Reading for February 3rd

 Read John 1.35-51. In verses 35-42: Two disciples. In verse 35: Two of John's disciples are the new audience. In verses 37-38: In contrast to the other gospels (see Mk 1.16-20), the disciples of John took the initiative, seeking Jesus, not being called by him. In verses 40-42: Andrew, Simon Peter's brother: The less well-known brother appears first. John commonly uses the double name, Simon Peter, in Greek form though both go back to Semitic originals (Symeon and Kephas, see v. 42 and Gal 2.9. 11). The explanation of Simon's naming takes place after he is introduced. In verses 43-51: John has disappeared, but the two disciples (Jesus and Peter) connect the preceding scene with this. In verses 43-44: Philip appears in 6.5; 12.21-22; 14.8. Like Andrew and Peter he is from Bethsaida (contrast Mk 1.21,29). In verse 45: Andrew had found Simon; Philip now finds Nathanael (who only appears here and  in 21.2). Him about whom Moses (see Deut 18.15, 18) ... and ... the prophets wrote: the messiah. The initiative of the disciples is asserted. son of Joseph: Jesus was a common name. In verse 47: Israel (Jacob, Gen 32.28) was deceitful (Gen 27.34-36). In verse 49: Nathanael's confession, introduced by Rabbi, is minimal, acknowledging Jesus as the Davidic messiah (2 Sam 7.14; Ps 2.7; 89.26; compare in Jn 12.13). The Gospel seeks to expand that vision. In Verse 50: Greater things: See 5.20; 14.12. In verse 51: You is plural. Angels ... ascending and descending might allude to Jacob's dream (Gen 28 .12) or to the vision of the Son of Man (see 3.13), the heavenly king upon whom the angels converge (Dan 7.13-14). Comments or Questions..