Scripture Study for

The question of conditions for membership was one of the most serious disputes that raged in the first years of the church. Since the Jesus movement was originally an internal Jewish renewal, the Jewish Christians continued to observe the religious practices of their former faith, and they expected the same of Gentile converts. However, Paul allowed his Gentile converts to refrain from  Jewish observance. An official letter from the Jerusalem church decided the issue.  Though requiring minimal observance, this decree affirmed the belief that salvation came only from Jesus and not even indirectly through the law. The vision of the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven recalls several prophecies of ancient Israel, particularly from the book of the prophet Ezekiel  (see Ezekiel 40:2; 48:30–35). Coming from God, the city is radiant with the splendor of God. The new Jerusalem is founded on the apostolic teaching; the role played by the tribes of Israel is not as evident. Perhaps they reflect an element of  Jewish eschatology that expected the restoration of the twelve tribes at the end time. There is no temple in this new city, because the risen Christ is the place where God and human beings now meet. 

Love is the fundamental message of Jesus’ last discourse. He calls for a demanding kind of love, one that is as self-sacrificing as was his own. Jesus and his Father make an abiding dwelling with those who love like this. Like Jesus, the Holy Spirit is sent by the Father. The Spirit is not a substitute for Jesus, but is an emissary, participating in the mission of Jesus by reminding the disciples of the things that Jesus taught them. Jesus’ words end on a note of reassurance. He bequeaths his peace. This is more than a wish; it is a blessing that includes all of the benefits of the Resurrection. Jesus’ peace is grounded in his relationship with his Father and his self-sacrificing love of the world.