“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Colossians 3:1-4 is a profound passage that encourages believers to focus on spiritual realities rather than earthly concerns. The author, traditionally believed to be the Apostle Paul, writes to the Colossians to remind them of their new identity in Christ. By urging them to “seek the things that are above,” Paul emphasises the importance of prioritising spiritual growth and heavenly values over worldly distractions. This message was particularly relevant to the Colossians, who lived in a society filled with diverse religious practices and philosophies.

The phrase “your life is hidden with Christ in God” suggests a deep, mystical union between believers and Christ. This idea would have been comforting to early Christians facing persecution, as it reassured them of their secure and eternal relationship with God. Today, this concept can be understood as an encouragement to find one’s identity and purpose in Christ, rather than in societal status or achievements. “When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” speaks to the hope of future resurrection and glorification.

For the original audience, this promise offered hope amidst trials, reminding them that their current struggles were temporary compared to the eternal glory awaiting them. In modern times, this can inspire believers to persevere through challenges, knowing that their faithfulness will be rewarded. The letter to the Colossians is widely accepted as a genuine Pauline epistle, though some scholars debate its authorship. Regardless, its teachings align with early Christian beliefs and practices, making it a reliable source of theological insight.

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Deeper Dive into the Passage

Peter’s declaration that “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34) was revolutionary for its time. It signified a shift from a Jewish-centric view of God’s favour to a universal one. This inclusivity is echoed in modern Catholic teachings that emphasise the universality of God’s love and salvation. The emphasis on the apostles as witnesses (Acts 10:39) underscores the importance of testimony in the early Church. This passage highlights the role of personal witness in spreading the Gospel, a principle that remains vital in contemporary evangelisation efforts. The passage’s reference to Jesus as the “judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42) reflects early Christian eschatological beliefs. This role of Jesus as judge is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, reminding believers of accountability and the hope of resurrection.

The Book of Acts was written in the first century, likely by Luke, to document the early Church’s growth and the spread of the gospel. The audience was primarily Gentile Christians, and the message of inclusivity would have been particularly resonant. Peter’s speech in Acts 10 is pivotal, marking the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring adherence to Jewish law. Today, this passage is often interpreted as a call for inclusivity and acceptance within the Church. A modern example might be the Church’s outreach to diverse communities, emphasising that God’s love transcends cultural and social boundaries.

While the exact words and events may not be verbatim, the account reflects the early Church’s theological developments and missionary activities. The core message of inclusivity and witness is consistent with other New Testament writings.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The passage highlights Mary Magdalene as the first to discover the empty tomb, which is significant given the cultural context where women were not considered reliable witnesses. This suggests an intentional emphasis on the inclusivity of Jesus’ message and the important role women played in the early Church. The “other disciple” believed upon seeing the empty tomb, even before understanding the scriptures about Jesus’ resurrection. This could indicate a theme of faith preceding understanding, a message to early Christians to trust in the resurrection even when full comprehension is lacking. The detail about the linen wrappings and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head being rolled up separately may symbolise the orderly nature of Jesus’ resurrection, contrasting with the chaos of death. This could reassure early Christians of the divine order and purpose in Jesus’ resurrection.

The Gospel of John was likely written for a community of believers facing persecution and doubt. The emphasis on belief without seeing (as with the beloved disciple) would have been a powerful message of encouragement. Today, this passage can remind us of the importance of faith in uncertain times. For example, just as the disciples had to trust in the resurrection without fully understanding it, we might trust in positive outcomes in our lives even when the path isn’t clear. The account of the empty tomb is considered a core element of the resurrection narratives across the Gospels. While details vary, the empty tomb’s discovery is widely accepted among scholars as a historical event, though interpretations of its significance differ.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Deeper Dive into the Passage

The passage highlights Mary Magdalene as the first to discover the empty tomb, which is significant given the cultural context where women were not considered reliable witnesses. This suggests an intentional emphasis on the inclusivity of Jesus’ message and the important role women played in the early Church. The “other disciple” believed upon seeing the empty tomb, even before understanding the scriptures about Jesus’ resurrection. This could indicate a theme of faith preceding understanding, a message to early Christians to trust in the resurrection even when full comprehension is lacking. The detail about the linen wrappings and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head being rolled up separately may symbolise the orderly nature of Jesus’ resurrection, contrasting with the chaos of death. This could reassure early Christians of the divine order and purpose in Jesus’ resurrection.

The Gospel of John was likely written for a community of believers facing persecution and doubt. The emphasis on belief without seeing (as with the beloved disciple) would have been a powerful message of encouragement. Today, this passage can remind us of the importance of faith in uncertain times. For example, just as the disciples had to trust in the resurrection without fully understanding it, we might trust in positive outcomes in our lives even when the path isn’t clear. The account of the empty tomb is considered a core element of the resurrection narratives across the Gospels. While details vary, the empty tomb’s discovery is widely accepted among scholars as a historical event, though interpretations of its significance differ.