Textual Community

Lingering on the Lectionary: New Beginnings and the Beginning of All Things
Reflection on the readings for Jan 2 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday after Christmas Day).
Biblical Texts: John 1.1–18; Eph 1.3–14. 

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel narrative. In their own ways, both Matthew and Mark give a meaningful and extended introduction to the birth of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry. Luke chooses to begin by juxtaposing the story of Mary and the story of Elizabeth. Mary's song in particular is rife with theological and intertextual richness. In her reflection on God's sovereignty and their role in redemptive history, Mary echoes the Song of Hannah and the Song of Miriam. These profound and beautiful words provide the stunning backdrop for the story of Jesus's birth in Luke 2. Biblical Texts: Luke 1; 1 Sam 2; Exod 15.

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Mark's Gospel narrative. Because it does not include a birth/infancy narrative, the Gospel of Mark is sometimes neglected during advent season. One of the ways to see how Mark helps us reflect upon the incarnation is to connect Jesus's birth to his messianic ministry. Both the birth of Jesus and the later ministry of Jesus are informed by careful reflection on intertextual connections to the OT. Mark's opening also shows some illuminating biblical-theological connections between the beginning of Jesus's life on earth and the beginning of his ministry in Galilee. Biblical Texts: Mark 1; Isaiah 40; Malachi 3. 

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Matthew's Gospel narrative. Matthew chooses to begin his story of the incarnation (which actually starts in Matt 1.18) with an intertextually loaded opening section (Matt 1.1–17). As we reflect upon Messianic expectation during the season of Advent, the beginning of Matthew's Gospel provides important resources for us as we reflect on the biblical-theological themes that inform the Christmas story. 
 

A Theology of Giving Thanks Prepares us for Advent: In this episode, I reflect on a theology of giving thanks. The shape of Christian thanksgiving is to the Lord and for the Lord. A robust theology of giving thanks also prepares us to understand and participate in a season of advent (which requires us to wait, to remember, and to give thanks). Biblical Texts: Ps 9; Ps 25; Jer 33. This episode also features some of my family members! 
For the categories of thanks to the Lord and from the Lord, see these quotations from Jason Lee: https://www.chedspellman.com/2011/11/giving-thanks-for-god.html

In this episode, I briefly reflect on the ministry and death of Anabaptist pastor Michael Sattler from the Reformation era. His letter to his congregation on the eve of his death provides a stark contrast to the culture of celebrity that often encroaches upon the churches. In particular, I think about the implications of this statement he makes in the letter: "The Lord can certainly raise up for Himself another laborer to complete His work." For a overview of Sattler's life, ministry, and theological significance, see: https://www.academia.edu/10907109/I_Wait_Upon_My_God_Exploring_the_Life_and_Letters_of_Michael_Sattler_SWJT_
For the text of this episode, see: https://www.chedspellman.com/2021/08/michael-sattler-and-nature-of-pastoral.html

Today I give a brief preview of what you can expect on Lingering on the Lectionary for the rest of the year. I also survey the papers I am presenting at this year's annual academic meetings (ETS / SBL). 
The book I mentioned that contains the previously unpublished essay by John Sailhamer is The Seminary as Textual Community: Exploring John Sailhamer's Vision for Theological Education (Fontes, 2021). 
https://amzn.to/2YJPmWw
The SBL/IBR research group details for this year can be found here: https://ibr-bbr.org/annual-meeting/research-groups/biblical-theology
Thanks for listening!

Lingering on the Lectionary: What the Lord Builds & Jesus Sees 
Reflection on the readings for Nov 7 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost).
Texts: Ps 127; Heb 9.24–28; Mark 12.38–44. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: Love God & Love Others (Mk 12; Ruth; Ps 146)Reflection on the readings for Oct 31 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Mark 12.28–34; Ruth; Ps 146. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: Were You There at the Beginning of All Things?Reflection on the readings for Oct 17 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Job 38; Ps 104.