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Monday: Read John 20:1-31 <\/strong><\/h2>\nJohn 20-21 serve as the climax of the Gospel. The promises made earlier in the Gospel are fulfilled here. John begins by noting that it was the \u201cfirst day of the week\u201d (1, 19). This might not appear too surprising until we realize that we probably already knew that. The fact that John repeats it in 20:19 tells us that he really wants us to know that it is the \u201cfirst day of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n
We are reminded of the fact that John begins his gospel with an allusion to the creation account: \u201cin the beginning\u201d (1:1). What, then, is the significance of it being \u201cthe first day of the week?\u201d<\/p>\n
For John, the answer is that it is the first day of the new creation! That the theme of new creation pervades this account is further evidenced by the fact that Mary mistakes Jesus for the \u201cgardener\u201d (15)\u2014recall that Adam and Eve were gardeners\u201d they were to \u201ccultivate and keep it\u201d (Gen 2:15). Thus, Jesus is the new Adam who is \u201cgardening\u201d in the new Eden!<\/p>\n
The theme of new creation reaches its height in the account of Jesus\u2019 appearance with the disciples that evening. John notes that Jesus, \u201cbreathed on them and said to them, \u2018receive the Holy Spirit\u2019\u201d (22). The language of \u201cbreathing\u201d on them is identical to the language used in Gen 2:7 where God \u201cbreathed\u201d[2]<\/a> on Adam and he \u201cbecame a living being.\u201d Thus, just as God formed the original humanity by giving him the Spirit, so now Jesus forms His disciples\u2014into a new creation\u2014by giving them the Spirit.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n As a result of the giving of the Spirit to His disciples Jesus now sends them out: \u201cAs the Father has sent Me, I also send you\u201d (21). This is the final step in the missional story of the Gospel of John. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father, so now He sends them.<\/p>\n Questions to ponder\/discuss: <\/strong><\/p>\n John 21 is the epilogue. In this chapter, Jesus appears in Galilee with His disciples. This may be John\u2019s way of filling in the details that are omitted from Mark\u2019s gospel. Mark ends with the women being instructed to tell the disciples that, \u201cHe is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you (15:7). In Mark\u2019s Gospel, however, (as far as we can tell) this does not actually happen\u2014recall that the present ending(s) of Mark is not the true ending of the Gospel.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n By providing us with the story of Jesus and the disciples in Galilee, the Gospel of John comes full circle. Jesus began His ministry in Cana of Galilee (2:1). Now, the story ends in Galilee.<\/p>\n The great catch of fish is a bit intriguing. It is quite likely that John\u2019s intent in providing us with this story of the catching of 153 fish (11) relates to the mission of the disciples to the nations. There have been a number of speculations as to the significance of \u201c153.\u201d The most likely conclusion is that the number 153 represents the totality of the nations of the world.[5]<\/a> Thus, the haul of 153 fish represents the faithful mission of the people of God to the nations.<\/p>\n Finally, Jesus restores Peter. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times, so now Peter confesses Him three times (15-17). Note the reference to the charcoal fire (21:9), which Peter was warming himself by when he denied knowing Jesus (18:18).<\/p>\n Questions to ponder\/discuss: <\/strong><\/p>\n The book of Acts covers the events from the resurrection of Jesus (AD 30) to Paul\u2019s imprisonment in Rome (AD 60-62). It is, however, much more than a mere history of the first Christians. That it is titled, \u201cthe Acts of the Apostles\u201d is a bit of a misnomer. After all, it doesn\u2019t address the apostles per se: the account only follows Peter (and briefly John) and Paul. The opening of Acts (1:1-2) certainly links it to the Gospel of Luke. Instead, it might be known as \u201cthe Acts of Jesus through His Spirit empowered followers.\u201d As we will see, the acts of the Apostles are modeled on the acts of Jesus. That is, what Jesus does in the Gospel of Luke, Peter and Paul do in the book of Acts.<\/p>\n Luke explains that Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days (1:3: technically it would be 38 since the first two days he was in the tomb). Jesus implores them not to leave Jerusalem until they have received the Holy Spirit.[6]<\/a> The disciples ask Jesus, \u201cwhen\u201d is He going to restore the kingdom to Israel? (6). Jesus replies that they do not need to know when, they just need to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes (7-8). The Holy Spirit came 10 days later (2:1).[7]<\/a><\/p>\n Acts 1:8 serves as the thesis statement of the book of Acts and as the basis for understanding the narrative outline of the book. Luke will chronicle the coming of the Spirit and the sending of the disciples from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria (the southern and central regions of the local area), and then to the ends of the earth. For Luke, \u201cthe ends of the earth\u201d was Rome. That the book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome may very well have meant that for Luke, the mission was accomplished.<\/p>\n Finally, note that the book of Acts is framed with references to the kingdom of God (1:3; 28:31). The kingdom of God is not merely something Jesus did and talked about. It is also what the people of God, by the power of the Spirit, continue to do and teach.<\/p>\n Questions to ponder\/discuss: <\/strong><\/p>\n On the day of Pentecost (meaning \u201c50\u201d; because Pentecost is 50 days after Passover), the Holy Spirit descended upon those who were gathered (1-3). The presence of \u201ca violent wind and tongues of fire\u201d recalls the presence of God as a pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day in the Exodus account.<\/p>\n The pouring out of the Spirit fulfills what the prophets had anticipated (see: Isa 32:15; 44:3; Ezekiel 36:27; 37:14; 39:29; Joel 2:28-29). This is the moment of Israel\u2019s restoration that the disciples were asking about (cf 1:6; note: there were Jews from every nation: 2:5). In Ezekiel 36, the prophet notes that God will gather His people from all the lands in which they were scattered (note: the list of nations in Acts 2:9-11). Those who gathered at Pentecost represent the return of Jews from all directions! Richard Bauckham notes that the list of nations (2:9-11) is in four groups of nations that \u201ccorrespond to the four points of the compass with Jerusalem (Judea) central.\u201d[8]<\/a><\/p>\n Peter explains to those present what was happening. In doing so, he cites Joel 2:28-32\u2014which looked forward to the restoration of Israel. Interestingly, Peter begins his speech with \u201cin the last days\u201d (17). The prophecy in Joel simply begins with \u201cafter this\u201d (Joel 2:28). The pouring out of the Spirit is one of the distinctive features of the new covenant (read Ezek 36:24-27!!). The prophet Ezekiel said that God will \u201cput a new spirit within you\u201d (Ezek 36:26). The result will be a transformed heart!<\/p>\n Peter also stresses that the coming of the Spirit will be \u201con all people\u201d (17; cf Acts 10:45; and Num 11:29 \u201cI wish that all of God\u2019s people were prophets\u201d). No longer will there be distinctions in gender (\u201csons and daughters\u201d; 17), age (young and old; 17), or socioeconomics (servants; 18). In fact, Peter adds, \u201cthey will all prophesy\u201d (18; cf Num 11:29).<\/p>\n Luke also depicts the descent of the Spirit in light of the reversal of the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). All of those present began to speak \u201cwith other tongues\u201d (4). What is unclear is if they all spoke in different languages or if those in the crowd that gathered simply heard them in their own language\u201d (6). In light of the reversal of Babel theme, it may be that they spoke one language, and everyone heard them in their own tongue.<\/p>\n Questions to ponder\/discuss: <\/strong><\/p>\n Acts 2:42 is often considered a template for the life of the early church. We should be careful about putting too much weight on a verse that is not central to the overall thrust of the text. Nonetheless, the early church appears to have focused on the Word, fellowship, communion,[9]<\/a> and prayer.<\/p>\n The speeches, miracles, and actions of Peter (and John) and Paul in the book of Acts must be viewed from the background of the Gospel of Luke. Luke intentionally structures the book of Acts in order to parallel the Gospel of Luke. In doing so, Luke is more than just portraying Peter and Paul to be like Jesus. Instead, Luke is showing the disciples and the early church as continuing the work of Jesus.<\/p>\n Peter and John heal a man who was born lame and had been at the temple gate \u201cevery day\u201d (3:2)\u2014we learn that this lasted 40 years (4:22). This raises the question, of whether Luke intended for us to ask or not is uncertain, as to why Jesus never healed him? Surely Jesus had to have passed the man on His way to the temple. Peter and John reply to the man\u2019s request, \u201cI do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene\u2014walk (3:6)<\/p>\n There is an ironic account told by Thomas Aquinas more than 1,000 years later. He notes that Pope Innocent III, who as Pope had become immensely wealthy, quipped to him, \u201cYou see, the Church is no longer in that age in which she said, \u2018Silver and gold have I none.\u2019\u201d To which Thomas replied, \u201cTrue, holy father, neither can she any longer say to the lame, \u2018Rise up and walk.\u2019\u201d Sad, but true!<\/p>\n Questions to ponder\/discuss: <\/strong><\/p>\n NB: our goal is to keep these posts free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more\/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link<\/span><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n Please share this post and let others know about determinetruth.<\/p>\n If you wish to view this blog on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app <\/b>simply download the \u201ctithe.ly<\/span><\/a> church\u201d app on your smartphone and insert \u201cdeterminetruth\u201d as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the \u201cblog\u201d icon and it will automatically load.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you would like to have Rob speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me<\/span><\/a> tab on this site.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> This guide is meant to be done either as a group study over the course of 2 or 4 meetings (Day 1-5; 6-10; 11-15; 16-20), or as a private devotion over the course of 4 weeks (or a calendar month\u20145 lessons per week).<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> The word used in John is identical to the word used in the Greek version of Gen 2:7; cf Ezek 37:9-10.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> This is also the fulfillment of Ezekiel\u2019s vision of the valley of dry bones that come back to life! cf Ezek 37:9-10.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> As far as we can tell the ending of Mark\u2019s gospel was lost. All of the oldest manuscripts of Mark break off abruptly in 16:9.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> When it comes to numbers like this, it is reasonable to suppose that the number has some significance. It is too random not to. At the same time, we must be careful about wild speculations. Whatever the meaning of such a number, assuming that there is one, it should only serve to enhance the meaning of the text.<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Coming off the Gospel of John you might be wondering if they have already received the Holy Spirit. Well, in John\u2019s account they have. John simply pushed forward what Acts says happened on the day of Pentecost because the Gospel of John ends. What I mean by this is that John narrates the coming of the Spirit but didn\u2019t want to narrate 50 more days of events. So, he pushed the Pentecost scene forward. This may be problematic for us if we expect the Gospels to be writing history in accord with our standards of precision. The problem is not with the Gospels. The problem is with our assumption that they are following our rules.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> Some suggest that the kingdom did not come at Pentecost. Instead, they suppose that Jesus\u2019 answer to the disciples\u2019 question is related to His return. The context, however, suggests that the coming of the Spirit is in view! And the Spirit came 10 days later!<\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Bauckham, Acts in Palestinian Setting<\/em>, 417.<\/p>\n\n
Tuesday: Read John 21:1-25 <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Wednesday: Read Acts 1:1-26<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Thursday: Read Acts 2:1-36<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Friday: Read Acts 2:37-3:36<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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