B.A.S.I.C. Bible Study

Transcription

1 B.A.S.I.C. Bible Study New Testament 101 Created by Brad Hinton

2 2 B.A.S.I.C. Bible Study Establishing a Firm Foundation This study uses three primary activities to help the participant engage the text: 1 Connect: highlights other biblical texts which refer or relate to the primary text being studied. Participants are encouraged to examine supplied cross references to learn more about the interconnectedness of the Bible. 2 Reflect: encourages participants to relate to the text on a personal level. Topics, situations, and theoretical possibilities are explored in direct relation to the primary text being studied. 3 Discuss: personal reading, study and reflection are augmented by group discussion. These discussions are designed to be open-ended in order to facilitate curiosity, discovery and build community. NOTES: ANE = Ancient Near East

3 3 NEW Testament Or christian Scriptures

4 4 Contents The Christian Bible, which appears to be a single book, is in fact a collection of books, similar to a library, divided into two major sections: The Hebrew Scriptures (commonly referred to as the Old Testament) and the New Covenant (commonly referred to as the New Testament). The 27 books of the New Testament may be grouped into: the Gospels (3 Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John), a book of History and a collection of Epistles or Letters. The last book, the Revelation to John, usually classified as apocalyptic eschatology (prophecy about the end times), might also be considered an epistle (beginning as a letter to the seven churches in Asia. This Study Guide provides an introduction to the New Testament by offering samples from each of these groups: Page Unit One Synoptic Gospels 6 Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 9 Son of God: Mark 13 Status Reversal: Luke 15 Unit Two Gospel of John 20 The Word: John 1 22 The Living Bread: John 6 24 The One Sent: John Unit Three History and Mystery 32 Saul (Paul) is Transformed: Acts of the Apostles 34 Peter & the 1 st Gentile Convert: Acts of the Apostles 36 The New Jerusalem: Revelation to John 40 Unit Four Epistles (Letters) 44 Letter to a Leader: 1 Timothy 46 Letter to The Church: Romans 47 Letter to a Congregation: 1 Corinthians 49 Included in this Study Guide are two translations: the New Revised Standard Version and the Good News Translation. Reading more than one translation can provide additional insight and understanding. These two translations are presented in columns side by side throughout this Guide for easy comparison as you read. Or, you may want to read an entire section in one version and then read it in the other version. Or you may choose to read only one version.

5 5 Unit One Synoptic Gospels Sermon on the Mount Matthew Son of God Mark Status Reversal Luke Sea of Galilee

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7 7 SYNOPTIC GOSPELS (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) The canonical gospels are narratives about the life, deeds, and words of Jesus. The first three gospels in I the NT canon Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels, so called because they can be viewed side by side ( syn-optically ) and compared very easily by means of a synopsis. The reason for this is that all three gospels have a great deal of material in common and very often they present their material in the same order. Further, the very different type of material, and the different arrangement, in the Fourth Gospel (John) shows that this agreement between the Synoptic gospels cannot be explained as due to chance or to the fact that the synoptic narratives simply reflect the actual course of the historical ministry of Jesus. The three Synoptic Gospels are thus in some relationship with each other. Matthew (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages 8-11 in this Guide.) Matthew is the only one of the four Gospels that begins with the OT genre of genealogy. This underlines a major message of the whole work, the prophecies of the OT are fulfilled in the life of Jesus.By his going down to Egypt and subsequent exodus, Jesus recapitulates the history of Israel. This and the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus place him as the new Moses called to lead God s people to the kingdom of heaven (a phrase found only in Matthew s gospel, where it appears 31 times.) Mark (from The New Interpreter s Study Bible) (See pages in this Guide.) Throughout Mark s gospel, Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man (who has authority on earth to forgive sins, is lord even of the Sabbath, came not to be served, but to serve, is betrayed, will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and who must undergo great suffering. ) Yet from the first verse of the first chapter, the author wants us to know Jesus as the Son of God as he opens with The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In that same first chapter, as Jesus is baptized, God acknowledges Jesus as Son ( And a voice came from heaven, You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased. ) Later, at the transfiguration, From the cloud there came a voice, This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him! Unclean spirits being cast out cry out to Jesus in fear and obedience: Holy One of God, Son of God, Son of the Most High God and he admonishes them to keep silent about his identity. Finally, when Jesus is brought before the council and interrogated by the high priest, Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? Jesus replies, I am and is accused as blasphemous by the high priest. At last, as Jesus dies on the cross, he is called Son of God not by a disciple, but by a Roman soldier who, watching Jesus take his final breath, says, Truly this man was God s Son! Luke (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) In Luke s gospel, Jesus reads (in the synagogue) from Isaiah, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, and announces starkly, Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. His mission is to proclaim deliverance to the outcast and afflicted. Jesus proclaims blessings to the poor and woes to the rich in his Sermon on the Plain. The language of rich and poor has the literary function of demonstrating that Jesus is the prophetic Messiah who proclaims Good News to the outcast, and as such is rejected by the rich and powerful. In the narrative itself, the role of the poor is played by the sinners and tax collectors, while the role of the rich is played by the Pharisees and teachers of the law. There is a great reversal of status: those ordinarily deemed unworthy, lowly, marginal or even outcast are accepted by God and raised up, becoming part of the restored people. The rich stand for those who have no need of consolation and reject the prophet. The poor stand for all who have been rejected by human standards but are accepted by God, and who themselves accept God s visitation in the prophet. Throughout his narrative, Luke gives positive attention to the role of women. The theme of reversal of status also appears in his treatment of children and gentiles.

8 8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Sermon on the Mount MATTHEW 5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp Sermon on the Mount MATTHEW 5 1 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them: 3 Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4 Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5 Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised! 6 Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! 7 Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! 9 Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children! 10 Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 11 Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted. 13 You are like salt for the whole human race. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. 14 You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one lights a CONNECT: What is the connection between Matthew 4:23-25 and Matthew 5:1-2? REFLECT: How do you feel when you read the Beatitudes? Which one(s) could apply to you? What are the uses of salt? How are you like salt? What are the uses of a lamp? How are you like a lamp?

9 9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall not murder ; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, You fool, you will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. 18 Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with not until the end of all things. 19 So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. 20 I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires. 21 You have heard that people were told in the past, Do not commit murder; anyone who does will be brought to trial. 22 But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother you will be brought to trial, if you call your brother You good-for-nothing! you will be brought before the Council, and if you call your brother a worthless fool you will be in danger of going to the fire of hell. 23 So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your CONNECT: The relation of Jesus message to the Jewish law was a great concern to the followers with a Jewish background. Read Luke 24:27, 44; Exodus 20:1-17. See also Mark 13:31 and Luke 16:17. REFLECT: Do the Ten Commandments look different to you after this reading? Put two of the Ten Commandments in your own words. How many ways can you think of that you could murder someone without really killing them?

10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. 27 You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. 31 It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce. 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 33 Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord. 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God. 25 If someone brings a lawsuit against you and takes you to court, settle the dispute while there is time, before you get to court. Once you are there, you will be turned over to the judge, who will hand you over to the police, and you will be put in jail. 26 There you will stay, I tell you, until you pay the last penny of your fine. 27 You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But now I tell you: anyone who looks at a woman and wants to possess her is guilty of committing adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your right eye causes you to sin, take it out and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose a part of your body than to have your whole body thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is much better for you to lose one of your limbs than to have your whole body go off to hell. 31 It was also said, Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. 32 But now I tell you: if a man divorces his wife for any cause other than her unfaithfulness, then he is guilty of making her commit adultery if she marries again; and the man who marries her commits adultery also. 33 You have also heard that people were told in the past, Do not break your promise, but do what you have vowed to the Lord to do. 34 But now I tell you: do not use any vow when you make a promise. Do not swear by heaven, for CONNECT: See Exodus 21:23-25 and Leviticus 24: These laws were originally given to limit revenge and help the court mete out punishment that was neither too strict nor too lenient. REFLECT: How do you prepare to come to the altar on Sunday?

11 11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be Yes, Yes or No, No ; anything more than this comes from the evil one. 38 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. 43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. it is God's throne; 35 nor by earth, for it is the resting place for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 Just say Yes or No anything else you say comes from the Evil One. 38 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. 40 And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles. 42 When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him. 43 You have heard that it was said, Love your friends, hate your enemies. 44 But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. 46 Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! 47 And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! 48 You must be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect. CONNECT: See Deuteronomy 19:21. Some people use this phrase to justify their vendettas against others. Some still use this quote saying, I m just doing to him what he did to me. Jesus interprets teaching about revenge, teaching about indiscriminate love to all. See Leviticus 19:18, REFLECT: How do you turn your cheek when you have been hurt? How do you love your enemies?

12 12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Son of God MARK 1 1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased. CONNECT: Read Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. Son of God MARK 1 1 This is the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: God said, I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you. 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. Turn away from your sins and be baptized, he told the people, and God will forgive your sins. 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced to the people, The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 9 Not long afterward Jesus came from Nazareth in the province of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw heaven opening and the Spirit coming down on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you. REFLECT: The purpose of John s preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God s son. What preparations have we made? Would you go out into the desert to hear John preach? Why or why not? Is there a John, the Baptizer, in your life?

13 13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, Follow me and I will make you fish for people. 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. 21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, 12 At once the Spirit made him go into the desert, 13 where he stayed forty days, being tempted by Satan. Wild animals were there also, but angels came and helped him. 14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 The right time has come, he said, and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News! 16 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. 17 Jesus said to them, Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people. 18 At once they left their nets and went with him. 19 He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. 20 As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus. 21 Jesus and his disciples came to the town of Capernaum, and on the next Sabbath Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach. 22 CONNECT: Culminating proof of Jesus special standing is the voice from heaven calling him my Son, the Beloved. Read Psalm 2:7 and Matthew 4:17. Compare Christ s message with John the Baptist s. Mark 1:4; 7-8. REFLECT: Jesus endured Satan s temptations in the desert and overcame them. Jesus was then able to identify fully with us, knowing that we all face temptations. What are the deserts in life where you have faced temptations? What helped you get through those times?

14 14 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God. 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be silent, and come out of him! 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him. 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. The people who heard him were amazed at the way he taught, for he wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, he taught with authority. 23 Just then a man with an evil spirit came into the synagogue and screamed, 24 What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are you are God's holy messenger! 25 Jesus ordered the spirit, Be quiet, and come out of the man! 26 The evil spirit shook the man hard, gave a loud scream, and came out of him. 27 The people were all so amazed that they started saying to one another, What is this? Is it some kind of new teaching? This man has authority to give orders to the evil spirits, and they obey him! 28 And so the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere in the province of Galilee. Status Reversal LUKE 18 1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, Grant me justice against my opponent. 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, Though I have no fear of God and no respect for Status Reversal LUKE 18 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged. 2 In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3 And there was a widow in that same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, Help me against my opponent! 4 For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he CONNECT: Jesus first healing in Mark s Gospel is the exorcism of an unclean spirit. See also Luke 4: REFLECT: Have you ever felt like your prayers were not being heard? Can you think of a time in your life when persistent pestering paid off?

15 15 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming. 6 And the Lord said, Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income. 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, God, be merciful to me, a sinner! 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather said to himself, Even though I don't fear God or respect people, 5 yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out! 6 And the Lord continued, Listen to what that corrupt judge said. 7 Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be slow to help them? 8 I tell you, he will judge in their favor and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes? 9 Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. 10 Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. 12 I fast two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all my income. 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, God, have pity on me, a sinner! 14 I tell you, said Jesus, the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the CONNECT: The judge s justice falls short of God s notion of justice. God expects people to show partiality to the alien, widow and orphans. Read Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22 and Deuteronomy 24: REFLECT: Put yourself in the place of the Pharisee and the tax collector in this parable.

16 16 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. 15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. 18 A certain ruler asked him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? 19 Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20 You know the commandments: You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother. 21 He replied, I have kept all these since my youth. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. 23 But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great. 15 Some people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so, 16 but Jesus called the children to him and said, Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. 18 A Jewish leader asked Jesus, Good Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life? 19 Why do you call me good? Jesus asked him. No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; respect your father and your mother. 21 The man replied, Ever since I was young, I have obeyed all these commandments. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, There is still one more thing you need to do. Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me. 23 But when the man heard this, he became very sad, because he was very rich. 24 Jesus saw that he was sad and said, How hard it is for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 It is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel EXCURSUS: (from The New Interpreter s Study Bible) The image of status reversal found in the widow and the judge, and the Pharisee and the tax collector, continues with the children. In these times, children occupied the lowest rung on the ladder of status in a world that was very status conscious. Receiving little children is refusing one s own claims or concerns with higher status. REFLECT: The rich man is asked to surrender his wealth before he can follow Jesus. Does this relate to the previous parables and to Jesus words, all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted? What might you have to surrender in order to truly follow Christ?

17 17 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. 26 Those who heard it said, Then who can be saved? 27 He replied, What is impossible for mortals is possible for God. 28 Then Peter said, Look, we have left our homes and followed you. 29 And he said to them, Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32 For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. 33 After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again. 34 But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. 35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. 38 Then he shouted, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! 39 Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, Son of David, have mercy on me! 40 Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41 What do you want me to do for to go through the eye of a needle. 26 The people who heard him asked, Who, then, can be saved? 27 Jesus answered, What is humanly impossible is possible for God. 28 Then Peter said, Look! We have left our homes to follow you. 29 Yes, Jesus said to them, and I assure you that anyone who leaves home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God 30 will receive much more in this present age and eternal life in the age to come. 31 Jesus took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, Listen! We are going to Jerusalem where everything the prophets wrote about the Son of Man will come true. 32 He will be handed over to the Gentiles, who will make fun of him, insult him, and spit on him. 33 They will whip him and kill him, but three days later he will rise to life. 34 But the disciples did not understand any of these things; the meaning of the words was hidden from them, and they did not know what Jesus was talking about. 35 As Jesus was coming near Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the road, begging. 36 When he heard the crowd passing by, he asked, What is this? 37 Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, they told him. 38 He cried out, Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me! 39 The people in front scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, Son of David! Have mercy on me! 40 So Jesus stopped and ordered the blind man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 What do you want me to CONNECT: Relate verses (above) to Psalm 41:9, Psalm 22:16-18, and Isaiah 53:4-7. REFLECT: Think of a time when your blindness was lifted and you saw Christ.

18 18 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) you? He said, Lord, let me see again. 42 Jesus said to him, Receive your sight; your faith has saved you. 43 Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God. do for you? Sir, he answered, I want to see again. 42 Jesus said to him, Then see! Your faith has made you well. 43 At once he was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving thanks to God. When the crowd saw it, they all praised God. DISCUSS (AS A GROUP) THE GROUP DISCUSSION MAY BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS OR ON ANY OF THE PREVIOUS REFLECTION QUESTIONS IN THE UNIT. 1. How do these promised blessings in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) compare with what most people in the world prize? 2. What do these laws/standards suggest as the direction in which God wants us to grow after we have experienced his mercy? 3. Look at Mark s description of John, the Baptizer, how would you have reacted to his words and his appearance? Look at Mark s description of Jesus encounter with Simon and Andrew when they are hard at work, how might you react if Jesus showed up at your place of work? Do you think you would have been like the early disciples and dropped everything to follow Christ? Why or why not? 4. Have you ever heard a Christian speaker teach with authority? Name them and describe what that was like. 5. What status reversal might Jesus be calling us to today?

19 19 Unit Two Gospel of John The Word John 1 The Living Bread John 6 The One Sent John 17 I am the bread of life

20 20 GOSPEL OF JOHN (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) Many of the most frequent expressions found in the synoptic Gospels are rare or missing entirely from the Gospel of John (e.g., Kingdom of God/Heaven, Sadducees, scribes, forgive, demons, tax collectors ). In contrast, there is an almost unique Johannine vocabulary which makes use of such expressions as life, light, darkness, truth, world, the Jews, know, Counselor and Son as a title for Jesus. While not absent from the synoptics, the term Father used of God appears with common regularity in John, as does the expression, him who sent me, a rare synoptic reference to God. The Johannine gospel includes a significant number of narratives unique to itself. Among them are the wonder at Cana (2:1-11), the conversations with Nicodemus (3:1-13) and the Samaritan woman (4:1-42), the raising of Lazarus (11:1-44), the foot washing (13:1-20), the conversation with Pilate (18:28-19:16), and three resurrection stories unknown outside of John (20:11-29). The Word (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) The title logos (word) makes the bold assertion that Jesus is God. Logos had associations with the creative and prophetic work of God in the OT and had become identified with both Torah and Wisdom in Jewish thought. Among Hellenists the word had a philosophical heritage which equated it, among other things, with the rational center of being itself. The Word is said both to be God and to be with God. The language suggests both identification with God and distinctive individuality. The existence of the Word precedes creation, and it is through the Word that creation is accomplished. The Word, therefore, is the light and life of humanity, i.e., the source of authentic and meaningful existence. Through the Word, God sought to restore the divine human relationship, empowering humans to become children of God, although such efforts were rejected (1:10-12). In Jesus the Word became incarnate and manifested the identity and nature of God. The Living Bread (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) Opposition to Jesus is heightened in chapter 6 as his wondrous acts and sayings require his followers and would be followers to assess their belief and unbelief. The chapter begins with three wondrous deeds the feeding of the multitude, the walking on the sea, and the wondrous landing of the boat. There follows the lengthy bread of life discourse. Here Jesus makes the high claims for himself consistent with the announcement of the prologue of the gospel (chapter 1). The response is a schism among his hearers which finds many who had believed now leaving him (6:22-71). The One Sent (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) Perhaps the most prominent of the images employed for Jesus in this gospel is that of one who has been sent. Christ here is conceived of as a special envoy of God within the conceptuality of the 1 st century Greco-Roman world. It has been suggested that the formula of being a sent one is investiture language whereby the envoy was given the authority of the sender and should, therefore, be accorded the same dignity as the sender. But the language also recalls the ancient Hebraic notion of the prophet of God, sent with the Word of the Lord. The result of this sort of language is to say once again that a response to Christ constitutes a response to God, which is perhaps the central theme of Jesus christological thought. It suggests that Jesus is one given a divine commission and standing in a special relationship with the divine Sender.

21 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 21 The Word JOHN 1 The Word JOHN 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. 1 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. 6 God sent his messenger, a man named John, 7 who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. 9 This was the real light the light that comes into the world and shines on all people. 10 The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. 12 Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. 13 They did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father. 14 The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. EXCURSUS (The New Interpreter s Study Bible) For the Gospel of John, the beginning is not a particular event in time like Jesus birth (as in Matthew and Luke) or the start of Jesus ministry (as in Mark). Instead, the beginning is outside the normal calculations of time, in the cosmic pre-existence of the Word with God. This beginning focuses the reader s attention immediately on the meaning of what follows - the Gospel story is about the very character of God and how God makes God s self known to the world through the life and death of Jesus.

22 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 (John testified to him and cried out, This was he of whom I said, He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me. ) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father s heart, who has made him known. 19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, I am not the Messiah. 21 And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered, No. 22 Then they said to him, Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said. 24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet? 26 John answered them, I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal. 28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing John spoke about him. He cried out, This is the one I was talking about when I said, He comes after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born. 16 Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. 17 God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known. 19 The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem sent some priests and Levites to John to ask him, Who are you? 20 John did not refuse to answer, but spoke out openly and clearly, saying: I am not the Messiah. 21 Who are you, then? they asked. Are you Elijah? No, I am not, John answered. Are you the Prophet? they asked. No, he replied. 22 Then tell us who you are, they said. We have to take an answer back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself 23 John answered by quoting the prophet Isaiah: I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: Make a straight path for the Lord to travel! 24 The messengers, who had been sent by the Pharisees, 25 then asked John, If you are not the Messiah nor Elijah nor the Prophet, why do you baptize? 26 John answered, I baptize with water, but among you stands the one you do not know. 27 He is coming after me, but I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. 28 All this happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River, where John was CONNECT: Re-read the description of John, the baptizer, on page 13 of this study guide. What does the description here in John s gospel add to your understanding of him? John fulfills a prophetic role announcing the Messiah s coming. Read Isaiah 40:3. REFLECT: How do you know what God is like?

23 23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me. 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel. 32 And John testified, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God. The Living Bread JOHN 6 1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5 When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, Where are we to buy bread for these people CONNECT: Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God, connecting his with the Lamb of Passover a symbol of God s deliverance. Read Exodus 12:1-13 and Isaiah 53:7. baptizing. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I was talking about when I said, A man is coming after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born. 31 I did not know who he would be, but I came baptizing with water in order to make him known to the people of Israel. 32 And John gave this testimony: I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and stay on him. 33 I still did not know that he was the one, but God, who sent me to baptize with water, had said to me, You will see the Spirit come down and stay on a man; he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 34 I have seen it, said John, and I tell you that he is the Son of God. The Living Bread JOHN 6 1 After this, Jesus went across Lake Galilee (or, Lake Tiberias, as it is also called). 2 A large crowd followed him, because they had seen his miracles of healing the sick. 3 Jesus went up a hill and sat down with his disciples. 4 The time for the Passover Festival was near. 5 Jesus looked around and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, so he asked Philip, Where can we buy enough food to feed all REFLECT: Why was the crowd following Jesus? Do you have a loaves and fishes story?

24 24 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) to eat? 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, Six months wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter s brother, said to him, 9 There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people? 10 Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost. 13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world. 15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, CONNECT: This story found of the great feeding is given in all four gospels. (See Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6: 30-44; and Luke 9: these people? ( 6 He said this to test Philip; actually he already knew what he would do.) 7 Philip answered, For everyone to have even a little, it would take more than two hundred silver coins to buy enough bread. 8 Another one of his disciples, Andrew, who was Simon Peter's brother, said, 9 There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish. But they will certainly not be enough for all these people. 10 Make the people sit down, Jesus told them. (There was a lot of grass there.) So all the people sat down; there were about five thousand men. 11 Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, and they all had as much as they wanted. 12 When they were all full, he said to his disciples, Gather the pieces left over; let us not waste a bit. 13 So they gathered them all and filled twelve baskets with the pieces left over from the five barley loaves which the people had eaten. 14 Seeing this miracle that Jesus had performed, the people there said, Surely this is the Prophet who was to come into the world! 15 Jesus knew that they were about to come and seize him in order to make him king by force; so he went off again to the hills by himself. 16 When evening came, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake, 17 got into a REFLECT: Think about how God gives to us in abundance. What we do with the excess? The boy shares all he has even though is doesn t seem like much. Have you ever given what seemed like a little and seen God multiply it?

25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, It is I; do not be afraid. 21 Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. 22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, Rabbi, when did you come here? 26 Jesus answered them, Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal. 28 Then they said to him, What must we do to perform the works of God? 29 Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, 25 boat, and went back across the lake toward Capernaum. Night came on, and Jesus still had not come to them. 18 By then a strong wind was blowing and stirring up the water. 19 The disciples had rowed about three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 Don't be afraid, Jesus told them, it is I! 21 Then they willingly took him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached land at the place they were heading for. 22 Next day the crowd which had stayed on the other side of the lake realized that there had been only one boat there. They knew that Jesus had not gone in it with his disciples, but that they had left without him. 23 Other boats, which were from Tiberias, came to shore near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they got into those boats and went to Capernaum, looking for him. 25 When the people found Jesus on the other side of the lake, they said to him, Teacher, when did you get here? 26 Jesus answered, I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles. 27 Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him. 28 So they asked him, What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do? 29 Jesus answered, What God wants you to do CONNECT: Read also Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 77:19, and Psalm 107: REFLECT: Have you ever received food that does not perish?

26 26 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) that you believe in him whom he has sent. 30 So they said to him, What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said to them, Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 34 They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always. 35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day. 41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, I am the bread that came down from heaven. 42 They were saying, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, I answered them, Do not complain among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless is to believe in the one he sent. 30 They replied, What miracle will you perform so that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, just as the scripture says, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 I am telling you the truth, Jesus said. What Moses gave you was not the bread from heaven; it is my Father who gives you the real bread from heaven. 33 For the bread that God gives is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 34 Sir, they asked him, give us this bread always. 35 I am the bread of life, Jesus told them. Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty. 36 Now, I told you that you have seen me but will not believe. 37 Everyone whom my Father gives me will come to me. I will never turn away anyone who comes to me, 38 because I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And it is the will of him who sent me that I should not lose any of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them all to life on the last day. 40 For what my Father wants is that all who see the Son and believe in him should have eternal life. And I will raise them to life on the last day. 41 The people started grumbling about him, because he said, I am the bread that came down from heaven. 42 So they said, This man is Jesus son of Joseph, isn't he? We know his father and mother. How, then, does he now say he came down from heaven? 43 Jesus answered, Stop grumbling among yourselves. 44 People cannot come to me unless the EXCURSUS: (The New Interpreter s Study Bible) These verses raise an important theological issue - the balance between people s freedom to respond in faith (verses 36, 40) and God s initiative in giving people to Jesus (verses 37, 39). While faith in Jesus (who has come down from heaven to make God s will visible and known to humankind, verse 38) is impossible without God s initial action toward the world, human beings retain responsibility for how they respond to God s initiative.

27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 27 raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. The One Sent JOHN 17 1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom CONNECT: The satisfaction of hunger and thirst recalls the gifts of manna (Exodus 16) and water (Numbers20:9-13) in the wilderness. It also recalls wisdom traditions, in which God s revelation is represented as Israel s food and drink (Proverbs 9:5). Father who sent me draws them to me; and I will raise them to life on the last day. 45 The prophets wrote, Everyone will be taught by God. Anyone who hears the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 This does not mean that anyone has seen the Father; he who is from God is the only one who has seen the Father. 47 I am telling you the truth: he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but they died. 50 But the bread that comes down from heaven is of such a kind that whoever eats it will not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I will give you is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live. The One Sent JOHN 17 1 After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. 2 For you gave him authority over all people, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, REFLECT: Participation in the Eucharist creates a relationship between Jesus and the believer. How has participating in the Eucharist affected you?

28 28 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. 6 I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong CONNECT: What does Jesus mean by the name you gave me? Read Exodus 3:14 and John 8:58. whom you sent. 4 I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. 5 Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made. 6 I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your word, 7 and now they know that everything you gave me comes from you. 8 I gave them the message that you gave me, and they received it; they know that it is true that I came from you, and they believe that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those you gave me, for they belong to you. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine; and my glory is shown through them. 11 And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost, except the man who was bound to be lost so that the scripture might come true. 13 And now I am coming to you, and I say these things in the world so that they might have my joy in their hearts in all its fullness. 14 I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the REFLECT: Jesus is praying for his disciples. You are also one of Jesus disciples. Substitute your name for they and them as you aloud this prayer to its conclusion.

29 29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. 16 Just as I do not belong to the world, they do not belong to the world. 17 Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth. 18 I sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. 19 And for their sake I dedicate myself to you, in order that they, too, may be truly dedicated to you. 20 I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. 21 I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: 23 I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me. 24 Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. 25 Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 26 I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them. CONNECT: Jesus and the community are set apart for God s work (sanctified). Jesus prayer for unity and oneness is grounded in the unity of Jesus and the Father. The community is one because they share together in the relationship of God and Jesus. Jesus commissions the community to work in the world the same way that God has commissioned him. See John 14:12, 15:16, and 20:21. REFLECT: Love defines the community s relationship to one another and with God and Jesus. Jesus great desire for his disciples was that they become one. In today s world how do we help unify the church?

30 30 DISCUSS (AS A GROUP) THE GROUP DISCUSSION MAY BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS OR ON ANY OF THE PREVIOUS REFLECTION QUESTIONS IN THE UNIT. 1. How might you interweave the opening of the Gospel of John with the opening of the Book of Genesis? Discuss how this adds understanding of the Creator s relationship to Creation. 2. Discuss the difference between why the crowd was following Jesus and what Jesus hoped to teach them (in John 6). 3. How does Jesus describe Bread in chapter 6? List as many things as you can find that tell you about Jesus Bread. 4. In John 17, Jesus prays, knowing that his death is eminent; his focus is on all those he loves. 5. If you knew that your death was eminent, where might your focus be?

31 31 Unit Three History and Mystery Saul (Paul) is Transformed Acts of the Apostles Peter & the 1 st Gentile Convert Acts of the Apostles The New Jerusalem Revelation to John In Jerusalem

32 32 ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) Virtually all contemporary scholars agree that Acts and the Gospel of Luke have the same author. Together, Luke and Acts make up one fourth of the NT. This two volume work might be titled the Prophet & The People. The conclusion of Luke and the opening of Acts serve as a bridge: the prophet Jesus departs and leaves his prophetic followers with a double share of the Holy Spirit so that they can do deeds as great or greater than his own. The text of Luke-Acts overwhelmingly suggests that Luke s audience was made up predominantly of gentile believers. God had always willed in principle that Israel s blessing should be extended to the gentiles cf. Luke 2:32; 3:6; 4:25-27; 10:1-12; 24:47; Acts 1:8). Believing Jews and gentiles together make up the authentic Israel, the people of God. Saul (Paul) is Transformed (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) The word of God, which reverses human expectations, demands a turning and acceptance of the prophetic word. Conversion is an important theme in Luke-Acts, intimately connected to the story of Prophet and People. Those that enter the people that God is restoring must turn around (Acts 3:19; 5:31; 8:22; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). The most impressive example of all, of course, is the turning of Paul from persecutor to apostle, and whose conversion/call is so paradigmatic that it is repeated three times (Acts 9:1-9; 22:6-11; 26:12-18). Peter & the First Gentile Convert (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) The theme of God s word is obviously related to that of the Prophet and the People, for it is through the prophetic word that God addresses the people. Luke emphasizes the power of this word in Acts by showing it empowered by the Spirit and accompanied by signs and wonders. The mission itself can be described as the word of God growing and expanding (Acts 6:7, 8:14; 10:36; 11:1; 12:24; 19:20). Conversion demands that humans change their behavior in imitation of God. As God welcomes all into his people, so are Christians expected to show hospitality, The opening of the home and heart to the stranger is explicitly connected to the theme of accepting or rejecting the prophet (Luke 9:3-5; 10:2-16), and Luke provides explicit models for this response (Luke 10:38-42; Acts 16:11-15). REVELATION TO JOHN (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) (See pages in this Guide.) The terms in Greek meaning to reveal (apokalyptein) and revelation (apokalypsis) were probably in common use in the last two or three centuries B.C.E. to refer to the revealing of secrets. In modern times, scholars have defined a genre apocalypse, the starting point of which is the book of Revelation. These writings include at least the following Jewish works: 1 Enoch, Daniel, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch, the Apocalypse of Abraham, 2 Enoch, and 3 Baruch. There has been a great deal of debate on what the central characteristics of this genre are. Some scholars emphasize eschatological content and its relation to a social situation of crisis or revolution. Others see certain themes as the key, such as theodicy or national restoration. Still others emphasize formal features like pseudonymity or symbolic visions. The Christology of the book of Revelation is expressed in images, not in philosophical concepts. Like most of the other writings of the NT, Revelation s most basic affirmation is that Jesus is the Christ, i.e., the Messiah (1:1, 2, 5). The theology and Christology of the book of Revelation are shaped by elements of crisis and trauma (the Jewish War with Rome, Nero s police action against Christians in Rome). A new set of expectations had arisen as a result of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and belief that the kingdom of God had been established. If the risen Jesus was enthroned as the ruler of the kings of the earth, the followers of Jesus should share in that rule and glory. But current events frustrated those expectations. It was the tension between John s vision of the kingdom of God and his social situation that led him to write his apocalypse. The tension is overcome by a revelation of the true, though hidden state of affairs. God and Jesus do reign in spite of appearances and the Roman Empire is a rule of chaos, not a golden age. It is also overcome by a revelation of the future. In the end, the unjustly earthly powers will be judged and the faithful will be rewarded.

33 33 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Saul (Paul) is Transformed ACTS 9 1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? 5 He asked, Who are you, Lord? The reply came, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. He answered, Here I am, Saul (Paul) is Transformed ACTS 9 1 In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest 2 and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem. 3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me? 5 Who are you, Lord? he asked. I am Jesus, whom you persecute, the voice said. 6 But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do. 7 The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything. 10 There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, Ananias! Here I am, Lord, he CONNECT: This story appears twice more in Acts. Read Acts 22:4-16 and Acts 26: Compare Paul s own account in Galatians 1: Note any differences in each telling of the story. REFLECT: Paul traveled 150 miles to persecute believers, (see Acts 8:1). What does that tell you about Paul s zeal for finding Christians? If you were an early Christian, how would you feel if Paul came to your town?

34 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 34 Lord. 11 The Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight. 13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name. 15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; 16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. CONNECT: Ananias greeted Saul lovingly even though he feared him. Compare Jesus command in John 13:34 and Ananias example of showing loving acceptance to other believers. answered. 11 The Lord said to him, Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again. 13 Ananias answered, Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you. 15 The Lord said to him, Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. 16 And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake. 17 So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. Brother Saul, he said, the Lord has sent me Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; 19 and after he had eaten, his strength came back. Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. 20 He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. REFLECT: Has someone played the role of Ananias in your life? Does God want you to play that role to someone you know?

35 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests? 22 Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah. 23 After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord All who heard him were amazed and asked, Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests? 22 But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him. 23 After many days had gone by, the Jews met together and made plans to kill Saul, 24 but he was told of their plan. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But one night Saul's followers took him and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him. 27 Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 28 And so Saul stayed with them and went all over Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. Peter & the 1 st Gentile Convert ACTS 10 1 In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God.. CONNECT: The events of Acts 9:23-28 probably occurred about 2-3 years after Paul s conversion. Read Paul s description in Galatians 1: Peter & the 1 st Gentile Convert ACTS 10 1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called The Italian Regiment. 2 He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly REFLECT: Barnabas became a bridge between Paul and the apostles. New Christians need sponsors to encourage them. How can we be a Barnabas to new believers? Who has been a Barnabas to you and how? Have you ever served as a Barnabas?

36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 3 One afternoon at about three o clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, Cornelius. 4 He stared at him in terror and said, What is it, Lord? He answered, Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8 and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa. 9 About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 Then he heard a voice saying, Get up, Peter; kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean. 15 The voice said to him again, a second time, What God has made clean, you must not call profane. 16 This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven. 17 Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon s house and were 36 praying to God. 3 It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, Cornelius! 4 He stared at the angel in fear and said, What is it, sir? The angel answered, God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you. 5 And now send some men to Joppa for a certain man whose full name is Simon Peter. 6 He is a guest in the home of a tanner of leather named Simon, who lives by the sea. 7 Then the angel went away, and Cornelius called two of his house servants and a soldier, a religious man who was one of his personal attendants. 8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa. 9 The next day, as they were on their way and coming near Joppa, Peter went up on the roof of the house about noon in order to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat; while the food was being prepared, he had a vision. 11 He saw heaven opened and something coming down that looked like a large sheet being lowered by its four corners to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and wild birds. 13 A voice said to him, Get up, Peter; kill and eat! 14 But Peter said, Certainly not, Lord! I have never eaten anything ritually unclean or defiled. 15 The voice spoke to him again, Do not consider anything unclean that God has declared clean. 16 This happened three times, and then the thing was taken back up into heaven. 17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of this vision, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was, and they were now standing in front of the gate. 18 They called out and EXCURSUS (New Interpreter s Study Bible) In ancient cosmology, openings in the dome separating the earth from the heavens allow the gods to communicate with earthly beings. (See Luke 3:21). In the sheet are representatives of all beasts, birds, and reptiles that, according to Genesis 1:30, were given to human beings as food. The threefold repetition of the vision highlights the difficulty that this new interpretation posed to the Jews. Although the meaning of the vision is still unclear to Peter, he follows the command of the Spirit to go with Cornelius s messengers. (New Oxford Annotated Bible) To better understand the significance of Peter s vision, read Leviticus 11:4-7, 13-19, and The basis for these laws is not irrational taboo but the covenant relationship which sets Israel apart for the service of God. As a whole and consecrated people, Israelites must avoid all impurity in order that the holy God may tabernacle in their midst.

37 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 37 standing by the gate. 18 They called out to ask whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, Look, three men are searching for you. 20 Now get up, go down, and go with them without hesitation; for I have sent them. 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for your coming? 22 They answered, Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and Godfearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say. 23 So Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the believers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 The following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 On Peter s arrival Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, worshiped him. 26 But Peter made him get up, saying, Stand up; I am only a mortal. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found that many had assembled; 28 and he said to them, You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me? asked, Is there a guest here by the name of Simon Peter? 19 Peter was still trying to understand what the vision meant, when the Spirit said, Listen! Three men are here looking for you. 20 So get ready and go down, and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. 21 So Peter went down and said to the men, I am the man you are looking for. Why have you come? 22 Captain Cornelius sent us, they answered. He is a good man who worships God and is highly respected by all the Jewish people. An angel of God told him to invite you to his house, so that he could hear what you have to say. 23 Peter invited the men in and had them spend the night there. The next day he got ready and went with them; and some of the believers from Joppa went along with him. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was waiting for him, together with relatives and close friends that he had invited. 25 As Peter was about to go in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and bowed down before him. 26 But Peter made him rise. Stand up, he said, I myself am only a man. 27 Peter kept on talking to Cornelius as he went into the house, where he found many people gathered. 28 He said to them, You yourselves know very well that a Jew is not allowed by his religion to visit or associate with Gentiles. But God has shown me that I must not consider any person ritually unclean or defiled. 29 And so when you sent for me, I came without any objection. I ask you, then, why did you send for me? CONNECT: Under Jewish law only certain animals could be eaten - others were considered unclean, (see Deuteronomy 14:3-20). Jesus declares all foods clean, (see Mark 7: 14-19). REFLECT: Consider our church community. Are there any types of people who would just assume that our church is not for them? Consider socially, politically, race, age, etc. How do we welcome people at St. David s especially those who are different from us?

38 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 30 Cornelius replied, Four days ago at this very hour, at three o clock, I was praying in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling clothes stood before me. 31 He said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon, who is called Peter; he is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. 33 Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say Cornelius said, It was about this time three days ago that I was praying in my house at three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly a man dressed in shining clothes stood in front of me 31 and said: Cornelius! God has heard your prayer and has taken notice of your works of charity. 32 Send someone to Joppa for a man whose full name is Simon Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner of leather, who lives by the sea. 33 And so I sent for you at once, and you have been good enough to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God, waiting to hear anything that the Lord has instructed you to say. 34 Then Peter began to speak to them: I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God 34 Peter began to speak: I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism. 38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of everything that he did in the land of Israel and in Jerusalem. Then they put him to death by nailing him to a cross. 40 But God raised him from death three days later and caused him to appear, 41 not to CONNECT: In verse 34, Peter says, God shows no partiality. The literal translation is, God is not one who lifts the face. In greeting or petitioning a superior in the ancient Near East, persons would bow the head or prostrate themselves. Lifting up the person s face connotes acceptance. The phrase means favoring one person over another (2 Kings 3:14). It is used to forbid unjust judgment on the basis of appearances (Leviticus 19:15). (Source: The New Interpreter s Study Bible).

39 39 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days. King Solomon 1 KINGS 3 The New Jerusalem 3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he REVELATION sacrificed and TO offered JOHN incense 21 at the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon tosacrifice 1 Then there, I saw for a new that heaven was the and principal a new high earth; place; for the first Solomon heaven used and to the offer first a earth thousand had passed burnt away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. everyone, but only to the witnesses that God had already chosen, that is, to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from death. 42 And he commanded us to preach the gospel to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets spoke about him, saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name. 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. 45 The Jewish believers who had come from Joppa with Peter were amazed that God had poured out his gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in strange tongues and praising God's greatness. Peter spoke up: 47 These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptized with water? 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay with them for a few days. The New Jerusalem REVELATION TO JOHN 21 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. 2 And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. CONNECT: The spirit has been poured out on Jews from all lands (see Acts 2:1-4), and on the Samaritans (see Acts 8:17), and now Gentiles. There is no obstacle to their baptism (see also Acts 8:36). REFLECT: How has the Holy Spirit been active in your life?

40 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 40 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, See, I am making all things new. Also he said, Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true. 6 Then he said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, the murderers, the fornicators, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb. 10 And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. CONNECT: Related visions are found in Isaiah 65:17-19; 66:22. See also Ezekiel Chapters I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: Now God's home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. 4 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared. 5 Then the one who sits on the throne said, And now I make all things new! He also said to me, Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted. 6 And he said, It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. 7 Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children. 8 But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. 9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came to me and said, Come, and I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. 10 The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to the top of a very high mountain. He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God 11 and shining with the glory of God. The city shone like a precious stone, like a jasper, clear as crystal. REFLECT: How might this vision of the New Jerusalem help in your tough times?

41 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 12 offerings It has a great, on that high altar. wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes 5 At Gibeon of the Israelites; the Lord appeared 13 on the east to Solomon three gates, in a dream on the by north night; three and gates, God said, on the Ask south three what gates, I should and give on the you. west three gates. 146 And the Solomon wall of said, the city You has have twelve shown great foundations, and steadfast and love on to them your are servant the twelve my father names David, of because the twelve he walked apostles before of the you Lamb. in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you 15 have The angel kept for who him talked this to great me and had steadfast a measuring love, and have rod of given gold him to measure a son to the sit on city his and throne its gates today. and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width; and 7 And he now, measured O Lord the my city God, with you his rod, have fifteen made hundred your servant miles; king its length in place and of width my father and height David, are although equal. 17 He I am also only measured a little child; its wall, I do one not hundred know how forty-four to go out cubits or come by human in. 8 And measurement, your servant is which in the the midst angel of was the people using. whom 18 The you wall have is chosen, built of a jasper, great people, while the so city numerous is pure gold, they cannot clear as be glass. numbered 19 The or foundations counted. 9 Give of the your wall servant of the therefore city are an adorned understanding with every mind jewel; to govern the first your was people, jasper, the able second to discern sapphire, between the third good agate, and evil; the for fourth who can emerald, govern 20 the this fifth your onyx, great the people? sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, 10 It pleased the ninth the topaz, Lord that the tenth Solomon chrysoprase, had asked the this. eleventh 11 God said jacinth, to him, the Because twelfth you have amethyst. asked this, 21 And and the have twelve not asked gates for are yourself twelve pearls, long life each or of riches, the gates or for is the a single life of pearl, your and the enemies, street of but the have city asked is pure for gold, yourself transparent as understanding glass. to discern what is right, 12 I It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. 13 There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west. 14 The city's wall was built on twelve foundation stones, on which were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 The angel who spoke to me had a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city was perfectly square, as wide as it was long. The angel measured the city with his measuring stick: it was fifteen hundred miles long and was as wide and as high as it was long. 17 The angel also measured the wall, and it was 216 feet high, according to the standard unit of measure which he was using. 18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself was made of pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation stone was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh yellow quartz, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chalcedony, the eleventh turquoise, the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each gate was made from a single pearl. The street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass. EXCURSUS (The New Interpreter s Study Bible) Three fundamental features of this picture of the New Jerusalem are noteworthy: (1) Continuity: The new heavens and new earth do not simply replace the old one, as though God starts all over. This world, God s good creation, is not replaced but redeemed. God does not make all new things but all things new (Revelation 21:5). The ultimate city bears the name and recognizable features of the earthly city. (2) This-worldly location: After the 1,000-year reign on this earth, John does not transfer the scene to the heavenly world, but has the heavenly city descend to this renewed earth. This world, the object of the Creator s love, is ultimately important to God. (3) The fulfillment of God s purpose is a city. Revelation does not nullify human history and return to the Garden of Eden, instead it brings the garden into the city (see Revelation 22:1-2). A city represents human community, life together. The church, the community of faith, the people of God, is the anticipation of this new city.

42 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb s book of life. 22 I did not see a temple in the city, because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. 23 The city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The peoples of the world will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it. 25 The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there. 26 The greatness and the wealth of the nations will be brought into the city. 27 But nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of the living will enter the city. DISCUSS (AS A GROUP) THE GROUP DISCUSSION MAY BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS OR ON ANY OF THE PREVIOUS REFLECTION QUESTIONS IN THE UNIT. 1. Describe what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus as if you were an eyewitness. Think about how the Lord first got your attention. 2. Why do you think God chose Saul? Why do you think God chose you? Saul was baptized. Why is this important? Why was your baptism important? 3. How would the congregations in the synagogues in Damascus feel when Saul first showed up in their midst? Some believed Saul and some did not. What do you suppose made the difference? 4. What are some of the things that have changed in the church over the last 70 years? Which changes were harder or easier for people to accept? 5. What might St. David s have in common with the New Jerusalem?

43 43 Unit Four The Epistles (Letters) Letter to a Leader 1 Timothy Letter to The Church Romans Letter to a Congregation 1 Corinthians From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus

44 44 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus (from In the Footsteps of Paul, and the Anchor Bible Dictionary) Saul of Tarsus was born sometime around 5-15 C.E. into three worlds: the Judaism of the first century, the Greek culture of the Mediterranean, and the administrative superstructure of the Roman Empire. His familiarity with each of these three worlds would make him uniquely suited for the missionary travels of his adult life; writing his letters in Greek, his signed his name Paul, the Latinized form of his Hebrew name, Saul. Paul was perhaps the most important and creative figure in the history of the early Church, whose formulations of Christian faith as expressed in his epistles to fledgling churches have become part of the foundation for orthodox Christian theology. The primary sources for the study of the Apostle Paul are his authentic letters (1 Thessalonians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans.) Historical information can also be gleaned from the book of Acts, the deutero-pauline epistles (Colossians, Ephesians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus) and other NT writings (James, 2 Peter). Epistles (letters) represent the oldest form of Christian literature (pre-dating the Gospels.) When an ancient Christian began to read a letter To Timothy he expected to hear a conversation in writing which conveyed Paul s heartfelt personal care as well as his teaching, directives, and requests. 1 Timothy (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) This letter, addressed to one of Paul s co-workers, is pastoral in the sense that it is concerned with shepherding the Church. It is also pastoral because it is practical; ordered to a Christian praxis, to the activities of believers. 1 Timothy is concerned with the metropolis of Ephesus and Christian converts that come mainly from paganism. Romans (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) It is difficult to overestimate the significance of the Epistle to the Romans. Coming at a crucial point in the career of the apostle Paul, Romans represents the longest extant Pauline epistle and the most complete exposition of the Pauline gospel. It occupies a prominent place in the NT canon and has had a profound and lasting impact on the Christian faith. In the early Church, during the Middle Ages, and on into modern times, Romans has left its indelible mark on Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, Karl Barth, Origen, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, John Wesley to name a few. Romans is the only extant epistle written by Paul to a church that he did not found, a community he had never even visited. 1 Corinthians (from the Anchor Bible Dictionary) This letter was composed in or near springtime, as Paul is awaiting Pentecost at Ephesus, yet plans to journey to Corinth and perhaps to winter there. Paul explicitly responds to the report by Chloe s people that in his absence the community has been divided into various groups, and to a letter from some members of the church. Paul notes that while the Corinthians have plenty of eloquence and knowledge, there are serious shortcomings in the area of practical deeds. This discrepancy points to a contradiction between claim and reality and renders their faith immature. Paul s argument is designed to advise the Corinthians how to bring their praxis up to the same standard as their eloquence and knowledge. The goal is that of Christian love (agape), specifically defined as what builds up the community. He does not attempt to talk them out of their spiritual wealth, but rather to enable them to verify that claim by the practice of the Christian agape.

45 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Letter to a Leader 1 TIMOTHY 1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, 4 and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training that is known by faith. 5 But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. 6 Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions. 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. 9 This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, 45 Letter to a Leader 1 TIMOTHY 1 1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by order of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope 2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith: May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. 3 I want you to stay in Ephesus, just as I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia. Some people there are teaching false doctrines, and you must order them to stop. 4 Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. 5 The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith. 6 Some people have turned away from these and have lost their way in foolish discussions. 7 They want to be teachers of God's law, but they do not understand their own words or the matters about which they speak with so much confidence. 8 We know that the Law is good if it is used as it should be used. 9 It must be remembered, of course, that laws are made, not for good people, but for lawbreakers and criminals, for the godless and sinful, for those who are not religious or spiritual, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for CONNECT: Paul wrote to Timothy to help him deal with false teachers and difficult situations in the Ephesian church. What two dangers concern Paul? Read Acts 20:29-31; and Galatians 2: REFLECT: There are many opportunities to enter into meaningless talk. How does this crowd out the message of Christ today? Has knowing Christ changed who you are?

46 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 10 fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Letter to the Church ROMANS 4 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. 46 murderers, 10 for the immoral, for sexual perverts, for kidnappers, for those who lie and give false testimony or who do anything else contrary to sound doctrine. 11 That teaching is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God. 12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him, 13 even though in the past I spoke evil of him and persecuted and insulted him. But God was merciful to me because I did not yet have faith and so did not know what I was doing. 14 And our Lord poured out his abundant grace on me and gave me the faith and love which are ours in union with Christ Jesus. Letter to the Church ROMANS 4 1 What shall we say, then, of Abraham, the father of our race? What was his experience? 2 If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about but not in God's sight. 3 The scripture says, Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous. 4 A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. 5 But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself. EXCURSUS: Paul s Use of Abraham (The New Interpreter s Study Bible) Abraham is cited more frequently in Paul s letters than any other historical figure except Jesus. By Paul s day, Abraham was honored as the quintessential believer who had worshiped the one true God in the midst of idolatrous peoples. His stature had been embellished by legend, miracles, and quasi-deification; and his grave in Hebron was regarded as a holy place. Rabbis taught that God ordained Torah for (continued)

47 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 6 So also David speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin. 9 Is this blessedness, then, pronounced only on the circumcised, or also on the uncircumcised? We say, Faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it reckoned to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the ancestor of all who believe without being circumcised and who thus have righteousness reckoned to them, 12 and likewise the ancestor of the circumcised who are not only circumcised but who also follow the example of the faith that our ancestor Abraham had before he was circumcised. 13 For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith This is what David meant when he spoke of the happiness of the person whom God accepts as righteous, apart from anything that person does: 7 Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are pardoned! 8 Happy is the person whose sins the Lord will not keep account of 9 Does this happiness that David spoke of belong only to those who are circumcised? No indeed! It belongs also to those who are not circumcised. For we have quoted the scripture, Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous. 10 When did this take place? Was it before or after Abraham was circumcised? It was before, not after. 11 He was circumcised later, and his circumcision was a sign to show that because of his faith God had accepted him as righteous before he had been circumcised. And so Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe in God and are accepted as righteous by him, even though they are not circumcised. 12 He is also the father of those who are circumcised, that is, of those who, in addition to being circumcised, also live the same life of faith that our father Abraham lived before he was circumcised. 13 When God promised Abraham and his descendants that the world would belong to him, he did so, not because Abraham obeyed the Law, but because he believed and was accepted as righteous by God. EXCURSUS: Paul s Use of Abraham (Continued) Abraham s sake and that he had kept it perfectly even before it was given on Mt. Sinai. A eulogy to Abraham in Sirach 44:19-21 claims that he had no equal in glory. Abraham was a bold choice on Paul s part because Jewish rabbis taught that Abraham had been justified because of works. Paul demonstrates that Abraham was justified apart from both law and works, and thus was proof of justification by faith.

48 48 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Letter to a Congregation 1 CORINTHIANS12 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. Letter to a Congregation 1 CORINTHIANS12 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 5 There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. 6 There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. 7 The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. 8 The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. 9 One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. 10 The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. 11 But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person. One Body with Many Parts 12 Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. 13 In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink. 14 For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. CONNECT: Several letters (epistles) talk about the gifts we are given. Read Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-13; and 1 Peter 4: REFLECT: God gives ability to all for their particular service for the good of all. We all have spiritual gifts. What gifts have you been given? How do (or could) you use them for the good of all?

49 49 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 If the foot would say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; 24 whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 15 If the foot were to say, Because I am not a hand, I don't belong to the body, that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 16 And if the ear were to say, Because I am not an eye, I don't belong to the body, that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell? 18 As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. 19 There would not be a body if it were all only one part! 20 As it is, there are many parts but one body. 21 So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, I don't need you! Nor can the head say to the feet, Well, I don't need you! 22 On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker; 23 and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, 24 which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. 25 And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. CONNECT: In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, we are reminded that as we receive the bread and wine in the Eucharist we are one body. REFLECT: What would St. David s Church look like if we were all eyes, feet, hands, etc. How does this image of the church help you to understand your part in the body of St. David s Church?

50 50 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 CORINTHIANS13 1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness. 27 All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. 28 In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. 29 They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles 30 or to heal diseases or to speak in strange tongues or to explain what is said. 31 Set your hearts, then, on the more important gifts. Best of all, however, is the following way. 1 CORINTHIANS13 1 I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. 2 I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains but if I have no love, I am nothing. 3 I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned but if I have no love, this does me no good. 4 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; 5 love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; 6 love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. CONNECT: Jesus commands us to love as he has loved. Read John 13: God is love; and if we love one another, God lives in us. Read 1 John 4:7-21. REFLECT: Looking at Paul s description of love in verses 4-7 (above) which of love s qualities seem to come readily? Which could use some of your attention?

51 51 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. 9 For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; 10 but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear. 11 When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways. 12 What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete as complete as God's knowledge of me. 13 Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love. DISCUSS (AS A GROUP) THE GROUP DISCUSSION MAY BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS OR ON ANY OF THE PREVIOUS REFLECTION QUESTIONS IN THE UNIT. 1. Why are the letters (epistles) still important to the believers today? 2. If you were writing a letter to the congregation at St. David s, what might you include to encourage its members? What might you include as words of caution? 3. Why is love the greatest of the three (faith, hope and love)?