It is amazing what a good commentary can do.
Some time back I attempted to read the Gospel according to Luke, and I found myself stumbling constantly. This was nothing more than a form of unfamiliarity – despite my upbringing and hearing passages from the New Testament (at least) once a week for as long as I can remember, I don’t get first century Galilee.
Fine, but aren’t the episodes and teachings timeless? If you’ll labor with the text, won’t it come alive in some way very near to your own life? Sure it will, but that can seem an awful lot like cherry-picking. And that’s probably not quite fair, because one does not usually want to cherry-pick, but to understand the gospel as a complete work, as though one had walked with Jesus and experienced Him.
Anyway, we’re veering off the course. Stay focused, you.
If the text must be understood – at least to some extent – from the perspective of a 1st century reader, Barclay has translated the social and historical (con)text into 20th century language.
Isn’t this the 21st century? The man died in 1978, dude. What do you want?
Once he has done this – . . . → Read More: Jesus Digest
This Lent, I’ve decided to give up Starcraft. There is nothing to be gained by admitting this, except a stage for the next statement.
I’ve also decided to read the gospel of Mark, along with a commentary. I’ve selected William Barclay‘s commentary, which is both readily available and approved by the likes of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
Actually, I consider this my primary objective, and the former creates time to make it possible.
So what? Well, perhaps not much. I’m only here telling you because I want to (try to) hold myself accountable. My aim will be to share some thoughts – Barclay’s or mine as the muse suggests – and hopefully come to know Christ more nearly.
I can start there. That last phrase – to know Christ more nearly – is somewhat famous among Christians, and I think has been made into a hymn (if it wasn’t originally that). Now, it is a veritable cliche, and the worst kind – a religious cliche. (That’s an interesting topic).
Let us set aside the cliche and I will say it – I have been wondering, in my heart and out loud, whether Christ listens to me. This is apart from His . . . → Read More: Trading Starcraft for Mark