Scripture Study for

The Isaian passage refers to the devastation wrought by the  Assyrians around the year 732 B.C., when the northernmost tribal areas of Zebulun and Naphtali were annexed by the empire (2 Kings 15:29). This area, which included several non-Israelites, was referred to as the Galilee (District) of the Gentiles. The full oracle,  which continues beyond the Lectionary reading, announces that the degradation of that event has come to an end with the birth of a new Davidic king (8:5–6). This king will surely take back for Israel the northern lands, just as Gideon rescued these northern tribes from the hands of the Midianites back in the days of the Judges (Judges 6–7).

Paul this week attends to divisions that have arisen within the church at Corinth. These reflect a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of the church as a whole. Whereas in the larger  society, it was customary to “belong” to a particular teacher or  political or social group, distinct from others who belonged to other  groups, the church of Christ is formed around Christ alone, and it  is he who unites all Christians in “the same mind and in the same  purpose.” To divide the church along factional lines is, for Paul, to deny its special nature, which is not meant to mirror the larger society.

Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth lies to the southwest of the Sea of  Galilee, whereas Capernaum is situated to the north, in the middle of the former area of Naphtali. The Evangelist’s citation of the Isaiah passage points to Jesus’ identity as the long-expected Davidic king who has brought salvation not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles.  Jesus begins his public ministry by preaching repentance and the reign of God—the former part of the acceptance of the latter. Jesus’  first act is to call together his coworkers who, having learned from him, will help him cast as wide a net as possible for the proclamation of the kingdom of heaven.