The Daily Lectionary with Commentary for Thursday, April 4, 2024: Thursday in Easter Week

 

The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Thursday in Easter Week

Unity, Wisdom, and Fellowship

Psalm 133; Daniel 1:1-21; Acts 2:42-47
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 2)

Introduction

As we journey through Thursday in Easter Week, we find ourselves enveloped in a tapestry of scripture that weaves together themes of unity, wisdom, and fellowship. Psalm 133 celebrates the blessedness of unity among God's people, likening it to precious oil and dew, symbols of refreshment and harmony. In Daniel 1:1-21, we encounter the story of Daniel and his companions, who in the face of adversity in Babylon, seek wisdom and faithfulness over earthly power and luxury. Their choice to adhere to their dietary and religious convictions not only preserves their integrity but also places them in high regard. Finally, in Acts 2:42-47, we are invited into the early Christian community's life, witnessing their steadfast commitment to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This passage highlights the transformative power of communal life in Christ — a life marked by generosity, worship, and joy. Together, these scriptures invite us to reflect on the richness of living in unity with one another, seeking divine wisdom, and nurturing a deep sense of fellowship in our faith communities.

Psalm 133
How Good it is to Live in Unity

Psalm 133, a part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, is a beautiful and concise song of ascent, attributed traditionally to King David. This short psalm stands as a poignant hymn celebrating the blessings and beauty of unity among brethren. Rich in metaphorical language, it likens the harmony among God's people to the precious oil used in religious rituals and the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion. It emphasizes the value and sacredness of communal harmony, suggesting that such unity is not only pleasing but also a conduit for God's blessings. Psalm 133 is often read and reflected upon in both Jewish and Christian traditions to underscore the importance of fellowship and unity within the community of believers.

1    How very good and pleasant it is
        when kindred live together in unity!
2    It is like the precious oil on the head,
        running down upon the beard,
    on the beard of Aaron,
        running down over the collar of his robes.
3    It is like the dew of Hermon,
        which falls on the mountains of Zion.
    For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
        life forevermore.

Expository Commentary

Verse 1: This opening verse sets the theme of the psalm: the goodness and pleasantness of unity among brethren. The phrase "kindred live together in unity" encompasses not just familial relationships but the broader community of faith. It suggests an ideal state of harmony and mutual support.

Verse 2: This verse employs a rich metaphor, comparing the goodness of unity to the sacred anointing oil used in the consecration of Aaron, the High Priest. The oil, which is described as precious, signifies blessing, sanctification, and the presence of God. The imagery of the oil running down Aaron's beard and robes symbolizes the overflowing nature of God's blessings—abundant and covering all aspects of life.

Verse 3: The final verse continues with another metaphor: the unity among the faithful is like the dew of Mount Hermon falling on Mount Zion. Mount Hermon was known for its heavy dews, which are essential for sustaining life in arid climates. This comparison emphasizes the life-giving aspect of unity. The reference to Zion connects this life-giving quality to the spiritual life and the blessings bestowed by God. The phrase "for there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore" underscores the ultimate gift of unity—eternal life and blessing from God.

In summary, Psalm 133 in the NRSVCE celebrates the deep spiritual and communal blessings of unity among believers. Through vivid imagery, it conveys the idea that such harmony is as precious and life-giving as sacred oil and nourishing dew, ultimately leading to the eternal blessing from God. This psalm remains a powerful reminder of the value of unity in the faith community.

Daniel 1:1-21
Daniel in the Court of Nebuchadnezzar

The first chapter of the Book of Daniel serves as a profound introduction to the story of Daniel and his companions. It begins with the historical context of the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign. Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, takes not only treasures from the temple of God but also selects young Israelite men from royal and noble lines to serve in his court. Among these are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The chapter highlights their unwavering faith and commitment to God's laws despite being in a foreign land. They refuse to defile themselves with the royal food and wine, choosing instead a simple diet. Their decision, blessed by God, leads them to surpass all their peers in wisdom and understanding. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, establishing Daniel and his friends as faithful followers of God, gifted with wisdom and understanding, in the midst of a challenging and often hostile environment.

1 1 In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods.

3 Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king’s palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king’s court. 6 Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. 7 The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. 9 Now God allowed Daniel to receive favor and compassion from the palace master. 10 The palace master said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king.” 11 Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe.” 14 So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. 16 So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams.

18 At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, 19 and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king’s court. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 21 And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Expository Commentary

Verses 1-2: The chapter begins with historical context, setting the scene during the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem. The Lord allows Judah to fall into his hands, signifying divine judgment on the nation for its disobedience. Nebuchadnezzar takes sacred objects from the temple to place in his own god’s temple, symbolizing the apparent supremacy of Babylon’s gods over Israel's God.

Verses 3-5: Nebuchadnezzar orders Ashpenaz, his chief official, to bring Israelite youths of royal lineage or nobility to serve in his palace. These young men are to be without physical defect, handsome, knowledgeable, and competent. They are to be educated for three years in the language and literature of the Babylonians and fed with royal food and wine. This was likely an attempt to assimilate them into Babylonian culture and erase their Jewish identity.

Verses 6-7: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, four young men from Judah, are chosen. They are given Babylonian names (Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, respectively), furthering the attempt at assimilation. These new names are associated with Babylonian gods, contrasting their Hebrew names which reference the Hebrew God.

Verses 8-10: Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, which may have been unclean according to Jewish dietary laws or used in idolatrous rituals. He requests permission to consume vegetables and water instead. The official fears for his life, as failure to maintain their health could result in his execution.

Verses 11-14: Daniel proposes a ten-day test of eating vegetables and drinking water to compare their health with those who eat the royal food. This is a test of faith, as Daniel relies on God to sustain them.

Verses 15-16: At the end of the ten days, they look healthier than those who ate the royal food, leading the official to allow them to continue their diet. This outcome shows God’s provision and the validity of faithfulness to Him.

Verses 17-19: God grants these four young men knowledge and proficiency in literature and wisdom. Daniel is given the unique ability to interpret visions and dreams. After the training period, they are presented to Nebuchadnezzar, who finds them far superior in wisdom and understanding than all his magicians and enchanters. This serves to highlight the superiority of God’s wisdom over pagan wisdom.

Verse 20: In all matters requiring wisdom and understanding, the king finds them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom, again affirming God’s blessing and the superiority of divine wisdom.

Verse 21: The chapter concludes by noting that Daniel remained until the first year of King Cyrus. This not only establishes the length of Daniel's service but also ties the narrative to a significant historical event, the eventual Persian conquest of Babylon and the beginning of Israel's restoration.

This chapter sets the tone for the rest of the Book of Daniel, establishing key themes of faithfulness, divine sovereignty, and the contrast between God's kingdom and earthly kingdoms.

Acts 2:42-47
The Believers’ Common Life

Acts 2:42-47 provides a vivid portrayal of the early Christian community following the Pentecost. This passage describes the practices and characteristics of the first believers who devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. It highlights a sense of unity and mutual care among the believers, as they shared their possessions, attended temple together, and broke bread in their homes with glad and generous hearts. Praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people, the passage concludes with the Lord adding to their number daily those who were being saved, emphasizing the growth and spiritual vitality of the early Church. This passage is often cited to illustrate the ideals of Christian communal living and the transformative power of faith in action.

2 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Expository Commentary

Verse 42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

• Devotion to Apostles' Teaching: This reflects the commitment of the early Christians to learn and adhere to the teachings of the apostles, who were direct disciples of Jesus. This was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and unity.

• Fellowship: The Greek word used here is "koinonia," which means community, communion, joint participation. It indicates a deep, spiritual bond among believers, not just casual socializing.

• Breaking of Bread: This phrase is often interpreted as the celebration of the Lord's Supper (Communion), which became a central ritual in Christian worship. It could also include sharing meals together, symbolizing unity and equality.

• Prayers: Regular prayer was a key practice, indicating a life grounded in worship and communication with God.

Verse 43: "Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles."

• Awe and Wonders: The early church was characterized by a sense of awe, possibly due to the miraculous works (signs and wonders) performed by the apostles. These miracles authenticated their message and attracted people to the faith.

Verses 44-45: "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need."

• Sharing Possessions: The believers lived in a form of communal life, sharing their resources. This was not a forced redistribution, but a voluntary act of love and solidarity.

• Providing for Needs: The primary purpose of this sharing was to ensure that no member of the community was in need, reflecting the teachings of Jesus about caring for the poor and less fortunate.

Verse 46: "Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts."

• Daily Temple Attendance: Their faith was not limited to private belief; it included public worship and teaching sessions in the temple.

• Breaking Bread at Home: This emphasizes the importance of hospitality and fellowship in the early church. Eating together was a sign of unity and community.

• Glad and Generous Hearts: This indicates the joy and sincerity in their communal life. Their faith was not a burden but a source of joy and generosity.

Verse 47: "praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."

• Praising God: Constant praise was a key feature of their communal life. Their faith was lived in joyous worship.

• Goodwill of People: Their lifestyle and behavior garnered positive regard from the broader community.

• Growth of the Church: The community's way of life, grounded in the apostles' teachings, fellowship, sharing, worship, and praise, was compelling and led to the continual growth of the church as more people came to faith.

In summary, Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the early Christian community as one characterized by deep commitment to apostolic teaching, mutual care and sharing, regular worship, and a lifestyle that attracted others to the faith. This passage has often been looked to as a model for Christian community and church life.

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