Agenda and Notes for Bible Study on December 13, 2009
by First Church
The Rev. Barbara E. Davis
Not able to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30am? Were able to attend but still have questions? Please explore the agenda and notes outlined below to learn more about Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.
Opening Prayer
Eternal One, open our hearts and minds to the movement of your spirit that in studying your word we may draw closer to you and be open the thoughts and ideas of each other. Amen
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Opposition or Disruption?
It seems that Paul may be trying to both identify and separate himself from the moral philosophers of his time. The role of the teacher in moral philosophy as the model of what he or she teaches seems to be a pattern Paul is following, along with his antithetical style (“not”….”but”); he does however seem to be wanting to separate himself from “unscrupulous teachers” who might lead persons to a certain paradigm and disappear or be acting solely out of greed. (see Charles Cousar Reading Galations, Philippians, and 1 Thessalonians for more information) Also, if you can learn more about moral philosophy of this time, but looking up “Seneca” or “Stoics” or “Epicureans” on one of these websites about philosophy: www.iep.utm.edu or http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato/
1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 Historicity over Theology
These verses contain difficult content, in that Paul’s harsh words for the “Jews” are the kinds of words in scripture that have been misused to mistreat Jews for centuries. Commentators suggest that the word translated as “Jews” could also be translated as “Judeans.” While it is worth noting that Paul himself was a Jew, comparing other passages from Paul’s other (and later) letters suggest a different perspective:
1 Corinthians 1:21-25
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Romans 11:25-32
So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written,
‘Out of Zion will come the Deliverer;
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.’
27‘And this is my covenant with them,
when I take away their sins.’
28As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; 29for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
These passages, along with the lack of numerous parallels in other letters with 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 suggest that we ask the question, “Did these verses serve Paul’s purpose or work against him?” It is reasonable to suggest that they did not help his cause, and that he refrained from repeating similar remarks. This may or may not indicate a change in his thinking, but it certainly reminds the modern reader of the close connection between the Jewish community of that time and that emerging Jesus movement.
What Next?
December 20 at 9:30am, conclusion of 1 Thessalonians
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! No class on December 27 or January 3.
Bible study resumes with further study of Paul on January 10 at 9:30am.
