Second Sunday in Advent, Year C
The playlist of songs and hymns for this week is available on YouTube.
Luke 3:1-6
CSB
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
Prepare the way for the Lord;
make his paths straight!
Every valley will be filled,
and every mountain and hill will be made low;
the crooked will become straight,
the rough ways smooth,
and everyone will see the salvation of God.
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:
1. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar:
"Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular." Annals book 15, chapter 44 by Tacitus
while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea: Pontius Pilate (PAHN-chuhss PIGH-luht) was governor of Judea (joo-DEE-uh) from 26 or 27 to 36 or 37 CE. See also Luke 23:1-4, Luke 23:24, Genesis 49:10, Acts 4:27, Acts 23:26, Acts 24:27, Acts 26:30
Herod was tetrarch of Galilee: Herod (HEHR-uhd) Antipas was tetrarch (TET-rahrk) of Galilee between 4 BCE and 39 CE; he was the son of Herod the Great. A tetrarch is a client king in service to a greater king or emperor. Galilee (GAL-ih-lee) is the region of Israel to the west of the Sea of Galilee. See also Luke 3:19, Luke 9:7, Luke 23:6-11, Matthew 14:1, Mark 6:14, Acts 13:1
his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene: Philip ruled 4 BCE and 34 CE and was the half-brother of Herod Antipas and the son of Herod the Great. Iturea (it-yoo-REE-uh) was the region northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Trachonitis (trak-uh-NIGH-tiss) was a region in southern modern-day Syria. Lysanias (ligh-SAY-nih-uhs) was a son of Herod the Great as well, though his years of reign or any other details are unknown. Abilene (ab-ih-LEE-nee or A-buh-leen) was a tiny region in Syria. See also Matthew 14:3, Mark 6:17
2. during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas: Annas (AN-uhs) ben Seth was the high priest between 6-15 CE. Joseph ben Caiaphas (KAY-uh-fuhs or KIGH-uh-fuhs) was the high priest between 18-36 CE. There was only one high priest at a time, so how to explain this? Easy, Annas was the hand behind the throne; Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas, the former high priest. Many people who have been married have experienced the controlling nature of certain in-laws. Annas had biological sons who also became high priest. At this time in history, Roman rulers controlled who was the high priest in Jerusalem--it was a political appointment. Annas had been deposed by the Romans, but Jews believed that high priesthood was a lifetime appointment. See also John 11:49-51, John 18:13-14, John 18:24, Acts 4:6
God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah: Zechariah (ZEK-uh-RIGH-uh) (Hebrew Zekaryah means remember God) was a Levitical priest in Jerusalem. See also Luke 1:59-63, Jeremiah 1:2, Jeremiah 2:1, Ezekiel 1:3, Hosea 1:1-2, Jonah 1:1, Micah 1:1, Zephaniah 1:1, John 1:6, Acts 2:14, Acts 5:18-21, Acts 12:24
in the wilderness: see also Luke 1:80, Luke 7:24, Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1, Matthew 11:7, Matthew 24:26, Mark 1:3, John 1:23
3. He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan: This is the Jordan River. See also Matthew 3:5, Mark 1:4-5, John 1:28, John 3:26
proclaiming a baptism of repentance: Which sins did the people need to repent from? Malachi 3:5 below gives a clue. Baptism in Judaism is the mikveh or mikvah and is used for ritual/ceremonial purification. It is based upon Exodus 29:4, Exodus 30:19-21, Exodus 40:30-32, Leviticus 8:6, Leviticus 11:32, Leviticus 13:58, Leviticus 14:8-9, Leviticus 15:1-33, Leviticus 16:4, Leviticus 16:24-28, Leviticus 17:15-16, Leviticus 22:6, Numbers 8:15, Numbers 8:21, Numbers 19:7-8, Numbers 19:11-19, Numbers 31:22-23, and Deuteronomy 23:11. There is a distinct possibility that John the Baptist was an Essene or whichever sect was living at Qumran and it appears that this group used the mikveh more often than the average Jews of the time due to the large numbers of mikva'ot (ritual bath facilities) at Qumran and the emphasis on ritual purity in the extra-biblical material in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Qumran community was rejecting the corrupt religious leadership (Sanhedrin) in Jerusalem, the same ones that God scathingly denounced in Ezekiel 34 and the same ones that Jesus threw out in Matthew 21:12-13 and Mark 11:15-18. Before the kingdom of God would be inaugurated, the priesthood had to be purified as specified in Malachi 3:3-4 below to prevent the entire populace from destruction."And according to his insight, he shall admit him. In this way both his love and his hatred. No man shall argue or quarrel with the men of perdition. He shall keep his council in secrecy in the midst of the men of deceit and admonish with knowledge, truth, and righteous commandment those of chosen conduct, each according to his spiritual quality and according to the norm of time. He shall guide them with knowledge and instruct them in the mysteries of wonder and truth in the midst of the members of the community so that they shall behave decently with one another in all that has been revealed to them. That is the time for studying the Torah (lit. clearing the way) in the wilderness. He shall instruct them to do all that is required at that time and to separate from all those who have not turned aside from all deceit. These are the norms of conduct for the Master in those times with respect to his loving and to his everlasting hating of the men of perdition in a spirit of secrecy. He shall leave to them property and wealth and earnings like a slave to his lord, (showing) humility before the one who rules over him. He shall be zealous concerning the Law and be prepared for the Day of Revenge. He shall perform the will [of God] in all his deeds and in all strength as He has commanded. He shall freely delight in all that befalls him, and shall desire nothing except God's will." The Community Rule. Another version of The Community Rule here; this provides even more context to John the Baptist and I recommend checking it out.
See also Isaiah 56:1, Matthew 3:6, Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:4, John 1:31-33, Acts 13:24, Acts 18:25, Acts 19:4, Acts 22:16
for the forgiveness of sins: see also Luke 1:77
4. as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Luke is quoting from both Isaiah (igh-ZAY-uh) and Malachi, but he only mentions Isaiah because the quotation from that book isn't quite as obvious; Malachi was probably quoting from/referencing Isaiah while adding additional details. The person proclaiming this is functioning much like a historical town crier or herald. The Dead Sea Scrolls interpreted this passage as applying to everyone in their sect, but other rabbinic sources and the New Testament interpret this as applying to just one person, though who it applies to varies between different rabbis and Christian scholars. Isaiah likely was saying that he was this voice, but he also likely saw it as better applying to the Messiah. See also Isaiah 40:3-5, Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, John 1:23, Acts 8:28Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight: see also Luke 1:16-17, Luke 1:76-79, Luke 10:1, Luke 14:17, Song of Songs 2:8, Isaiah 43:19, Isaiah 57:14, Isaiah 62:10, Jeremiah 31:9, Malachi 4:6, John 1:7, John 1:26-36, John 3:28-36
5. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low: Which mountain would be flattened? Mark 12:10-11 and Zechariah 4:7 provide clues. The new Temple is a spiritual temple and every idea and thing that props up illegitimate temples will be flattened to create a spiritual Temple whose cornerstone is Jesus. See also Luke 1:51-53, Psalm 27:11, Isaiah 2:11-17, Isaiah 35:6-8, Isaiah 40:4, Isaiah 49:11, Isaiah 57:14, Isaiah 61:1-3, Ezekiel 17:24, Zechariah 14:10, James 1:9
the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth:
"But as Vespasian had a great mind to fall upon Galilee, he marched out of Ptolemais.....such as were to make the road even, and straight, and if it were any where rough and hard to be passed over, to plain it, and to cut down the woods that hindered their march, that the army might not be in distress or tired with their march." Of the War, book 3, chapter 6, paragraph 2 by Josephus
See also Isaiah 42:16, Isaiah 45:2, Hebrews 12:12-13
6. and everyone will see the salvation of God: see also Luke 1:76-77, Luke 2:10-11, Luke 2:30-32, Psalm 40:10, Psalm 67:2, Psalm 91:14-16, Psalm 98:2-3, Isaiah 40:5, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 52:10, Joel 2:28, Mark 16:15, Acts 2:17, Acts 28:28, Romans 10:12, Romans 10:18, Philippians 1:28, Titus 2:11, Revelation 7:10
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
Malachi 3:1-5
CSB
“See, I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple, the Messenger of the covenant you delight in—see, he is coming,” says the Lord of Armies. But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will be able to stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire and like launderer’s bleach. He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by. “I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless; and against those who deny justice to the resident alien. They do not fear me,” says the Lord of Armies.
Who wrote Malachi: supposedly written by Malachi or Malakyah, but Malakyah means my messenger. The Hebrew word מַלְאָכִי is translated as Malachi in Malachi 1:1 and translated as my messenger in Malachi 3:1, so it appears that it is a pseudonym. Jewish tradition states that this book was written by Ezra. It is likely that the author was a Levite who served in the Temple because of the knowledge of the corruption of the priests and the use of a pseudonym to prevent retaliation. Irrelevant note: malak is also the Hebrew word translated as angel.
Who Malachi was written to: formerly exiled Jews (along with the Jews who hadn't left) in Israel
When Malachi was written: after the construction of the Second Temple (around 516 BCE). Ben Sirach (the author of the book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus) knew the book of Malachi and his book was written early in the second century BCE. Most likely the author was a contemporary of Nehemiah.
The purpose of the book of Malachi: to indict the corrupt priests and other corrupt groups for their betrayal of God and their betrayal of the covenant
Things I noticed:
Who Malachi was written to: formerly exiled Jews (along with the Jews who hadn't left) in Israel
When Malachi was written: after the construction of the Second Temple (around 516 BCE). Ben Sirach (the author of the book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus) knew the book of Malachi and his book was written early in the second century BCE. Most likely the author was a contemporary of Nehemiah.
The purpose of the book of Malachi: to indict the corrupt priests and other corrupt groups for their betrayal of God and their betrayal of the covenant
Things I noticed:
1. See, I am going to send my messenger: Interpreting who "my messenger" refers to is a complex issue. I believe that the author of Malachi viewed himself as a messenger delivering prophecy (messages from God); he also viewed the coming messenger(s) as the second Elijah and the Messiah--whether he knew that these were two different people is unknown. The Qumran community believed that everyone in their group was a messenger crying out in the wilderness messages of repentance and purification from corruption that needed to be heard to hasten the coming of the Messiah. We are also messengers spreading the truly Good News of the arrival of God's kingdom, hastening the second coming of Christ as 2 Peter 3:12 says. I used to give a side-eye to post-millennialists who thought that we could usher in the Kingdom of God by becoming better people, but maybe they are right. See also Malachi 2:7, Malachi 4:5, Genesis 32:3, Deuteronomy 18:18, Job 33:23, Ecclesiastes 5:6, Haggai 1:13, Matthew 11:10-11, Mark 1:2-3, Luke 1:76, Luke 7:26-28, Luke 9:52, Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44, John 1:6-7
and he will clear the way before me: This messenger or herald goes into a village or city and warns the people that the king is coming and that they should prepare for that arrival. The residents would then need to get food and lodging ready for the king and his entire entourage. See also Isaiah 40:3-5, Matthew 3:1-3, Matthew 17:10-13, Luke 1:16-17, Luke 3:3-6 above, John 1:15-23, John 1:33-34, John 3:28-30, Acts 13:24-25, Acts 19:4
Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple: see also 2 Chronicles 7:1, Psalm 110:1, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Ezekiel 44:4, Haggai 2:7-9, Matthew 12:6, Matthew 21:12, Luke 2:11, Luke 2:21-32, Luke 2:38, Luke 2:46, Luke 7:19-20, Luke 19:47, John 2:14-16, Acts 2:2, Hebrews 9:11
the Messenger of the covenant you delight in: see also Genesis 48:15-16, Exodus 23:20, Numbers 25:12, Judges 2:1, Isaiah 63:9, Hosea 12:3-5, Acts 7:38, Acts 13:32, Acts 26:6
see, he is coming, says the Lord of Armies: see also Psalm 24:7, Psalm 96:13, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 40:10, Haggai 2:7, Zechariah 2:8-10
2. But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will be able to stand when he appears: see also Malachi 4:1, Numbers 24:23, 1 Samuel 6:20, Joel 2:11, Amos 5:18-20, Nahum 1:6, Matthew 3:7-12, Matthew 21:12, Matthew 21:31-44, Matthew 23:13-35, Matthew 25:10, Luke 2:34, Luke 3:9, Luke 3:17, Luke 11:37-47, Luke 11:52-54, Luke 21:36, John 8:41-48, John 8:55, John 9:39-41, John 15:22-24, Acts 7:52-54, Acts 13:40, Romans 9:31-33, Romans 11:5-10, Ephesians 6:13, Hebrews 10:28-29, Hebrews 12:25, 1 Peter 2:7-8, 1 John 2:28, Revelation 6:17
For he will be like a refiner’s fire: see also Job 23:10, Job 28:1, Psalm 50:3, Psalm 119:119, Proverbs 17:3, Isaiah 4:4, Isaiah 9:5, Isaiah 43:2, Isaiah 48:10, Jeremiah 6:29, Daniel 11:35, Zechariah 13:9, Matthew 3:10-12, Luke 3:16, Luke 12:49, Acts 2:3, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Revelation 2:23
and like launderer’s bleach: The Hebrew word translated here as launderer's bleach is borit, which refers to lye or another alkaline substance. See also Isaiah 1:18, Isaiah 1:25, Jeremiah 2:22, Mark 9:3, Ephesians 5:26-27, 2 Timothy 2:21-22, Titus 2:14, Revelation 7:14, Revelation 19:8
3. He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver: The primary process of purification of silver used at this time was cupellation. See also Psalm 11:5, Psalm 66:10, Proverbs 17:3, Proverbs 25:4, Proverbs 27:21, Isaiah 1:25, Isaiah 48:10, Jeremiah 6:28-30, Ezekiel 22:18-22, Daniel 12:10, Zechariah 13:9, Matthew 3:12, Luke 3:16, Hebrews 12:10, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 3:18
he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver: see also Malachi 1:6-10, Malachi 2:1-8, Isaiah 6:5-7, Isaiah 61:6, Isaiah 66:19-21, Jeremiah 33:18-22, Ezekiel 44:15-16, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10
Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness: see also Malachi 1:11, Psalm 4:5, Psalm 50:14, Psalm 50:23, Psalm 51:16-19, Psalm 69:30-31, Psalm 107:21-22, Psalm 116:17, Psalm 141:1-2, Hosea 14:2, John 4:23-24, Romans 12:1, Romans 15:16, Philippians 2:17, Philippians 4:18, 2 Timothy 4:6, Hebrews 13:15-16, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:9
4. And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord: Judah (JOO-duh) was the southern portion of Israel. See also Isaiah 1:26-27, Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 30:18-20, Jeremiah 31:23-24, Ezekiel 20:40-41, Ezekiel 43:26-27, Zechariah 8:3, Zechariah 14:20-21
as in days of old and years gone by: see also 1 Chronicles 15:26, 1 Chronicles 16:1-3, 1 Chronicles 21:26, 1 Chronicles 29:20-22, 2 Chronicles 1:6, 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 2 Chronicles 7:10-12, 2 Chronicles 8:12-14, 2 Chronicles 29:31-36, 2 Chronicles 30:21-27, 2 Chronicles 31:20,-21, Jeremiah 2:2-3, Lamentations 5:21, Micah 7:14
5. I will come to you in judgment: see also Malachi 2:17, Psalm 50:3-6, Psalm 96:13, Psalm 98:9, Ezekiel 34:20-22, Hebrews 10:30-31, James 5:8-9, 1 Peter 4:17, Jude 1:14-15
and I will be ready to witness: see also Malachi 2:14, Ruth 1:21, Psalm 50:7, Psalm 81:8, Jeremiah 29:23, Micah 1:2, Matthew 23:14-35
against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely: see also Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 6:2-3, Leviticus 18:20, Leviticus 19:12, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 20:6, Leviticus 20:10, Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 5:11, Deuteronomy 5:17-21, 1 Kings 21:13, Proverbs 6:29, Isaiah 29:21, Isaiah 48:1, Jeremiah 5:2, Jeremiah 5:7, Jeremiah 7:6, Jeremiah 7:9-10, Jeremiah 23:10, Jeremiah 27:9, Ezekiel 22:6-12, Zechariah 5:3-4, Zechariah 8:17, Matthew 26:72, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Hebrews 13:4, Revelation 9:21, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15
against those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless; and against those who deny justice to the resident alien: see also Exodus 22:21-24, Exodus 23:6, Leviticus 19:13, Leviticus 19:33, Deuteronomy 23:15-16, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Deuteronomy 24:17, Deuteronomy 27:19, Job 6:27, Job 22:9, Psalm 94:6, Psalm 146:7-9, Proverbs 22:22-23, Proverbs 23:10-11, Ecclesiastes 4:1, Ecclesiastes 5:8, Isaiah 1:23, Isaiah 3:5, Isaiah 10:2, Jeremiah 22:3, Jeremiah 22:13-17, Jeremiah 49:11, Ezekiel 18:7-9, Ezekiel 22:7, Hosea 12:7, Amos 4:1, Amos 5:12, Micah 2:2, Zephaniah 3:1, Zechariah 7:10, Matthew 7:12, Acts 6:1, 1 Corinthians 6:8, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, James 5:4, James 5:12
They do not fear me, says the Lord of Armies: The Hebrew word translated here as fear is yaré, which means fear, reverence, and honor. See also Malachi 3:16, Genesis 20:11, Genesis 42:18, Exodus 1:17, Exodus 18:21, Leviticus 25:17, Leviticus 25:43, Nehemiah 5:15, Psalm 36:1, Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 16:6, Luke 23:40, Romans 3:8
There literary structure of this passage is available here.
Psalm 126
CSB
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Our mouths were filled with laughter then,
and our tongues with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.
Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like watercourses in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.
Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.
Who wrote this Psalm? unattributed
Who was this Psalm written for? either for Jews to sing while ascending from the valley to Mount Zion for pilgrimage festivals or for Levites to sing while ascending steps into the Temple in Jerusalem
When was this Psalm written? verse 1 seems to be referring to the return of the exiled Jews from Babylon to the Promised Land after 538 BCE/BC
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
When was this Psalm written? verse 1 seems to be referring to the return of the exiled Jews from Babylon to the Promised Land after 538 BCE/BC
What is the purpose of the book of Psalms? The Psalms are songs for worship, both public and private.
Things I noticed:
1. When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion: This can also be translated as "Lord returned those of Zion who had been captives." The same Hebrew word translated here as restored or returned is also used in verse 4 below. This is probably referring to the return of people exiled in Babylon. Zion (ZIGH-uhn) was originally the name of a hill in Jerusalem but through synecdoche came to represent Jerusalem and then all of Israel. See also Psalm 14:7, Psalm 53:6, Psalm 85:1, Deuteronomy 30:3, Ezra 1:1-11, Job 42:10, Jeremiah 29:14, Jeremiah 30:3, Jeremiah 30:18, Jeremiah 31:8-10, Jeremiah 31:23, Jeremiah 32:44, Jeremiah 33:7, Jeremiah 33:11, Jeremiah 33:26, Ezekiel 39:25, Hosea 6:11, Joel 2:28, Joel 3:1, Amos 9:14, Zephaniah 2:7, Zephaniah 3:20
we were like those who dream: see also Genesis 45:26, Job 9:16, Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11, Luke 24:41, Acts 12:9, Acts 12:14-16
2. Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy: see also Psalm 14:7, Psalm 30:11, Psalm 53:6, Psalm 106:47-48, Psalm 100:1, Psalm 117:1, Genesis 21:6, Ezra 3:11, Job 8:21, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Isaiah 14:7, Isaiah 35:10, Isaiah 42:10, Isaiah 49:9-13, Jeremiah 31:12-13, Jeremiah 33:11, Zephaniah 3:14, Luke 6:21, Luke 15:25, Revelation 11:15-17
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them”: see also Numbers 23:23, Joshua 2:9-11, Joshua 9:9-10, Nehemiah 6:16, Joel 2:20-21, Micah 7:16, Zechariah 8:22-23, Luke 1:49, Romans 11:15
3. The Lord had done great things for us; we were joyful: see also Psalm 18:50, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 66:5-6, Psalm 68:7-8, Psalm 68:22, Psalm 71:19, Psalm 145:6, Numbers 23:23, 1 Samuel 12:24, Ezra 7:27-28, Isaiah 11:11-16, Isaiah 12:4-6, Isaiah 51:9-11, Isaiah 52:9-10, Isaiah 66:14, Luke 1:46, Luke 1:49, Luke 8:39, Ephesians 1:18-22, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 19:1-7
4. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like watercourses in the Negev: The Hebrew word that is translated here as fortunes is shebut, and it figuratively means to restore to the former prosperity and former happiness. The waterways referred to here would be wadis or arroyos--dry creek beds that only have water when flooding rains occur. The Negev (NEH-gev) is a large desert region in the southern part of Israel. This is a request for a future, possibly complete redemption and restoration, unlike the historic redemption and restoration in verse 1 above. See also Psalm 42:1-2, Psalm 85:4, Joshua 3:16, Job 42:10, Isaiah 41:18, Jeremiah 3:3, Jeremiah 26:19-20, Jeremiah 29:14, Jeremiah 33:7, Hosea 1:11, Joel 1:20, Joel 3:18
5. Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy: see also Psalm 30:5, Psalm 30:11, Psalm 39:12, Psalm 42:3, Psalm 56:8, Psalm 90:15, Psalm 97:11, Psalm 137:1, 2 Kings 20:5, Proverbs 11:18, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Ecclesiastes 7:3, Isaiah 9:2-3, Isaiah 12:1-3, Jeremiah 9:1, Jeremiah 9:18, Jeremiah 13:17, Jeremiah 31:9-13, Jeremiah 31:16, Lamentations 1:16, Lamentations 2:18, Hosea 10:12, Joel 2:17, Joel 2:23, Matthew 5:4, Luke 6:21, Luke 7:38, John 12:24, John 16:20-22, Acts 20:37, 1 Corinthians 7:30, 2 Corinthians 7:7-11, Galatians 6:7-8, 2 Timothy 1:4, James 4:9
6. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves: see also verse 5 above, Psalm 51:8, Psalm 129:7, Leviticus 23:32, Numbers 29:7, Ezra 3:12, Job 8:21, Job 11:13-17, Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 50:4-5, Luke 15:18-24, Acts 16:29-34, Philippians 3:8, Hebrews 6:7, Revelation 7:15-17
The literary structure of this psalm is available here.
First Corinthians 4
CSB
A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage. I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Who wrote First Corinthians: Apostle Paul (Sha'ul)
Who First Corinthians was written to: the members of the church that he had founded in Corinth, Greece when he visited during his second missionary journey. Corinth was a very Roman city and, despite being in Greece, Latin was the primary language of commerce. The upper class were Latin-speaking Romans while the lower classes primarily spoke Greek. The church in Corinth was mostly from the working class with a few wealthy people and had some prominent Jewish members.
When First Corinthians was written: on the third missionary journey around 54-55 AD/CE when Paul was in Ephesus
The purpose of the book of First Corinthians: Paul was most concerned with divisions, cliques, and strife in the church. 1 Corinthians 5:9 references a previous letter to this church that Paul had sent, so they must have responded to that letter with a letter full of questions (see 1 Corinthians 7:1) and this epistle is the answer to those questions.
Things I noticed:
Who First Corinthians was written to: the members of the church that he had founded in Corinth, Greece when he visited during his second missionary journey. Corinth was a very Roman city and, despite being in Greece, Latin was the primary language of commerce. The upper class were Latin-speaking Romans while the lower classes primarily spoke Greek. The church in Corinth was mostly from the working class with a few wealthy people and had some prominent Jewish members.
When First Corinthians was written: on the third missionary journey around 54-55 AD/CE when Paul was in Ephesus
The purpose of the book of First Corinthians: Paul was most concerned with divisions, cliques, and strife in the church. 1 Corinthians 5:9 references a previous letter to this church that Paul had sent, so they must have responded to that letter with a letter full of questions (see 1 Corinthians 7:1) and this epistle is the answer to those questions.
Things I noticed:
1. A person should think of us in this way: see also verse 13 below, 2 Corinthians 12:6
as servants of Christ: The Greek word translated here as servants is hyperetes, which means anyone who aids another in any work. See also 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 9:16-18, Isaiah 61:6, Matthew 24:45, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 11:23, Colossians 1:25, 1 Timothy 3:6
and managers: The Greek word translated here as managers is oikonomos, which means a a manager of a household. This position was usually given to a slave or freedman (rarely a freeborn man) to oversee all of the entirety of the wealth and possessions of a family. See also Luke 12:42, Luke 16:1-3, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 4:10
of the mysteries of God: To the original audience of synagogue attendees, the word mystery meant God's plan for history--something that was hidden in the past but has now been revealed by the Holy Spirit. See also 1 Corinthians 2:7, Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 3:3-9, Ephesians 6:19, Colossians 1:26-27, Colossians 2:2, Colossians 4:3, 1 Timothy 3:9, 1 Timothy 3:16
2. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful: As mentioned above, these managers were required to be trustworthy because they managed all of the wealth of the family. See also verse 17 below, 1 Corinthians 7:25, Genesis 39:9, Genesis 47:14, Exodus 40:16, Numbers 12:7, 2 Kings 12:15, 2 Kings 22:7, 2 Chronicles 34:12, Nehemiah 7:2, Nehemiah 13:13, Proverbs 13:17, Proverbs 28:20, Daniel 6:2, Matthew 25:21-23, Luke 12:42, Luke 16:10-12, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:2, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:7, Colossians 4:17, 2 Timothy 2:2, Hebrews 3:5
3. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself: The Greek word translated here as judged and judge is anakrino, which means to judge of, estimate, determine the excellence or defects of any person or thing. This same Greek word is translated judge in the rest of this chapter. It may be that Paul has in mind the Cynic philosophers' embrace of anaideia, which is generally translated poorly as shamelessness, but is more correctly described as a rejection of societal norms. See also 1 Corinthians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 3:13, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37, John 7:24, John 8:15, Galatians 6:4
4. For I am not conscious of anything against myself: see also Job 9:21, Job 27:6, Psalm 7:3-5, John 21:17, Acts 23:1, Acts 24:16, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Galatians 6:4, 1 John 3:20-21
but I am not justified by this: see also Deuteronomy 9:4, Job 9:2-3, Job 9:20, Job 15:14, Job 25:4, Job 40:4, Psalm 19:12, Psalm 130:3, Psalm 143:2, Proverbs 20:9, Proverbs 21:2, Romans 3:19-20, Romans 4:2
It is the Lord who judges me: see also verse 5 below, Numbers 9:8, Psalm 7:8, Psalm 17:3, Psalm 43:1, Psalm 50:6, Psalm 50:21, Ecclesiastes 3:17, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Timothy 4:1
5. So don’t judge anything prematurely: see also Genesis 38:16-26, Psalm 14:1, Matthew 7:1-2, Luke 6:37, Romans 2:1, Romans 2:16, Romans 14:4, Romans 14:10-13, James 4:11, James 5:9
before the Lord comes: see also 1 Corinthians 1:7, 1 Corinthians 11:26, 1 Corinthians 15:23, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:46, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, James 5:7, 2 Peter 3:4, 2 Peter 3:12, Jude 1:14, Revelation 1:7
who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts:
"When the secrets of the righteous shall be revealed and the sinners judged, and the godless driven from the presence of the righteous and elect, From that time those that possess the earth shall no longer be powerful and exalted." 1 Enoch 38:3-4"And he shall judge the secret things, and none shall be able to utter a lying word before him; for he is the Elect One before the Lord of Spirits according to His good pleasure." 1 Enoch 49:4
see also 1 Corinthians 3:13, Numbers 32:23, 2 Samuel 12:12, Job 10:6, Job 12:22, Job 20:27, Job 28:11, Job 34:22, Psalm 33:15, Psalm 44:21, Psalm 90:8, Psalm 139:2, Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 24:12, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Isaiah 59:15-16, Jeremiah 16:17, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Daniel 2:22, Hosea 7:2, Micah 7:9, Zephaniah 3:5, Malachi 3:18, Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17, Luke 12:1-3, Luke 16:15, Luke 19:17, Romans 2:16, 2 Corinthians 4:2, Ephesians 5:13, Hebrews 4:13, Revelation 20:12
And then praise will come to each one from God: see also 1 Corinthians 3:8, 1 Corinthians 3:14, Psalm 37:6, Proverbs 12:8, Matthew 6:4, Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23, John 5:44, Romans 2:6-7, Romans 2:29, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Corinthians 10:18, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 5:4
6. Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos: Apollos (uh-PAHL-uhs) was a Jew from Alexandria who became an excellent and eloquent Christian teacher; this name is Greek, just like Paul is a Greek name. See also 1 Corinthians 1:12, 1 Corinthians 3:4-8, 1 Corinthians 3:22, 1 Corinthians 16:12, Acts 18:24, Acts 19:1, 2 Corinthians 10:12, 2 Corinthians 10:15, Titus 3:13
for your benefit: see also 1 Corinthians 9:23, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Timothy 2:10
so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: Nothing beyond what is written: see also Job 11:11-12, Psalm 8:4, Psalm 146:3, Isaiah 2:22, Jeremiah 17:5-6, Matthew 23:8-10, Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 12:6
The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another: see also verses 18-19 below, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Genesis 16:4, Numbers 11:28-29, John 3:26-27, Galatians 6:4, Colossians 2:18, 1 Timothy 3:6
7. For who makes you so superior: see also 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Deuteronomy 8:12-17, Deuteronomy 9:4, Romans 9:16-18, Ephesians 3:3-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:12-14, 1 Timothy 1:12-15, Titus 3:3-7
What do you have that you didn’t receive: see also 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Chronicles 29:11-16, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12, Proverbs 2:6, Matthew 25:14-15, Luke 19:13, John 1:16, John 3:27, Romans 1:5, Romans 12:6, James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10
If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it: see also 1 Corinthians 5:6, 2 Chronicles 32:23-29, Ezekiel 28:2-5, Ezekiel 29:3, Daniel 4:30-32, Daniel 5:18, Daniel 5:23, Acts 12:22-23, James 4:16
8. You are already full! You are already rich: This is the beginning of Paul's sanctified sarcasm. See also 1 Corinthians 1:5, 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, 1 Corinthians 5:6, Proverbs 13:7, Proverbs 25:14, Isaiah 5:21, Luke 1:51-53, Luke 6:25, Luke 18:11, Romans 12:3, Romans 12:16, Galatians 6:3, Revelation 3:17
You have begun to reign as kings without us: Plato argued that philosophers make better kings than non-philosophers. See also verse 18 below, Acts 20:29-30, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:12
and I wish you did reign: see also Numbers 11:29, 2 Kings 5:3, Acts 26:29, 2 Corinthians 11:1
so that we could also reign with you: The sarcasm is dripping from this. We who truly believe will not begin to reign alongside Christ until the Kingdom of God is fully established on Earth. See also Psalm 122:5-9, Jeremiah 28:6, Romans 5:17, Romans 12:15, 2 Corinthians 13:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 2 Timothy 2:11-12, Revelation 5:10
9. For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place: see also 1 Corinthians 15:30-32, Mark 13:9, Acts 9:16, Acts 20:19, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 2 Corinthians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 13:7, Philippians 1:29-30, Philippians 3:8, Philippians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 3:11, Hebrews 11:37
like men condemned to die: Before a gladiatorial game, there was often a parade of the gladiators; at the end of the parade were the most notorious criminals who had been sentenced to die by gladiator or wild animals. Parades to execution grounds featured the condemned criminals at the end of the parade. See also 1 Corinthians 15:31, Psalm 44:22, Daniel 11:33, Matthew 5:10, Romans 8:36, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, Revelation 6:9-11
We have become a spectacle to the world: The Greek word translated here as spectacle is theatron, which metaphorically means a man who is exhibited to be gazed at and the object of unkind laughter. See also Psalm 71:7, Jeremiah 20:7, Lamentations 3:14, Nahum 3:6, Acts 19:29-31, Hebrews 10:33, Hebrews 11:36
both to angels and to people: see also Revelation 7:11-14
10. We are fools: The sanctified sarcasm continues. See also 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:18-20, 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, 1 Corinthians 2:3, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Samuel 6:20, Hosea 9:7, Acts 17:18, Acts 17:32, Acts 26:24, 2 Corinthians 5:13, 2 Corinthians 11:1
for Christ: see also Matthew 5:11, Matthew 10:22-25, Matthew 24:9, Luke 6:22, Acts 9:16, 1 Peter 4:14
but you are wise in Christ: Philosophers viewed themselves as very wise and honorable, but the common people viewed them as foolish because the Cynics especially espoused begging and homelessness. See also 1 Corinthians 6:5, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 10:14-15, Jeremiah 8:8-9, Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 11:19
We are weak: see also 1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:10, 2 Corinthians 11:29, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 2 Corinthians 13:3-4, 2 Corinthians 13:9
but you are strong: see also 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Romans 15:1
You are distinguished, but we are dishonored: This is the last sarcastic phrase before Paul gets serious. See also Proverbs 11:12, Proverbs 13:7, Isaiah 53:3, Jeremiah 15:10, Jeremiah 20:18, Luke 10:16, Luke 18:9, 2 Corinthians 11:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:8, Hebrews 13:13
11. Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty: see also 1 Corinthians 9:4, Luke 6:21, 2 Corinthians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, 2 Corinthians 11:26-27, Philippians 4:12
we are poorly clothed: see also Job 22:6, Matthew 11:8, Romans 8:35, 2 Timothy 4:13
roughly treated: The Greek word translated here as roughly treated is kolaphizo, which means to strike with the fist, to maltreat, to treat with violence. See also Matthew 26:52, Matthew 26:67, Luke 6:29, Acts 14:19, Acts 16:23, Acts 23:2, 2 Corinthians 11:23-25, 2 Timothy 3:11, 1 Peter 2:20
homeless: see also Matthew 8:20
12. we labor, working with our own hands:
Rabban Gamliel says: Anyone who has a trade, to what is he similar? To a vineyard that is surrounded by its fence, to a furrow that is surrounded by a hedge. Rabbi Yoseh says in the name of Rabban Gamliel: Anyone who has a trade, to what is he similar? To a woman that has a husband—whether she is adorned or not, everybody doesn't gaze at her, but if she is not adorned then she will have a curse [since she isn't trying to dress up for her husband]. Anyone who does not have a trade, to what is he similar? To a woman without a husband—whether she is adorned or not, everyone gazes at her, but if she is adorned she will have a curse [since she is dressing up for random men]. Rabbi Yoseh bar Rabbi Lazar said in the name of Rabban Gamliel: Anyone who has a trade, to what is he similar? To a fenced vineyard where cattle and wild animals can't enter into it, passersby can't enter into it and can't see what is in it. Anyone without a trade, to what is he similar? To an open vineyard, for cattle and wild animals enter into it, passersby enter into it and can see what is in it. Tosefta Kiddushin 1:9
R. Hiyya b. Ammi said in the name of 'Ulla: Greater is he who enjoys the fruit of his labour than the fearer of Heaven; for with regard to the fearer of Heaven it is written, "Happy is the man that feareth the Lord" (ibid. cxii. 1), but with regard to him who enjoys the fruit of his labour it is written, "When thou eatest the labour of thy hands, happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee" (ibid, cxxviii. 2) — "happy shalt thou be" in this world, "and it shall be well with thee" in the world to come. It is not written, "and it shall be well with thee" about the fearer of Heaven. Berakhot 8a:21
Jewish culture valued manual, skilled labor; it was expected that all Jewish men would know a trade, even if they became a scholar or rabbi. However, upper-class and educated ancient Romans and Greeks disdained manual labor and viewed it as fit for slaves. Paul was a skilled laborer according to Acts 18:3; the "tent-making" occupation mentioned might have been specializing as a leatherworker or weaver of hemp or linen canvas or seamster. My hypothesis is that anyone skilled in making or repairing ships' sails could also have made or repaired tents. See also 1 Corinthians 9:6, Acts 20:34, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 1 Timothy 4:10
When we are reviled, we bless:
And the Sages taught: About those who are insulted and do not insult, who hear their shame and do not respond, who act out of love and are joyful in suffering, the verse says: “And they that love Him are as the sun going forth in its might” (Judges 5:31). Shabbat 88b:2
See also Psalm 89:51, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 26:52, Luke 6:28, Luke 23:34, John 9:28, Acts 7:60, Romans 12:14, Romans 12:20, 1 Peter 2:23, 1 Peter 3:9, Jude 1:9
when we are persecuted, we endure it: see also Matthew 5:11, 2 Corinthians 6:4, Philippians 4:11, 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 4:12-14, 1 Peter 4:19
13. when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage: see also verse 12 above, Psalm 89:51, Psalm 123:4, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 29:8, Lamentations 3:45, Nahum 3:6, Malachi 2:3, John 16:2, Acts 21:36-38, Acts 22:22, Acts 24:5
14. I’m not writing this to shame you: see also 1 Corinthians 6:5, 1 Corinthians 9:15, 2 Corinthians 7:3, 2 Corinthians 12:19, 2 Thessalonians 3:15
but to warn you: see also Psalm 19:11, Ezekiel 3:21, Acts 20:31, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:14
as my dear children:
"His students said to him [Naḥum of Gam Zu]: Rabbi, since you are evidently a wholly righteous man....why has this suffering befallen you? He said to them: My sons, I brought it upon myself." Taanit 21a:9
It was common for rabbis to call their students their sons. See also verses 15 and 17 below, 1 Corinthians 16:24, Proverbs 7:24, John 13:33, 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, 2 Corinthians 11:11, 2 Corinthians 12:14-15, Galatians 4:19, Philippians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 1 Timothy 1:2, 1 John 2:1, 3 John 1:4
15. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers: Ancient Roman, Greek, and near eastern fathers were responsible for their children's educations. The Greek word translated here as instructors is paidagogos, which doesn't mean instructor or tutor; it means a guardian and guide of boys. Among the Greeks and the Romans, the name was applied to trustworthy slaves who were charged with the duty of supervising the life and morals of upper-class boys. The boys were not allowed so much as to step out of the house without them before arriving at the age of manhood. These slaves were ordered to keep the sons from violating any rules, laws, or social customs. See also 2 Timothy 4:3For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel:
Deuteronomy 6:7 "to your sons": These are your disciples. And thus do you find in all places, that disciples are called "sons," viz. (2 Kings 2:3) "And the sons of the prophets came forth." Now were they the sons of the prophets? Were they not disciples? This shows that disciples were called "sons." Sifrei Devarim 34:4
In Jewish thought, anyone who converted a proselyte or taught Torah to someone was their metaphorical father in a spiritual sense. See also 1 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 9:1-2, 2 Kings 5:13, Matthew 23:9, Acts 18:4-11, Romans 15:20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-3, 2 Corinthians 10:14, 2 Corinthians 12:14, Galatians 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:11, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:10-12, Philemon 1:19, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23
16. Therefore I urge you to imitate me: see also 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 11:1, John 10:4-5, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 5:3, 3 John 1:11
17. This is why I have sent Timothy to you: Timothy was a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was Greek and mother Jewish. Timothy traveled with Paul from Lystra to Berea then to Corinth then to Ephesus, where Paul sent him back to Macedonia, which is where he later met up with Paul again. Timothy's name means "honoring God." See also 1 Corinthians 16:10, Acts 16:1, Acts 19:21-22, 2 Corinthians 12:17, Philippians 2:19, Colossians 4:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, Hebrews 13:23
He is my dearly loved: see also verse 15 above, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2
and faithful child in the Lord: see also verse 2 above, 1 Corinthians 7:25, Numbers 12:7, Proverbs 13:17, Matthew 24:45, Matthew 25:21-23, Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 1:2, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:2, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:13
He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus: In Jewish thought, "ways" refers to following the instructions of Torah. See also 1 Corinthians 7:17, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:16, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Timothy 3:10
just as I teach everywhere in every church: The Greek word translated here as church is ekklesia, which means an an assembly of people gathered for worship. See also 1 Corinthians 14:33, Acts 11:25-26, 1 Timothy 4:6
18. Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you: see also verses 6-8 above, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 13:4, 2 Corinthians 12:20
19. But I will come to you soon: see also Acts 19:21, 2 Corinthians 1:15-17, 1 Corinthians 11:34, 1 Corinthians 16:3, 2 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 2:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:14, 2 Corinthians 13:2
if the Lord wills: see also 1 Corinthians 16:7, Acts 18:21, Romans 1:10, Romans 15:32, Hebrews 6:3, James 4:15
and I will find out not the talk: see also verse 18 above, 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
but the power of those who are arrogant: see also verse 6 above, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 5:6
20. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power: see also 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 2:4, Romans 1:16, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:19, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:5
21. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod:
Deuteronomy 11:12 Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai says: A loaf and a rod descended intertwined from heaven. The Holy One Blessed be He said to Israel: If you observe the Torah, here is the loaf to eat. If not, here is the rod to be smitten with. And where is this articulated? — (Isaiah 1:19-20) "If you accept and you heed, the good of the earth shall you eat; and if you refuse and rebel, the sword will devour you. For the mouth of the L-rd has spoken." Sifrei Devarim 40:13
See also 1 Corinthians 5:5, Proverbs 26:3, 2 Corinthians 10:2-11, 2 Corinthians 12:20-21, 2 Corinthians 13:2-3, 2 Corinthians 13:10
or in love and a spirit of gentleness: see also 2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 6:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:7, James 3:17
The literary structure of this passage is available here.
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; 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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