Category: New Testament - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

Just a Note - Acts 28:11-16

10/20/2017

10/20/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

Our shipwrecked prisoners, Christians and otherwise, had gained some level of favor with their guards. By the time they depart in Acts 28 the dynamic between prisoners and guards seems to be almost friendly. The group disembarks at Puteoli on the way to Rome. They are greeted by Christians and stay there for a week before continuing, apparently on foot. The Christians in Rome hear about the approach and send out representatives to greet them. We don’t know about the disposition of the other prisoners, but Paul is allowed to stay in a house with the soldier who is assigned to guard him. It is clear that Paul is not considered a risk.

This kind of relationship is built through mutual respect. Although the roles are different - prisoners and guards - the experience of the voyage, the shipwreck, the ministry of Paul on the isand, and all else they endured in the winter has built a trusting relationship.

In much of Christian ministry, we find ourselves working with people hwo are very different. There may well be significant cultural barriers, educational differences, and any number of issues of background and experience which would interfere with communication. However, a consistent focus on the heart and center of the Christian message, Christ crucified for sinners, will break down most of these barriers. When that is our strategy, the personal differences are merely personal. Our arguments can pertain to actual values, doctrine, and application, rather than on personal attacks. This is something we have largely lost in American Christianity. We desperately need to recover it.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Matthew 22:15-22 - Lectionary for Pentecost 20A

10/19/2017

10/19/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

What’s the right role of government? That’s one of those debates we will always have. Any time there are alliances of people, some sort of organization is necessary. This is shown clearly by the fact that there are anarchist organizations. Even those who wish to shun governmental authority make some sort of government of their own.

In Matthew 22:15-22 the Pharisees wish to trap Jesus with a question about the role of government. The question at hand is whether people should pay taxes. If Jesus says taxes are appropriate, he can be portrayed as a Roman sympathizer who must not be the Messiah. After all the Messiah is going to set up his own kingdom and would have nothing to do with submission to the rulers of this world. If Jesus says it isn’t appropriate to pay taxes, he commits rebellion against Roman rule and is subject to arrest and execution. The fact is, Jesus cannot answer the question they pose without a dire and unwanted consequence.

Jesus’ answer goes farther than the question. He affirms that we give God what belongs to Him. We give our government what belongs to it. The logical outcome of this statement, though, considering that God is the creator and sustainer of all, is that God receives all the glory, honor, praise, and whatever material possessions there are. Throughout the history of Israel, some of our material goods were brought to God’s priests, who were supported by them and who also used them to care for the poor, as well as any other civic projects which were needed. Giving to God includes some material possessions and all our allegiance. However, Jesus says there is nothing wrong with giving to a government. The civil authorities do need resources to accomplish peace and safety for their subjects. We read about this a good deal in Romans chapter 13. Does the state receive all our allegiance? Not really. It isn’t like God. But it does have a claim on its subjects and there is an appropriate respect to be given to the state as well.

Learning to walk appropriately on the line - allegiance to God and submission to the state - is not easy. It takes, perhaps, more lifetime than we have on this earth. But it is perfectly honorable before God.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 28:7-10

10/19/2017

10/19/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

It’s easy to get our priorities wrong. Sometimes they go very badly astray. In Acts 28:7-10 we see an example of an opportunity to do well or badly. After being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, the apostle Paul finds out that the father of Publius, the leader of the island, was ill. Paul went and healed him. We are not told of Paul’s other actions in this instance. However, a close reading of Acts shows us that Paul’s work of healing is routinely accompanied by a proclamation of the Gospel in very clear terms. Paul always tells people about Jesus, but he doesn’t always heal them. But we have no idea of Paul healing people without telling them about Jesus.

This work of mercy, healing Publius’ father, not only provided an open door to bring healing and Gospel proclamation to many on the island, it also nurtured a favorable relationship between the shipwrecked people and the citizens of the island.

It’s easy to decide that the Christian response to poverty or hardship is bringing relief. The relief is needed, no doubt. And it’s certainly a good thing to help those who are suffering. But we need to remember that the primary task of Christian ministry is to proclaim Christ crucified for sins. That’s what we are all about. Our good works are filled up by the grace of Christ’s resurrection and life. Paul kept this absolutely straight in his work. By God’s grace, we can also.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Explaining a New Alliance

10/19/2017

Thursdays are for the New Testament
10/19/17

Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts Revised. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988. Kindle Electronic Edition. “III. The Acts of Peter and Beginnings of Gentile Christianity (9:32-12:25)” “C. Peter’s Action Endorsed at Jerusalem (11:1-18)” pp. 218-223.

Peter’s behavior in Acts chapter 10 was certainly seen as radical. Upon his return to Jerusalem, those who endorsed conversion to Judaism prior to conversion to Christianity confronted Peter. They didn’t think it appropriate for Christians and Gentiles to associate (Bruce 1988, 220). These people are referred to as “the circumcision party.” The concern specifically included eating together. Jews generally identified food and community. As the foods eaten by Gentiles were not considered ceremonially clean, all the interactions were normally banned.

In response to this critique, Peter told of his vision in Joppa (Bruce 1988, 221). He went on to describe his visit from Cornelius’ messengers. Those who accompanied Peter to Jerusalem were eyewitnesses of the encounter with Cornelius. Bruce notes that Peter gives a number of details here which were not included in chapter ten. The critical message is that salvation came to Cornelius’ house by the proclamation of the Gospel (Bruce 1988, 222). God brought salvation to Gentiles in the same way he brought it to Jews. The circumcision party was amazed. They were turned from critics to supporters of Gentile conversion (Bruce 1988, 223).

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - Lectionary for Pentecost 20A

10/18/2017

10/18/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our reading from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 this week is not merely a greeting. It does have those elements, as it is the start of a letter from the apostle Paul to a congregation in Thessalonica. But what we want to notice especially is the prayer the apostle prays for the people.

The apostle recalls before God the way the Thessalonians have been living. They have been changed by Jesus and His hope. Therefore, they are working in their community for the good of all. Why is this? In verse five we see that they are able to do this because the Holy Spirit is working in them.

The Thessalonians have turned from idols. They have departed from the paganism of their time. They have found hope which lasts, in an immutable God who has revealed himself clearly. In our subjective age, where we are told to trust ourselves, trust our hearts, and follow our desires, but we have no clear measure of what that means, we’re in critical need for the definitive revelation of God. We follow a sort of idolatry. Our priorities are largely made up by our imagination. This is a recipe for frustration, for anxiety, for disaster. What do we do?

Thanks be to God, He has given a clear revelation of himself in Scripture. We can look to those words, study them, review them, and seek wisdom which will allow us to structure our lives rightly. By the Holy Spirit, he will help us know the confidence the Thessalonians had. May we ever be receiving from God’s mercy and serving our neighbors in this world.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 28:1-6

10/18/2017

10/18/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

After an emotionally charged situation ends it’s very normal to react strongly to other events. Being washed up on an unknown shore after a tremendous and frightening storm may well have reminded passengers of Homer of Vergil, who both featured heroes landing in places filled with very dangerous barbarians. What kind of place could this be?

The natives, whom Luke does call barbarians, proved kind. It was winter, everyone was wet, the wind was blowing, so they needed a fire as quickly as possible. The islanders welcomed the strangers, knowing that they themselves could be in the same situation sometime.

Emotions were no doubt still running high when a serpent bit Paul. Deep down inside we all think we get what we deserve, and so do others. So if Paul is attacked by a snake and we may expect him to die, he must be some sort of dangerous person. What’s the only logical conclusion when he doesn’t die? He must be some sort of a god or at least someone we should listen to.

The previous night Paul had told his fellow passengers that God would protect them. Now he gets to tell them about the true God and His protection. Not only that, but he gets to do it on land, by a fire.

The Lord works out our lives in unusual ways. Our role is to be sensitive to his action, to take advantage of the opportunities that we recognize, and to trust that the Lord will be faithful in all things.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:39-44

10/17/2017

10/17/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

It would be so very nice if safety always came easily. Sadly, our fallen world doesn’t work in such a tidy way. After learning, during the night, that they were approaching land, and being told by Paul that the people would be safe, when day broke it was not altogether clear. The land was unknown, but it was land. There was a bay, but nobody could tell what was under the water. The sailors did their best to approach the land, but ran aground. As the ship was breaking up, the soldiers almost killed all the prisoners to prevent their escape. However, because Paul was one of the prisoners, the centurion stopped this plan.

So far, so good. Would they all drown anyway? The passengers did manage to make it to shore and all the prisoners were kept together. The ship was lost, the cargo was lost, all the personal possessions which were not on someone’s body - it was all gone.

When we are confronted with the real fallenness of this world it’s easy to lose hope. People become sick. Businesses fail. We are hurt and offended by our co-workers and even our family members. And we realize that at the end of this earthly life every last one of us can expect to die. There’s loss all around us.

What is the hope? God’s mercy and grace intervene and draw us, not always to avoid the troubles of life, but to walk through those troubles. We have a promise in Christ which goes beyond this mortal life. He will guard his people to the end of the age - forever. No matter what things we have and lose, eternal life is something which cannot be taken away from those who believe on Jesus. That’s the hope Paul had. We always hope that many of his fellow passengers were finding the same hope as they ended up on shore.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:33-38

10/16/2017

10/16/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

One of the challenges we face as Christians in this world is that of ministry philosophy. On the surface, Acts 27:33-38 seems an unlikely place to look when developing a philosophy of ministry. However, there’s something very interesting and, I think important here. The ship on which Paul was being transported had some 276 people aboard. Some of them were clearly known to be Christians. However, for the most part, we have no reason to believe this was a “Christian” cruise.

In this passage, though, Paul addresses the people clearly, identifying the true God, the one who he serves, and he explains that the Lord is going to save their lives, even though they have all given up hope.

What’s so very important about this is that we find no call for repentance and faith. We find no attempt to persuade people that if they believe in Jesus they will be rescued. For that matter, there’s no attempt to persuade people that this is the true God of all. Paul simply announces the promise of God. He urges the people to eat, as they have not eaten for some time and are planning to throw their food overboard to lighten the ship.

Granted, we normally don’t find ourselves in such challenging situations. Most of the people around you or me have no expectation that they will drown in the next few hours. In this great opportunity, when death is an impending reality, the apostle Paul simply identifies God clearly and proclaims his protection over the people.

My question, then, is this. Do we believe that the law we see all around us, and the Gospel of Jesus dying to save people from their sins is powerful enough to call people to repentance and trust in Jesus? The apostle seems to have thought that was appropriate, at least at some times. There would be time and opportunity for plenty of follow up discussion, teaching, and prayer. Paul’s concern at that moment was to care for the voyagers. Ours may often be similar. Care for people within our vocation, get the boat to shore, tell people that God really is merciful, and trust that they will respond. God’s Word is truly powerful.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:27-32

10/13/2017

10/13/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

Some people say that trusting in God is fatalistic. That isn’t the picture we have in Acts 27:27-32. The people aboard the ship with Paul are certainly in trouble. They have no reasonable means of escape. Yet Paul has brought them the promise that all will be well. What are they to do? Shrug their shoulders and sing happy songs?

The sailors continue working the ship. They are navigating to the best of their ability, though they have terrible visibility and don’t know exactly where they are. They are taking soundings through the night. Because it seems the sea is shallower they try to slow the progress and stabilize the ship. Some of the sailors also try to arrange a way they can escape when the ship sinks.

When our lives are driven by the waves in God’s providence and we aren’t sure where we are going to land, our trusting reaction is to keep doing what we can. We try to anticipate the shipwreck and work to minimize the damage. We pray the Lord will keep us out of danger, but we know it is altogether possible we will be washed up on shore with no apparent supplies. We use the resources the Lord has provided as well as we can. We keep praying, and we remain alert. This also is within God’s providence. There’s no fatalism there, just trust.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Matthew 22:1-14 - Lectionary for Pentecost 19A

10/12/2017

10/12/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In Jesus’ parable of the wedding dinner we find a culture of disrespect. Matthew 22:1-14 depicts a king, who is a figure of God. He is having a wedding celebration. It is a big one. There have been multiple cattle prepared. This event had plenty of advance notice and preparation. The guests had certainly been notified, and the king, as courtesy, sends someone to collect the guests. Yet, disrespecting the generosity of the king, the guests refuse to come. He calls out to others, who also refuse to come. We can easily imagine in this the work of God calling his people Israel to himself in faith. He sent Moses, he sent the prophets, and the guests would not come. They ignored him, harmed the servants, and insulted the King.

Finally an assortment of people are gathered together. There’s a feast. It’s food fit for the table of a king. And we can easily imagine that some of those guests don’t look all that great. They are peasants, workers, homeless people, maybe some criminals, maybe even the odd IRS agent or sociology professor. Yet they have been invited and they have come.

God the king has prepared a feast, a feast of life, a feast of redemption. He calls people from every part of society, from every nation, from every background to come. All they have to do is show the respect due to a fancy occasion and come. In some families from my background, they would say you wear your best and make sure it is clean. It doesn’t matter if your best doesn’t look as new or fit as well as some other people’s. It is your best.

What happens to the person who disrespects the king at this point? Someone has come in without attempting to clean up. Although all the guests are certainly dressed differently, and although there are sure to be differences in what people have and can wear, there is someone present who is noticeably not in appropriate clothing. Really? You went to the king’s son’s wedding dinner and wore the t-shirt with a picture of the king’s opponent in the last war? The person is rejected out of hand.

When God calls people to receive his blessings, he calls them according to his rules. He calls them to approach him in trust, in sorrow for their wrong, in hope that he is who he says he is, expecting that he is the one who will redeem them from all their sorrows. He openly showsh imself to be the one true God. He doesn’t put up with substitutes. Do you want to come to his dinner? Come as he has invited you. He will take care of the rest.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:21-26

10/12/2017

10/12/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

In Acts 27:21-26, the apostle Paul does say, ‘I told you so.” It would be hard to resist. He had warned the people not to attempt a voyage. He was concerned that the ship, the cargo, and lives would be lost. The voyage had been terrible to this time. After the people had gone a long time without food, presumably fasting and praying or being simply so frightened the couldn’t eat, Paul encouraged them.

He had received a revelation. It isn’t clear how. “God stood beside me.” We don’t know how this worked, but Paul was confident that the message was from the Lord. The ship and cargo would be lost but the people would survive. They would be shipwrecked on an island.

In Paul’s warning he makes it crystal clear. The message comes from the true God, the one he serves, not some other god. And the words of encouragement are real. The people will survive. They may end up losing all their possessions which are on board, but they will live. This is excellent news, compared to the fear of capsizing in mid sea somewhere.

Even in our times of deepest doubt and discouragement we can know that the Lord is still the merciful God. He doesn’t abandon his people. He can communicate joy and peace to us just as easily as he can stand beside Paul and encourage him. The God of the Bible remains the living and miraculous God. Sometimes God’s work doesn’t result in our health and wealth. But it does strengthen us to eternal life.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

At Cornelius' House

10/12/2017

Thursdays are for the New Testament
10/12/17

Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts Revised. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988. Kindle Electronic Edition. “III. The Acts of Peter and Beginnings of Gentile Christianity (9:32-12:25)” “B. The Story of Cornelius (10:1-48)” pp. 199-218.

Acts chapter 10 moves the account of the Gospel definitively across ethnic lines. In this chapter, the Gospel comes clearly and effectively to a Gentile household, that of Cornelius (Bruce 1988, 201). Bruce observes that previous mentions of Gentiles have been favorable. However, this is the first definitive instance of the Gentiles receiving the Gospel by faith. The encounter further raises the question dealt with in chapter 15. Can Gentiles become Christians without first converting to Judaism? The answer, of course, is affirmative.

Bruce surveys Roman religious observances in brief and concludes that many Roamns were willing to adopt the relatively simpler and more straightforward faith of the Jews, though without a full conversion and circumcision (Bruce 1988, 203).

In verses 3-8 Cornelius was instructed by a heavenly vision that his prayers were accepted and that he should send for Peter. He did so immediately (Bruce 1988, 204). In verses 9-16, the following day, Peter had a vision. Bruce notes the purpose of Peter’s vision to prepare him for an interaction with Gentiles. This is osmething which Jews would normally avoid (Bruce 1988, 205). In the vision, God proclaimed unclean foods as clean. This worked to break the barriers surrounding ceremonial impurity (Bruce 1988, 206).

In verses 17 and following, Peter received instructions from the Holy Spirit that he should go with the messengers of Cornelius. He obeyed the instructions (Bruce 1988, 207). Bruce observes that Peter would be open to criticism for welcoming the messengers into the house. He certainly would create a stir by going with them (Bruce 1988, 208).

Acts 10:23-33 describes the scene upon Peter’s arrival at Cornelius’ house. The household was assembled for the messasge of Peter. They received him as a messenger from God (Bruce 1988, 209). Peter had reached the conclusion that he should receive and be received by Gentiles (Bruce 1988, 210). He asked Cornelius to describe his vision. Until then neither Cornelius nor Peter knew what they were to say.

In verses 34-43 Peter described God’s attitude very clearly. God does not play favorites. Those who trust him are forgiven (Bruce 1988, 211). This was a revolutionary message to Peter and to Cornelius. Peter went on to tell of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the heart of the Gospel (Bruce 1988, 212). Despite Jesus’ goodness, he was put to death and raised on the third day (Bruce 1988, 214). As a result of the resurrection, the disciples were commanded to proclaim the truth to the nations. The real forgiveness of sins was the message of all the Scriture. It was for all the nations (Bruce 1988, 215).

The chapter concludes withan outpouring of the Holy Spriit, baptism for the household, and several days of teaching (Bruce 1988, 216). Bruce observes the distinctive in this instance. The people of Acts 10 repented, believed, and received the holy Spirit before being told to do so or being baptized (Bruce 1988, 216). The signs of speaking in tongues apparently make it clear that conversion has happened. Bruce acknowledges this as necessary for the Jews to see.

Philippians 4:4-13 - Lectionary for Pentecost 19A

10/11/2017

10/11/17

Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

It’s very easy, when reading our Epistle reading, to pile a bunch of commands onto ourselves. There are certainly a lot of demands from God. We are to rejoice, be gracious, confident, prayerful, thankful, and peaceful. We are to spend our time and energy thinking about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. We, like Paul, are to be content whether we have little or much. We’re told that Paul can do all things, and we ought to do the same.

It would be a natural step to feel inferior. It would be perfectly normal to despair. Yet that isn’t the purpose of this passage. Philippians is one of the most encouraging books of the New Testament! Why is that?

Let’s notice the promises. In verse seven we see that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds. In verse nine we see that God will be with us. How is Paul content? He is content because in Christ he has all he needs.

Maybe we need to be sure we are thinking of God’s demands in light of his promises. What’s the source of our rejoicing? It’s the Lord who is near (verse 5). Where do we find graciousness, confidence, a desire to prayer, thanksgiving, and peace? It’s from the Lord who has rescued us from sin, death, and the power of hell. When we are burdened, when we are troubled, whatever our circumstances, we can call upon the Lord Jesus, who gives us all we need. When we see our failure, we look to him as the forgiving and restoring Lord. When we see our weakness, we look to him as our strength. When we think nobody cares, we look to him and realize that he cared for us when we didn’t even know who he was. All thanks be to God.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:13-20

10/11/2017

10/11/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

The weather in Acts 27:13-20 was suddenly changeable. It went from good to worse to terrible. We may remember that the ship’s steersman and owner were attempting to sail to a safe haven for the winter. This still required that they make some progress. Hoping for the best, they set out when it appeared safe. It was the custom to use shorelines for navigation.

A ship typical of the Mediterranean during the first century would not have a very deep keel. It would not be capable of sailing crosswise to the wind with much accuracy, at least not with a high wind. It would be very dangerous to remain close to a shore when the wind could drive the ship aground.

Paul and his companions had a rough journey. They did all they could to make the ship as safe as possible. But in the storm there was a constant danger of the ship breaking up or running aground. Because of high winds and low visibility, once they were away from a coastline, they couldn’t identify their location with any confidence. They weren’t exactly lost, but they also didn’t know where they were. In this part of the Mediterranean there are a few areas where there are underwater hazards. This would certainly increase their fear.

In aan attempt to save the ship and people, the crew unloaded a good deal of the cargo. They eventually removed much of what they would need to make repairs, simply to try to float as high as possible in the water.

By verse 20, the people on the ship have given up hope. They are in big trouble. They have done all that is humanly possible and it has not rescued them.

Most of us find ourselves in a position like this at least once in our life. We are in a stressful or dangerous situation. Our life seems to be falling apart no matter what we do. No doubt, some of the people on the ship gave up hope entirely and were ready to throw themselves overboard. The Christian response, though, is not to give up hope. We may not be able to see the reason for hope. We may think there is no earthly way of rescue. But the same Lord who walked on water during a great storm is the resurrected Lord who says he will never leave or forsake us. Even though the way is unclear, God’s care is certain. There is no need for fear.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:9-12

10/10/2017

10/10/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

Acts 27:9-12 poses a challenge to us. The Lord has promised to be with his people. He will guard them from all harm. We routinely express that truth and expect that it will happen. We surround ourselves and others with prayers for safety. Now, in verse 9, we recognize that the journey of Paul may be dangerous. It may be very dangerous. Most shipping would come to a halt during this season.

In verse 10 Paul acts as a prophet. He says that there will be injury, probably loss of the cargo, the ship, and lives. If Paul is correct, it’s exactly the right time to choose a safe course. Wouldn’t it be nice to stay in Fair Havens through the winter?

In verse 11 we see that the pilot and owner, people who certainly would have an informed opinion of the risks, think it’s not the best idea to stay there. They persuade the centurion as well. The question, then, is whether we trust the person who might be a prophet but who might simply be ready to delay for a few months. Maybe we should trust the expert who has a financial interest in getting the ship and cargo safely to its destination.

This is not an easy decision. The final decision was to attempt a journey to a more suitable harbor, but not try to complete the journey. It’s an entirely reasonable decision.

As we will see when we read on, the decision is wrong, but Paul is also wrong. Paul’s prediction is that the ship will be lost and so will many lives. In fact, this doesn’t all happen. The ship owner’s prediction is that they will be able to reach a more suitable port safely. Again, this doesn’t happen.

In all our lives there are frustrations, delays, and impediments. Our plans won’t work out as we expect all the time. Sometimes those plans never work out. There are times when circumstances would say that God has abandoned us. But in all of it, the hand of God may be seen as he provides for his creation. The journey, entrusted to God, will certainly turn out somehow. At the end of the day we can look back and see God’s grace.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 27:1-8

10/9/2017

10/9/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

In Acts 27 we find the apostle Paul on his way to Italy, where he will stand before Caesar’s judgment. How did Romans transport prisoners? In this instance, they sent a number of prisoners with a centurion and some other soldiers. The group took passage on commercial transports. There’s a human element here as well. Paul is even allowed to leave and receive hospitality from friends in verse 3. Does this seem strange? Possibly so, but we need to remember that Paul was essentially in protective custody at his own request. There weren’t any specific criminal charges. Paul was not considered dangerous. If he escaped when on leave, he would be the one in danger.

The greater danger was the weather. Luke gives us a good bit of detail about the course of the journey. The weather would become less stable as winter approached. Sailing vessels at the time of Paul didn’t have particularly deep keels. Navigational technology was fairly limited. Contrary winds and low visibility were much more serious problems than they are today.

We learn several things from the account of this journey. First, we find that Paul has favor with the centurion as well as with his friends in Sidon. Christians don’t necessarily need to be in adversarial relationships with others. For the most part we can live peaceably in our communities, as we treat others with dignity and respect. Second, we see that the whole group, which apparently includes Luke (“we” sailed…) found it a difficult voyage. Even in the time of difficulty God’s hand can be seen. As he protects his people he also protects the other passengers and the cargo. Yet we will see that the journey turns less positive as time goes on.

May the Lord give us a life of peace and favor in our community and patience to deal with the struggles along our journeys.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 26:24-32

10/6/2017

10/6/17

The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

How is the Christian message received? In Acts 26 Paul has been explaining to King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus that Jesus is the Messiah, the one with power of resurrection. His claims are bold. He is convinced that there is life in nobody other than Jesus.

Festus, not Agrippa, interrupts Paul’s testimony. Festus says Paul is out of his mind. These claims made no sense to a Roman. Paul then appealed to Agrippa, who had at least some understanding of Judaism. Agrippa agreed that resurrection was a critical issue, but questioned how quickly Paul was trying to move him to believing that Jesus is the Messiah just because he agrees that resurrection is part of God’s plan.

The claims of Christ are hard for many to accept. It may take a long time of gentle influence before some will believe. Some will never accept the evidence that Jesus is the Savior. But the Scripture says that all those who believe will receive eternal life.

Paul presents the message of Jesus, the cure for sins, as the best news this world has ever heard. He wishes that everyone would be a Christian, just as Paul is. Yet the court will not receive his word. The largest step they would take was to agree with each other that Paul could be released except that he appealed for Caesar’s judgment.

The testimony given by Paul was effective. It didn’t seem to bring Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice to the Christian faith at that time. Yet it has been a significant element in the salvation of many who have trusted Jesus over the years. May the Lord give his people patience in their testimony.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Matthew 21:33-46 - Lectionary for Pentecost 18A

10/5/2017

10/5/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In Matthew 21 Jesus plays on a parabolic prophetic statement made by Isaiah in chapter 5. Jesus tells of a man who built a vineyard, very much like the vineyard God planted in Isaiah 5. The vineyard is turned over to tenants who are responsible to care for it and share the profits with the owner.

In their greed, the tenants try to keep all the proceeds and even claim ownership of the vineyard. They are cruel and harmful.

What would the owner of such a vineyard do? He would certainly take action against his tenants and try to get responsible tenants. That goes almost entirely without saying.

Why would Jesus tell such a parable? In the text we see that the Jewish leaders know he is speaking about them. The implication is that they have been acting against the will of God, the one who planted the vineyard and owns the property. This, of course, angers the Jewish leaders.

Though this is a parable of judgment, there is a piece of obvious good news. After all, we can think of what is not stated. If the tenants are responsible, if they give the honor due to the owner of the vineyard, if the confess that all the proceeds belong to the owner and that he has shared it with them, recognizing their labor, all will be well. The owner may even reward them generously.

What is God’s reward to his people? As we look to him in faith, as we acknowledge him for who he is, the Lord gives forgiveness, life, and hope to all who trust him. This is no small reward. It is a reward we could never earn, no matter how long and hard we worked. This is great good news.

Are we angered by the parable? Maybe we are aligned more with the Jewish leaders than with the Master of the vineyard.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 26:1-23

10/5/2017

10/5/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

In Acts 26 Paul is given the opportunity to defend himself before Agrippa. His defense is centered on the facts of the resurrection. He declares the idea of the resurrection to be completely consistent with Jewish belief. He then defends the fact that he, a hostile witness toward Jesus, convinced of the resurrection, found that Jesus was the one who brought resurrection to life.

Paul’s defense is very simple. God’s people believe that there is a resurrection from the dead. Jesus has shown himself to be the one who raises the dead. There is nobody other than the Messiah who could ever raise the dead. Therefore, Jesus must be the Messiah.

We really seem to try making the Christian faith a difficult thing. It isn’t that hard to understand. God has promised to forgive sin. He uses physical means, such as someone’s death, to accomplish that forgiveness. He raised up Jesus, God the Son, to die in the place of all sinful people. He demonstrated that Jesus was the one with power over death and life by raising him from the dead. It really isn’t that difficult to grasp. It is, however, a message like none other.

How do we respond to the message of Paul? How will Agrippa respond to Paul’s message? We’ll look at that later.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

The Gospel Moves to the Gentile World

10/5/2017

Thursdays are for the New Testament
10/5/17

Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts Revised. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988. Kindle Electronic Edition. “III. The Acts of Peter and Beginnings of Gentile Christianity (9:32-12:25)” “A.Peter in Western Judaea (9:32-43)” pp. 197-199.

Bruce notes that Acts 9:32 returns to Peter, who was last seen in 8:25. Here, Peter is engaged in visiting Christian communities, this one in Lydda (Bruce 1988, 197). Peter healed someone, most likely a Christian, named Aeneas. This news spread in verse 35. Bruce notes that the territory was largely Gentile, so the text indicates a greater spread of the Gospel to Gentiles (Bruce 1988, 198).

Joppa, about ten miles from Lydda, is the next location of interest (Bruce 1988, 199). The death of a charitable Christian named Tabitha inspired people to call for Peter. Peter prayed very briefly, telling Tabitha to arise. This she did in verse 42. Peter remained in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner. Bruce notes that the work of a tanner generally left one unclean so he was likely outside the town. A location on the sea would provide him with the salt water needed for tanning (Bruce 1988, 199).

Philippians 3:4b-14 - Lectionary for Pentecost 18A

10/4/2017

10/4/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In our Epistle reading from Philippians chapter 3, the apostle Paul makes a startling confession. He is someone of illustrious parentage. He has lived an exemplary life. He is, in fact, one of the more brilliant lights in his society. It did him no good.

Did Paul really waste all his time and effort earlier in life? Does he cast it all away as refuse? In fact, he doesn’t. He learns from it. But it’s a very hard lesson. He has to realize that all he was doing, all his goals, all his priorities, it all counted for nothing. Anything that separated Paul from Jesus, anything that stood in the way of his trusting God rather than trusting himself, it must be put behind him.

We also fall into the trap of trusting ourselves. Yet Paul tells very clearly that our trust in ourselves will do absolutely no good. It will simply hinder us. If we persist in trusting ourselves God’s response is that we can go ahead and earn our own salvation by being absolutely perfect. This is something we can never do. Rather, by grace, we learn to trust in Jesus and his perfection. That is eternal life.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 25:23-27

10/4/2017

10/4/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

As we read on to the close of Acts 25, Agrippa and his wife, Bernice, have entered the judgment hall with Festus. The case is introduced in brief, as is Paul. Festus observes that Paul has appealed to Caesar’s judgment, but that Festus needs to send some sort of charges against Paul when he is sent to Caesar.

Festus again is portrayed in a positive light here. Of course, he makes himself the hero of the story. That’s to be expected. But what he is trying to accomplish is perfectly reasonable. He has a person who has been a prisoner for over two years. This prisoner is supposed to be sent to the head of state for judgment. But it seems unreasonable for someone who has been detained for two years without any substantive charges to be sent on to Caesar, still without charges. What should Festus do?

The only hope Festus has is that Agrippa might understand something or provoke some sort of statement which would give Festus a valid charge for which Paul can be tried. If this doesn’t happen, Festus will simply seem like an incompetent governor. He wants to avoid that at all costs.

Our world frequently fails to understand the heart of Christian values. We are frequently told that we need to change our values, that our ethics don’t matter, and that if we were enlightened we would agree with a secular state about anything and everything. Sadly, many Christians willingly comply with these demands. On the other hand, we can, like Paul, stand for the truth of the Gospel. It is a very specific thing. The idea that all humans are sinners in need of forgiveness, that we cannot earn our forgiveness, and that it is given freely by a God who becomes human and dies in our place - it all seems very foreign. If we are going to confess that it is all true, let’s go ahead and hold to that confession. Otherwise, let us depart from Christianity forever.

The apostle Paul was given many opportunities to compromise. He didn’t do so. He stood for the Gospel even though it cost him his life. We can do no less.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 25:13-22

10/3/2017

10/3/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

The Romans had a slightly complicated relationship with their subject people. Agrippa was recognized as a king of the Jewish people. There was some idea that there was a sovereign state. However, in reality, Agrippa was subject to Roman authority. He could rule, but only insofar as he was permitted to do so by the Romans. Likewise, the Roman governors, in order to keep peace with subject people, had agreements with Caesar that they would not provoke the subject people excessively.

Festus was in a difficult position in Acts 25. He had a prisoner who was accused, not of some sort of sedition or other crime recognized easily in a civil court, but of religious crimes. Therefore, when Agrippa and his wife arrived in Caesarea on a state visit, he consulted with the Jewish king. The dispute at hand was beyond all of Festus’ experience.

Festus’ summary to Agrippa is telling. He summarized the case in verse 19 as pertaining to Jesus. Jesus was dead and Paul said he was alive. Under normal circumstances, this is not an issue of any concern to a court, unless, of course, it is trying to determine a matter of inheritance or guardianship.

Agrippa asks to hear the case. We don’t have much reliable information about his reasoning. We don’t know what Agrippa already knew or what his opinion might have been. Yet it is certainly an interesting case.

The Christian faith stands or falls based on the resurrection. This is affirmed by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead the Christian faith is invalid. The Jewish leaders apparently recognized how important Jesus’ resurrection was.

Many discussions of Christianity seem to depend on moral claims or spiritual testimonies about the way a life has been changed by God’s grace. These are very subjective arguments. we would do well to step back to the apostolic period and build again on the importance of the resurrection. Here we find the beginning of a general resurrection of the dead. Here we find that God has killed death and is showing that all things have become new. This is a powerful discussion indeed. It’s the idea which the Jewish leaders all recognzied as critical to the life or death of the Christian faith. It’s the idea we need to recapture.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 25:6-12

10/2/2017

10/2/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

We last saw Paul in prison in Caesarea. He was there for approximately two years and had periodically visited with Felix, the governor. The new governor, Festus, had wisely chosen not to have Paul transported to Jerusalem. Shortly after taking office, he went to Caesarea and also called Paul’s accusers to appear.

The text of verses 6-11 indicate that Paul’s accusers made a variety of charges which could not be substantiated. This was clear to Festus. However, Luke says that Festus wanted to do a favor to the Jewish leaders who were accusing Paul. Therefore, he offered that Paul could be tried in Jerusalem, where he would likely be released.

Paul knew what would happen if he was released. The next step would be some sort of horrible “accident” which would result in Paul’s death, probably a painful death. Paul had previously stated his intention to go to Jerusalem and then hopefully to Rome. Therefore, Paul appealed to Caesar’s judgment. This was the right of a citizen. It would transport him to Rome, away from those in Judea who wanted to have him killed. Again we see Paul putting his government to work for his benefit.

Paul’s statement in verse 11 deserves our close attention. He says that he will not seek to live if he deserves to die. Yet he denies all responsibility for the charges of the Jews.

The Christian should strive to live a life which can justly avoid blame. This doesn’t mean that we will never violate laws. There are some times when laws would force a Christian to violate his conscience. In those instances, the law should be violated. But more often, the accusations lodged against Christians have nothing to do with the laws of the state. They are frequently baseless accusations, just like those made against Paul. What do we do in those situations? We live a life of righteousness, we assert the protections which we have available to us, and we live our life.

There’s a great comfort in the life of obedience to God. We know that as forgiven people we are secure in eternity. We can also know that we have done right, no matter what others may say. It gives us a great deal of confidence, not found elsewhere. May we all have that same confidence which Paul shows here.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Just a Note - Acts 25:1-5

9/29/2017

9/29/17
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”

There’s something intriguing about taking on a new position of authority. There is almost always someone who will make a request that doesn’t seem completely genuine. In Acts 25:1-5, Festus, the new kid on the block, has taken up his office in Jerusalem. Some Jewish leaders asked him to summon Paul to Jerusalem form Caesarea so as to have a trial. Why would they want to do this? Luke comments that their plan was to ambush and kill Paul.

Festus would have had no way of knowing the plan of the Jewish leaders. However, when a prisoner has been kept in Caesarea for a couple of years it might just be a good idea to leave him there until you can have the trial. Festus requires the Jewish leaders to appear in Ceaesarea for a trial. He keeps the prisoner secure. He prevents change that he doesn’t fully understand

By doing this, Festus makes certain he will be able to hear the actual charges. This is good and wise. Wise leaders in any organization will be slightly resistent to change. When they hear an idea they will be ready to put it into operation, but only if it is actually a good idea. Otherwise it is very easy to fall into change simply for the sake of change. It allows leaders, followers, and a whole organization to be driven around by the whim of anybody who wishes to speak out. That’s almost always going to have a negative outcome.

Paul’s fine. He’s in prison, which isn’t optimal. But he’s fine. We’ll leave him there for a bit.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.