Plymothian

Who was the author of John?

Traditions exist that say Thomas was the author of the book of John. The book does not say who wrote it and it is called John because it is assumed that John wrote it.  If Thomas wrote it, it could easily be called the book of Thomas.

Another tradition states that the book is written by Lazarus because the title ‘The Disciple Jesus Loved’ given to the author occurs after Lazarus was raised from the dead.  Lazarus is the only one pointed out as an individual whom Jesus loved.

There are other traditions, but the strongest is that the gospel was written by John, Son of Zebedee who was one of Jesus’ disciples.  This was confirmed  by the early church fathers and has been held by orthadox Christians through the centuries.

Who was John?

John was a disciple of Jesus.  He was one of the two Sons of Thunder who seem to have been politically ambitious, or at least their mother was.  Believing Jesus’ kingdom to be political, the Sons of Zebedee try to push for a high position of administration when Jesus’ kingdom comes.  This leads to Jesus preaching about servant leadership.  Peter, James, and John were closest to Jesus of his twelve.  When in times of trial or trouble, Jesus would call these three off to the side.  James and John were called Sons of Thunder probably because of their temperament.  They may have been a little feisty.

It is a much older John who writes the book of John.  He writes it in Ephesus when he is an elder there and is administrating many of the churches in Asia Minor (Turkey).  Accounts say that he dies at Age 98.  By his later years he had time to reflect on the deeper implications of Jesus’ life on earth.  This is why the style and the themes of the book are nuanced and profound.  It is also one of the reasons that the book differs from the other gospels.  If John was familiar with the popular gospels circulating, he probably wanted to provide an account of what was missing.

Purpose

John’s gospel states that it was written so that we may believe.  There is a problem with a variation in the verb tenses in this very important verse.  A few translations use a tense that means ‘once and for all’.  John was writing so that people may believe once and for all in Jesus.  However, most texts state the verb in the continuous tense.  The generally accepted translation is ‘that you may continue to believe’.  This means that the book is primarily written for believers to encourage them in their belief.  This might explain why believers are so encouraged when they quote John 3:16 to each other and unbelievers still look at us quite often as if we are speaking another language.

As we read this book together, I pray that we will be encouraged to walk with the Jesus that John knew personally.

We will be studying the book of John.  I had problems with this book for a while in my early twenties because my theology professor at The College of St. Mark and St. John (http://www.marjon.ac.uk/) tore apart its historicity and authenticity.  I Have come back to believing its historicity and authenticity but it is quite different from the other gospels.

The questions I pose below can be answered by reading an introduction to John in a study Bible, the introduction to John in a concordance, or an entry about John in a Bible dictionary.

Who was the author?

The author is important for a number of reasons.  God authored the Bible by inspiring individuals.  He did not wipe their minds or pass inspiration through them like water through a hose.  The human authors of the Bible really affected how the Bible was composed.  Each author has a style and substance that is their own.  Just as knowing C.S. Lewis gives you more insight into what he was writing about in his books, so knwing who John is influences our reading of John.

When was the book written?  To whom was it written?

The hisorical context of a biblical book is important because it allows us to know what kind of problems the author might be addressing in the social context.  It is a common problem for people to apply passages to themselves that were written for a different time and place.  It is also common for people to overlook parallel times in history when the problems being addressed were the same as ours.  The New Testament was written in a time of pluralism and moral laxity.  It addresses themes that are particularly relevant for today’s society.

Why was the book written?

Many of us know “For God so loved the world …” (John 3:16)  How does the statement fit in the context of Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus?  Why are we being told about Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus in the first place?  John wrote his book for slightly different reasons than other gospel authors.  Whenever someone quotes from John the reason for the book should spring to mind.  People write books for reasons.  It is my view that we have become so focused on verses that we miss the reason that they exist.  We have become so focused on the trees that we have missed the wood/forest.

Tomorrow I will answer the questions above.  I will read the NIV Application Commentary introduction on the Book of John and I will also use it to guide me through the book.  You might order a copy.

Now that we have read Galatians and Ephesians, I thought that it would be good to read a gospel together.  The gospels all talk about the life of Jesus but they have clear distinctives from each other.  Before we choose one ask yourself the following:

1. Do you remember reading any of the gospels from beginning to end?
2. If you think of each gospel as a complete book, what would each book be about?  What is Matthew about for example?
3. What distinctives are there in length, language, and form?
4. What was the audience for each gospel?
5. When was each one written?
6. What do the synoptic gospels have in common?
7. How is John different?
8. How would each gospel be applied today?
9. What do we gain and what do we lose by breaking the gospels down into vignettes and verses?
10. What do we gain by reading through a whole gospel?
11. Which gospel would you like to read over the next month or two?

I live in a pragmatic country.  American Pragmatism is a philosophical system invented in the country that gave life to it.  If there is duct tape, the solution is at hand.  ‘Git ‘er done’ is a phrase for the active solution based population.  When it comes to Bible reading pragmatism affects the reading.  Sermon series are frequently composed around ‘how to’ topics.  Series like ‘How to Have a Successful Marriage’ and ‘How to Raise Kids’ drop in to the second half of books like Ephesians (which we have just read).  The deeper and fuller understanding of why we create an harmonious marriage or why we raise obedient children is missing.  People rarely understand the principles that they are applying.  If they get the results that they want, they are happy – even if the horrible mistake of missing a relationship with God is a result.

To study books like Ephesians properly they must enrich our relationship with God.  The connection of the pragmatic second half of the book with understanding the eternal principles of God in the first half is important.  In fact, if we understand the principles we can apply them to even more situations than the Bible does.  How, for example, are we to treat people who we are backpacking with across Europe?  The principles of unity and harmony that exist in the Godhead apply to not only the household but that situation too.

Reread Ephesians from beginning to end and try to see it as a whole.

The final greetings of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians lacks the personal touch of many of his other letters.  No personal names of recipients or fellow workers are given.  This would indicate that the letter was circular.  In other words it was not going to be given to one church but to many.  Divine revelation is not always for particular circumstances but is often quite broad.  The directives about households would apply to all families, the teaching about Christ is true whether you live in Athens or Jerusalem.

The result of this is that when you read a book like Ephesians there is little doubt that Paul’s instructions are as true for us as they were for anyone living in Ephesus.

Ephesians 6:21-24

²¹ Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. ²²I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

 ²³ Peace to the brothers and sisters,^[c] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.^[d]

^Questions

1. ^{What will Tychicus do?}
2. ^{What is the nature of the love Paul wishes the Ephesians to exhibit?}
3. ^{Can you find reference to Tychicus elsewhere in scripture?}
4. ^{How do you circulate God’s teaching to your contacts?}
5. ^{How do you discern which directives in the Bible were for that time and place and which are for now?  For example, God told Noah to build the ark, but you haven’t built an ark.  God told the Israelites to meditate on his word which I assume you do.}

I have heard a lot of sermons in my time about the armour of God.  Things that stick in my head are:

• The armour is largely defensive because we are always under attack.
• The belt of truth holds the rest together.  Everything hangs on the truth.
• The breastplate covers your heart.  A righteousness from God keeps the heart safe.
• Roman sandals were like hob-nailed boots, not like something that you wore to the beach.  They were made for action.
• The roman shield covered the whole person.  It was also used as a stretcher to take a casualty from the battlefield.
• The gladius/sword is the only offensive weapon.  Because of this we should not be afraid to speak God’s truth into areas where it is not welcome.

As you can see, there is quite a spectrum of ideas that I have heard during the years.  Some of these ideas I think are important to the passage – others are not.  Read today’s passage and see which ones you think are really in the passage.

Ephesians 6:10-20

 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Questions

1. What phrase does Paul repeat for emphasis?
2. Is the armour of God offensive or defensive?
3. From what things would spiritual attacks have occurred for Ephesian Christians?
4. When have you been aware of putting on God’s armour?
5. How might you attribute natural causes to supernatural oppression?

Going Deeper

How do these images help you to understand the passage?

Why are slaves mentioned in a list that gives directions to husbands, wives and children?  Unlike modern, western society the household of the ancient Roman empire included slaves.  Many slaves had become Christians and rumours abounded that Christian households were more disorganised than pagan ones.  Slaves didn’t know their place, wives usurped husbands and children were disobedient.  That was at least the propaganda.  The truth was that Paul wanted peace and harmony in the home.  His rules do not confine a person who is a slave to a life of slavery, it is just that a slave is to uphold peace and Christian virtue even in their role as slave. 

I have heard many sermons where the parallel is drawn between the directions given to slaves and how we are to behave at work.  Although we are meant to be peaceful and positive at work, the emphasis breaks up the passage.  The passage answers the question, “How should a Christian home be?”

How would you describe the roles played out regularly under your roof?

Ephesians 6: 1-9

¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”^[a]

 ⁴ Fathers,^[b]do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

 ⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, ⁸because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

 ⁹ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Questions

1. What roles are mentioned in this passage?
2. How does Paul tie new Christian conduct together with Jewish conduct?
3. Why are slaves included in this list?
4. What roles do people fulfil in your household?
5. How do you follow the directives above?

The disconnect between belief and lifestyle seems to be growing.  Barna studies tell us that despite claiming faith in Jesus Christ many Christians are bending the rules of the Bible to suit their circumstances (http://www.barna.org/culture-articles/144-a-new-generation-of-adults-bends-moral-and-sexual-rules-to-their-liking).  This would really come as no surprise, but adults are reinforcing the ambiguity and contradiction in the lives of their children.  There are parents who say that church is important, but who rarely attend.  The Barna group also found that parents are concerned about the values in today’s media but purchase questionable media for their children anyway.  The Bible is clear that a clear understanding of the gospel leads to a holy life.  Why are we not seeing more change?

Ephesians 5:1-20

¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 ³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[a] 6} Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷Therefore do not be partners with them.

 ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴This is why it is said:

   “Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”

 ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions

1. What is God’s way?
2. What actions show God’s way of living?
3. Why do people try to live life as close to the ‘dark side’ as possible?
4. What is missing from Christians’ understanding and motivation that they livemorally inconsistent lives?
5. How could you improve your holy living?

Going Deeper

Barna has reports on trends in many things (a good example is technology).  Check out the child and family section and also take a look at teens.  http://www.barna.org/topics/family-kids

They call it the 27 Club.  It is a collection of young musicians who died at 27.  Amy Winehouse from Britain has just entered that list.  Without a guiding light to steer by, these artists run aground and wreck on the rocks of sensual overindulgence and experimentation.  They themselves become tragic heroes of their generation.  They become myths that adorn posters.  However, their lives are a warning and not a standard.  The world without God offers nihilism and nihilism reduces to ash and dust.  Nihilism is the belief that nothing matters and that nothing of value exists.  It is often embraced by angst riddled teenagers.  It kills performers at age 27, most famously: Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin and now Amy Winehouse.

Ephesians 4 contrasts a life of indulgence with a life of god-given purpose.

Ephesians 4: 17-32

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”^[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Questions

1. What did Paul warn Ephesians about their thinking and their actions?
2. How did the senses figure over thoughtful living?
3. What did Paul encourage the Ephesians to take on?
4. Think of someone you know who gave up on God.  What do they live for?  How did their thinking change?
5. Read an article about the 27 Club (e.g. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43866594/ns/today-entertainment/t/winehouse-just-latest-musician-die/).  Pray for those who are younger than 27 who are becoming futile in their thinking.