Although the rules set forth by Paul are from the philosophers, the motivation for Paul is wholly Christian. The philosophers were concerned with the rational life so giving in to sexual desire was irrational and thus prohibited. On the contrary, Paul’s motivation was attaining a sanctified life in the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-4:12, pt.1 Read More »
For tonight, think through how we in the church today are like the Jewish persecutors of the church in Thessalonica. How do we judge who does and does not belong in the Kingdom of God? Who are the Gentiles whom we are certain are not citizens of God’s Kingdom because our reading of the Scriptures says so?
1 Thessalonians 2, pt.2 Read More »
In his defense of his ministry against the Greeks, Paul borrows heavily from the prevailing Greek philosophical schools to justify his authority.
1 Thessalonians 2, pt.1 Read More »
Paul opens his letter with what will become known as the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. As you prepare for this evening, think through the role that each of these three virtues plays within the life of the Church and the life of a Christian.
1 Thessalonians 1, pt.2 Read More »
Because the greeting in 1 Thessalonians 1:1 is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, the general consensus is that this letter was written from Corinth fairly soon after Paul had left Thessalonica. This is the very first of Paul’s correspondence.
1 Thessalonians 1, pt.1 Read More »
The letter is paranetic or pastoral in the manner of contemporary Stoics (like Seneca) or Cynics (like Dio Chrysostom). In the first part of the letter, Paul presents himself as a father or a nurse, and then he offers consolation to his audience for the trials they have suffered.
1 Thessalonians – An Introduction Read More »
We are not gathering tonight or next Tuesday. We will start our summer discussion of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians on Tuesday, June 7. Before then, please take the opportunity to read through 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians. Both of these books are fairly short. Also, please read Acts 17:1-15 where Luke tells us of
1 & 2 Thessalonians Read More »
Mark’s Gospel ends with command “to go to Galilee.” This command is not so much an ending, as a beginning, and it is directed not only at the characters in the story but, more specifically, to us the readers of the story.
The Gospel of Mark – Chapters 14-16 Read More »
Mark’s presentation of the Last Supper brings to fruition the eschatology of the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Gospel of Mark – Chapters 14-16 Read More »
Mark 13 is known as the “Little Apocalypse.” In this section , Mark draws heavily on the language and image from the Book of Daniel.
The Gospel of Mark – Chapters 11-13, pt.2 Read More »
