DOCSLIB.ORG

I Believe Text

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
I Believe Text Priests — Zephaniah 21 BIBLE DICTIONARY Priests. Sacred ministers, whose duty Satan. God’s great adversary who it was to offer sacrifice. Their dress com - seeks to destroy men. This devil or prince prised a long linen tunic, ornamented sash of demons is a spirit completely given up to and turban. evil. Christ crushed his power through His Prophets. Men chosen by God to death. speak in His name. They were the teachers Scribes. Jews devoted to the study of and guardians of the religion of Israel, at the Law. times advisers to kings, defenders of the Scroll. A roll of parchment or papyrus poor and oppressed, heralds of the future on which it was the custom to write. Messiah and His Kingdom. Son of Man. A Messianic title found in Proselytes. Converts from the Gen- the Prophet Daniel and used by Jesus, tiles to the Jewish faith Who by means of it progressively revealed Rabbi. Signifies “My Master.” Himself as the Messiah to the Jews. Redemption. Deliverance procured by Soul. A spirit having understanding payment of a ransom. Refers to the deliver - and free will and destined to live forever. It ance of the human race from sin, its effects is created by God to His image and like - and punishments, by Jesus Christ, Who by ness, and is the seat of grace and glory. It shedding His Blood on the Cross paid the also refers to a person under his/her supe - price of our salvation. Prefigured by the rior and God-like aspect. deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt Tabernacle. This signifies “tent” and and Babylonia. See Captivity. was originally a portable construction which served as a sanctuary for the Right Hand (Sit at). To hold the place Israelites and contained the Ark of the of honor. Covenant. Sadducees. A religious party of the Temple. House of worship which was Jews who were the nationalists of their day. built by Solomon, destroyed and then They believed in God but rejected the oral rebuilt after the Babylonian Captivi- traditions of their forefathers and denied the ty, and finally destroyed in 70 A.D. , by resurrection of human beings and the exis - the Romans. The Body of Christ is the new tence of angels. temple built at His Resurrection. The Saints. A common term in the Old Church is the spiritual temple made up Testament to designate those who belong of living bricks who are the baptized to God, it was applied in the New Christians. Testament to those who believed in Christ. Word of God. (1) A decree, command - It occurs first in Acts 9:13, and is frequent ment or utterance of God; (2) divine revela - in the writings of St. Paul. Those are saints tion, especially that contained in the who are separated from non-Christians, Gospel; (3) Second Person of the Blessed are attached to the glorious Christ, and are Trinity. sanctified by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Yahweh. The proper personal name of the God of Israel, signifying, “I am who am” (Ex 3:14-15). It is commonly explained in reference to God as the absolute and nec - essary Being. It may be understood of God as the Source of all created beings. Out of reverence for this name, the term Adonai, “my Lord,” was later used as a substitute. The word Lord in the present version repre - sents this traditional usage. The word Sandals. Shoes strapped to the foot “Jehovah” arose from a false reading for with leather thongs. this name as it is written in the current Sanhedrin. Civil and religious Council Hebrew text. of the Jews composed of 71 members and Zephaniah. One of the 12 Minor presided over by the High Priest. Prophets. THE BOOK OF GENESIS Genesis is the first book of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), the first section of the Jewish and the Christian Scriptures. Its title in English, “Genesis,” comes from the Greek of Gn 2:4, literally, “the book of the generation (genesis) of the heavens and earth.” Its title in the Jewish Scriptures is the opening Hebrew word, Bereshit, “in the beginning.” The book has two major sections—the creation and expansion of the human race (2:4—11:9), and the story of Abraham and his descen - dants (11:10—50:26). The first section deals with God and the nations, and the second deals with God and a particular nation, Israel. The opening creation account (1:1—2:3) lifts up two themes that play major roles in each section—the divine command to the first couple (standing for the whole race) to produce offspring and to possess land (1:28). In the first section, progeny and land appear in the form of births and genealogies (chaps. 2—9) and allotment of land (chaps. 10— 11), and in the second, progeny and land appear in the form of prom - ises of descendants and land to the ancestors. Another indication of editing is the formulaic introduction, “this is the story; these are the descendants” (Hebrew to¯ledôt ), which occurs five times in Section I (2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 10:31) and five times in Section II (11:10; 25:12, 19; 36:1 [v. 9 is an addition]; 37:2). The Composition of the Book. For the literary sources of Genesis, see Introduction to the Pentateuch. As far as the sources of Genesis are concerned, contemporary readers can reasonably assume that ancient traditions (J and E) were edited in the sixth or fifth century B.C. for a Jewish audience that had suffered the effects of the exile and was now largely living outside of Palestine. The editor highlighted themes of vital concern to this audience: God intends that every nation have posterity and land; the ancestors of Israel are models for their descendants who also live in hope rather than in full possession of what has been promised; the ancient covenant with God is eternal, remaining valid even when the human party has been unfaithful. By highlighting such concerns, the editor addressed the worries of exiled Israel and indeed of contemporary Jews and Christians. Genesis 1—11. The seven-day creation account in Gn 1:1—2:3 tells of a God whose mere word creates a beautiful universe in which human beings are an integral and important part. Though Gn 2:4—3:24 is often regarded as “the second creation story,” the text suggests that the 30 GENESIS 21 56 Birth of Isaac 6 * God answered him in the Sarah he said: “I hereby give your dream: Yes, I know you did it with brother a thousand shekels of sil - a pure heart. In fact, it was I who ver. This will preserve your honor kept you from sinning against me; before all who are with you and that is why I did not let you touch will exonerate you before every - her. 7 So now, return the man’s one.” 17 Abraham then interceded wife so that he may intercede for with God, and God restored health you, since he is a prophet, * that to Abimelech, to his wife, and his you may live. If you do not return maidservants, so that they bore her, you can be sure that you and children; 18 for the LORD had closed all who are yours will die. every womb in Abimelech’s 8 Early the next morning Abim- household on account of Abra- elech called all his servants and ham’s wife Sarah. informed them of everything that had happened, and the men were CHAPTER 21 filled with fear. 9 Then Abimelech Birth of Isaac. * 1 The LORD took summoned Abraham and said to note of Sarah as he had said he him: “What have you done to us! would; the LORD did for her as he What wrong did I do to you that had promised. 2 Sarah became you would have brought such pregnant and bore Abraham a son great guilt on me and my king - in his old age, at the set time that dom? You have treated me in an God had stated. 3 Abraham gave intolerable way. 10 What did you the name Isaac to this son of his have in mind,” Abimelech asked whom Sarah bore him. 4 When his him, “that you would do such a son Isaac was eight days old, thing?” 11 Abraham answered, “I Abraham circumcised him, as God thought there would be no fear of had commanded. 5 Abraham was a God * in this place, and so they hundred years old when his son would kill me on account of my Isaac was born to him. 6 Sarah wife. 12 Besides, she really is my then said, “God has given me cause sister, * but only my father’s to laugh, * and all who hear of it daughter, not my mother’s; and so will laugh with me. 7 Who would she became my wife. 13 When God ever have told Abraham,” she sent me wandering from my added, “that Sarah would nurse father’s house, I asked her: ‘Would children! Yet I have borne him a you do me this favor? In whatever son in his old age.” 8 The child grew place we come to, say: He is my and was weaned, and Abraham brother.’ ” held a great banquet on the day of 14 Then Abimelech took flocks the child’s weaning. and herds and male and female 9 Sarah noticed the son whom slaves and gave them to Abraham; Hagar the Egyptian had borne to and he restored his wife Sarah to Abraham playing with her son him.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Corinthians – Lesson 1
    1 Corinthians – Lesson 2 Introductory Material: Written by the apostle Paul to the church of God at Corinth approximately 55-57 A.D. from Ephesus. Simple Outline: Division (chapters 1-4) Incest (5) Lawsuits/Prostitutes (6) *Sex and Marriage (7) “Now concerning” *Idol meat (8-10) “Now concerning” Veils/Abuse of the Lord’s Supper (11) *Spiritual Gifts (12-14) “Now concerning” Resurrection (15) *Contribution/Conclusion (16) “Now concerning” (* – Asked by the Corinthians) Detailed Outline: I. INTRODUCTION (1:1–9) A. Salutation (1:1–3) B. Thanksgiving (1:4–9) II. IN RESPONSE TO REPORTS (1:10–6:20) A. A Church Divided—Internally and Against Paul (1:10–4:21) 1. The Problem—Division over Leaders in the Name of Wisdom (1:10–17) 2. The Gospel—a Contradiction to Wisdom (1:18–2:5) a. God’s folly—a crucified Messiah (1:18–25) b. God’s folly—the Corinthian believers (1:26–31) c. God’s folly—Paul’s preaching (2:1–5) 3. God’s Wisdom—Revealed by the Spirit (2:6–16) 4. On Being Spiritual and Divided (3:1–4) 5. Correcting a False View of Church and Ministry (3:5–17) a. Leaders are merely servants (3:5–9) b. The church must be built with care (3:10–15) c. Warning to those who would destroy the church, God’s temple in Corinth (3:16–17) 6. Conclusion of the Matter—All are Christ’s (3:18–23) 7. The Corinthians and Their Apostle (4:1–21) a. On being a servant and being judged (4:1–5) b.
    [Show full text]
  • Of the Apostles the Building of the Church
    OF THE APOSTLES THE BUILDING OF THE CHURCH INVER GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST FALL 2019 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Acts 1 The Promise of the Holy Spirit LESSON 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (2) Until the Author: Unlike Paul’s Epistles, the Author of Acts does day in which he was taken up, after that he through the not name himself. The use of the personal pronoun “I” Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles in the opening sentence, seems to indicate the books whom he had chosen: (3) To whom also he shewed first recipients must have known the writer. The himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, beginning of this book and the third gospel have been being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the accepted as from Luke. things pertaining to the kingdom of God: (4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that Date: Seems that the book was written before outcome they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the of the trial Paul went through, around 61 AD. promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of Purpose: The book of Acts , mainly the acts of Peter me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall and Paul, mostly Paul. Paul was an Apostle to Gentiles. be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I The Ascension am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: (6) When they therefore were come together, they We will see the Wonderful Work among the Nations asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore come to the gospel call, the Household of God passes again the kingdom to Israel? (7) And he said unto from being a National institution to an International them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, World Institution.
    [Show full text]
  • A:Cts of the Apostles (Revised Version)
    THE SCHOOL AND COLLEGE EDITION. A:CTS OF THE APOSTLES (REVISED VERSION) (CHAPTERS I.-XVI.) WITH BY THK REV. F. MARSHALL, M.A., (Lau Ezhibition,r of St, John's College, Camb,idge)• Recto, of Mileham, formerly Principal of the Training College, Ca11narthffl. and la1ely Head- Master of Almondbury Grammar School, First Edition 1920. Ten Impressions to 1932. Jonb.on: GEORGE GILL & SONS, Ln., MINERVA HOUSE, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, E.C.4. MAP TO ILLUSTRATE THE ACTS OPTBE APOSTLES . <t. ~ -li .i- C-4 l y .A. lO 15 20 PREFACE. 'i ms ~amon of the first Sixteen Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles is intended for the use of Students preparing for the Local Examina­ tions of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and similar examinations. The Syndicates of the Oxford and Cambridge Universities often select these chapters as the subject for examination in a particular year. The Editor has accordingly drawn up the present Edition for the use of Candidates preparing for such Examinations. The Edition is an abridgement of the Editor's Acts of /ht Apostles, published by Messrs. Gill and Sons. The Introduction treats fully of the several subjects with which the Student should be acquainted. These are set forth in the Table of Contents. The Biographical and Geographical Notes, with the complete series of Maps, will be found to give the Student all necessary information, thns dispensing with the need for Atlas, Biblical Lictionary, and other aids. The text used in this volume is that of the Revised Version and is printed by permission of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, but all editorial responsibility rests with the editor of the present volume.
    [Show full text]
  • Today for the Second Time Jesus Says, "Behold the Lamb of God Who Takes
    Question Sermon, January 19, 2020 Text: John 1:29-42; I Corinthians 1:1-9 As you can see in your bulletins, the sermon title is a single word. I thought about adding punctuation, either an exclamation point implying an imperative (after all, asking honest questions to get answers is a good thing to do and really the best way to learn!) or a question mark implying uncertainty about the subject at hand (“Question? What does THAT mean?”) but left it just as one word. I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it, but the word “Question” has at root the word, “Quest” which is defined by Merriam as “The act or an instance of seeking or pursuing something.” In the Gospel according to John, the very first words from the lips of Jesus are a question, John 1:38 -- “What do you want?” (the RSV and other translations have “What do you seek?”) Some think the two men who got this response from Jesus weren’t quite sure how to respond, so they stutter out, “Uh, where are you staying?” but I think there’s more to this conversation than that. I think John is implying something significant is taking place in this conversation. He uses some literary license to create his persuasive evangelical account of the Gospel; his whole style is radically different from Matthew, Mark or Luke. John is writing thematically. He IS writing factually, but he is not necessarily writing chronologically … the chronological order of events in Jesus’ life are rearranged in John’s literary style to convey a persuasive and philosophically convincing account of the Gospel (a few quick examples: In our reading, Simon was called Peter by Jesus, something Matthew and Mark tells us happened two and a half years into Jesus’ public ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
    SAINT ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 306 N. Division Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 • (734) 663-0518 • www.standrewsaa.org Sermon for Sunday, January 19, 2020 The Second Sunday after the Epiphany DONNA WESSEL WALKER Isaiah 49:1-7 | Psalm 40:1-12 | I Corinthians 1:1-9 | John 1:29-42 May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of our hearts together Chosen One? Not because of the dove at the baptism: it’s Be always acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. not clear that anyone other than John and Jesus saw that or recognized it as the sign of the Holy Spirit. Andrew and the “Behold the Lamb of God!” How much is contained in that other disciple believed John because of the quality of their re- phrase, now so familiar to us, once so new. It was new when lationship, and the quality of life they had seen in John. They John the Baptist first said it when he saw Jesus, and so un- trusted that John knew what God was doing, trusted enough precedented that scholars don’t know exactly where he got it to act on what John said. They follow Jesus, and their lives or how he came up with it. It’s possible that John didn’t know are never the same again. Andrew is so impressed with what exactly what he meant; he certainly could not have foreseen he sees and hears in Jesus that he goes to fetch his brother how deeply Christians would explore the meaning and impli- Simon.
    [Show full text]
  • The Persecution of Christians in the First Century
    JETS 61.3 (2018): 525–47 THE PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN THE FIRST CENTURY ECKHARD J. SCHNABEL* Abstract: The Book of Acts, Paul’s letters, 1 Peter, Hebrews, and Revelation attest to nu- merous incidents of persecution, which are attested for most provinces of the Roman empire, triggered by a wide variety of causes and connected with a wide variety of charges against the fol- lowers of Jesus. This essay surveys the twenty-seven specific incidents of and general references to persecution of Christians in the NT, with a focus on geographical, chronological, and legal matters. Key words: persecution, mission, hostility, opposition, Jerusalem, Rome, Peter, Paul, Acts, Hebrews, Revelation This essay seeks to survey the evidence in the NT for instances of the perse- cution of Jesus’ earliest followers in their historical and chronological contexts without attempting to provide a comprehensive analysis of each incident. The Greek term diōgmos that several NT authors use, usually translated as “persecu- tion,”1 is defined as “a program or process designed to harass and oppress some- one.”2 The term “persecution” is used here to describe the aggressive harassment and deliberate ill-treatment of the followers of Jesus, ranging from verbal abuse, denunciation before local magistrates, initiating court proceedings to beatings, flog- ging, banishment from a city, execution, and lynch killings. I. PERSECUTION IN JUDEA, SYRIA, AND NABATEA (AD 30–38/40) 1. Persecution in Jerusalem, Judea (I). Priests in Jerusalem, the captain of the tem- ple, and Sadducees arrested the apostles Peter and John who spoke to a crowd of * Eckhard J.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gospel of Luke & the Acts of the Apostles
    The Gospel of Luke & The Acts of the Apostles The Theme of Jesus’ Kingship vs. Rulers and Authorities Mako A. Nagasawa Foreground Action: The Heir to the Throne Lk.1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. Foreground Action: Jesus and Caesar Lk.20:20 So they watched him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch him in some statement, so that they could deliver him to the rule and the authority of the governor. 21 They questioned him, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and you are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’ 23 But he detected their trickery and said to them, 24 ‘Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have? They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ 25 And he said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. 26 And they were unable to catch him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at his answer, they became silent. Foreground Action: Jesus and Power Lk.22:24 And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Testament
    THE NEW TESTAMENT ACTS (PART II) Colosseum at Rome Year 2 – Quarter 3 by F. L. Booth © 2006 F. L. Booth Zion, IL 60099 CONTENTS LESSON PAGE 14. The Persecution of Herod Agrippa I 14-1 15. Paul's First Journey (Part I) 15-1 16. Paul's First Journey (Part II) 16-1 17. Paul's Second Journey (Part I) 17-1 18. Paul's Second Journey (Part II) 18-1 19. Paul's Second Journey (Part III) 19-1 20. Paul's Third Journey (Part I) 20-1 21. Paul's Third Journey (Part II) 21-1 22. Paul's Arrest and Defense Before the Jews 22-1 23. Paul Before the Council - The Plot to Kill Paul 23-1 24. Paul Before Felix and Festus 24-1 25. Paul Before Agrippa II 25-1 26. Paul's Journey to Rome 26-1 The Herod Family Roman Emperors – 1st Century A. D. Maps of Paul’s Journeys 14 - 1 LESSON 14 THE PERSECUTION OF HEROD AGRIPPA I Acts 12 INTRODUCTION. Following the death of Stephen, the followers of Jesus were scat- tered because of persecution by the Jews. Wherever these disciples went, they preached the gospel, converting souls to Jesus Christ (Acts 8:1, 4). Philip first went to Samaria where Simon the sorcerer and others were baptized. Then Philip was directed by the Spirit to go to the road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza where he met the Ethiopian nobleman. Eventually, after the conversion of the Ethiopian, Philip arrived in Caesarea, preaching in "all the cities" along the way (Acts 8:5-40).
    [Show full text]
  • SOSTHENES One of Paul's Most Remark Able Converts SOSTHENES One of Paul's Most Remark Able Converts (ACTS 18:17)
    SOSTHENES one of Paul's most remark able converts SOSTHENES one of Paul's most remark able converts (ACTS 18:17) The authorities of the synagogue were worried, and their fears were not groundless. Paul, who had been in their city for some time, had been joined by two of his col- leagues. An added impetus had been given to the zeal of the fearless preacher, and the leaders of Israel dreaded the possibilities of the immediate future. "And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, Paul shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles" (Acts 18 : 6). They watched as he entered into the nearby house of Justus, but their anger deepened when they discovered that a great change had taken place in their own leader. "And Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house" (V. 8). The Unique Task During the following days, the cause of Israel seemed in jeopardy, and the people were at wits' end to know what to do. Someone had to be found who would chal- lenge and overcome the threat of the Christian faith. Some strong character had to counteract the influence of the ter- rible visitor! When Sosthenes succeeded to the rulership of the synagogue, it appeared that such a man had been found. He would stand no nonsense! He was a man who would fiercely use any means, legitimate or otherwise, in order to attain his purpose. It was not a cause for amaze- ment, therefore, when the new leader organized a great demonstration before the authorities.
    [Show full text]
  • Orthodox Mission Methods: a Comparative Study
    ORTHODOX MISSION METHODS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY by STEPHEN TROMP WYNN HAYES submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY in the subject of MISSIOLOGY at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA Promoter: Professor W.A. Saayman JUNE 1998 Page 1 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank the University of South Africa, who awarded the Chancellor's Scholarship, which enabled me to travel to Russia, the USA and Kenya to do research. I would also like to thank the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, of St Augustine, Florida, for their financial help in attending the International Orthodox Christian Mission Conference at Holy Cross Seminary, Brookline, MA, in August 1996. To Fr Thomas Hopko, and the staff of St Vladimir's Seminary in New York, for allowing me to stay at the seminary and use the library facilities. The St Tikhon's Institute in Moscow, and its Rector, Fr Vladimir Vorobiev and the staff, for their help with visa applications, and for their patience in giving me information in interviews. To the Danilov Monastery, for their help with accom­ modation while I was in Moscow, and to Fr Anatoly Frolov and all the parishioners of St Tikhon's Church in Klin, for giving me an insight into Orthodox life and mission in a small town parish. To Metropolitan Makarios of Zimbabwe, and the staff and students of the Makarios III Orthodox Seminary at Riruta, Kenya, for their hospitality and their readiness to help me get the information I needed. To the Pokrov Foundation in Bulgaria, for their hospitality and help, and to the Monastery of St John the Forerunner in Karea, Athens, and many others in that city who helped me with my research in Greece.
    [Show full text]
  • OF GOD's KINGDOM a Few Years Ago, When
    1 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time will bring healing to others. The Church has Cycle A, 1.15.17 always seen these “suffering servant songs” Isaiah 49:3,5-6/1Corinthians 1:1-3/ as applying to the Lord Jesus. They can also John 1:29-34 apply to us -- His Church and His people. In SEEKING THE “SOMETHING MORE” our reading, the suffering servant says that OF GOD’S KINGDOM God formed him and called him to bring the people of Israel back to their God. He would A few years ago, when our parish be faithful to that call. Then the Lord staff gathered for a mid-year Enrichment continues that it isn’t enough for him to Day, each member had an assignment to bring back the people of Israel. He would be bring: “Find out about the daily work of the a light to the whole world. That mysterious parishioners you serve.” Prior to the servant thought his mission was local. gathering each staff member was to ask “Encrypted” within it was a purpose for his three parishioners a set of questions: What life that was much larger. That’s the call do you do for a living? What excites you within the call. about your job and stirs your enthusiasm? What are the challenges you face in your work and the difficulties you encounter? By finding out a little bit more about some of you, I thought it would be beneficial for me and our staff to understand and appreciate your life-situations a little better.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Leadership and the Jews of Corinth in the Time of 2 Corinthians
    The Politics of the Fifties: Jewish Leadership and the Jews of Corinth in the Time of 2 Corinthians Martin Goodman The Acts of the Apostles contain a graphic account of an attempt by the leaders of the Jewish community in Corinth to curb the activities of the apostle Paul: When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal. They said, “This man is per- suading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to the law”. Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of crime or serious villainy, I would be justified in accepting the complaint of you Jews; but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see it to yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters”. And he dismissed them from the tribunal. Then all of them seized Sosthenes, the official of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal.1 This event, if the story is not a fictional creation by the author of Acts,2 can be dated quite precisely to the fifties ce because the period of Gallio’s tenure of the post of governor of the province of Achaia is known from an inscription.3 Whether the tensions that led the Corinthian Jews to invoke intervention by the governor were also the cause of the formal judicial punishments that Paul claimed in 2 Corinthians at around the same time to have suffered at the hands of officials of the Jewish court – ‘Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one’4 – is not certain.
    [Show full text]