Narrative Lectionary

black and white photo of prison bars
Commentary on Acts 16:16-34

In Acts 16:16–34, Luke narrates the ordeal of Paul and Silas in a Philippian jail. [...]

black and white photo of a man being dragged by a horse
Commentary on Acts 9:1-19a

Luke narrates Saul’s initial encounter with Jesus in Acts 9:1–19a. For decades, scholars have debated [...]

Detail from Folium 025r from the Psalter of Eleanor of Aquitaine (ca. 1185) from the collection of the National Library of the Netherlands. The illumination shows Images from the life of Christ -
Commentary on John 20:19-31

The risen Jesus appears to the gathered disciples in the first part of our reading [...]

detail from a photo of station 15 of the stations of the cross sculptures in San Luis, Colorado
Commentary on John 20:1-18

Today is the most important day in the church’s year: Easter Day. It is the [...]

photo of a garden tomb in Jerusalem
Commentary on John 19:31-42

Today, on Good Friday, we hear John’s Passion narrative continue as it tells the story [...]

photo of a pieta statue illuminated by sunbeam
Commentary on John 19:23-30

Traditionally, there are said to be seven last words of Jesus in the Gospels. John’s [...]

photo of a crucifix in a city square
Commentary on John 19:16b-22

[NOTE: If you are looking for material with connections to John 12, Jesus’s Triumphal Entry, [...]

black and white photo of crown of thorns
Commentary on John 19:1-16a

Pontius Pilate cuts a curious figure in the Gospels. Aside from a dating reference at [...]

photo of statues of Jesus and Pilate
Commentary on John 18:28-40

Pilate begins his encounter with the high priests of Jerusalem by making a concession. Although [...]

photo of a rooster
Commentary on John 18:12-27

The contrast between Jesus’s candor and courage and Peter’s secrecy and cowardice provides the narrative [...]