After John had been (handed over) – arrested (paradothenai) I wonder why the NIV says put in prison- its not in the text- The NRSV has, 'Now after John was arrested...'
We get a brief interesting cameo from John and he's put away- Jesus is back from the desert with a far catchier message than Obama- he proclaims (kerusswn) the good news of God (Mark obviously attaches great significance to it) oti Peplerwtai o kairos kai engiken e basilea tou theou- that the time has been fulfilled, has been completed and the kingdom of God be at hand- practically, has come, is here.
fulifilled- perfect passive -Perfective: accomplished action (where the present state resulting from, and/or present consequence of, a prior action are being stressed; the meaning of the perfect is I am in the position of having done). from Ward Powers
That seems to fit nicely- all of it – time has been heading towards this- events have been heading towards this (the word for time is the broader kairos rather than chronos- chronos usually used in a stricter sense, whereas kairos- time, season, opportunity) there are lots of prior actions that precede this- but the present state and present consequence are of the utmost importance- if the time has been fulfilled then it follows that the kingdom of God is at hand and men would be wise to respond- goes a little further than John- repent (imperative) and believe (imperative) in the good news.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Mark 1: 1- 11ish
Mark
Chapter 1 Arkhe tou euangeliou Iesou Xristou {viou Theou] Just as it has been written in the prophet Isaiah, behold I send my messenger before your face... Into it- definitely a hallmark of this work- doesn't muck around- same sort of principle as an action movie- except definitely a plot here, and a strong lead character who I think Mark is inviting us to come up with our own character analysis for- as well as 'wanting to tilt the world in a certain direction. Classic start- Beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ (I'll have to read French about the lack of the article there. Interesting that he then follows that up with a quote from the prophet Isaiah- this beginning has a pre history- and some of it is known for the Jews. look at Isaiah.
John feels like a good 'before your face' fit- he's out it in the desert places (eremo). 'a voice- a voice which is not saying what the religious leaders of the day are saying- at least not in the same way- a voice not coming from the city but outside- is that an allusion to Moses and the burning bush?
What is the significance of a voice of one calling (a herald) in the desert? ... It's starker- there's not a backdrop of other things going on- There's a whole lot of previous 'desert experience' for the Jews- The exodus- Most of Moses 'ministry'...
Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
So what are you thinking if you have not heard this story before?
Here's the good news- ( how was this used in the ancient world?) Jesus Christ is the man- we go back to an old oracle that somehow relates- and John is the fulfilment of the forerunner part- the support act for the main show. Yep – an intriguing start- then you have this character baptising (again – non jews understanding?) repentance and forgiveness of sins- interesting concepts at the start of a book- everyone's going out into the desert- bit of a pilgramage thing- is that what you'd be thinking? And he's wearing a camel cloak with a leather belt- eating grasshoppers and wild honey.
What a great start- and in not very many words- indeed it would be great to know more about this eccentric desert seer but the description is very economical- that ring of truth the gospel writers have. And his message- (mate you think I'm interesting – you haven't seen anything- but of course this isn't it at all- John carries off his intrigue and oddness in a self effacing way) After me will come one more powerful than I whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie, I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the holy spirit.
This start keeps getting better- What a great statement of intrigue- after him a powerful man of glory who is going to baptise (whatever this is) people with the holy spirit.
Even if you've got no or little idea of what's going on there's much to pique curiousity.
And so John came- he is the fit for the words.
How would you prepare the way for the lord and make straight paths for him?
by repenting from sins and being forgiven for them- make straight the path into you heart.
(v9) And it came to pass (coming from a Hebrew construction) at that time Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee.. and was baptised by John in the Jordan.
So we get the forerunner and the main man together (pretty quick)
(10) and immediately as Jesus was coming up out of the water... The first euthus- bit of a classic- the narrative pace is already fast- but its too slow for Mark- we need some suddenly's – and lots of them- don't care what my English teacher told me.
Probably very appropriate- things are just appearing in the story- back story is either very brief or non existent- things are happening 'suddenly'.
Again- momentous events being described with the minimum of fuss- how much did those around observe about this incident? - John 'testifies' in John's gospel that he saw this and that alerted him to the fact that this was the one who would baptise with the holy spirit (J 1:32ff) He had been told by the one that sent him to baptise with water- I assume the Father.
Mark has Jesus seeing heaven being torn open (skhizomenous) and the spirit descending like (hws) a dove – and John obviously saw it as well- and then the voice... So if you reading this with little idea- you've got some sort of transaction happening the 'gods' or heaven or the supernatural- and a voice out of heaven saying- (heaven in the plural in Greek- but I think this may be just how the do heaven- not sure if it matters either way) You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased- so we have a divinely favoured man- and all in very quick time. The Father doesn't say much directly in the gospels- what he does then- seems to be somewhat significant- Jesus is his man- completely adequate to do his job and show Israel the father- so there is little need for him to talk- but when he does – its affirmation- and a happy reality- you are my son (this defines Jesus- it is also his constant reference point (comes through very strongly in John)) whom I love- with you I am well pleased- That's a good Father- what could you possibly say that was better to a son?
The spirit has descended (how much of a revolution for the Jews was the clearer picture that emerges of the Spirit? - exactly what was the picture at this time?) and euthus sends him out into the desert.
Why?
Right at the start- toughening up for the major task ahead- like being sent to Ballarat for five years.
Is there any links here with the scapegoat that got sent to wander in the desert with the sins of the people having been placed on it- or is that on the cross totally.
40 days in the desert (surely an allusion to Israels 40 years in the desert- Tommo thinks Jesus often reenacting the story of Israel I think...) being tempted by Satan- but here the result is different.
He was with the wild animals and angels attended him.
Every so often- perhaps not very often at all- but getting very away on your own – probably important. In this particular case Jesus was sent- he was wanted there- perhaps the Hebrews thing- being perfected by suffering- the adage that God wants us to grow – he loves us , desires the best for us, therefore will not make things easy- supremely so in the case of Jesus. At the end of the process Jesus is totally worthy – there is no wincing in Revelation with the throngs around the throne- no dissonance (actually he wasn't quite as good as that... but I'll go along with this pretence because of the occasion) no wishful eulogies. Help me to stand in the face of temptation and trial.
Interesting how this was relayed. It would have been known that he was off in the wilderness by at least a few I imagine- there would have been a crowd (how many?) where John was baptising- wherever he was staying at the time (and they were far more communal than us) he wouldn't have been home for over a month- I wonder where he came back to? he would have been very hungry and in need of recuperation. What does it mean when it says the angels attended him?
If Andrew was one of John's disciples and witnessed him going off – or knew of it- did he ask Jesus about it at some stage? I wonder how Jesus described the time to the disciples ?And what are they thinking when he tells them about being tempted by Satan? What is their idea of Satan?
I wonder what his friendships were like with the disciples- I suppose different for each man to a degree- I imagine moments of great warmth and shared humanity- and some times where was a definite distinction- leadership can do that a bit- but that is probably heightened if you walk on water in front of people.
This must have happened some time previously to the time in John where John is saying behold the lamb of God... and Jesus says come and see.
Chapter 1 Arkhe tou euangeliou Iesou Xristou {viou Theou] Just as it has been written in the prophet Isaiah, behold I send my messenger before your face... Into it- definitely a hallmark of this work- doesn't muck around- same sort of principle as an action movie- except definitely a plot here, and a strong lead character who I think Mark is inviting us to come up with our own character analysis for- as well as 'wanting to tilt the world in a certain direction. Classic start- Beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ (I'll have to read French about the lack of the article there. Interesting that he then follows that up with a quote from the prophet Isaiah- this beginning has a pre history- and some of it is known for the Jews. look at Isaiah.
John feels like a good 'before your face' fit- he's out it in the desert places (eremo). 'a voice- a voice which is not saying what the religious leaders of the day are saying- at least not in the same way- a voice not coming from the city but outside- is that an allusion to Moses and the burning bush?
What is the significance of a voice of one calling (a herald) in the desert? ... It's starker- there's not a backdrop of other things going on- There's a whole lot of previous 'desert experience' for the Jews- The exodus- Most of Moses 'ministry'...
Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.
So what are you thinking if you have not heard this story before?
Here's the good news- ( how was this used in the ancient world?) Jesus Christ is the man- we go back to an old oracle that somehow relates- and John is the fulfilment of the forerunner part- the support act for the main show. Yep – an intriguing start- then you have this character baptising (again – non jews understanding?) repentance and forgiveness of sins- interesting concepts at the start of a book- everyone's going out into the desert- bit of a pilgramage thing- is that what you'd be thinking? And he's wearing a camel cloak with a leather belt- eating grasshoppers and wild honey.
What a great start- and in not very many words- indeed it would be great to know more about this eccentric desert seer but the description is very economical- that ring of truth the gospel writers have. And his message- (mate you think I'm interesting – you haven't seen anything- but of course this isn't it at all- John carries off his intrigue and oddness in a self effacing way) After me will come one more powerful than I whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie, I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the holy spirit.
This start keeps getting better- What a great statement of intrigue- after him a powerful man of glory who is going to baptise (whatever this is) people with the holy spirit.
Even if you've got no or little idea of what's going on there's much to pique curiousity.
And so John came- he is the fit for the words.
How would you prepare the way for the lord and make straight paths for him?
by repenting from sins and being forgiven for them- make straight the path into you heart.
(v9) And it came to pass (coming from a Hebrew construction) at that time Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee.. and was baptised by John in the Jordan.
So we get the forerunner and the main man together (pretty quick)
(10) and immediately as Jesus was coming up out of the water... The first euthus- bit of a classic- the narrative pace is already fast- but its too slow for Mark- we need some suddenly's – and lots of them- don't care what my English teacher told me.
Probably very appropriate- things are just appearing in the story- back story is either very brief or non existent- things are happening 'suddenly'.
Again- momentous events being described with the minimum of fuss- how much did those around observe about this incident? - John 'testifies' in John's gospel that he saw this and that alerted him to the fact that this was the one who would baptise with the holy spirit (J 1:32ff) He had been told by the one that sent him to baptise with water- I assume the Father.
Mark has Jesus seeing heaven being torn open (skhizomenous) and the spirit descending like (hws) a dove – and John obviously saw it as well- and then the voice... So if you reading this with little idea- you've got some sort of transaction happening the 'gods' or heaven or the supernatural- and a voice out of heaven saying- (heaven in the plural in Greek- but I think this may be just how the do heaven- not sure if it matters either way) You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased- so we have a divinely favoured man- and all in very quick time. The Father doesn't say much directly in the gospels- what he does then- seems to be somewhat significant- Jesus is his man- completely adequate to do his job and show Israel the father- so there is little need for him to talk- but when he does – its affirmation- and a happy reality- you are my son (this defines Jesus- it is also his constant reference point (comes through very strongly in John)) whom I love- with you I am well pleased- That's a good Father- what could you possibly say that was better to a son?
The spirit has descended (how much of a revolution for the Jews was the clearer picture that emerges of the Spirit? - exactly what was the picture at this time?) and euthus sends him out into the desert.
Why?
Right at the start- toughening up for the major task ahead- like being sent to Ballarat for five years.
Is there any links here with the scapegoat that got sent to wander in the desert with the sins of the people having been placed on it- or is that on the cross totally.
40 days in the desert (surely an allusion to Israels 40 years in the desert- Tommo thinks Jesus often reenacting the story of Israel I think...) being tempted by Satan- but here the result is different.
He was with the wild animals and angels attended him.
Every so often- perhaps not very often at all- but getting very away on your own – probably important. In this particular case Jesus was sent- he was wanted there- perhaps the Hebrews thing- being perfected by suffering- the adage that God wants us to grow – he loves us , desires the best for us, therefore will not make things easy- supremely so in the case of Jesus. At the end of the process Jesus is totally worthy – there is no wincing in Revelation with the throngs around the throne- no dissonance (actually he wasn't quite as good as that... but I'll go along with this pretence because of the occasion) no wishful eulogies. Help me to stand in the face of temptation and trial.
Interesting how this was relayed. It would have been known that he was off in the wilderness by at least a few I imagine- there would have been a crowd (how many?) where John was baptising- wherever he was staying at the time (and they were far more communal than us) he wouldn't have been home for over a month- I wonder where he came back to? he would have been very hungry and in need of recuperation. What does it mean when it says the angels attended him?
If Andrew was one of John's disciples and witnessed him going off – or knew of it- did he ask Jesus about it at some stage? I wonder how Jesus described the time to the disciples ?And what are they thinking when he tells them about being tempted by Satan? What is their idea of Satan?
I wonder what his friendships were like with the disciples- I suppose different for each man to a degree- I imagine moments of great warmth and shared humanity- and some times where was a definite distinction- leadership can do that a bit- but that is probably heightened if you walk on water in front of people.
This must have happened some time previously to the time in John where John is saying behold the lamb of God... and Jesus says come and see.
For the restoration of family pride
After our elders feeble attempts at blogging I am bringing my vast knowledge of all things technical to try and remedy the situation. I expect Aaliyah, Levi and Miciah will soon be outgunning all of us with the frequency and depths of their comments. I imagine that ma or pa will not contribute much- though of course I hope for improvement however unlikely.
If it does go the way of the last blog- we should have a merry time of it Kyle.
My time is almost up at Toronto library- but my basic idea is that I've got a bit of time to be summarising books of the bible at the moment and thought I could put these profound thoughts and questions onto a blog so that others could read them and comment- disagree, agree, put their own thoughts. Could end up with a sort of community commentary.
Mawson
If it does go the way of the last blog- we should have a merry time of it Kyle.
My time is almost up at Toronto library- but my basic idea is that I've got a bit of time to be summarising books of the bible at the moment and thought I could put these profound thoughts and questions onto a blog so that others could read them and comment- disagree, agree, put their own thoughts. Could end up with a sort of community commentary.
Mawson
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