Living NT Commentary – Douglas Jacoby: Recent Episodes
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By Paul Copan Dec 23 From all of us at The Worldview Bulletin, we hope you have a joyful celebration of Christmas! The Canadian artist Douglas Coupland poignantly acknowledged his need... Read MoreSource
Did Paul Endorse Slavery? (1 Timothy 6) Denny Burk In 1 Timothy chapter 6, Paul issues a command to bondservants who are under a yoke to honor their masters. At... Read MoreSource
Our 1000-page running commentary on the entire New Testament is also a living document, as updates and improvements are made throughout the course of every year. As one of our... Read MoreSource
To hear the Christmas reflection (16 mins) on Luke 2:14, click the arrow. Luke 2:1-7 (4-7) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to... Read MoreSource
On the day of writing it's our 37th wedding anniversary. If there's one thing I know, it's that my wife is the best thing that's ever happened to me other... Read More Source
One Thing We Lack Which thing do we lack? Someone local to me lacks neighbourly decency. They left this mess on our lane...Someone in the Watford council signs department lacked... Read More Source
A modern-day spoof of what the fight between Euodia and Syntyche, called out in Philippians chapter 4, may have been about. With help from a very Southern Lydia (dealer of... Read More Source
This is the first Colossae presentation (in English) given by the local archeologists. This is open to everyone so you can circulate as you wish. Levent COLOSSAE A site with... Read More Source
Learning from the LionA new podcast Learning from the Lion Tomorrow morning my new pod goes live. A daily devotional series based on the gospel of Mark. Why not start... Read More Source
Sunday sermon at the North River Church of Christ on March 23, 2014. To listen now, click on arrow. To listen later, right click on 'Download Podcast' and click on... Read More Source
1 My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? 2 For if a person with gold rings and in... Read More Source
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow... Read More Source
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... Read More Source
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... Read More Source
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... Read More Source
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. Version: NRSV. COMMENTS
General: * Jesus' core group of disciples, his apostles, has grown. In chapter 3 he takes them to a wedding in Cana, in Galilee. This was also the home of Nathanael, about whom we read in 1:46-51; see also 21:2. + Wedding parties in the Bible normally lasted 1-2 weeks (Genesis 29:27; Judges 14:12), so this was no half-day affair! Jesus did not place relationship building in opposition to preaching or ministry; they flowed together naturally. + A new character enters the stage: Mary, the mother of Jesus. Interestingly, in this gospel her name is not even once mentioned. Several other Marys appear, however. (Can you locate them?) * The wine gives out (v.3ff). + What does Mary want Jesus to do? - Is Jesus' mother taking charge, pressing him (consciously or not) to exercise his powers as the Son of God? If so, her pressuring him is premature. - But there is another possibility. She may be reminding Jesus that his decision to be a wandering rabbi, followed by equally penniless disciples, has put the family in the embarrassing situation of not being able to meet the needs of the guests at the wedding celebration. - Whichever interpretation is right, Mary is shifting responsibility onto Jesus. + For why Jesus replies so directly to her, click here. + Jesus turns water to wine. - Stone jars were used instead of clay pots for two reasons. They were more durable. And if something unclean fell into them (say, a lizard), the jars did not have to be broken (Leviticus 11:33); they would survive for future service. - The total amount was easily 150 gallons -- an enormous quantity! - For a picture of a large Galilean stone water jar, click here. + It is clear that Jesus is following the Father's timing (v.4). For more on this theme, see 7:30; 8:20; 12:23; 13:1; 17:1. (This only a partial list.) + Jesus will perform another miracle in Cana in chapter 4. * The famous cleansing of the Temple takes place in the second part of this chapter (tomorrow).
Advanced:
- About wedding feasts, see also Tobit 10:7: "...Now when the fourteen days of the wedding celebration had ended that Raguel had sworn to observe for his daughter, Tobias came to him..." Jewish wedding feasts could last 1-2 weeks.
- Regarding v.4 (literally, "what to me and to you"), the identical words ti emoí kai soi appear in Judges 11:12 LXX, where Jephthah speaks sharply to the king of the Ammonites.
- About the miracle of the water turned to wine:
- Some believe this was his 10th miracle (by comparing this passage with the chronology of Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
- In John's gospel it is his first "sign" -- not just a miracle, but a miracle with a special significance. 2:23 shows that Jesus had been doing a number of miracles, although 4:54 is the "second" John describes.
- Thus the common claim that this was his first miracle is false.
- This is an example of subversion of the social order. If Jesus created 500 liters of wine (perhaps more, perhaps less, based on the capacity of the stone water jars), and then the wine was diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1, there could have been 500 persons present at the banquet. In ancient banquets, the best wine was not only presented first; it was also served to the most important guests. (Ancient writers like Pliny and Martial complained about the inequality of such a practice.) By allowing all to enjoy the best wine, Jesus is implicitly placing everyone on the same level.
- But there is a deeper significance. The miracle has to do with the difference between the old way and the new way, the old covenant and the new covenant, Judaism and Christianity. They are different, though related. At first you think the new "wine" is better than the old, finer. But then you realize that, in comparison to the new, the old resembles water. Consider 1:17: the law comes with ritual (cleansing from ritual defilement, e.g.). The wine of the good news is much better!
- Jesus is signaling that the Messianic age is beginning. See Isaiah 25:6. Water for purification, such as that preserved in the stone jars, was part of the old order. This was being superseded by the new order, the nature and quality which was far superior.
- The 7 signs
- Demonstrate Christ's ultimate power over quality (water to wine), distance (healing of official's son), quantity (feeding 5000), nature (on the Sea), misfortune (blindness), and death (Lazarus).
- Are time-sensitive (wine running out; son at point of death; paralytic incapacitated for 38 years; too late in the day to arrange food; short-cut across Sea of Galilee; healing of a man blind all his life; raising of a man buried long enough ago that "he stinketh" [John 11:39 KJV]).
- Point towards Christ resurrection, the eighth and greatest sign, offering the promise of being ushered into the new order of things.
- Chapters 2-11 have been called by scholars "The Book of Signs," since they contain and are structured around seven "signs." Following this, chapters 12-21 have been dubbed "The Book of Glory."
Thought questions:
- Jesus took time out for a wedding. Are there activities whose importance I tend to minimize, perhaps wrongly considering them to be "less productive" than other, more "spiritual" endeavors?
- In my thinking (feelings based on my Bible study), how do the OT and the old covenant compare with the NT and the new covenant? As with the wine, does the new seem superior? If so, why? How might I explain my thinking to someone instructed only in the Law of Moses?
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12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. 13 The Passover of the Jews was... Read More Source
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: 2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his... Read More Source
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who... Read More Source
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. 2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of... Read More Source
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved. 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there... Read More Source
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? 15 If a brother or sister... Read More Source
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us... Read More Source
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, 6 including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. 9 For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, 10 asking that by God's will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -- 12 or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
13 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish 15 -- hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith."
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse; 21 for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools; 23 and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done. 29 They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious toward parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 They know God's decree, that those who practice such things deserve to die-- yet they not only do them but even applaud others who practice them.
COMMENTS General: * Introductory things + Romans is the longest of Paul's letters, written about 55 AD. + Paul identifies himself as an apostle. This is is important because he did not plant the Roman church personally. Further, the Romans had evidently heard some misrepresentation of Paul (3:8). Thus it was vital to establish his authority at the outset -- and the authority of his gospel. + There were some Roman Jews living in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:10). Perhaps they still had relations living in Rome, with whom they shared the gospel message. Thus there is no solid basis for the Roman Catholic claim that Peter founded the church in Rome; it already existed. + He hoped to visit them soon (1:10-13; 15:22-23). In the meantime, he writes in order to be sure they are on the same page; to address the sensitive question of Jew-Gentile relations; and to lay out his message. + The Jew-Gentile controversy was the hottest issue in first century Christianity. - It occasioned the writing of Romans and Galatians, and is in view in Colossians, 1 Timothy, etc.It led to the Council of Jerusalem -- see Acts 15. - After the destruction of the Temple and its sacrificial system in 70 AD, it became much less of an issue, eventually yielding priority of place to the Gnostic heresies, which came to dominate the horizon in the second century. (If you are unfamiliar with Gnosticism, see the Catholic Encyclopedia article, or a simple explanation by Andrew Kitchen.) - Since Rome (population 1 million) was the seat of the entire empire, clarity here would have a positive effect on churches everywhere, just as confusion or division here would have a negative effect on Christianity. For a map of the Roman Empire, see top of this page. + Given the trouble brewing in the eastern Mediterranean, the Jew-Gentile controversy, and given Paul's hope that the Roman Christians would provide missionary assistance so that he could evangelize Spain (Romans 15), it is understandable that he would strive to prevent the issue from catching hold and troubling the churches of the west, like Rome. + At the time of Romans, there were at least 20,000 Jews living in Rome. This was an overwhelmingly Gentile city. * The theme of the entire letter is found in verse 17. + "The one who is righteous will live by faith," or "He who through faith is righteous will live." + "From faith to faith" most likely refers to the faith (fidelity, allegiance) of Jesus to our own faith (faithfulness, fidelity, allegiance). There is a perfect literary parallel (in the Greek) in 3:22. + This connects with the contentious Jew-Gentile controversy -- Does one need to keep the law, or become a Jew, before he can become a Christian? Paul's answer is that faith, not works, is the ground of our justification. + The opposite of a faithful lifestyle (v.17) is a life of personal autonomy -- living in opposition to God's will (vv.18-32). * Beginning in v.18, Paul argues that the (Gentile) world has suppressed the truth about God. + Yet they have no excuse for this, since God's general characteristics are known (through nature) to all people. + Instead of gratitude, mankind's response has been to rationalize -- to use his mind to justify himself. + Mankind is in moral declension: - Idolatry (v.23) - Sexual sin (v.24) - Homosexual sin (v.26) - Twisted thinking (v.28) + There is a sequence in the downward slide humanity has followed, and experienced: - Ingratitude (v.21) - In each case, though it was our own decision to sin, God "gave us over" (vv.24, 26, 28). God will force no one to follow him. + The big idea of chapters 1-3: the world needs the gospel message. - The Gentiles (non-Jews) are in desperate need of the gospel. - The Jews (covenant people of God) are also in desperate need of the gospel. - All human beings are in desperate need of the gospel.
Advanced:
- The oldest set of Paul's letters is p46, or papyrus 46, which is in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- This letter, often called "the Queen of the Epistles," has been favored by Protestants at least from the time of Luther.
- It is claimed that Romans lays out the entire gospel message. But this claim is questionable. Paul was not writing to convert outsiders, but to remind insiders of the gospel, and especially its implications for Jew-Gentile relations.
- Many theologians insist that to understand Jesus, we must read Paul. They usually mean that Jesus can be misinterpreted as urging a "works salvation," whereas Paul clearly insists on salvation by faith alone.
- This is a false analysis. Both insist on a living and active faith, an obedient love/faith relationship with the Lord. Let's let Jesus speak for himself.
- 1:3 speaks of God's Son being born / coming into being, as does Gal 4:4, with the same Greek construction. And yet the Greek word is often used for normal human birth, and doesn't necessarily have to imply Christ's pre-existence.
- The gospel was announced beforehand in the OT, in such passages as Genesis 12:3 and Isaiah 49:6. (But there are many more!) Paul ends the epistle with this thought (see 16:26).
- The "obedience of faith" (1:5; see also 16:26) is true Christianity, not "easy believism"!
- In verse 11 Paul says he would like to impart a spiritual gift to them. What does he mean? Does he refer to his preaching or time of fellowship with them? Or is he referring to a miraculous spiritual gift?
- If the latter, that would make sense, since no apostle had established or visited the church of Rome.
- Paul's visit to Rome would lead to his laying hands on some of their members and imparting gifts of prophecy, leadership, etc.
- Rome stands in contast to Corinth. See 1 Corinthians 1:4-7, where the Corinthians are said to possess the full range of spiritual gifts.
- We need to understand Habakkuk 2:4 in order to appreciate Paul's use of it.
- Habukkuk's days were a very challenging time for Israel; her survival as a nation was in the balance.
- The Israelites of the late 7th century BC were tempted to trust in works, political alliances, and the help of man, rather than live by faith.
- Paul sees in this passage a vital principle, and chooses it as the theme of Romans.
- If you are not familiar with the short letter of Habakkuk, this might be a good time to go back and take a look at it.
- Notice the parallel between v.17 and v.18. The righteousness of God is revealed... the wrath of God is revealed.
- The foolishness of idolatry isn't just a Christian theme (Rom 1) or Jewish theme (Isa 44). Even the Romans made fun of it.
- Horace wrote (Satires 1.8): "A long time ago, I was the trunk of a tree /The wood was not fine, so the carpenter contemplated / Whether it would be better to turn me into a stool / Or into a Priapus and he decided on the latter / So now I'm a god / And I scare the wits out of thieves and birds"
- In Greek mythology, Priapus was a minor deity, a god of lust and fertility. He is always represented with a giant phallus. Priapus was a son of Aphrodite and Dionysus. According to one myth, he disliked donkeys, they were often sacrificed to him (condensed from Wikipedia).
- The moral steps in the sequence (vv.18-32) are general, not specific to all individuals and societies. That is, one need not become an idolater on the way from ingratitude to sexual sin -- though this is likely. According to Pseudo-Lucian, Affairs of the Heart 20, c.300 AD, "In the beginning... human life... obeyed the laws made by nature; and men, linking themselves to women... became fathers of children. But gradually the passing years degenerated from such nobility to the lowest depths of hedonism... The same sex entered the same bed. Though they saw themselves embracing each other, they were ashamed neither at what they did nor at what they had done to them. And sowing their seed on barren rocks, to quote the proverb, they bought a little pleasure at the cost of great disgrace."
- This moral declension was embodied on the macro scale in the empire. As Edward Gibbon, 18th century author of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, famously noted, there were five characteristics of Roman society that led to its collapse. (How descriptive of our own society!)
- Mounting love of show and luxury (affluence).
- Widening gap between the very rich and the very poor.
- Obsession with sex.
- Freakishness in the arts, masquerading as originality.
- Increased desire to live off the state
- Though the Jew-Gentile controversy is no longer a major issue, the basic principles still apply. Consider these questions:
- Can we stay unified with other true Christians who think very differently to us about faith?
- Can we tolerate people who sometimes have expectations for membership that go beyond the scriptures (even though in their minds they do not)?
- How serious are we about anticipating and heading off potential problems.
- For a great book on Romans, easy to follow, see Gordon Ferguson's Romans: The Heart Set Free. For something more challenging, see Jim McGuiggan's The Book of Romans.
Thought questions:
- What if only the first paragraph of Romans survived the ravages of time, and the rest of the manuscript were lost? Based on this fragment, what would you know about:
- The letter to the Romans?
- The apostle Paul?
- Early Christianity?
- Why do you think Paul begin his case for the good news on such a negative note (vv.18-32)?
- At the time you became a Christian, how far down the slippery slope were you? Which portion of this chapter describes your life at that time?
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1 Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very... Read More Source
1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For... Read More Source
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about;... Read More Source
1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ 2 through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which... Read More Source
1 Paul an apostle-- sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the... Read More Source
1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid... Read More Source
1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! 2 The only thing I want to learn from... Read More Source
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We always give thanks... Read More Source
1 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as... Read More Source
1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming... Read More Source
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring. 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, and is intended to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.
6 For it is indeed just of God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be marveled at on that day among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
11 To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
COMMENTS
General: * A few months after 1 Thessalonians (50 AD), Paul pens 2 Thessalonians (50 or 51 AD). Either the church (or part of it) has misunderstood 1 Thessalonians, or more instruction is needed to drive the point home. + Whereas he had told them to watch their lives (1 Thessalonians 5:6), they had begun to watch and wait for the end of the world. + The point: No one knows when the end will come, so we must be ready at all times. + Part of being ready is living a productive life in society -- not withdrawing from it! * Paul, Silas, and Timothy give thanks because the Thessalonians' faith and love is growing (v.3). + These two areas of growth mirror the two greatest commandments and our most important relationships: God and others (before self). + Growth in these two areas also helps them make it through hard times (v.4). + In addition, it equips them for the kingdom of God (v.5). There are many verses in Paul's letters on living worthily of God: Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; and here in 2 Thessalonians 1:5,11. * God's judgment on humans, based on their faith and deeds (or lack thereof) is fair (vv.6-7). Moreover, judgment day is on the way. + When God is revealed from heaven, this will not be a hallucination; it's real! Of course God has been there all the time. But the Bible teaches that one day there will be an unveiling (Greek: apokalypsis); the curtain of time and eternity will be pulled back to reveal cosmic reality. It will be judgment day. + Those who do not know God will be punished (v.8). - There is no undoing the sentence of destruction in the next age. It is just, awful, and irreversible. - Of course the root problem is sin -- rebellion against the Creator -- not ignorance, though there is a close connection between the two. - "Obeying the gospel" means responding to the gospel message in trusting obedience (see Romans 1:5; Acts 2:38). No one is saved by faith alone. + On the last day there are but two possibilities: - Exclusion -- with likely astonishment (v.9). - Astonishment -- at our inclusion with all the saints in this amazing event (v.10). * With these things in mind, Paul shares some concluding thoughts: + The goal is not just to "make it" at the last day, but to have done so worthily (v.11). + He prays that God may fulfill every good act of faith on the part of the Thessalonians (v.11). + The ultimate goal is that Christ may be glorified (v.12). - And yet Paul also says that we will be glorified in Christ. - Beware the false humility that denies any desire for God's approval or the reward of heaven. + All of this is through God's grace.
Advanced:
- For a Newsweek survey on hell with some interesting results, click here.
- For more on the nature of eternal punishment, click here.
- For more on the natural (and good) desire for glory, read C.S. Lewis' essay, The Weight of Glory.
Thought questions:
- Have I accepted the biblical truth that those who do not know God will be punished, not pardoned?
- Do I pretend I don't care whether the Lord says to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)? If I do, can I see that this is false modesty?
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1 As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to be quickly shaken in... Read More Source
1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger in... Read More Source
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
COMMENTS
General: * In the last study, we set the stage for Mark's gospel. (Or better put, Mark did!) Given the contrast between their ministries, all the things John the Baptist said about the Christ, and given Jesus' own ministry, we now read of the ultimate irony: Jesus is baptized by John (v.9)! * As Jesus emerges from the river, there is a clear sign from heaven that he is the Messiah (v.10). + Heaven opens. + The Spirit descends on him like a dove. - It does not descend on John, for as great as he is, he is not even part of the new order of things (Matthew 11:11). - It does not descend on the crowd, for the Spirit "was not given" until Pentecost, some three to three and a half years later (Acts 2:33,38). - It only descends on Jesus, who is God's beloved son * Following the baptism, Jesus is led into the desert for a time of testing (v.12-13). + This is no short time of trial! + It takes place in the desert, in the "wilds." + Jesus is protected by God's angels. + Testing often follows moments of triumph (doesn't it?). * Only after John's ministry effectively ends (with his incarceration) does Jesus launch his own "public" ministry (v.14). There may be several reasons for this delay: + Jesus may have been deliberately waiting for his relative John to complete his work, since he was laying the foundation on which Jesus would build, calling out a remnant of faithful Jews from Israel. (See Malachi 3:1-2, 4:4-6.) + Since John was actively sending his disciples to Jesus (John 1:20ff), it was natural for Jesus to have received all of them at the time John faded from the picture. + Waiting was sensitive on Jesus' part. * The message: "The kingdom of God is near; repent and believe the good news" (v.15). + The proper response to the gospel (good news) message is not just faith or gratitude; it is repentance. + The kingdom had come near in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. It would be specially actualized in the church in three years' time, and continue to spread. It is quite appropriate for Christians to pray, "Thy kingdom come." For more on this, see the notes on Matthew 6. * Next Jesus formally calls his disciples (vv.16-20). + The lake is the fresh-water Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias in the N.T. To see what it looks like, click here. For an aerial view, click here. This body of water is replete with fish. (I have even seen catfish there!) These men were fishermen. + It is clear from John 1 that Jesus already knew and had spent time with these men. Nevertheless, the emphasis of Mark 1 (as well as of Matthew 4 and Luke 5, which are the parallel passages) is that they followed Jesus with urgency. + Fishing was a highly profitable profession. Moreover, the other workers (v.20) show that the disciples are managers, more than just laborers. + "Fishers of men" (v.17) clearly refers to the evangelistic mission. + Jesus called two sets of brothers, thus preserving their previous relationships (vv.16,19). + They followed immediately (vv.18,20). At the heart of any disciple of Jesus today is a willingness to follow the master, wherever he calls and whenever he calls.
Advanced:
- Jesus was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness." For more on this, click here.
- In verse 10 there are echoes of the language of Genesis 22 and Psalm 2.
- "The kingdom of God" appears 14x in Mark, while the corresponding phrase "the kingdom of heaven" appears 31x in Matthew. Matthew seems to have modified the phrase for his Jewish readers/listeners. Then as today, Jews often substitute "heaven" or some other appropriate word, like "the name," for God.
Thought questions:
- Am I currently in the wilderness, going through a time of testing? If so, how will I stay strong? (See the fuller accounts of Jesus' temptation in the parallel accounts in Matthew 4 and Luke 4.)
- Is the message I share with outsiders to the kingdom of God one of "easy believism," or one of repentance? For more on this, click here.
- When I read scripture and "hear the call" of Jesus, how quickly do I respond? See Psalm 119:60 for the right attitude.
Source
21 They went as far as Capernaum, and at once on the Sabbath he went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.
23 And at once in their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit, and he shouted, 24 'What do you want 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 it saying, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!' 26 And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. 27 The people were so astonished that they started asking one another what it all meant, saying, 'Here is a teaching that is new, and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.' 28 And his reputation at once spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.
29 And at once on leaving the synagogue, he went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed and feverish, and at once they told him about her. 31 He went in to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. 33 The whole town came crowding round the door, 34 and he cured many who were sick with diseases of one kind or another; he also drove out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.
35 In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. 36 Simon and his companions set out in search of him, 37 and when they found him they said, 'Everybody is looking for you.' 38 He answered, 'Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can proclaim the message there too, because that is why I came.'
39 And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out devils. 40 A man suffering from a virulent skin-disease came to him and pleaded on his knees saying, 'If you are willing, you can cleanse me.' 41 Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said to him, 'I am willing. Be cleansed.' 42 And at once the skin-disease left him and he was cleansed. 43 And at once Jesus sternly sent him away and said to him, 44 'Mind you tell no one anything, but go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering for your cleansing prescribed by Moses as evidence to them.' 45 The man went away, but then started freely proclaiming and telling the story everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer go openly into any town, but stayed outside in deserted places. Even so, people from all around kept coming to him.
COMMENTS
General: * Traveling (on foot), the disciples and Jesus come to the synagogue of Capernaum (v.21). + This was Jesus' second home, after Nazareth, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. + The name of the town means "village of Nahum" [the prophet]. + The foundations of the synagogue still stand today! + Jesus intends to teach and heal on the sabbath. As a man of conviction and authority -- a huge contrast to the lame teaching the people were used to -- he makes an impact. * A man with an unclean spirit "shows up to church" (v.22). + The demon recognizes Jesus and fears immediate judgment (vv.23-24). + Jesus exorcizes the spirit (vv.25-26). + The crowds are awed, and Jesus' reputation spreads (vv.27-28). * Jesus, leaving the synagogue with two of his apostles, enters the house of Simon and Andrew (v.29). + Here he heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law (vv.30-31). Obviously Peter was married. (So much for claim's of papal celibacy.) + She begins to serve as soon as Jesus' heals her. Even so, as soon as Jesus touches our lives, we need to serve others. (In fact, we can't help it.) * Word spreads and that evening it seems the whole town has gathered at the door (vv.32-34)! + He heals the sick and the possessed. The Bible does not say possession was only a primitive explanation for mental illness. Physical and mental health are part of Jesus' healing ministry. + Jesus would not allow those he healed to spread the word, as he knew this was accelerate his arrest. He still had several years of ministry to carry out before his inevitable clash with the religious authorities. * He leaves the home of Peter and Andrew early in the morning. Aware that another day of demanding service confronted him, he withdrew in order to "recharge his batteries," spiritually speaking (v.35). + Jesus prayed in the early morning in this passage, while in other passages we see him praying at various times of the day. Jesus seems to have grabbed time for prayer when he could and as needed. - Some teach that all Christians must have a "quiet time" in the morning, but the Bible does not support this kind of legalism. - Still, a daily quiet time is a wholesome practice. * Many passages enjoin daily prayer. * For many Christians (like me!), morning is far and away the best time to "withdraw." The later we leave it, the less likely it is to happen. (Right?) + Whether he was interrupted or just finishing his prayer time, Jesus is eventually found (vv.36-37). He was right to get away, so heavy were the demands on his time. + Jesus is now ready to continue preaching (v.38). You cannot miss his strong sense of mission. In fact, there are around 80 verses in the NT highlighting Jesus' purpose for coming to earth. * Jesus' ministry in Galilee continues (vv.39ff). + Jesus used the synagogues as forums for declaring the gospel. + Someone with a terrible skin disease wonders whether Jesus wants to heal him. - Jesus is more than willing (v.41)! - Jesus warns him not to create unwanted publicity (v.44). * At first blush, this sounds like Jesus is telling him not to be genuine, not to share his faith. But this is far from he truth. * The man disobeyed Jesus, which hampered Jesus' ministry. * There were still plenty of opportunities to teach and touch others' lives, but Jesus had to be much more careful. - Jesus did however tell him to present himself to the priests. They are the only ones who were intended to know of his cleansing. * Leviticus 13-14 required that an offering be made. * Such a person was not allowed access to the temple. This would reconnect him with the covenant community and the presence of God. - Because of the unwanted publicity, Jesus is forced to spend time away from the population centers (v.45). And even then people continue to stream to him! * The entire chapter, which we have examined in three sessions, paints the picture of a driven man leading an extremely active life and affecting people everywhere he went. May we be the same!
Advanced:
- The Pharisees had their scribes (v.22). Yet so did the Sadducees and the Essenes.
- The virulent skin disease (v.40) may not have been leprosy. Many experts believe that leprosy did not come to the Holy Land until the Middle Ages -- hence the footnote in many Bible that the word translated leprosy may not have been Hansen's Disease.
Thought questions:
- Do I plan my day to accomplish the greatest good, to help as many people as possible?
- Do I rely on prayer to draw the divine strength I will need to reach my goals?
- Do I inwardly doubt God's willingness to cleanse me? Jesus says, "I am willing."
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