Again, we had a lively and interesting discussion! Jo Ann, Karen, Dave, Dan, and Diana attended. David, Cindy, and Robin could not attend today and we missed them. Marlene and Shari expressed interest, but did not come today. Hope they can visit us soon. It was Diana’s first time joining us and it was a delight to have her with us!
We read all of Romans Chapter 7 and also read the grey box associated with that chapter that is in the Jewish Annotated New Testament and also most of the notes associated with that chapter in the Jewish Annotated New Testament.
The beginning of the chapter talks about adultery and widowhood, so we talked about how even today, that being a widow or widower does give a person the freedom to date and remarry. We also talked about how in the Orthodox Jewish circles that divorce is okay, but in Christian circles it is frowned upon. Jo Ann mentioned a friend who is divorced who was not allowed to participate in the music ministry of a messianic congregation once he remarried. Karen told the story of her parents’ divorce and how it had to be an Orthodox Jewish divorce. Adultery still exists and is still considered a bad thing.
Paul was using the death of a spouse and the freedom to remarry as a comparison on how those who embrace Christ are free from The Law (following all the rules in the Torah).
We discussed the term “sin” and decided that Jews don’t use that term or idea except around Yom Kippur. At churches it is common to hear the phrase “I am a sinner” or “I have sinned” or “We are/were sinners.”
Dan talked about Paul’s idea of being free from sin and death through Jesus. In Jewish circles we don’t think in those terms.
We discussed the phrase “You shall not covet.” (Paul was using that phrase in reference to that he once followed The Law.). I talked about it is hard not to want what others have. Karen mentioned a very jealous and mean person who she knows who has a lot.
Dave read the grey box associated with Romans 7 which explains how Paul goes back and forth between “I” and “We” in this chapter.
We noticed that the word “sin” was used a lot in this chapter! Again we came to the conclusion that the Christian religion is about gaining eternal life.
We ended our study with me giving us a preview of what we’ll read next week, Romans 8, by me reading the first two verses: “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”
We also chatted a bit after the study ended at 10:45 am and talked about how Zoom meetings like this have changed our lives, but it is good to see people in person too and are glad that Temple Israel is giving us the option of doing some things in person but continuing to also meet and study on Zoom.
Please add to this summary since I am sure I have not mentioned all the comments that were made in our very lively and fun discussion!
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