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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
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 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 epistle for Epiphany 4 is 1 Cor 1.18—31 (the end of the chapter). Having painted the picture of the amazing things that God has done for the Corinthians in the first verses, Paul has then confronted them with their factions. He now draws on language that echoes the teaching of Jesus, and deep from … Continue Reading
The lectionary epistle for Epiphany 3 in Year A is the next part of 1 Corinthians, verses 10 to 18. Having prepared his canvas in the previous verses with all the amazing things God has done for his readers, Paul now paints in the details of the problems of factionalism. He challenges the idea of … Continue Reading
For the Second Sunday of Epiphany in Year A, the readings are 1 Corinthians 1.1–9 and John 1.29–42. Paul’s introduction to his letter to the Corinthians offers the most remarkable affirmation of what God has already done in the lives of his writers. This is very striking given the way he is going to warn … Continue Reading
The epistle for Epiphany 1, known as the Baptism of Christ, is Acts 10.34–43. It is worth preaching on rather than Matthew 3.13-end because it is such a rich and fascinating passage. Luke’s account of Peter’s speech is rooted in the narrative of Scripture, but also sits within Luke-Acts, echoing early chapters of Luke and … Continue Reading
The lectionary epistle reading for Christmas 2 in Year A is Ephesians 1.3–14 (though it is worth starting reading from verse 1). Although broken up in English translations, this forms one long sentence in Greek—of 202 words! It is likely the longest Greek sentence in the New Testament. In what is effectively an extended cascade … Continue Reading
The reading for Christmas 1, which is also the Feast of the Holy Innocents, is Matthew 2.13–18. This texts raises fascinating questions about history, how Matthew’s account here fits with the rest of his gospel, and what use he makes of Old Testament quotations. Is there any plausibility to the claim that he composed this … Continue Reading
Although 2 Thess 2 (the lectionary epistle for the third Sunday before Advent) is not read much in churches, it has been hugely influential, in its ideas of the ‘man of lawlessness’, and the ‘restrainer’—this second term being a controlling idea in Christian ethical thinking in the Middle Ages. Yet it is almost impossible to … Continue Reading
In the Fourth Sunday before Advent in Year C, we are starting a short series reading through 2 Thessalonians, and this week’s reading is the whole of Chapter 1. It is a challenging reading, talking of the suffering of the Thessalonians Christians, and their steadfastness as a sign of God’s favour. But it also speaks … 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
