The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, May 5, 2024: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Embraced by Love: A Celebration of Faith and Obedience
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 6)
Introduction
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, May 5, 2024: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Embraced by Love: A Celebration of Faith and Obedience
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 6)
Introduction
In this collection of scriptural passages, we journey through a tapestry of divine revelation and human response, woven from Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:1-6, and John 15:9-17. In Acts, we witness the Holy Spirit's outpouring on all who hear the word, transcending boundaries and affirming God's inclusiveness. Psalm 98 resounds with joyous praise, urging the earth to sing a new song to the Lord for His marvelous deeds. In 1 John, we delve into the essence of faith and love, understanding that belief in Jesus as the Christ is born of God, and loving God means loving His children through obedience. Lastly, John's Gospel invites us into the intimate sphere of Christ's love, where we are called not servants, but friends, chosen to bear fruit in love. Together, these passages invite us into a celebration of faith, obedience, and the transformative power of divine love.
Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 10:44-48
The Spirit Poured Out on the Gentiles
First Reading
From the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 10:44-48
The Spirit Poured Out on the Gentiles
In Acts 10:44-48, the narrative unfolds with a profound demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power transcending cultural and religious boundaries. This passage marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, as the Holy Spirit descends upon Gentile believers while Peter is still speaking. The Jewish Christians accompanying Peter are astonished to witness the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation, as evidenced by their receiving the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. This event leads to a significant shift in the early Christian community, challenging long-held beliefs and prejudices. Peter, recognizing the work of God among the Gentiles, commands them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, thus formally incorporating them into the Christian community. This section of Acts underscores the universal nature of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers that once divided people, showcasing the inclusive embrace of Christianity.10 44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Expository Commentary
Verse 44: This verse highlights the immediacy and sovereignty of the Holy Spirit's actions. It's significant that the Holy Spirit descends while Peter is speaking, indicating that the acceptance of the Gospel message isn't contingent on ritual or tradition but on faith and the sovereign will of God. The Spirit's descent upon all listeners, Jews and Gentiles alike, signifies a universal offer of salvation.
Verse 45: The Jewish Christians (referred to as the circumcised believers) are amazed to see that the Holy Spirit is also granted to the Gentiles. This reaction underscores the prevailing Jewish belief of that era, which held that God's favor was exclusive to the Jewish people. The event is a crucial turning point, challenging and reshaping their understanding of God's salvation plan.
Verse 46: Speaking in tongues and praising God are tangible signs of the Holy Spirit's presence. These manifestations, previously evidenced at Pentecost among the Jewish believers, validate the Gentile believers' experience as equally genuine. This parallel experience bridges the cultural and religious gap between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Verse 47: Peter uses rhetorical questioning here to emphasize a significant theological point: if God has given the Gentiles the same spiritual gift as the Jewish believers, there should be no hesitation in accepting them fully into the Christian community. This statement from Peter reflects a major shift in the early Church’s understanding of God’s inclusiveness.
Verse 48: Peter's command to baptize the Gentile believers in the name of Jesus Christ is a pivotal act of unity and inclusion. Baptism, as an external sign of an internal grace, solidifies their acceptance into the Christian community. The invitation for Peter to stay further signifies the breaking down of social and religious barriers, as Jewish-Gentile fellowship was previously considered inappropriate.
In summary, Acts 10:44-48 serves as a critical juncture in the early Church, demonstrating the universal reach of the Gospel and the inclusivity of God's grace, breaking down longstanding ethnic and religious barriers.
Psalm 98 is a vibrant and jubilant hymn that invites the entire creation to praise God for His marvelous deeds. This psalm, also known as a 'new song,' celebrates the Lord's victory and righteousness, portraying Him as a just and merciful ruler. It emphasizes the universality of God's rule, extending an invitation to all the earth to join in the joyful praise. With vivid imagery and poetic language, the psalmist calls upon the sea, the rivers, and the mountains to make a joyful noise before the Lord, illustrating a profound sense of God's salvation and kingship not only over Israel but over all the nations. Psalm 98 encourages the faithful to recognize and rejoice in God's justice and faithfulness, reflected in His wondrous works and the promise of His righteous judgment.1 O sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
have gotten him victory.
2 The Lord has made known his victory;
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.
7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, calling for a 'new song' to celebrate the Lord's wondrous deeds. The "right hand and holy arm" symbolize God's strength and power in securing victory, perhaps referencing historical deliverance or spiritual salvation.
Verse 2: The psalmist declares that God's victory and righteousness are not just for Israel, but are displayed for all nations to see. This reflects a universal aspect of God’s salvation.
Verse 3: Here, the focus is on God's loyalty and faithfulness to Israel. The mention of "all the ends of the earth" implies that God's acts for Israel serve as a testimony to the entire world.
Verse 4: The psalmist invites the entire earth, not just Israel, to celebrate joyously. This inclusive call for praise suggests the universal relevance of God's rule.
Verse 5: Musical instruments, like the lyre, are encouraged in this act of worship, indicating a celebration with music and song.
Verse 6: Trumpets and horns, often used in royal and religious ceremonies, emphasize the majestic and kingly aspect of God, inviting a triumphant and regal tone in the praise.
Verse 7: The call to praise extends to the sea and its inhabitants, signifying the whole of creation, not just humanity, in recognizing God’s sovereignty.
Verse 8: In this picturesque language, natural elements like floods and hills are personified, clapping and singing in a collective celebration of God's rule.
Verse 9: The psalm concludes with the anticipation of God’s coming to judge the earth. This judgment is characterized by righteousness and fairness, bringing the theme of God’s justice to a climactic end.
In essence, Psalm 98 is a vivid and all-encompassing hymn of praise, acknowledging God's power, justice, and universal sovereignty, while calling all of creation to join in jubilant worship.
1 John 5:1-6 offers a profound exploration of faith, love, and the identity of Jesus Christ. This section begins by affirming that those who believe in Jesus as the Christ are born of God, and that loving God means loving God's children as well. The passage emphasizes that love for God involves obeying His commandments, which are not burdensome, for faith in Jesus overcomes the world. It concludes with the assertion that Jesus came through water and blood, not with water only, but with water and the blood, and the Spirit testifies to this truth.5 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4 for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. 5 Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1 — Belief and Birthright: This verse establishes a fundamental Christian doctrine: belief in Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) signifies a spiritual rebirth as a child of God. It also introduces the inseparable link between loving God (the parent) and loving God's children (fellow believers), suggesting that true faith naturally extends to love for others in the community of faith.
Verse 2 — Love Manifested through Obedience: Here, the writer clarifies that genuine love for God's children is demonstrated through a love for God that manifests in obedience to His commandments. This implies that our actions towards others, grounded in obedience to God, are a reflection of our love for God Himself.
Verse 3 — The Nature of God's Commandments: This verse reinforces the idea that love for God is expressed through obedience. It then introduces a comforting thought: God's commandments are not oppressive or overly difficult, but are designed in a way that they can be followed by those who are born of God.
Verse 4 — Overcoming the World: The author shifts focus to the concept of overcoming worldly challenges and oppositions. The key to this victory is faith; those born of God, armed with faith, are able to overcome the trials and temptations of the world. This verse elevates faith as the crucial element in the Christian life for overcoming worldly obstacles.
Verse 5 — Affirmation of Belief: This rhetorical question emphasizes that the only way to overcome the world is through belief in Jesus as the Son of God. It underscores the central Christian confession of Jesus’ divine sonship as the foundation for victory over the world.
Verse 6 — Jesus' Baptism and Crucifixion: The final verse in this section addresses the dual nature of Jesus' mission: 'water' symbolizing his baptism and 'blood' his crucifixion. This verse argues against contemporary beliefs that separated Jesus' divine nature from his human experiences. The Spirit’s testimony assures the truth of Jesus’ full mission and identity."
This passage of 1 John beautifully intertwines themes of faith, obedience, love, and the overcoming of worldly challenges through the belief in Jesus Christ. It serves as a profound reminder of the Christian identity and mission.
John 15:9-17 offers a profound exploration of the nature of love and the relationship between Jesus and his followers. In this passage, Jesus articulates the depth of his love, comparing it to the love of the Father for him, and commands his disciples to abide in this love. He further elaborates on the meaning of true love by emphasizing selflessness and sacrifice, defining the greatest form of love as laying down one's life for friends. This section of the Gospel of John not only highlights the central theme of love in Christian theology but also redefines the concept of friendship, as Jesus calls his disciples not servants, but friends, for he has shared with them all that he has heard from his Father. The passage culminates in the directive that this love is not just an emotional state, but should be expressed through actions, specifically in loving one another as he has loved them.15 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
Expository Commentary
Verse 9: This verse sets the foundation for the entire passage. Jesus begins by establishing the source of his love — it is rooted in the Father's love for Him. He then extends this love to His disciples, inviting them to remain ('abide') in his love, implying a continuous, living relationship.
Verse 10: Obedience is presented as the key to remaining in Jesus' love. This is not a conditional love, but a relational dynamic where obedience is a natural response to love. Jesus models this by His own obedience to the Father.
Verse 11: Jesus explains His purpose in sharing these teachings: that His disciples might have joy, and not just a fleeting happiness, but a complete, fulfilling joy that emanates from a deep connection with Him.
Verse 12: The central commandment of Jesus is to love others. This love is not abstract but modeled after Jesus' own sacrificial, selfless love. It's a high standard that calls for deep commitment and empathy.
Verse 13: Here, Jesus defines the greatest expression of love: self-sacrifice. This foreshadows His own death on the cross, where He lays down His life for humanity, the ultimate act of love.
Verse 14: Jesus redefines the relationship between Himself and His disciples. Obedience to His teachings is a mark of this friendship, but this friendship is also based on mutual love and respect, not just hierarchy.
Verse 15: This verse further develops the theme of friendship. Unlike a servant-master relationship, where knowledge is often withheld, Jesus shares with His disciples everything He knows from the Father, signifying trust and intimacy.
Verse 16: Here, Jesus speaks of divine initiative and purpose. He chose the disciples, indicating that their calling is part of a larger divine plan. Their mission is to bear lasting fruit, implying both spiritual growth and impactful actions, and they are assured of the Father’s support in Jesus’ name.
Verse 17: The passage concludes by circling back to the command of love. All of Jesus' teachings and commands are aimed at fostering a community bound by mutual, sacrificial love, reflecting the love that Jesus has shown.
This section of John's Gospel is rich in its theology of love, relationship, and discipleship, highlighting the deep, reciprocal relationship Jesus seeks with his followers, centered around love, obedience, and a transformative friendship.
Here end the Readings
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
