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2017, January 22 ~ Isaiah 9:1-4 & 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

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Isaiah 9:1-4

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is part of a seven-verse “insert” that doesn’t fit well with the chapters and verses before and after it. These verses describe a new king (likely Hezekiah who overcame the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE) who will restore lands of two of the Tribes of Israel (Naphtali and Zebulun) taken by the Assyrians in 733. In verse 4, the author recalls the victory of Gideon and 300 men with trumpets over the Midianites (Judges 7:15-25), and says the king will remove the yoke of military oppression imposed on Israel.

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Corinth, a large port city in Greece, was among the early Jesus Follower communities that Paul founded. Its culture was Hellenistic and emphasized reason and secular wisdom. In addition to Paul, other Jesus Followers also taught in Corinth, sometimes in ways inconsistent with Paul’s understandings of what it means to be a Jesus Follower.

Today’s reading from the opening chapter of the letter follows last week’s reading. In it, Paul calls for unity among the Corinthian Jesus Followers. He emphasizes that loyalty to a single teacher or to one’s baptizer is not proper, and notes that Christ is not divisible. Paul identifies “eloquent wisdom” (v.17) as the cause of the divisions and a threat to the power of the cross of Christ.

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

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Isaiah 49:1-7

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

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

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

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

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

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

2017, January 8 ~ Isaiah 42:1-9 & Acts 10:34-43

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Isaiah 42:1-9

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 20 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and gives encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is from “Second Isaiah,” and the prophet speaks for Yahweh (“LORD” – all capital letters in the NRSV). In Chapters 40 to 48, the LORD calls Israel the LORD’s “servant” (v.1) and a “covenant to the people” (v.6) called to “bring justice to the nations/Gentiles” (v. 1) and be a “light to the nations” (v. 6).

Acts 10:34-43

The book called “The Acts of the Apostles” was written by the author of the Gospel According to Luke. The first 15 chapters of Acts are a didactic “history” of the early Jesus Follower Movement starting with an account of the Ascension. The last 13 chapters describe Paul’s Missionary Journeys – not always consistently with Paul’s letters.

Today’s reading is a speech by Peter that is a synopsis of Luke’s Gospel. It is given in the context of the conversion of a Roman Centurion, Cornelius, to being a Jesus Follower, and follows Peter’s dream in which he is told that “what God has made clean [referring to foods], you must not call profane” (Ac. 10.15). The story about Cornelius is intended to show that being a Jesus Follower is not inconsistent with Roman citizenship and is available to persons who are Gentiles.

The issue whether Gentiles could be Jesus Followers was finally decided at the so-called Council of Jerusalem (described in Acts 15) attended by “the apostles and elders” (Ac.15.4). At the gathering, Paul and Peter argued in favor of baptizing Gentiles. James decided (reluctantly) that Gentiles could become Jesus Followers and did not have to be circumcised or keep all the Kosher rules.

2017, January 1 ~ Numbers 6:22-27 & Galatians 4:4-7 & Philippians 2:5-11

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Numbers 6:22-27

Numbers is the fourth book of the Torah (Hebrew meaning “teaching” or “Law”)/the Pentateuch (Greek meaning “Five Books”). It describes the time of the Israelites in the Wilderness before entering the Promised Land. If the time in the Wilderness is historical (no archeological evidence has ever been found to support it), this would have been around 1250 BCE.

Most of the book of Numbers was written by the “Priestly Source” during the Babylonian Exile (587-539 BCE) and the 100 years after the Exile. Today’s reading is a Blessing from Yahweh (“LORD” in all capital letters in the NRSV) before they go into the Wilderness. This Blessing was likely delivered at public gatherings at the sanctuary in Jerusalem. Two silver plaques dated to the 7th and 6th Centuries BCE were found outside Jerusalem and contain versions of this Blessing – attesting to its traditional usage.

Galatians 4:4-7

Galatia was a large Roman province in what is now western Turkey. This letter was likely written by Paul in the late 40’s or early 50’s (CE), and deals in part with controversies between Jewish Jesus Followers and Gentile Jesus Followers regarding the continuing importance of Torah (Law) and whether Gentile Jesus Followers had to be circumcised and follow the Kosher dietary laws.

In today’s reading, Paul emphasizes that Jesus of Nazareth was a human and a Jew (“born of a woman under the law”) to “redeem those under the law” (the Jews). The Greek word translated as “redeem” means to buy back, as in redeeming something at a pawn shop. All persons, because of the Spirit of the Son, are children of God who can call God “Abba” (Aramaic for father) and are heirs of the Kingdom.

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippi was a major city in Macedonia on the Roman road to Byzantium (Istanbul) and most of its inhabitants were Roman citizens. Paul has a deep affection for the Jesus Followers in Philippi, and thanks them for gifts sent to him in prison (4:18).

Today’s reading is derived from a hymn that was already in use in Jesus Follower communities, perhaps in a Baptism liturgy. Its statements are not only religious, they are also political. The Roman Caesars claimed to be “in the form of God” and “Lord.” Instead of exploiting his connectedness to God, Jesus took the form of a slave/servant and emptied himself (poured himself out) for others. For this, he has been highly exalted (resurrected). As the Christ, he is also called “Lord” and at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend.

2016, December 25 ~ Isaiah 52:7-10 & Hebrews 1:1-4

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Isaiah 52:7-10

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were mostly written in the 30 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and contains encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is central to the message of Second Isaiah. It describes the return of Yahweh (whenever the word “LORD” is in all capital letters, the word in Hebrew is “YHWH”) to Jerusalem and Mount Zion. The “sentinels” in verse 8 are the prophets who sing for joy that the Babylonian Exile will end.

Hebrews 1:1-4

The Letter to the Hebrews is an anonymous sermon addressed to both Jewish and Gentile Jesus Followers who were suffering persecution. It urges them to maintain their Faith and Hope in the face of hardship. Although the Letter is sometimes attributed to Paul, most scholars agree that it was written after Paul’s death in 62 CE but likely before 100 CE.

In today’s reading, the author identifies the Son with Holy Wisdom that was present at creation (Prov. 8:22) by saying ”through whom he also created the worlds.” (v. 2) The author also anticipates the language of the Gospel According to John – “all things came into being through him” (John 1:3). Because the theology of the Trinity was still evolving, the author stops short of identifying the Son with the Father as God, and refers to the Son as “a reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being” (v.3) and as superior to angels (v.4).

2016, December 18 ~ Isaiah 7:10-16 & Romans 1:1-7

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Isaiah 7:10-16

After Solomon’s death in 930 BCE, the Unified Monarchy split in two: Israel consisting of the 10 Northern Tribes and Judea consisting of the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Ahaz was of the House of David (v.13) and the King of Judea around 730 BCE – when the Assyrian Empire was threatening both Israel and Judea. (Assyria conquered Israel in 722.)

In today’s reading, Ahaz is offered a sign by Yahweh to support what Isaiah is saying on God’s behalf. The sign is that a young woman (v.14) is with child and will bear a son whose name will be Immanuel (“God is with us”). This child will “eat curds and honey” (v.15) – which means in a time of prosperity and after the siege by the Assyrians ended. Most scholars opine that the “young woman” was the mother of Hezekiah who was the King of Judea when the Assyrians ended their siege of Jerusalem around the year 700 BCE.

In today’s Gospel, the author cites Isaiah 7:14 by saying a “virgin” shall conceive a son (Matt. 1:23). The reason for the difference between the two texts is that the author of the Gospel relied on a Greek translation of the Book Isaiah. In Hebrew, the word used in Isaiah is “almah” which means “young woman.” In the Greek translation of Isaiah, almah was translated as “parthenos” – which means virgin.

Romans 1:1-7

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his longest, last and most complex letter. It was written in the late 50s or early 60s (CE). Among other messages, Paul sought to encourage respectful and supportive relationships between the Gentile Jesus Followers and the Jewish Jesus Followers in Rome. (Jesus Followers were not called “Christians” until the 80’s.)

In today’s reading, Paul states that Jesus was “declared” to be Son of God by his resurrection from the dead (v.4). His reference to “Gentiles” (v.5) means the Gentile Jesus Followers. Paul then broadens his address to all the Jesus Follower Community in Rome (v.7).

2016, December 11 ~ Isaiah 35:1-10 & James 5:7-10

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Isaiah 35: 1-10

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were mostly written in the 30 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and contains encouragement to the Judeans in Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading, even though it is one of the “First Isaiah” chapters, was likely written during the time of the Exile. It promises that the “ransomed” (v.10) – a reference to the Exiles — shall return to a fruitful land with joy. The chapters that follow this reading (Ch. 36-39) are an historical appendix which (except for a few verses) parallel 2 Kings 18 -20. These chapters describe the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians and the Judean King (Hezekiah) foolishly turning to the Babylonians for help. The inclusion of parts of 2 Kings in the Book of Isaiah shows the continuing influence of the Deuteronomists in forming the “final” versions of both Isaiah and Jeremiah.

James 5:7-10

Although the authorship of this epistle is not known, it has traditionally been attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, who is presented in Acts of the Apostles as the leader of the Jesus Follower community in Jerusalem. This James is sometimes called “James the Just” and is distinguished from “James the Great” (an apostle, brother of John, and son of Zebedee) and from “James the Less” (apostle and son of Alphaeus).

The letter is addressed to Jewish Jesus Followers and emphasizes the importance of good works. This emphasis has been understood by some (including Luther) as being opposed to Paul’s position that one is saved by Faith alone. These positions can be reconciled by recognizing that salvation/wholeness does not come from works alone and that a saving Faith leads to good works.

Today’s reading is from the last chapter of the Epistle, and offers consolation to the hearers. Like many other writings from the late First Century, it expresses the understanding that the coming of the Lord is near. (v.8)

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

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Isaiah 11: 1-10

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were mostly written in the 30 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and contains encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

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

Romans 15:4-13

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

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

2016, November 27 ~ Isaiah 2:1-5 & Romans 13:11-14

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Isaiah 2: 1-5

The Book of Isaiah is a composite of writings from three distinct periods in Israel’s history. Chapters 1-39 are called “First Isaiah” and were written in the 30 years before Jerusalem was under direct siege by the Assyrians in 701 BCE. “Second Isaiah” is Chapters 40 to 55 and brings hope to the Judeans during the time of the Exile in Babylon (587 to 539 BCE) by telling them they have suffered enough and will return to Jerusalem. “Third Isaiah” is Chapters 56 to 66 and contains encouragement to the Judeans who returned to Jerusalem after the Exile.

Today’s reading is set in the time from 733 to 701 BCE. As a “prophet,” Isaiah does not foretell the future, but instead speaks for Yahweh. In his visions, Isaiah saw the restoration of Israel through the power of Yahweh and saw many people coming to Jerusalem for instruction (in Hebrew, “Torah”). Today’s verses precede a call for the House of Jacob (i.e. Israel) to reform and walk in the light of Yahweh.

Romans 13:11-14

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

In today’s reading, Paul exhorts the community to live honorably because the day of salvation is near. He urges them to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” – a metaphor for baptism. In speaking of “the flesh,” Paul is not referring to the human body, but instead to human self-centeredness and selfishness.

2016. November 20 ~ Jeremiah 23:1-6 & Colossians 1:11-20

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Jeremiah 23:1-6

After the righteous King Josiah was killed in battle in 609 BCE, the fortunes of Judea took a sharp downward turn. Babylon threatened Judea’s existence, and Judea had hapless kings from 609 until 586 BCE when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and exiled the Judean leaders to Babylon. Jeremiah’s prophesy (i.e. speaking for Yahweh) began around 609 and continued until 586 BCE when he died in Egypt.

The Book of Jeremiah underwent substantial revisions between the time of Jeremiah and the First Century. Many sections in “poetry style” are attributed to the prophet, and parts in “prose style” were added later. Indeed, parts of Jeremiah are word-for-word the same as 2 Kings, a book written by the Deuteronomists (authors of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings). The consistent Deuteronomic themes in the prose style parts are that Yahweh controls Judea’s fate and if Judeans and their kings do not worship Yahweh faithfully, they will be scattered. Yahweh’s power is such, however, that a “remnant” will return from Babylon to Judea.

Today’s reading is in prose style and attacks the kings and priests (the “shepherds”). It holds up the promise that Yahweh will raise up for “David” (Judea) a righteous king who will enable Israel to live in safety and righteousness.

Colossians 1:11-20

Colossae was a town in what is now western Turkey. A Jesus Follower community was founded there by Paul’s associate, Epaphras (1:7). The letter is short (four chapters) and expresses concern about practices that are inconsistent with Paul’s understanding of being a Jesus Follower. Scholars debate whether it was written by Paul or by his disciples in the decade after Paul’s death in 64 CE.

In today’s reading, the author adopts an apocalyptic theme in contrasting light and darkness (vv. 12-13). He expresses the theme that believers are redeemed and receive forgiveness of sin in the Christ (v. 14). “Redemption” conveys the sense of being bought back, the way something already owned is redeemed from a pawn shop. He describes Jesus of Nazareth as the “image” (or symbol or manifestation) of the invisible God (v.15) and describes the Cosmic Christ as the unifying force for all created things, the one who brings life to us even though we encounter our own deaths, and the force that reconciles all things in the God of Love.