It is getting to be “just plain fun” to get together every week and discuss the New Testament.
We had a full group today! Jo Ann, Dan, (and Jo Ann and Dan’s son Joel), David, Dave, Odette, Karen, Robin, Randy, Merill, Norky, and Jessica attended.
After we sang our usual opening song “Give Me That Old Time Religion” we began our study. Before the study we talked a bit about what was going on in our lives. Odette’s father is ill and so is Dan’s mother.
Below is a summary that Dan put together about what we studied and discussed:
We read through the final two chapters of II Corinthians 12-13.
We read, in preparation for these chapters, of the Jewish concept of multiple heavens, including the concept of seven heavens. In chapter 12, Paul spoke of someone who somehow went to the "third heaven", and saw and heard things which cannot be spoken of in this world. Apparently, he meant that he himself had gone on this heavenly journey.
In this portion, Paul is comparing his personal spiritual experiences with those of others who had apparently disparaged Paul's apostolic authority and teachings. Paul sarcastically calls people "super apostles." These individuals are not named by Paul.
Several of us, including Randy and Robin, commented on the irony of a person boasting of their humility, as Paul does in this passage. Dan mentioned that apostles such as Peter were famous as healers, yet Paul spoke of having some sort of physical disability which Paul called his "thorn in his side." Evidently Paul viewed this disability as having a spiritual purpose in his life. This may be compared with the speech impediment Moses is said to have had.
After our study, we talked about Mr. Spock from Star Trek’s “Live Long and Prosper” hand motion and how he got that from the Jewish Aaronic Blessing. Dan and Jo Ann led the group in singing a version of that blessing. We also sang the Misheberach healing prayer for those in the group and their loved ones who need healing.
We also got to spend some time after the study “just visiting.” We talked about classical music and a few other subjects. Norky is on a spiritual search and most of us agreed there are multiple ways to seek God.
Again, if there is anything else to add to this summary please comment.
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