Thursday, September 5, 2013

Proverbs 27-28 & 1 Thessalonians 5

Proverbs 27-28

Proverbs 27 is a very diverse Proverb that has many themes, most extremely unrelated. Best not to try and make sense of the connections to each other. This chapter itself demonstrates a strong antithetical trend, which is the only real unity that one will find within it.

The following chapter, Proverbs 28, continues with the antithetical tradition but they tend to revolve around the difference between the righteous and the wicked. The opening of the chapter may have had royalty in mind as it focuses on appropriate rule and order, a trend that is seen in the entire chapter. Clearly order helps keep harmony.

Verse 4-9 focus on the Law, which is unusual for Proverbs as its primary focus is on Wisdom and not the Law. Another section within the chapter deals with wealth and poverty and while wealth is something that is esteemed, for it then provides one to care for self and others, it pales in comparison to righteousness.

1 Thessalonians 5

As the community of Thessalonians is consumed with the Parousia, the coming of Christ, Paul lets them know that no one can or will know when it will happen, in this Paul's view mirrors that of Jesus who proclaimed that only the Father knows. Paul exhorts the community to be ready, to live in the Light and follow in the example of Paul and Jesus. The function of the community is to encourage each member to live into this standard.

In closing, Paul encourages the community to push themselves, to discipline each other and every once and while, kick each other in the butt when they need to. He also, exhorts them to listen to their leaders and care for them.

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