Textual Community

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  The book I mentioned that contains the previously unpublished essay by John Sailhamer is The Seminary as Textual Community: Exploring John Sailhamer's Vision for Theological Education (Fontes, 2021).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. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: Why Have You Forsaken Me? Reflection on the readings for Oct 10 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost). Text: Ps 22. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Righteous Sufferer and the Suffering Son Reflection on the readings for Oct 3 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Job 1–2; Ps 26; Heb 1–2.

Lingering on the Lectionary: Providence and Prayer Reflection on the readings for September 26 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Esther; Ps 124; James 5.13–20.