Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B, Good Shepherd
The playlist of songs and hymns for this week is available at YouTube.
Le bon pasteur - The Good Shepherd by James Tissot, 1886 to 1896, Brooklyn Museum.
The Hireling Shepherd by William Holman Hunt, 1851, Manchester Art Gallery. This is a depiction of John 10:12. The hireling shepherd is too busy flirting with the girl to notice that his sheep have eaten too much food and have started to develop bloat.
The Good Shepherd - Le Bon Pasteur by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, 1616, Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique. This is an excellent depiction of John 10:11.
The Good Shepherd mosaic by an unknown artist, circa 425, The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna. smarthistory has a video about this mausoleum and a second video about other early Christian good shepherd art.
John 10:11-16
CSB
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.
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:
11. I am the good shepherd: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the predominant view was that the gods sent kings to be the shepherds of the citizens of the countries that they ruled.
"I, Ur-Namma, born on high, ...... shining. The people line up in front of me. Enlil has given me the task of keeping the Land secure, with unscathed troops. I am clad in linen in the jipar. I lie down on the splendid bed in its delightful bedchamber. I cause the people to eat splendid food; I am their Enkimdu (i.e. the god of irrigation and cultivation) . I am the good shepherd whose sheep multiply greatly. I open the ...... of the cattle-pens and sheepfolds. I am peerless. ...... the pastures and watering-places of shepherds." A praise poem of Ur-Namma (circa 2100-2030 BCE)
"May your kingship be as stable as heaven and earth! You are king of numerous lands and peoples! You are the people's good shepherd! You are the herdsman of the settled people!" A prayer for Samsu-iluna (circa 1749-1648 BCE)
"(He will be) shepherding the flock of the Lord faithfully and righteously, And will suffer none among them to stumble in their pasture. He will lead them all aright, And there will be no pride among them that any among them should be oppressed." Psalms of Solomon 17:45-46
John 9:40-41 and John 10:1-10 immediately precede this passage and provide necessary context. See also verse 14 below, John 21:16, Genesis 48:15, Genesis 49:24, Numbers 11:12, 2 Samuel 5:2, 2 Samuel 7:7, Psalm 23:1 below, Psalm 28:9, Psalm 74:1, Psalm 77:20, Psalm 78:52, Psalm 78:70-72, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 95:7, Psalm 100:3, Ecclesiastes 12:11, Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 63:11, Jeremiah 3:15, Jeremiah 23:1-4, Ezekiel 34:11-31, Ezekiel 37:24, Micah 5:4, Zechariah 11:4-17, Zechariah 13:7, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 7:17
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep: see also verse 15 below, John 10:17, John 15:13, Genesis 31:39-40, 1 Samuel 17:34-37, 2 Samuel 24:17, 1 Chronicles 21:17, Isaiah 53:4-12, Zechariah 13:7-9, Matthew 18:12, Matthew 20:28, Mark 14:27, Luke 15:4, 2 Corinthians 12:15, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:2, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:24, Revelation 5:9
12. The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming:
Those that guard [gathered] produce may eat from it because that is the custom of the land and not because that is the law of the Torah. There are four kinds of guardians: an unpaid guardian, a borrower, a paid guardian and a hirer. An unpaid guardian may take an oath [that he had not been neglectful] in every case [of loss or damage and be free of liability]. A borrower must make restitution in every case. A paid guardian or a hirer may take an oath if the beast was injured, or taken captive or dead, but he must make restitution if it was lost or stolen. If one wolf [attacked the flock that he was watching] it does not count as an unavoidable accident [for which no blame is placed on the guardian]. Two wolves do count as an unavoidable accident. Rabbi Judah says: “In a time where wolves are commonly attacking the settlements, even one wolf is considered to be an unavoidable accident.” Two dogs do not count as an unavoidable accident. Yadua the Babylonian said in the name of Rabbi Meir says: “If [two dogs came] from one direction they do not count as an unavoidable accident, but if [they came] from two directions they count as an unavoidable accident. A bandit counts as an unavoidable accident. A lion or a bear or a leopard or a panther or a serpent counts as an unavoidable accident. When [is this so]? When they come of themselves. But if he took the flock to a place of wild animals or bandits they do not count as an unavoidable accident. If a beast died a natural death this counts as an unavoidable accident [for which a hirer or paid guardian is not liable]. But if he tortured it and it died it does not count as an unavoidable accident [and the hirer and paid guardian would be liable]. If it was led up to the top of a crag and it fell down and died, this does not count as an unavoidable accident. An unpaid guardian may make a stipulation that he will be exempt from taking an oath, and a borrower [may make a stipulation that he will be exempt] from making restitution, and a paid guardian and a hirer [may make a stipulation that they will be exempt] from taking an oath or from making restitution. Mishnah Bava Metzia 7:8-10 (emphasis mine)
see also John 10:3, Genesis 49:27, Exodus 22:10-13, Isaiah 11:6, Isaiah 56:10-12, Isaiah 65:25, Jeremiah 12:10, Ezekiel 34 below, Zechariah 11:4-17, Matthew 23, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8, 2 Timothy 4:10, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 5:2-4, 2 Peter 2:3
The wolf then snatches and scatters them: see also Psalm 10:9, Jeremiah 5:6, Jeremiah 10:21, Jeremiah 13:20, Jeremiah 23:1-4, Ezekiel 22:27, Ezekiel 34:6 below, Ezekiel 34:12, Zephaniah 3:3-4, Zechariah 10:2-3, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 10:16, Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27, Luke 10:3, Acts 20:28-31, 1 Peter 2:25
13. This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep: see also John 12:6, Zechariah 11:5, Zechariah 11:15-17, Acts 18:17, Philippians 2:20
14. I am the good shepherd: see also verse 11 above
I know my own: see also John 10:27, Exodus 33:12, Exodus 33:17, Psalm 1:6, Isaiah 40:26, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 25:32, 1 Corinthians 8:3, 1 Corinthians 13:12, Galatians 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:19, Revelation 2:2, Revelation 2:9, Revelation 2:13, Revelation 2:19, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 3:8, Revelation 3:15
and my own know me: see also John 10:3-4, John 8:19, John 16:13-15, John 17:3, John 17:8, Isaiah 53:11, Jeremiah 31:34, Hosea 6:6, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 3:19, Philippians 3:8, 2 Timothy 1:12, 1 John 5:20
15. just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father: see also John 1:18, John 6:46, John 7:29, John 8:55, John 17:25, Matthew 11:27, Luke 10:21-22, Revelation 5:2-9
I lay down my life for the sheep: see also verse 11 above
16. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen: This is referring to the Gentiles and Jews who remained lost in exile. Side note: during the winter months, sheep were kept inside a pen at night; this parable is told right before Hanukah (John 10:22). See also John 11:52, John 17:20, Genesis 49:10, Psalm 22:26-31, Psalm 72:17-19, Psalm 86:9, Psalm 98:2-3, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 24:13-16, Isaiah 43:5-6, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 52:10, Isaiah 56:8, Isaiah 60:7, Ezekiel 34:6 below, Hosea 1:10, Zechariah 2:11, Zechariah 8:20-23, Acts 18:10, Romans 9:23-24, Romans 15:9-13, Ephesians 2:14, 1 Peter 2:10
I must bring them also: see also Psalm 119:176, Isaiah 62:12, Jeremiah 31:8-10, Ezekiel 34:11-12, Ezekiel 37:21-24, Micah 2:12-13, Micah 4:6, Mark 13:27, Acts 15:14, Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 2:15-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Titus 3:3-5
and they will listen to my voice: see also John 10:3-4, John 10:27, John 6:37, Matthew 17:5, Acts 22:14, Revelation 3:20
Then there will be one flock: see also Ezekiel 37:22, John 17:21, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14
one shepherd: see also John 10:2, John 10:11, Ecclesiastes 12:11, Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 37:24, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
Acts 4:23-37
CSB
After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them. You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David your servant:
Why do the Gentiles rage
and the peoples plot futile things?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers assemble together
against the Lord and against his Messiah.
For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly. Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Who wrote Acts: church tradition says Luke, who accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys
Who Acts was written to: Theophilus, a name that means either lover of God or loved by God; he is also mentioned in Luke 1:3, where he is called "most excellent" (kratistos), which is used to describe the governors/procurators Felix and Festus in Acts 23:26, Acts 24:3, and Acts 26:25. so he must have been a government official in a place of significant power. Based upon Jewish terms being explained in parenthetical phrases throughout these books, he might not have been Jewish but, on the other hand, there's more discussion of priestly matters and ritual purity in Luke than in the other Gospels. Theophilus was a common name at this time amongst members of the Jewish diaspora, according to the IVP Bible Background Commentary, so it could be that it was written to a Jewish member of the diaspora who didn't have much familiarity with Judaism as practiced in Palestine.
When Acts was written: Because the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem is not mentioned, nor Paul's trial before Caesar, it's likely that the book was written before 66 AD/CE.
The purpose of the book of Acts: this passage indicates that this is a continuation of the book of Luke and it provides an orderly history of the early church. The Gospel of Luke should probably be called First Luke and Acts should probably be called Second Luke.
Things I noticed:
Who Acts was written to: Theophilus, a name that means either lover of God or loved by God; he is also mentioned in Luke 1:3, where he is called "most excellent" (kratistos), which is used to describe the governors/procurators Felix and Festus in Acts 23:26, Acts 24:3, and Acts 26:25. so he must have been a government official in a place of significant power. Based upon Jewish terms being explained in parenthetical phrases throughout these books, he might not have been Jewish but, on the other hand, there's more discussion of priestly matters and ritual purity in Luke than in the other Gospels. Theophilus was a common name at this time amongst members of the Jewish diaspora, according to the IVP Bible Background Commentary, so it could be that it was written to a Jewish member of the diaspora who didn't have much familiarity with Judaism as practiced in Palestine.
When Acts was written: Because the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem is not mentioned, nor Paul's trial before Caesar, it's likely that the book was written before 66 AD/CE.
The purpose of the book of Acts: this passage indicates that this is a continuation of the book of Luke and it provides an orderly history of the early church. The Gospel of Luke should probably be called First Luke and Acts should probably be called Second Luke.
Things I noticed:
23. After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them: see also Acts 1:13-14, Acts 2:44-46, Acts 12:11-12, Acts 16:40, Psalm 16:3, Psalm 42:4, Psalm 119:63, Proverbs 13:20, Malachi 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
24. When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said: see also Acts 16:25, 2 Kings 19:15-19, Psalm 55:16-18, Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 69:29-30, Psalm 109:29-31, Isaiah 37:16-20, Jeremiah 20:13, Luke 6:11-12, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 2 Timothy 4:17-18
Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them: The Greek word translated here as master (despotes) was most commonly used by Greeks to refer to any deity, but it is also the one that Jewish people of the time used to refer to the One, True God. See also 2 Kings 19:15, 2 Kings 19:19, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 146:5, Isaiah 51:12, Jeremiah 10:10-12, Jeremiah 32:17
25. You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David your servant: see also Acts 1:16, Acts 2:30
Why do the Gentiles rage and the peoples plot futile things?: this is a quote from Psalm 2:1-6, which Jews interpreted as prophecy of the Messiah.
R. Johanan also said in the name of R. Simeon b. Johai : More painful is filial impiety in a man's house than the wars of Gog and Magog; as it is said, "A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son" (ibid. iii. 1), after which it is written, "Lord, how many are mine adversaries become ! Many are they that rise up against me" (ibid. v. 2), But in connection with the wars of Gog and Magog it is written, "Why are the nations in an uproar? And why do the peoples mutter in vain?" (ibid. ii. 1); but it is not written, "How many are mine adversaries become!" Berakhot 7b:11
Rabbi Yosei means that they become converts who have attached themselves to the Jewish people, and they don phylacteries on their heads, phylacteries on their arms, place ritual fringes on their garments, and a mezuza in their doorways. When these converts see the war of Gog and Magog, every convert of this sort will say to Gog and Magog: For what purpose did you come? They will say to him: We came to fight against the Lord and against His Messiah, as it is stated: “Why are the nations in an uproar? And why do the peoples mutter in vain. The kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Messiah” (Psalm 2:1–2). And then every one of these converts will tear loose his sign of performance of a mitzva and leave, as it is stated: “Let us tear their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us” (Psalm 2:3). Avodah Zarah 3b:4-6
26. The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers assemble together: see also Psalm 83:2-8, Joel 3:9-14, Revelation 17:12-14, Revelation 17:17, Revelation 19:16-21
against the Lord and against his Messiah: see also Revelation 11:15, Revelation 12:10
27. For, in fact, in this city: see also Matthew 26:3, Luke 22:1, Luke 23:1, Luke 23:8-12
both Herod: This is most likely a reference to Herod Antipas but his father Herod the Great (HEHR-uhd) was no better! Both were rulers over areas in the modern country of Israel and nearby. See also Acts 13:1, Matthew 2:13-18, Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-28, Luke 3:1, Luke 3:19-20, Luke 8:3, Luke 9:7-9, Luke 13:31-33, Luke 23:5-16, John 21:1
and Pontius Pilate: Pontius Pilate (PAHN-chuss PIGH-luht) was the governor of Judea. See also Acts 3:13, Acts 13:28, Matthew 27:1-2, Matthew 27:11-66, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 3:1, Luke 13:1-5, Luke 18:31-33, Luke 23:1-56, John 18:28-40, John 19:1-42, John 19:34, 1 Timothy 6:13
with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together: see also Isaiah 49:6-7, Isaiah 53:3, Zechariah 11:7-8, Matthew 20:18-19, Matthew 21:28, Matthew 23:37, Matthew 26:3-4, Matthew 26:59-68, Matthew 27:25, Matthew 27:40-43, Mark 10:33, Mark 14:1-2, Mark 14:43-65, Mark 15:1-3, Mark 15:31, Luke 9:22, Luke 20:13-19, Luke 22:2-6, Luke 22:47-52, Luke 22:63-71, Luke 23:1-5, John 1:11, John 18:1-14, John 18:19-24, John 18:28-40, John 19:15
against your holy servant Jesus: see also Acts 4:30, Acts 2:27, Acts 3:14, Job 14:4, Job 15:14, Job 25:4, Isaiah 53:3, Isaiah 53:7-9, Luke 1:35, Hebrews 7:26
whom you anointed: The Greek term Christos from which we get the word Christ literally means anointed, and is the word Jews chose when they translated Messiah into Greek. This verse is a prayer to God where the people are acknowledging that Jesus was anointed by the Father with the Holy Spirit at his baptism. See also Acts 10:38, Psalm 2:2, Psalm 2:6, Psalm 45:6-7, Psalm 84:9, Psalm 89:20, Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, John 1:41, John 4:25, John 10:36, Hebrews 1:8-9
28. to do whatever your hand: see also Acts 2:23, Acts 3:18, Acts 13:27-29, Genesis 50:20, Psalm 76:10, Matthew 26:24, Matthew 26:54, Luke 22:22, Luke 24:44-46, 1 Peter 2:7-8
and your will had predestined to take place: see also Job 12:13, Proverbs 21:30, Isaiah 5:19, Isaiah 28:29, Isaiah 40:13, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 53:10, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 6:17
29. And now, Lord, consider their threats: see also Acts 4:17-18, Acts 4:21, Isaiah 37:17-20, Isaiah 63:15, Lamentations 3:50, Lamentations 5:1, Daniel 9:18
and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness: see also Acts 4:13, Acts 4:31, Acts 9:27, Acts 13:46, Acts 14:3, Acts 18:26, Acts 19:8, Acts 20:26-27, Acts 26:26, Acts 28:31, Psalm 138:3, Isaiah 58:1, Ezekiel 2:6, Micah 3:8, Ephesians 6:18-20, Philippians 1:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 2 Timothy 1:7-8, 2 Timothy 4:17
30. while you stretch out your hand for healing: see also Exodus 6:6-8, Deuteronomy 4:34, Jeremiah 1:9, Jeremiah 15:15, Jeremiah 20:11-12, Zephaniah 1:4, Luke 9:54-56, Luke 22:49-51
and signs and wonders are performed: see also Acts 2:22, Acts 2:43, Acts 5:12, Acts 5:15-16, Acts 6:8, Acts 9:34-35, Acts 9:40-42
through the name of your holy servant Jesus: see also Acts 4:10, Acts 4:27, Acts 3:6, Acts 3:16, Mark 9:39, John 10:25, James 5:14
31. When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken: see also Acts 2:2, Acts 16:25-26, Exodus 19:18, Isaiah 6:4
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit: see also Acts 2:4, Acts 9:17, Acts 13:9, Acts 13:52
and began to speak the word of God boldly: see also verse 29 below, Acts 4:8, Acts 2:4, Isaiah 65:24, Matthew 18:19-20, Matthew 21:22, John 14:12, John 15:7, John 15:16, John 16:23-24, James 1:5
32. Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind: see also Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1, Acts 2:46, Acts 5:12, 2 Chronicles 30:12, Jeremiah 32:39, Ezekiel 11:19-20, John 17:11, John 17:21-23, Romans 12:5, Romans 15:5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 4:2-6, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:1-2, 1 Peter 3:8
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common: see also Acts 2:44-46, 1 Chronicles 29:14-16, Luke 16:10-12, 1 Peter 4:11
33. With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: see also Acts 4:30, Acts 1:8, Acts 1:22, Acts 2:32-33, Acts 3:15-16, Acts 5:12-16, Mark 16:20, Luke 24:48-49, Romans 15:18-19, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Hebrews 2:4
and great grace was on all of them: see also Acts 2:47, Numbers 11:24-29, Ezekiel 11:5, Luke 2:52, John 1:16
34. For there was not a needy person among them: see also Deuteronomy 2:7, Deuteronomy 15:4, Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Psalm 34:9-10, Luke 22:35, 1 Thessalonians 4:12
because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold: see also Acts 4:37, Acts 2:45, Acts 5:1-3, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:33, Luke 16:9, 1 Timothy 6:19, James 1:27
35. and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need: see also Acts 2:45, Acts 3:6, Acts 5:2, Acts 6:1-6, 2 Corinthians 8:20, 2 Corinthians 8:21
36. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth: Levite (LEE-vight) means a descendant of Levi and thus he and his family would serve God in the Temple as musicians, guards, or doing menial tasks; the text would have specified that he was a cohanim (priest) if he was a member of the subset of Levites who were descendants of Aaron and thus eligible to be priests. Cyprus (SIGH-pruhs) is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and 65 miles (105 kilometers) due west of the coast of Syria and Lebanon. see also Acts 11:19, Acts 11:20, Acts 15:39, Acts 21:16, Exodus 32, Numbers 1:51, Numbers 18:21-32, 1 Kings 8:4, Jeremiah 33:22-24, Malachi 2:4-6, Malachi 3:1-3
the one the apostles called Barnabas: Barnabas (BAHR-nuh-buhs) is an Aramaic term that breaks down into bar (son) and nebi or nabi (prophet). See also Acts 11:22-25, Acts 11:30, Acts 12:25, Acts 13:1, Acts 14:8-20, Acts 15:2, Acts 15:12, Acts 15:37, 1 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 2:1, Galatians 2:9, Galatians 2:13
which is translated Son of Encouragement: for how son of prophecy becomes son of encouragement, see 1 Corinthians 14:3. See also Mark 3:17
37. sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet: Luke is setting up for a contrast with Acts 5:1-11. See also Acts 4:34, Acts 4:35, Matthew 19:29
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
An Egyptian Shepherd by Frederick Goodall, 19th century, Gallery Oldham
Ezekiel 34:1-10
CSB
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who have been feeding themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened animals, but you do not tend the flock. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd; they became food for all the wild animals when they were scattered. My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and there was no one searching or seeking for them. Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord God—because my flock, lacking a shepherd, has become prey and food for every wild animal, and because my shepherds do not search for my flock, and because the shepherds feed themselves rather than my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord God says: Look, I am against the shepherds. I will demand my flock from them and prevent them from shepherding the flock. The shepherds will no longer feed themselves, for I will rescue my flock from their mouths so that they will not be food for them.”
Who wrote Ezekiel: Ezekiel (Yechezk'el), a prophet and priest, who started writing the book while living in Judah and continued writing it after being exiled to Babylon
Who Ezekiel was written to: fellow Jews from Judah
When Ezekiel was written: before & during the Jewish exile in Babylon, circa 593-570 BCE/BC. He might have known Jeremiah when he was living in Judah & he might have known Daniel who went to Babylon at the same time as he did. This specific passage was written after the fall of Jerusalem.
The purpose of the book of Ezekiel: to remind his countrymen that though they had been unfaithful and specifically had profaned the name of God, God would restore them. Ezekiel is full of fantastical visions that are metaphorical and should not be taken literally, and this is my favorite book of the Bible because my imagination runs wild all of the time; I hope that Ezekiel and I become close friends in the New Jerusalem when all things are restored.
When Ezekiel was written: before & during the Jewish exile in Babylon, circa 593-570 BCE/BC. He might have known Jeremiah when he was living in Judah & he might have known Daniel who went to Babylon at the same time as he did. This specific passage was written after the fall of Jerusalem.
The purpose of the book of Ezekiel: to remind his countrymen that though they had been unfaithful and specifically had profaned the name of God, God would restore them. Ezekiel is full of fantastical visions that are metaphorical and should not be taken literally, and this is my favorite book of the Bible because my imagination runs wild all of the time; I hope that Ezekiel and I become close friends in the New Jerusalem when all things are restored.
Things I noticed:
1. The word of the Lord came to me: see also 1 Kings 13:17, 1 Kings 18:1, 1 Chronicles 22:8, Jeremiah 1:4, Jeremiah 1:11, Jeremiah 1:13, Jeremiah 2:1, Jeremiah 13:3, Jeremiah 13:8, Jeremiah 16:1, Jeremiah 18:5, Jeremiah 24:4, Jeremiah 29:30, Jeremiah 32:6, Ezekiel 3:16, Ezekiel 6:1, Ezekiel 7:1, Ezekiel 11:14, Ezekiel 12:1, Ezekiel 12:8, Ezekiel 12:17, Ezekiel 12:21, Ezekiel 12:26, Ezekiel 13:1, Ezekiel 14:2, Ezekiel 14:12, Ezekiel 15:1, Ezekiel 16:1, Ezekiel 17:1, Ezekiel 17:11, Ezekiel 18:1, Ezekiel 20:2, Ezekiel 20:45, Ezekiel 21:1, Ezekiel 21:8, Ezekiel 21:18, Ezekiel 22:1, Ezekiel 22:17, Ezekiel 22:23, Ezekiel 23:1, Ezekiel 24:1, Ezekiel 24:15, Ezekiel 24:20, Ezekiel 25:1, Ezekiel 26:1, Ezekiel 27:1, Ezekiel 28:1, Ezekiel 28:11, Ezekiel 28:20, Ezekiel 29:1, Ezekiel 29:17, Ezekiel 30:1, Ezekiel 30:20, Ezekiel 31:1, Ezekiel 32:1, Ezekiel 32:17, Ezekiel 33:1, Ezekiel 33:23, Ezekiel 35:1, Ezekiel 36:16, Ezekiel 37:15, Ezekiel 38:1, Zechariah 4:8, Zechariah 6:9, Zechariah 7:4, Zechariah 8:18
2. Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the predominant view was that the gods sent kings to be the shepherds of the citizens of the countries that they ruled.
"I, Ur-Namma, born on high, ...... shining. The people line up in front of me. Enlil has given me the task of keeping the Land secure, with unscathed troops. I am clad in linen in the jipar. I lie down on the splendid bed in its delightful bedchamber. I cause the people to eat splendid food; I am their Enkimdu (i.e. the god of irrigation and cultivation) . I am the good shepherd whose sheep multiply greatly. I open the ...... of the cattle-pens and sheepfolds. I am peerless. ...... the pastures and watering-places of shepherds." A praise poem of Ur-Namma (circa 2100-2030 BCE)
"May your kingship be as stable as heaven and earth! You are king of numerous lands and peoples! You are the people's good shepherd! You are the herdsman of the settled people!" A prayer for Samsu-iluna (circa 1749-1648 BCE)
The shepherds in this passage includes both political/governmental and religious leaders; the English word pastor literally means shepherd. See also Ezekiel 33:24, Jeremiah 2:8, Jeremiah 3:15, Jeremiah 10:21, Jeremiah 12:10, John 10:1, John 10:2, John 10:12 above
Prophesy, and say to them, This is what the Lord God says to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel: see also verses 8-10 below, Ezekiel 34:18, Ezekiel 13:3, Ezekiel 13:19, Isaiah 56:11, Jeremiah 22:22, Jeremiah 23:1, Micah 3:1-3, Micah 3:11-12, Zephaniah 3:3-4, Zechariah 10:2-3, Zechariah 11:5-17, Matthew 24:48-51, Luke 12:42-46, Luke 20:46-47, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 2:3
who have been feeding themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed their flock?: see also 1 Samuel 2:29, 2 Samuel 5:2, Psalm 78:71-72, Isaiah 40:10-11, John 21:15-17, Acts 20:28-31, 1 Peter 5:2-4
3. You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened animals, but you do not tend the flock: These leaders were taking the extortionate taxes and the tithes but providing no benefit to the people. See also Ezekiel 34:18, Ezekiel 34:21, Ezekiel 19:3, Ezekiel 19:6, Ezekiel 22:25-28, Ezekiel 33:25-26, 1 Kings 21:13-16, 2 Kings 21:16, Isaiah 1:10, Isaiah 1:15, Isaiah 56:11-12, Jeremiah 2:30, Jeremiah 22:17, Jeremiah 50:7, Lamentations 4:13, Micah 3:1-3, Zephaniah 3:3-4, Zechariah 11:5-17, Matthew 9:36, Philippians 3:19
4. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured: see also Ezekiel 34:16, Job 13:4, Psalm 147:3, Isaiah 30:26, Isaiah 56:10, Isaiah 61:1, Jeremiah 8:22, Zechariah 11:15-16, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 25:35-40, Hebrews 12:12
brought back the strays, or sought the lost: see also 1 Kings 22:17, Jeremiah 50:6, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 18:12-13, Luke 15:4-6, Luke 15:24, James 5:19-20
Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty: see also Exodus 1:13-14, Deuteronomy 22:1 Jeremiah 22:13, Matthew 21:35, Matthew 24:49, 2 Corinthians 1:24, James 5:1-6, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Revelation 13:14-17, Revelation 17:5-6
5. They were scattered: see also verse 6 below, Ezekiel 22:15, Ezekiel 33:28, 1 Kings 22:17, 2 Chronicles 18:16, Jeremiah 10:21, Jeremiah 23:2, Jeremiah 50:6, Jeremiah 50:17, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27, 1 Peter 2:25
for lack of a shepherd: see also verse 8 below, Numbers 27:17, 2 Chronicles 18:16, Zechariah 10:2-3
they became food for all the wild animals when they were scattered: see also verse 8 below, Ezekiel 34:28, Ezekiel 39:18, Psalm 74:1, Isaiah 56:9, Jeremiah 12:9-12, Jeremiah 50:17, Matthew 9:36, Acts 20:28-31
6. My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill: see also Ezekiel 7:16, Psalm 107:4, Psalm 119:176, Isaiah 47:15, Jeremiah 13:16, Jeremiah 40:11-12, Jeremiah 50:6, Hebrews 11:37-38, 1 Peter 2:25
My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth: see also Ezekiel 22:15, Hosea 9:17, Amos 8:12, Zechariah 10:2, John 10:16 above
and there was no one searching or seeking for them: see also Psalm 142:4, Jeremiah 5:1, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24, Matthew 18:12-24
7. Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: see also verse 9 below, Ezekiel 13:2, Ezekiel 16:35, Psalm 82:1-7, Isaiah 1:10, Jeremiah 13:13, Jeremiah 13:18, Jeremiah 22:2-3, Micah 3:8-9, Malachi 2:1, Matthew 23:13-36, Luke 11:39-54
8. As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord God—because my flock, lacking a shepherd, has become prey and food for every wild animal: see also verses 5-6 above, Ezekiel 34:31
and because my shepherds do not search for my flock, and because the shepherds feed themselves rather than my flock: see also verses 2-3 above, Ezekiel 34:18, 1 Corinthians 9:15, 2 Peter 2:13, Jude 1:12
9. therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord!: see also verse 7 above
10. This is what the Lord God says: Look, I am against the shepherds: see also Ezekiel 5:8, Ezekiel 13:8, Ezekiel 21:3, Ezekiel 35:3, Jeremiah 21:13, Jeremiah 23:1-4, Jeremiah 25:34-36, Jeremiah 50:31, Nahum 2:13, Zechariah 10:2-3, Zechariah 11:15-17, 1 Peter 3:12
I will demand my flock from them: see also Ezekiel 3:18-20, Ezekiel 33:6-8, Jeremiah 13:18-20, Hebrews 13:17
and prevent them from shepherding the flock: see also 1 Samuel 2:29-36, Jeremiah 39:6, Jeremiah 52:9-11, Jeremiah 52:24-27
The shepherds will no longer feed themselves: see also verses 2 and 8 above
for I will rescue my flock from their mouths so that they will not be food for them: see also Ezekiel 34:22, Psalm 23:5 below, Psalm 72:12-14, Psalm 102:19-20, Isaiah 14:30
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
The Lord Is My Shepherd by Eastman Johnson, 1863, Smithsonian American Art Museum. This work was painted months after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and depicts a recently enslaved man reading Psalm 23 in the Bible. It was illegal in The South for black people to be taught to read or to engage in reading at this time.
The Visual Commentary on Scripture has The Lord is My Shepherd.
Psalm 23
CSB
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.
Who wrote this Psalm? attributed to David
Who was this Psalm written for? individual Jews to thank God
When was this Psalm written? If it was written by David, it would have been written somewhere around 1000 BCE/BC.
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
Who was this Psalm written for? individual Jews to thank God
When was this Psalm written? If it was written by David, it would have been written somewhere around 1000 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. The Lord is my shepherd: see also Psalm 28:9, Psalm 74:1, Psalm 77:20, Psalm 78:52 God demonstrated his shepherding by leading the Hebrews from Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land, Psalm 78:70-72, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 95:7, Psalm 100:3, Genesis 48:15, Genesis 49:24, Numbers 27:17, II Samuel 5:2, Ecclesiastes 12:11, Isaiah 40:10-11, Isaiah 63:11, Jeremiah 3:15, Jeremiah 13:17, Jeremiah 23:1-6, Jeremiah 31:9-10, Jeremiah 50:19, Ezekiel 34:11-31, Ezekiel 37:24, Micah 2:12-13, Micah 5:2-5, Micah 7:14, Zechariah 11:11, Zechariah 13:7, Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 12:32, John 10:9, John 10:11, John 10:14, John 10:27-30, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 7:17
I have what I need: see also Psalm 34:9-10, Psalm 84:11, Matthew 6:33, Luke 12:30-32, Luke 22:35, Romans 8:32, Philippians 4:19, Hebrews 13:5-6
2. He lets me lie down in green pastures: The land of Israel has always been prone to droughts, so green pastures are not common (Jeremiah 23:10). Pastureland was essential for nomadic herders, as can be attested by the many mentions in Joshua 21 and 1 Chronicles 5. See also Psalm 3:5, Psalm 4:8, Leviticus 26:3-6, Proverbs 3:21-24, Isaiah 14:30, Isaiah 30:23, Isaiah 49:9, Isaiah 65:10, Jeremiah 23:3, Jeremiah 50:19, Ezekiel 34:13-18, Hosea 2:18, Zephaniah 2:6-7, Zephaniah 3:13, Mark 6:31–44, John 6:1-14, John 10:9-10, John 21:15-17
he leads me beside quiet waters: Domestic sheep are completely dependent upon a shepherd to find food and water for them; they can not find forage and water on their own. An individual sheep can drink several gallons of water each day. See also Psalm 31:3, Psalm 46:4, Psalm 80:1, Genesis 29:2, Isaiah 8:6, Isaiah 49:9-10, Jeremiah 31:9, Jeremiah 50:6, John 10:3, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:1, Revelation 22:17
3. He renews my life: see also Psalm 19:7, Psalm 51:12, Psalm 85:4-7, Psalm 119:176, Job 33:30, Jeremiah 32:37-42, Hosea 14:4-9, Micah 7:8-9, Micah 7:18-19, Luke 22:31-32, I Corinthians 10:16-21, Revelation 3:19
he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake: see also Psalm 5:8, Psalm 25:9, Psalm 31:3, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 48:14, Psalm 79:9, Psalm 119:35, Psalm 143:8-10, Proverbs 4:11, Proverbs 8:20, Isaiah 42:16, Jeremiah 30:17, Jeremiah 31:8, Ezekiel 20:14, John 10:3, Ephesians 1:6
4. Even when I go through the darkest valley: see also Psalm 44:19, Job 10:21-22, Job 24:17, Job 38:17, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 50:10, Jeremiah 2:6, Matthew 4:16, Luke 1:79
I fear no danger, for you are with me: see also Psalm 3:6, Psalm 14:5, Psalm 27:1-4, Psalm 37:3, Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 46:11, Psalm 73:23, Psalm 118:6, Psalm 138:7, Isaiah 8:9-10, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:1-2, Zechariah 8:23, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20, Acts 18:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
your rod and your staff—they comfort me: The rod (Hebrew sebet) is a club to ward off predators like wolves and the staff (shepherd's crook, Hebrew masena) could be used to guide sheep as an arm extension or to pull sheep out of thorn bushes and ditches. There are some false teachers of the Ezekiel 34 variety who preach that shepherds break the legs of their problem sheep to keep them from wandering away and God breaks the legs (causes hardships) of wandering people to force them to come back; this is categorically false for both statements. See the words "they comfort me"; if sticks are being used to break legs, it's obvious that they aren't comforting! You can learn more about this in the book Untwisting Scriptures to Find Freedom and Joy in Jesus Christ: Book 4: Wolves, Hypocrisy, Sin Leveling, and Righteousness. The Lord wields the rod against the false teachers (bad shepherds or wolves) of Ezekiel 34 and John 10 and Matthew 23, not the sheep. See also Psalm 110:2, Micah 7:14, Zechariah 11:7-14
5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: Because this is a table in front of enemies, we can deduce that it is a victory banquet celebrating the defeat of the enemies. See also Psalm 22:26, Psalm 22:29, Psalm 78:19, Psalm 104:15, Ruth 2:14, Job 36:16, Isaiah 25:6, John 6:53-56, I Corinthians 10:16-21, Revelation 19:9
you anoint my head with oil: There are multiple layers of interpretations here. Anointing a sheep with oil repels flies and other harmful insects and good shepherds applied oils infused with herbs for treatment of diseases and injuries. The anointing oils for humans would have contained essential oils that would perfume the air--an essential in times before modern antiperspirants! For this reason, it was common for honored guests at a banquet to be anointed with scented oil. See also Psalm 45:7, Psalm 92:10, Ecclesiastes 9:8, Amos 6:6, Matthew 6:17, Luke 7:46, John 11:2, 2 Corinthians 1:21, 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27, Ezekiel 16:9, Luke 7:46, Hebrews 1:9
my cup overflows: see also Psalm 16:5, Psalm 116:13, 1 Corinthians 10:16, Ephesians 3:20, Psalm 103:5, Luke 22:17
6. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life: Faithful love is the Hebrew word hesed--see my commentary on this Hebrew word. See also Psalm 30:11-12, Psalm 36:7-10, Psalm 103:17, 2 Corinthians 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:18
I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live: the word translated as "dwell" here should probably be translated "return"; the article Returning To The House Of The Lord has more information on the word וְשַׁ֫בְתִּי. When translated in this way, the psalm relates well to the parable of the prodigal son who returned. See also Psalm 16:11, Psalm 17:15, Psalm 73:24-26, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 1:23, Psalm 21:4, 1 Samuel 1:22, Psalm 27:4, Psalm 61:4, Psalm 65:4, Psalm 84:4, Psalm 140:13, Luke 2:37
The literary structure of this Psalm is available here. I highly recommend the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller to understand the many things about sheep and shepherds that make this Psalm much more understandable.
The Visual Commentary on Scripture has The Children of God.
First John 3:1-10
CSB
See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him. Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is. And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure. Everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. Everyone who remains in him does not sin; everyone who sins has not seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works. Everyone who has been born of God does not sin, because his seed remains in him; he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God. This is how God’s children and the devil’s children become obvious. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother or sister.
Who wrote First John: The epistle has traditionally been attributed to the Apostle John. I believe that it was written by an eyewitness to Jesus because of 1 John 1:1-3 and 1 John 4:14. The word we is used and not I throughout the book, so it likely was cowritten. The similarities in subject matter and writing style lead me to believe that the gospel and the 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 First John was written to: not stated in the epistle, but certainly they were members of a church and probably most of those being addressed were Gentiles
When First John was written: late 80s or early 90s CE/AD; the books that have traditionally were attributed to John were the last in the canon to be written
The purpose of the book of First John: 1 John 1:1-4, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12-14 give the stated purposes for writing this epistle
Things I noticed:
1. See what great love the Father has given us: see also 1 John 4:9-10, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 36:7-9, Psalm 89:1-2, Hosea 2:23, Malachi 3:17, John 3:16, John 14:21, John 17:23, Romans 1:7, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:32, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 3:18-19
that we should be called God’s children—and we are!:
He [Rabbi Akiva] used to say: Beloved is man for he was created in the image [of God]. Especially beloved is he for it was made known to him that he had been created in the image [of God], as it is said: “for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). Beloved are Israel in that they were called children to the All-Present. Especially beloved are they for it was made known to them that they are called children of the All-Present, as it is said: “you are children to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 14:1). Beloved are Israel in that a precious vessel was given to them. Especially beloved are they for it was made known to them that the desirable instrument, with which the world had been created, was given to them, as it is said: “for I give you good instruction; forsake not my teaching” (Proverbs 4:2). Pirkei Avot 3:14
See also 1 John 5:1, Deuteronomy 14:1, Deuteronomy 32:6, Jeremiah 3:19, Jeremiah 31:20, Hosea 1:10, Matthew 7:11, Matthew 23:9, John 1:12, Romans 8:14-17, Romans 8:21, Romans 9:8, Romans 9:25-26, 2 Corinthians 6:18, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 3:29, Galatians 4:5-6, Galatians 4:28, Ephesians 4:6, Ephesians 5:1, Philippians 2:15, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 3:11, Revelation 21:7
The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him: see also John 1:10, John 1:26, John 15:18-19, John 16:3, John 17:25, Galatians 4:8, Colossians 3:3
2. Dear friends, we are God’s children now: see also verse 1 above, 1 John 5:1, Isaiah 56:5, Romans 8:14-15, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:6
and what we will be has not yet been revealed: see also Psalm 31:19, Romans 8:18, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 2 Corinthians 4:17
We know that when he appears: see also Malachi 3:2, Colossians 3:4, Hebrews 9:28
we will be like him: see also Psalm 17:15, Romans 8:29, 1 Corinthians 15:49, Philippians 3:21, 2 Peter 1:4
because we will see him as he is:
It also says (in Is. 30:20), “and no more shall your Teacher hide Himself, for your eyes shall see your Teacher.” The ministering angels will ask them, “What has the Holy One, blessed be He, taught you?” Midrash Tanchuma Balak 14:1
An illustration of the attribute of flesh and blood is that when a person brings a great gift to the king, it is uncertain whether the king will accept it from him or will not accept it from him. And if you say that the king will accept it from him, it is uncertain whether the person who brought the gift will eventually see the face of the king, or will not see the face of the king. But the Holy One, Blessed be He, does not act in this way. Even when a person gives a mere peruta to a poor person, he merits to receive the Divine Presence, as it is stated: “As for me, I will behold Your face through charity; I will be satisfied, when I awake, with Your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). It is related that Rabbi Elazar would first give a peruta to a poor person and only then would he pray. He said: As it is written in the same verse: “I will behold Your face through charity.” The Gemara asks: What is the meaning of that which is written: “I will be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness”? Rav Naḥman bar Yitzḥak says: These are Torah scholars, who in pursuit of their studies banish sleep from their eyes in this world, and the Holy One, Blessed be He, satiates them with the radiance of the Divine Presence in the World-to-Come. Bava Batra 10a:13-14
See also Exodus 34:29-35, Job 19:26, Psalm 16:11, Matthew 5:8, John 17:24, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
3. And everyone who has this hope in him: see also Romans 5:4-5, Colossians 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, Titus 3:7, Hebrews 6:18
purifies himself: see also Acts 15:9, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 5:26, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Peter 1:4, 2 Peter 3:14
just as he is pure: see also 1 John 2:6, 1 John 4:17, Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:36, Hebrews 7:26
4. Everyone who commits sin: see also verses 8-9 below, 1 Kings 8:47, 1 Chronicles 10:13, 2 Corinthians 12:21, James 5:15
practices lawlessness: see also Numbers 15:31, 1 Samuel 15:24, 2 Chronicles 24:20, Isaiah 53:8, Daniel 9:11, Romans 3:20, Romans 4:15, James 2:9-11
and sin is lawlessness: see also 1 John 5:17, Romans 7:7-13
5. You know that he was revealed: see also 1 John 1:2, 1 John 4:9-14, John 1:31, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:20
so that he might take away sins: The phrase here is clearly referring to the scapegoat and that atonement process; through the same Greek word choice as the Septuagint uses for this atonement. See also 1 John 1:7, Exodus 34:7, Leviticus 10:17, Leviticus 16:21-22, Numbers 28:15, Psalm 32:5, Psalm 85:2, Psalm 130:8, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 53:4-12, Hosea 14:2, Matthew 1:21, John 1:29, Romans 3:24-26, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Timothy 1:15, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 2:24, Revelation 1:5
and there is no sin in him: see also 1 John 2:1, Isaiah 53:9, Luke 23:41, Luke 23:47, John 8:46, John 14:30, John 19:4, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 Peter 3:18
6. Everyone who remains in him does not sin: I absolutely do not believe that this verse is teaching that "real" Christians reach a state of sinless perfection here on earth because of 1 John 1:8. Greek verb tenses are different than English verb tenses. For present tense, Greek does not differentiate between the AAV "I be eating bacon" meaning I am eating bacon habitually (probably daily) and I eat bacon (with the implication of sometimes I eat bacon since I am neither kosher nor vegetarian but not continually like "I be eating bacon" indicates). I think that if the New Testament had been originally written in Spanish, John would have probably chosen the verb ser instead of estar, but Greek doesn't distinguish between 1-time present tense and ongoing present tense. For additional context, read Romans 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Titus 3:10-11, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 John 1:9-11. The apostles want us to see a difference between a state of unrepentant immorality and occasional sins that are repented of. Our state should be unity and cooperation with the Holy Spirit and not rejection of the Holy Spirit. See also 1 John 2:28, 1 John 5:18, John 8:31-39, John 15:4-7
everyone who sins has not seen him or known him: see also verse 2 above, verse 9 below, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 5:18, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 3 John 1:11
7. Little children: see also 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:21, Mark 10:24, John 13:33, Galatians 4:19
let no one deceive you: see also 1 John 2:26, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 6:7-8, Ephesians 5:6, James 1:22, James 2:19
let no one deceive you: see also 1 John 2:26, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 6:7-8, Ephesians 5:6, James 1:22, James 2:19
The one who does what is right is righteous: see also 1 John 2:29, Psalm 15:2, Psalm 106:3, Ezekiel 18:5-9, Matthew 5:20, Luke 1:75, Acts 10:35, Romans 2:6-8, Romans 2:13, Romans 6:16-18, Ephesians 5:9, Philippians 1:11, 1 Peter 2:24
just as he is righteous: see also verse 3 above, 1 John 2:1, Psalm 45:7, Psalm 72:1-7, Psalm 112:4, Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 7:2, 1 Peter 1:15, 1 Peter 1:16
8. The one who commits sin is of the devil: see also verse 10 below, 1 John 5:19, Matthew 13:38, John 8:44, Ephesians 2:2, James 5:1-3
for the devil has sinned from the beginning: see also 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6
The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: to destroy the devil’s works: see also verse 5 above, Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 27:1, Mark 1:24, Luke 10:18, John 12:31, John 16:11, Romans 16:20, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, Revelation 20:2-3, Revelation 20:10, Revelation 20:15
9. Everyone who has been born of God does not sin: see also verse 6 above, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:18, Psalm 119:3, Zephaniah 3:13, John 1:13
because his seed remains in him: Freedom from sin grows from a heavenly seed--the word of God as 1 Peter 1:23 says. The Greek word translated here as seed is sperma. The Greeks believed that children inherit their fathers' nature through the "seed" or sperm, which science has actually proven through DNA and genetics.
he is not able to sin, because he has been born of God: see also Matthew 7:18, Romans 6:2, Galatians 5:17
10. This is how God’s children: see also verse 1 above, 1 John 5:2, Psalm 112:4, Matthew 7:18, Luke 6:35, Romans 8:16-17, Ephesians 5:1
and the devil’s children become obvious: see also Isaiah 57:3, Ezekiel 16:3, Matthew 3:7, Matthew 12:34, Matthew 13:38, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, Ephesians 2:2
Whoever does not do what is right is not of God: see also verses 7-8 above, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 4:3-4, 1 John 4:6, 1 John 5:19, John 8:47, 3 John 1:11
especially the one who does not love his brother or sister: It always comes back to love for John. I call him the Love Doctor (spoken in a slow, deep voice, ooooh yeeeaaaah). See also 1 John 3:14-15, 1 John 2:9-10, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 John 4:21, Matthew 5:22, John 13:35, Romans 12:10, Hebrews 13:1
Jesus is paradoxically both the Shepherd of the Church and the sacrificial Lamb of God--our high priest and our atonement (which was a main topic in last week's lectionary reading). Numbers 28:3, Isaiah 53:6-7, John 1:29, John 1:36, John 10:11, Acts 8:32, Hebrews 13:20, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17
O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of your people: Grant that, when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. 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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