Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31 There is not another text in the whole Hebrew scriptures quite like chapter 8 in the Book of Proverbs, (see Walter Brueggemann’s further comments in the discussion, below).  Here the poet returns to the creation stories … Continue reading →

Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-21 As a major feast in the Jewish liturgical calendar, Pentecost was celebrated fifty days after Passover in thanksgiving for the covenant given by God to God’s people through Moses.  Luke’s narrative places the friends … Continue reading →

Acts of the Apostles 16: 16-34 Drawn to the Roman colony of Philippi in Macedonia by a vision, Paul and Silas and their companions get themselves crosswise with local, powerful interests.  Paul had commanded a “spirit” to come out of … Continue reading →

Acts of the Apostles 16: 9-15 Paul was constantly on the road, according to Luke’s account.  Some places he went he was welcomed, others he was banned, while other places he slipped into and out of with little notice.  On … Continue reading →

Acts of the Apostles 11: 1-18 Something new is disrupting the church: “Gentiles are accepting the word of God.”  As soon as Peter returns to Jerusalem, he is met with criticism by the church there, who were also originally Jews, … Continue reading →

Acts of the Apostles 9: 36-43 The miracles did not stop with the execution of Jesus; they multiplied in the church!  That is Luke’s message.  Raymond Brown writes that Luke’s message is illustrated clearly in Peter’s raising Tabitha/Dorcas from the … Continue reading →

Acts of the Apostles 9: 1-6 (7-20) Having written the stories of the spectacular experience of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and then Peter’s amazing transformation into a powerful witness of the gospel, Luke now writes about another total transformation– … Continue reading →

Acts 5:27-32 Conflict between religious authorities and the apostles is a recurring theme in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles.  In this excerpt, the apostles, led by Peter, have just been sprung from jail the night before and have returned to … Continue reading →

Acts 10:34-43 In his Acts of the Apostles, Luke uses an occasion when Paul witnesses to an officer in the Roman army, named Cornelius, to provide a concise summary of the church’s proclamation.  Essential themes are included: this message is … Continue reading →

+AT THE LITURGY OF THE PALMS Luke 19:28-40 Luke provides a straightforward account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that is close to the other gospels, except in one tell-tale variation.  At the last overlook before Jerusalem, the Mt. of Olives, … Continue reading →