The first chapter of James emphasized faith and the commitment required in "true religion". Now we have a number of brief practical statements on how we should live as Christians.
James 2: 1-9, Showing favoritism
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
James strongly confronts discrimination based on class and wealth. What motivated this paragraph? (Is James confronting a particular church? Or is James thinking about human nature and trying to warn the church away from natural bad habits?)
I have found this passage reassuring and useful during forty years of wearing blue jeans to church.
Who is “him to whom you belong”? That sounds like a Christian phrase? Does “him” refer to Jesus or Yahweh?
The first verse of chapter 2, like the first verse of chapter 1, is one of the few places where Jesus is explicitly mentioned.
James 2: 10-13, Keeping the Law
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
I don’t think I understand the last few sentences here. It seems to both warn (condemn) and then exalt mercy.
The quote in verse 8 is from Leviticus 19:18. The two quotes from the Ten Commandments in verse 11 come from Exodus 20:14/Deut. 5:18 and Exodus 20:13/Deut. 5:17.
James 2: 14-17, Good faith gives good works
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
To James the distinction between faith and works is artificial. Faith is a decision that leads to correct actions.
James 2: 17-26, Simple "belief" is not enough; faith leads to living works
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Mere intellectual belief is not faith. One can believe that Jesus rose from the dead and, says James, so believe the demons. Faith requires a decision, an act of the will, leading to outward, visible results.
Two Old Testament examples are given here: the ancient hero Abraham... and the prostitute, Rahab! Interesting choices. (Hebrews 11 includes these two and then a much longer list. Clearly Rahab was a favorite heroine to the Jews.)
The quote in verse 23 is from Genesis 15:6.
We continue to describe correct works and action in the next chapter.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Friday, June 24, 2016
James 1, True Religion
As we complete Hebrews we move on to another letter aimed at Jewish believers, the letter of James.
This short book is a little depressing (to me) at times, since it assumes that Christian believers are struggling and suffering under some persecution. That they are always financially very poor! Yet there are benefits to reminding us (yes, even us rich Americans) of this point of view.
Here we examine the first chapter of the letter (epistle) of James. This letter is written to Jewish believers and contains numerous "wisdom" teachings, short pithy sayings, similar to the book of Proverbs.
James 1:1, Greetings to the Jews far away,
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Although tradition has it that James was the brother of Jesus (and leader of the church in Jerusalem), the author merely claims to be a servant of God. Right away we see that this letter is aimed at Jewish believers, that is, remnants of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is intended for a variety of groups, many of them presumably not in the area around Jerusalem. But no more details are given.
Apparently trials (testing, struggles) are to be expected in human life and have some type of goal. If so, we are develop perseverance, endurance -- it is more of a marathon than a sprint -- and James encourages us to allow the struggles to strengthen us, to create a stable, mature individual, someone who is complete.
In the Star Wars science fiction world, young Luke (or anyone seeking to be a Jedi master) must be developed. They must mature. Luke groans and struggles against master Yoda's statements that he is "not yet ready". Luke is impatient. James would agree with Yoda -- let time and training build you and don't quit early.
What are we to consider joyous? Is the author deliberately slapping us with an opposite? Rejoice in pain?? How healthy is that? Why are we doing this?
There does seem to be a goal here – that suffering brings perseverance and (here is the point) that if we persevere, perseverance will “finish” its work and bring us maturity. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be “mature and complete, lacking in nothing”?
Perseverance is personified, as if Perseverance were looking over our shoulder, working on our character.
James 1:5-8, Seeking wisdom in faith
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
We are encouraged to ask for wisdom from God who is willing to give it generously, without chiding us for past mistakes or past stupid actions. But then there is an aspect to this request; after asking for wisdom, we should trust that it is being given to us (although possibly given rather slowly, in my experience!) and we should move on in confidence, not timidly blown around like seafoam.
But what about those of us who ask while doubting? Indeed, won’t most of us have doubts the first time we try to apply James 1:5? This doesn’t seem fair. Or maybe something else is meant by doubting here – the doubter is describe in further detail as someone of two minds, unstable, blown and tossed by the wind. Instead we are to be steady, to persevere. So doubting may be more closely linked to our long-term action?
Obviously there are several types of doubts. If one is being encouraged to believe something, a certain type of doubt is acceptable, or we would not even do the encouraging. Any transition from one set of opinions to another includes a place where new beliefs are challenged.
James 1:9-11
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
A major theme of James: chiding and scolding the rich. Here the rich are viewed as unrealistic, expecting their "blossoms" to last awhile, when instead they collapse in the summer heat. The humble and the proud are sharply contrasted, as is one’s status and God’s development of it. God lifts the humble, reduces the proud and rich.
James is about to bring an accusation against these believers; it will run throughout the book. These believers have become too complacent and comfortable.
There is a sharp tone to all of this that I now find a bit disconcerting. Am I now too content? Too rich? What should I do?
James 1:12, Transition
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Instead, we (the people of humble circumstances) are to patiently endure, completing our marathon, a demonstration (in some way?) of God's love. I'm not sure that this is especially encouraging to me....What does it mean to receive “the crown of life”? (What is that?)
James 1:13-15, Birth of sin
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
What does it mean, that God does not tempt anyone? Isn’t God in charge? Is it really any different to say, “God allows temptation”?
We are told not to blame our difficulties and temptation on God. Apparently much of it is our own faults, deeply embedded in our own selfish desires. (Notice the progression of sin, as something that comes to life and grows.)
Surely, if we examine ourselves carefully, much of our own suffering is due to our selfishness and unwillingness to look up and care for others. But not all of it.... Some of it is part of the "natural" living in a broken world.
James 1:16-18, Heavenly lights
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Verse 16 (“Don’t be deceived…”) may be a transition verse. But both Barclay and Jensen split the paragraph before it. (I am reading a commentary by William Barclay, as I study the letter of James.)
James 1:17-20, True religion
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James digresses to emphasize "true religion". The phrase “change like shifting shadows" might remind us of verse six, where we are told not to be unstable. We are reminded that although we might be unstable, constantly shifting, God is constant.
Firstfruits is an Old Testament term, used for the best things, put forward as a tithe. So this is our role as the Church…..Verse 19 – more brief pithy advice. Quick to listen, slow to anger …. Note the simple, short contrasts. Jensen has 19 as a new paragraph.
James 1: 21-25, Applying the Word of God
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
It is better to know the truth, even when it is painful, and begin to respond to it, than to conveniently forget.James’ metaphor: what good is it to have a mirror if you look at it and then forget what you saw?
How does the Law give freedom?
James 1: 26-27, More short proverbs
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Verse 27 seems to have a positive and a negative component. The positive: reach out to the vulnerable and help them. The negative: avoid the world’s “pollution.”
This short book is a little depressing (to me) at times, since it assumes that Christian believers are struggling and suffering under some persecution. That they are always financially very poor! Yet there are benefits to reminding us (yes, even us rich Americans) of this point of view.
Here we examine the first chapter of the letter (epistle) of James. This letter is written to Jewish believers and contains numerous "wisdom" teachings, short pithy sayings, similar to the book of Proverbs.
James 1:1, Greetings to the Jews far away,
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
The word "servant" is sometimes translated "bondservant" or "slave".
The Messiah Jesus is not mentioned much in this letter. Only here and one other time. (If James is the brother of Jesus, why does he not mention this?)
The Greek word translated "Greetings" here is chairein, and occurs only two other times in the New Testament as part of a greeting. One of those times is in Act 15, in a letter written by James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem. This is apparently a fairly standard (and secular) greeting.
James identifies himself very simply, as a servant (‘doulos’ = servant or slave) of God and Jesus Christ. ‘Servant’ is a significant, serious term, indicating permanent commitment. It the same word that is translated "bondslave" at the beginning of Philippians.
The Messiah Jesus is not mentioned much in this letter. Only here and one other time. (If James is the brother of Jesus, why does he not mention this?)
The Greek word translated "Greetings" here is chairein, and occurs only two other times in the New Testament as part of a greeting. One of those times is in Act 15, in a letter written by James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem. This is apparently a fairly standard (and secular) greeting.
James identifies himself very simply, as a servant (‘doulos’ = servant or slave) of God and Jesus Christ. ‘Servant’ is a significant, serious term, indicating permanent commitment. It the same word that is translated "bondslave" at the beginning of Philippians.
James 1:2-4, Trials and Temptations
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Apparently trials (testing, struggles) are to be expected in human life and have some type of goal. If so, we are develop perseverance, endurance -- it is more of a marathon than a sprint -- and James encourages us to allow the struggles to strengthen us, to create a stable, mature individual, someone who is complete.
In the Star Wars science fiction world, young Luke (or anyone seeking to be a Jedi master) must be developed. They must mature. Luke groans and struggles against master Yoda's statements that he is "not yet ready". Luke is impatient. James would agree with Yoda -- let time and training build you and don't quit early.
What are we to consider joyous? Is the author deliberately slapping us with an opposite? Rejoice in pain?? How healthy is that? Why are we doing this?
There does seem to be a goal here – that suffering brings perseverance and (here is the point) that if we persevere, perseverance will “finish” its work and bring us maturity. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be “mature and complete, lacking in nothing”?
Perseverance is personified, as if Perseverance were looking over our shoulder, working on our character.
James 1:5-8, Seeking wisdom in faith
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
We are encouraged to ask for wisdom from God who is willing to give it generously, without chiding us for past mistakes or past stupid actions. But then there is an aspect to this request; after asking for wisdom, we should trust that it is being given to us (although possibly given rather slowly, in my experience!) and we should move on in confidence, not timidly blown around like seafoam.
But what about those of us who ask while doubting? Indeed, won’t most of us have doubts the first time we try to apply James 1:5? This doesn’t seem fair. Or maybe something else is meant by doubting here – the doubter is describe in further detail as someone of two minds, unstable, blown and tossed by the wind. Instead we are to be steady, to persevere. So doubting may be more closely linked to our long-term action?
Obviously there are several types of doubts. If one is being encouraged to believe something, a certain type of doubt is acceptable, or we would not even do the encouraging. Any transition from one set of opinions to another includes a place where new beliefs are challenged.
James 1:9-11
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
A major theme of James: chiding and scolding the rich. Here the rich are viewed as unrealistic, expecting their "blossoms" to last awhile, when instead they collapse in the summer heat. The humble and the proud are sharply contrasted, as is one’s status and God’s development of it. God lifts the humble, reduces the proud and rich.
James is about to bring an accusation against these believers; it will run throughout the book. These believers have become too complacent and comfortable.
There is a sharp tone to all of this that I now find a bit disconcerting. Am I now too content? Too rich? What should I do?
James 1:12, Transition
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Instead, we (the people of humble circumstances) are to patiently endure, completing our marathon, a demonstration (in some way?) of God's love. I'm not sure that this is especially encouraging to me....What does it mean to receive “the crown of life”? (What is that?)
James 1:13-15, Birth of sin
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
What does it mean, that God does not tempt anyone? Isn’t God in charge? Is it really any different to say, “God allows temptation”?
We are told not to blame our difficulties and temptation on God. Apparently much of it is our own faults, deeply embedded in our own selfish desires. (Notice the progression of sin, as something that comes to life and grows.)
Surely, if we examine ourselves carefully, much of our own suffering is due to our selfishness and unwillingness to look up and care for others. But not all of it.... Some of it is part of the "natural" living in a broken world.
James 1:16-18, Heavenly lights
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Verse 16 (“Don’t be deceived…”) may be a transition verse. But both Barclay and Jensen split the paragraph before it. (I am reading a commentary by William Barclay, as I study the letter of James.)
James 1:17-20, True religion
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James digresses to emphasize "true religion". The phrase “change like shifting shadows" might remind us of verse six, where we are told not to be unstable. We are reminded that although we might be unstable, constantly shifting, God is constant.
Firstfruits is an Old Testament term, used for the best things, put forward as a tithe. So this is our role as the Church…..Verse 19 – more brief pithy advice. Quick to listen, slow to anger …. Note the simple, short contrasts. Jensen has 19 as a new paragraph.
James 1: 21-25, Applying the Word of God
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
It is better to know the truth, even when it is painful, and begin to respond to it, than to conveniently forget.James’ metaphor: what good is it to have a mirror if you look at it and then forget what you saw?
How does the Law give freedom?
James 1: 26-27, More short proverbs
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Verse 27 seems to have a positive and a negative component. The positive: reach out to the vulnerable and help them. The negative: avoid the world’s “pollution.”
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Hebrews 13, Final Exhortations
At the end of the letter to the Hebrews, like the end of many New Testament letters, we have a collection of final words -- a series of commands or exhortations. Given the Jewish background, it is not surprising that these come off as a series of proverbs.
Hebrews 13:1-3, Compassion and empathy
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Amidst the persecution, we have a reminder to care for those who are in prison. Although always appropriate advice, this is probably especially poignant here since some of the believers (or their family members) are probably in prison for their faith.
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Amidst the persecution, we have a reminder to care for those who are in prison. Although always appropriate advice, this is probably especially poignant here since some of the believers (or their family members) are probably in prison for their faith.
Old Testament examples of people entertaining angels occur in Genesis 18 and Genesis 19 where first Abraham and then Lot entertain a small group of angels.
Hebrews 13:4, Marriage matters
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Sex is always a place where we get to demonstrate our view of life and our relationship with God. We keep the marriage bed "pure" by being consistently committed to our spouse and faithful to a (joyful and affirming) sexual relationship with him/her.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
One piece of evidence that we belong to another country instead of a modern (capitalistic) country: "Be content with what you have". I have attempted most of my life to be free from the "love of money" and can chart my personal contentment as correlating fairly well with my success in this endeavor.
The quote in verse 5 ("Never will I leave you...") is from Deuteronomy 31:6; the quote in verse 6 is from Psalm 118:6,7.
The quote in verse 5 ("Never will I leave you...") is from Deuteronomy 31:6; the quote in verse 6 is from Psalm 118:6,7.
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Verse 8, in my experience, has been abused: I heard one church leader quote it in opposition to any change! It is Jesus who is eternal; the rest of us are not....
Hebrews 13:9, Focus on grace, not ritual
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.
It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.
Let our hearts be shaped by grace!
Hebrews 13:10-16, A holy altar and The Lamb
We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Yes, I want to join the Lamb, outside the camp.
The statement about the tabernacle is written in present tense, as if the tabernacle still stands. Indeed, the whole paragraph implies that, despite the reality of the temple in Jerusalem, the Hebrews should be ready to join Jesus "outside the city gate", as castouts, not part of the popular flow of society. For this reason, many believe this letter was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 C.E.
Regardless of the date of the letter, the viewpoint of this letter -- with Christians as members of a "better country", not one on earth -- is a viewpoint Christians should always have, in every time and every place.
Hebrews 13:17, Support your leaders
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Harmony with church leaders is a concept that runs throughout a number of New Testament letters. The human tendency for each of us to seek control is destructive to the church.
Hebrews 13:18-19,
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
The author longs to rejoin the readers. Note that the pronoun here is singular, so the writer is probably not the couple Priscilla and Aquila?
Hebrews 13:20-21,
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen!
Hebrews 13:22-25,
Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all.
Hebrews 13:22-25,
Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all.
Finally, here, we have evidence that this letter, although surely written by someone associated with Paul, is not written by Timothy! Could it be Barnabas who writes this?
This is only a short letter. What did the long letters look like?
This is only a short letter. What did the long letters look like?
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Hebrews 12, Our Time in the Spotlight
The previous chapter has a long list of Old Testament heroes who followed God, looking for God's Country, aware that they were only aliens on this planet. Now it is our turn....
Hebrews 12:1-3, Witnesses
Hebrews 12:1-3, Witnesses
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The metaphor is a race; those who ran before are envisioned as watching us from the stands. We are to strip down to the essentials and get ready to run, to run with pace, consistency and seriousness. In this race, like any athlete, it helps to have a single focus. In this case, our focus is to be the Messiah who completed the Jewish sacrificial system in our place.
Hebrews 12:4-7, Loving discipline
Hebrews 12:4-7, Loving discipline
From verse 4: apparently elsewhere (?) persecution had led to genuine bloodshed, even death.(Certainly first century Christians were martyred for their faith, even in Rome.) Here the readers are chastised for their weakness and for their willingness to give in to pressure, even when the persecution has not been as severe. They are being reminded that any true growth will involve some pain and hardship.
A larger perspective is being placed on "discipline" and suffering. The message of Hebrews is that God's plan is a longterm one, through millennia and eons and that the Hebrews should seek to have God's view.
How does God's "discipline" show in our lives? What is it like? What is really meant here? I'm afraid we may confuse this too much with the "discipline" (punishment) meted out by angry broken fathers or step-fathers?
Hebrews 12:11-13, Moving on in growth
I equate discipline here with work, growth, drill, self-control? The athlete metaphor may be appropriate. The instruction to "make level paths" gives an image of smoothing out a difficult route for the one who is struggling. The modern metaphor would be building a wheelchair ramp.
See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.
We are to encourage others (in our believing community) to live righteously. Esau is given as an example of one thinking only in the short term, thinking only of his hunger. Sexual immorality is another (easy) example of short term thinking with often long term consequences.
Hebrews 12:18-21, Moses trembled; you need not!
The image here is of Mt. Sinai, in the Exodus account of God bringing the laws to Moses. (The quote in verse 20 is from Exodus 19:12-13; the quote in verse 21 is from Deuteronomy 9:19.) In this passage, the terrified Jews begged that they not have to hear the voice of God. Even Moses was terrified.
Hebrews 12:22-24, The City of the Living God
Hebrews 12:22-24, The City of the Living God
Why the change of direction in verse 18? What is the message here about God? Although there is terrifying imagery in verse 18, the message here (again) is that "you are past that", you are instead "come to Mount Zion", to the "joyful assembly"!
Hebrews 12:25-29, One last warning
Who is "him who speaks"? Verse 19 points out that the Jewish people were terrified by the Voice from Mount Sinai. Now that the voice comes from Mount Zion (verse 22), the writer pleads for his readers to listen to that voice and not turn away. The warning is couched in encouragement; I see an image of a frightened person (or animal) being coaxed into safety.
The quote in verse 26 is from Haggai 2:6; the quote in verse 29 is from Deuteronomy 4:24.
We will finish up the letter to the Hebrews next time.
We will finish up the letter to the Hebrews next time.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Hebrews 11: 17-40, Citizens of a Different Kingdom
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews, concentrating on faith, now continues with many more examples.
Hebrews 11:17-22
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Hebrews 11:23-31
By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Hebrews 11:17-22
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, heroes of ancient Israel -- each is described as an example of faith in action. We are given here a motive for Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac -- that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead. This motive does not appear in the Genesis account (in Genesis 22.)
In verse 18 the Greek word translated here "offspring" is literally "seed". The quote in verse 18 is from Genesis 21:12.
In verse 18 the Greek word translated here "offspring" is literally "seed". The quote in verse 18 is from Genesis 21:12.
By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
The faith of Moses begins with his parents, who had some type of desperate hope when they attempted to save him from the Egyptian king's command to kill the Jewish children. At each stage, Moses acts "in faith" although, to read Exodus, we see also that he was not confident, but at times somewhat confused and desperate. (That these "heroes" were also very frail and vulnerable is very reassuring to me!)
The "Red Sea" in verse 29 is literally "Sea of Reeds." (NIV footnote.)
The faith of the Israelites under Joshua, and then that of Rahab, also play an important part in the Old Testament (and in the lineage of David.) The description of Rahab as a prostitute is a common one, emphasizing God's work among broken people as He builds David's lineage and eventually that of Jesus.
The "Red Sea" in verse 29 is literally "Sea of Reeds." (NIV footnote.)
The faith of the Israelites under Joshua, and then that of Rahab, also play an important part in the Old Testament (and in the lineage of David.) The description of Rahab as a prostitute is a common one, emphasizing God's work among broken people as He builds David's lineage and eventually that of Jesus.
Hebrews 11:32-38, "And many many more!"
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
It is not clear who are described in this passage. We have a list of six names plus "the prophets" and then a list of actions, some identifiable, some not. Are they all from Old Testament passages? from Jewish folklore or history?
NIV footnote on verse 37: "Some early manuscripts [say] stoned; [others say] they were put to the test."
Hebrews 11:39-40, They all wait God's better plan
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
The summary for the readers of this letter -- God has something better, but it may not be in this world; you are part of an eternal, more important kingdom!
Monday, June 20, 2016
Hebrews 11:1-16, Faith and the Divine Eternal Kingdom
Here we are given an essay on the importance of faith, with some historical models to imitate. And this is a major point of this letter, for the Hebrew Christians have been facing persecution and wondering where God is in all of this. The response, here, is helpful and discouraging, all in one, for it points out a longterm view that the readers may not have....
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
We open with a description of faith and why it matters. Note that this is not intended as an axiomatic definition (following Euclid) but a statement about the importance of faith for believers. Furthermore, this is not "blind faith". It has reasons, support, arguments. To make that clear, we follow with some examples.
Hebrews 11:4-5
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
Apparently Abel's dispute with Cain had to do with faith? (This is not clear from Genesis.) Similarly, another ancient hero, predating Abraham, is recommended to us as walking in faith.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Why is faith a requirement for engagement with God?
Hebrews 11:7-12
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Moses and Abraham join our honor roll of heroes. Maybe also Sarah; verse 11 is unclear. Who had faith, so that Abraham became a father? An alternate translation (NIV Footnote) is "By faith even Sarah, who was past age, was enabled to bear children because..." If we read back in Genesis on this account (Genesis 18:1-15), we don't really see much evidence of faith -- Sarah even laughed at God!
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Moses and Abraham join our honor roll of heroes. Maybe also Sarah; verse 11 is unclear. Who had faith, so that Abraham became a father? An alternate translation (NIV Footnote) is "By faith even Sarah, who was past age, was enabled to bear children because..." If we read back in Genesis on this account (Genesis 18:1-15), we don't really see much evidence of faith -- Sarah even laughed at God!
Hebrews 11:13-16
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Here is why faith is important. Because we are aliens and strangers here; this is not our "natural" home anymore. There is a much more important citizenship than anything a country on Earth can offer.
We continue on Hebrews 11 in the next post.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Is Your Country an Idol?
This week, as we work our way through the New Testament, a chapter a day, we will hit Hebrews 11. This lengthy chapter is the culmination of the author's essay on the importance of following Christ and the patience required in being a citizen of Heaven. Although some describe the chapter as a list of heroes of faith, the chapter has a secondary undercurrent which surfaces in verses 13-16 of that chapter. The author insists that these past heroes of faith saw themselves as citizens of God's country and recognized that they were "aliens and strangers" on this planet.
This theme occurs in other places throughout the New Testament. Jesus, throughout his ministry, announced the beginning of the kingdom of God (or kingdom of Heaven) and in various ways (see Matthew 22:15-22 and Matthew 4:8-10) made it clear that the kingdom of God was much more serious than mere political power.
Paul, in II Corinthians 5: 17-21 , describes his role as that of an "ambassador", reaching out to people in this world to encourage them to be reconciled to God. The ambassador metaphor is a strong one; the ambassador lives in one country but represents another. We, as Christ's ambassadors, currently live in a strange country, one "not our own"; we live as ambassadors for another country.
This image is true throughout all time, since the day of Jesus. Christians are citizens of "another country", whether they live in the Roman Empire or the Holy Roman Empire, whether living in the German kingdoms of Luther's day or the Scotland of John Knox.
From time to time, Christians forget this. Christians are occasionally seduced by political power into believing they can create a "Holy empire" or a "Christian nation." This seduction first occurred in the Roman Empire when Constantine converted and decided to make his empire "Christian." Later Charlemagne called his empire "Holy". The Catholic Spanish Empire mixed Christian missions with imperialism and oppression throughout South America. Protestant England claimed to be a "Christian nation" and used that motive to build its global empire. In justification of this, there even arose the cult of British Israelism, in which many claimed that Britain was the new Israel. Some English Christians even claimed that the kings of England were descendants of King David.
A Christian does not have to read world history to see the problems with this "Christian Nation" philosophy. The New Testament says nothing about "Christian nations" or godly kingdoms! Indeed, the last book in the New Testament, the book of Revelation, assures Christians that the heavenly kingdom is waiting in the wings, for the final trumpet, after all the earthly kingdoms have undergone their violent tantrums against God.
The only references in the Bible to a "godly nation" are in the Old Testament. There the references are to the nation of Israel, set up as a theocracy, a nation ruled by God alone. As that ancient nation repudiated the theocracy, it replaced God with kings and kingdoms and it alternated (for centuries!) between obedience and disobedience to God. Yes, there are many passages in the Old Testament (such as II Chronicles 7:14) in which God made promises to the nation of Israel. But one should be careful within that context and not presume that those verses somehow apply to the Holy Roman Empire or the Spanish Empire or even countries or kingdoms in existence today.
Jesus told the Herodians and Pharisees "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." He also said, "No one can serve two masters." One cannot pledge allegiance to the future kingdom of God and to one's country at the same time, for they are in conflict; they both will seek to be the master.
Adolf Hitler, attempting to promote German nationalism among German Christians, created the Reich Church. The book Mein Kampf appeared on the altars of those churches (presumably next to the Bible) and the national symbol, the swastika, appeared in the front of the sanctuaries. We may laugh at this today -- it seems ludicrous to us -- but I have been in American churches where the national symbol was visible up front, near the cross.
The New Testament has a lot to say about Christians serving as good citizens within our communities and within our countries, wherever God places us. Yes, we may serve our country. But it does not allow us to make our country an idol. If we follow the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, then we are citizens of another country and we are aliens and strangers here.
(Update July 2, 2016: A similar blogpost is here.)
This theme occurs in other places throughout the New Testament. Jesus, throughout his ministry, announced the beginning of the kingdom of God (or kingdom of Heaven) and in various ways (see Matthew 22:15-22 and Matthew 4:8-10) made it clear that the kingdom of God was much more serious than mere political power.
Paul, in II Corinthians 5: 17-21 , describes his role as that of an "ambassador", reaching out to people in this world to encourage them to be reconciled to God. The ambassador metaphor is a strong one; the ambassador lives in one country but represents another. We, as Christ's ambassadors, currently live in a strange country, one "not our own"; we live as ambassadors for another country.
This image is true throughout all time, since the day of Jesus. Christians are citizens of "another country", whether they live in the Roman Empire or the Holy Roman Empire, whether living in the German kingdoms of Luther's day or the Scotland of John Knox.
From time to time, Christians forget this. Christians are occasionally seduced by political power into believing they can create a "Holy empire" or a "Christian nation." This seduction first occurred in the Roman Empire when Constantine converted and decided to make his empire "Christian." Later Charlemagne called his empire "Holy". The Catholic Spanish Empire mixed Christian missions with imperialism and oppression throughout South America. Protestant England claimed to be a "Christian nation" and used that motive to build its global empire. In justification of this, there even arose the cult of British Israelism, in which many claimed that Britain was the new Israel. Some English Christians even claimed that the kings of England were descendants of King David.
A Christian does not have to read world history to see the problems with this "Christian Nation" philosophy. The New Testament says nothing about "Christian nations" or godly kingdoms! Indeed, the last book in the New Testament, the book of Revelation, assures Christians that the heavenly kingdom is waiting in the wings, for the final trumpet, after all the earthly kingdoms have undergone their violent tantrums against God.
The only references in the Bible to a "godly nation" are in the Old Testament. There the references are to the nation of Israel, set up as a theocracy, a nation ruled by God alone. As that ancient nation repudiated the theocracy, it replaced God with kings and kingdoms and it alternated (for centuries!) between obedience and disobedience to God. Yes, there are many passages in the Old Testament (such as II Chronicles 7:14) in which God made promises to the nation of Israel. But one should be careful within that context and not presume that those verses somehow apply to the Holy Roman Empire or the Spanish Empire or even countries or kingdoms in existence today.
Jesus told the Herodians and Pharisees "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." He also said, "No one can serve two masters." One cannot pledge allegiance to the future kingdom of God and to one's country at the same time, for they are in conflict; they both will seek to be the master.
Adolf Hitler, attempting to promote German nationalism among German Christians, created the Reich Church. The book Mein Kampf appeared on the altars of those churches (presumably next to the Bible) and the national symbol, the swastika, appeared in the front of the sanctuaries. We may laugh at this today -- it seems ludicrous to us -- but I have been in American churches where the national symbol was visible up front, near the cross.
The New Testament has a lot to say about Christians serving as good citizens within our communities and within our countries, wherever God places us. Yes, we may serve our country. But it does not allow us to make our country an idol. If we follow the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, then we are citizens of another country and we are aliens and strangers here.
(Update July 2, 2016: A similar blogpost is here.)
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