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This text has three major movements: God’s patient suffering at the hands of a recalcitrant people (Isaiah 65:1-5), God’s decision to judge (Isaiah 65:6-7), and the merciful promise to save a remnant (Isaiah 65:8-9). Or, (...)

Luke 10:1-24 records the mission of the Seventy(-two) and its aftermath. We will focus on Luke 10:1-12 and 17-20. The introductory phrase, “After these things” (10:1a) ties this episode to what immediately precedes and thus (...)

This can be a very challenging passage to interpret. It contains a number of rather unique images and metaphors, uses words and concepts that are rare or unique in the New Testament, and unfolds in (...)

Luke, more than any other evangelist, demonstrates the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and ministry (3:21, 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28, 10:21-22, 11:1, 22:41-4, 23:46). Luke 11 begins with Jesus “praying in a certain place.” (...)

This text is best interpreted with the entirety of Genesis 15 in view. Both sections (15:1-6; 15:7-21) begin with a divine promise (15:1; 15:7). Each promise is followed by a question that Abram raises about (...)

Today’s second lesson begins the first of four weeks that are devoted to a sequential reading of the last three chapters of the Epistle to Hebrews. Only in the RCL Year B (Propers 23-28) is (...)

The “Pauline” biography continues this week. Last week, the author of 1 Timothy drew upon Paul’s call as an introduction to the letter. Now, he will once again draw upon Paul’s story to conclude a (...)

The Theological Context of Amos 8:4-7: Justice This week’s Old Testament lesson from the prophet Amos offers a chance for preachers to explore with congregations the concept of justice, in order to “thicken” the church’s (...)

The passage in 1 Timothy 2:1-7 consists of two units. First, the author requests prayer for those in leadership positions. Second, the author makes the theological statement that there is only one God, and that (...)

The passage 1 Timothy 6:6-19 deals with true riches. It consists of two main paragraphs: First, the author describes behavior that provides contentment and mentions things that lead to temptation. Second, he gives further ethical (...)