On Line Bible Study - For the Week September 5-11
Lesson 509
John 1: 19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[c] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”
(This study is for John 1:19-39 inclusive. Click on the above text to link to the entire first chapter of John's Gospel.)
One of the challenges in the Gospel of John has to do with the frequent mention of the "Jews". While sometimes the reference is only for the purpose of designation (John 4:9, 22; 2:6, 13; 18:33), more often than not there is a negative connotation. Biblical scholars work hard to point out that, by the time the Gospel was written - certainly well after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD - the point of the distinction in the Gospel has to do with the Christian stand against Jewish propaganda. That we have a textual challenge is indicated above - look at the passage and see the letter "c" after the word "leaders". If you go to the link you will find a footnote telling you about the decision to add that word to the translation. In its more literal form, the verse simply reads:
...when the Jews in Jerusalem sent priests ...
The point is simply this - the gospel doesn't intend to single out a race or people, but a class of religious leadership from among the people. By the time the gospel is written, Christians see the world in two categories - those who believe Jesus is the Messiah, and those who don't. There were still Jews who leaned toward Jesus but attended the Synagogue, and we know from Acts 5:33ff that an effort was made to give the nascent Christian movement time. If their purpose - that is, followers of Jesus - is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men...
This season of "tolerance" and discernment had come to an end. The Christian Church was not wondering if Jesus might be the Messiah. Christians were certain he was.
this - the gospel
(This study is for John 1:19-39 inclusive. Click on the above text to link to the entire first chapter of John's Gospel.)
One of the challenges in the Gospel of John has to do with the frequent mention of the "Jews". While sometimes the reference is only for the purpose of designation (John 4:9, 22; 2:6, 13; 18:33), more often than not there is a negative connotation. Biblical scholars work hard to point out that, by the time the Gospel was written - certainly well after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD - the point of the distinction in the Gospel has to do with the Christian stand against Jewish propaganda. That we have a textual challenge is indicated above - look at the passage and see the letter "c" after the word "leaders". If you go to the link you will find a footnote telling you about the decision to add that word to the translation. In its more literal form, the verse simply reads:
...when the Jews in Jerusalem sent priests ...
The point is simply this - the gospel doesn't intend to single out a race or people, but a class of religious leadership from among the people. By the time the gospel is written, Christians see the world in two categories - those who believe Jesus is the Messiah, and those who don't. There were still Jews who leaned toward Jesus but attended the Synagogue, and we know from Acts 5:33ff that an effort was made to give the nascent Christian movement time. If their purpose - that is, followers of Jesus - is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men...
This season of "tolerance" and discernment had come to an end. The Christian Church was not wondering if Jesus might be the Messiah. Christians were certain he was.
this - the gospel
posted by Mark D at 4:37 AM
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