Weekly Lectionary Scripture
Each week we explore a scripture passage based on the lectionary.
- Exploring the Scripture The pilgrimage toward Easter continues. Holy Week approaches and Jesus’ passion and death lie immediately ahead. This passage is situated between the story of raising Lazarus (John 11:1–44), the event that leads to the…
- Exploring the Scripture Paul has written to the church in Corinth several times. While this letter is called Second Corinthians, some Bible scholars suggest it is comprised of parts of several letters edited together. The consensus is that Paul had…
- Exploring the Scripture Paul is concerned. Some Christian Gentiles in Corinth have continued historic practices of idol worship, despite their declared Christian discipleship. They argue it is part of their culture, their civic duty. They see no harm…
- Exploring the Scripture Paul begins with the words “join in” (v. 17) to invite the Philippians to form a community that mirrors those living Christ’s example. He highlights the importance of a communal approach over individualism. Within their…
- Exploring the Scripture These few sentences in today’s lection are a fitting way to start the season of Lent. For Christians, this is the time we are called to reflect deeply on our life’s practices and how those practices affect the gospel promise…
- Exploring the Scripture 2 Corinthians is a canonized letter Paul wrote to the Corinthian saints. It is, however, a collection of writings from several letters he wrote to this community, many of which have not survived. Paul starts this part of his…
- Exploring the Scripture We find ourselves at the end of the first letter to the Corinthians amid Paul’s arguments on the nature of the resurrection. Within the community, there is confusion about the physicality of the resurrection. A perspective…
- Exploring the Scripture In this passage, Paul writes the church in Corinth. He defends Christ’s resurrection and its meaning to a congregation of new Christians. Why is Paul teaching and proclaiming the resurrection to this new church of Christians…
- Exploring the Scripture This story of Jesus calling his disciples appears later in Luke’s Gospel than the other Gospels. The setting is the Sea of Galilee which Luke calls the lake of Gennesaret. It parallels two stories in Mark: Mark 1:16–20, the…
- Exploring the Scripture Our congregational identity often is shaped by what we do well. There was a crisis among the disciples in Corinth. Community members were looking for recognition, status, or even control and power, based on their spiritual…