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The epistle for Lent 3 is Romans 5.1–11; the gospel is Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in John 4. In Romans 5, Paul effectively sets out his stall for the second main section of the letter, chapters 5 to 8. This is not about the consequences of justification, so much as what … Continue Reading
What do you think if someone says “Samaritan”? John Hudghton writes: Mention the word Samaritan and your understanding may be shaped by Revd Chad Varah and the listening Samaritans in Britain. Similarly, there are numerous other charitable humanitarian organisations sharing the same name world-wide who may produce the same effect. We also know Jesus told … Continue Reading
The Sunday lectionary gospel reading for Lent 2 in Year A is Nicodemus’ meeting with Jesus in John 3.1–17. The epistle is Romans 4.1-5 and 13-17. The video discussion of the epistle is here, and of the gospel reading from John 3 here. Both are also linked at the end. Although we are supposed to … Continue Reading
The lectionary for Lent 2 in Year A is Romans 4.1-5, 13-17. The structure of Paul’s argument here is complex, but the main idea is simple: Abraham is father of both Jews and Gentiles, and the order of events in his life teaches us about the nature of grace. He trusted God as was justified, … Continue Reading
Last Sunday, I was invited to preach at Oriel College, Oxford, by the Chaplain, Dr Robert Wainwright. All services in the chapel follow the Book of Common Prayer. This year is the 700th year of the foundation of the college, which was originally called House of the Blessed Mary at Oxford, and so the sermon … Continue Reading
Today is the start of the liturgical season of Lent, and it has traditionally been a period of particular spiritual discipline for Christians. Though the Didache (from the end of the first century) recommends fasting for anyone preparing for baptism, this probably wasn’t settled as a pattern until the Council of Nicea in 325. A … Continue Reading
As we enter the season of Lent on Sunday, the lectionary for the First Sunday in Lent in Year A is of course Matt 4.1–11. The epistle for this Sunday is apt: Paul’s contrast in Romans 5.12–19 between the power of Sin and Death at work for those who are ‘in Adam’ contrasted with the … Continue Reading
The epistle for Lent 1 in Year A is Romans 5.12–19. Paul draws a series of striking contrasts between what it means to be ‘in Adam’, as fallen humanity under the power of Sin and Death, and what it means to be ‘in Christ’, given the gift of life and under the power of Grace. … Continue Reading
The lectionary gospel reading for the last Sunday before Lent in Year A, is Matt 17.1–9, Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration. You can find video discussion of this commentary here and posted at the end. The epistle is Peter’s account in 2 Peter 1.16–21; you can find the video discussion of that passage here and … Continue Reading
The lectionary epistle for the Sunday before Lent in Year A is 2 Peter 1.16–21. It is a fascinating passage, as it appears to preserve an eye-witness testimony to the transfiguration which coheres with the gospels accounts but is independent of them. From this, Peter teaches us not so much about Jesus’ resurrection but about … Continue Reading
The Sunday lectionary gospel reading for the Second Sunday before Lent in Year A, is Matthew 6.25–34, a section of the so-called Sermon on the Mount. The epistle is the remarkable exposition by Paul of our hope of new creation in Romans 8.18–25—often called the pinnacle of the New Testament. The video discussion of Romans … Continue Reading
Ian Paul: theologian, author, speaker, academic consultant. Associate Senior Research Fellow, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology; Associate Minister, St Nic's, Nottingham; Managing Editor, Grove Books; member of General Synod and Archbishops' Council. Mac user; chocoholic. Tweets at @psephizo
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Gospel commentary index Lectionary Year A
Andrew Goddard Bible biblical interpretation Biblical literacy biblical theology Christmas Church of England culture discipleship discussion doctrine eschatology evangelism gay General Synod Grove guest Hermeneutics History hope interpretation James Blandford Baker Jesus John's gospel Justin Welby leadership lectionary Luke Luke's gospel Matthew ministry mission New Testament Paul politics preaching Revelation same sex marriage same sex unions sexuality theology video Year A Year B Year C
