The Jewish teacher Paul is arguing against presumably believes himself to be a good and faithful follower of Jesus and simply wants the other members of the congregation (and particularly the Gentiles) to obey the rules laid down in Scripture (as the teacher interprets and applies them).
Romans 2:12-3:31, pt.1 Read More »
The heart of Paul’s argument in this passage is contained in the word “Therefore” in Romans 2:1. Paul’s argument is not about Gentile idolatry, but about holier-than-thou judgments by pious Jewish Christians who seek to set themselves apart.
Romans 1:18-2:29, pt.2 Read More »
Within the readings this week, Paul tells us that all people can know God through natural revelation and people can know what God requires through the natural law.
Romans 1:18-2:29, pt.1 Read More »
Under the New Persepctive, the question Paul answers is not “What must I do to be saved?” but “How do the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus fit into God’s continuing faithfulness to the promises he made to Abraham to bless all people and all creation through his seed (Gen 12:3)?”
Romans 1:1-17, pt.2 Read More »
When we look at the audience and purpose of Paul’s letter, there are three main points to keep in mind: (1) the gospel breaks down all walls, (2) the tension between Jews and Gentiles, and (3) Paul’s future missionary work.
Romans 1:1-17, pt.1 Read More »
All of Paul’s other letters are sent to individuals or to churches that he founded and are addressed to the specific needs of that congregation. Paul, however, hasn’t been to Rome, and therefore, this letter serves as an introduction to his teaching.
Romans – An Introduction Read More »
Let us be like Joseph, always increasing in virtue, and taking hold of that which is truly good. And let us also take the Body of Jesus, through Holy Communion, and place It in a tomb hewn out of a rock, that is, place It within a soul which always remembers God and does not forget Him. – Theophylact of Ohrid (c.1050-c.1107)
Imitation of Christ – Book 4, Ch.12-15, pt.2 Read More »
Enter into the story of the Road to Emmaus. Read the passage slowly, reverentially, and expectantly allowing yourself to live into the story itself. Reflect on the part of the story that resonates with you, particularly its conclusion that the Risen Jesus is known in the breaking of the bread.
Imitation of Christ – Book 4, Ch.8-11, pt.2 Read More »
One Christian who found a great benefit in reading through “The Imitation of Christ” was John Wesley, the Anglican priest and founder of the Methodist movement. Wesley translated the book into English and published the same so that members of his Methodist community could benefit from á Kempis’ writing.
Imitation of Christ – Book 4, Ch.4-7, pt.2 Read More »
In meditations four and five, we come across two concepts that have a very ancient origin in the church – the Eucharist as the “medicine of immortality” and the special dignity (or burden) of the priesthood.
Imitation of Christ – Book 4, Ch.4-7, pt.1 Read More »
