The Twelve: St. Thaddaeus or St. Jude

St. Thaddaeus or St. Jude

Identity: Before we start to talk about the meaning of the name and life story, we need to identify who he really was. Modern scholarship (especially secular) make a big deal out of “confusion” with three lists of the apostles we have in the Gospels of Matthew (10:1-4), Mark (3:16-19), and Luke (6:13-16). Luke gives one more list in the Book of Acts (1:13). While Matthew and Mark talk about Thaddaeus, Luke mentions Judas the son of James in both of his books. Along with this John mentions Judas (not the Iscariot) as a part of the fellowship at the Last Supper (John 14:22). We also have the Letter of Jude – the last of the 7 General or Catholic Epistles. Therefore, if we believe that the Apostles and Gospel writers knew what they were talking about. We just need to assume that Judas, Jude, and Thaddaeus is the same person. This should not surprise us for we have multiple instances of people having more than one name – Simon being also called Peter would be a parade example.

Meaning of the name(s). Let us start with Thaddaeus. Depending on the origins it can mean “courageous heart” (if derived from Aramaic), or “gift of God” (if derived from Greek).

Judas – Greek form of Hebrew name Judah – means “praise the LORD.” It was the name of the fourth son of Jacob by Leah (Genesis 29:35). As you might remember Leah and Rachel got into to a racing competition for the love of their husband. Bible simply states that Jacob loved Rachel – it was the love from the first sight, and he was ready to serve seven years for her (Genesis 29:20). Leah was trying to gain Jacob's love by bearing him sons. First came Reuben, then Simon, then Levi – every time she hoped and hoped... Then Judah was born, and she praised the LORD. She finally can to the ultimate type of relationship – relationship with God. She stopped bearing.

Story: Part of the Twelve. We don't have many stories for Judas (Jude), but the fact that Lord Jesus Christ selected him to be one of the Twelve means something. What were the criteria? Apart from personal assessment of Jesus, St. Luke left us the list of features the apostles paid attention to when they replaced the traitor. In the first chapter of the Book of Acts the apostles are looking for someone else to be “on the team.” Let's see what they considered right to be qualified. There are two basic conditions: (1) be with the group from the very beginning (from the baptism of/by John [Baptizer]) (2) until the day of Jesus's ascension. Covering the time-span of the ministry of Jesus. But within this the apostle should be a witness of resurrection. For sure, when Jesus selected the Twelve, they didn't have the resurrection yet. But what we can certainly know is he was with the disciples from the time of Jesus being baptized by John. This means that he heard the voice from heaven: This is my beloved Son, in Whom I'm well pleased (Mark 1:10-11).

Conversation at the Last Supper. We also see Judas as an active participant at the Last Supper (John 14:22). It is very interesting that Judas listens very carefully, takes his time to process a very rich “spiritual food” of Jesus' sermon, and then asks the question. His question related to what the Lord said a couple sentences prior. But he didn't want to leave it alone, having “I'll ask later” attitude. And Jesus response to his question, taking him very seriously. The distinction between the disciples and the world is maintained by faith through the reception of the word, the word that came through the Son from the Father. When the disciples will receive the word and follow Jesus' commands, the love of Jesus will be manifested among the disciples – that's how the world will know about the Savior (John 13:34-35). This was the driving force for Jude's ministry – be it writing his Letter or preaching of the Gospel to unknown lands (Armenia included).

The Letter of Jude was written around 60AD. The apostle encourages the church not giving in to the evils of the world as it tries to penetrate the church and corrupt the church from within. But imminent judgment on the ungodly IS coming. Though it looks like the wicked prevail (at times and places), there is a greater judgment that is ultimately coming to the world (cp. Ps. 73).

As long as the Church is present on earth, the forces of evil will attack her from the outside and try their best to penetrate corrupting from the inside. The Letter of Jude is very helpful with the identification of these attempts, encouraging the “beloved” to hold fast to faith once delivered to the saints. Also, regardless of the difficulty and severity of the spiritual and life combat, we eagerly await the Second Coming of Christ which will complete the ultimate deliverance.

Tradition: Commemoration date for Jude and Simon (the Zealot, we'll talk about him next week) is October 28. Traditionally, the symbols for St. Jude is ship – for traveled extensively – or a spear – reflecting of the record of St. Michael's spiritual engagement with the devil.

Prayer: Almighty God, You chose Your servants Simon and Jude to be numbered among the glorious company of the apostles. As they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so may we with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Twelve: St. James, the Minor

St. James, the Minor

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.”

Mark (2:14) mentions that the tax collector's name is Levi, the son of Alphaeus. Comparing it with Matthew 9:9, makes it possible that Matthew (the Levi) and James were brothers. But, unlike James and John, they are not put together. This might mean that the connection to Jesus was stronger that the family ties.

A possible explanation to this might be a fact of rejection of Matthew's “vocation.” In those days the tax-collector was employed by Roman occupational government. No wonder that St. Luke, giving his list of the Twelve, places James together with Simon the Zealot (an extremist terrorist organization, trying to subvert or get rid of the Roman rule). It is possible that James was way closer with Simon in his political views than with his own brother. There are at least two lessons to learn here. First, we do not have a record of a single conflict between the brothers, regardless of the reason of their estrangement. Second, Jesus is the Lord for those who had or have good family life, and those whose family life is not the best.

Life story: We don't have much information about the apostle. He is present in all of the lists of the Twelve. This means that he was part of the first apostolic instruction and “deployment” (Matthew 10).

It also means that he was present at the calming of the storm (Mark 4:35-41) and feeding of 5000 (Mark 6:30-44). He was actively engaged in the life of Jesus' community. The apostles talked to one another after the storm about the exhibition of Christ' power. To participate in this conversation one need to know Psalm 107: 23-32. Which shows the depth of James' knowledge and reverence of the Scriptures.

His constant presence among the Twelve means his partaking of the Last Supper. Unlike Peter, who argued with Jesus about washing of the feet and then about the power to withstand the temptations (we know it didn't end well), James is a deep thinker, who takes the offered gifts contemplating the amazing measure of the love and care of the Lord toward fallen humanity.

This love led him to become a leader of Jerusalem church at the time of the First Jerusalem counsel (Acts 15), as well as St. Paul's return from the Third Mission trip (Acts 21). The reason we know it should him is the fact that James the brother of John was killed by Herod (Agrippa) a few years earlier to please the Jewish leadership of the capital (Acts 12:1-2).

This makes even more possible that he is the author of the Letter of James. For the letter addresses biblical principles of the Christian community in a hostile environment.

The epistle is important to us for at least three reasons. It sets the patterns of order in the congregation – not quarrelling, but relying on the wisdom from above, all matters should be solved in peace and reason (3:17). Second, the orderly life also can be reflected in the way the church treats the powerful figures of this world. James/Jacob argues for avoiding partiality. Which leads to the third lesson of the Epistle. The rich will assault the church, therefore, in the light of forthcoming tribulations, we need to learn and train ourselves to set aside zealotry, but practice patience in sufferings, confessing our sins, and calling back the wanderers.

Prayer: May 1, St. Phillip and St. James.

Almighty God, Your Son revealed Himself to Philip and James, and gave them the knowledge of everlasting life. Grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life, and steadfastly to walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, out Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, not and forever. Amen.

1 John

The First Letter of John  

Title: St. John (unlike St. Paul, St. James, or St. Peter) does not name himself (cp. 2  & 3 John, where he uses “elder” as an authorship title). The author identification come from three “source”: (1) language similarities to the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation; (2) themes of the letter are similar (if not identical) to the Gospel of John; (3) testimony of the Church.          

Date of writing: The honest answer is we don’t know. TLSB follows the older tradition putting AD 85 – 95. I agree with those who believe that the NT was completed before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD. IMHO – it was written rather early for the Jerusalem messianic (Christian) community right after the Pentecost (cp. 2:20) and before the initial trials fell upon the Church.            

Structure: (by William Ramey )

A. 1:1-4, Manifestation of Messianic Age Life

 B. 1:5 – 2:2, Three Witnesses to a Believer’s Life

  C. 2:3-11 Believer’s Love for One Another

   D. 2:12-17, Believer’s Victory over the World

    E. 2:18-27, AntiChrist

     F. 2:28-29, Believer’s Confidence before the Son

      G. 3:1-3, Believer’s true Nature Revealed in the Future

       H. 3:4-10, The Source of Righteousness and Sin

      G’. 3:11-18, Believer’s true Nature revealed in the Present

     F’. 3:19-24, Believer’s Confidence before the Father

    E’. 4:1-3, The False Prophets

   D’. 4:4-6, Believer’s Victory over the World

  C’.4:7 – 5:5, Believer’s Love for One Another

 B’. 5:6-12, Three Witnesses to Jesus’ Life

A’. 5:13-21, Acquisition of Messianic Age Life

Main themes:

True testimony about the Word of Life.

Confidence in the love of God.

Love as the basis for relationship with One Another.

Spiritual discernment – recognition of the antichrist and false prophets.

Main Characters: I or We,

Then, “You”:

  Little children (used 8 or 9 times). 

  Beloved

Also “them”:

  Of the World, led by the spirit of error.

  Children of the devil.

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: It is very interesting that St. John does not come up with a quote from the OT. The single reference to the previous stories is naming of Cain (3:12). At the same time his letter is full of allusion to the writings of both Old and New Testament (to name a few):

  The beginning

  Being “children of God”

  Commandments          

Lutheran teaching: Just one example: 1 John 1:7 is a very important verse for the discussions that preoccupy the Formula of Concord: the relationship of a person in respect to the original sin (FC SD I:45); how faith relies on God (FC SD III:57); discussing the person of Christ (FC SD VIII:59); the universal promise of the Gospel (FC SD XI:28).    

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 573 – Lord, ‘Tis Not that I did Choose Thee (1 John 4:10, 19)

LSB 948 – All Glory be to God Alone (1 John 2:2)

Relevancy of the Book: Sometimes with the flow of time we tend to believe that the world has changed (for better or worse). We can observe the technological advancement of our society and the changes in the types of government. On the other hand, the rule of Love which strives to obey God holds the same authority. We still need to recognize the false prophets and resist “the children of devil” walking in light. Also, the foundation for our forgiveness – the propitiation by the blood of Jesus – never can be replaced. We confess our sins and we are forgiven for the sake of His sacrifice.        

Memory verses: 1:8-9 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

1 Peter

First Letter of St. Peter   

Title: First letter of St. Peter. There are doubts among liberal scholars. They are based on usage of complex theological and profound grammatical constructions. Taking into an account that he was “a simple fisherman”. Reading the Bible carefully, shows that this simple fisherman knew 4 languages (to some extent).        

Date of writing: TLSB tells before 67AD. It can be right. The reason for the date is also supported by the naming of Sylvanus (2 Cor. 1:19) and Mark (Acts. 12:35; 13:13; 15:36-40). On the other hand, the Gentiles in the letter are painted only negative. It is very difficult to imagen St. Peter doing this after the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10 – 11). Therefore, it is better to place it at the beginning of Church history (30-33 AD).       

Structure:

a. 1:1-3a, Greetings

  b. 1:3b-9, faith and trials  

    c. 1:10-25, Good news and it’s impact on life   

      d. 2:1-10, put away deceit, hypocrisy, envy etc.

        e. 2:11-12, call to good conduct

          f. 2:13-17, obedience to the authorities (v 13 and 17 – emperor/king)

            g. 2:18-25, servants

            g’. 3:1-6, wives

          f’. 3:7, husbands

        e’. 3:8-22, zealous for good

      d’. 4:1-11, gentiles live in sensuality, passions, drunkenness etc..

    c’. 4:12-19, blessing in suffering for Christ

  b. 5:1-11, care and submission

a’. 5:12-14, Final greetings

Main themes: Faith in Christ (1:8 – without seeing, cp. John 20:24-29, story of Thomas). Apparently, St. Peter addresses people who have only heard about the Cross, Resurrection, and Pentecost. Therefore, he brings up the “job description for the Messiah” idea grounded in the words of the prophets (1:10-12).     

Sufferings as a participation in the sufferings of Christ. Three main reasons for suffering : (1) form us into the image of Christ; (2) devil’s hate of the Word effects those who are faithful to the Word; (3) keep us on our toes – disciple’s factor.   

Submission as the main paradigm of relationship. Social, trade, and family relationship are based on the example of Christ and godly people (Sarah, 3:6).   

Main Characters: Peter writing to the Elders – representatives of the churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (very prominent settlements of Jews in the Roman empire). 

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: Call of the holy people is based on the story of Exodus and the Sinai covenant (Ex. Ch. 19 – 20; Lev. 11). The separation of the people of God is reflected in every aspect of life.   

Theology of Zion is very important part of the Letter. Zion as a fortress, place of worship etc. with the LORD Himself as the cornerstone (Isaiah + Psalms).

Lutheran teaching: The theme of repentance, faith, and love as the fulfillment of the Law is discussed with the support from the Second and Fourth chapters of the Letter (Ap. V (III):117, 118; XII (V):65; XXI (IX): 31; LC, I:272, 285).

At least twice we find the passages from 3^rd chanter of the epistle in the Large Catechism explaining the sacrament of the Holy Baptism (LC, IV: 24, 82). Main idea: baptism saves!

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 616 – Baptismal Waters Cover Me

LSB 770 – What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Relevancy of the Book: Reading the First Letter of St. Peter is beneficial on at least three levels. First, the apostle presents very deep theological ideas connecting the sacrifice of Christ with the rituals of OT institutions. Second, he prepares us for the proper understanding of suffering (very important for our pain-avoiding culture). Third, the guidelines for godly conduct are described as a pattern of servitude – as Christ served us submitting to the Father, we can serve each other and the world. This is a radical teaching for our power struggle-based society.   

Memory verses:  

1:18-19: you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

JAMES

Letter of James   

Video: (YouTube) is here.   

Title: Letter of James should be called Letter of Jacob. This might bring up many associations of Jacob the Patriarch who had his fair share of trials, defending himself against the rich, relying on the wisdom from above.    

Date of writing: very early (30-33 AD), probably before St. Paul came to prominence. This is the reason why James 2:14-26 should not be read as a polemic against Rom 4 and 5. Unlike St. Paul, James had a very different audience in mind (the people who actually were brought to diaspora because of Saul [St. Paul], cp. Acts 7-8).   

Structure:

a. 1:1 Greeting to 12 tribes in dispersion.

  b. 1:2-15 Trials, wisdom, and riches

    c. 1:16-25, good gifts from above.

      d. 1:26 – 2:13, bridle the tongue.

        e. 2:14-17 faith without works is dead (v.17).

        e’. 2:18-26, faith without works is dead (v.26).

      d’. 3:1-12, taming of tongue.

    c’. 3:13 – 4:12   wisdom from above. 

  b’. 4:13-18, trials, riches

a’. 5:19-20, saving the wanderer.

Main themes:

Trials. How do we perceive them: is it God who smacks us, or our own lifestyle got us in trouble (1:13-15). Also, an important issue, how to respond if we are persecuted unjustly: push back or bear with patience? (5:7-11)  

Wisdom. The Letter of James sometimes is seen as a collection of random wise sayings, something like a NT reflection on the Book of Proverbs. Yet, both of them have a deep structure. Also, both bring up the fact that the Wisdom comes from above (3:13,17; cp. Prov. 8).

Relations with the rich. It is important to identify the rich. On the one hand James speaks of people in fine clothing with golden rings. It points to the earthly riches. At the same time these signs can point to “covenantal riches” (cp. Rom. 9:4-5).   

Order in the congregation achieved by the control of the tongues, by the leaders or teachers (rabbis) and the lay members of the community.     

Main Characters: Jacob; Brothers/my beloved brothers (he is not addressing a company or a firm, he appeals to the family); “rich” and traders (4:13-17). Historical examples: Abraham and Isaac, Rahab, Job, Elijah. 

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: God Who created everything, knows all things, controls everything, and guides our lives to the proper End. (Gen. 1:1 – 2:3). It can be seen in the times of trials – Job is sustained by his faith in his Redeemer (Job 19; 42:10-17; cp. James 4:10).

There are a few exiles in the Bible. Adam and Eve are “exiled” from the Garden (Gen. 3:23-24), Israel got into the Babylonian captivity. Yet, God always provided a “comforter” – Jeremiah sent a letter to the ones in diaspora (Jer. 29:1-23).    

Lutheran teaching: Luther is very often quoted for his “rejection” of the Epistle. It is true that at the time of translation of the New Testament, he used the analogy of “straw” to describe James. On the other hand, in his later works Dr. Luther stated that the Epistle is ‘a good book, because it sets up no doctrine of men but vigorously promulgates the law of God (LW 35:395).

Apology of Augsburg Confession has the whole section on relationship between faith and works based on the Epistle (Ap. V:123-132).  

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 528 – Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to sing (1:26-27)

LSB 846 – Your Hand, o Lord, in Days of Old (5:14-16)

 Relevancy of the Book: The epistle is important to us for at least three reasons. It sets the patterns of order in the congregation – not quarrelling, but relying on the wisdom from above, all matters should be solved in peace and reason (3:17). Second, the orderly life also can be reflected in the way the church treats the powerful figures of this world. James/Jacob argues for avoiding partiality. Which leads to the third lesson of the Epistle. The rich will assault the church, therefore, in the light of forthcoming tribulations, we need to learn and train ourselves to set aside zealotry, but practice patience in sufferings, confessing our sins, and calling back the wanderers.   

Memory verses:  

4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.