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The NT epistle for the Third Sunday before Lent is 1 Cor 15.11–22, which follows from our reading two weeks ago. The focus on hope of resurrection as central to Christian faith complements the gospe reading of Luke 6 and his version of the Beatitudes. This section of 1 Cor 15 is fascinating, since Paul … Continue Reading
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
In 2017, I was invited to a church in Hull to do a morning’s teaching giving an overview of what the Bible said about sex. It was fascinating to have to offer such an overview—not least because it made me realise how important this is, and how rarely it is done. I turned this into … Continue Reading
The gospel lectionary reading for the First Sunday of Epiphany/the Baptism of Christ in this Year C is Luke 3.15–17, 21–22. We have recently been exploring Luke 3 during Advent, having read the first six verses of this chapter with the announcement of John the Baptist’s ministry in Advent 2, and the detail of his … Continue Reading
The Sunday lectionary reading for Epiphany 1, which is the Baptism of Christ, is Luke 3.15–17 and 21–22. The reading feels odd, since it was back in Advent when we read the previous verses in Luke 3 over two Sundays, and this sets the context for our passage. The lectionary also drops the verses about … Continue Reading
I wrote a first version of this article (revised in the light of comments) five years ago, in response to people posting online the list on the right. Surprisingly, this is still being reposted as an expression of New Year’s resolutions. When I gently challenging it, one friend said that it is a good antidote … Continue Reading
The Christmas season is now with us! The reading for the first Sunday in the Christmas season (Christmas 1) is Luke 2.41–52—though it is arguable that we should actually start our reading at verse 40, since it forms an ‘inclusio’ (bracket) with the final verse of the reading. At every point in this reading, we … Continue Reading
The Christmas season is now with us! The reading for the first Sunday in the Christmas season (Christmas 1) is Luke 2.41–52—though it is arguable that we should actually start our reading at verse 40, since it forms an ‘inclusio’ (bracket) with the final verse of the reading. This is a very carefully crafted passage, … Continue Reading
A few years ago I watched the film Gravity when it came out. The effects were spectacular, the photography breathtaking, the characterisations engaging, and the story held one’s attention throughout. It even raised some profound (religious?) questions about life, death and purpose. And yet, when I left the cinema, I could not decide whether I … Continue Reading
The latest Grove Biblical booklet is Death and ‘Hell’ by Paul Marston, and addressed the burning question (!) of what happens when we die, and the nature of death and hell. He begins by exploring why this is such an important question, theologically and pastorally. This booklet considers two distinct questions: (i) what happens immediately after … Continue Reading
What do you find most irritating about this time of year? The drawing in of dark and cold nights? The hideous adoption of that consumerist import ‘Black Friday’? People putting up Christmas trees when we have only just started Advent? Being urged to spend more money by means of schmaltzy human interest mini-dramas? For me, … 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
