This morning, we had a sharing on "Sex Education" before rehearsal. The Religious and Moral Education Centre published a pamphlet on "Sex Education" for teenagers and their parents. The coverage by the mass media was selective as usual. Therefore, Fr. Patrick Sun encouraged us to study it and organize sharing sessions on its topics.
I must remain humble in this topic which is not my expertise. As a father, I rely on my wife to handle these "dirty jobs". Even in school, I have to cover the examination syllabus and leave the students on their own. I am indeed not doing my job properly. The choir I am singing in consists mainly of secondary school students. A few others are young men and women already working. Naturally, I am the eldest. This group is pretty healthy in the sense that it covers a wide range of ages. They are very energetic. Working together, we wish to help all members, including myself, to grow and develop in our relationship with Jesus.
The sharing was cordial and open. Everybody felt secure to share their views, their own exposure to "sex education". These young people know about the easy access to pornographic materials on the Internet. They are aware of the danger of its ability to twist the true meaning of sexuality and love. I brought up the relevant biblical verses on the sanctity of human body in Genesis and the First Epistle to the Corinthians. When unhealthy materials are doing harm to our young people on all sides, they are badly in need of guidance which the Bible can amply supply.
In primitive times, it took a lot of energy to kill another person. The need for a morality to regulate human behaviour was not big because the consequences of an action were small. With the advance of technology, the consequences of individual actions were becoming huge. The need of a morality was increasing. Today, pressing a button can easily wipe out the population of a cosmopolitan city. But we have not yet developed a strong enough morality to restrain such brutal actions.
Similarly, in ancient times, pornography was a luxury not easily accessible to the general public. Sexual crimes were heavily punished because these crimes infringed on private property. With the advance of Internet technology, pornography is freely accessible to all, including minors. Meanwhile, the mass media have made the audience more tolerant to deviant behaviours. People no long frown on divorce, extra-marital affairs, one night stand, homosexuality, sex for money etc. Today, we have not yet developed a strong enough morality to restrain such sexual desires.
The Bible remains a treasure chest for us to dig up. I am sure each of us is able to pick up what we need. To wrap up the sharing session, I brought their attention to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Galatians. It was read again during mass.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a).
In his homily, Fr. Patrick Sun focussed on the healing aspect of the Holy Spirit. The world is currently under the shadow of a financial crisis. Negative feelings are everywhere. There are people dropping corrosive liquid to the passers-by below. There is an outpatient mental patient chopping a three-year-old boy to death. There are riots in South Korea at the funeral of her ex-president who committed suicide while under corruption investigation ... The world is in need of the healing grace of the Holy Spirit.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13a)
We are wounded emotionally and spiritually. Wounded, we regress to our childhood behaviours because we feel safe and secure as a child. The adult will take care of us. However, we will not be free as an adult if we stay forever as a child. The Lord promises us that the truth will make us free (John 8:32). The Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth and empower us to become free, free from our wounds and regressive behaviours.
Dear Spirit of Truth and of Love, on Pentecost, You empowered the disciples to declare Your saving mission. Empower our young people to stand off the assaults from pornography, to break through our wounds to fight for our true freedom. Glory and honour be Yours forever and ever. Amen.
Sunday 31 May 2009
Saturday 30 May 2009
Paul arrived in Rome
Luke accompanied Paul on his way to Rome.
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort, named Julius (Acts 27:1).
They took a ship from Adramyttium and reached Myra in Lycia (Acts 27:5). There, they changed to another ship from Alexandria to set sail to Italy. Their ship met a storm which lasted for 14 days and grounded in the Island of Malta. 276 of them all survived the shipwreck (Acts 27:37). Throughout the voyage, Paul was very confident despite the tempest. He knew that he had to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. No tempest would prevent him from reaching Rome. Thus, he was able to encourage the crew as well as the rest of the people on board to weather through this storm.
On the island of Malta, Paul shook off a viper from his hand unharmed (Acts 28:5). The natives were amazed and thought that Paul was a god. Publius was the chief man of Malta. He extended hospitality to Paul and his companions. Meanwhile, Paul prayed and lay hand on his father and cured his disease.
And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.
They presented many gifts to us; and when we sailed, they put on board whatever we needed (Acts 28:9-10).
Paul stayed in Malta for three months. Then, they took another ship from Alexandria and reached Rome in two weeks.
Luke was very meticulous with time and locations. Throughout the Acts, he was very specific in the hours, the number of days etc. He was not just a physician. He was a historian.
In Rome, Paul called together the leaders of the Jews and spoke to them. They were receptive because thus far, they had not heard anything against Paul in Rome. The influence of the jealous Jews in Asia had not reached Rome. Yet, Christianity was described as an unpopular sect by these Jews.
And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brethren coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against." (Acts 28:21-22)
What has gone wrong with Christianity? After Pentecost, Christians enjoyed admiration from the people in Jerusalem.
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
However, Christianity had to wean herself off Judaism. She had to embrace all mankind and not exclusively the Jews. In uprooting herself from Judaism, she was being punished by the Jews continually. Weaning and uprooting are painful experiences. Yet, without these, one never matures. This was graphically illustrated by the development of the early Church. The martyrdom of Stephen and James were only early shots. It forced the early community to emerge from her cocoon to reach out for the Gentile world. In the process, early Jewish Christians were able to strengthen their own faith, realize their potentials, define their own identity more clearly and work more closely with God. No pain, no gain. Similarly, leaving LaSalle was a traumatic experience. Yet, I find my life more fulfilled at the moment.
Paul's testimony before the Roman Jews was not quite successful.
And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved (Acts 28:24).
The weaning process was completed. After quoting Isaiah, Paul declared the following.
Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen (Acts 28:28).
Dear Lord, You are a wonderful teacher. You give us opportunities to realize our potentials. May we make good of them for Your glory. Amen.
Appendix:
Go to this people, and say, You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive.
For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.πορεύθητι πρὸς τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον καὶ εἰπόν· ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε·
ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν· μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν, καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς. (Acts 28:26-27)
Πορεύθητι καὶ εἰπὸν τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ Ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε,
ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν αὐτῶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν, μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς (Isaiah 6:9-10).
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort, named Julius (Acts 27:1).
They took a ship from Adramyttium and reached Myra in Lycia (Acts 27:5). There, they changed to another ship from Alexandria to set sail to Italy. Their ship met a storm which lasted for 14 days and grounded in the Island of Malta. 276 of them all survived the shipwreck (Acts 27:37). Throughout the voyage, Paul was very confident despite the tempest. He knew that he had to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. No tempest would prevent him from reaching Rome. Thus, he was able to encourage the crew as well as the rest of the people on board to weather through this storm.
On the island of Malta, Paul shook off a viper from his hand unharmed (Acts 28:5). The natives were amazed and thought that Paul was a god. Publius was the chief man of Malta. He extended hospitality to Paul and his companions. Meanwhile, Paul prayed and lay hand on his father and cured his disease.
And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.
They presented many gifts to us; and when we sailed, they put on board whatever we needed (Acts 28:9-10).
Paul stayed in Malta for three months. Then, they took another ship from Alexandria and reached Rome in two weeks.
Luke was very meticulous with time and locations. Throughout the Acts, he was very specific in the hours, the number of days etc. He was not just a physician. He was a historian.
In Rome, Paul called together the leaders of the Jews and spoke to them. They were receptive because thus far, they had not heard anything against Paul in Rome. The influence of the jealous Jews in Asia had not reached Rome. Yet, Christianity was described as an unpopular sect by these Jews.
And they said to him, "We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brethren coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against." (Acts 28:21-22)
What has gone wrong with Christianity? After Pentecost, Christians enjoyed admiration from the people in Jerusalem.
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).
However, Christianity had to wean herself off Judaism. She had to embrace all mankind and not exclusively the Jews. In uprooting herself from Judaism, she was being punished by the Jews continually. Weaning and uprooting are painful experiences. Yet, without these, one never matures. This was graphically illustrated by the development of the early Church. The martyrdom of Stephen and James were only early shots. It forced the early community to emerge from her cocoon to reach out for the Gentile world. In the process, early Jewish Christians were able to strengthen their own faith, realize their potentials, define their own identity more clearly and work more closely with God. No pain, no gain. Similarly, leaving LaSalle was a traumatic experience. Yet, I find my life more fulfilled at the moment.
Paul's testimony before the Roman Jews was not quite successful.
And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved (Acts 28:24).
The weaning process was completed. After quoting Isaiah, Paul declared the following.
Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen (Acts 28:28).
Dear Lord, You are a wonderful teacher. You give us opportunities to realize our potentials. May we make good of them for Your glory. Amen.
Appendix:
Go to this people, and say, You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive.
For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.πορεύθητι πρὸς τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον καὶ εἰπόν· ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε·
ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν· μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν, καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς. (Acts 28:26-27)
Πορεύθητι καὶ εἰπὸν τῷ λαῷ τούτῳ Ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε,
ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου, καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν αὐτῶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν, μήποτε ἴδωσιν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς καὶ τοῖς ὠσὶν ἀκούσωσιν καὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν καὶ ἐπιστρέψωσιν καὶ ἰάσομαι αὐτούς (Isaiah 6:9-10).
Friday 29 May 2009
On his way to Rome
Paul was able to escape the trial before the Jewish Council by taking advantage of the inherent fault line between the Pharisees and Sadducees parties. They disagreed over the issue of resurrection which is the foundation stone of Christianity. Paul, himself a Pharisee, easily gained the sympathy and support of his fellow party members. A chaos broke out in the Council.
And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks (Acts 23:10).
Paul could not hide for long because some forty Jews vowed not to eat or drink until they killed Paul in an ambush. The tribune, Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26), got wind of this conspiracy, immediately escorted Paul with 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to governor Felix in Caesarea by night (Acts 23:23-24). Once again, Paul was saved from a death trap.
Failing to kill Paul, the High Priest and some elders went down to Felix to accuse Paul. This time, having learned his lesson, Paul waited until Felix instructed to speak. By the time Paul spoke about resurrection, Felix adjourned the hearing. He put Paul under house arrest but allowed him great liberty meeting his friends (Acts 24:23). He summoned Paul often to hear from him but his intention was more on extracting money from Paul than knowing the Way. Paul remained in Felix's custody for two years. Felix was succeeded by Festus (Acts 24:27).
Festus wanted to do the Jews a favour (Acts 25:9). Again, they asked Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem for a trial and planned an ambush to kill Paul on the way. When Festus asked Paul if he wanted to meet his accusers in Jerusalem, Paul saw through the trick. He knew that his final destiny lay in Rome, not in Jerusalem. Therefore, as a Roman citizen, he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11).
But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried; to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you know very well.
If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death; but if there is nothing in their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar." (Acts 25:10-11)
By that time, King Agrippa arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus who brought to his attention the case of Paul. He arranged for Paul a public audience with King Agrippa. Festus explained the purpose of this audience in the following hyperbole.
But I found that he had done nothing deserving death; and as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him.
But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you, and, especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him (Acts 25:25-27)
"That I may have something to write!"
Luke did not paint an honourable picture for these Roman governors. Felix was greedy. Festus wanted to please influential people. They did not administer Roman justice. Can we have any confidence in government officials? I am a naive man. Authority is not my cup of tea. I may easily abuse it and bring harm to my subordinates.
King Agrippa should have known the prophets and heard something about Jesus. He was not going to save Paul. Yet, Paul did not give up any chance to bear witness to Jesus. He focussed on the hope of resurrection cherished by the Jews. Then he told his experience on the way Damascus. Here are the last exchanges between Paul and King Agrippa.
"King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!"
And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would (wish) to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains." (Acts 26:27-29)
Paul was emphatic when he asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets. But how could King Agrippa give up his status and possession? Yet, Paul, or any evangelist, would not give up that easily. He wished to God that his audience would one day become Christians like him, devoting their lives for the Lord and the gospel. It is the greatest love a man could ever have for his fellow men.
Dear Lord, I have not loved You enough. So, my love for my fellow men is also very thin. Grant me Your Spirit so that I may love more fully, You and my neighbours. Amen.
And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them and bring him into the barracks (Acts 23:10).
Paul could not hide for long because some forty Jews vowed not to eat or drink until they killed Paul in an ambush. The tribune, Claudius Lysias (Acts 23:26), got wind of this conspiracy, immediately escorted Paul with 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to governor Felix in Caesarea by night (Acts 23:23-24). Once again, Paul was saved from a death trap.
Failing to kill Paul, the High Priest and some elders went down to Felix to accuse Paul. This time, having learned his lesson, Paul waited until Felix instructed to speak. By the time Paul spoke about resurrection, Felix adjourned the hearing. He put Paul under house arrest but allowed him great liberty meeting his friends (Acts 24:23). He summoned Paul often to hear from him but his intention was more on extracting money from Paul than knowing the Way. Paul remained in Felix's custody for two years. Felix was succeeded by Festus (Acts 24:27).
Festus wanted to do the Jews a favour (Acts 25:9). Again, they asked Festus to send Paul to Jerusalem for a trial and planned an ambush to kill Paul on the way. When Festus asked Paul if he wanted to meet his accusers in Jerusalem, Paul saw through the trick. He knew that his final destiny lay in Rome, not in Jerusalem. Therefore, as a Roman citizen, he appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11).
But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried; to the Jews I have done no wrong, as you know very well.
If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death; but if there is nothing in their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar." (Acts 25:10-11)
By that time, King Agrippa arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus who brought to his attention the case of Paul. He arranged for Paul a public audience with King Agrippa. Festus explained the purpose of this audience in the following hyperbole.
But I found that he had done nothing deserving death; and as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him.
But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you, and, especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write.
For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him (Acts 25:25-27)
"That I may have something to write!"
Luke did not paint an honourable picture for these Roman governors. Felix was greedy. Festus wanted to please influential people. They did not administer Roman justice. Can we have any confidence in government officials? I am a naive man. Authority is not my cup of tea. I may easily abuse it and bring harm to my subordinates.
King Agrippa should have known the prophets and heard something about Jesus. He was not going to save Paul. Yet, Paul did not give up any chance to bear witness to Jesus. He focussed on the hope of resurrection cherished by the Jews. Then he told his experience on the way Damascus. Here are the last exchanges between Paul and King Agrippa.
"King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."
And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time you think to make me a Christian!"
And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would (wish) to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains." (Acts 26:27-29)
Paul was emphatic when he asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets. But how could King Agrippa give up his status and possession? Yet, Paul, or any evangelist, would not give up that easily. He wished to God that his audience would one day become Christians like him, devoting their lives for the Lord and the gospel. It is the greatest love a man could ever have for his fellow men.
Dear Lord, I have not loved You enough. So, my love for my fellow men is also very thin. Grant me Your Spirit so that I may love more fully, You and my neighbours. Amen.
Thursday 28 May 2009
Paul before the Jewish Council
After bidding farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul travelled on and reached Jerusalem. James, the brother of the Lord was the leader of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 21:18). Peter was preaching abroad after an angel released him from the deadly hand of King Herod in Acts 12. He was not heard again in Acts.
The situation in Jerusalem was extremely hostile to Paul. Jealous Jews from Asia spread rumours about Paul persuading people to forsake the law of Moses. This was totally unacceptable for any Jews.
and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs (Acts 21:21).
Actions speak louder than words. James advised Paul to observe a solemn vow in the Temple, thus being seen by the people that he was actually a zealous Jew like the rest. Paul followed his advice and when it was almost done, a riot was stirred up in Jerusalem by jealous Jews from Asia. Paul was dragged out of the Temple and the gates were immediately shut (Acts 21:30)! The mob intended to lynch Paul and would not let him off the hook by seeking sanctuary in the Temple. Luckily Paul was carried away by Roman soldiers into the barrack. The tribune tried to find out why the Jews sought his life. The next day, he sent Paul to the Jewish Council and clarify the issue.
Paul began with this opening statement.
Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience up to this day (Acts 23:1b).
Unlike Peter, who addressed the Council as "Rulers of the people and elders" (Acts 4:8), and Stephen "Brethren and fathers" (Acts 7:2), Paul called them "Brethren" only. It was understandable because Paul was a Pharisee trained under Gamaliel. He must have recognized some fellow Pharisee classmates among this Council. Some scholars even suggest that Paul might have been a Council member because he was able to get letters from the High Priest to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). Anyway, Paul tried to begin on a friendly term with the Council. But what did Paul get in return?
And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth (Acts 23:2).
Wasn't it barbaric? But from the point of view of the High Priest, probably Paul did not follow the protocol. He spoke before he was instructed to do so. Even if you have all the right on your side, you still have to follow the procedure in this formal situation. Historians tell us that this High Priest Ananias was infamous for his cruelty. Still it was barbaric.
Paul was furious. He retorted.
Then Paul said to him, "God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?" (Acts 23:3)
Ananias did not act as a High Priest should. Even if Paul had not followed the protocol, he himself had done the same. What did Paul mean when he called the High Priest "whitewashed wall"? In Matthew, Jesus called the hypocritical Pharisees and scribes "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:27). In Ezekiel 13, Ezekiel spoke about false prophets who misled people by whitewashing the precarious situation.
Because, yea, because they have misled my people, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace; and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets daub it with whitewash;
say to those who daub it with whitewash that it shall fall! (Ezekiel 13:10-11)
These Jewish leaders lived on the people. False prophets whitewashed their evils. God would demolish them.
Whether God were a human invention or not, He would be the only weight available to oppressed people to counter-balance a tyrant.
Paul's situation was hopeless. He had seen with his own eyes the martyrdom of Stephen before the Council. Even if he would escape from this Council, he would not from the mob of Jerusalem. God was his only refuge. By invoking the wrath of God, Paul hoped that the High Priest would turn back from his intended course of action. But the chance was extremely slim.
The following exchange was curious.
Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?"
And Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" (Acts 23:4-5)
Some scholars suggest that the eye sight of Paul was poor. He could not see clearly who had commanded the strike. Others suggest that this Council meeting was not held in its usual place. The High Priest did not dress in the usual attire. Yet others suggest that Paul had been away from Jerusalem for too long. He did not know that the one presiding was the High Priest.
I do not find these explanations convincing. From the mouth of Paul, we know that Ananias was sitting to judge. Who, other than the High Priest, could be sitting to judge in the Jewish Council? Was Paul insincere in defending his "impulsive" reaction?
Probably not. In the eyes of Paul, Ananias was not doing what was expected of a High Priest. His action was contrary to the law. He did not deserve to be one. Instead of being judged by Ananias, Paul was passing judgment on him.
Paul was quick witted. Seeing Pharisees and Sadducees among the Council, he immediately stirred up a division among them. Paul was able to escape from the situation. That night, Jesus stood by Paul to assure him that he would bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).
Dear Lord, how blessed Paul was to have You stood by him! I dare not dream of such an honour. May I continue to follow Your plan to serve You in my station. Amen.
Appendix:
You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.ἄρχοντα τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐκ ἐρεῖς κακῶς. (Acts 23:5b)
ἄρχοντας τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐ κακῶς ἐρεῖς. (Exodus 22:27b)
The situation in Jerusalem was extremely hostile to Paul. Jealous Jews from Asia spread rumours about Paul persuading people to forsake the law of Moses. This was totally unacceptable for any Jews.
and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or observe the customs (Acts 21:21).
Actions speak louder than words. James advised Paul to observe a solemn vow in the Temple, thus being seen by the people that he was actually a zealous Jew like the rest. Paul followed his advice and when it was almost done, a riot was stirred up in Jerusalem by jealous Jews from Asia. Paul was dragged out of the Temple and the gates were immediately shut (Acts 21:30)! The mob intended to lynch Paul and would not let him off the hook by seeking sanctuary in the Temple. Luckily Paul was carried away by Roman soldiers into the barrack. The tribune tried to find out why the Jews sought his life. The next day, he sent Paul to the Jewish Council and clarify the issue.
Paul began with this opening statement.
Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience up to this day (Acts 23:1b).
Unlike Peter, who addressed the Council as "Rulers of the people and elders" (Acts 4:8), and Stephen "Brethren and fathers" (Acts 7:2), Paul called them "Brethren" only. It was understandable because Paul was a Pharisee trained under Gamaliel. He must have recognized some fellow Pharisee classmates among this Council. Some scholars even suggest that Paul might have been a Council member because he was able to get letters from the High Priest to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). Anyway, Paul tried to begin on a friendly term with the Council. But what did Paul get in return?
And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth (Acts 23:2).
Wasn't it barbaric? But from the point of view of the High Priest, probably Paul did not follow the protocol. He spoke before he was instructed to do so. Even if you have all the right on your side, you still have to follow the procedure in this formal situation. Historians tell us that this High Priest Ananias was infamous for his cruelty. Still it was barbaric.
Paul was furious. He retorted.
Then Paul said to him, "God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?" (Acts 23:3)
Ananias did not act as a High Priest should. Even if Paul had not followed the protocol, he himself had done the same. What did Paul mean when he called the High Priest "whitewashed wall"? In Matthew, Jesus called the hypocritical Pharisees and scribes "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:27). In Ezekiel 13, Ezekiel spoke about false prophets who misled people by whitewashing the precarious situation.
Because, yea, because they have misled my people, saying, 'Peace,' when there is no peace; and because, when the people build a wall, these prophets daub it with whitewash;
say to those who daub it with whitewash that it shall fall! (Ezekiel 13:10-11)
These Jewish leaders lived on the people. False prophets whitewashed their evils. God would demolish them.
Whether God were a human invention or not, He would be the only weight available to oppressed people to counter-balance a tyrant.
Paul's situation was hopeless. He had seen with his own eyes the martyrdom of Stephen before the Council. Even if he would escape from this Council, he would not from the mob of Jerusalem. God was his only refuge. By invoking the wrath of God, Paul hoped that the High Priest would turn back from his intended course of action. But the chance was extremely slim.
The following exchange was curious.
Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?"
And Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" (Acts 23:4-5)
Some scholars suggest that the eye sight of Paul was poor. He could not see clearly who had commanded the strike. Others suggest that this Council meeting was not held in its usual place. The High Priest did not dress in the usual attire. Yet others suggest that Paul had been away from Jerusalem for too long. He did not know that the one presiding was the High Priest.
I do not find these explanations convincing. From the mouth of Paul, we know that Ananias was sitting to judge. Who, other than the High Priest, could be sitting to judge in the Jewish Council? Was Paul insincere in defending his "impulsive" reaction?
Probably not. In the eyes of Paul, Ananias was not doing what was expected of a High Priest. His action was contrary to the law. He did not deserve to be one. Instead of being judged by Ananias, Paul was passing judgment on him.
Paul was quick witted. Seeing Pharisees and Sadducees among the Council, he immediately stirred up a division among them. Paul was able to escape from the situation. That night, Jesus stood by Paul to assure him that he would bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).
Dear Lord, how blessed Paul was to have You stood by him! I dare not dream of such an honour. May I continue to follow Your plan to serve You in my station. Amen.
Appendix:
You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.ἄρχοντα τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐκ ἐρεῖς κακῶς. (Acts 23:5b)
ἄρχοντας τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐ κακῶς ἐρεῖς. (Exodus 22:27b)
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Paul's farewell speech
Whatever could have been done was done. There was nothing more Paul could do. St. Paul was gifted in his own way. He knew very well where his strength lay. Debating with the Jews in the synagogue and outsmarting them with his rhetoric and extensive knowledge of the Hebrew Scripture were his strengths. This was good for the young Church which desperately needed to fight for a greater turf. But when a church has been set up, she needs other skills to maintain a healthy growth. Therefore, Paul would delegate the overseeing job to the elders he chose among the churches. Paul wrote epistles to advise them how to run these churches. For example, the epistle to Titus and two others to Timothy. In these epistles, Paul advised them to avoid debates which he himself had engaged at the beginning of church building.
But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile (Titus 3:9).
Once again, diversity is essential for survival and for growth.
Paul knew that he would see these elders no more. From then on, they had to fend for themselves. Paul put it seriously.
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you,
for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27).
Paul had done all he could in proclaiming the precepts of God to them. If they perished, they themselves were to blame. Paul was "innocent of the blood of all of them".
As evangelists, we do our part in preaching. Some will be more receptive than the others. It is their freedom to reject the good news at their own expense. I can only pray for my students and teach them to pray for themselves. Shung Tak is the only school I know to have her School Prayer. It begins like this.
Make us receptive and open. May we accept Your Kingdom, like children taking bread from the hands of their father.The author of this School Prayer, probably Fr. John Baptist Wong King Yin, shows a very profound spirituality in these lines. I hope my students will put this prayer into practice and benefit from it.
Paul continued to remind them of their overseeing job. They were appointed to take care of the flock which God won over with the blood of Jesus.
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son (Acts 20:28).
The Church is precious because she has been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus. If she is precious in the eyes of God, can we despise her? Can we be angry with her for trivial reasons? Can we refuse to follow her precepts with trivial excuses, or out of laziness? What a pity! People just don't see the benefits of following the teachings of the Church because they look too conservative, too old-fashioned.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:29-30).
It must have been very painful for Paul to watch the church being attacked while he could no longer be able to intervene. Attacks would come both from without and from within. The latter was all the worse because these traitors took advantage of the body that had fed and elevated them. This is true even nowadays. Are greed and deceit human nature?
However true this may be, it is no use indulging in these futile pessimistic ideas. Rather, think positive. Think more about what is good for the others will save us from falling into these pessimistic vice-cycle. Therefore, as a last piece of advice, Paul begged the elders not to forget the needs of the poor.
In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35)
Paul had not neglected the needs of the weak while he had to toil for his own livelihood. Paul has left us an immortal motto: It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Dear Jesus, with Your precious blood, You have won over a people to share Your eternal life. Induce us to think more for the needy so that we will not fall victim to pessimism. Amen.
But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile (Titus 3:9).
Once again, diversity is essential for survival and for growth.
Paul knew that he would see these elders no more. From then on, they had to fend for themselves. Paul put it seriously.
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you,
for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27).
Paul had done all he could in proclaiming the precepts of God to them. If they perished, they themselves were to blame. Paul was "innocent of the blood of all of them".
As evangelists, we do our part in preaching. Some will be more receptive than the others. It is their freedom to reject the good news at their own expense. I can only pray for my students and teach them to pray for themselves. Shung Tak is the only school I know to have her School Prayer. It begins like this.
Make us receptive and open. May we accept Your Kingdom, like children taking bread from the hands of their father.The author of this School Prayer, probably Fr. John Baptist Wong King Yin, shows a very profound spirituality in these lines. I hope my students will put this prayer into practice and benefit from it.
Paul continued to remind them of their overseeing job. They were appointed to take care of the flock which God won over with the blood of Jesus.
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son (Acts 20:28).
The Church is precious because she has been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus. If she is precious in the eyes of God, can we despise her? Can we be angry with her for trivial reasons? Can we refuse to follow her precepts with trivial excuses, or out of laziness? What a pity! People just don't see the benefits of following the teachings of the Church because they look too conservative, too old-fashioned.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:29-30).
It must have been very painful for Paul to watch the church being attacked while he could no longer be able to intervene. Attacks would come both from without and from within. The latter was all the worse because these traitors took advantage of the body that had fed and elevated them. This is true even nowadays. Are greed and deceit human nature?
However true this may be, it is no use indulging in these futile pessimistic ideas. Rather, think positive. Think more about what is good for the others will save us from falling into these pessimistic vice-cycle. Therefore, as a last piece of advice, Paul begged the elders not to forget the needs of the poor.
In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35)
Paul had not neglected the needs of the weak while he had to toil for his own livelihood. Paul has left us an immortal motto: It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Dear Jesus, with Your precious blood, You have won over a people to share Your eternal life. Induce us to think more for the needy so that we will not fall victim to pessimism. Amen.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Feast of St. Philip Neri
Diversity is a good thing. Look at God's Creation. The universe is ablaze with the handiwork of God in all her majesty diversity.
I have been a very serious man, trying to be serious in all the work I do. Life should be lived to the full seriously. That probably is my motto. However, being serious is but only one of the many attitudes towards life which deserves all diversity. Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of a saint who showed the humourous side of holiness. Yes, all Christians should lead a life of holiness, but it never occurs to me that holiness can be fun and humourous! Indeed we have a lot to learn from St. Philip Neri (1515-1595).
I can't wait to return to St. Paul, a very serious model for me. He recognized the diversity of the needs of man and was committed to meet their needs in order to bring them the gospel of Jesus. May I quote extensively from Paul's first epistles to the Corinthians.
To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law -- though not being myself under the law -- that I might win those under the law.
To those outside the law I became as one outside the law -- not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ -- that I might win those outside the law.
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings (1 Corinthians 9:20-23).
How enchanting it is to become all things to all men. Paul needed to empty himself, like Christ, of his legalism. It doesn't mean he gave up his own cherished principles, because he had found a higher principle --- charity. His love for the souls of men, Jews as well as Greeks, enabled him to embrace all humiliations and sufferings. His love was demonstrated in the farewell speech he made to the elders from Ephesus.
Paul was on his last journey to Jerusalem. He anticipated imprisonment and possibly death. In Miletus, he assembled the elders from Ephesus and bade them farewell. It was a very touching speech.
And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews;
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:18-21).
Paul had spent nearly one and a half year in Corinth, earning his living as a tentmaker without putting burden on the believers (Acts 18:3, 11). He spent two years in Ephesus and I guess he did the same because people took away his handkerchiefs and aprons to heal the sick (Acts 19:10-12). This was how Paul served the Lord with humility, preaching the gospel and at the same time earning a living for himself. Paul posed a tough image among the readers. It is difficult to imagine how Paul would shed any tears. How did he serve the Lord with tears?
I appear tough and stern. The number of times I shed tears can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Once, some twenty eight years ago, when I recognized the graveness of my own sin after the priest had refused to absolve it. Once when my long time colleague in La Salle resigned. Once when the image of the imprisoned Madonna in Shung Tak was projected on the screen. The most recent cases happened when I was singing "As a Deer" in the school chapel with other Catholic colleagues and students, and when I was reading the 13th Station of the Cross in the Rosary Chapel. I thank God for melting my heart of stone so that I may love more fully my family, my students and my colleagues. May I continue in the footstep of St. Paul to declare the gospel of Jesus. May I quote again from St. Paul.
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
Dear Lord, if You will, let me accomplish the course You have planned for me. Amen.
I have been a very serious man, trying to be serious in all the work I do. Life should be lived to the full seriously. That probably is my motto. However, being serious is but only one of the many attitudes towards life which deserves all diversity. Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of a saint who showed the humourous side of holiness. Yes, all Christians should lead a life of holiness, but it never occurs to me that holiness can be fun and humourous! Indeed we have a lot to learn from St. Philip Neri (1515-1595).
I can't wait to return to St. Paul, a very serious model for me. He recognized the diversity of the needs of man and was committed to meet their needs in order to bring them the gospel of Jesus. May I quote extensively from Paul's first epistles to the Corinthians.
To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law -- though not being myself under the law -- that I might win those under the law.
To those outside the law I became as one outside the law -- not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ -- that I might win those outside the law.
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings (1 Corinthians 9:20-23).
How enchanting it is to become all things to all men. Paul needed to empty himself, like Christ, of his legalism. It doesn't mean he gave up his own cherished principles, because he had found a higher principle --- charity. His love for the souls of men, Jews as well as Greeks, enabled him to embrace all humiliations and sufferings. His love was demonstrated in the farewell speech he made to the elders from Ephesus.
Paul was on his last journey to Jerusalem. He anticipated imprisonment and possibly death. In Miletus, he assembled the elders from Ephesus and bade them farewell. It was a very touching speech.
And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you all the time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews;
how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance to God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:18-21).
Paul had spent nearly one and a half year in Corinth, earning his living as a tentmaker without putting burden on the believers (Acts 18:3, 11). He spent two years in Ephesus and I guess he did the same because people took away his handkerchiefs and aprons to heal the sick (Acts 19:10-12). This was how Paul served the Lord with humility, preaching the gospel and at the same time earning a living for himself. Paul posed a tough image among the readers. It is difficult to imagine how Paul would shed any tears. How did he serve the Lord with tears?
I appear tough and stern. The number of times I shed tears can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Once, some twenty eight years ago, when I recognized the graveness of my own sin after the priest had refused to absolve it. Once when my long time colleague in La Salle resigned. Once when the image of the imprisoned Madonna in Shung Tak was projected on the screen. The most recent cases happened when I was singing "As a Deer" in the school chapel with other Catholic colleagues and students, and when I was reading the 13th Station of the Cross in the Rosary Chapel. I thank God for melting my heart of stone so that I may love more fully my family, my students and my colleagues. May I continue in the footstep of St. Paul to declare the gospel of Jesus. May I quote again from St. Paul.
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
Dear Lord, if You will, let me accomplish the course You have planned for me. Amen.
Monday 25 May 2009
Paul in Ephesus
Paul wrote an epistle to the Ephesians. His theology was more mature by that time. Some scholars hypothesize that this epistle was a homily and can be applied to any church, not necessarily the Ephesian one. Therefore, it would be difficult to draw any inference about the Ephesian church from this epistle. The Acts becomes our only source of information about her.
Paul, Aquila and Priscilla came to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). After preaching in the synagogues for some time, he left and went through Caesaria, Antioch, the region of Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:21-23). Then Apollo, a native of Alexandria, arrived at Ephesus. His knowledge of Jesus was incomplete and knew only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla came to him and explained to him more accurately the Way of God (Acts 18:24-26). Apollo left for Corinth and Paul returned (Acts 19:1).
In Ephesus, Paul met some disciples who had probably been baptized by Apollo. Paul completed his work by re-baptizing them in the name of Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
There were about twelve of them in all (Acts 19:6-7).
Once more, Luke showed that the Christian movement was stronger and more effective than the Baptist movement. The Holy Spirit is the distinctive mark. God gives us the Holy Spirit as a down payment, a guarantee for our salvation. Paul wrote about this in the second epistle to the Corinthians.
he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22).
It is the responsibility of Christians to make good use of this gift from God in our daily deeds. For example, together with the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we are able to pray to God, crying out "Abba, Father!" (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are able to heal and breathe new life into the people we meet.
Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years. God worked many miracles through Paul. Even his handkerchiefs and aprons were taken away to heal the sick (Acts 19:12). Two more marvelous events were recorded by Luke.
Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were itinerary exorcists. They tried to drive out evil spirits with the following incantation.
I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches (Acts 19:13b).
It did not work. The evil spirit retorted.
Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? (Acts 19:15b)
Then, the evil spirit drove these seven men out wounded and naked. Sometimes, Luke could be sarcastic!
The second events was no less miraculous. Magic books worth 50,000 pieces of silver were burnt in public as a testimony of the success of Paul's preaching (Acts 19:19).
Success drew jealousy. This time, opposition did not come from the Jews but from Gentiles. A silversmith, Demetrius, saw the success of Paul in converting the crowd a threat to the business of their guild. He stirred up a riot in Ephesus to protest against the missionary work of Paul. After a while, the riot died down to little avail (Acts 19:24-41). People easily indulge in their successes and do not pay enough attention to the side-effects of success. We have to pay a price for such inattention. Of course, we cannot please all men all the time. We can only wish to do the right thing and hand the rest over to God.
Mr. John Wong is always my guardian angel in Shung Tak. He is eager to act as my referee in my application to be a perpetual deacon. John has his personal view on religious matters. He prefers going to God directly without the intervention from the Church. When he sees us going out to receive the Holy Communion, he always challenges quite rightly our sincerity. Many, he believes, go out in order to tell the whole world that they are not sinful. John always sees himself a sinner, a big one. He never joins us in receiving the Holy Communion in school. I respect him and his views. He is wiser than we can imagine.
Father in heaven, I thank You for putting Your Spirit in our hearts to guarantee our salvation. I pray that in sharing this wonderful gift of Yours, we may be healed. Amen.
Paul, Aquila and Priscilla came to Ephesus (Acts 18:18-19). After preaching in the synagogues for some time, he left and went through Caesaria, Antioch, the region of Galatia and Phrygia (Acts 18:21-23). Then Apollo, a native of Alexandria, arrived at Ephesus. His knowledge of Jesus was incomplete and knew only the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla came to him and explained to him more accurately the Way of God (Acts 18:24-26). Apollo left for Corinth and Paul returned (Acts 19:1).
In Ephesus, Paul met some disciples who had probably been baptized by Apollo. Paul completed his work by re-baptizing them in the name of Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
There were about twelve of them in all (Acts 19:6-7).
Once more, Luke showed that the Christian movement was stronger and more effective than the Baptist movement. The Holy Spirit is the distinctive mark. God gives us the Holy Spirit as a down payment, a guarantee for our salvation. Paul wrote about this in the second epistle to the Corinthians.
he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22).
It is the responsibility of Christians to make good use of this gift from God in our daily deeds. For example, together with the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we are able to pray to God, crying out "Abba, Father!" (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are able to heal and breathe new life into the people we meet.
Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years. God worked many miracles through Paul. Even his handkerchiefs and aprons were taken away to heal the sick (Acts 19:12). Two more marvelous events were recorded by Luke.
Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were itinerary exorcists. They tried to drive out evil spirits with the following incantation.
I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches (Acts 19:13b).
It did not work. The evil spirit retorted.
Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? (Acts 19:15b)
Then, the evil spirit drove these seven men out wounded and naked. Sometimes, Luke could be sarcastic!
The second events was no less miraculous. Magic books worth 50,000 pieces of silver were burnt in public as a testimony of the success of Paul's preaching (Acts 19:19).
Success drew jealousy. This time, opposition did not come from the Jews but from Gentiles. A silversmith, Demetrius, saw the success of Paul in converting the crowd a threat to the business of their guild. He stirred up a riot in Ephesus to protest against the missionary work of Paul. After a while, the riot died down to little avail (Acts 19:24-41). People easily indulge in their successes and do not pay enough attention to the side-effects of success. We have to pay a price for such inattention. Of course, we cannot please all men all the time. We can only wish to do the right thing and hand the rest over to God.
Mr. John Wong is always my guardian angel in Shung Tak. He is eager to act as my referee in my application to be a perpetual deacon. John has his personal view on religious matters. He prefers going to God directly without the intervention from the Church. When he sees us going out to receive the Holy Communion, he always challenges quite rightly our sincerity. Many, he believes, go out in order to tell the whole world that they are not sinful. John always sees himself a sinner, a big one. He never joins us in receiving the Holy Communion in school. I respect him and his views. He is wiser than we can imagine.
Father in heaven, I thank You for putting Your Spirit in our hearts to guarantee our salvation. I pray that in sharing this wonderful gift of Yours, we may be healed. Amen.
Sunday 24 May 2009
Ascension Sunday (Year B)
I often ask my student a hypothetical question. What would happen if Jesus did not ascend into heaven after his resurrection? Actually, this question is not very well phrased. What would happen to whom? to what?
Before answering this question, we must keep in mind that Jesus would not die again after his resurrection. Therefore, Jesus would be celebrating his 2009th birthday this December. (For the simplicity of discussion, we assume that Jesus was born on the 25th of December.) He would be the oldest surviving founder of Christianity. Do we have any freedom NOT to believe in him? Christianity would become the ONLY religion on earth, worshipping Jesus Christ, following his teachings to love each other. We would not need to preach, to evangelize. Nor would we need to struggle for our own salvation. Under the sovereignty of Jesus, there would be peace on earth, no wars, no conflicts, no United Nations, no terrorism. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world? Why did Jesus choose to leave us and ascend to heaven, returning to the Father?
I guess you have already known my position.
First of all, God respects our freedom NOT to believe in Him. Without ascension, we have no choice but to believe in Jesus. Our faith would not be genuine.
Secondly, we will not cherish anything which falls freely on our lap. We have to put in efforts and pay prices if we really want to enjoy anything. I think the same applies to our faith. We need to invest our energy and commit our life to expel our doubts. Only then can our faith be purified and genuine.
Lastly, evangelization is a challenging project. We lay bare our faith in front of all sorts of encounters and tests. The more we evangelize, the more we cherish our own relationship with Jesus and our neighbours. Evangelization brings salvation to us and the others.
Therefore, Jesus must leave us so that we can be mature Christians.
In the gospel reading today, Jesus promised the evangelists 5 special gifts to back up their missions. These are signs and traditionally, they are interpreted as miracles.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).
Fr. Martin had a more down-to-earth and less dramatic interpretation. Surely, there are sensational cases of exorcism reported by the media nowadays. But Fr. Martin would rather see those "demons" as unresolved psychological complexes in our personality. Instead of a few victims, all of us are involved. Through our faith in Jesus, we are liberated from the tortures of our character defects.
Speaking new languages is no longer difficult nowadays. There are even charismatic churches whose members speak in tongues when the Holy Spirit descends on them! Fr. Martin preferred seeing our ability to speak to the hearts of men. In fact, each of us speaks a different language. Seldom do our talks touch the hearts of our listeners. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are able to speak to and touch the hearts of our neighbours.
In Malta, St. Paul had a viper fastened on his hand and suffer no harm (Acts 28:3-5). Other than that, I have not read any story of anyone drinking poison that does not hurt him. Anyway, I am sure God will protect us and if it be His will, we will not suffer any harm.
Dear Lord, I do not seek miracles. If it be Your will, may my encounters with everyone a healing experience for him and for me. May Your touch uplift and transform our souls. Amen.
Before answering this question, we must keep in mind that Jesus would not die again after his resurrection. Therefore, Jesus would be celebrating his 2009th birthday this December. (For the simplicity of discussion, we assume that Jesus was born on the 25th of December.) He would be the oldest surviving founder of Christianity. Do we have any freedom NOT to believe in him? Christianity would become the ONLY religion on earth, worshipping Jesus Christ, following his teachings to love each other. We would not need to preach, to evangelize. Nor would we need to struggle for our own salvation. Under the sovereignty of Jesus, there would be peace on earth, no wars, no conflicts, no United Nations, no terrorism. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world? Why did Jesus choose to leave us and ascend to heaven, returning to the Father?
I guess you have already known my position.
First of all, God respects our freedom NOT to believe in Him. Without ascension, we have no choice but to believe in Jesus. Our faith would not be genuine.
Secondly, we will not cherish anything which falls freely on our lap. We have to put in efforts and pay prices if we really want to enjoy anything. I think the same applies to our faith. We need to invest our energy and commit our life to expel our doubts. Only then can our faith be purified and genuine.
Lastly, evangelization is a challenging project. We lay bare our faith in front of all sorts of encounters and tests. The more we evangelize, the more we cherish our own relationship with Jesus and our neighbours. Evangelization brings salvation to us and the others.
Therefore, Jesus must leave us so that we can be mature Christians.
In the gospel reading today, Jesus promised the evangelists 5 special gifts to back up their missions. These are signs and traditionally, they are interpreted as miracles.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18).
Fr. Martin had a more down-to-earth and less dramatic interpretation. Surely, there are sensational cases of exorcism reported by the media nowadays. But Fr. Martin would rather see those "demons" as unresolved psychological complexes in our personality. Instead of a few victims, all of us are involved. Through our faith in Jesus, we are liberated from the tortures of our character defects.
Speaking new languages is no longer difficult nowadays. There are even charismatic churches whose members speak in tongues when the Holy Spirit descends on them! Fr. Martin preferred seeing our ability to speak to the hearts of men. In fact, each of us speaks a different language. Seldom do our talks touch the hearts of our listeners. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are able to speak to and touch the hearts of our neighbours.
In Malta, St. Paul had a viper fastened on his hand and suffer no harm (Acts 28:3-5). Other than that, I have not read any story of anyone drinking poison that does not hurt him. Anyway, I am sure God will protect us and if it be His will, we will not suffer any harm.
Dear Lord, I do not seek miracles. If it be Your will, may my encounters with everyone a healing experience for him and for me. May Your touch uplift and transform our souls. Amen.
Saturday 23 May 2009
I will ... if God wills
Very often, we are arrogant without knowing it. We look at our successes and forget those who made our successes possible. Therefore, it is a virtue to be humble. I will do such and such if God wills. Without God's permission, no activity, not even charity, is possible. Many, especially government officials, choose to do nothing because doing nothing will make no mistakes. But there is one mistake called "omission". Sometimes, not doing anything in itself is already a mistake.
My younger brother was an electrical engineer. From the engineering point of view, he must do whatever within his power to arrest mother's downfall into alcoholism. He cannot afford the consequences which, he knows, are inevitable. Mother will suffer a stroke and become bed-ridden. Sooner or later, it will happen and he feels that he is unable to take care of her in such a state. And he knows that mother will not accept such a dependent state of life. Every one of us will suffer from alcoholism. At the present moment, he feels that he is already overloaded. My younger brother is sending out his distress signal. Mother, whether she is sober or not, does not understand. We are helpless. God knows. We will do whatever we can if God wills. Amen.
My younger brother was an electrical engineer. From the engineering point of view, he must do whatever within his power to arrest mother's downfall into alcoholism. He cannot afford the consequences which, he knows, are inevitable. Mother will suffer a stroke and become bed-ridden. Sooner or later, it will happen and he feels that he is unable to take care of her in such a state. And he knows that mother will not accept such a dependent state of life. Every one of us will suffer from alcoholism. At the present moment, he feels that he is already overloaded. My younger brother is sending out his distress signal. Mother, whether she is sober or not, does not understand. We are helpless. God knows. We will do whatever we can if God wills. Amen.
Friday 22 May 2009
Paul in Corinth (II)
One of Paul's partners in Corinth was Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:8). His name is also mentioned in the first epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:14).
Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8).
I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius;
lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name (1 Corinthians 1:14-15).
In this part of the epistle, Paul was reprimanding the Corinthians for their factionalism. They should be one mind and one heart. Yet, they took sides in their disputes. Paul's heart ached because of this stupidity.
In Corinth, Paul had a vision of the Lord.
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent;
for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:9-10)
Paul was blessed with visions of the Lord. How I envy St. Paul! Yet, this blessing carries a price which I am not yet ready to pay. We are already very blessed because we are able to partake the Holy Communion. I am sure when the day comes, I will be able to meet Him face to face and behold His glory. I pray that I may continue to walk with Him in His companion, receiving His consolation and instructions. Amen.
Paul made friends as well as enemies in Corinth. His success brewed jealousy among the Jews. Therefore, we see that we cannot please everybody all the time. As Christians, we have only one master to please. Therefore, many people will find us annoying. We can only hope to do the right thing, i.e. to please the Lord.
The main function of a government is to maintain law and order. In this chapter, we see how Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, failed to maintain order. He had no interest in settling religious disputes. Therefore, when the Jews accused Paul of perverting their worship of God, Gallio threw them out of his tribunal.
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, I should have reason to bear with you, O Jews;
but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I refuse to be a judge of these things."
And he drove them from the tribunal (Acts 18:14-16).
Gallio sounded impartial and did not want to get his hands dirty in the Jewish religious matters. Yet, what follows shows that he did not perform his duties properly.
And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to this (Acts 18:17).
How a proconsul could choose to ignore such violence in front of his tribunal! Christians, we need to fend for ourselves in the political arena. We cannot expect the state to protect us. Sometimes, she may even victimize us. The Lord is our only hope and refuge.
As for this Sosthenes, he appears in the first epistle to the Corinthians as well.
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 1:1).
What an honour to be counted as a brother of St. Paul! What an honour to be persecuted for the sake of the Lord!
I met the Vicar General tonight. We had a preliminary interview. He asked me if I had the support of Erminia and encouraged me to continue my prayer and exploration together with her. He assured me that this vocation is going to be a beautiful one. He also revealed to me that within the last three months, eight applications landed on his desk. The Holy Spirit is stirring our hearts. Hong Kong Diocese is blessed. I am grateful for his encouragement and kind words.
Dear Jesus, guide me and prepare me for taking this path of sanctification. May I be able to reveal Your image to the people I encounter. Amen.
Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8).
I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius;
lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name (1 Corinthians 1:14-15).
In this part of the epistle, Paul was reprimanding the Corinthians for their factionalism. They should be one mind and one heart. Yet, they took sides in their disputes. Paul's heart ached because of this stupidity.
In Corinth, Paul had a vision of the Lord.
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent;
for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city." (Acts 18:9-10)
Paul was blessed with visions of the Lord. How I envy St. Paul! Yet, this blessing carries a price which I am not yet ready to pay. We are already very blessed because we are able to partake the Holy Communion. I am sure when the day comes, I will be able to meet Him face to face and behold His glory. I pray that I may continue to walk with Him in His companion, receiving His consolation and instructions. Amen.
Paul made friends as well as enemies in Corinth. His success brewed jealousy among the Jews. Therefore, we see that we cannot please everybody all the time. As Christians, we have only one master to please. Therefore, many people will find us annoying. We can only hope to do the right thing, i.e. to please the Lord.
The main function of a government is to maintain law and order. In this chapter, we see how Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia, failed to maintain order. He had no interest in settling religious disputes. Therefore, when the Jews accused Paul of perverting their worship of God, Gallio threw them out of his tribunal.
But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, I should have reason to bear with you, O Jews;
but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I refuse to be a judge of these things."
And he drove them from the tribunal (Acts 18:14-16).
Gallio sounded impartial and did not want to get his hands dirty in the Jewish religious matters. Yet, what follows shows that he did not perform his duties properly.
And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to this (Acts 18:17).
How a proconsul could choose to ignore such violence in front of his tribunal! Christians, we need to fend for ourselves in the political arena. We cannot expect the state to protect us. Sometimes, she may even victimize us. The Lord is our only hope and refuge.
As for this Sosthenes, he appears in the first epistle to the Corinthians as well.
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 1:1).
What an honour to be counted as a brother of St. Paul! What an honour to be persecuted for the sake of the Lord!
I met the Vicar General tonight. We had a preliminary interview. He asked me if I had the support of Erminia and encouraged me to continue my prayer and exploration together with her. He assured me that this vocation is going to be a beautiful one. He also revealed to me that within the last three months, eight applications landed on his desk. The Holy Spirit is stirring our hearts. Hong Kong Diocese is blessed. I am grateful for his encouragement and kind words.
Dear Jesus, guide me and prepare me for taking this path of sanctification. May I be able to reveal Your image to the people I encounter. Amen.
Thursday 21 May 2009
Paul in Corinth (I)
Athens was too big a pie for Paul. Its cultural root was too deep-seated for Paul to gain a foothold there in a short time. It was very much like sowing seeds among thorns (Mark 4:7). I think the same reality confronts any missionary to China. China is a futile ground but she has her deep-seated culture as well. She too is a hard nut to crack. May God have mercy on China. Corinth had a better chance. It was destroyed in 146 B.C. and refounded by Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. By the time Paul visited Corinth, it had a mixed population of Romans, Greeks and Jews. The former two were polytheists. There were a lot of gods in their myths. Jews were monotheists. Their presence had already prepare the ground for the reception of Christianity.
Paul left Athens and arrived at Corinth. There, he met Aquila and Priscilla.
and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked, for by trade they were tentmakers.
And he argued in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:3-4).
Paul earned his own living as a tentmaker. He was proud of himself for not laying any burden on his fellow brethren. I am sure his occupation would not be an obstacle to his spiritual life. He would pray at regular hours and attend services in the synagogues on Sabbath. Since he no longer had the luxury to study the Torah as he did as a disciple of Gamaliel, where and how could Paul sustain his knowledge of the Scripture? In his epistles and probably in his speeches, he was able to quote extensively from the Hebrew Scripture. It would be rather impossible for him to possess any scroll and study them at leisure. Did he quote from memory? With the easy availability of the Bible, it is truly a shame for Christians not to study their Bible daily.
Unlike Buddhism or Taoism, in which a practitioner can achieve enlightenment all by himself in a solitary manner, Christianity is a community spirituality. Believers meet and edify each other. Their glow reinforce each other. Thus, Paul sought partners at the earliest opportunity. When he knew of Aquila and Priscilla, he went and stayed with them. Together, they supported each other and preached the gospel of Jesus together. A Catholic school is a perfect environment for Catholic teachers to pray, study the Bible and work together to spread the gospel. Somehow, our teaching load is an obstacle to our spiritual life as well as evangelical life. More should be done to cater for the spiritual needs of Catholic teachers. Otherwise, our spiritual life would wither and our faith would be very dull.
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with preaching, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus (Acts 18:5).
Moreover, Paul was joined by Titius Justus, a worshiper of God (Acts 18:7) and Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:8). Together the seven of them worked in Corinth to build up a very lively church. Of course, this Corinthian Church would not be free of problems. But their attempts to deal with them have left us a treasure chest, a repository of Christian wisdom.
Dear Lord, help us build up a team to evangelize Your saving grace to our students. Amen.
Paul left Athens and arrived at Corinth. There, he met Aquila and Priscilla.
and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them, and they worked, for by trade they were tentmakers.
And he argued in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:3-4).
Paul earned his own living as a tentmaker. He was proud of himself for not laying any burden on his fellow brethren. I am sure his occupation would not be an obstacle to his spiritual life. He would pray at regular hours and attend services in the synagogues on Sabbath. Since he no longer had the luxury to study the Torah as he did as a disciple of Gamaliel, where and how could Paul sustain his knowledge of the Scripture? In his epistles and probably in his speeches, he was able to quote extensively from the Hebrew Scripture. It would be rather impossible for him to possess any scroll and study them at leisure. Did he quote from memory? With the easy availability of the Bible, it is truly a shame for Christians not to study their Bible daily.
Unlike Buddhism or Taoism, in which a practitioner can achieve enlightenment all by himself in a solitary manner, Christianity is a community spirituality. Believers meet and edify each other. Their glow reinforce each other. Thus, Paul sought partners at the earliest opportunity. When he knew of Aquila and Priscilla, he went and stayed with them. Together, they supported each other and preached the gospel of Jesus together. A Catholic school is a perfect environment for Catholic teachers to pray, study the Bible and work together to spread the gospel. Somehow, our teaching load is an obstacle to our spiritual life as well as evangelical life. More should be done to cater for the spiritual needs of Catholic teachers. Otherwise, our spiritual life would wither and our faith would be very dull.
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with preaching, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus (Acts 18:5).
Moreover, Paul was joined by Titius Justus, a worshiper of God (Acts 18:7) and Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue (Acts 18:8). Together the seven of them worked in Corinth to build up a very lively church. Of course, this Corinthian Church would not be free of problems. But their attempts to deal with them have left us a treasure chest, a repository of Christian wisdom.
Dear Lord, help us build up a team to evangelize Your saving grace to our students. Amen.
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Paul in Athens
Though Paul was beaten up and imprisoned in Philippi, he experienced the might of God there. He was able to exorcise a spirit from a slave girl. He was released from prison because of a God sent earthquake. Thus, once you commit your life into God's hand, a whole new world is opened up to you and you will experience God in a powerful way. The vocation as a missionary is truly attractive. Once, I was not courageous enough to answer God's call and chose another path. May He guide me with mercy to return to the path He has planned for me.
Paul continued his journey to Thessalonica and Beroea. Initially, he was successful but each time, jealous Jews disrupted his work and he was forced to travel on, leaving Silas and Timothy to further his work in Beroea. Now, Paul was waiting for them in Athens.
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. (Acts 17:16).
Athens was an intellectual centre but there were many idols as well. There were also Epicurean and Stoic philosophers to hear from him. These people did not have enough Jewish cultural background. Paul had to meet them on philosophical ground. He was invited to speak to the Athenians in Areopagus.
Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
So Paul, standing in the middle of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious." (Acts 17:21-22)
I don't know if this opening remark was impressive enough. All that the Athenians wanted was to hear something new. "Being religious" did not seem to be a good enough entry point because worshipping idols is superstitious. So, "being religious" is really a flattery!
What followed was an exposition in natural theology. Paul decided to take a path to appeal to their intellect.
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent,
because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).
Paul intended to cross over from philosophy to religion but he had no success here in Athens. What he said was not at all wrong. Truly, God had tolerated and overlooked our ignorance but implicitly suggesting that the Athenians were ignorant would only repel them.
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We will hear you again about this." (Acts 17:32)
Could the dead come back to life? In the mind of the Athenians, who was more ignorant?
For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:22-23).
Indeed, it is a very accurate description. Greeks seek wisdom. All these talks of crucifixion and resurrection were a waste of time for them. Then would there be a better approach to these lovers of wisdom, philosophers? How would you proceed to win the hearts of these men of the brain?
Dear Lord, intelligence is Your generous gift. We use it to crack hard nuts. Help us touch the hearts of those intellectual people so that they may be able to taste the sweetness of Your truth. Amen.
Paul continued his journey to Thessalonica and Beroea. Initially, he was successful but each time, jealous Jews disrupted his work and he was forced to travel on, leaving Silas and Timothy to further his work in Beroea. Now, Paul was waiting for them in Athens.
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. (Acts 17:16).
Athens was an intellectual centre but there were many idols as well. There were also Epicurean and Stoic philosophers to hear from him. These people did not have enough Jewish cultural background. Paul had to meet them on philosophical ground. He was invited to speak to the Athenians in Areopagus.
Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
So Paul, standing in the middle of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious." (Acts 17:21-22)
I don't know if this opening remark was impressive enough. All that the Athenians wanted was to hear something new. "Being religious" did not seem to be a good enough entry point because worshipping idols is superstitious. So, "being religious" is really a flattery!
What followed was an exposition in natural theology. Paul decided to take a path to appeal to their intellect.
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all men everywhere to repent,
because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).
Paul intended to cross over from philosophy to religion but he had no success here in Athens. What he said was not at all wrong. Truly, God had tolerated and overlooked our ignorance but implicitly suggesting that the Athenians were ignorant would only repel them.
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We will hear you again about this." (Acts 17:32)
Could the dead come back to life? In the mind of the Athenians, who was more ignorant?
For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:22-23).
Indeed, it is a very accurate description. Greeks seek wisdom. All these talks of crucifixion and resurrection were a waste of time for them. Then would there be a better approach to these lovers of wisdom, philosophers? How would you proceed to win the hearts of these men of the brain?
Dear Lord, intelligence is Your generous gift. We use it to crack hard nuts. Help us touch the hearts of those intellectual people so that they may be able to taste the sweetness of Your truth. Amen.
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Price of freedom
In Philippi, Paul had some more adventures.
First of all, a slave girl was possessed by a spirit of divination. The owners of the slave girl milked a lot of money from the soothsaying of this girl. Therefore, it seems that this spirit was not at all evil. It did no bodily harm to the slave girl. However, being possessed by a spirit is no fun. You lose all your privacy. You are constantly under its cold gaze. You may not even be able to control your own bodily movements at will or the things you want to say. Therefore, this slave girl had lost autonomy on both the physical and spiritual planes. Physically, she was owned and controlled by her masters. Spiritually, she lost control of herself to a spirit.
She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."
And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. (Acts 16:17-18).
Exorcism was probably not Paul's expertise. The spirit did not come out immediately. Did it take half an hour?
"that very hour" may probably be a Lukan style. The word "hour(s)" appears 13 times in the Acts. He was very specific in places such as "the third hour" (Acts 2:15), "the sixth hour" (Acts 10:9), "the ninth hour" (Acts 3:1, 10:3). "that/the very/same hour" appears elsewhere (Acts 16:33, 22:23). Therefore, the spirit might have been driven out immediately.
Like Jesus, Paul did not want the testimony from spirits. Indeed, nowadays, despite breathtaking scientific advances, many people still hunger for supernatural phenomena, the more inexplicable the better. These mysterious events are very much sought after and there is a huge market out there. Even though possession was not any miracle in the benevolent sense, the testimony from spirits must have great impacts on the audience. This would be excellent publicity. So, why did Paul and Jesus reject the testimony from spirits?
Well, let us keep in mind that we understand very little about these spirits. Since they do not have a body to tire them down, to limit their intellectual capability and no emotion to affect their judgment and problem-solving skills, they can outsmart us very easily. Will you then trust these creatures? We are unable to decide when they speak the truth, why they do it. In short, we are at their mercy if we happen to get involved with them. In fact, many possession cases are self-induced. People "invite" spirits to possess them for different reasons. The story of Faust is all too common these days among youngsters who experiment with Ouija Boards and the like.
Now that the slave girl was free, at least spiritually, from the control of the spirit. Probably she was freed physically from her owners as well because she was no longer able to make money for them. Consequently, Paul and Silas had to pay a price for the freedom of this slave girl. They were thrown into prison after being beaten up by the magistrates. To gain freedom, someone else has to pay the price. This is called ransom.
That night, God worked an earthquake to free Paul and Silas.
and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened (Acts 16:26).
Don't you think that no price would be paid for their freedom. In fact, seeing all the prison doors opened, the jailer intended to commit suicide. Probably he knew very well what tortures he would receive from his Roman overlords for failing his responsibility of keeping the prisoners in. Suicide was a more dignified way for him to exit. Once again, we see how someone else has to pay the price for the freedom of others.
When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped (Acts 16:27).
Lucky for him, Paul, Silas and all the prisoners did not escape. Paul saved the life of this anonymous jailer. From this story, we have the most popular quotation of many Protestant churches.
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31).
Jesus has paid for our freedom from sins with his life. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved. We are no longer slaves of sins. We are free at last.
My Lord, since the Second World War, our life has been abundant and we become addicts. I pray that we make good use of the grace and freedom You have gained for us. Work with us to liberate our brothers. Enrich our hearts to be more generous. Amen.
First of all, a slave girl was possessed by a spirit of divination. The owners of the slave girl milked a lot of money from the soothsaying of this girl. Therefore, it seems that this spirit was not at all evil. It did no bodily harm to the slave girl. However, being possessed by a spirit is no fun. You lose all your privacy. You are constantly under its cold gaze. You may not even be able to control your own bodily movements at will or the things you want to say. Therefore, this slave girl had lost autonomy on both the physical and spiritual planes. Physically, she was owned and controlled by her masters. Spiritually, she lost control of herself to a spirit.
She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."
And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. (Acts 16:17-18).
Exorcism was probably not Paul's expertise. The spirit did not come out immediately. Did it take half an hour?
"that very hour" may probably be a Lukan style. The word "hour(s)" appears 13 times in the Acts. He was very specific in places such as "the third hour" (Acts 2:15), "the sixth hour" (Acts 10:9), "the ninth hour" (Acts 3:1, 10:3). "that/the very/same hour" appears elsewhere (Acts 16:33, 22:23). Therefore, the spirit might have been driven out immediately.
Like Jesus, Paul did not want the testimony from spirits. Indeed, nowadays, despite breathtaking scientific advances, many people still hunger for supernatural phenomena, the more inexplicable the better. These mysterious events are very much sought after and there is a huge market out there. Even though possession was not any miracle in the benevolent sense, the testimony from spirits must have great impacts on the audience. This would be excellent publicity. So, why did Paul and Jesus reject the testimony from spirits?
Well, let us keep in mind that we understand very little about these spirits. Since they do not have a body to tire them down, to limit their intellectual capability and no emotion to affect their judgment and problem-solving skills, they can outsmart us very easily. Will you then trust these creatures? We are unable to decide when they speak the truth, why they do it. In short, we are at their mercy if we happen to get involved with them. In fact, many possession cases are self-induced. People "invite" spirits to possess them for different reasons. The story of Faust is all too common these days among youngsters who experiment with Ouija Boards and the like.
Now that the slave girl was free, at least spiritually, from the control of the spirit. Probably she was freed physically from her owners as well because she was no longer able to make money for them. Consequently, Paul and Silas had to pay a price for the freedom of this slave girl. They were thrown into prison after being beaten up by the magistrates. To gain freedom, someone else has to pay the price. This is called ransom.
That night, God worked an earthquake to free Paul and Silas.
and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened (Acts 16:26).
Don't you think that no price would be paid for their freedom. In fact, seeing all the prison doors opened, the jailer intended to commit suicide. Probably he knew very well what tortures he would receive from his Roman overlords for failing his responsibility of keeping the prisoners in. Suicide was a more dignified way for him to exit. Once again, we see how someone else has to pay the price for the freedom of others.
When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped (Acts 16:27).
Lucky for him, Paul, Silas and all the prisoners did not escape. Paul saved the life of this anonymous jailer. From this story, we have the most popular quotation of many Protestant churches.
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31).
Jesus has paid for our freedom from sins with his life. Through faith in Jesus, we are saved. We are no longer slaves of sins. We are free at last.
My Lord, since the Second World War, our life has been abundant and we become addicts. I pray that we make good use of the grace and freedom You have gained for us. Work with us to liberate our brothers. Enrich our hearts to be more generous. Amen.
Monday 18 May 2009
The story of Lydia
Let us continue from where we left off last Saturday. We were reading the second missionary journey of Paul. In Troas, Luke joined the party. There Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian beckoned him to preach in Macedonia. So, Paul's company turned their direction to Macedonia. Today, they arrived at Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia.
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,
and from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia, and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days (Acts 16:11-12).
Luke did not mention any synagogue in Philippi. I don't think Paul had changed his modus operandi. He would have begun his preaching to the Jews in the synagogues on Sabbath first. Only when his message was rejected would he turn to the Gentiles. In Philippi, Luke did not mention synagogues or Paul being rejected by organized Jews. I guess the Jewish presence was very minimal unless proven otherwise.
and on the sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together (Acts 16:13).
Luke said "supposed". Therefore, there was probably not even a building, a prayer house. There were a group of women. Among them was Lydia. This is how Luke describes Lydia.
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14).
Lydia was a merchant, a worshipper of God. We don't know how she knew of God. For sure, she must have travelled to many different places on business and somehow, she worshipped God. Her heart had already inclined to God even though her knowledge was incomplete.
I am sure God has planted among men a desire to know Him through many events and encounters. As evangelists, we have this responsibility to sow and to reap. If we fail to reap, I am sure others will finish our tasks. If we success, we shouldn't think that this is our merits. The attitude of Luke is absolutely right. "The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul." The success was due to the work of the Lord, not our efforts. Therefore, when we have the opportunity to preach the good news of the Lord, we should pray for our listeners and may the Lord have mercy of their souls. If they believe, praise to the Lord. If they don't, we continue to pray for their eventual conversion in the future. Let us see clearly our position in the grand plan of salvation.
And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us (Acts 16:15).
Lydia was generous and grateful to Jesus. To demonstrate her faithfulness, she insisted on treating and serving Paul and his company.
I am sure that many Christians are grateful and sincere. They know very well how much they owe Jesus. Of course, many others entertain ulterior motives in becoming Christians. Probably becoming ones will advance their career, will connect them with a network of generous Christians, will bring them other benefits. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) were only a dramatic case. Of course, we will never fully know other people's motives. Neither should we pass judgment on them too quickly. God, and only God, knows our hearts through and through.
My Lord, my sins are before me continually. May I learn to be humble and grateful. Do not allow me to stray too far away from You. Amen.
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,
and from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia, and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days (Acts 16:11-12).
Luke did not mention any synagogue in Philippi. I don't think Paul had changed his modus operandi. He would have begun his preaching to the Jews in the synagogues on Sabbath first. Only when his message was rejected would he turn to the Gentiles. In Philippi, Luke did not mention synagogues or Paul being rejected by organized Jews. I guess the Jewish presence was very minimal unless proven otherwise.
and on the sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together (Acts 16:13).
Luke said "supposed". Therefore, there was probably not even a building, a prayer house. There were a group of women. Among them was Lydia. This is how Luke describes Lydia.
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul (Acts 16:14).
Lydia was a merchant, a worshipper of God. We don't know how she knew of God. For sure, she must have travelled to many different places on business and somehow, she worshipped God. Her heart had already inclined to God even though her knowledge was incomplete.
I am sure God has planted among men a desire to know Him through many events and encounters. As evangelists, we have this responsibility to sow and to reap. If we fail to reap, I am sure others will finish our tasks. If we success, we shouldn't think that this is our merits. The attitude of Luke is absolutely right. "The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul." The success was due to the work of the Lord, not our efforts. Therefore, when we have the opportunity to preach the good news of the Lord, we should pray for our listeners and may the Lord have mercy of their souls. If they believe, praise to the Lord. If they don't, we continue to pray for their eventual conversion in the future. Let us see clearly our position in the grand plan of salvation.
And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us (Acts 16:15).
Lydia was generous and grateful to Jesus. To demonstrate her faithfulness, she insisted on treating and serving Paul and his company.
I am sure that many Christians are grateful and sincere. They know very well how much they owe Jesus. Of course, many others entertain ulterior motives in becoming Christians. Probably becoming ones will advance their career, will connect them with a network of generous Christians, will bring them other benefits. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) were only a dramatic case. Of course, we will never fully know other people's motives. Neither should we pass judgment on them too quickly. God, and only God, knows our hearts through and through.
My Lord, my sins are before me continually. May I learn to be humble and grateful. Do not allow me to stray too far away from You. Amen.
Sunday 17 May 2009
Sixth Sunday in Easter (Year B)
Today, I want to focus again on the story of Cornelius in Acts 10. More specifically, I would like to analyze Peter's first speech before the Gentiles.
To recoup, Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. According to the Acts, Cornelius and his family knew the Jewish God; was a devout man; gave generously to the people and even prayed to God!
a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God (Acts 10:2).
It was remarkable indeed for a Gentile to be pious to the Jewish God. It was even more remarkable when we remember that Judea was only a Roman colony. Jewish subjects had a lower status than the Romans overlords and yet, this Roman official practised the faith of an "inferior" people!
Of course, he made the right choice because his prayers were answered. An angel appeared to him while he was praying in the afternoon, instructing him to send for Peter who happened to be staying in Joppa. Meanwhile in Joppa, while he was praying before lunch, Peter had a vision. Later, he understood that God wanted him to admit Gentiles into the Church. Peter prudently brought along a few brethren from Joppa to bear him witness. When he arrived, Cornelius told him the angelic apparition. Then Peter delivered his speech before the Gentiles (Acts 10:34-43).
Peter began with these words.
Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality
but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him (Acts 10:34b-35).
Who was Peter speaking to, Cornelius or brethren from Joppa? Obviously, it must be the brethren from Joppa. Peter had the vision but they did not. Peter had not told them his vision. Peter needed to open up their minds to accept these Gentiles. Of course, these words also reassured Cornelius that he had been doing the right things all along.
Probably, Cornelius had heard something about Jesus but was not yet able to connect what he, Cornelius, had been doing with the ministry of Jesus in Judea. Peter's job was to make the connection.
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem (Acts 10:38-39a).
The God Cornelius had been worshipping was one and the same God who worked with and through Jesus of Nazareth.
In evangelization, we do not simply tell the life of Jesus who lived two thousand years ago. We need to make Jesus relevant to modern man. How do I make Jesus relevant to my students? This is a big issue. Where is the entry point? Their studies? Their hobbies? Their peers? Current issues? No. They are not their perspectives but ours. We need to listen to them and identify their needs.
And how shall we bear witness? Obvious, it is not enough just to do it in words and support not these words with our deeds and our life. People need to see the image of Jesus visible in our life. Otherwise, how can they put their faith in Jesus?
Now came the most crucial part --- the passion and resurrection of Jesus.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree;
but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest
not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead (Acts 10:39b-41).
I wonder why Peter did not use the term "crucifixion" or the cross. Instead he said hanging Jesus on a tree. Shouldn't a Roman centurion be more familiar with crucifixion than hanging on a tree? Probably, Peter was speaking as a Jew did, describing crucifixion as hanging on a tree. He might not be as knowledgeable as Paul who applied the theme of curse mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:23 to the crucifixion of Jesus in Galatians 3:13.
Who are chosen by God as witnesses? Of course we Christians are. We eat and drink with him when we partake the Holy Communion in mass. Remember, when we bear witness, we do it in words and in deeds. We must lead a Christian life so that the image of Christ is clearly visible to our neighbours. So, what is our message?
And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name (Acts 10:42-43).
Here, Peter introduced a new concept which he had never mentioned before, not even to the people in Jerusalem. The concept is that Jesus is ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. Why should Jesus ascend to heaven? Now, Peter had a deeper understanding. What goes up must come down. Jesus will come down again. Now that Jesus has already accomplished his mission by dying and by resurrection, what is he supposed to do in his second coming? He is going to be the universal king, judging everyone, Jews and Gentiles; the living and the dead. It is because God's salvation is meant for all. Therefore, our preaching is incomplete if we fail to mention what will happen at the end of time. Not only shall we talk about the life and the redemptive death of Jesus, we must talk about our future, judgment and eternal life.
Throughout his speech, Peter wanted to make clear the will of God that all would be saved. No doubt, Jews had the advantage to hear the gospel first but Gentiles would not be deprived of this opportunity. God is impartial.
My Lord, be with us and accompany us so that Your image can be clearly impressed on people we encounter. Pour forth Your Spirit to empower us so that we may be Your handy tools. Amen.
To recoup, Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. According to the Acts, Cornelius and his family knew the Jewish God; was a devout man; gave generously to the people and even prayed to God!
a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God (Acts 10:2).
It was remarkable indeed for a Gentile to be pious to the Jewish God. It was even more remarkable when we remember that Judea was only a Roman colony. Jewish subjects had a lower status than the Romans overlords and yet, this Roman official practised the faith of an "inferior" people!
Of course, he made the right choice because his prayers were answered. An angel appeared to him while he was praying in the afternoon, instructing him to send for Peter who happened to be staying in Joppa. Meanwhile in Joppa, while he was praying before lunch, Peter had a vision. Later, he understood that God wanted him to admit Gentiles into the Church. Peter prudently brought along a few brethren from Joppa to bear him witness. When he arrived, Cornelius told him the angelic apparition. Then Peter delivered his speech before the Gentiles (Acts 10:34-43).
Peter began with these words.
Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality
but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him (Acts 10:34b-35).
Who was Peter speaking to, Cornelius or brethren from Joppa? Obviously, it must be the brethren from Joppa. Peter had the vision but they did not. Peter had not told them his vision. Peter needed to open up their minds to accept these Gentiles. Of course, these words also reassured Cornelius that he had been doing the right things all along.
Probably, Cornelius had heard something about Jesus but was not yet able to connect what he, Cornelius, had been doing with the ministry of Jesus in Judea. Peter's job was to make the connection.
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem (Acts 10:38-39a).
The God Cornelius had been worshipping was one and the same God who worked with and through Jesus of Nazareth.
In evangelization, we do not simply tell the life of Jesus who lived two thousand years ago. We need to make Jesus relevant to modern man. How do I make Jesus relevant to my students? This is a big issue. Where is the entry point? Their studies? Their hobbies? Their peers? Current issues? No. They are not their perspectives but ours. We need to listen to them and identify their needs.
And how shall we bear witness? Obvious, it is not enough just to do it in words and support not these words with our deeds and our life. People need to see the image of Jesus visible in our life. Otherwise, how can they put their faith in Jesus?
Now came the most crucial part --- the passion and resurrection of Jesus.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree;
but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest
not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead (Acts 10:39b-41).
I wonder why Peter did not use the term "crucifixion" or the cross. Instead he said hanging Jesus on a tree. Shouldn't a Roman centurion be more familiar with crucifixion than hanging on a tree? Probably, Peter was speaking as a Jew did, describing crucifixion as hanging on a tree. He might not be as knowledgeable as Paul who applied the theme of curse mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:23 to the crucifixion of Jesus in Galatians 3:13.
Who are chosen by God as witnesses? Of course we Christians are. We eat and drink with him when we partake the Holy Communion in mass. Remember, when we bear witness, we do it in words and in deeds. We must lead a Christian life so that the image of Christ is clearly visible to our neighbours. So, what is our message?
And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name (Acts 10:42-43).
Here, Peter introduced a new concept which he had never mentioned before, not even to the people in Jerusalem. The concept is that Jesus is ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. Why should Jesus ascend to heaven? Now, Peter had a deeper understanding. What goes up must come down. Jesus will come down again. Now that Jesus has already accomplished his mission by dying and by resurrection, what is he supposed to do in his second coming? He is going to be the universal king, judging everyone, Jews and Gentiles; the living and the dead. It is because God's salvation is meant for all. Therefore, our preaching is incomplete if we fail to mention what will happen at the end of time. Not only shall we talk about the life and the redemptive death of Jesus, we must talk about our future, judgment and eternal life.
Throughout his speech, Peter wanted to make clear the will of God that all would be saved. No doubt, Jews had the advantage to hear the gospel first but Gentiles would not be deprived of this opportunity. God is impartial.
My Lord, be with us and accompany us so that Your image can be clearly impressed on people we encounter. Pour forth Your Spirit to empower us so that we may be Your handy tools. Amen.
Saturday 16 May 2009
Why did Paul circumcise Timothy?
In his second missionary journey, Paul revisited the churches he had earlier established to strengthen the brethren and deliver the Jerusalem Council decisions to them. In his last visit to Lystra, Paul healed a crippled man from birth (Acts 14:8), causing a frenzy among the people to offer sacrifice to Barnabas and him. Later, jealous Jews stirred up the people to stone him and drag him out of the city (Acts 14:19). Was Lystra a total failure? Not quite! Today, we read of an encouraging situation in Lystra. Timothy joined Paul.
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek.
He was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2).
From what we read in Acts 14 and here, we may conclude that despite the setbacks mentioned above, Paul managed set up a church in Lystra and this church was very healthy and active because from them came a saint of the Church, Timothy, a disciple μαθητής in Lystra, who was highly praised by the fellow believers (brethren) ἀδελφῶν in Lystra and Iconium of the Lycaonia region. Timothy travelled with Paul, learned from Paul and later became the head of the church in Ephesus. From a disciple, Timothy became a fellow worker (Romans 16:21), a true child in faith (1 Timothy 1:2), a beloved child (2 Timothy 1:2a) and a brother (Colossians 1:1). In the New Testament, the Church has collected two Pauline Epistles written to him.
In their journey, they visited the region of Phrygia, Galatia and Mysia but did not go to Asia and Bithynia. In enigmatic words, the Acts reports that the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Jesus) had prevented them from speaking in Asia and Bithynia. What does it mean? Did the people in Asia and Bithynia NOT deserve to hear the gospel, to receive salvation? Or did the Holy Spirit have some other plans in mind and the apostles would come back in the future?
When they came to Troas, two important things happened.
Firstly, Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian beckoned him to preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:9). Then, Luke joined the company.
And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16:10).
Here for the first time and until Paul & Silas were arrested in Philippi (Acts 16:19), we find the Acts written in the first person. Therefore, we conclude that Luke also took part in this section of the journey and elsewhere.
Now, let us go back to figure out why, given Paul's stance against circumcising Gentile believers, he circumcised Timothy. Wasn't such action self-defeating? In the letter to the Galatians, Paul prided himself for not circumcising Titus.
But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek (Galatians 2:3).
Why was Timothy treated in a different way? Was it because Timothy was a half-Jew, while Titus a total-Greek?
Let us read again why Paul scolded Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter was influential. Others followed his examples. So, when Peter acted "insincerely" in the eyes of Paul, making others, including Barnabas, followed to act insincerely, Paul was furious and scolded Peter in these words.
If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? (Galatians 2:14b).
Therefore, Paul scolded Peter for his "moral cowardice" and in setting a bad example. In his eyes, Peter did not have the guts to mix with Gentile brethrens in the presence of the circumcision party. Paul did not know the worries Peter had in his mind, not even when he wrote the epistle.
Now, can we scold Paul for circumcising Timothy out of moral cowardice?
A more mature Paul would later concede that in order not to disturb the conscience of weaker brethren, out of charity, he would refrain from eating meat offered to idols.
But if some one says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then out of consideration for the man who informed you, and for conscience' sake -- I mean his conscience, not yours -- do not eat it." (1 Corinthians 10:28-29a)
So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
I don't know if Peter shared the same concern for the conscience of the circumcision party. This whole discussion of moral courage and conscience would be irrelevant because Paul had enough reason to circumcise Timothy because he was a half-Jew. Timothy should live like Jews and Paul. Perhaps, for the sake of convenience in their future missionary work in order not to attract unnecessary disruptions from hostile Jews, it was reasonable for Paul to circumcise Timothy and not Titus.
Dear Lord, life is really complicated. We have to make many moral choices in our daily life. May Your truth illuminate our conscience and strengthen our courage so that we may lead an upright life compatible to our Christian call. Amen.
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek.
He was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2).
From what we read in Acts 14 and here, we may conclude that despite the setbacks mentioned above, Paul managed set up a church in Lystra and this church was very healthy and active because from them came a saint of the Church, Timothy, a disciple μαθητής in Lystra, who was highly praised by the fellow believers (brethren) ἀδελφῶν in Lystra and Iconium of the Lycaonia region. Timothy travelled with Paul, learned from Paul and later became the head of the church in Ephesus. From a disciple, Timothy became a fellow worker (Romans 16:21), a true child in faith (1 Timothy 1:2), a beloved child (2 Timothy 1:2a) and a brother (Colossians 1:1). In the New Testament, the Church has collected two Pauline Epistles written to him.
In their journey, they visited the region of Phrygia, Galatia and Mysia but did not go to Asia and Bithynia. In enigmatic words, the Acts reports that the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Jesus) had prevented them from speaking in Asia and Bithynia. What does it mean? Did the people in Asia and Bithynia NOT deserve to hear the gospel, to receive salvation? Or did the Holy Spirit have some other plans in mind and the apostles would come back in the future?
When they came to Troas, two important things happened.
Firstly, Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian beckoned him to preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:9). Then, Luke joined the company.
And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them (Acts 16:10).
Here for the first time and until Paul & Silas were arrested in Philippi (Acts 16:19), we find the Acts written in the first person. Therefore, we conclude that Luke also took part in this section of the journey and elsewhere.
Now, let us go back to figure out why, given Paul's stance against circumcising Gentile believers, he circumcised Timothy. Wasn't such action self-defeating? In the letter to the Galatians, Paul prided himself for not circumcising Titus.
But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek (Galatians 2:3).
Why was Timothy treated in a different way? Was it because Timothy was a half-Jew, while Titus a total-Greek?
Let us read again why Paul scolded Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter was influential. Others followed his examples. So, when Peter acted "insincerely" in the eyes of Paul, making others, including Barnabas, followed to act insincerely, Paul was furious and scolded Peter in these words.
If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? (Galatians 2:14b).
Therefore, Paul scolded Peter for his "moral cowardice" and in setting a bad example. In his eyes, Peter did not have the guts to mix with Gentile brethrens in the presence of the circumcision party. Paul did not know the worries Peter had in his mind, not even when he wrote the epistle.
Now, can we scold Paul for circumcising Timothy out of moral cowardice?
A more mature Paul would later concede that in order not to disturb the conscience of weaker brethren, out of charity, he would refrain from eating meat offered to idols.
But if some one says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then out of consideration for the man who informed you, and for conscience' sake -- I mean his conscience, not yours -- do not eat it." (1 Corinthians 10:28-29a)
So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
I don't know if Peter shared the same concern for the conscience of the circumcision party. This whole discussion of moral courage and conscience would be irrelevant because Paul had enough reason to circumcise Timothy because he was a half-Jew. Timothy should live like Jews and Paul. Perhaps, for the sake of convenience in their future missionary work in order not to attract unnecessary disruptions from hostile Jews, it was reasonable for Paul to circumcise Timothy and not Titus.
Dear Lord, life is really complicated. We have to make many moral choices in our daily life. May Your truth illuminate our conscience and strengthen our courage so that we may lead an upright life compatible to our Christian call. Amen.
Friday 15 May 2009
To deliver the Jerusalem Council decisions
After the Jerusalem Council, the apostles had to clarify their stance in a letter which would be delivered and read by Barnabas and Paul to the Gentile churches. The Jerusalem Church, the mother church, made it clear that they had not endorsed imposing circumcision on Gentile believers.
we have heard that some persons from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions (Acts 15:24).
Notice that the crucial word "circumcision" does not appear in the entire letter (Acts 15:23-29). It was only implicitly referred to as shown in verse 24. Obviously, the stakes were high for the Jerusalem Church to clash with the Jewish authority. On this crucial point, they chose to be ambiguous in writing. They did not want to hand the Jewish authority a stagger to stab them. Therefore, sending Barnabas and Paul with the letter was a sensible decision because written words could not explain themselves. They are dead and prone to misinterpretation. Barnabas and Paul were present at the Council. They were able to supply more eye-witness information which was not found in the letter and were able to correct any misunderstanding or misreading of the letter.
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,
with the following letter: (Acts 15:22-23a)
Naturally, the next question is why they sent Judas Barsabbas and Silas as well. Were Barnabas and Paul not enough?
Let us step back for a while. If you were Paul, to be precise the early Paul, would you accept a letter of such wordings? Remember how Paul scolded Peter openly for shying away from Gentile brethren in the presence of the "circumcision party" (Galatians 2:11-16). I guess Paul must have fought hard to have the crucial word "circumcision" included in the letter but to no avail. Paul would have been unhappy about it.
Therefore, it was reasonable to send two leading men from the Jerusalem Church to present a more balanced view, to explain why the word "circumcision" was not explicitly stated and to reassure them the seriousness the Jerusalem Church attached to this issue.
How did the Jerusalem Church introduce these two men to the Gentile churches? They were men who had risked their lives for Lord Jesus.
it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:25-26).
In other words, the Jerusalem Church was committed to uphold this decision for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. They pledged it with their lives.
How did Judas and Silas discharge their mission?
And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brethren to those who had sent them (Acts 15:32-33).
There are two Barsabbas's in the Acts: Joseph Barsabbas who was one of the two candidates qualified to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:23), and this Judas Barsabbas, a prophet. Were they one and the same person? We don't know. Anyway, this Judas Barsabbas and Silas were able to exhort and strengthen the Gentile brethren. The tension between the Gentile churches and the mother church was reduced and removed. Peace was temporarily restored within the Church. Paul and Barnabas were ready to embark on their second missionary journey. Immediately, peace was shattered. Paul and Barnabas parted way over the issue of bringing John Mark along. Paul refused to bring him along because Mark left them halfway during the first missionary journey in Perga (Acts 13:13) but Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance.
And there arose a sharp contention, so that they separated from each other; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:39-41).
After all, saints are mortals like anyone of us. Luckily for us, with God's grace, they were reconciled in the end.
The Jerusalem Council has successfully resolved the tension created by the admission of Gentiles into the Church. Good packaging was also important making it a success. Good contents deserve good packaging.
These days, John and I interviewed three applicants for the post of RS panel head. Reading their resumes and experiencing their passion in the interviews, I humble myself. My work in these years is insignificant. I have contributed too little for the formation of the students God has entrusted in my hand. I am sorry.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your wisdom. Every success hinges on Your blessing. I pray that You rekindle my passion in my remaining days to bring Your good news of reconciliation to all. Amen.
we have heard that some persons from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions (Acts 15:24).
Notice that the crucial word "circumcision" does not appear in the entire letter (Acts 15:23-29). It was only implicitly referred to as shown in verse 24. Obviously, the stakes were high for the Jerusalem Church to clash with the Jewish authority. On this crucial point, they chose to be ambiguous in writing. They did not want to hand the Jewish authority a stagger to stab them. Therefore, sending Barnabas and Paul with the letter was a sensible decision because written words could not explain themselves. They are dead and prone to misinterpretation. Barnabas and Paul were present at the Council. They were able to supply more eye-witness information which was not found in the letter and were able to correct any misunderstanding or misreading of the letter.
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,
with the following letter: (Acts 15:22-23a)
Naturally, the next question is why they sent Judas Barsabbas and Silas as well. Were Barnabas and Paul not enough?
Let us step back for a while. If you were Paul, to be precise the early Paul, would you accept a letter of such wordings? Remember how Paul scolded Peter openly for shying away from Gentile brethren in the presence of the "circumcision party" (Galatians 2:11-16). I guess Paul must have fought hard to have the crucial word "circumcision" included in the letter but to no avail. Paul would have been unhappy about it.
Therefore, it was reasonable to send two leading men from the Jerusalem Church to present a more balanced view, to explain why the word "circumcision" was not explicitly stated and to reassure them the seriousness the Jerusalem Church attached to this issue.
How did the Jerusalem Church introduce these two men to the Gentile churches? They were men who had risked their lives for Lord Jesus.
it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:25-26).
In other words, the Jerusalem Church was committed to uphold this decision for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. They pledged it with their lives.
How did Judas and Silas discharge their mission?
And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and strengthened them.
And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brethren to those who had sent them (Acts 15:32-33).
There are two Barsabbas's in the Acts: Joseph Barsabbas who was one of the two candidates qualified to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:23), and this Judas Barsabbas, a prophet. Were they one and the same person? We don't know. Anyway, this Judas Barsabbas and Silas were able to exhort and strengthen the Gentile brethren. The tension between the Gentile churches and the mother church was reduced and removed. Peace was temporarily restored within the Church. Paul and Barnabas were ready to embark on their second missionary journey. Immediately, peace was shattered. Paul and Barnabas parted way over the issue of bringing John Mark along. Paul refused to bring him along because Mark left them halfway during the first missionary journey in Perga (Acts 13:13) but Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance.
And there arose a sharp contention, so that they separated from each other; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,
but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches (Acts 15:39-41).
After all, saints are mortals like anyone of us. Luckily for us, with God's grace, they were reconciled in the end.
The Jerusalem Council has successfully resolved the tension created by the admission of Gentiles into the Church. Good packaging was also important making it a success. Good contents deserve good packaging.
These days, John and I interviewed three applicants for the post of RS panel head. Reading their resumes and experiencing their passion in the interviews, I humble myself. My work in these years is insignificant. I have contributed too little for the formation of the students God has entrusted in my hand. I am sorry.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your wisdom. Every success hinges on Your blessing. I pray that You rekindle my passion in my remaining days to bring Your good news of reconciliation to all. Amen.
Thursday 14 May 2009
Feast of St. Matthias, the apostle
In any organization, succession of leaders can pose a problem. To minimize bloodshed and divisions, a procedure which everybody endorses must be designed. For example, in ancient time, the eldest prince would be accepted by all to be the legitimate inheritor of the throne. In real life politics where the state can mobilize most of the brute force in a country, the government will usually ignore public opinions, impose her election / appointment procedures on her subjects and expect to meet minimum opposition. Or they would overturn whatever election results that they dislike. After all, democracy is but only one form of government. It may not even be the best way to govern a people. What is happening in Myanmar stares all democracies in their faces. Yet, their hands are bound. Aung San Suu Kyi is still under house arrest. Western democracies cannot impose democracy from outside onto the Myanmar people. An imposed democracy is a contradiction. It is no democracy at all.
The Church gives people a conservative image. Its government is not democratic. The Pope is not popularly elected, though he is elected from the college of cardinals. You may describe it as a kind of representational democracy and it is far from being a full democracy. Yet, many church leaders champion full democracy in local governments. Laymen will naturally criticize the church as hypocritical. Here, the reasoning is flawed. I do not practise what I teach. That doesn't mean I cannot teach. I can still teach, though a bit unconvincingly.
The Acts records an incident, documenting the process through which the Church solved the problem of succession. Jesus had chosen the Twelve. He intended to build up the new Israel with 12 tribes headed by the Twelve apostles. Now, one of the Twelve had died. The Church needed to make the Twelve complete again. Obviously, this is a meaning, a symbolism read into Jesus' action. Jesus probably did not have this intention. Even Peter did not mention this in electing somebody to replace Judas.
When Peter stood before the 120 believers, he explained the necessity to fill the vacancy left by Judas as a fulfillment of prophecies. He did not say the Church needed to elect another head for one of the twelve tribes.
Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:16).
In the description of events relating to the death of Judas, it was totally different from that recorded in Matthew.
Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.
And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood (Acts 1:18-19).
There was only one thing in common --- the Field of Blood.
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money."
So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day (Matthew 27:3-8).
So, who bought the field, Judas (according to the Acts) or the chief priests (according to Matthew)? If Judas hanged himself and died, how did he fall headlong? If he fell headlong, how did he burst his belly?
Peter put forth a criterion so stringent that nobody would be qualified to replace James, the brother of John, whom Herod had later killed.
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
Before Pentecost, two candidates were qualified --- Joseph and Matthias whose feastday the Catholic Church celebrates today. By the time James was killed, nobody would be qualified anymore. In deciding between the two, the 120 believers prayed and cast lots. They were wise not to cast ballots. That would immediately split them. The Church would be divided even before it was born! A disaster was averted.
Dear Lord, Your grace is always present to preserve Your people. May we, Your humble servants, continue cooperating with Your Spirit to bring salvation to all. St. Matthias, pray for us. Amen.
Appendix:
Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ (Acts 1:20b)
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτῶν ἠρημωμένη, καὶ ἐν τοῖς σκηνώμασιν αὐτῶν μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν (Psalm 68:26 LXX, 69:26 MT)
His office let another take.
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λαβέτω ἕτερος (Acts 1:20c)
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λάβοι ἕτερος, (Psalm 108:8b LXX, 109:8b MT)
The Church gives people a conservative image. Its government is not democratic. The Pope is not popularly elected, though he is elected from the college of cardinals. You may describe it as a kind of representational democracy and it is far from being a full democracy. Yet, many church leaders champion full democracy in local governments. Laymen will naturally criticize the church as hypocritical. Here, the reasoning is flawed. I do not practise what I teach. That doesn't mean I cannot teach. I can still teach, though a bit unconvincingly.
The Acts records an incident, documenting the process through which the Church solved the problem of succession. Jesus had chosen the Twelve. He intended to build up the new Israel with 12 tribes headed by the Twelve apostles. Now, one of the Twelve had died. The Church needed to make the Twelve complete again. Obviously, this is a meaning, a symbolism read into Jesus' action. Jesus probably did not have this intention. Even Peter did not mention this in electing somebody to replace Judas.
When Peter stood before the 120 believers, he explained the necessity to fill the vacancy left by Judas as a fulfillment of prophecies. He did not say the Church needed to elect another head for one of the twelve tribes.
Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:16).
In the description of events relating to the death of Judas, it was totally different from that recorded in Matthew.
Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.
And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood (Acts 1:18-19).
There was only one thing in common --- the Field of Blood.
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money."
So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day (Matthew 27:3-8).
So, who bought the field, Judas (according to the Acts) or the chief priests (according to Matthew)? If Judas hanged himself and died, how did he fall headlong? If he fell headlong, how did he burst his belly?
Peter put forth a criterion so stringent that nobody would be qualified to replace James, the brother of John, whom Herod had later killed.
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
Before Pentecost, two candidates were qualified --- Joseph and Matthias whose feastday the Catholic Church celebrates today. By the time James was killed, nobody would be qualified anymore. In deciding between the two, the 120 believers prayed and cast lots. They were wise not to cast ballots. That would immediately split them. The Church would be divided even before it was born! A disaster was averted.
Dear Lord, Your grace is always present to preserve Your people. May we, Your humble servants, continue cooperating with Your Spirit to bring salvation to all. St. Matthias, pray for us. Amen.
Appendix:
Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ (Acts 1:20b)
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτῶν ἠρημωμένη, καὶ ἐν τοῖς σκηνώμασιν αὐτῶν μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν (Psalm 68:26 LXX, 69:26 MT)
His office let another take.
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λαβέτω ἕτερος (Acts 1:20c)
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λάβοι ἕτερος, (Psalm 108:8b LXX, 109:8b MT)
Feast of St. Matthias, the apostle
In any organization, succession of leaders can pose a problem. To minimize bloodshed and divisions, a procedure which everybody endorses must be designed. For example, in ancient time, the eldest prince would be accepted by all to be the legitimate inheritor of the throne. In real life politics where the state can mobilize most of the brute force in a country, the government will usually ignore public opinions, impose her election / appointment procedures on her subjects and expect to meet minimum opposition. Or they would overturn whatever election results that they dislike. After all, democracy is but only one form of government. It may not even be the best way to govern a people. What is happening in Myanmar stares all democracies in their faces. Yet, their hands are bound. Aung San Suu Kyi is still under house arrest. Western democracies cannot impose democracy from outside onto the Myanmar people. An imposed democracy is a contradiction. It is no democracy at all.
The Church gives people a conservative image. Its government is not democratic. The Pope is not popularly elected, though he is elected from the college of cardinals. You may describe it as a kind of representational democracy and it is far from being a full democracy. Yet, many church leaders champion full democracy in local governments. Laymen will naturally criticize the church as hypocritical. Here, the reasoning is flawed. I do not practise what I teach. That doesn't mean I cannot teach. I can still teach, though a bit unconvincingly.
The Acts records an incident, documenting the process through which the Church solved the problem of succession. Jesus had chosen the Twelve. He intended to build up the new Israel with 12 tribes headed by the Twelve apostles. Now, one of the Twelve had died. The Church needed to make the Twelve complete again. Obviously, this is a meaning, a symbolism read into Jesus' action. Jesus probably did not have this intention. Even Peter did not mention this in electing somebody to replace Judas.
When Peter stood before the 120 believers, he explained the necessity to fill the vacancy left by Judas as a fulfillment of prophecies. He did not say the Church needed to elect another head for one of the twelve tribes.
Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:16).
In the description of events relating to the death of Judas, it was totally different from that recorded in Matthew.
Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.
And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood (Acts 1:18-19).
There was only one thing in common --- the Field of Blood.
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money."
So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day (Matthew 27:3-8).
So, who bought the field, Judas (according to the Acts) or the chief priests (according to Matthew)? If Judas hanged himself and died, how did he fall headlong? If he fell headlong, how did he burst his belly?
Peter put forth a criterion so stringent that nobody would be qualified to replace James, the brother of John, whom Herod had later killed.
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
Before Pentecost, two candidates were qualified --- Joseph and Matthias whose feastday the Catholic Church celebrates today. By the time James was killed, nobody would be qualified anymore. In deciding between the two, the 120 believers prayed and cast lots. They were wise not to cast ballots. That would immediately split them. The Church would be divided even before it was born! A disaster was averted.
Dear Lord, Your grace is always present to preserve Your people. May we, Your humble servants, continue cooperating with Your Spirit to bring salvation to all. St. Matthias, pray for us. Amen.
Appendix:
Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ (Acts 1:20b)
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτῶν ἠρημωμένη, καὶ ἐν τοῖς σκηνώμασιν αὐτῶν μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν (Psalm 68:26 LXX, 69:26 MT)
His office let another take.
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λαβέτω ἕτερος (Acts 1:20c)
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λάβοι ἕτερος, (Psalm 108:8b LXX, 109:8b MT)
The Church gives people a conservative image. Its government is not democratic. The Pope is not popularly elected, though he is elected from the college of cardinals. You may describe it as a kind of representational democracy and it is far from being a full democracy. Yet, many church leaders champion full democracy in local governments. Laymen will naturally criticize the church as hypocritical. Here, the reasoning is flawed. I do not practise what I teach. That doesn't mean I cannot teach. I can still teach, though a bit unconvincingly.
The Acts records an incident, documenting the process through which the Church solved the problem of succession. Jesus had chosen the Twelve. He intended to build up the new Israel with 12 tribes headed by the Twelve apostles. Now, one of the Twelve had died. The Church needed to make the Twelve complete again. Obviously, this is a meaning, a symbolism read into Jesus' action. Jesus probably did not have this intention. Even Peter did not mention this in electing somebody to replace Judas.
When Peter stood before the 120 believers, he explained the necessity to fill the vacancy left by Judas as a fulfillment of prophecies. He did not say the Church needed to elect another head for one of the twelve tribes.
Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus (Acts 1:16).
In the description of events relating to the death of Judas, it was totally different from that recorded in Matthew.
Now this man bought a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.
And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood (Acts 1:18-19).
There was only one thing in common --- the Field of Blood.
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that he was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,
saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."
And throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself.
But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money."
So they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day (Matthew 27:3-8).
So, who bought the field, Judas (according to the Acts) or the chief priests (according to Matthew)? If Judas hanged himself and died, how did he fall headlong? If he fell headlong, how did he burst his belly?
Peter put forth a criterion so stringent that nobody would be qualified to replace James, the brother of John, whom Herod had later killed.
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us -- one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
Before Pentecost, two candidates were qualified --- Joseph and Matthias whose feastday the Catholic Church celebrates today. By the time James was killed, nobody would be qualified anymore. In deciding between the two, the 120 believers prayed and cast lots. They were wise not to cast ballots. That would immediately split them. The Church would be divided even before it was born! A disaster was averted.
Dear Lord, Your grace is always present to preserve Your people. May we, Your humble servants, continue cooperating with Your Spirit to bring salvation to all. St. Matthias, pray for us. Amen.
Appendix:
Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ (Acts 1:20b)
γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτῶν ἠρημωμένη, καὶ ἐν τοῖς σκηνώμασιν αὐτῶν μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν (Psalm 68:26 LXX, 69:26 MT)
His office let another take.
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λαβέτω ἕτερος (Acts 1:20c)
τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ λάβοι ἕτερος, (Psalm 108:8b LXX, 109:8b MT)
Wednesday 13 May 2009
The Jerusalem Council
Christianity has come to a crossroad, or if you prefer, a watershed. The Church was born on the Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on 120 witnesses of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2). She expanded rapidly and led a communist life for a while. The community was admired and found favour among the Jerusalem people. At that time, the major threat came from the Jewish Council. Yet, they managed to convert even priests from the Jewish establishment.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
Stephen was the first casualty (Acts 7) and Saul began a series of ferocious arrests to stamp out this Jewish heresy. Christianity began to spill over to the neighbouring regions, winning mainly Samaritans, a traditional Jewish enemy. Peter then opened the door to admit Gentiles (Acts 10). With the conversion of Saul, more Gentiles were converted. Here tensions began to build up from within and without.
Firstly, we had Herod the king who killed James, the brother of John.
He killed James the brother of John with the sword;
and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also (Acts 12:2-3).
It seems that Christians had lost their popularity and appeal among the people in Jerusalem. Not only did opposition come from the religious authority, but the political authority as well. Perhaps it was due to the admission of Samaritans into the Church. The general public should have frowned on such an outrageous action of the Church. Herod was cunning enough to smell blood in the air. That explains why it pleased the people to kill an apostle. Had Herod not met his unbecoming death (Acts 12:23), the Church would have suffered a higher death toll for a much longer period of time.
Meanwhile, Barnabas and Paul began their first missionary journey and other Gentile centres arose. Within the Jerusalem Church, Pharisees also grew in significance. Though the gospels give us an impression that the Pharisees were among the major opponents of Jesus, in fact, Jesus had recruited several prominent Pharisees such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea as disciples. Now, the church was facing a schism within because the Pharisees Christians insisted that Gentiles should also be circumcized and follow the Mosaic law. To settle this crisis, the Church called up the Jerusalem Council to settle the matter once and for all.
After much debate, Peter rose to speak. He made it clear that it was God's will to admit Gentiles into the Church by giving them the Holy Spirit. Nobody present could deny this. But deep in the hearts of the Jewish Christians, they felt that it would only be fair for Gentiles to be circumcized as they themselves had been circumcized. Why should the Gentiles be exempted? Should Jews be exempted as well? Without circumcision, would Jews be Jews anymore? This issue cut deeply into the very heart of their Jewish identity. Jewish Christians still felt that they were first and foremost Jews, then Christians. Their concern was legitimate and Peter had to deal with it squarely. Was Peter ready to forsake his Jewish root as well? Peter needed to convince his audience to put Christian identity before their Jewish identity. He proceeded as follow.
and he (God) made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith.
Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will (Acts 15:9-11).
God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. If they belonged to God, they should do the will of God and should not make any distinction as well. Probably, Peter remembered Jesus' words in Mark 3.
Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother (Mark 3:35).
Faith and not circumcision, doing the will of God and not the law of Moses bring us salvation. Here, both Peter and Paul agree with each other. That was why Peter put a serious charge against those who insisted on circumcision. They put God on trial, suggesting that God was wrong! But God could not be wrong. Therefore, they should not impose unnecessary burden on the Gentile brethren. Once again, we see Peter's trump card, calling upon the authority of God to silence his opponents.
James, the brother of the Lord and the head of the Jerusalem Church, stood up to support Peter by quoting Amos. James was prudent as well. He did not aim at an all-out victory for the party of Paul. He compromised by imposing some insignificant dietary laws on the Gentiles.
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
but should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is strangled and from blood.
For from early generations Moses has had in every city those who preach him, for he is read every sabbath in the synagogues (Acts 15:19-21).
My God, our mission is to do Your will. However, time and again, our vision is clouded by our prejudice and our attention is paid upon insignificant issues. Remove the veil over our sights so that we may be able to discern Your will clearly and do it. Amen.
Appendix:
After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up,
that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who has made these things known from of old.μετὰ ταῦτα ἀναστρέψωκαὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυὶδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν καὶ τὰ κατεσκαμμένα αὐτῆς ἀνοικοδομήσω καὶ ἀνορθώσω αὐτήν,
ὅπως ἂν ἐκζητήσωσιν οἱ κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὸν κύριονκαὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐφ' οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπ' αὐτούς, λέγει κύριος ποιῶν ταῦτα
γνωστὰ ἀπ' αἰῶνος (Acts 15:16-18)
ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἀναστήσω τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυιδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω τὰ πεπτωκότα αὐτῆς καὶ τὰ κατεσκαμμένα αὐτῆς ἀναστήσω καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω αὐτὴν καθὼς αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ αἰῶνος,
ὅπως ἐκζητήσωσιν οἱ κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων καὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐφ' οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπ' αὐτούς, λέγει κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὁ ποιῶν ταῦτα (Amos 9:11-12).
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).
Stephen was the first casualty (Acts 7) and Saul began a series of ferocious arrests to stamp out this Jewish heresy. Christianity began to spill over to the neighbouring regions, winning mainly Samaritans, a traditional Jewish enemy. Peter then opened the door to admit Gentiles (Acts 10). With the conversion of Saul, more Gentiles were converted. Here tensions began to build up from within and without.
Firstly, we had Herod the king who killed James, the brother of John.
He killed James the brother of John with the sword;
and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also (Acts 12:2-3).
It seems that Christians had lost their popularity and appeal among the people in Jerusalem. Not only did opposition come from the religious authority, but the political authority as well. Perhaps it was due to the admission of Samaritans into the Church. The general public should have frowned on such an outrageous action of the Church. Herod was cunning enough to smell blood in the air. That explains why it pleased the people to kill an apostle. Had Herod not met his unbecoming death (Acts 12:23), the Church would have suffered a higher death toll for a much longer period of time.
Meanwhile, Barnabas and Paul began their first missionary journey and other Gentile centres arose. Within the Jerusalem Church, Pharisees also grew in significance. Though the gospels give us an impression that the Pharisees were among the major opponents of Jesus, in fact, Jesus had recruited several prominent Pharisees such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea as disciples. Now, the church was facing a schism within because the Pharisees Christians insisted that Gentiles should also be circumcized and follow the Mosaic law. To settle this crisis, the Church called up the Jerusalem Council to settle the matter once and for all.
After much debate, Peter rose to speak. He made it clear that it was God's will to admit Gentiles into the Church by giving them the Holy Spirit. Nobody present could deny this. But deep in the hearts of the Jewish Christians, they felt that it would only be fair for Gentiles to be circumcized as they themselves had been circumcized. Why should the Gentiles be exempted? Should Jews be exempted as well? Without circumcision, would Jews be Jews anymore? This issue cut deeply into the very heart of their Jewish identity. Jewish Christians still felt that they were first and foremost Jews, then Christians. Their concern was legitimate and Peter had to deal with it squarely. Was Peter ready to forsake his Jewish root as well? Peter needed to convince his audience to put Christian identity before their Jewish identity. He proceeded as follow.
and he (God) made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith.
Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will (Acts 15:9-11).
God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. If they belonged to God, they should do the will of God and should not make any distinction as well. Probably, Peter remembered Jesus' words in Mark 3.
Whoever does the will of God is my brother, and sister, and mother (Mark 3:35).
Faith and not circumcision, doing the will of God and not the law of Moses bring us salvation. Here, both Peter and Paul agree with each other. That was why Peter put a serious charge against those who insisted on circumcision. They put God on trial, suggesting that God was wrong! But God could not be wrong. Therefore, they should not impose unnecessary burden on the Gentile brethren. Once again, we see Peter's trump card, calling upon the authority of God to silence his opponents.
James, the brother of the Lord and the head of the Jerusalem Church, stood up to support Peter by quoting Amos. James was prudent as well. He did not aim at an all-out victory for the party of Paul. He compromised by imposing some insignificant dietary laws on the Gentiles.
Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
but should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is strangled and from blood.
For from early generations Moses has had in every city those who preach him, for he is read every sabbath in the synagogues (Acts 15:19-21).
My God, our mission is to do Your will. However, time and again, our vision is clouded by our prejudice and our attention is paid upon insignificant issues. Remove the veil over our sights so that we may be able to discern Your will clearly and do it. Amen.
Appendix:
After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up,
that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who has made these things known from of old.μετὰ ταῦτα ἀναστρέψωκαὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυὶδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν καὶ τὰ κατεσκαμμένα αὐτῆς ἀνοικοδομήσω καὶ ἀνορθώσω αὐτήν,
ὅπως ἂν ἐκζητήσωσιν οἱ κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὸν κύριονκαὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐφ' οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπ' αὐτούς, λέγει κύριος ποιῶν ταῦτα
γνωστὰ ἀπ' αἰῶνος (Acts 15:16-18)
ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἀναστήσω τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυιδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω τὰ πεπτωκότα αὐτῆς καὶ τὰ κατεσκαμμένα αὐτῆς ἀναστήσω καὶ ἀνοικοδομήσω αὐτὴν καθὼς αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ αἰῶνος,
ὅπως ἐκζητήσωσιν οἱ κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων καὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐφ' οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπ' αὐτούς, λέγει κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὁ ποιῶν ταῦτα (Amos 9:11-12).
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Paul the CEO
Nowadays, management skills are growing in importance in the workplace even though you may not be a manager. Middle managers of any organization feel the demand on them. They can no longer quit the job, enter management colleges to get the qualification. To meet their needs, we see a bloom in the publication of self-help management titles on the book shelves. I have not studied management and therefore cannot judge the quality of those books. However, we see a number of bestsellers whose titles, curiously enough, are related to religious figures, such as Buddha CEO, Moses CEO and Jesus CEO etc. These books deal with leadership and a lot of insight can be derived from the lives of these leaders. The Acts shows us the management skills of the apostles and today, I would like to draw some lessons from Paul.
To begin with, a leader must have a vision. Something is not right at the moment. He has to mobilize his team members to get things done so that the situation is improved in the desired direction. The improved situation is the vision guiding the actions of this team of people. So, what was the vision of Paul?
To trace his vision one step back, we came to Antioch of Syria where the Holy Spirit instructed them to start the missionary journey.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2)
So, what was the work to which God had called Barnabas and Saul? We know very little how Barnabas was called, but we know quite a lot about the conversion of Saul. Jesus had this to say to Ananias in Damascus.
But the Lord said to him (Ananias), "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (Acts 9:15-16)
Therefore, the mission of Paul was to preach Jesus before the Gentiles, kings and Israelites. These were the things to be done. But still, what sort of improved situation would be achieved? It depends on how Paul interpreted his mission. Did he see a world unified in Christ? Did he see a green world without pollution or a world without any discrimination? Probably this was his vision, his theology of the Mystical Body of Christ.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:15)
Guided with this vision, Paul mobilized all his resources and worked with his team members to achieve his mission.
Eloquence is an indispensable resource for any leader. No doubt, Paul was eloquent but the contents delivered at the appropriate moments also count. In Lystra, we see how Paul adapted his preaching to the background of his audience. They were not Jews and knew nothing about covenant and the Messiah. Therefore, Paul appealed to natural theology, which is applicable anywhere on earth. When he tried to stop the people from offering sacrifice to him, he had the following to say.
Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways;
yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:15-17).
Paul had a good news of salvation through faith in Jesus to share with all his audience, whether Gentiles, kings or Israelites. Yet, timing is important. First of all, the audience needed to know that there is a Creator God and that men are living in a sinful state in need of salvation which comes from faith in Jesus. These ideas need to be presented step by step. People in Lystra were religious. They worshipped their gods. So they did not see anything wrong. Paul made the first step. Granted that God had made the heaven and the earth and all that is in them, but the God of Paul was not the same as the gods worshipped by the people of Lystra. Paul deliberately remained ambiguous. He did not want to argue prematurely about the identity of this Creator God. This would complicate the situation. Furthermore, Paul the Pharisee did not even condemn their idolatry. Rather, he introduced an idea which he later brought up again in Athens --- in past generations, God allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. God had tolerated the idolatry of the people because they had not yet known Him. This was how Paul tried to win his audience over by remaining ambiguous and tolerant.
Unfortunately, jealous Jews arrived from Antioch of Pisidia and from Iconium to disrupt the word of Paul. Paul was outnumbered and was stoned. He could not stay in Lystra anymore. Though one venture failed, Paul continued to look for other opportunites and to start another. He would not give up that easily. In modern terms, Paul had a high AQ score.
Meanwhile, Paul turned to Derbe and successfully converted many there. Paul returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia. Luke did not explain why Paul was successful in Derbe which seemed to be a confidence booster for him. Now, he was able to return to visit his previous failures. The second attempt yielded good results. Paul was able to delegate his mission to elders in these Churches.
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed (Acts 14:23).
Leaders come with differnt flavours. While some enjoy the fruit of their own labour, Paul was denied this joy. He knew his mission well. His job was to sow the seeds of salvation. Others watered and yet others reaped. Paul knew how to delegate.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6).
I have done my part. I will leave it to the readers to draw their own conclusions.
Dear Lord, You have chosen well. You set before us good models of leaders. Let us learn from them and put it into practice to put up Your Church. Amen.
To begin with, a leader must have a vision. Something is not right at the moment. He has to mobilize his team members to get things done so that the situation is improved in the desired direction. The improved situation is the vision guiding the actions of this team of people. So, what was the vision of Paul?
To trace his vision one step back, we came to Antioch of Syria where the Holy Spirit instructed them to start the missionary journey.
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2)
So, what was the work to which God had called Barnabas and Saul? We know very little how Barnabas was called, but we know quite a lot about the conversion of Saul. Jesus had this to say to Ananias in Damascus.
But the Lord said to him (Ananias), "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (Acts 9:15-16)
Therefore, the mission of Paul was to preach Jesus before the Gentiles, kings and Israelites. These were the things to be done. But still, what sort of improved situation would be achieved? It depends on how Paul interpreted his mission. Did he see a world unified in Christ? Did he see a green world without pollution or a world without any discrimination? Probably this was his vision, his theology of the Mystical Body of Christ.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free -- and all were made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:15)
Guided with this vision, Paul mobilized all his resources and worked with his team members to achieve his mission.
Eloquence is an indispensable resource for any leader. No doubt, Paul was eloquent but the contents delivered at the appropriate moments also count. In Lystra, we see how Paul adapted his preaching to the background of his audience. They were not Jews and knew nothing about covenant and the Messiah. Therefore, Paul appealed to natural theology, which is applicable anywhere on earth. When he tried to stop the people from offering sacrifice to him, he had the following to say.
Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways;
yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:15-17).
Paul had a good news of salvation through faith in Jesus to share with all his audience, whether Gentiles, kings or Israelites. Yet, timing is important. First of all, the audience needed to know that there is a Creator God and that men are living in a sinful state in need of salvation which comes from faith in Jesus. These ideas need to be presented step by step. People in Lystra were religious. They worshipped their gods. So they did not see anything wrong. Paul made the first step. Granted that God had made the heaven and the earth and all that is in them, but the God of Paul was not the same as the gods worshipped by the people of Lystra. Paul deliberately remained ambiguous. He did not want to argue prematurely about the identity of this Creator God. This would complicate the situation. Furthermore, Paul the Pharisee did not even condemn their idolatry. Rather, he introduced an idea which he later brought up again in Athens --- in past generations, God allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. God had tolerated the idolatry of the people because they had not yet known Him. This was how Paul tried to win his audience over by remaining ambiguous and tolerant.
Unfortunately, jealous Jews arrived from Antioch of Pisidia and from Iconium to disrupt the word of Paul. Paul was outnumbered and was stoned. He could not stay in Lystra anymore. Though one venture failed, Paul continued to look for other opportunites and to start another. He would not give up that easily. In modern terms, Paul had a high AQ score.
Meanwhile, Paul turned to Derbe and successfully converted many there. Paul returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia. Luke did not explain why Paul was successful in Derbe which seemed to be a confidence booster for him. Now, he was able to return to visit his previous failures. The second attempt yielded good results. Paul was able to delegate his mission to elders in these Churches.
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed (Acts 14:23).
Leaders come with differnt flavours. While some enjoy the fruit of their own labour, Paul was denied this joy. He knew his mission well. His job was to sow the seeds of salvation. Others watered and yet others reaped. Paul knew how to delegate.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6).
I have done my part. I will leave it to the readers to draw their own conclusions.
Dear Lord, You have chosen well. You set before us good models of leaders. Let us learn from them and put it into practice to put up Your Church. Amen.
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