Revelation

I just finished the last book of the Bible.

I think I need the help of someone wiser than me to interpret John’s dream, or prophecy, or warning, or whatever you want to call this. There is a lot of symbolism and crazy detail on what the angels and creatures look like. I am not sure what to make of it all.

Bottom line, I think Revelation is a warning. Beware of false prophets, false leaders. They will lead to destruction. Instead, believe what Jesus taught and act on his lessons, all the while being aware you will be tested, judged and possibly ridiculed for your belief.

In the end, though, evil will be punished. Goodness will be rewarded.

There are a lot of details that I am sure many people have analyzed and interpreted. I am not qualified to do that. Maybe someday someone will attempt explain it all to me, or at least help me figure out what this all means.

Until then, I will just try my best to do what Jesus taught: Love God with all your heart and love your fellow man by showing kindness and compassion and generosity.

Jude

After reading John’s three letters of love, feeling good about what following  Jesus means, Jude is a bit of a downer.

He immediately warns of those among us who say they believe, but really don’t. This who will bend the words of Jesus to suit their own gain. These people are the grumblers and faultfinders…they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

But, Jude ends his letter with hope and kindness, be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy…

I can’t stop thinking about the Beatle’s song…

1, 2, 3 John - Believe and Love

John, I hear your message.

Know that Jesus is God’s son. He, a sinless man, died for our sins so we can have eternal life. What, as flawed humans can we do? Love one another. Pray for each other. Disregard those who spread untruths.

That is it. No judgment from John. Just believe in Christ and love your fellow man.

1 & 2 Peter

I think these are two letters from Peter, one of Jesus’ original apostles.

But, the letters don’t read like they were written by the same person, so I am a bit confused. The style is completely different. And if Peter was a poor fisherman, how did he learn to write with such authority? Or am I reading too much into things? 2 Peter talks of Paul’s letters, so were they contemporaries? Did they spend time together? I guess it makes sense that they did.

The message remains consistent with Paul - treat each other with kindness, show love to one another, beware of false prophets. Were these letters also written to the Israelites? There are a number of references that only they would understand.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

There is hope for us all.

James

Who wrote the book of James?

It is not a letter from Paul, I am pretty sure of that. It might have been written by James, himself. (But, who is James? He says, a servant of God and Lord Jesus Christ, so was he one of the apostles?)

This appears to be written to the Israelites, as he says it is written to the twelve tribes. And he references Old Testament people the Israelites would be familiar with. But I am not sure it is a letter, as it doesn’t end with a farewell. 

It appears to be more of a directive for living a Christ like life.

The main message seems to be, treat everyone equally and fairly. Don’t treat a rich man better than a poor one. Believe in Christ, but belief is not enough. You must also do good. You can’t have one and not the other. Don’t curse your fellow human, as we are all made in God’s image. Don’t boast, for who knows what tomorrow may bring. Pray. Pray for yourself. Pray for each other. 

Hebrews

Paul’s letter to the Hebrews reads differently than his previous letters.

Maybe this is because he is writing to Jewish converts to Christianity. They have the difficult task of not only taking on this new belief system, but also having to defend themselves to those who are not believers in the teachings of Jesus. It would be so easy to go back to the traditional Jewish laws and customs.

Paul uses words from the Old Testament to support the fact that Jesus is God’s son. He spends much of the letter recounting how faith in what cannot be seen kept key figures in the Old Testament going. He relates this faith to current circumstances. He talks of hardship as discipline, like a loving father disciplines his children. He asks them not to give up.

Paul reiterates the basic belief to love one another, honor God and each other, help others.

And then he says goodbye, telling them to welcome Timothy and hoping he will see them again.

Titus and Philemon

Titus and Philemon are both short letters written by Paul.

The intent of each, however, is not the same.

Titus received his letter to encourage and instruct, much like the letters to Timothy. Much of the letter is almost identical to the letter to Timothy—how to pick qualified elders and deacons, rebuking those who preach their own myths or human commands, and reminding people todo good, always.

Philemon hosts a home church, along with others. Paul thanks them and then asks that they welcome Onesimus (who, I think, was a former slave) and to treat him as they would treat Paul himself.

1 & 2 Timothy

Paul writes to Timothy, who appears to be young and in need of instruction and encouragement.

I don’t always like what Paul has to say. I wonder how much is reflecting his own prejudices and how much is truly from God. Times have changed; how does this affect the truth of what was written. Especially in terms of slaves, women and homosexuals. I have seen too many people use these (and similar) verses to persecute their fellow humans.

Slave owners pulled out All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect but ignored the parts that said masters should treat their slaves fairly and well. How does owning another human reconcile with love your neighbor? Paul clearly states slave traders are lawbreakers. How does homosexuality become equal to slave traders, murderers, and liars? What about mercy? What about love? Paul says I do not permit a woman to teach or hold authority over a man… (notice the “I”).  But from the beginning there were women prophets, women whom Jesus held in high regard (the resurrected Jesus first appeared to a woman, for goodness sake!) and women who are apostles of the new church (Pricilla had a home church and spread the good news). This doesn’t make sense to me.

But, Paul also has some instruction that truly comes from love—take care of the elderly and widows. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels… be kind to everyone… 

Paul knows the end is near.

1 and 2 Thessalonians

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…

Paul appears to have actually spent time with the Thessalonians. He thanks them for their hospitality and for their belief in Christ’s message. They are faithful even in the light of bad news, news of believers who have died because of their faith. 

He reminds them to be pure of body and mind. To love and care for each other. To be prepared for the second coming.

He warns them not to listen to the man of lawlessness (or sin) who will try to make them believe he is God. He is not. They should not be fooled, but remain firm in their belief and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Love one another; help one another; work for the good of all; never tire of doing what is good.

Colossians

Paul keeps encouraging new believers, even those he has never met. And from prison, no less!

The letters are shorter. 

Other apostles are recognized and mentioned by nam.

Paul asks this letter be shared - is his time coming to an end?

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Paul is definitely growing on me.

This is a letter of thanks. Thanks to God for the people of Philippi. Thanks for their concern. Thanks for their assistance and provisions. Thanks for their steadfast love and continuing faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul thanks specific people who have helped him and helped lead by example, men and women alike.

And Paul writes all of this while in prison.

Ephesians

I just realized that Paul probably wrote this letter while he was in prison. He makes reference to being a prisoner in Christ Jesus several times. I am guessing this means he is an actual prisoner?

If that is the case, Paul’s words of love and grace are even more powerful.

He has never met the Ephesians. He is in prison and yet he never stops encouraging, praising and teaching.   Paul sets out rules, but somehow seems gentler in this letter than some of his previous letters. He seems to have a true love for the Ephesians.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Galatians

I am beginning to feel for Paul.

He leaves an area inspired, full of hope for the new Christians, only to have the reality of their fragile belief come crashing down around him.

So Paul writes letters of encouragement, letters of rebuke, letters of re-education.

The Galatians have started listening to “apostles” who are starting to add their own rules, their own fears and prejudices to the teachings of Jesus. Paul has his work cut out for him and this letter is to the point. No fluff.  Don’t listen to these so called apostles, listen to me. Live by faith and love of your fellow mankind. Do good to all.

It is hard to be inspired when the people fall so easily. But Paul never loses faith.

2 Corinthians

This is Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, on the eve of his third visit.

Paul seems to spend much of the letter defending himself to the Corinthians. It seems like he is worried about how he first came across to them…as timid when face to face but bold in his letters. He seems worried that he frightened the people. 

He keeps saying he bragged about them and their generosity, but then worries the Corinthians won’t live up to his bragging. He brags about all he has been through, but then seems to dismiss its importance.

Paul seems worried throughout most of this…

1 Corinthians

This is the book of the Bible with the love verses we all know from weddings. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… Great reminders, and Paul seems very passionate about relaying the message of love.

But I feel like some of Paul’s personal prejudices also sneak into this book.

He says that he wishes everyone would be single like him, for that is the best. But, grudgingly, acknowledges that some may want to marry. He talks about sexual immorality, marriage, adultery - problems that must have been on the rise in this community.

Paul addresses many of the things the people of Corinth are arguing about…the basics of their new and fragile church. I think that is the main purpose of the book, to stop the arguments and the wandering from the truth of Jesus and his resurrection.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans

At first I wasn’t sure I would like Romans.

Paul is not the easiest writer to read. His style is formal and a bit stiff. The first half was not my favorite - maybe because it was aimed at the Jews. All that talk about circumcision!

Then, about halfway through the book, I started to appreciate what Paul was saying.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

For I am convinced that neither death or life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future … nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus out Lord.

Paul reminds that both Jews and Gentiles are children of the living God. 

He talks of love and God given gifts and our responsibility to use our gifts and treat everyone with love. Live in harmony with one another….Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. When did we forget that? Accept the one one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. Stop being so self righteous.

Now I like Paul and his letters. (Good thing, he wrote a lot if them!)

I even liked the personal greetings at the end. I liked that Paul recognized all the people helping spread the word, both men and women.

The Book of Acts

My daughter told me the book of Acts was written by Luke (of the Gospel Luke).

I can see that.  He begins Acts by saying, In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do...  The gospel of Luke begins in much the same way, ...since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus...

The biggest difference between the two books is that Luke researched Jesus' life, listening to testimony of many people who were actually there, but it was not a first hand account.  Luke actually travelled with Paul during his life as a disciple and was an actual witness to what was happening at the time.  He began Acts in third person, giving the facts of this young church as he either researched or witnessed. Then Luke starts to add "we" to his account, beginning with chapter sixteen, verse ten.  Was this done to add credibility to his account?  Was that when Luke first joined the church?  When he first joined John?  Or was it an unconscious change?

I had forgotten the story of Saul, who persecuted the new believers with zeal, followed by his unlikely conversion to one of the greatest proponents of the new church (which included a name change to Paul).  I couldn't remember where Paul had come from or why he was such an important person in spreading the Good News.  Now I know.  

Paul (Saul), was an influential figure with prominent Jewish lineage.  As such, his preaching was both knowledgeable (he knew the prophesies inside and out) but also disturbing to many Jews.  He could tell them how and why he began spreading the message of Jesus (and his story never changed).  He previously persecuted the members of The Way, and now he was an important, articulate teacher.  

He passionately believed without ever having seen Jesus, the man, in person.

Paul did what God asked of him, even when he knew it may bring his death.  He traveled around the land teaching and encouraging both Jews and Gentiles in the Way.  He went to Jerusalem (where they tried to kill him) and on to Rome (with a stop in Malta because of a terrible storm) where he continued to spread the word and encourage new Christians.

Paul's conviction and story never wavered, never changed. 

John

John was a little tougher read than the other three gospels.

At times, the book of John came across as a little more "preachy" than the other books.  Maybe because this was written by John the disciple.  (At least that is who I think wrote this book.)  He seemed to be trying to make Jesus sound more intellectual, more other-worldly.  He spent more time on Jesus defending himself to the Pharisees and less time on parables.

John did include some new details not included in the previous gospels.  He begins with John the Baptist, totally ignoring the birth of Jesus.  He moves right to the adult Jesus and his first miracle - turning water into wine at the wedding, per his mother's request.  This is the first time we hear of the Samaritan women by the well.  He had the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus (who Jesus raised from the dead) and indicated that there was a special relationship between the four.

John spent a lot more time on Jesus's last days and the Pharisee's plot to kill him.  He talks more of the instructions Jesus gives to the disciples for after his death and resurrection.  He spent more time on the resurrection, including some details not in the other books.  Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb, but this time she tells Peter and the one whom Jesus loved (John?) and they go to the tomb to look for themselves.  This is the first time we hear of Thomas not being there when Jesus first appeared in the room to the disciples and his need to see Jesus in person before he would believe.

John keeps referring to the disciple whom Jesus loved - was he talking about himself?  I think he was, for a variety of reasons.  Was there a feud between John and Peter?  The one whom Jesus loved is mentioned as bettering Peter a few times. (Peter ran to the tomb, but the one whom Jesus loved got there first.  The one whom Jesus loved sat next to Jesus at the last supper, leaning against him and asking who will betray you, Lord? Judas betrayed Jesus, but Peter denied him three times.)

This book filled in some details, but left out others.  Why?  Because John already knew what Matthew and Mark had to say so he didn't need to repeat them?  Or because, as it said at the end of the book, there are too many stories to tell...

My Dad's family:

(first row) Aunt Ina, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Mable

(second row) Uncle John, Uncle Owen, Aunt Vee, my Dad (Ross)

Luke

I finished Luke today and I think he must be The Historian.

Unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke was not there for Jesus’ life. His is not a first hand account. He listened to stories, did research, and wrote his gospel based on what he found. Interesting.

Luke gives much more information on John the Baptist than the first two gospels. He also talks about Mary’s visit by an angel (but nothing about Joseph). He tells of Jesus birth, focusing on the shepherds but no mention of the wisemen or Herod’s declaration that all boys under age two be killed or Joseph and his family’s flight to Egypt.

Luke is the first gospel to tell of baby Jesus’ circumcision story and the story of boy Jesus staying in the temple, calling it his Father’s house. Luke gives an expanded version of Jesus in Nazareth and the temptations of Jesus. (If only Jesus was present at the temptations, how is it all three gospels tell the same story?)

Luke tells some parables we already know, but in more detail. He tells new parables not mentioned by Mathew or Mark, too.

Luke pays much more attention to the women followers of Jesus, giving names and backgrounds. He tells more stories involving the women. He is very clear the women discovered the empty tomb, had a conversation with angels and told the (disbelieving) disciples what they found and heard.

Luke gives more detail to Jesus’ last days, last hours. 

Then Luke tells of the disciples waiting for what will come next for them…

The Second Gospel - Mark

Mark ignores the birth of baby Jesus and begins with Jesus' adult teachings.

Mark has some references to Old Testament prophesy, but not nearly as much Matthew did.  I wonder if Mark was writing to the non-Jews?  

After talking about John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, Mark plows straight into the Good News.  

He repeats many of the stories of Matthew, with some other details.  He tells of Jesus' parables, but not as many as Matthew.  He seems to focus more on the healings, of the interactions with outsiders, and of Jesus saying, Your faith has healed you.

Mark names three women by name at Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, instead of Mary, Mary and the others.  Mark names Mary, Mary, Salome and many other women.

Mark has some extra verses (Chapter 16, Verses 9-20 that my Bible said some earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnessed do no include).  These verses talk about how Mary Magdalene came to follow Jesus.  They tell how Jesus appeared to Mary and then to two of them (Does this mean two women?) before he appeared to the disciples.  When all these people told the disciples about what they saw, the eleven did not believe...not until Jesus came to them, rebuked them for not believing and then gave them orders to, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...