James Blandford Baker
The ‘conversion’ of Paul in Acts 9 video discussion
The lectionary reading for Easter 3 in Year C is Acts 9, the so-called conversion of Saul/Paul. These readings from Acts are prioritized, so that we are encouraged to preach from them in this season (despite it coming before Pentecost!). Is it right to talk about Paul being ‘converted’? What does this change involve—what is … Continue Reading
The humility of Jesus in Phil 2 video discussion
The NT epistle reading for Palm Sunday in this Year 3 is the so-called ‘Christ hymn’ in Phil 2.5–11. This is a fitting parallel to the account of Jesus’ non-triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19.28–40. The introduction to this ‘hymn’ is also very carefully poetically structured, which suggests that the whole passage is by … Continue Reading
Paul’s great exchange in Phil 3 video discussion
The NT Epistle reading for Lent 5 (sometimes called Passion Sunday) is Paul’s account of his ‘great reversal’. (The gospel reading is the anointing at Bethany in John 12). Paul uses the language of ‘the flesh’ here as he has done in 2 Cor 5 to talk about mere human evaluation of things. On the … Continue Reading
Reconciliation is the gospel in 2 Corinthians 5 video discussion
The Sunday lectionary NT epistle for Lent 4 is 2 Cor 5.16–21. The gospel lectionary reading is Luke 15.1-3, 11b-32, the parable of the Forgiving Father (or the Prodigal Son), which works well with it. Many people will be preaching on the theme of Mothering Sunday—but that is in danger of missing out on this … Continue Reading
Paul’s warnings in 1 Corinthians 10 video discussion
The Sunday lectionary NT epistle for Lent 3 is 1 Cor 10.1–13. The gospel lectionary reading is Luke 13.1–9. Paul engages in his characteristic Christological reading, drawing parallels between the experience of Israel on their Exodus journey through the wilderness and the experience of the new Israel in Jesus as they share bread and wine. … Continue Reading
Good and bad examples to follow in Phil 3 video discussion
The Sunday lectionary NT epistle for Lent 2 is Phil 3.17–4.1. It follows on from the better-known autobiographical passage—which we will discuss in three week’s time in Lent 5. Paul uses neologisms—words that he appears to have created—to urge his readers together to imitate his example, and the examples of his co-workers, and avoid the … Continue Reading
The righteousness that comes by faith in Romans 10 video discussion
The NT epistle for the First Sunday of Lent (Lent 1) in Year C is Romans 8b–13. It is a slightly odd choice by the lectionary, since the passage starts in verse 5, and you really need to read from there. Paul does two important things as he reads the Old Testament. First, he notices … Continue Reading
The worship of God in Revelation 4 video and commentary
The NT epistle for the Second Sunday before Lent is Rev 4, the first half (with Rev 5) of John’s vision and audition (seeing and hearing) of worship ‘in heaven’ as he is ‘in the Spirit’. This is a fascinating passage, in part because it is so dense with theological ideas, but also because this … Continue Reading
The humanity of Jesus in Hebrews 2 video discussion
The NT epistle for Candlemas, or the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, is Heb 2.14–18. With its emphasis on the humanity of Jesus, it complements the gospel reading of Luke 2.22–40. Hebrews can be a challenging read, with dense theological ideas and unusual grammar, but it is also compelling and memorable. The author (whom … Continue Reading
Belonging and interdependence in the body of Christ in 1 Cor 12 video discussion
The NT epistle for Epiphany 3 in this year C continues reading 1 Cor 12.12–31a. Here, Paul expands his themes of unity and diversity of ministry, but shifts the register from ‘gifts of the Spirit’ to ‘members of the body’. In doing so, he makes surprising use of an existing metaphor from ancient politics, but … Continue Reading
