The reference to “Jesse” is to King David’s father, so this Messiah would be from the House of David, a ruler. The “righteousness” that the Messiah will bring is one of peace and restoring all things to their proper order. The closing verse (v. 10) says that this person will be a “signal” to “the peoples” and “the nations” – both of which are references to Gentiles (non-Jews).

Romans 15:4-13

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50’s or early 60’s (CE) to a Jesus Follower community that Paul did not establish. Among other messages, Paul sought to encourage respectful and supportive relationships between the Gentile Jesus Followers and the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome. Nero’s predecessor (Claudius) expelled all Jews from Rome in 49. During Nero’s reign (54-68 CE), he allowed Jews (including Jewish Jesus Followers) to return. Their return created tensions within the Jesus Follower Community. (Jesus Followers were not called “Christians” until the 80’s.)

In today’s reading, Paul exhorts the Jewish Jesus Followers and the Gentile Jesus Followers to “live in harmony” (v. 5) and glorify God “with one voice” (v.6). To emphasize to Jewish Jesus Followers that Gentiles could be Jesus Followers, Paul paraphrases Psalm 18.49 (v. 9), Psalm 117.1 (v.10) and Isaiah 11.10 (v.12), all of which refer to “Gentiles,” “the nations” or “the peoples.”