Scripture Study for

Today’s reading recounts what is often called the Council of  Jerusalem, the earliest instance of the church debating and clarifying matters of doctrine and practice. The issue at hand is the status of certain aspects of the Mosaic law: are they required of disciples of Christ? At this point, Christianity is not a distinct religion, but understood by followers of Christ to be a living out of the covenant relationship with God. Some understandably take this to mean that followers of Christ have to become Jews. Paul and others disagree  (as we know from Paul’s letters). The leaders in Jerusalem determine that those who are not already Jews need not become Jews, and thus take on all covenant responsibilities, but they must avoid ethical transgressions of the Law, which would be considered binding on anyone following Jesus. 

An angel takes John to a high mountain so that he will be able to behold in a single vision the sight of the new Jerusalem, a representation of the totality of God’s holy people. It is envisioned here as an idealized earthly Jerusalem, God’s holy city. The city, or people, of God encompasses both Israel and the entire world, as represented by the twelve gates, all facing in one of the four cardinal directions. The foundation of this holy people created by God is the proclamation of the gospel by the apostles. Unlike the earthly  Jerusalem, this new city has no need of a temple, a sacred precinct set apart for God to dwell in nearly inaccessible holiness. The new  people itself has been made holy by God, who now dwells with the  Lamb in the midst of the people.

In his final words to his disciples, Jesus returns to the topic of love.  Love, here as in the rest of the Bible, is not so much an emotional attachment (although it can be that) as it is a firm commitment to the good of another, or—in the case of love for God—a commitment to living in God’s will. Especially in his imminent death, Jesus demonstrates his love for his own in the world, for which he is willing to die, even though many have rejected him (John 1:11; 3:16). Those who are able to love others make it possible for both the Son and the Father to dwell within them, giving them fullness of life. Jesus does not leave his disciples with commandments alone, but also with the promise of the Spirit and the inestimable gift of peace, which surpasses any “peace” the world has to offer.