Wednesday 20 July 2022

Psalm 12

Background

Paul is in the synagogue in Pisidia (see Acts 13:13-25), having begun a long speech that marked a new step in the spread of the good news of Jesus throughout the Hellenistic (Greek) world.

After giving his audience a potted history of Israel leading to the climax of the story, Paul gives time to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a speech known by some biblical scholars as the 'Testimony of the Present'. He points out to them that those in Jerusalem did not see what was under their noses.

The way this story is recounted spoke directly to the dominant Greek culture and its love of tragedy, as Paul tells of what was written indicating a level of predetermination in a series of events leading to tragedy – the death of a Messiah. However, the story does not end there for the tragedy is turned to celebration as the same Messiah (also as predicted) rose from the dead, an event ironically witnessed by those who either had refused or were unable to see in Jerusalem. Paul finishes this part of his speech by quoting Psalm 2:7: "You are my Son; today I have begotten you", indicating that the ancient promise has indeed been fulfilled.

To Ponder:

• The element of predetermination suggested here might lead us to believe that we all might as well sit at home and watch TV rather than spread the gospel. What do you think?
• Would you be able to see what was under your nose if the predicted second coming of Christ happened this weekend? How would you know, and how would you prepare in light of this text?

Previously published in 2011.