The Apostle Paul was adamant. “In Christ Jesus,” no longer is there “Jew or Gentile.” By his shed blood, the Nazarene “dismantled the middle wall of partition” that separated Jews and Gentiles, “that he might reconcile them both in one body for God through the cross.” Having voided the “law of the commands in ordinances” that divided them, ever since he has been “creating in himself One New Man.”
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Hold Fast to the Word
The first literary section of the Letter to the Hebrews concludes with an exhortation and an ominous warning. Any would-be disciple of Jesus who fails to heed the far “better word” that God is now speaking in His Son will suffer an even “sorer punishment” than the rebellious Israelites received when they disobeyed the Mosaic Law. At Mount Sinai, the Torah was mediated to Moses by angels. Nevertheless, it was God’s word – He was its source – and therefore lawbreakers were punished severely.
Continue readingPaul on the State
Writing to the churches of Rome, Paul presents principles for Christian conduct in relation to the State. Believers must “subordinate themselves to governing powers, for there is no authority except by God.” His statement was written when Nero ruled the Roman Empire, the same man who became the first emperor to persecute the church. But what is truly exceptional is Paul’s exhortation to show respect to “governing authorities” in an imperial system that was anything but democratic, one ruled by autocrats with absolute power.
Continue readingKingdom of Priests
Christ’s present reign is based on his past death and resurrection, and his disciples participate in his rule. And like him, their position is paradoxical since it is characterized by self-sacrificial service. The shedding of his lifeblood is what consecrated them as “priests” for God. And priestly service IS what it means to reign with him, and this is in fulfillment of the mission given to Israel at Sinai – “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Continue readingPentecost – Outcome
The final paragraph of the second chapter of Acts summarizes the results of the Spirit’s outpouring. It describes the basic practices of the young congregation that resulted from the Spirit’s presence – Teaching, shared meals, fellowship, prayers, unity, and material support for individuals in need. The one unique feature is the holding of possessions “in common” under the administration of the Apostles.
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