Scholarship • Serving • Ministry – Ian Paul
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 …
The lectionary New Testament readings for the coming week, Epiphany 2 in Year C, are 1 Corinthians 12.1-11 and John 2.1-11. For written commentary on John 2 (the wedding at Cana), see here, and for the video discussion of John 2 see here. (The sound quality leaves something to be desired—but the quality of the …
The NT epistle reading for Epiphany 2 in Year C is 1 Cor 12.1–11. Although well-known in some circles, this might be a less familiar reading in others. It appears to be about ‘spiritual gifts’, but Paul redefines the discussion by casting it as teaching about what it means to be spiritual, and roots it …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
The lectionary gospel reading for Advent 4 in Year C is Luke 1.39-45, with the option of reading on to Luke 1.46-55. Do please take the option of reading the Magnificat; reading the first half without the second would be like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner and leaving after the starter! There are …
The lectionary gospel reading for Advent 4 in Year C is Luke 1.39-45, with the option of reading on to Luke 1.46-55. Do please take the option of reading the Magnificat; reading the first half without the second would be like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner and leaving after the starter! Mary’s encounter …
The Sunday gospel lectionary reading for Advent 3 in Year C is Luke 3.7–17, and it follows closely on from last week’s reading; verse begins ‘He therefore said to the crowds…’ which some English translations omit. The content of his teaching raises some fascinating issues about repentance, judgement, and discipleship, and the way in which the …
The Sunday gospel lectionary reading for Advent 3 in Year C is Luke 3.7–17, and it follows closely on from last week’s reading; verse begins ‘He therefore said to the crowds…’ which some English translations omit. The content of his teaching raises some fascinating issues about repentance, judgement, and discipleship, and the way in which …
