The Lively Lectionary New Testament is a blog by Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie that reflects on the Gospel text from the Revised Common Lectionary each week. It offers a 1000-1200 word post that relates the text to contemporary life.

A Tiny Text with Immense Significance - Reflections on Acts 10:44-48

Acts 10-15 presents to the reader the full implication of what the Gospel of Jesus Messiah actually means for the emerging Christian communities, as well as for Christian communities now. In these crucial chapters of Acts Peter comes to see that membership in the church of Jesus has nothing to do with being a citizen of a particular nation or being one who observes special customs that make one acceptable to God. 

Monday, April 29, 2024

A Running Commentary—Literally - Reflections on Acts 8:26-40

The wonderful tale of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch is among the most well-known stories in the book of Acts. It is at the same time an introduction to the inclusive power of the gospel and an insightful narrative of the early Christian use of the Hebrew Bible, as it was mediated through the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek version of the First Testament that almost always served as the springboard for reflection on the meaning of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Messiah.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Living the Resurrection - Reflections on Acts 4:32-35

The author of Acts, Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, has amplified the call of the older testament to order the new resurrection community in the way that the Israelites were similarly called to shape their community under YHWH.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024