How Similar Can We Be?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 15 to study 1 Corinthians chapter 1.  This chapter introduces some critical themes which form the basis for the rest of the letter.  It also introduces the first of the problems that the Apostle Paul addresses with this church in this letter.

Read through this chapter several times.  In letters, it is sometimes helpful to consider the 'topical arrangement' of what is written.  So, think in terms of where what Paul writes 'breaks', what constitutes a 'section', and what topics seems to form the core of those sections.  In other words, where does Paul seem to 'change the subject', even slightly?

Jot down questions and observations you have of the text as you read through several times.  Some of these will be answered on subsequent readings, and more will crop up.  Revise your 'arrangement' of this chapter, perhaps read chapter two to see if there is an 'artificial' break between chapters.  Keep working through it, especially using several versions (you pick, just different ones).

After you have some idea of your questions and arrangement, go back through using the questions below:

• Where was Sosthenes mentioned in Acts? Who was he? 
• What do you think is important about including this church along with 'all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'?
• Through verse 9, Paul is still in the 'Introduction'.  In these verses, Paul seems to tie down some important concepts.  List how many you can find (it's subjective, there's not a 'right' answer).
• Look up the word, 'blameless' in the Strong's on the Blue Letter Bible website. The word is a legal term used in court cases, and had to do with bringing someone before the judge.  This word seems to mean that the object can't even be brought before the judge; the case is thrown out before it begins.  What does that mean in this place as Paul uses it?
• The word for divisions is the Greek word from which we get 'schisms'.  Look this word up at Dictionary.com; where does it come from?  What does it mean as Paul uses it here?
• In verse 10, Paul uses the Greek word for 'same' three times.  Can you spot all three in English?
• The final two 'same mind', 'same judgement' are Greek words for thinking.  One refers to the 'location' of thinking (i.e. the head/brain), and the other to the 'directing of ones faculties on an object'; so one is the 'tool' and the other the 'thing fixed' in terms of thought.  Big deal, why so precise here?  What do you think Paul is getting at?
• The 'schisms' stem from 'personalities'.  Which 'group' does Paul seem to favor? Which group(s) does he seem to be against?  Why one over the other?
• What seems to define who is in what group?
• In verse 18, Paul seems to begin a discussion of the Cross of Christ, but what is he contrasting it to?  What problem do you think Paul is addressing in this way?  How are we guilty of this today?
• In verse 20, Paul lists some 'types' of people (3 types).  To which people groups do these types belong?  Why do you think he is referring to them this way?
• What forms (or 'about Whom is') the core of Paul's 'preaching' or proclamation of the good news?  How is that different from 'wisdom'?
• Considering the 'solution' Paul is pushing in chapter 1, what do you think is the problem the church in Corinth is having?

That should keep us going for one night.  I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday!

The 'Where', and the 'Who' of First Corinthians

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study group meeting May 8, to study the first of Paul's letters to the church in Corinth.  On this night, we'll be studying the city itself, and a bit about the history of the region (Achaia, Peloponnesus, and Attica).  There is a map below to help with some of the places mentioned.

First, please review any introductions to the letter in a 'study Bible' or commentary you may have.  Second, please read these three articles (they're short) on Corinth on the Blue Letter Bible site.  Third, Google the city of Corinth.  Browse through what you can find, and make notes and jot down questions.

I have some questions I'd like you to consider.  The answers may be different depending on what you read, so read more than one thing.

• How many cities of Corinth were there?
• What people founded the original city?
• What was the principal quality every historian mentions about Corinth?
• The city had a 'citadel' on top of the 'Acrocorinth', a tall rocky hill behind it.  What, besides a fort, was up there? (try this article also check out the live video feed on that page)
• The Romans destroyed the city in 144 B.C. and it remained a ruin until 44 B.C. what Roman emperor had it rebuilt?
• What socioeconomic people-group did the Romans use to populate the second Corinth?
• See if you can find Ancient Corinth on 'Google Maps'.  Is it where you thought it would be in relation to the narrow isthmus?  Why where it is rather than right on the narrow part?
• How many ports did Corinth have?  One is right down on the shore from the ancient city.  Where are the other(s)?

That, these pictures, and websites should not only give us a good idea of the place Paul wrote to, but also the people.  See you all Thursday!

The Tragedy of Saul

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 27 to study 1 Samuel 31.  This is a short sad chapter.  Notice that this story ends without a 'silver lining'.  It's not the actual end to the overall story, but for Saul, it's the bitter end.  Let's keep our focus on Saul; hard as that will be.

Read through the chapter a few times.  Go ahead and read into 2 Samuel to get some sense of the scope of where this piece fits in the overall story, but we'll be focusing on chapter 31.  Jot down observations and questions and bring them with you Thursday.

After reading through a few times, read back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think the people fled so early on in the fight?
• The sons of Saul die and yet the Philistines take their time finding Saul.  How do you imagine this fight looking?
• The archers find Saul, but still the 'army' hasn't.  Why might that be?
• Saul tells his 'armor-bearer' to kill him, why doesn't he want to die fighting the Philistines?
• Saul kills himself, and then so does his armor-bearer.  How do you imagine this scene?  Why don't the Philistines find him before the next day?
• Where are the rest of the 'men of Israel'?  Look for Gilboa on a map, so why do those on the other side of the Jordan see Saul fall?
• The people fee the cities, and Philistines take them to live in.  What seems strange to you about this?
• Why treat the body of Saul like they did?  
• Why do the Philistines celebrate in their temples?
• Where is the city of Beth-Shan?  Why would the men of Jabesh Gilead risk so much to take Saul and his sons to bury them? (1 Samuel 11)  Why burn them first?
• Why do you think the 'Tamarisk Tree' is a significant place to bury Saul?
• What do you think Saul might have done differently to change the outcome of the battle?  At what point could he have recovered his relationship with God?

That should keep us busy for a bit.  We will also discuss what we'll do next.  See you Thursday!

Not A Happy Homecoming

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 20 to study 1 Samuel 29 and 30.  These chapters actually go together very well.  There are little details that actually give some insight into David, the region, and what it was like to live in that day which may help us fill in some 'blanks'.  You've had some questions about what David and his 'merry men' were doing, and why it was 'good', so this may help shed some light on the cultural and societal details surrounding that issue.

Read through both chapters together (just ignore the break) several times.  Look for things that provide details about what happened, and see if some clues as to why might be found.  Jot down questions and insights as well, and bring them to group.  Also, look for things about David's character.  What is he like through these chapters?

After you've read through a few times, and jotted down questions and insights, go back through with these questions:

Chapter 29

• In verse 2, the technical title of the Philistine lords is 'Seren'; like 'Pharaoh' for the leader of Egypt.  The Philistine language is gone, without example for us.  So, if you look at the times this term is used, this is the only time it's used where Saul is involved (although it may be assumed another would be in in 13:5).  So, what does this mean for this particular battle?
• In verse three, the Philistine princes refer to David and his band as "Hebrews".  Look back at 1 Samuel 13:21.  Why might this reference be important here to explain their concern? 
• What is Achish's assessment of David?  Remember back to chapter 27, so how accurate is his assessment?
• The princes of the Philistines tell Achish to send David back home.  What is their reasoning?  What are they afraid David will do?  What have they heard of David?  This is one popular song.
• Achish goes to David, to tell him to return.  Consider how he starts his 'speech'.  Why do you think he arranges his speech that way?
• What is David's first response?  What does that mean for Achish's manner of starting?  What do you think is going on in this dialogue?  Is it formalized negotiation, covenant dialogue, cultural, or just emotional heated dialogue?
• What do you think it means that Achish refers to the God of Israel in verse 6?
• Read verse 9 in as many translations as you can.  The word used is "Elohim" which can be translated God, gods, supernatural being, or something of the like.  How do you think Achish meant it, considering he's pagan, but also used God's name in verse 6?
• How much of a 'fight' do you think David puts up here?  So do you think David is 'relieved', 'concerned', 'disappointed', or something else?

Chapter 30

•  David returns home after three days.  The Amalekites have raided them.  What is different about their treatment of Ziklag?  Why might that be?
• What evidence of God's blessing can you find in what happened?
• Why do you think the initial response is weeping when the men return to Ziklag?
• Why do you think their second response is to kill David?
• Who do you think used the ephod?
• What does it actually say about the 200 left at Besor?  Why do you think they were so weary?
• They find a clue to where the enemies are, how do they treat this guy?  Why do you think they are so kind to him?
• Consider the slave's description of what the Amalekites did.  What do you think is interesting about their treatment of Ziklag?  Why do you think it may have been different (or was it)?
• The Amalekites are having a 'victory party' before reaching home, or so it seems.  But consider how many there probably are of them, and then consider how many David now has.  What do you think would be David's biggest concern?
• How long do David's men fight the Amalekites?  If the other 200 were too tired to cross a ravine, what sort of condition do you think the remaining 400 would be in?  What do you think of David's men at this point?  Were the Philistines right to fear having them in and among their leaders?
• Considering only 400 hundred (only?) escape fleeing on camels, and factoring in it took them all night and all the next day to defeat the rest, how many Amalekites do you think there were?
• Where did the Amalekite plunder come from?  What areas?
• Verse 20 isn't easy to translate, but it's not that hard to understand.  Everyone seems to get what they lost, and the rest of the plunder goes to David.  Again, considering the regions attacked by the Amalekites, and how large the raiding band was, how much plunder do you think this is?
• When they reach the 200 hundred left behind, what sort of men aren't happy with them (be sure to read verse 22 in several translations, including the KJV)?  What do you think it means for David and his men that they have such men with them?
• Consider David's response to them.  How does he refer to them?  And yet what does he say about their 'idea'?  What do you think this says about David's character, that he has these sorts of people around him, and how he responds to them?
• Why do you think David did what he did with his huge share of the plunder?  If you can (and it won't be easy) find these places on a map of Southern Israel.  Why these places?

That should take us at least an hour, and it will leave only one short chapter remaining.  I look forward to studying with you Thursday!

Of Witches and Kings

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 13 to study 1 Samuel 28 and 29.  We didn't start chapter 28 last week due to a late start and good discussion of chapter 27.  So I have the study questions for chapter 28 from the last study page repeated below.

These two chapters add to the heightened suspense of the coming battle.  God is demonstrating some very problematic behavior in 28, and in 29 we are robbed of seeing what might have happened with David in the Philistine camp.  It's a very strange set of chapters.  What we should be looking for is the work of God and His purpose revealed.  That's not hard to find, the difficulty is the reason why He chooses to work in the particular ways he does.  So, we'll both look for what He's doing, and explore options about why He uses the methods He does, and what that means for us.

Read both chapters several times.  Hopefully you already have read at least 28 a few times.  You are probably going to need to read it a few times just to get a sense of all the details involved.  Then perhaps a few more to really analyze what's happening and what that means.  You can read some commentaries, but just keep in mind that modern commentaries really do not like this chapter, and will usually take one of only two options.  I plan on exploring the more dangerous and creepy options they don't. 

Chapter 29 will be a bit easier, but try to imagine the setting, the people, the dialogue actually happening, and think about what you see.  Still read through the chapter a few times, but this one is shorter and a lot easier to deal with.

After you've read these chapters a few times, then go back through with these questions:

Chapter 28

•  Achish tells David that he will accompany the king into war.  Read verse 2 in as many translations as you have.  What do you think David means by his response to Achish? 
• No one knows, the Scripture never tells us, but what do you think David planned to do in battle?
• What 'position' does Achish give to David?  Why do you think Achish would do that?  What do you think he thinks of David?
• This chapter repeats the statement about Samuel we already say in chapter 25.  Why do you think this is an important enough element to repeat?
• The other element with which Samuel's death is combined is the comment that Saul had 'removed' those communing with the dead from the land.  What do these two have in common?
• What sorts of things does Saul use to try to 'hear' from God?  Why do you think God doesn't answer?
• Saul resorts to asking his servants about one of these 'ones communing with the dead'.  How long does it take to fine one?  What do you think that means for the 'effectiveness' of Saul's 'purge' of such people?
• Saul specifically asks for, and the woman in En-Dor is specifically referred to as a "Baal-Spiritist", and since baal can mean 'lord' or 'master', what do you think this means for who she is among 'spiritists'?  What do you think may be some other options?
•  If God will not answer, how wrong is Saul in seeking this option?
• Saul disguises himself and goes to the super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic.  What is the first thing she says when they approach her for this 'gig'?
• What seems really odd about Saul's response to her hesitation?
• There is a bunch of conjecture about what made the woman scream, Samuel or the fact that Saul was the one asking her to do this.  What do you think it means if she screamed when Samuel appeared?
• Since God forbids this sort of practice, what do you think it means that Samuel appears?  Why, if it 'works' does God not what this sort of thing practiced?
• Read verse 13 in several translations (included the King James if you can find one).  What does she see?  Consider that in verse 14, the reference is 'singular', "What is his shape?" while 'gods' is a plural reference.  Why do you think that might be a problem?
• What is so remarkable about what the woman describes that confirms to Saul it's Samuel?
• Why do you think Saul bows himself down when he realizes it's Samuel?
• Samuel speaks.  Imagine this scene.  What is happening?  Where is the super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic while this is going on?
• What do you think of Saul's answer to Samuel about why he asked him to be brought up?
• Samuel does not seem helpful, at least not at first.  What do you think of his response initially?  How might that help us understand why God never answered in the other ways Saul tried first?
• Where will Saul and his sons be tomorrow?  So, is Samuel in 'heaven' or 'hell'?
• Read 1 Samuel 11:1-7 and compare it to 28:20.  What do you think it feels like to be Saul right now?
• The super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic makes a great hostess, serves veal, and makes bread.  What do you think she's doing, and why?

Chapter 29

• In verse 2, the technical title of the Philistine lords is 'Seren'; like 'Pharaoh' for the leader of Egypt.  The Philistine language is gone, without example for us.  So, if you look at the times this term is used, this is one of only two times it's used where Saul is involved.  So, what does this mean for this particular battle?
• In verse three, the Philistine princes refer to David and his band as "Hebrews".  Look back at 1 Samuel 13:21.  Why might this reference be important here to explain their concern? 
• What is Achish's assessment of David?  Remember back to chapter 27, so how accurate is his assessment?
• The princes of the Philistines tell Achish to send David back home.  What is their reasoning?  What are they afraid David will do?  What have they heard of David?  This is one popular song.
• Achish goes to David, to tell him to return.  Consider how he starts his 'speech'.  Why do you think he arranges his speech that way?
• What is David's first response?  What does that mean for Achish's manner of starting?  What do you think is going on in this dialogue?  Is it formalized negotiation, covenant dialogue, cultural, or just emotional heated dialogue?
• What do you think it means that Achish refers to the God of Israel in verse 6?
• Read verse 9 in as many translations as you can.  The word used is "Elohim" which can be translated God, gods, supernatural being, or something of the like.  How do you think Achish meant it, considering he's pagan, but also used God's name in verse 6?
• How much of a 'fight' do you think David puts up here?  So do you think David is 'relieved', 'concerned', 'disappointed', or something else?

That should take us through an hour or so.  We may not get to chapter 29, and that's okay.  We'll finish this out in as much time as it takes us.  It's worth taking slow.

Everyone Makes Mistakes, Or Do They?

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting March 6 to study 1 Samuel 27 and 28 (maybe both, maybe just 27).  These chapters raise huge questions for loyal followers of Jesus.  There are lots of 'conjectures', 'theories', and 'suggestions'; all of which are opinions, but none of which are really satisfactory or comfortable.  The reality is that these two chapters make us uncomfortable as believers.  So, like all the previous times, we will dive into and swim fearlessly in the deep murky water of Scripture to find the jewels of our Master hidden within.

So, as always, read these chapters several times.  It may be helpful to read ahead, perhaps to the end of the book.  The challenge for us with these two chapters is to perceive what God is doing with these events, and see if we can determine what He is doing, and what He is 'permitting' to be done.  I think that this is an example of our Master 'working all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.'  But what is that purpose, and how is He working? 

Jot down your thoughts and questions as you read through.  It may be tough, but try not to camp out on one idea or theory.  Keep in mind we all have opinions on these things, but trying to look back 3,000 years is never easy, and rarely sure.  What we do know is that we have to read is what God wants us to have.  Beyond that, His Spirit uses these words to work on our hearts for His purpose.  That's what we know; all else is opinion.

After reading through the chapters a few times, read through again with these questions in mind:

Chapter 27:

• After reading David's statement in the previous chapter (1 Sam. 26:19) it seems this is not a new idea for David.  Why do you think David seems to even consider this idea?
• Review 1 Sam. 21:10-15.  Why do you think David would consider returning to Achish?
• David's plan seems to work. Saul stops pursuing him.  How do you think the people of Israel think of David at this point?
• David wants space from Achish, and the king gives him Ziklag.  Why do you think David would want it, and why do you think Achish would give it to him?
• Look at a map of the region (one that goes south to the border of Egypt, the one below is too small), and consider where the peoples are that David raids. Why do you think David raids these people?
• If David leaves no witnesses, who do you think he sounds like?
• What is David doing here, raiding, leaving no witnesses, and lying to Achish; what is he playing at?
• Read verse 9 in a few translations.  What is David doing with what he takes?
• What do you think about that 'clothing' can also be translated 'treachery'?
• David says he's raiding the south of Judah.  Why do you think Achish would believe David would behave like that?

Chapter 28:

•  Achish tells David that he will accompany the king into war.  Read verse 2 in as many translations as you have.  What do you think David means by his response to Achish? 
• No one knows, the Scripture never tells us, but what do you think David planned to do in battle?
• What 'position' does Achish give to David?  Why do you think Achish would do that?  What do you think he thinks of David?
• This chapter repeats the statement about Samuel we already say in chapter 25.  Why do you think this is an important enough element to repeat?
• The other element with which Samuel's death is combined is the comment that Saul had 'removed' those communing with the dead from the land.  What do these two have in common?
• What sorts of things does Saul use to try to 'hear' from God?  Why do you think God doesn't answer?
• Saul resorts to asking his servants about one of these 'ones communing with the dead'.  How long does it take to fine one?  What do you think that means for the 'effectiveness' of Saul's 'purge' of such people?
• Saul specifically asks for, and the woman in En-Dor is specifically referred to as a "Baal-Spiritist", and since baal can mean 'lord' or 'master', what do you think this means for who she is among 'spiritists'?  What do you think may be some other options?
•  If God will not answer, how wrong is Saul in seeking this option?
• Saul disguises himself and goes to the super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic.  What is the first thing she says when they approach her for this 'gig'?
• What seems really odd about Saul's response to her hesitation?
• There is a bunch of conjecture about what made the woman scream, Samuel or the fact that Saul was the one asking her to do this.  What do you think it means if she screamed when Samuel appeared?
• Since God forbids this sort of practice, what do you think it means that Samuel appears?  Why, if it 'works' does God not what this sort of thing practiced?
• Read verse 13 in several translations (included the King James if you can find one).  What does she see?  Consider that in verse 14, the reference is 'singular', "What is his shape?" while 'gods' is a plural reference.  Why do you think that might be a problem?
• What is so remarkable about what the woman describes that confirms to Saul it's Samuel?
• Why do you think Saul bows himself down when he realizes it's Samuel?
• Samuel speaks.  Imagine this scene.  What is happening?  Where is the super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic while this is going on?
• What do you think of Saul's answer to Samuel about why he asked him to be brought up?
• Samuel does not seem helpful, at least not at first.  What do you think of his response initially?  How might that help us understand why God never answered in the other ways Saul tried first?
• Where will Saul and his sons be tomorrow?  So, is Samuel in 'heaven' or 'hell'?
• Read 1 Samuel 11:1-7 and compare it to 28:20.  What do you think it feels like to be Saul right now?
• The super-spirit-channel-surfer-chic makes a great hostess, serves veal, and makes bread.  What do you think she's doing, and why?

That should keep well entertained for at least one evening.  Remember to bring your questions and observations to group this Thursday!

Late Night Visitors

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting February 27 to study 1 Samuel 26.  This is very similar to the account in chapter 24, but the differences are important.  This account seems to be more pieced together.  I'm sure lots of theories exist about how it's merely another version of chapter 24, or about how this one is evidence of how accounts of David were more fragmentary legends than actual fact. 

Big deal. Let them theorize.  The only truly verifiable fact is that this account not only made it into versions of 1 Samuel early on, but that it also acquired very few very minor differences between manuscript families. So, while it, like so many we have studied, are peculiar, it has more support as a historical event than many other less ancient cultures.

So, like always, read the chapter several times.  In this one, pay particular attention to things that seem repetitious.  Also pay close attention to any margin notes your particular translation may have.  The repetitious parts may have some significance, but even if not significant, can signal where different versions of the account were pieced together.  If you step back, you can sometimes tell in such places how various accounts were actually amazingly harmonious in their details. 

Jot down questions and observations you make as you read through the chapter.  It may be helpful to look back over chapter 24 for a reminder of details there.  After you've been through the chapter a few times on your own, look back over it with the questions below:

• The people of Ziph come again to Saul.  Why do you think they keep doing this with David?
• So, how do you think David is able to move about and see so clearly without being seen?  It's the desert, it's hard to hide much of anything...or is it?
• David goes out to see for himself, and takes two with him.  Abishai is the son of Zeruiah.  Look up Zeruiah on the Blue Letter Bible website.  There are interesting ideas of what her name means, but why do you think David refers to Abishai in terms of his mom?  He always refers to the three men that way, so it's important, but we don't really know why.
• What is expected but missing as David and Abishai sneak into the camp?
• Who is with Saul here but was missing in chapter 24?  Why do you think he came this time?
• Again, David and his men are able to talk where you would think it would be unwise.  Why do you think that is?  And doesn't it make Abishai's point stronger?
• David restrains Abishai, takes Saul's spear and water jug, and leaves.  What do you think might be important about the 'spear'?
• Who takes the spear and jug?
• On their way out, we're told how they're able to get away with it.  Why do you think God wants David to do this?
• David goes a good distance and calls out to wake the army.  Why do you think he calls out to Abner specifically?
• Read what he says to Abner carefully, possibly from several translations.  His reasoning seems somewhat convoluted, but the essence is clear.  What does he claim needs to be done to Abner?
• As David speaks to Saul, what details are similar to chapter 24?  What details are different?
• David gives the spear back to Saul, and then continues to speak.  With the breaks in the dialogue sometimes you can spot where 'splices' were made to various accounts.  But what is the consistent theme throughout them all?

That should keep us busy for an hour or so.  Be sure to bring your own questions and observations.  See you Thursday!