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When Faith Collides with Culture Part 1 & 2

1 Thessalonians, Pastor Rick's Study Notes, , , , , ,

A Study in 1 Thessalonians

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Background: Thessalonica formerly known as Therme in Macedonia found at the top point of the gulf that juts into Greece and Macedonia on the Aegean Sea. Still there. Capital of Macedonia region and declared a “free city” a century before the church was founded. The half-way point on the great highway from Rome to Constantinople. This is a city for the nations.

It’s an international city, a free city with its own constitution and laws, a wealthy and diverse city, and a beach town.

This would be the key city from which to take the Good News throughout Macedonia.

Paul and Silas along with Timothy visited and planted the church in Thessalonica in Act 17:1ff. This is where Aristarchus was from and probably became a believer during the 2nd missionary journey. He was with Paul all the way to Rome through several cities as his companion.

The likelihood is that Paul and his team would be in Thessalonica for several months – at least six – perhaps as a home base from which to travel.

When the Jewish jealousy led to a mob riot, Paul and much of his team left for Berea a small near-by town. They were productive in planting churches there as well as in Thessalonica, but the Jewish authorities from Thessalonica traveled to Berea to stir up riots there, too.

The church in Thessalonica is more one from all the nations than Jewish (hence the “turn from idols” reference) even though he started at the Synagogue (Acts 17).

These two letters to the believers in Thessalonica are Paul’s earliest and, though he couldn’t attend to their growth because of the danger of harm to their leaders because of his presence, he wrote, prayed, and sent Timothy. Paul was able to return there at least three times; probably more often since it was on the main highway from West to East.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (PRT)

v. 1 Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the gathering of Christians of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.

They would know Timothy and Silas from previous visits. This is a letter from friends to friends. Silas, or Silvanus, means wood. So Timmy and Woody traveled with Paul. Silas was one of those firm links between Paul and Peter as he shows up in both apostles’ writings. The leadership in this church planting movement represents the Jewish, Greek, and international mix of the culture. This is especially important to Thessalonica since it is a free state and an international commerce center.

This “gathering” or assembly is qualified as those called together by God.

The “authorized” text includes …from God… But the oldest leave this off this epistle even though it was common in most of Paul’s letters.

Col 1:20 Peace through his blood.

v. 2 We are always grateful to God because of you, remembering each of you purposely in our prayers.

Paul begins with words of thanks and words of encouragement. He prays for each with intentionality because of his love and relationship with them. Gratitude and supplication were a part of the Apostle’s regular discipline according to 5:17-18.

v. 3 We continually recall before our God and Father your faith’s work, your love’s labor, and your hope’s tenacity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Faith’s work” is that lifestyle, that intentionality of moments dedicated to God’s glory because we believe the promises and action of God through Jesus. “Love’s labor” is the willingness toward inconvenience, suffering, and even martyrdom because of the work of faith.  Faith’s work is the evidence of what they have already done through their belief in Jesus; it’s the work completed thus far, while love’s labor is the willing troubles faces because of the work.

Milton says the hope’s patience or tenacity is that which “bears up and steers straight onward.” Hope’s tenacity doesn’t flip-flop or veer from the mission because of what life throws at us.

This verse finds context in how the church in Thessalonica was planted; in the midst of persecution in its earliest days.

vv. 4-5 And we know, fellow believers who are beloved by God, that He chose you because our Good News came to you not only in word but even more in miraculous power and in the Holy Spirit in thorough and abundant assurance; even as you saw how we chose to your advantage to live among you.

Paul is not making a gender statement with “brothers;” he is establishing that they are family, in it together – not just the guys, but the fellowship, the family whom God has loved as he, Paul, has been, too.

Beloved is the state of relationship they are in, not for past works or what God can get out of them; but they are beloved, simply and unabashedly, loved.

Chosen, elected, means God’s will to choose precedes my will to say yes; but it does not prevent my will and force me to say yes. This is an important distinction, and one we can only philosophize on; that God will “take over” my will to make me His would violate faith’s purpose. His grace and truth paves the way for my “yes” as his chosen. This is the evangelical’s position or else we no longer need to evangelize if God “takes over” and saves whom He must because of election. I will be gladly corrected in eternity in order to keep the zeal to reach the nations intact.

When Paul and Silas and Timothy preached, taught, answered questions, and discipled, the Spirit came in power accompanying the words of the Good News of the Kingdom. This was Jesus’ experience; it is the early church’s, too.

“our Good News” comes out of John 20:21. Jesus came to accomplish the mission; he then delivers the mission to take the Good News as the go. It’s our Good News. We have become an investor in the Gospel story.

Assurance means there is a fulness to confidence because of the inner understanding and the outward expression to support it. Fully assured.

vv. 6-7 And you became imitators, both of us and of the Lord, as you have embraced the word of God with many trials and with the Holy Spirit’s joy. Because of this, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

This first generation of Jesus-followers outside of Judah and Galilee were modeling their lives after Paul and the rest. They in turn model their lives after Jesus. We are not followers of Paul or a preacher here or there; we are followers of the Lord Jesus.

So, not only followers, but imitators. Follow the truth; imitate the life. We do both.

The word of God, the Good News of the Kingdom.

No less power from the Holy Spirit is needed to do miracles and signs and wonders as is for standing under the pressures of life and trials with joy and a life pointing to Jesus’ grace.

They became the “type,” the imprint of the Lord that others read and followed. Once again, God writes on our lives the message of redemption for others to read and be  drawn to; and we get to share what changed us, that is, Jesus redeems us by His sacrifice and death-conquering life.

v. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has resonated not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place. Your faith toward God has spread to the degree that we don’t need to say a thing to anyone.

The truth is heard, it is broadcast from where God’s truth first came alive in Thessalonica. And now people all around hear about Jesus. Paul is writing this letter from Corinth from the center of Achaia. And he heard the impact the people of Thessalonica had on the provinces.

The word for resonated takes the image of the heavens being a “sounding board” that echoes out to all what happened in Thessalonica.

vv. 9-10 In fact, those around us report what kind of reception we got from you and how you turned to God and away from idols and false deities to serve the living and true God, and how you wait with expectation for His Son Jesus out of the heavens whom he raised up from the dead to rescue us from the approaching wrath.

The evidence? No more false gods or worthless hunks of metal or stone. Now they live for the living God. And they look toward the day when Jesus makes all things right again. Their lives and their values showed their faith.

The word for idol is “appearance” as if the rock depicting has superimposed over it an ancestor or a god from old. Empty and vaporous. Instead of being chained to empty gods, they were willingly servants (in bond-servant status) to the living and true God.

They lived and served to the person and purposes of Jesus. And they looked for the “Parousia” the return of the Kingdom and the King.

Rescue here is the timely deliverance of God’s people from the evil around them.

Small Group Questions – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

  1. Read this chapter in two different versions. What is the big picture in this chapter? What is Paul saying to the church in Thessalonica?
  2. Words of encouragement are important. What different words does Paul give to the church? How would that encourage you in difficult times?
  3. How do the followers of Jesus show Him to their culture? What is the culture’s response?
  4. Where, in your own community/culture, do you feel you should make an impact? What might change in your own life based on this chapter and study?
  5. How can we pray for you as you seek to imitate Jesus?

John 14:12-14 – Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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(PRT) John 14:12-14

v. 14:12 In all certainty, I say this to you: those who put their trust in me will do the works that I do, and even greater works than what you see me do, because I am going to the Father. v. 13 Then, whatever you might need and ask in my name this I will do so that the Father might be glorified in the Son. v. 14 If you ask me anything you need in my name, I will do it.

v. 14:12 In all certainty, I say this to you: those who put their trust in me will do the works that I do, and even greater works than what you see me do, because I am going to the Father.

Truly, truly – amen, amen. It’s the way Jesus said something firmly and with resolve. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, doubtlessly. He is speaking to his disciples and extended followers. He is looking beyond those in the room to whomever.

“The works” is those deeds or activities that occupy Jesus that reflect His Kingdom. He is continuing the conversation that began with Philip’s question: “Show us the Father.” He and the Father are one. If you haven’t gotten that yet, believe the works that demonstrate the Father’s love, that show the Father to the world.

The works we do are done like He did them, with the compassionate heart of the Father.

Works is what occupies Jesus in showing the Father to those who will believe: compassion, feeding the poor, caring for the grieving, opening your life to hospitality, giving your gifts and self, going out of the way for someone else’s good, and yes, inviting the Kingdom to come in power and glory for Signs and Wonders.

Greater is the word “megas:” A general word for greater or bigger.

When? Time – related to Kairos, for the moment as in greater works as in the miraculous at points that call for a greater evidence of God’s kingdom.

Where? Spatial or where. Instead of on the paths of Judea and Galilee, greater and around the globe.

Who? Not just Jesus, not just the twelve, not just the surrounding followers listening. Whomever.

What? The very works that show the Father in ways that point to Jesus and demonstrate the Kingdom. John 16:7 – “If I don’t go away, the Father can’t send His promised Spirit.”

Going to the Father indicates a leaving and a going, it’s a journey.

v. 13 Then, whatever you might need and ask in my name this I will do so that the Father might be glorified in the Son.

Whatever we need and ask is a continuation of “The works he does” in the previous verse. Whatever works you need.

The word here for ask is directly related to a need or required desire. The defining work here is not “whatever” or “anything” – it is you might ask because  you need or require.

Again, remember the context: what will show the Father to the world. You are asking on behalf of a required answer that will show the Father, demonstrate the Kingdom and point to Jesus.

In my name means that what you need and ask for is rightly fit to who Jesus is. It’s not a formula to get whatever you require; it is a promise that God will meet you at the point of need that will glorify the Father. We ask out of our need or required desire for what will show the Father to the world, demonstrate the Kingdom values, and point to Jesus.

This is the first “in my Name” command and promise. Defining what this means is crucial. It isn’t a magical formula. It doesn’t invoke God’s blessings on what won’t point to the Father’s love. It is what is needed and requested that shows the Father to the world, brings the values of the Kingdom, and points to Jesus.

v. 14 If you ask me anything you need in my name, I will do it.

This is Jesus making it clear by saying it again in another form. The “if” is the conditional. The condition is anything you or I need that will demonstrate the Kingdom, show the Father to the world and point to Jesus.

I will do it. Because the Father is in Jesus and He is in us by the Holy Spirit, He will do it. He will make it happen or manage it.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

(PRT) Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

Acts 11:15-18 (PRT)

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started. v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way? v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory. v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather. V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started.

“in the beginning,” or when this first started, as in when the Holy Spirit came at the first of the birth of the church, when God started it all by pouring out His promised gift at Pentecost.

“fell” could mean “embraced” – that makes an interesting parallel to the Father’s love for us.

And here it begins – the nations are invited in.

v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

“in, with, by” – but in the case of being immerse, it means in. He baptizes us in the full and present Spirit of God.

There are two words for immerse – bapto, and baptidzo – though Luke uses the the second word in both places. Baptidzo is a repeated action. We are immersed and we keep being immersed in the Holy Spirit. Imagine each day we choose to step into the vast ocean of God’s presence for another day of baptism.

Jesus expands Peter’s and now the apostles’ horizon. They heard Jesus say “water and Holy Spirit” and thought, God’s chosen people, the Jews; now they hear and see that God’s chosen people are from among both Jews and the nations around the globe.

v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?

When we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given His Spirit. Shouldn’t we ask for the Spirit to come in the same power and demonstration as they experienced?

The Spirit is the gift, the promise of the Father. With Him comes His gifts to build up the body, to reach the lost, and to fellowship with Him.

We believe and receive God’s gift of the Spirit. They believe and receive the gift, too.

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” where did Peter hear this before? When they were close to being condemned and Gamaliel spoke up and said the same. Peter was there.

v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

This is such a key verse since it encapsulates what those who first became Jesus-followers saw when the world was invited to the same experience in Jesus. At the first, they were critical and questioning. How dare Peter taint his life by fellowshipping with other nations? But after the account, after hearing that the Spirit fell and embraced the Gentiles, they were silent. They stopped their protests and replaced it with praise and glory.  “Apa” means therefore or so then with the meaning of a conclusion awaited, “it’s finally happened.” God’s Holy Spirit within reminded them that His plan all along was to win a world, to dethrone the usurper not just in Jerusalem but throughout the globe. If the offer is given, those who take it experience the life that comes through turning from sin and self-centeredness and turning to Jesus.

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory.

Accept or receive with the goal of opening one’s life up to the other. There is a transparency factor to this word “accept.” Jesus demonstrated this when he accepted us, even while we were sinners and knowing that we would forever need his “embrace” of forgiveness.

We are embraced for and to God’s glory and praise and honor. Our willingness to forgive and embrace those who miss the mark should reflect Christ accepting us while we were yet sinners. And this is to point to God’s glory. This is radical in relationships.

v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather.

Paul is speaking truth to help the church understand why Jesus did what He did. He came as a Jew, circumcised, and a part of the nation specifically to make certain what the Father promised in the Old Testament was true. They are invited in to the holy nation, the royal priesthood, the chosen people in Jesus. Let no one say God lies. He is fully truth and his promises are yes.

These promises are the message, the announcement, to the founders of Judaism. And because He chose this way, he fulfilled the law’s requirements for us, too.

V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

Because Jesus came and lived among the Jews to fulfill all the promises, we get in on the mercies of God so we can worship Him. Those who were without mercy and apart from the covenant relationship are now invited in.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Pastor Rick's Study Notes, Study Notes - Old Testament, ,

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15, Romans 8:28

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) Ecclesiastes 3:9-15, Romans 8:28

Eccl. 3:9-10 What profit does a person accomplish from laboring? I have seen the grind God has given to people as vocations.

In these two verses, Solomon uses four different words having to do with work. What does a man profit in the work he is working? The first is work as in create, craft, fashion, make. The second is the hard laboring, the toiling. And in v. 10, the work as in occupation or business, and the exercising is that humble embracing of the occupation presented. We are creative and we have hard days sometimes; but we continue to embrace the activity God places in front of us.

All we do to labor, to grind out our work, to seek gain in our vocation, apart from God being at the center – is empty. What is missing? The Eternal One on the throne. The “stuff of eternity” God has placed in our hearts focused in a personal walk with the Father.

In the midst of change, in the swirl of what often doesn’t make sense, when the cultural grid for what is right and wrong seems to flip upside down; we can center our lives on what is eternal.

v. 11 Yet, God has made everything beautiful in his time and he has set eternity in the hearts of people. Still, no one can discover everything God is about from beginning to end.

Here is the counterpoint to the four words for labor; but God has made it all beautiful in season; he has set hope/eternity in our hearts. Appropriate time, season, timeliness, each is beautiful in the time we face it. And in the midst of this beautiful season, we know there is more. A longing to know more, to experience more is a gift. We long for more. We get a glimpse as His kids.

In his time is the emphasis of the first half; in our hearts the second. His time comes together in a beautiful way when the stuff of eternity leads the way.

Romans 1:19 God has put inside us a knowledge that He is and He created, thus deserves our lives. Yet, we stay small in our minds and perspective and focus on horizon on ourselves.

This word for eternity is also used for “world” and is use 300 times in the OT for eternity, but this is the only place the writer puts “the” in front of it. Perhaps it could be translated “the stuff of eternity” or “things everlasting.” The meaning changes in perspective to mean not just eternal but all things that are valued eternally. The contrast is all we do “in time” and “all that matters for eternity.” How do we connect these two cries?

Psalm 1:3,

We don’t get it all; but who would want to worship a God who can fully be comprehended? We see through a clouded mirror when we look at God’s work.

vv. 12-13 I know fully that there is lasting treasure only in finding joy and doing good in this life; for everyone to eat, drink and enjoy the reward of their hard work; truly this is the gift of God.

Solomon, the narrator, searcher for truth, and teacher here, brings his own conclusion. It is the same: he cannot know everything about God’s plans either. So, he recommends; pursue joy where it is found, do good wherever you can, work hard and enjoy what comes. Make the most of each day and moment.

Joy, rejoicing, happiness. God has given us a gift. Our work brings joy.

Romans 8:28 And we know that, for those who love Him, for those who are invited into His plans, God works all things together for good.

It’s not just the bad or the hard things that God uses for our benefit; it’s the good and beautiful things, too. We are invited into his purposes in every season, in every trial, in every rejoicing, the bring a full and beautiful life.

“we know that…” It’s what the first century church knew. If you love and follow God, and have said yes to his plans for your life, God the Father will take what you go through for our benefit. All will work together for good.

The context of this verse is the suffering we go through and the protective covering of the Holy Spirit and His readiness to answer our cries, even more, to lead us in those prayers.

“invited into His plans” is the calling to His purposes, mainly the redemptive story.

This passage emphasizes the free action and choice of each of us but acknowledges that, threaded through it all is God’s design and purpose to bring us to Him, to deepen our love for Him, and to accomplish His good works.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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Genesis 2:7, John 20:19-23, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) Genesis 2:7, John 20:19-23, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Gen. 2:7 And the Lord God molded and created the first human out of the dust and dirt of the earth, and He breathed into his nostrils the spirit and breath of life; and the man became alive, a living being.

  • That the Father created you and me is unavoidable for the Christian.
  • That the Father created you and me uniquely with soul, consciousness, and a desire to know Him lays the foundation for our relationship with Him.
  • That we are created from the dry and dusty dirt of earth connects us to our purposes here.
  • That we have the very breath of the Father in our souls connects us to the purposes of the Kingdom.

John 20:19 Then, the evening came on that same first day of the week, and the doors where Jesus’ followers were staying were shut and locked out of fear of the Jews; and Jesus entered and stood among them and said to them: “Peace to you.” v. 20 And after saying this, he showed them his two hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed because they had clearly seen the Lord. v. 21 Then Jesus quieted them and said again: “Peace to you. Just like the Father sent me on the mission, I also commission you and send you out on mission.” v. 22 And after he said this, he breathed on them, and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. v. 23 What sins you forgive, they are forgiven; what you hold onto, they stay.

  • Jesus doesn’t stop for locked doors or chained gates; he shows up where his Kingdom belongs.
  • Jesus says to you and me when we are fearful, “peace. Focus on me and my nearness.
  • Jesus says to you and me when we experience the fulness and joy of His life in us, “peace.” Focus on me and my mission.
  • Jesus gives us His Spirit to empower us, to guide us, and to accomplish the Kingdom through us.
  • Jesus’ Spirit inside us gives us discernment on how to show others how to be forgiven.

2 Timothy 3: 16 All the Scripture is God-breathed and effective for instruction in doctrine, for persuasive conviction, for straightening our lives again, and for training us in God’s standard of what is right. v. 17 That way, the person devoted to God can be complete, fully equipped, and ready to face every good work.

  • The Spirit of God has given us His Word.
  • This God-breathed Scripture is given with a purpose and outcome.
  • He has breathed His Word so we can be full of His truth, grow up in His purposes, and do the good works He puts before us.
  • This Scripture teaches us, convicts us, straightens us out, and trains us to know right from wrong.
  • His Truth is meant to move from the page, to the mind, into our hearts, and out from our lives through words and actions.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Gen. 2:7 And the Lord God molded and created the first human out of the dust and dirt of the earth, and He breathed into his nostrils the spirit and breath of life; and the man became alive, a living being.

The image is God the Father taking the dust and dirt, mixing it like clay with water, crafting a human, then coming face-to-face with his creation to give life through the Spirit. Add this to John 1 and how all things are created through Jesus the Son and the Trinity is deeply invested in this creative act of humanity.

When we read this verse and those around it, the “order” seems out of place in the events or actions. But the verbs do not indicate this is a chronological check list. This verse says God did it.

The dust and dirt are the finest of earth’s particles. He didn’t shovel up a load of clay but took the pure, dry dirt from the ground to form us. The earth doesn’t produce man’s body; God creates it. However, the dirt of earth is elevated as a gift from which people gain their sustenance and explore their creativity.

Then, the life-breath is given. The stuff of earth; the breath from heaven. Though the words themselves are mainly the breath of our lungs that maintains our lives, that He came to humans face-to-face to deliver this breath makes this unique. The human becomes animate and individual We don’t see the Father breathing into the nostrils of the armadillo, even though by His creative force, the armadillo breathes and is animated.

John 20:19 Then, the evening came on that same Sunday, and the doors where Jesus’ followers were staying were shut and locked out of fear of the Jews; and Jesus entered and stood among them and said to them: “Peace to you.”

The gates outside were locked and chained; the entryway to the room was shut and locked. He opens them miraculously. He goes through them. Jesus didn’t obey locks and chains. Where he belongs, he enters.

The disciples were hunkered down waiting for the intensity of the manhunt to blow over. They, at this point, had no answers for the Jewish authorities’ suspicions.  This is the point of hope. And hope based on faith in the truth of the Good News of God’s love for people through Jesus became their answer.

“that day” is something that each follower would look back on. And the evening of that day, Jesus shows up.

Peace to you is a common expression of greeting made more important when Jesus promises his supernatural peace to be ours. Here, it likely is also because of the fear prevalent in the room and the possible fear his sudden appearance made.

v. 20 And after saying this, he showed them his two hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed because they had clearly seen the Lord.

Jesus knew their eyes needed a new image. Their last image was a brutal death and the finality of his dead body slumped over those removing Jesus from his instrument of execution. He held out his hands so they could see he really did hang on the cross and he survived. He uncovered his ribcage so they could see he really did get pierced by a Roman spear and lived. They knew he could not live through both cross and spear to the heart; he rose from the dead. He wasn’t resuscitated. He wasn’t in a swoon. He died. And he now lives and stands in the middle of their gathering. And they had clearly seen Him in His physical, recognizable body.

v. 21 Then Jesus quieted them and said again: “Peace to you. Just like the Father sent me on the mission, I also commission you and send you out on mission.”

Jesus says “peace” twice. The first time, because they were afraid; the second time because they were overjoyed.

Jesus uses two different words for “send” here. The Father sent Jesus to the mission of redemption. He came as a child, grew up and lived sinless, proclaimed and demonstrated the Kingdom of Heaven is near, was betrayed, tried, convicted, beaten, crucified, killed, buried, and rose again. He accomplished His mission. It was a specified mission to accomplish. Done. And now the hand off. Jesus now commissions his followers to the mission of taking the Good News of the Kingdom to those near and far. And the word John uses here is a more general term. We are sent to live our lives, to pursue good, to obey God, to raise our families, to worship in church, to be filled with the Spirit – so that, as we do these things, we will take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We take His accomplished mission, the message of the Good News of the Kingdom, as our mission.

v. 22 And after he said this, he breathed on them, and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit.

This word for breathed is the same Greek that translates Gen 2:7. He breathed onto their lives a measure of the Holy Spirit; this prepared them for the full infilling and washing over by the Spirit on Pentecost. The image here is the Son gathering his followers near and, face-to-face breathing over them (one at a time, or all at once is not so important and not defined here.) And in this breathing, he imparts the Spirit to illumine them and strengthen them for the next 40 days. This was such a critical time. They could possibly scatter in fear and miss Pentecost (Peter has already renewed his occupation of fishing, it seems. Thomas was missing in action in this first visit Jesus makes.)

He breathed. It was not symbolic of the Spirit of God rising up inside the disciples; it was an impartation of the holy breath of God infilling his followers.

Some scholars say this was the “down payment” on Pentecost, and this makes sense. Jesus imparted all of the Spirit they would need to accomplish their mission for the next 40 days as they awaited the full “promise of the Father.”

Ezekiel 37:9 the prophet appeals to the winds to breathe on those dead, the bones in the valley, that they might come back to life.

v. 23 What sins you forgive, they are forgiven; what you hold onto, they stay.

This passage can be confusing. It can be who’s ever sins you forgive them, they are forgiven; but if you hold onto them or retain them, they will stay retained. In the context, it doesn’t seem to fit, and I can only wonder if this is one of those passages that John remembered in the middle of his account and inserted. I’m used to reading chronologically; that’s not always the way the accounts are written. My first choice is to read it in context with v. 22. That means their willingness to forgive is vitally connected with the work of the Holy Spirit inside His followers. This is confirmed by the example of Jesus’ proclamation, “Father forgive them.” And then Stephen saying the same thing. It’s an extension of grace and forgiveness in the face of harmful designs.

This is the formula for the Catholic practice of the confessional that developed through the early centuries of the church’s spread. Protestant and evangelicals take this passage and run as far away from this as possible. After all, only God can forgive sins. But we: 1) must forgive the sins others commit that harm us, and 2) we “pronounce” forgiveness when someone else extends forgiveness toward us. We don’t forgive on behalf of God, but our affirmation of someone’s announced change can strengthen the action as “done” and “under God’s grace.”

2 Timothy 3: 16 All the Scripture is God-breathed and effective for instruction in doctrine, for persuasive conviction, for straightening our lives again, and for training us in God’s standard of what is right.

The four areas God’s Word here is fruitful for: teaching truth, convicting us of the truth, correcting our lives to the truth, and training us to live measured by the plumbline of God’s view of righteousness. They are all different but help us align with a life that benefits from God’s blessing and keep us from the lies of the enemy.

The teaching is related to the doctrinal truth of theology as it relates to life.

The convicting of truth is a making plain what might be hidden, proving what is unclear.

The correcting is a putting down so it can be a standard in our lives.

The training has a meaning of discipline.

v. 17 That way, the person devoted to God can be complete, fully equipped, and ready to face every good work.

Literally, the man of God, hence the person devoted or belonging to God. Two different words having to do with complete. The first is the status of being fitted out completely; the second fully equipped in the face of what life might bring their way, so they can do good works.

Small Group Study Questions:

  1. What family member were you closest to when you were a child? What is you favorite memory with this person?
  2. How does God’s characteristics in Genesis 2:7 bring Him close to humanity? Which of God’s characteristics – creativity, compassion, or communications – shows up in your own life?
  3. Where does God need to breath His Spirit’s provision and power in your life today?
  4. What is God’s mission for Jesus’ followers in John 20:19-23? How does your understanding of God’s mission change how you live?
  5. How can we pray for you as you pursue His mission this week?