Third Sunday of Easter, Year B
The playlist of songs and hymns for this week is available on YouTube.
The Appearance of Christ at the Cenacle - Apparition du Christ au cénacle by James Tissot, 1886-1894, Brooklyn Museum. Cenacle is another term for what is more commonly called the upper room in English.
Appearance While the Apostles are at Table from the Maestà altarpiece by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1311, Museo dell’Opera. The fish mentioned in Luke 24:41-43 is on the table.
Luke 24:36-49
CSB
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Who wrote Luke: This book and its sequel Acts are traditionally attributed to Luke, the companion of Paul (Sha'ul), as mentioned in Philemon 24, Colossians 4:14, and 2 Timothy 4:11. Luke is believed to have been a physician. He was either a Gentile or a Hellenized Jew (with the Latin name Lucanus and Greek name Loukas) which can be determined from comparing 2 Colossians 4:10–11 with 2 Colossians 4:14. Luke does display a good knowledge of Hebrew customs in Luke-Acts, but he also displays a thorough knowledge of Greek and Roman culture and literature. The verbs in Acts change to first-person plural starting in Acts 16:10, so it's reasonable to assume that Luke and Paul met in Troas (modern-day northwestern Turkey) and then began to travel together.
Who Luke was written to: Theophilus; some people think that this might be Theophilus ben Ananus (the Jewish high priest from 37-41 CE/AD) or Mattathias ben Theophilus (the Jewish high priest at the beginning of the First Jewish–Roman War, which began in 66 CE/AD) or it could be someone else, as this name was common as a given name or title. Another possibility is that it was written for the use of Paul's lawyer for his trial in Rome. "Most Honorable" was a specific political title bestowed by the Roman government.
When Luke was written: Acts ends before the martyrdom of Paul (between 64-68 CE/AD) and Luke was written before Acts
The purpose of the book of Luke: to give an orderly account of Jesus so that the reader could know the certainty of the things that he had been taught (Luke 1:3-4). A common theme is rejection by the religious elite.
Things I noticed:
When Luke was written: Acts ends before the martyrdom of Paul (between 64-68 CE/AD) and Luke was written before Acts
The purpose of the book of Luke: to give an orderly account of Jesus so that the reader could know the certainty of the things that he had been taught (Luke 1:3-4). A common theme is rejection by the religious elite.
Things I noticed:
36. As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst: see also Mark 16:14, John 20:19-23, Acts 13:31, 1 Corinthians 15:5
He said to them, “Peace to you!”: The Hebrew/Aramaic greeting that Jesus would have used is Shalom aleichem. See also Luke 1:13, Luke 10:5, Genesis 43:23, Isaiah 57:18, Daniel 10:19, Matthew 10:13, Matthew 28:9-10, John 14:27, John 16:33, John 20:26, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:17
37. But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost: see also Luke 16:30, Genesis 45:3, 1 Samuel 28:13, Job 4:14-16, Matthew 14:26-27, Mark 6:49-50, Mark 16:8, Acts 12:15
38. “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts?”: see also Luke 5:22, Jeremiah 4:14, Daniel 4:5, Daniel 4:19, Daniel 10:12, Matthew 16:8, Mark 2:8, Mark 6:50, Mark 16:14, Acts 12:15, Hebrews 4:13
39. Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see: see also John 20:20, John 20:25, John 20:27, Acts 1:3, 1 John 1:1 below
because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have: Flesh and bones is a Hebrew idiom that is equivalent to flesh and blood. See also Luke 23:46, Genesis 45:12, Ecclesiastes 12:7, John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:35-49, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 12:9
40. Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet: see also John 20:20
41. But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy: see also Genesis 45:26-28, Job 9:16, Psalm 126:1-2, John 16:22
he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”: In Jewish folklore, angels and spirits were believed to not be able to eat earthly food. See also Luke 8:55, John 21:5, John 21:10-13
42. So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish: see also Luke 9:10-17, Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39, Mark 5:43, Mark 6:30-44, Mark 8:1-10, John 6:1-14, John 21:9-13
43. and he took it and ate in their presence: see also Genesis 18:8, John 21:13, Acts 10:41
44. These are my words that I spoke to you: see also Luke 24:6-7, Luke 9:22, Luke 18:31-33, Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19, Mark 8:31-32, Mark 9:31, Mark 10:33-34, John 2:22, John 14:30
while I was still with you: see also John 16:4-5, John 16:16-17, John 17:11-13
that everything written about me: see also verse 46 below, Luke 24:26-27, Luke 21:22, Matthew 26:54-56, Mark 14:21, Mark 14:49, John 1:45, John 19:24-37, John 20:9, Acts 3:18, Acts 13:29-33, Acts 17:11, Acts 18:28, Acts 24:14, Acts 26:22, Acts 28:23, Romans 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
in the Law of Moses: see also Genesis 3:15, Genesis 14:18, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10, Leviticus 16:2-19, Numbers 21:8, Numbers 35:25, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 3:14, John 5:46, Acts 3:22-24, Acts 7:37, Hebrews 3:5, Hebrews 7:1, Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 10:1
the Prophets: see also Luke 24:27, Luke 1:70, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 11:1-10, Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 40:1-11, Isaiah 42:1-4, Isaiah 49:1-8, Isaiah 50:2-6, Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53:1-12, Isaiah 61:1-3, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 33:14, Ezekiel 17:22, Ezekiel 34:23, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:13, Daniel 9:24-27, Hosea 1:7-11, Hosea 3:5, Joel 2:28-32, Amos 9:11, Micah 5:1-4, Haggai 2:7-9, Zechariah 6:12, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 11:8-13, Zechariah 12:10, Zechariah 13:7, Zechariah 14:4, Malachi 3:1-3, Malachi 4:2-6, Matthew 1:22, Matthew 2:15, Matthew 4:14, Matthew 12:17, Acts 8:30-35, Acts 13:27, Romans 16:26
and the Psalms must be fulfilled: see also Luke 20:17, Luke 20:42, Luke 22:37, Psalm 2:1-12, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 22:1-31, Psalm 31:5, Psalm 40:6-8, Psalm 69:1-36, Psalm 72:1-20, Psalm 88:1-18; Psalm 109:4-20, Psalm 110:1-7, Psalm 118:22, John 5:39, John 10:35, John 15:25, Acts 1:20, Acts 2:30, Acts 10:43, Acts 17:2-3, 1 Peter 1:11, Revelation 19:10
45. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures: see also Luke 18:34, Luke 24:32, Exodus 4:11, Job 33:16, Psalm 119:18, Isaiah 29:10-12, Isaiah 29:18-19, Isaiah 42:7, Isaiah 54:13, Matthew 15:16, Mark 9:32, John 12:16, Acts 1:1-8, Acts 16:14, Acts 26:18, Acts 28:26, 2 Corinthians 3:14-18, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 5:14, 2 Timothy 2:7, 1 John 5:20, Revelation 3:7
46. This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day: see also verse 44 above, Luke 24:26-27, Psalm 22:1-31, Isaiah 50:6, Isaiah 53:2-12, Acts 17:3, 1 Peter 1:3
47. and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name: see also Luke 3:3, Luke 5:32, Luke 13:3-5, Daniel 9:24, Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 9:13, Mark 6:12, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 5:31, Acts 11:18, Acts 13:38-39, Acts 13:46, Acts 17:30-31, Acts 20:21, Acts 26:20, 1 John 2:12
to all the nations: see also Luke 2:10, Genesis 12:3, Psalm 22:27, Psalm 67:2-4, Psalm 67:7, Psalm 86:9, Psalm 96:3, Psalm 98:1-3 below, Psalm 117:1-2, Isaiah 2:1-3, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 49:22, Isaiah 52:10, Isaiah 52:15, Isaiah 60:1-3, Isaiah 66:18-21, Jeremiah 31:34, Hosea 2:23, Micah 4:2 below, Malachi 1:11, Matthew 8:10-11, Matthew 24:14, Matthew 26:13, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 13:47, Acts 18:5-6, Acts 28:28, Romans 10:12-18, Romans 15:8-16, Ephesians 3:8, Colossians 1:27
beginning at Jerusalem: see also Luke 13:34, Isaiah 40:9, Isaiah 52:7, Hosea 11:8, Matthew 10:5-6, Acts 3:25-26, Acts 13:46, Romans 11:26-27
48. You are witnesses of these things: see also Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 44:8, John 15:27, Acts 1:8, Acts 1:22, Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:32, Acts 10:39, Acts 10:41, Acts 13:31, Acts 22:15, Hebrews 2:3-4, 1 John 1:2-3 below
49. And look, I am sending you what my Father promised: see also Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 44:3-4, Isaiah 59:20-21, Joel 2:28-32, John 14:16-17, John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:7-16, Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 1:13
As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high: see also Isaiah 32:15, Isaiah 44:3, Ezekiel 39:29, Joel 2:28, John 7:39, Acts 1:4, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-21, Acts 2:33
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
Annas and Caiaphas - Anne et Caïphe by James Tissot, 1886-1894, Brooklyn Museum. Annas and Caiaphas are mentioned in Acts 4:6.
Acts 4:5-14
CSB
The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family. After they had Peter and John stand before them, they began to question them: “By what power or in what name have you done this?” Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy. This Jesus is
the stone rejected by you builders,
which has become the cornerstone.
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
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:
5. The next day: see also Acts 5:20-21, Matthew 27:1-2
their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem: This is a meeting of the Sanhedrin. See also verse 8 below, Acts 5:34, Acts 6:12, Psalm 2:2, Isaiah 1:10, Isaiah 1:23, Ezekiel 14:1, Matthew 2:4, Matthew 28:12, Mark 11:27, Mark 15:1, Mark 14:53, Luke 12:11, Luke 20:1, Luke 22:66, Luke 24:20, John 11:47, Acts 4:1, Acts 5:17, Acts 5:21, Acts 22:5
6. with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family: Ananos the Elder or Annas (AN-uhs) was high priest from 6-15 CE. He had 5 sons who were also high priests: Eleazar (16-17 CE), Jonathan (36-37 CE), Theophilos (37-41 CE), Matthias (circa 43 CE), and Annas the Younger (62 CE). His son-in-law Joseph was also known as Caiaphas (KAY-uh-fuhs or KIGH-uh-fuhs) and he was high priest (18-36 CE). The Antiquities of the Jews, 20.197–20.223 by Flavius Josephus says that this family and the other high priests were very corrupt. The high priests of the first century were appointed by the Roman government and it was widely believed that the high priests were purchasing their positions. Also, people retained the title "high priest" as an emeritus of the position in the same way that we still refer to former presidents of the United States by the honorific of President. See also Luke 3:2, Matthew 26:3, Matthew 26:57, John 11:49, John 18:13-14, John 18:24, John 18:28
7. After they had Peter and John stand before them, they began to question them: see also Acts 5:27, 1 Kings 21:12-14, John 8:3
By what power: see also Exodus 2:14, Matthew 21:23, Mark 11:28, Luke 20:2, John 2:18
or in what name have you done this?: see also verse 10 below, Acts 3:6, Acts 3:16, Acts 5:28, Acts 5:40, 1 Corinthians 5:4
8. Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders”: see also Acts 4:31, Acts 2:4, Acts 7:55, Acts 8:16-17, Acts 13:9, Exodus 35:31, Judges 14:6, Psalm 118:9, Psalm 146:3, Matthew 10:19-20, Mark 13:11, Luke 1:41, Luke 12:11-12, Luke 21:14-15, John 20:22
9. If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was healed: see also Acts 3:7, Acts 14:8, Matthew 9:5, Matthew 10:8, Matthew 11:5, Matthew 14:36, Mark 6:56, John 7:23, John 10:32, 1 Peter 3:15-17, 1 Peter 4:14
10. let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: see also Acts 13:38, Acts 28:28, Jeremiah 42:19-20, Daniel 3:18
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified: Nazareth (NAZ-uh-reth) was a small, obscure town high in the hills west of Mount Tabor. See also Acts 2:22-24, Acts 2:36, Acts 3:6, Acts 3:13-16, Acts 5:29-32
and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy: see also Acts 2:24, Acts 10:40-42, Acts 13:29-41, Matthew 27:63-66, Matthew 28:11-15, Luke 24:46 above, Romans 1:4
11. This Jesus is the stone: see also Genesis 49:24, Psalm 118:22-23, Isaiah 8:14, Isaiah 28:16, Daniel 2:34, Matthew 3:9, Matthew 21:42-45, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:16-18, Romans 9:32-33, 1 Peter 2:4-10
the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone: Psalm 118:22-23 has been historically interpreted by rabbis as referring to any of the following: Abraham, David, and rarely the Messiah.
Micah 5:1 ...from you shall emerge for Me—the Messiah, son of David, and so Scripture says (Ps. 118:22): “The stone the builders had rejected became a cornerstone.” Rashi on Micah 5:1
The word translated here as builders was often used metaphorically by Talmudic scholars to refer to their fellow scholars as builders or architects of Torah. See also Acts 7:52, Zechariah 3:9, Zechariah 4:7-9, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1 Peter 2:4-10
12. There is salvation in no one else: see also Acts 10:42-43, Matthew 1:21, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:36, John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Hebrews 2:3, Hebrews 12:25, 1 John 5:11-12, Revelation 7:9-10, Revelation 20:15
for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved: see also Acts 2:5, Genesis 7:19, Job 41:11, Psalm 45:17, Joel 2:32, Colossians 1:23
13. When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men: The apostles hadn't been trained in rhetoric and hadn't studied under an approved rabbi (since they didn't recognize Jesus as a Torah scholar because they hadn't trained him). The Sanhedrin considered the apostles to be laypeople. See also Acts 2:7-12, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 11:25, John 7:15, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 11:6
they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus: see also Matthew 26:71, Matthew 26:73, Luke 22:56-60, John 18:17
14. And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition: see also Acts 3:8-12, Acts 4:16, Acts 4:21, Acts 19:36
Micah 4:1-5
CSB
In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s house
will be established
at the top of the mountains
and will be raised above the hills.
Peoples will stream to it,
and many nations will come and say,
“Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us about his ways
so we may walk in his paths.”
For instruction will go out of Zion
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He will settle disputes among many peoples
and provide arbitration for strong nations
that are far away.
They will beat their swords into plows
and their spears into pruning knives.
Nation will not take up the sword against nation,
and they will never again train for war.
But each person will sit under his grapevine
and under his fig tree
with no one to frighten him.
For the mouth of the Lord of Armies
has spoken.
Though all the peoples walk
in the name of their own gods,
we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
forever and ever.
Who wrote Micah: this book is collection of the prophecies of Mikayahu (Micah) of Moresheth-Gath, a city in Judah whose location has not been positively identified by scholars
Who Micah was written to: Jewish people who had not been following God's teachings
When Micah was written: Mikayahu lived circa 750–700 BCE
The purpose of the book of Micah: Mikayahu is providing instructions and hope for how to live after the events that he and other prophets have warned about occur
Things I noticed:
Who Micah was written to: Jewish people who had not been following God's teachings
When Micah was written: Mikayahu lived circa 750–700 BCE
The purpose of the book of Micah: Mikayahu is providing instructions and hope for how to live after the events that he and other prophets have warned about occur
Things I noticed:
1. In the last days: see also Genesis 49:1, Isaiah 2:1-4, Jeremiah 48:47, Ezekiel 38:16, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 10:14, Hosea 3:5, Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2, 2 Peter 3:3
the mountain of the Lord’s house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills: see also Micah 1:4, Micah 3:12, Micah 6:1-2, Psalm 68:15-16, Isaiah 11:9, Isaiah 66:20, Ezekiel 17:22-24, Ezekiel 40:2, Ezekiel 43:12, Daniel 2:35, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:18, Daniel 7:22, Daniel 7:27, Zechariah 8:3, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 21:1-8
Peoples will stream to it: see also Micah 7:12, Genesis 49:10, Psalm 22:27, Psalm 68:29-32, Psalm 72:7-11, Psalm 72:16-19, Psalm 86:9, Psalm 110:3, Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 27:13, Isaiah 43:6, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 49:19-23, Isaiah 54:2, Isaiah 60:3-14, Isaiah 66:18-23, Jeremiah 3:17, Jeremiah 16:19, Zephaniah 3:9-10, Zechariah 2:11-12, Zechariah 14:16-21, Malachi 1:11, Romans 11:25-26, Revelation 15:4
2. and many nations will come and say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob”: see also Isaiah 2:3, Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 31:6, Jeremiah 50:4-5, Zechariah 8:20-23, Mark 11:17
He will teach us about his ways so we may walk in his paths: see also Deuteronomy 6:1, Psalm 23:3, Psalm 25:8-9, Psalm 25:12, Psalm 32:8-9, Psalm 119:35, Proverbs 9:4-6, Proverbs 8:20, Jeremiah 31:33, Isaiah 54:13, Matthew 11:25-30, John 6:45, John 14:6, Acts 9:2, Acts 13:10, Hebrews 10:20, James 1:19-25
For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem: see also Psalm 110:2, Isaiah 42:1-4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Hosea 6:3, Zechariah 14:8-9, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 28:20, Mark 16:15-16, Mark 16:20, Luke 24:47 above, Acts 1:8, Acts 13:46,-47, Romans 10:12-18, Romans 15:19
3. He will settle disputes among many peoples: see also 1 Samuel 2:10, Psalm 82:8, Psalm 96:13, Psalm 98:9 below, Isaiah 11:3-5, Isaiah 51:5, Matthew 25:31-32, John 5:22-23, John 5:27-29, John 16:8-11, Acts 17:31, Revelation 19:11
and provide arbitration for strong nations that are far away: see also Micah 5:15, Micah 7:16-17, Psalm 2:5-12, Psalm 68:30-31, Psalm 110:1-2, Psalm 110:5-6, Isaiah 25:3, Isaiah 60:12, Daniel 2:44, Joel 3:2, Joel 3:9-16, Zechariah 12:3-6, Zechariah 14:3, Zechariah 14:12-19, Revelation 19:17-21, Revelation 20:8-9
They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation: This is a poetic description of a peaceful world. See also Psalm 46:9, Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 11:6-9, Hosea 2:18, Joel 3:10, Zechariah 9:10
and they will never again train for war: see also Psalm 72:7, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 60:17, Isaiah 60:18, Isaiah 65:25
4. But each person will sit under his grapevine and under his fig tree: Fig trees give excellent shade in the intense Israeli sun, though this is more a declaration of prosperity and an abundance of food. See also 1 Kings 4:25, 2 Kings 18:31, Isaiah 36:16, Jeremiah 5:17, Hosea 9:10, Hosea 14:7, Joel 1:11-12, Zechariah 3:10, Mark 11:12-14, Mark 11:20-21, John 1:48
with no one to frighten him: see also Micah 5:4, Isaiah 54:14, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezekiel 34:25, Ezekiel 34:28, Ezekiel 38:11, Ezekiel 39:26
For the mouth of the Lord of Armies has spoken: see also Isaiah 1:20, Isaiah 40:5, Isaiah 58:14
5. Though all the peoples walk in the name of their own gods: see also 2 Kings 17:29, 2 Kings 17:34, Jeremiah 2:10-11
we will walk: see also Genesis 17:1, Psalm 71:16, Isaiah 2:5, Zechariah 10:12, Colossians 2:6, Colossians 3:17
in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever: see also Exodus 3:14-15, Psalm 48:14, Psalm 145:1-2, Isaiah 62:12
Psalm 98
CSB
Sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has performed wonders;
his right hand and holy arm
have won him victory.
The Lord has made his victory known;
he has revealed his righteousness
in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his love
and faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth
have seen our God’s victory.
Let the whole earth shout to the Lord;
be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.
Sing to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and melodious song.
With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn
shout triumphantly
in the presence of the Lord, our King.
Let the sea and all that fills it,
the world and those who live in it, resound.
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the mountains shout together for joy
before the Lord,
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world righteously
and the peoples fairly.
Who wrote this Psalm? unattributed
Who was this Psalm written for? Jews to celebrate the enthronement of God as king
When was this Psalm written? unknown, though this section of the Psalms was probably compiled during the Exile
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
When was this Psalm written? unknown, though this section of the Psalms was probably compiled during the Exile
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
Things I noticed:
1. Sing a new song to the Lord:
"The song of victory is sometimes called a 'new song' to designate that it is an occasional poem celebrating the latest victory." Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by Ryken, Wilhoit, and Longman
See also Psalm 33:3, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 96:1, Psalm 144:9, Psalm 149:1, Isaiah 42:10, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 14:3
for he has performed wonders: see also Psalm 77:14, Psalm 86:10, Psalm 105:5, Psalm 136:4, Psalm 139:14, Exodus 15:6, Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 43:18-20, Jeremiah 31:22, Luke 1:49, Luke 2:10-14, Acts 2:11, Revelation 15:3-4
his right hand and holy arm have won him victory: The right hand symbolizes either a prominent or favored position or the location of the defender of a king (king's champion or chief bodyguard). See also Psalm 2:5-6, Psalm 45:3-5, Psalm 110:2-6, Genesis 3:15, Exodus 15:6, Exodus 15:12, Isaiah 52:7-10, Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 63:5, John 16:33, Acts 19:20, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 6:2, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:11-21
2. The Lord has made his victory known: see also Isaiah 45:21-23, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 52:10, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, Luke 2:30-32, Luke 3:6, Romans 10:18, Titus 2:13
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations: see also Psalm 19:4, Psalm 22:31, Psalm 24:5, Isaiah 40:3-5, Isaiah 45:24-25, Isaiah 46:13, Isaiah 62:2, Jeremiah 23:6, Luke 24:47 above, John 16:8-10, Romans 1:17, Romans 3:21-26, Romans 9:30, Romans 10:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, 2 Peter 1:1
3. He has remembered his love and faithfulness to the house of Israel: see also Psalm 106:45, Leviticus 26:42, Deuteronomy 4:31, Micah 7:20, Luke 1:54-55, Luke 1:72, Romans 15:8-9
all the ends of the earth have seen our God’s victory: see also verse 2 above, Psalm 19:4, Psalm 22:27, Psalm 67:7, Isaiah 40:3-5, Isaiah 45:22, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 52:10, Luke 2:30-31, Luke 3:6, Acts 13:47, Acts 28:28, Romans 10:12, Romans 10:18, Revelation 5:9
4. Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing: see also Psalm 47:1-5, Psalm 66:1, Psalm 66:4, Psalm 67:4, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 100:1, Isaiah 12:6, Isaiah 42:11, Isaiah 44:23, Jeremiah 33:11, Zephaniah 3:14, Matthew 21:9, Revelation 19:1, Revelation 19:6
5. Sing to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song: The lyre is a kinnor. King David played a kinnor. See also Psalm 33:2, Psalm 43:4, Psalm 57:8, Psalm 71:22, Psalm 81:2, Psalm 92:3-4, Psalm 150:3, 1 Chronicles 15:16, 1 Chronicles 25:1-6, 2 Chronicles 29:25, Revelation 5:8-9, Revelation 14:2-3, Revelation 15:2-3
6. With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout triumphantly: The trumpet (Hebrew hasosra) was primarily used as a signaling device in ancient times, not as a musical instrument. The Hebrew word translated here as ram's horn is a shofar. Shofars are traditionally blown on Rosh Hashanah, the end of Yom Kippur, daily in the month of Elul, at the beginning of a battle or a war, to announce the new moon, and to announce a Year of Jubilee. Before the destruction of the Temple, it was probably blown daily as part of the Temple processions. See also Psalm 47:5, Psalm 81:2-4, Psalm 150:3, Numbers 10:1-10, 1 Chronicles 15:28, 2 Chronicles 5:12-13, 2 Chronicles 29:27
in the presence of the Lord, our King: see also Psalm 47:6-7, Matthew 25:34, Revelation 19:16
7. Let the sea and all that fills it: see also Psalm 96:11-13, Psalm 97:1, 1 Chronicles 16:32, Habakkuk 3:10
the world and those who live in it, resound: see also Psalm 69:34, Psalm 97:1, Isaiah 14:7, Isaiah 44:23, Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 61:11, Luke 19:40
8. Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains shout together for joy: see also Psalm 47:1, Psalm 65:12-13, Psalm 89:12, 2 Kings 11:12, Isaiah 55:12
9. before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world righteously and the peoples fairly: This just judge will bring about peace to the whole world.
"The term [fairly] here is comparable to that used in Mesopotamia for the declaration of release from debts. In the ancient Near East the freeing of prisoners (from debtors' prison) as an act of justice often occurred in the first or second year of a new king's reign (and then periodically after that)." The IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament by Walton, Matthews, and Chavalas
See also Psalm 7:8, Psalm 9:4, Psalm 9:8, Psalm 50:4, Psalm 58:11, Psalm 67:4, Psalm 72:2, Psalm 96:10, Psalm 96:13, Psalm 99:4, Genesis 18:25, Judges 5:10-11, 1 Chronicles 16:33, Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 16:5, Isaiah 42:3, Isaiah 51:5, Jeremiah 11:20, Micah 4:3 above, Malachi 3:5, Matthew 25:32, Acts 17:31, Romans 2:5-6, Romans 3:6, Hebrews 10:30, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 19:11
First John 1:1-2:2
CSB
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him. If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.
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. What was from the beginning: see also 1 John 2:13, Proverbs 8:22-31, Isaiah 41:4, Micah 5:2, John 1:1, John 1:2-18, John 8:58, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:11, Revelation 1:17-18, Revelation 2:8
what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed: see also 1 John 4:14, Luke 1:2, John 1:14, Acts 1:3, Acts 4:20, 2 Peter 1:16-18
and have touched with our hands: see also Luke 24:39 above, John 20:27
concerning the word of life: see also 1 John 5:7, John 1:14, John 5:26, Revelation 19:13
2. that life: see also 1 John 5:11, 1 John 5:20, John 1:4, John 11:25-26, John 14:6
was revealed, and we have seen it: see also 1 John 3:5, 1 John 3:8, Romans 16:25-26, 1 Timothy 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:10
and we testify: see also Luke 24:48 above, John 15:27, John 21:14, Acts 1:22, Acts 2:32, Acts 3:15, Acts 5:32, Acts 10:41, 1 Peter 5:1
and declare to you the eternal life: see also 1 John 5:20, John 17:3
that was with the Father and was revealed to us: see also Proverbs 8:22-30, John 1:1-2, John 1:18, John 3:13, John 7:29, John 8:38, John 16:28, John 17:5, Romans 8:3, Galatians 4:4
3. what we have seen and heard: see also verse 1 above, Luke 24:48 above, Acts 4:20
we also declare to you: see also verse 5 below, Psalm 2:7, Psalm 22:22, Isaiah 66:19, John 17:25, Acts 13:32, Acts 13:41, Acts 20:27, 1 Corinthians 15:1, Hebrews 2:12
so that you may also have fellowship with us: see also Acts 2:42, Romans 15:27, Ephesians 3:6, Philippians 1:7, Philippians 2:1, 1 Timothy 6:2, Hebrews 3:1, 1 Peter 5:1
and indeed our fellowship is with the Father: see also verse 7 below, 1 John 2:23-24, John 14:20-23, John 17:3, John 17:11, John 17:21, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Philippians 2:1, Philippians 3:10, Hebrews 3:14
and with his Son, Jesus Christ: see also 1 John 5:10-11, Colossians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:10
4. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete: Talmudic scholars have taught that joy cannot be perfect or complete because our world is not perfect; there is always some difficulty in our lives. I'm not sure if this is rabbinically approved, but I would characterize it as the consequences of The Fall still reverberate. Rabbis would say that joy will be perfect when the Messiah comes. See also Isaiah 61:10, Habakkuk 3:17-18, John 15:11, John 16:24, 2 Corinthians 1:24, Ephesians 3:19, Philippians 1:25-26, 2 John 1:12
5. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: see also 1 John 3:11, 1 Corinthians 11:23
God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him:
(Numb. 8:2:) “When you set up the lamps.” This text is related (to Ps. 18:29), “For You light up my lamp.” Israel said to the Holy One, blessed be He, “Master of the world, are You saying that we should give light before You? [But] You are the light of the world and the light [dwells] with You, as it is written (in Dan. 2:22), ‘He reveals the deep and secret things, He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells within Him.’ And [now] You are saying (in Numb. 8:2 cont.), ‘let the seven lamps give their light in front of the menorah.’” Ergo (in Ps. 18:29, “For You light up my lamp.” The Holy One, blessed be He, said to them, “It is not because I need [your light]. Rather it is so that you may give light to Me just as I have given light to you in order to exalt you in the presence of all the nations; so that they will say, ‘See how Israel is giving light to the One who gives light to everyone!’” To what is the matter comparable? To a sighted person and a blind person who were walking on a road (... as in Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 4). The Holy One, blessed be He, was leading them and giving them light, as stated (in Exod. 13:21), “And the Lord went before them by day [in a pillar of cloud to guide them on the way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light].” When the tabernacle was set up, the Holy One, blessed be He, called to Moses and said to him, “Tell them to give Me light.” It is so stated (in Numb. 8:2), “Speak unto Aaron […], ‘When you set up [the lamps].’” Israel said to the Holy One, blessed be He, (in Ps. 18:29), “’For You light up my lamp.’ And [now] You say that we are to give You light?” The Holy One, blessed be He, said to them, “It was in order to exalt (lehaalot) you that I told you to give light to Me, just as I had given light to you on the way.” It is therefore stated (in Numb. 8:2), “When you set up (beha'alotekha) [the lamps].” Beha'alotcha, Siman 4
see also Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 36:9, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 92:15, Psalm 104:2, Isaiah 9:1-2, Isaiah 60:19-20, Zechariah 14:7, Matthew 4:15-16, Luke 2:32, John 1:1-9, John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:35-36, John 12:46, 1 Timothy 6:16, James 1:17, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 22:5
6. If we say: see also verses 8 and 10 below, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 4:20, Matthew 7:22, James 2:14, James 2:16, James 2:18, Revelation 3:17-18
We have fellowship with him: see also verse 3 above, Psalm 5:4-6, Psalm 94:20, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
and yet we walk in darkness:
Rabbi Zeira interpreted a verse homiletically, and some say that Rav Yosef taught in a baraita: What is the meaning of that which is written: “You make darkness and it is night, in which all the beasts of the forest creep forth” (Psalms 104:20)? “You make darkness and it is night”; this is referring to this world, which resembles nighttime. “In which all the beasts of the forest creep forth”; these are the wicked in this world, who resemble a beast of the forest, as the wicked have great influence in this world. [emphasis mine] Bava Metzia 83b:3
See also 1 John 2:9-11, Psalm 72:5, Psalm 82:5, Proverbs 2:13, Proverbs 4:18-19, Ecclesiastes 2:13-14, Micah 3:6, John 3:19-20, John 11:9-10, John 12:35, John 12:46
we are lying: see also verse 10 below, 1 John 4:20, John 8:12, John 8:44-45, 1 Timothy 4:2
and are not practicing the truth: see also John 3:21
7. If we walk in the light: In the Jewish world, obeying God's commands is "walking in" them--the literal meaning of halakha. Light in this metaphor is anything that displays integrity, justice, and truth. Light also symbolizes happiness, joy, salvation, and deliverance. See also 1 John 2:9-11, Psalm 56:13, Psalm 89:15, Psalm 97:11, Isaiah 2:5, Isaiah 5:20, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:22, Luke 11:34-36, John 12:35, Acts 26:18, Romans 13:12, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5, 2 Peter 1:19, 2 John 1:4, 3 John 1:4
as he himself is in the light: see also verse 5 above, Psalm 104:2, 1 Timothy 6:16, James 1:17
we have fellowship with one another: see also verse 3 above, Amos 3:3
and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin: see also verses 1-2 below, 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:8, Exodus 24:8, Exodus 29:37, Leviticus 8:15, Leviticus 16:16-20, Leviticus 16:30, Leviticus 17:11, Numbers 8:21, Psalm 51:2, Isaiah 4:4, Jeremiah 33:8, Ezekiel 36:33, Zechariah 13:1, John 1:29, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 5:7, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:6-14, Hebrews 10:1-22, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 7:14
8. If we say we have no sin: see also verse 6 above, verse 10 below, 1 John 3:5-6, 1 Kings 8:46, 2 Chronicles 6:36, Job 9:2, Job 14:4, Job 15:14, Job 25:4, Psalm 143:2, Proverbs 20:9, Proverbs 30:12, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 64:6, Jeremiah 2:22-23, Jeremiah 2:35, Romans 3:23, James 3:2
we are deceiving ourselves: see also 1 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 6:3, 2 Timothy 3:13, James 1:22, James 1:26, 2 Peter 2:13
and the truth is not in us: see also 1 John 2:4, 1 Timothy 6:5, 2 John 1:2, 3 John 1:3
9. If we confess our sins: see also Leviticus 5:5, Leviticus 16:21, Leviticus 26:40-42, 1 Kings 8:47, 2 Chronicles 6:37-38, Nehemiah 1:6, Nehemiah 9:2-37, Job 33:27-28, Psalm 32:1-5, Psalm 51:2-5, Proverbs 28:13, Jeremiah 3:13, Daniel 9:4-20, Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5, Acts 19:18
he is faithful: see also Deuteronomy 7:9, Lamentations 3:23, 1 Corinthians 1:9, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 11:11
and righteous to forgive us our sins: see also Isaiah 45:21, Zechariah 9:9, Romans 3:23-26, Hebrews 6:10, Revelation 15:3
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness: see also verse 7 above, Psalm 19:12, Psalm 51:2, Jeremiah 33:8, Ezekiel 36:25, Ezekiel 37:23, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 5:26, Titus 2:14
10. If we say we have not sinned: see also verse 8 above, Psalm 130:3
we make him a liar: see also 1 John 5:10, Job 24:25
and his word is not in us: see also verse 8 above, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 4:4, Colossians 3:16, 2 John 1:2
1. My little children: see also 1 John 2:12-13, 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:7, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:21, John 1:12, John 13:33, John 21:5, Romans 8:16, Romans 8:21, Romans 9:8, 1 Corinthians 4:14-15, Galatians 4:19
I am writing you these things: see also verses 3 and 4 above, 1 Timothy 3:14
so that you may not sin: see also Psalm 4:4, Ezekiel 3:21, John 5:14, John 8:11, Romans 6:1-2, Romans 6:15, 1 Corinthians 15:34, Ephesians 4:26, Titus 2:11-13, 1 Peter 1:15-19, 1 Peter 4:1-3
But if anyone does sin: see also verses 8-10 above
we have an advocate: The Greek word translated here as advocate is parakletos, which can mean intercessor, lawyer, or more broadly a helper or assistant. I believe that the latter meaning is the one most intended. Throughout the Bible, God is called our helper (ezer in Hebrew). If lawyer is intended, in a heavenly court, Satan is the prosecutor/accuser (Revelation 12:10; it's the literal meaning of the word Satan) and God is our lawyer defending us (Romans 8:33). Wikipedia has more information on the history of the word paraclete. See also Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:24-25, Hebrews 9:24
with the Father: see also Luke 10:22, John 5:19-26, John 5:36, John 6:27, John 10:15, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18, James 1:27, James 3:9
Jesus Christ the righteous one: see also 1 John 2:29, 1 John 3:5, Zechariah 9:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 7:26, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 Peter 3:18
2. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours: The Greek word translated as "atoning sacrifice" here is hilasmos. In the New Testament, it is only found in this verse and 1 John 4:10. It is also found in the Septuagint in Leviticus 25:9, Numbers 5:8, Psalm 129:4, Psalm 130:4, Ezekiel 44:27, and Daniel 9:9. The Greek word means to appease an angry god and the Vulgate took this and went with the concept of propitiation, but I am confident that this is not what the author intended. Translating highly technical words is fraught with peril; the wisest assumption is that a biblical author would be using technical words in the same sense as used in previously written parts of the Bible that they had access to, i.e. the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament). There are many theories about the theological details of atonement. Here's an overview of seven of them, and here's why Rebecca Davis no longer believes in the penal-substitutionary theory that is very popular amongst evangelicals. See also verse 7 above especially along with the cross-references there, Romans 3:25-26, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 10:5-10, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18
but also for those of the whole world: Here's yet another verse that seems to indicate some form of universalism. See also 1 John 4:14, 1 John 5:19, John 1:29, John 4:42, John 11:51-52, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Almighty God, you gave your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and an example of godly living: Give us grace thankfully to receive his inestimable benefits, and daily to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 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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