Ht http://bible.org/seriespage/exegetical-commentary-john-6
This is the one miracle, apart from the resurrection, that is recorded in all four Gospels.
John describes what happened as a “sign”. The effect of the sign is to make some people think of Jesus as a prophet, and some to wish to make a king out of him.
Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, did do something that we can describe only as miracle.
“Tiberiavdo" Only John in the New Testament refers to the Sea of Galilee by this name, but this is correct local usage. In the mid-20’s Herod completed the building of the town of Tiberias on the southwestern shore of the lake; after this time the name came into use for the lake itself.
This is a good example of a conative imperfect—”they were trying to cross the sea…”. We are told that their destination was Capernaum.
Action attempted but not accomplished.
For John this story takes on the character of a theophany, not at all unlike the Transfiguration recorded by the Synoptics. The reaction the crowds had made after the multiplication of the bread had been an attempt to crown him king—but on a purely political level.
The the symbolism of water/sea—in the Old Testament it is the image of evil and chaos, particularly in Isaiah. For John, this could carry similar significance: Jesus’ triumph over the sea represents his triumph over the forces of evil.
Many scholars struggle with the supernatural miracles of Jesus. No miracles, then no resurrection. The miracles are there explicitly for belief.
Friday, July 24, 2009
notes for Ephesians
Ephesians
Ephesus was no fishing village. On the west coast of Turkey, this Greek city of 500,000 second only to Rome, had Temple, Library, theatre for 25,000, baths and aqueducts.
Usually people stood when they prayed. Praying on one's knees signified especially fervent praying
Frequent mention is made in the Jewish writings of the family of the holy angels, and of the family above, and the family below, to which here may be some reference.
The church, the dimensions of which are given, as opposed to God who has no limits.
More than one-sixth of Paul's references to love in his 13 epistles occur in Ephesians. This also shows that he wanted to promote Christian unity in the church.
The result of this request is that Christ may be "at home" in the personality of the believer. He indwells every Christian but is at home in the lives of those believers who let Him be first in their attitudes and activities.
When believers accept Jesus Christ's revelation of the mystery of the church, they are able to comprehend that God's love is broad enough to embrace both Jews and Gentiles in the church.
This is one of the clearest passages in the New Testament that sets forth the eternal subordination of the Son to the Father
Ephesus was no fishing village. On the west coast of Turkey, this Greek city of 500,000 second only to Rome, had Temple, Library, theatre for 25,000, baths and aqueducts.
Usually people stood when they prayed. Praying on one's knees signified especially fervent praying
Frequent mention is made in the Jewish writings of the family of the holy angels, and of the family above, and the family below, to which here may be some reference.
The church, the dimensions of which are given, as opposed to God who has no limits.
More than one-sixth of Paul's references to love in his 13 epistles occur in Ephesians. This also shows that he wanted to promote Christian unity in the church.
The result of this request is that Christ may be "at home" in the personality of the believer. He indwells every Christian but is at home in the lives of those believers who let Him be first in their attitudes and activities.
When believers accept Jesus Christ's revelation of the mystery of the church, they are able to comprehend that God's love is broad enough to embrace both Jews and Gentiles in the church.
This is one of the clearest passages in the New Testament that sets forth the eternal subordination of the Son to the Father
NEW TESTAMENT: Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 (RCL)
Ephe 3:14 (NRSV) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL: John 6: 1 - 21 (RCL)
John 6: 1 - 15 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
John 6:1 (NRSV) After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tibe'rias. 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 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, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Caper'naum. 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.
Ephe 3:14 (NRSV) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL: John 6: 1 - 21 (RCL)
John 6: 1 - 15 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
John 6:1 (NRSV) After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tibe'rias. 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 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, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Caper'naum. 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.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
1. This lake was a center of Jewish life.
It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake, 8 miles by 13 miles, also known as the Gennesaret, after a nearby plain. The lake, part of the Jordan Valley rift, is on the edge of the Africa and Asia plates. It is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. The Dead Sea , the lowest lake, is salt water.
2. The lake was a center of commerce and trade. We think of a lake as a country retreat, but this was on the trade route from Egypt to the great civilizations of Asia, and had much trade. It is listed in Isaiah as ‘Via Maris’
3. This was the locus of Jesus’ ministry, including miracles ‘feeding the five thousand’, source of apostles, Simon, Andrew, John, and James, and teaching ‘sermon on the mount’. The apostle Paul spent more time in salt water, and had many storm stories as well.
4. The boat was likely a fishing boat, possibly also used for transit. One has been recovered, and is in a museum, in Israel. A thirty foot long wooden sailboat, with oars, and ballast in bags, this may have been the size and style of the boat in this story. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the Sea of Galilee at this time.
4. Some of the voyages appear to be deigned to provide privacy and quiet for Jesus and the disciples.
5. At the end of the Apostles’ first mission, they are reporting in and de-briefing. They needed some rest.
Jesus saw that the crowd rushed to meet them where they landed and had compassion on them. The theme continues that God’s grace and healing come to those who hear the word of God and have faith.
The takeaway is that Jesus always has awareness of those who seek him and have faith, and he meets them with compassion.
It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake, 8 miles by 13 miles, also known as the Gennesaret, after a nearby plain. The lake, part of the Jordan Valley rift, is on the edge of the Africa and Asia plates. It is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. The Dead Sea , the lowest lake, is salt water.
2. The lake was a center of commerce and trade. We think of a lake as a country retreat, but this was on the trade route from Egypt to the great civilizations of Asia, and had much trade. It is listed in Isaiah as ‘Via Maris’
3. This was the locus of Jesus’ ministry, including miracles ‘feeding the five thousand’, source of apostles, Simon, Andrew, John, and James, and teaching ‘sermon on the mount’. The apostle Paul spent more time in salt water, and had many storm stories as well.
4. The boat was likely a fishing boat, possibly also used for transit. One has been recovered, and is in a museum, in Israel. A thirty foot long wooden sailboat, with oars, and ballast in bags, this may have been the size and style of the boat in this story. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the Sea of Galilee at this time.
4. Some of the voyages appear to be deigned to provide privacy and quiet for Jesus and the disciples.
5. At the end of the Apostles’ first mission, they are reporting in and de-briefing. They needed some rest.
Jesus saw that the crowd rushed to meet them where they landed and had compassion on them. The theme continues that God’s grace and healing come to those who hear the word of God and have faith.
The takeaway is that Jesus always has awareness of those who seek him and have faith, and he meets them with compassion.
1. This lake was a center of Jewish life.
It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake, 8 miles by 13 miles, also known as the Gennesaret, after a nearby plain. The lake, part of the Jordan Valley rift, is on the edge of the Africa and Asia plates. It is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. The Dead Sea , the lowest lake, is salt water.
2. The lake was a center of commerce and trade. We think of a lake as a country retreat, but this was on the trade route from Egypt to the great civilizations of Asia, and had much trade. It is listed in Isaiah as ‘Via Maris’
3. This was the locus of Jesus’ ministry, including miracles ‘feeding the five thousand’, source of apostles, Simon, Andrew, John, and James, and teaching ‘sermon on the mount’. The apostle Paul spent more time in salt water, and had many storm stories as well.
4. The boat was likely a fishing boat, possibly also used for transit. One has been recovered, and is in a museum, in Israel. A thirty foot long wooden sailboat, with oars, and ballast in bags, this may have been the size and style of the boat in this story. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the Sea of Galilee at this time.
4. Some of the voyages appear to be deigned to provide privacy and quiet for Jesus and the disciples.
5. At the end of the Apostles’ first mission, they are reporting in and de-briefing. They needed some rest.
3. Jesus saw that the crowd rushed to meet them where they landed and had compassion on them. The theme continues that God’s grace and healing come to those who hear the word of God and have faith.
The takeaway is that Jesus always has awareness of those who seek him and have faith, and he meets them with compassion.
It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake, 8 miles by 13 miles, also known as the Gennesaret, after a nearby plain. The lake, part of the Jordan Valley rift, is on the edge of the Africa and Asia plates. It is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. The Dead Sea , the lowest lake, is salt water.
2. The lake was a center of commerce and trade. We think of a lake as a country retreat, but this was on the trade route from Egypt to the great civilizations of Asia, and had much trade. It is listed in Isaiah as ‘Via Maris’
3. This was the locus of Jesus’ ministry, including miracles ‘feeding the five thousand’, source of apostles, Simon, Andrew, John, and James, and teaching ‘sermon on the mount’. The apostle Paul spent more time in salt water, and had many storm stories as well.
4. The boat was likely a fishing boat, possibly also used for transit. One has been recovered, and is in a museum, in Israel. A thirty foot long wooden sailboat, with oars, and ballast in bags, this may have been the size and style of the boat in this story. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the Sea of Galilee at this time.
4. Some of the voyages appear to be deigned to provide privacy and quiet for Jesus and the disciples.
5. At the end of the Apostles’ first mission, they are reporting in and de-briefing. They needed some rest.
3. Jesus saw that the crowd rushed to meet them where they landed and had compassion on them. The theme continues that God’s grace and healing come to those who hear the word of God and have faith.
The takeaway is that Jesus always has awareness of those who seek him and have faith, and he meets them with compassion.
1. . Ephesus had been part of the Roman Empire for over a century.
2. It was a city second only to Rome in size, almost 500,000 inhabitants.
3. The large temple of Artemis generated jobs for local statue makers and Paul caused some controversy among them Acts 19:23-41)
4. There is no report of a dispute between Paul and the church of the Ephesians.
5. There was an apparent dispute between Jews who thought all Christians should become Jews first and adopt Jewish habits, versus Gentiles who wanted to worship Christ without becoming Jews.
2. One compromise is that a non-Jew who becomes noahide “children of noah” was OK.
3. Noahs laws are for all people
Noahide 7 laws
1. Prohibition of Idolatry: You shall not have any idols before God.
2. Prohibition of Murder: You shall not murder. (Genesis 9:6)
3. Prohibition of Theft: You shall not steal.
4. Prohibition of Sexual Promiscuity: You shall not commit any of a series of sexual prohibitions, which include adultery, incest, bestiality and male homosexual intercourse.
5. Prohibition of Blasphemy: You shall not blaspheme God's name.
6. Dietary Law: Do not eat flesh taken from an animal while it is still alive. (Genesis 9:4)
7. Requirement to have just Laws: You shall set up an effective judiciary to enforce the preceding six laws fairly.
4. Paul tells gentiles that they come from behind the Jews
5. Christ has made both groups into one group.
6. Christ is proclaimed to all in order to end hostility within the groups.
7. The structure and family includes the apostles, and now the gentiles and Jewish Christians are also part of the temple.
The takeaway is that we are one church and Christ expects us to overlook differences. In general, this is a dispute long lost to history. Few Christians urge death to other Christians with different dogma.
Also, always look for different sets of laws, 10 commandments, all the Leviticus laws, Greek Jewish laws, Paul’s lists of virtues. It is very common for a Christian group to define itself by its laws.
2. It was a city second only to Rome in size, almost 500,000 inhabitants.
3. The large temple of Artemis generated jobs for local statue makers and Paul caused some controversy among them Acts 19:23-41)
4. There is no report of a dispute between Paul and the church of the Ephesians.
5. There was an apparent dispute between Jews who thought all Christians should become Jews first and adopt Jewish habits, versus Gentiles who wanted to worship Christ without becoming Jews.
2. One compromise is that a non-Jew who becomes noahide “children of noah” was OK.
3. Noahs laws are for all people
Noahide 7 laws
1. Prohibition of Idolatry: You shall not have any idols before God.
2. Prohibition of Murder: You shall not murder. (Genesis 9:6)
3. Prohibition of Theft: You shall not steal.
4. Prohibition of Sexual Promiscuity: You shall not commit any of a series of sexual prohibitions, which include adultery, incest, bestiality and male homosexual intercourse.
5. Prohibition of Blasphemy: You shall not blaspheme God's name.
6. Dietary Law: Do not eat flesh taken from an animal while it is still alive. (Genesis 9:4)
7. Requirement to have just Laws: You shall set up an effective judiciary to enforce the preceding six laws fairly.
4. Paul tells gentiles that they come from behind the Jews
5. Christ has made both groups into one group.
6. Christ is proclaimed to all in order to end hostility within the groups.
7. The structure and family includes the apostles, and now the gentiles and Jewish Christians are also part of the temple.
The takeaway is that we are one church and Christ expects us to overlook differences. In general, this is a dispute long lost to history. Few Christians urge death to other Christians with different dogma.
Also, always look for different sets of laws, 10 commandments, all the Leviticus laws, Greek Jewish laws, Paul’s lists of virtues. It is very common for a Christian group to define itself by its laws.
NEW TESTAMENT: Ephesians 2: 11 - 22 (RCL)
Ephesians 2: 13 - 18 (Roman Catholic)
Ephe 2:11 (NRSV) So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision"--a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands-- 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually {Gk [in the Spirit]} into a dwelling place for God.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 30 - 34, 53 - 56 (RCL)
Mark 6: 30 - 34 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
Mark 6:30 (NRSV) The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes'aret and moored the boat. 54 When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, 55 and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Ephesians 2: 13 - 18 (Roman Catholic)
Ephe 2:11 (NRSV) So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision"--a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands-- 12 remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 15 He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, 16 and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. 17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually {Gk [in the Spirit]} into a dwelling place for God.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 30 - 34, 53 - 56 (RCL)
Mark 6: 30 - 34 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
Mark 6:30 (NRSV) The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes'aret and moored the boat. 54 When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, 55 and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
1. Herod (Aramaic pronunciation Hee-rod)
2. Herod Antipas (20 BC-c. AD 40), was tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, and was described in the New Testament as ordering John the Baptist's death.
3. Herod was a tetrarch or governor, not a true King.
4. John the Baptist lived a life of purity and simplicity, and preached not from the Temple but from the wilds.
5. John pointed out sin in high places, including Herod’s violation of OT law against incest. Both Herod and Herodias had left prior marriages
6. John earned the enmity of Herod’s wife.
7. Herod imprisons John to protect him, and keeps him because he is mystified by his teaching and scared of his power.
8. Herod may be doing a good deed to help John by imprisoning him, but the evil of others makes Herod the unwitting agent of John’ death.
9. This event foreshadows the death of Jesus. Both John the Baptist and Jesus were condemned by people who found them innocent but killed them due to the overwhelming opinions of others, including the mention of the tomb at the end of both lives, and how both Jesus’ and John’s words caused some folks to want to murder them, but use someone else to do the killing.
2. Herod Antipas (20 BC-c. AD 40), was tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, and was described in the New Testament as ordering John the Baptist's death.
3. Herod was a tetrarch or governor, not a true King.
4. John the Baptist lived a life of purity and simplicity, and preached not from the Temple but from the wilds.
5. John pointed out sin in high places, including Herod’s violation of OT law against incest. Both Herod and Herodias had left prior marriages
6. John earned the enmity of Herod’s wife.
7. Herod imprisons John to protect him, and keeps him because he is mystified by his teaching and scared of his power.
8. Herod may be doing a good deed to help John by imprisoning him, but the evil of others makes Herod the unwitting agent of John’ death.
9. This event foreshadows the death of Jesus. Both John the Baptist and Jesus were condemned by people who found them innocent but killed them due to the overwhelming opinions of others, including the mention of the tomb at the end of both lives, and how both Jesus’ and John’s words caused some folks to want to murder them, but use someone else to do the killing.
Ephesians 1:1 - 13 comments
1. Ephesus had been part of the Roman Empire for over a century.
2. It was a city second only to Rome in size, almost 500,000 inhabitants.
3. The large temple of Artemis generated jobs for local statue makers and Paul caused some controversy among them Acts 19:23-41)
4. There is no report of a dispute between Paul and the church of the Ephesians.
5. Paul’s use of the word “saints” refers to all Christians
6. The question of predestination has caused much mystery, disagreement among scholars, and profound unintended consequences.
7. One controversial question is whether predestination is of a corporate church, or individual believers. Some believe the election is of the Church. Others hold that the blessings are individual hence the predestination is for individuals. God chooses his faithful from all humankind.
8. The question resolves around the idea that God knew who among us would become his faithful and who would not, before the world was even made. Why would God ask us to preach to those who could not be saved?
9. The individual response is to hear the word of God and to believe.
10. Our obligation, then is to make sure that all have heard the Gospel, and then have the opportunity to believe.
1. Ephesus had been part of the Roman Empire for over a century.
2. It was a city second only to Rome in size, almost 500,000 inhabitants.
3. The large temple of Artemis generated jobs for local statue makers and Paul caused some controversy among them Acts 19:23-41)
4. There is no report of a dispute between Paul and the church of the Ephesians.
5. Paul’s use of the word “saints” refers to all Christians
6. The question of predestination has caused much mystery, disagreement among scholars, and profound unintended consequences.
7. One controversial question is whether predestination is of a corporate church, or individual believers. Some believe the election is of the Church. Others hold that the blessings are individual hence the predestination is for individuals. God chooses his faithful from all humankind.
8. The question resolves around the idea that God knew who among us would become his faithful and who would not, before the world was even made. Why would God ask us to preach to those who could not be saved?
9. The individual response is to hear the word of God and to believe.
10. Our obligation, then is to make sure that all have heard the Gospel, and then have the opportunity to believe.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
NEW TESTAMENT: Ephesians 1: 3 - 14 (RCL)
Ephesians 1: 1 - 10 (Can. BAS)
Ephesians 1: 3 - 10 (11 - 14) (Roman Catholic)
Ephe 1:1 (NRSV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Eph'esus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 14 - 29 (RCL)
Mark 6:14 (NRSV) King Her'od heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Her'od heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For Her'od himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Hero'dias, his brother Philip's wife, because Her'od had married her. 18 For John had been telling Her'od, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'dias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Her'od feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21 But an opportunity came when Her'od on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Hero'dias came in and danced, she pleased Her'od and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." 23 And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Mark 6: 7 - 13 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
Mark 6:7 (NRSV) He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Ephesians 1: 1 - 10 (Can. BAS)
Ephesians 1: 3 - 10 (11 - 14) (Roman Catholic)
Ephe 1:1 (NRSV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Eph'esus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 14 - 29 (RCL)
Mark 6:14 (NRSV) King Her'od heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Her'od heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For Her'od himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Hero'dias, his brother Philip's wife, because Her'od had married her. 18 For John had been telling Her'od, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'dias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Her'od feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21 But an opportunity came when Her'od on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Hero'dias came in and danced, she pleased Her'od and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." 23 And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Mark 6: 7 - 13 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
Mark 6:7 (NRSV) He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Monday, July 6, 2009
NEW TESTAMENT: Ephesians 1: 3 - 14 (RCL)
Ephesians 1: 1 - 10 (Can. BAS)
Ephesians 1: 3 - 10 (11 - 14) (Roman Catholic)
Ephe 1:1 (NRSV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Eph'esus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 14 - 29 (RCL)
Mark 6:14 (NRSV) King Her'od heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Her'od heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For Her'od himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Hero'dias, his brother Philip's wife, because Her'od had married her. 18 For John had been telling Her'od, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'dias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Her'od feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21 But an opportunity came when Her'od on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Hero'dias came in and danced, she pleased Her'od and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." 23 And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Mark 6: 7 - 13 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
Mark 6:7 (NRSV) He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Ephesians 1: 1 - 10 (Can. BAS)
Ephesians 1: 3 - 10 (11 - 14) (Roman Catholic)
Ephe 1:1 (NRSV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Eph'esus and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. 5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, 12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 14 - 29 (RCL)
Mark 6:14 (NRSV) King Her'od heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Her'od heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For Her'od himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Hero'dias, his brother Philip's wife, because Her'od had married her. 18 For John had been telling Her'od, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'dias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Her'od feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21 But an opportunity came when Her'od on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Hero'dias came in and danced, she pleased Her'od and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." 23 And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Mark 6: 7 - 13 (Roman Catholic, Can. BAS)
Mark 6:7 (NRSV) He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
ht answerpedia
John Adams, 2nd president, and Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president, both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
This story of their dying so closely together is one of the most interesting stories in early US history.
They died within hours of each other. Their productive lives were a study in conceptual contrasts: they did not think the same, and yet they both made major contributions to the US history and character.
Their stories are a study of notions about the time that people choose to die, (that people under certain circumstances, can CHOOSE when they are to die.) Much research suggests that, at a certain time, in human lives, people can control the time of their own deaths.
In Adams' and Jefferson's cases, both of them saw the Fourth of July as profoundly critical to their entire lives; 50 years later after the first 4th of July, they died.
===================================================
Also, James Monroe, 5th president, died on July 4th, 1831
my comments: Aspire always to a great life, great love, great work, great faith, and devote every ounce of your energy to a cause greater than yourself.
John Adams, 2nd president, and Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president, both died on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
This story of their dying so closely together is one of the most interesting stories in early US history.
They died within hours of each other. Their productive lives were a study in conceptual contrasts: they did not think the same, and yet they both made major contributions to the US history and character.
Their stories are a study of notions about the time that people choose to die, (that people under certain circumstances, can CHOOSE when they are to die.) Much research suggests that, at a certain time, in human lives, people can control the time of their own deaths.
In Adams' and Jefferson's cases, both of them saw the Fourth of July as profoundly critical to their entire lives; 50 years later after the first 4th of July, they died.
===================================================
Also, James Monroe, 5th president, died on July 4th, 1831
my comments: Aspire always to a great life, great love, great work, great faith, and devote every ounce of your energy to a cause greater than yourself.
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