Thought for the Week: Sermon on the Sabbath II

Paul begins phase two of his sermon set in that present day. Of course these Jews are hundreds of miles removed from the scene of the first church, but they are also 20 or more years past the time. I have no doubt they were aware of the things Paul will talk about. He repeats the phrase about "Ye men of Israel," but this time talks about the stock of Abraham and includes "whoever of you fears God." This could well be some who have been brought into Israel as proselytes.

Nonetheless, they were in the synagogue and worshipping God as they had been doing. Now Paul speaks to those who fear God and...