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Thoughts on the second lesson for this week

Thoughts on the Reading from the Revelation of John. Revelation 1:4b-8 serves as a greeting and doxology, setting the tone for the entire Book of Revelation. Written during a time of great turmoil and persecution for early Christians, these verses offer encouragement and reaffirm faith in the face of adversity. Traditionally attributed to John of Patmos, the authorship of Revelation has been a topic of scholarly debate. While some suggest he may not be the Apostle John, it’s clear that he was familiar with the seven churches in Asia Minor. Composed around 95 CE, during Emperor Domitian’s reign, the text emerges from a context where Christians faced increasing pressure to participate in the imperial cult and suffered social marginalization. In these opening verses, John employs the familiar structure of a Greco-Roman epistolary greeting but infuses it with profound theological significance. He extends grace and peace “from the One who is and who was and who is to come,” emphasizing God&
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On Proper 28 - Year B

  On Proper 28 - Year B  The context of these thoughts is St. John Episcopal Church, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in November 2024.  They are prepared for the weekly Adult Bible Study on Sundays and Wednesdays. Summary of Conventional Wisdom on 1 Samuel 1:4-20 The passage of 1 Samuel 1:4-20 recounts the story of Hannah’s fervent prayer for a child and the subsequent birth of Samuel. From a historical-critical perspective, this narrative offers rich insights into ancient Israel's religious practices, social dynamics, and theological themes during the Judge’s transition into the monarchy. ·        Authorship and Dating •                  The Books of Samuel are part of the Deuteronomistic History (Deuteronomy through 2 Kings), believed to have been compiled during the exilic period (6th century BCE) using earlier sources. While the exact authorship is unknown, the narrative reflects concerns relevant to the Israelites during or after the Babylonian exile, such as leadership, covenant
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