Jacob returns to the land
text: Genesis 32 – 35
Outline:
a. 32, Jacob meets with Esau
b. 34, Dina's incident
c. 35, Getting rid of the idols and birth of Benjamin
Comments: Jacob settled his deals with Laban. Now, he is on the move toward the river than he needs to cross to return to the land. But he gets a report – his brother comes toward him, supported by 400 men. What Jacob is going to do? He needs a time alone...
Jacob and Laban
text: Genesis 28-31
Outline:
A. 28:10-22, Jacob's Dream.
B. 29:1-30, Jacob's Marriage.
C. 29:31-30:24, Jacob's Children.
D. 30:25-43, Jacob's Wealth.
E. 31, Jacob flees from Laban.
Comments: Jacob leaves mom and dad, getting father's blessing the right way (Genesis 28:1). The main “task” is to reach uncle Laban – Rebekah's brother. He gets there, and gets married. In his 20 years his wives bear him 11 sons and at least one daughter. Then, the time to return home came, Jacob flees Laban.
St. Philip
Meaning of the name: Philip is a Greek name. It comes from two words: phileo – “to love” or “to be fond of” or “to be friend of” (Philadelphia – Brotherly Love), and hippos – “horse.” Therefore, a person, who is fond of horses. The name got historical significance after Philip II – ruler of Macedon (northern part of modern Greece), father of Alexander the Great. I am not sure that the horse plays any role in the life of Philip, but the fact that he has Greek name (along with Andrew) will be an important fact duting the Triumphant Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Life story: In all of the lists of apostles Philip always has 5th place (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). First, the list has the triumvirate of Peter, James, and John. Then Andrew (we talked about him first, for he was called first). Then – always – Philip. Jesus picked the Twelve out of many disciples. Some have more stories – some have less, but each of them has a special place in the ranks of His followers.
The Word of the Cross is the basis for Church's Holiness
Text: 1 Corinthians 5:1 – 7:40
Outline:
A. 5, Sexual immorality
B. 6, Judgment by the world
C. 7, Questions of marriage
Comments: It is important to note that the first area of Christian life that St. Paul addressed is the question of marital relationship. The church is as strong as the families that build the congregation.
Isaac – story of two sons
Text: Genesis 25:19 – 28:9
Outline:
Introduction: Birth of Esau and Jacob, 25:19-26
a. Grown “boys”, part I, 25:27-34
b. Attack of the Philistines, 26:1-33
a'. Grown “boys”, part II, 26:34-28:9
c. Esau takes two wives, 26:34-35
d. Blessing of the sons, 27
d'. The real blessing of Jacob, 28:1-5
c'. Esau take third wife, 28:6-9
Comments: The character of Isaac is one of the most complex in the Bible. He had to go through the sacrifice experience (Genesis 22), mourned for his mother for about 3 years until he was comforted by his wife Rebekah (Genesis 23 and 24). And prayed for his wife to be able to bear a child (Genesis 25:21). Then the boys grew and he preferred one over the other... for better or for worse... that's the story.
St. James
Meaning of the name: James is actually Jacob – don't ask me why the translators changed it. Jacob means “holder of the heel” or “supplanter.” At some sense he can be seen as such – when Jesus comes to Peter's home, it was Andrew who accompanied the Lord (together with James and John). Yet, later on, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, forming the triumvirate of the leadership in the Church (we already talked about humility and absolute lack of vengeance on Andrew's side).
Also, he and his brother John (Johanan) had a nickname “sons of thunder” (see on St. John). It can be a sign of reverence toward God or a character feature (or a bug). Honestly, I don't think it should be an “either... or” choice. His passion can be a helpful tool for the advanced discipleship (see on the Letter of James) or an emotion that leads to destruction (see on Samaritan village).
Life story: He is born to the family of Zebedee and Salome. Turns out, Salome was Mary's sister, which makes James [and John] to be a cousin of Jesus. Since he is always mentioned first in a pair with his brother, it would be safe to assume that he was the oldest one.
Word of the Cross is the basis for Church's Unity
Text: 1:10 – 4:21
Outline:
A. 1:10-11, Report by Chloe's family
B. 1:12-17, Divisions by the ministers
C. 1:18-25, we preach Christ crucified
D. 1:26-31, Consider your calling
C'. 2:1-16, Wisdom of Christ crucified
B'. 3:1 – 4:7, Ministry of apostles
A'. 4:8-21, I fathered you – family relationship
Comments: St. Paul is approaching the theme of division from a variety of angles: family unity, togetherness of apostles and ministers, the wisdom of Christ, and comparison with the world.
