Acts of the Apostles and Catholic Epistles Presented by Fr. Michael Johnson Wednesday, August 18, 2021
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Acts of the Apostles and Catholic Epistles presented by Fr. Michael Johnson Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Acts of the Apostles Author: Luke physician (?) (Colossians 4:14); well-educated in Greek culture Knew Mary well (and painted portrait?) Only Gentile author (maybe) Companion of Paul History of early Church Gospel is what Jesus did, Acts is what he continues to do through the Church Key to tying together NT – context for Paul’s letters Scriptural proof of Ascension, Pentecost, martyrdom of Stephen, etc. Theme: kingdom of God (opens and closes book) 1-12 mostly Peter 13-28 mostly Paul Chapter 1: Jesus spends 40 days with disciples and Ascends into heaven (1:11) Matthias chosen to replace Judas (apostolic succession) Chapter 2: Pentecost Chapter 6: first deacons (7) so apostles can focus on what matters: preaching Chapter 7: martyrdom of Stephen Similar to passion of Christ Chapter 8: Philip the deacon baptizes but fullness of Holy Spirit comes from apostles Chapter 9: conversion of Saul “Jesus, whom you are persecuting” Chapters 9-11: no need for Gentiles to convert to Judaism first and follow kosher laws 11:26 – at Antioch first called Christians Chapter 12: persecution continues including execution of St. James the Greater (brother of John) Peter places James in charge of Jerusalem Peter is outlaw and will minister in hiding for rest of life Chapters 13-14: Paul in Turkey Chapter 15: First Ecumenical Council in Jerusalem Chapters 16-18: Turkey and Greece Chapters 19-21: Turkey, Greece, and Jerusalem Chapters 22-27: Paul imprisoned in Judea Chapters 27-28: Jerusalem to Rome As Roman citizen Paul invokes right to be tried by Romans Hebrews Author: formally anonymous Sometimes grouped with Paul’s letters but even from beginning this was questioned Against Paul: all Paul’s letters explicitly identify him as author Lack of Paul’s greeting: “grace and peace” Vocab and style very different: no “the gospel, Christ Jesus, chosen, fulfill, build up, justify” More centered on priestly theology and terminology Biggest problem: author says he received gospel secondhand Seems to be a letter wrapped around a sermon Probably written to Jewish Christians who were Greek Probably written before destruction of temple in 70 Focus: paschal mystery as culmination of plan of salvation; fulfilment of covenant Heavy focus on connection with OT Themes: Jesus as Our High Priest (allusion to Day of Atonement) – only found here Acts of the Apostles and Catholic Epistles presented by Fr. Michael Johnson Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Christ’s solidarity with sinners – He suffered with us (com-passion) As both man and God he is perfect mediator Power of Christ’s death (9:14; 10:22) Meaning of OT found in Christ The need for faith and endurance as the pilgrim church on earth (journey) Our need to draw near to God (4:16; 7:25; 10:22; 11:6) or enter into God’s presence (4:11; 6:19-20; 10:19) James Author: traditionally known thought to be first bishop of Jerusalem mentioned by Paul in Galatians as “brother of the Lord” and “pillar” of the community; also in Acts 15 “James the Just” Martyrdom in 62 mentioned in multiple ancient (Jewish) accounts James the Lesser? Sometimes rather blunt – out of love Profound understanding of faith, human person, and salvation Change of behavior begins with change of heart Significant teaching on faith and works (2:14-26) Misinterpretation of Paul justification by faith (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:8-9) Care for poor and neglected (1:27, 2:5) Also need control of tongue (3:9-10; 4:11-12; 4:16) Need for humility before God (1:9, 21; 3:13; 4:6,10) Anointing of the sick (5:14-15) – in line with Mark 6:13 1 Peter Tradition: written by Peter during final years in Rome (early 60s) Written to churches in Turkey – probably mostly Gentile Written to prepare Christians for suffering like Christ All the while “indescribable and glorious joy” (1:8) of new life in Christ Other theme: sobriety and holiness (don’t behave like others – 4:3) “do good” and “avoid evil”, especially chapters 2-4 Two major parts: Who we are as God’s people and household (1:3-2:10) How we are to live as God’s people and household (2:11-5:11) 2 Peter Some question of authorship – by Peter (and secretary) or by follower of Peter? Date: either late 60s (Peter) or 70s-90s (follower) Probably written in Rome and perhaps to churches in Turkey Three goals: remind of Truth of God’s Word, warn against false teachers, await Christ’s return by living holy life Very concerned with eschatology – the “last things” Writing against “opponents” who deny Christ’s return and teach immoral way of life Closer connection with Jude – virtually all of that letter found in chapter 2 Jude Author: Jude “Judah” brother of James Not apostle but “brother” of Jesus and James (Matt 13:55, Mark 6:3) Written somewhere between 50 and 90; no clear intended audience Vigorous defense of faith against false teachers False teachers: question validity of God’s moral law, promote sexual immorality, take advantage of weak and vulnerable in Church, insubordinate to Church leadership Next up: August 25, Paul’s Letters Acts of the Apostles and Catholic Epistles presented by Fr. Michael Johnson Wednesday, August 18, 2021 .