Third Sunday in Advent, Year B
The playlist for this week is available on YouTube.
Isaiah 65:17-25
CSB
“For I will create new heavens and a new earth;
the past events will not be remembered or come to mind.
Then be glad and rejoice forever
in what I am creating;
for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy
and its people to be a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem
and be glad in my people.
The sound of weeping and crying
will no longer be heard in her.
In her, a nursing infant will no longer live
only a few days,
or an old man not live out his days.
Indeed, the one who dies at a hundred years old
will be mourned as a young man,
and the one who misses a hundred years
will be considered cursed.
People will build houses and live in them;
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They will not build and others live in them;
they will not plant and others eat.
For my people’s lives will be
like the lifetime of a tree.
My chosen ones will fully enjoy
the work of their hands.
They will not labor without success
or bear children destined for disaster,
for they will be a people blessed by the Lord
along with their descendants.
Even before they call, I will answer;
while they are still speaking, I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like cattle,
but the serpent’s food will be dust!
They will not do what is evil or destroy
on my entire holy mountain,”
says the Lord.
Who wrote Isaiah: historically attributed to Isaiah, but likely multiple authors who collected the prophecies of Isaiah (the first 39 chapters were likely written or dictated by Isaiah, but the rest seem distinctly different & don't mention the name Isaiah anymore)
Who Isaiah was written to: Jewish people in Judah before, during, and after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
When Isaiah was written: 8th century BCE/BC and later (after the fall of Jerusalem)
The purpose of the book of Isaiah: the same destruction that is coming for Jerusalem is also coming for those who destroyed Jerusalem
Things I noticed:
Who Isaiah was written to: Jewish people in Judah before, during, and after the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon
When Isaiah was written: 8th century BCE/BC and later (after the fall of Jerusalem)
The purpose of the book of Isaiah: the same destruction that is coming for Jerusalem is also coming for those who destroyed Jerusalem
Things I noticed:
17. For I will create new heavens and a new earth; the past events will not be remembered or come to mind: see also Isaiah 51:16, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1-5, Jeremiah 3:16, Genesis 1:1, Genesis 2:1, Job 14:12, Psalm 102:18, Psalm 102:26, Psalm 104:30, Isaiah 43:18-19, Isaiah 45:8, Isaiah 46:9, Matthew 19:28, Acts 3:19, Romans 8:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 1:4, Hebrews 1:11, Zephaniah 3:14-15, Ephesians 2:14-15
18. Then be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight: see also Isaiah 12:4-6, Isaiah 42:10-12, Isaiah 44:23, Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 51:11, Isaiah 52:7-10, Isaiah 66:10-14, Psalm 67:3-5, Psalm 96:10-13, Psalm 98:1-9, Zephaniah 3:14, Zechariah 9:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 below, Revelation 11:15-18, Revelation 19:1-6, Isaiah 45:8, Jeremiah 31:13, John 16:22,
19. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people: see also Isaiah 62:4-5, Jeremiah 32:41, Zephaniah 3:17, Luke 15:3-5, Deuteronomy 30:9, Psalm 104:31
The sound of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her: see also Isaiah 25:8, Isaiah 35:10, Isaiah 51:3, Isaiah 51:11, Isaiah 60:20, Jeremiah 31:12-13, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:4, Psalm 90:15, Isaiah 66:13, John 16:22, Isaiah 30:19
20. In her, a nursing infant will no longer live only a few days, or an old man not live out his days. Indeed, the one who dies at a hundred years old will be mourned as a young man, and the one who misses a hundred years will be considered cursed: see also Deuteronomy 4:40, Job 5:26, Psalm 34:12, Isaiah 3:11, Ecclesiastes 8:12, Romans 2:5-9, Exodus 23:26, Deuteronomy 11:21, Psalm 91:16, Ecclesiastes 6:6, Ecclesiastes 7:15, Revelation 21:4
21. People will build houses and live in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit: see also Isaiah 62:8-9, Jeremiah 31:4-5, Amos 9:14, Leviticus 25:19, Psalm 128:2, Ecclesiastes 3:13, Ezekiel 28:26, Hosea 2:15, Joel 2:19, Deuteronomy 20:6
22. They will not build and others live in them; they will not plant and others eat: see also Leviticus 26:16, Deuteronomy 28:30-33, Deuteronomy 28:39, Judges 6:1-6, Jeremiah 6:12, Amos 5:11, Micah 6:15, Zephaniah 1:13, Psalm 81:15, Jeremiah 5:17, Ezekiel 25:4, Isaiah 5:10, Ezekiel 19:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Philippians 2:16
For my people’s lives will be like the lifetime of a tree. My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands: see also Genesis 5:5, Genesis 5:27, Psalm 92:12-14, Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 43:20, Isaiah 65:9, Isaiah 65:15, Psalm 105:6, Psalm 105:43, Luke 18:7
23. They will not labor without success or bear children destined for disaster: This specific verse may be referring to the childbirth type of labor. See also Isaiah 49:4, Isaiah 55:2, Isaiah 61:9, Leviticus 26:3-10, Leviticus 26:20, Leviticus 26:22, Leviticus 26:29, Deuteronomy 28:3-12, Deuteronomy 28:38-42, Hosea 9:11-14, Haggai 1:6, Haggai 2:19, Malachi 3:10, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Revelation 12:2, Isaiah 54:1-3, Isaiah 66:22, Isaiah 65:9, Genesis 3:15-16, Isaiah 26:17-18, Isaiah 66:7-9, Micah 4:9-10, Micah 5:3, Hosea 13:13, Isaiah 51:2-3
they will be a people blessed by the Lord along with their descendants: see also Isaiah 61:9-10, Genesis 12:2, Genesis 17:7, Psalm 115:14-15, Jeremiah 32:38-39, Zechariah 10:8-9, Acts 2:39, Acts 3:25-26, Romans 4:16, Romans 9:7-8, Galatians 3:29, Psalm 25:13, Isaiah 19:25, Isaiah 45:25, Mark 10:14
24. Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear: see also Isaiah 58:9, Psalm 32:5, Psalm 50:15, Psalm 91:15, Daniel 9:20-23, Daniel 10:12, Mark 11:24, Luke 15:18-20, Acts 4:31, Acts 10:30-32, Acts 12:5-16, 1 John 5:14-15, Genesis 24:15, Genesis 24:45, Genesis 25:21, 2 Kings 19:20, 1 Chronicles 21:26, 2 Chronicles 7:1, 2 Chronicles 34:27, Psalm 3:4, Psalm 10:17, Psalm 34:17, Psalm 65:2, Psalm 138:3, Isaiah 30:19, Jeremiah 29:12, Jeremiah 33:3, Zechariah 13:9, Matthew 6:6, John 9:31, John 16:23, Matthew 6:8
25. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle: see also Isaiah 11:6-9, Isaiah 35:9, Acts 9:1, Acts 9:19-21, Titus 3:3-7, Job 5:22, Hosea 2:18, Luke 10:3
Hadrian said to Rabbi Joshua: “Mighty is the lamb [Israel] that can survive among seventy wolves [the nations].” And he replied: “Mighty is the shepherd who can save and protect the lamb, and destroy the wolves surrounding her.” Midrash Tanchuma, Toldot, Siman 5:3
but the serpent’s food will be dust: see also Genesis 3:14-15, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:7-9, Revelation 20:2-3, Isaiah 27:1, Micah 7:17. Psalm 72:9
They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain: see also Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 11:9, Micah 4:3, Isaiah 65:11, Ezekiel 43:11, Zechariah 8:3, Zechariah 14:20-21, Revelation 14:1, Isaiah 57:13
This passage is describing a reversal of the curse (the result of The Fall of Humanity), except that the curse on the serpent remains in effect. Death will be ended, labor will always be successful, and animals will be peaceful. Ancient people would not have interpreted the creation of a new earth and a new heaven to mean the destruction of the planet and the universe and creation of replacements, but instead, would likely have viewed it as the creation of a new place of worship or a remodeling project for an existing place of worship.
Psalm 126
CSB
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Our mouths were filled with laughter then,
and our tongues with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like watercourses in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.
Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.
Who wrote this Psalm? unattributed
Who was this Psalm written for? either for Jews to sing while ascending from the valley to Mount Zion for pilgrimage festivals or for Levites to sing while ascending steps into the Temple in Jerusalem
When was this Psalm written? verse 1 seems to be referring to the return of the exiled Jews from Babylon to the Promised Land after 538 BCE/BC
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
When was this Psalm written? verse 1 seems to be referring to the return of the exiled Jews from Babylon to the Promised Land after 538 BCE/BC
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
Things I noticed:
1. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion: see also verse 4 below, Psalm 14:7, Psalm 53:6, Psalm 85:1, Ezra 1:1-11, Job 42:10, Hosea 6:11, Joel 3:1, Deuteronomy 30:3, Zephaniah 2:7, Zephaniah 3:20, Jeremiah 29:14, Jeremiah 30:3, Jeremiah 30:18, Jeremiah 31:8-10, Jeremiah 31:23, Jeremiah 32:44, Jeremiah 33:7, Jeremiah 33:11, Jeremiah 33:26, Ezekiel 39:25, Amos 9:14
we were like those who dream: see also Job 9:16, Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11, Luke 24:41, Acts 12:9, Acts 12:14-16, Genesis 45:26
2. Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy: see also Isaiah 14:7, Psalm 14:7, Psalm 53:6, Psalm 106:47-48, Ezra 3:11, Job 8:21, Isaiah 35:10, Isaiah 49:9-13, Jeremiah 31:12-13, Jeremiah 33:11, Revelation 11:15-17, Genesis 21:6, Psalm 30:11, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Zephaniah 3:14, Luke 6:21, Luke 15:25
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them”: see also Numbers 23:23, Joshua 2:9-11, Joshua 9:9-10, Nehemiah 6:16, Zechariah 8:22-23, Romans 11:15, Micah 7:16, Luke 1:49, Joel 2:20-21
3. The Lord had done great things for us; we were joyful: see also Psalm 18:50, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 66:5-6, Psalm 68:7-8, Psalm 68:22, Ezra 7:27-28, Isaiah 11:11-16, Isaiah 12:4-6, Isaiah 51:9-11, Isaiah 52:9-10, Isaiah 66:14, Luke 1:46, Luke 1:49, Ephesians 1:18-22, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 19:1-7, Numbers 23:23, 1 Samuel 12:24, Psalm 71:19, Psalm 145:6, Luke 8:39
4. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev: The waterways referred to here would be wadis or arroyos, dry creek beds that only have water when flooding rains occur. The Negev (NEH-gev) is a large desert region in the southern part of Israel. See also verse 1 above, Psalm 85:4, Hosea 1:11, Joshua 3:16, Isaiah 41:18, Job 42:10, Jeremiah 29:14, Jeremiah 33:7,
5. Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy: see also Psalm 30:11, Psalm 137:1, Isaiah 12:1-3, Jeremiah 31:9-13, Joel 2:17, Joel 2:23, Matthew 5:4, John 16:20-22, 2 Corinthians 7:8-11, Psalm 30:5, Psalm 56:8, Psalm 90:15, Psalm 97:11, Proverbs 11:18, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Ecclesiastes 7:3, Isaiah 9:3, Hosea 10:12, Luke 6:21, Luke 7:38, Acts 20:37, 1 Corinthians 7:30, 2 Corinthians 7:7, Galatians 6:8, 2 Timothy 1:4, James 4:9
6. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves: see also Psalm 30:5, Job 11:13-17, Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 50:4-5, Galatians 6:7-8, Isaiah 9:2-3, Luke 15:18-24, Acts 16:29-34, Revelation 7:15-17, Leviticus 23:32, Numbers 29:7, Ezra 3:12, Job 8:21, Psalm 51:8, Psalm 56:8, Psalm 90:15, Psalm 129:7, Jeremiah 31:9, Matthew 5:4, Luke 6:21, John 16:20, Philippians 3:8, Hebrews 6:7, James 4:9
The literary structure of this psalm is available here.
First Thessalonians 5:12-28
CSB
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. Brothers and sisters, pray for us also. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Who wrote First Thessalonians: the Apostle Paul (Saul), along with Silvanus and Timothy
Who First Thessalonians was written to: the church at Thessaloniki; from I Thessalonians 1:9 and Acts 17:1-4 it is reasonable to assume that the majority were not Jewish originally
Who First Thessalonians was written to: the church at Thessaloniki; from I Thessalonians 1:9 and Acts 17:1-4 it is reasonable to assume that the majority were not Jewish originally
When First Thessalonians was written: probably the first book of the New Testament to be written around 49-51 CE/AD; likely written from Corinth
The purpose of the book of First Thessalonians: the book is an exhortation to live holy lives
Things I noticed:
The purpose of the book of First Thessalonians: the book is an exhortation to live holy lives
Things I noticed:
12. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you: The Greek word that is translated as lead here is proistemi and it was used in the Greek world for patrons who sponsored, protected, and cared for charitable activities and groups. A wealthy person would have a better education and the leisure time to read and study, thus the admonishment. Bill Mounce has more information on the word. See also verse 14 below, 1 Corinthians 16:16-18, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, Matthew 9:37-38, Luke 10:1-2, Luke 10:7, John 4:36-38, Acts 20:35, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 5:9, 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2 Corinthians 11:23, Galatians 4:11, Philippians 2:16, Colossians 1:29, 1 Timothy 5:17-20, 2 Timothy 2:6, Revelation 2:3, Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Titus 1:5, 1 Peter 5:2-3, 1 Timothy 5:1, Titus 2:15, Romans 12:8, Romans 14:19, Romans 16:12, Philippians 2:29, Colossians 1:28, Colossians 3:16, Matthew 10:40, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:7-11, Galatians 4:14, Galatians 6:6, Romans 16:12, 2 Timothy 2:15, Matthew 10:10
13. and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves:
It was a favorite saying of Abbai: A man should always be cunning in the fear [of God], giving the soft answer that turns away wrath (cf. Proverbs 15:1), increasing peace with his brethren and relatives and with all men, even the heathen in the street; so that he may be beloved above and popular on earth, and acceptable to his fellow-creatures. Babylonian Talmud Berakhot 17a:9
See also Genesis 45:24, Psalm 133:1, Mark 9:50, Luke 7:3-5, John 13:34-35, John 15:17, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:3, Colossians 3:15, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 12:14, James 3:18, Romans 12:18, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 2:14, Philippians 4:2, 1 Peter 3:11, Psalm 34:14
14. And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle: see also Jeremiah 6:12, Ezekiel 3:17-21, Ezekiel 33:3-9, Acts 20:27, Acts 20:31, 1 Corinthians 4:14, Colossians 1:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13, Romans 15:14, 1 Corinthians 14:3, 1 Corinthians 14:31, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:15
comfort the discouraged: see also 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Isaiah 35:3-4, Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:16, Matthew 12:20, Luke 22:32, John 21:15-17, Romans 14:1, Romans 15:1-3, Galatians 6:1-2, Colossians 2:2, Colossians 4:8
help the weak: see also Hebrews 12:12, Acts 20:35, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 5:2-3, Job 4:4, Psalm 41:1, Acts 15:32, Acts 18:23
be patient with everyone: The Talmud Shabbat 30B:12 to 31A:9 has a very long story about the patience of Hillel compared to the impatience of Shammai. See also Isaiah 63:9, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-13, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, 2 Timothy 4:2
15. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone:
Rabbi Yoḥanan began: “One who repays good with evil, evil will not move from his house” (Proverbs 17:13). Rabbi Yoḥanan said: If your friend received you with [serving you] lentils, receive him with [serving him] meat. Why? Because he performed an act of kindness for you first. Rabbi Shimon bar Abba said: It is not only one who repays good with evil, but even one who repays evil with evil, that “evil will not move from his house.” Rabbi Alexandri said: “One who repays good with evil,” as the Torah said: “If you see the donkey of your enemy crouching under its burden, shall you refrain from assisting him? You shall surely assist him” (Exodus 23:5). Regarding him it says: “One who repays good with evil, [evil] will not move…” Bereshit Rabbah 38:3
see also Exodus 23:4-5, Leviticus 19:18, Psalm 7:4, Proverbs 17:13, Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 24:17, Proverbs 24:29, Proverbs 25:21, Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44-45, Luke 6:35, Romans 12:17-21, 1 Corinthians 6:7, 1 Peter 2:22-23, 1 Peter 3:9, Psalm 38:20, Matthew 26:52, Acts 16:28, Romans 12:14
always pursue what is good for one another and for all: see also Romans 14:19, 1 Timothy 6:11, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 3:11-13, Galatians 6:10, 2 Timothy 2:24, Titus 3:2, 1 Peter 2:17, Psalm 37:27, Ecclesiastes 3:12, Luke 6:27, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Hebrews 13:16
16. Rejoice always: see also 2 Corinthians 6:10, Philippians 4:4, Matthew 5:12, Luke 10:20, Romans 12:12, Deuteronomy 16:14, Psalm 9:14, Psalm 33:1, Psalm 47:1, Psalm 95:2, Psalm 149:1-5
17. pray constantly:
This is different than what Jewish rabbis taught.
But R. Johanan said: And would that one might go on praying all day long! Antoninus asked Our Holy Rabbi: Is it permitted to pray at every hour? He said to him: It is forbidden. He said to him: Why? He said to him: Lest you treat the Most High with frivolity. He did not accept < this answer > from him. What did he do? He went to him early in the morning. He said to him: Greetings, Lord. An hour later he came in to him. He said to him: {'MNH RTWQ} [Imperator]! An hour later he < again > said to him: Shalom to you, O King. He said to him: Why are you being disrespectful to the monarchy? He said to him: Let your ears hear what you are putting forth from your mouth. If you, who are flesh and blood, say this in the case of someone who asks after you every hour, how much the more so in the case of one who is disrespectful to the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One. Thus one should not bother him all the time. Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Miketz 11:1
see also Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36, Romans 12:12, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, 1 Peter 4:7, Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:9
18. give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus: see also Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:17, Job 1:21, Psalm 34:1, Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 106:1, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 2:7, Colossians 3:15, Colossians 4:2
19. Don’t stifle the Spirit: see also Ephesians 4:30, Nehemiah 9:30, Psalm 51:11, Isaiah 63:10, Acts 7:51, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6
20. Don’t despise prophecies: see also 1 Thessalonians 4:8, Numbers 11:25-29, 1 Samuel 10:5-13, 1 Samuel 19:20-24, Acts 19:6, 1 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:9, 1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 4:11-12, Revelation 11:3-11, Acts 13:1, Romans 12:6
21. test all things: This specifically refers to testing prophecies and promptings from the Holy Spirit as mentioned in the previous two verses, though it applies to non-prophetic teaching just as much. See also Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 7:15-20, Mark 7:14-16, Luke 12:57, Acts 17:11, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:11, 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 14:28, Ephesians 5:10, Philippians 1:10, 1 John 4:1, Revelation 2:2, Jeremiah 8:5, 1 Corinthians 10:15, Hebrews 5:14
Hold on to what is good: Hold on to the good prophecies. See also Deuteronomy 11:6-9, Deuteronomy 32:46-47, Proverbs 3:1, Proverbs 3:21-24, Proverbs 4:13, Proverbs 6:21-23, Proverbs 23:23, Song of Songs 3:4, John 8:31, John 15:4, Acts 11:23, Acts 14:22, Romans 12:9, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Philippians 3:16, Philippians 4:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:15, 2 Timothy 3:6, 2 Timothy 4:14, Hebrews 10:23, Revelation 2:25, Revelation 3:3, Revelation 3:11, Amos 5:15, Titus 1:9
22. Stay away from every kind of evil: This likely means to stay away from every kind of evil prophecy; remember that ancient Greek did not have punctuation so thoughts continued on in run-on sentences unless a thought break word or phrase was inserted like the "now" in the next verse. See also 1 Thessalonians 4:12, Exodus 23:7, Isaiah 33:15, Matthew 17:26-27, Romans 12:17, 1 Corinthians 8:13, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, 2 Corinthians 6:3, 2 Corinthians 8:20-21, Philippians 4:8, Jude 1:23, Proverbs 4:14-15, Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 14:16, Amos 5:15, Romans 14:16
23. Now may the God of peace himself: see also Romans 15:33, Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Philippians 4:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20, 2 Corinthians 13:11
sanctify you completely: see also 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, Leviticus 20:8, Leviticus 20:26, Ezekiel 37:28, John 17:19, Acts 20:32, Acts 26:18, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Hebrews 2:11, 1 Peter 1:2, Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:12, Romans 15:16
may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: The whole spirit, soul, and body encompasses all of what makes a person a person. See also Hebrews 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 1:8-9, Ephesians 5:26-27, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:10, Philippians 2:15-16, Colossians 1:22, Jude 1:24, Numbers 6:24, 2 Peter 3:14, Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5, Luke 10:27
24. He who calls you: see also 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Romans 8:30, Romans 9:24, Galatians 1:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Peter 1:3, Revelation 17:14
is faithful: see also Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 36:5, Psalm 40:10, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 89:2, Psalm 92:2, Psalm 100:5, Psalm 138:2, Psalm 146:6, Isaiah 25:1, Lamentations 3:23, Micah 7:20, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 2:13, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:17-18, Hebrews 10:23
he will do it: see also Numbers 23:19, 2 Kings 19:31, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 14:24-26, Isaiah 37:32, Joshua 21:45, Philippians 1:6
25. Brothers and sisters, pray for us also: see also Romans 15:30, 2 Corinthians 1:11, Ephesians 6:18-20, Philippians 1:19, Colossians 4:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3, Philemon 1:22, Hebrews 13:18-19, James 5:16
26. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss: Wikipedia and the Church Life Journal have articles about the holy kiss or kiss of peace. A brief summary is that we have no explanation for why the holy kiss was an established practice in the early church. There's no evidence that it was brought over from Judaism, paganism, Roman culture, or Greek culture. The early church fathers had to create rules around it due to abuse. The rules that they implemented were that it was a closed-mouth kiss and only between same-gender people; obviously, some people were having makeout sessions in church and calling it holy... Do I think that all Christians should begin kissing each other on the lips to greet each other? I lean toward a no on that solely based on personal introversion and germs. I think that the takeaway should be true Christians should live together in peace, harmony, and unity, as well as we should meet each other's needs for physical touch. One of the many terrible consequences of Purity Culture has been an aversion toward brotherly and sisterly touch amongst Christians. Hugs and kisses are not reserved for usage between spouses. We also shouldn't be squeamish about men hugging and touching and sitting very near each other while fully clothed, and the same with women. See also Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 1 Samuel 10:1, 2 Samuel 19:39, Matthew 26:49, Luke 7:45, Acts 20:37, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Peter 5:14
27. I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters: Many people were illiterate in this period and Paul wanted all of them to benefit from his epistle. See also 1 Timothy 5:21, 1 Timothy 6:13, 2 Timothy 4:1, Colossians 4:16, 2 Thessalonians 3:14, Jeremiah 51:61
28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you: see also Romans 1:7, Romans 16:20, Romans 16:24, 2 Thessalonians 3:18
The literary structure of this passage is available here; the central point is "Rejoice, Pray, Give thanks." There is an ancient Greek literary genre that lists ethical rules or statements. In the original Greek manuscripts, this passage uses second-person plural pronouns and verb conjugations; this would be more accurately translated with y'all, you guys, youse guys, or yinz. We are to exercise discernment and engage in the Christian disciplines in a community setting.
John 3:22-30 or John 1:19-28
CSB
John 3:22-30
After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized. John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, since John had not yet been thrown into prison. Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.” John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 1:19-28
This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he said. “Are you the Prophet?” “No,” he answered. “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?” He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.” Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. So they asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you aren’t the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?” “I baptize with water,” John answered them. “Someone stands among you, but you don’t know him. He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.” All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Who wrote John: apostle John (Yochanan), the son of Zebedee. The similarities in subject matter and writing style lead me to believe that the Gospel of John and the Johannine epistles were written by the same author. I suspect that John was the youngest of the 12 disciples and that is why he was the "one that Jesus loved" and why he rested his head on Jesus' bosom and why he was close to the cross (because the Roman soldiers wouldn't have thought much of a pre-pubescent boy standing with all of the women named Mary) and also why he lived the longest. Irenaeus wrote that John wrote the books; Irenaeus was taught by Polycarp who was taught by Apostle John.
Who John was written to: probably the churches in what is now the country of Turkey, which consisted mostly of Gentiles at this time, many of whom were influenced by early forms of Gnosticism and mystical thinking (which I think explains how chapter 1 is worded, to appeal to those sensibilities), but it also addresses the Jewish community in this area with the many references to Jewish customs, midrash, and Jewish holidays
When John was written: after 70 AD/CE but before the death of John somewhere before the end of the century
The purpose of the book of John: to explain Jesus and eternal life through emotions and spirit and symbolism, rather than pure facts and head knowledge, using simple but rich language. John's catchphrase that he places in Jesus' mouth is "Truly, truly, I say to you."
Things I noticed:
Who John was written to: probably the churches in what is now the country of Turkey, which consisted mostly of Gentiles at this time, many of whom were influenced by early forms of Gnosticism and mystical thinking (which I think explains how chapter 1 is worded, to appeal to those sensibilities), but it also addresses the Jewish community in this area with the many references to Jewish customs, midrash, and Jewish holidays
When John was written: after 70 AD/CE but before the death of John somewhere before the end of the century
The purpose of the book of John: to explain Jesus and eternal life through emotions and spirit and symbolism, rather than pure facts and head knowledge, using simple but rich language. John's catchphrase that he places in Jesus' mouth is "Truly, truly, I say to you."
Things I noticed:
John 3:22-30
22. After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized: I had never before noticed that Jesus' disciples were baptizing at this point in the story. You can learn more about baptism in last week's commentary. See also verse 26 below, John 2:13, John 4:3, John 7:3, John 4:1-2
23. John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim: It is uncertain where this Aenon (EE-non) is; Aenon is the transliterated (Hebrew/Aramaic to Greek) word for spring. Salim or Salem is also a fairly common village/town name and it means peace. A strong possibility for the location of this site is near Tel Shalem; the ancient springs here are currently being used as extremely large fish ponds for farming fish. Archeologists have only done preliminary digs in the general vicinity because of the remoteness of the area in modern times, though in ancient times, a major Roman highway passed through the area and a Roman military outpost was nearby. Eusebius (died in 339 CE/AD) said that Aenon was 8 miles south of Scythopolis, the most important city in the Decapolis. Two highways went south from Scythopolis: one went southwest to Mount Gerizim and another went south along the edge of the Jordan River valley and passed through Tel Shalem. See also Genesis 33:18, 1 Samuel 9:4
because there was plenty of water there: see also Jeremiah 51:13, Ezekiel 19:10, Ezekiel 43:2, Revelation 1:15, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 19:6
People were coming and being baptized: see also Matthew 3:5-6, Mark 1:4-5, Luke 3:7, Matthew 3:11, John 1:28 below, Acts 8:36-38
24. since John had not yet been thrown into prison: see also Matthew 4:12, Matthew 14:3, Mark 6:17, Luke 3:19-20, Luke 9:7-9, Matthew 11:2
25. Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification: see also John 2:6, Matthew 3:11, Mark 7:1-23, Hebrews 6:2, Hebrews 9:10-14, Hebrews 9:23, 1 Peter 3:21, Luke 11:38, Mark 11:30
26. So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him”: see also Numbers 11:26-29, Ecclesiastes 4:4, 1 Corinthians 3:3-5, 1 Corinthians 4:6, Galatians 5:20-21, Galatians 6:12-13, James 3:14-18, James 4:5-6, John 1:7, John 1:15, John 1:26-36 below, John 11:48, John 12:19, Psalm 65:2, Isaiah 45:23, Acts 19:26-27, Matthew 21:25, Luke 7:18, John 4:1, John 5:33, John 7:18, John 10:41
27. No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven: see also Numbers 16:9-11, Numbers 17:5, 1 Chronicles 28:4-5, Jeremiah 1:5, Jeremiah 17:16, Amos 7:15, Matthew 25:15, Mark 13:34, Romans 1:5, Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 3:7-8, 1 Timothy 2:7, James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Hebrews 5:4-5, Matthew 21:25, Mark 11:30, Mark 11:31, Mark 13:11, John 19:11, Acts 3:12, Acts 15:7, 2 Corinthians 5:18, Philippians 2:13, John 1:6-8
28. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him’: see also John 1:20-25 below, Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:4-5, Matthew 3:3, Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 1:16-17, Luke 1:76, Luke 3:4-6, Mark 1:7, Luke 3:15, Acts 19:4, 1 Corinthians 1:15, Matthew 11:10, Luke 7:27
29. He who has the bride is the groom: see also Psalm 45:9-17, Song of Songs 3:11, Song of Songs 4:8-12, Isaiah 54:5, Isaiah 62:4-5, Jeremiah 2:2, Ezekiel 16:8, Hosea 2:16-20, Matthew 22:2, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:21-33, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:9, Jeremiah 31:32, Hosea 2:16, Matthew 25:1, Mark 2:20, Luke 5:34, Revelation 21:2, Revelation 22:17
But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice: see also Judges 14:10-11, Psalm 45:14, Song of Songs 5:1, Matthew 9:15, Psalm 19:5, Jeremiah 33:11
So this joy of mine is complete: see also Isaiah 66:11, Luke 2:10-14, Luke 15:6, John 17:13, Philippians 2:2
30. He must increase: see also Psalm 72:17-19, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 53:2-3, Isaiah 53:12, Daniel 2:34-35, Daniel 2:44-45, Matthew 13:31-33, Revelation 11:15
but I must decrease: see also Acts 13:36-37, 1 Corinthians 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:7-11, Colossians 1:18, Hebrews 3:2-6, Matthew 11:11
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
John 1:19-28
19. This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”: see also John 5:33-36, Deuteronomy 17:9-11, Deuteronomy 24:8, Matthew 21:23-32, Luke 3:15-18, John 10:24, Acts 13:25, Acts 19:4, Luke 20:4, John 1:7, 1 John 5:11
20. He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah”: see also John 3:28-36 above, Matthew 3:11-12, Mark 1:7-8, Luke 3:15-17, John 1:8, Acts 13:25, John 1:15
21. “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he said. “Are you the Prophet?” “No,” he answered: see also Malachi 4:5, Matthew 11:14, Matthew 17:10-12, Luke 1:17, John 7:40, Deuteronomy 18:15-22, Matthew 11:9-11, Matthew 16:14, Mark 6:15, Mark 8:28, Luke 7:16, Luke 9:8, Luke 9:19, John 6:14, John 1:45, Deuteronomy 34:10
22. “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?”: see also John 8:25
23. He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said”: Is the prophet yelling in the wilderness to smooth paths in an unknown place or yelling in an unknown place to make the paths in the wilderness straight and level and smooth? The Hebrew has the latter and the Greek the former, but both are probably what is intended by both passages. It just makes sense to go to the place where an action needs to occur and encourage people to do the action there. See also John 3:28 above, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 1:16-17, Luke 1:76-79, Luke 3:2-6, Isaiah 40:3-5, Matthew 11:10, Luke 7:24, Luke 7:27, Zechariah 4:7-9
24. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees: see also John 3:1-2, John 7:47-49, Matthew 23:13-15, Matthew 23:26, Luke 7:30, Luke 11:39-44, Luke 11:53, Luke 16:14, Acts 23:8, Acts 26:5, Philippians 3:5-6, Matthew 3:7
25. So they asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you aren’t the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?”: see also Matthew 21:23, Acts 4:5-7, Acts 5:28, Matthew 3:7
26. “I baptize with water,” John answered them: see also Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16
“Someone stands among you, but you don’t know him: see also John 1:10-11, John 8:19, John 16:3, John 17:3, John 17:25, Malachi 3:1-2, 1 John 3:1
27. He is the one coming after me: see also John 1:15, John 1:30, Acts 19:4, John 3:28 above
whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie: the Midrash says the following about Jewish indentured servants:
It is, therefore, written (Leviticus 25:39) "Do not have him work the service of a slave" — whence they ruled: He should not wash his feet or tie his sandals or carry his clothing to the bath-house or gird his loins for an ascent or carry him in a litter or in a chair or in a sedan-chair, as slaves do. Whence is this derived? From (Ibid. 46) "And in your brothers, the children of Israel, one may not lord it over another." But with his son and his disciple, it is permitted. Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael 21:2:6
It was the job of a Gentile slave to untie sandals. See also Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7, Luke 3:16, Matthew 8:8, Matthew 11:11, John 13:6, Acts 13:25
28. All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing: Bethany beyond the Jordan has been identified traditionally with Al-Maghtas; it is near Tell al-Kharrar, also called Jabal Mar Elias (the mountain where Elijah was carried to heaven, according to tradition). See also John 10:40, Judges 7:24, John 3:23 above, Luke 3:3, Joshua 22:11, Mark 1:5, Luke 3:3
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
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