Notes on the Bible

"Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me." This verse is often seen as a foreshadowing of Judas's betrayal, particularly because it speaks of a close friend turning against the psalmist, which parallels Judas's betrayal of Jesus after sharing a meal with him.

"Then I said to them, 'If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.' And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. Then the LORD said to me, 'Throw it to the potter'—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD, to the potter." This passage is often linked to Judas's betrayal, as Judas was paid thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:15). The reference to the "potter" and the price of betrayal is seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of the events described in the NT.

"For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God's house we walked in the throng."

• John's Account of the Last Supper is very dense and theological
• Mark is likely to have an addition at the end
• Most scholars think the section where Jesus meets the apostles post reseection is an interpolation Mark 16:9-20
• The so-called short ending is Mark 16:1-8
• The accounts in the synaptic gospels of the Passion a very similar
• Is Pilate guilty - Jon
• The post-resurection meeting with the 11 apostles feels like an anti-climax
• John has a few more details of the Passion
• Mary mother of God is there with Mary Magdelene and Mary's sister(the 3 Marys)
• Last words “It is finished.”
• Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water
• Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are together
• he showed them his hands and side
• Doubting Thomas - Didymus or twin

• Text: "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well." Romans 16:1-2
• Role: Phoebe is described as a "deacon" (διάκονος, diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae. Her designation as a benefactor (προστάτις, prostatis) indicates her influential role, likely providing financial and logistical support to the church, and possibly serving as a courier for Paul's epistle to the Romans.

• Text: "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles." Romans 16:3-4
• Role: Priscilla, often mentioned with her husband Aquila, is recognized as a significant collaborator in Paul's missionary work. Her mention before her husband in several instances (e.g., Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19) suggests her prominent role. She is also noted in Acts 18:26 for instructing Apollos more accurately in the way of God, indicating her theological knowledge and teaching capacity.

• Text: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kin and fellow prisoners; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was." Romans 16:7
• Role: Junia is described as "prominent among the apostles" (ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις, episēmoi en tois apostolois), a phrase indicating high regard and possibly a leadership position. Her inclusion as an apostle has been the subject of extensive debate, with most scholars affirming her status as a female apostle, thereby underscoring the involvement of women in the highest levels of early Christian leadership.

• Text: "I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life." Philippians 4:2-3
• Role: Euodia and Syntyche are noted as co-workers of Paul in the proclamation of the gospel. Their mention in this letter implies they held significant roles in the Philippian church, possibly as leaders or missionaries.

• Mary: Recognized for her hard work on behalf of the Roman church Romans 16:6.
• Tryphaena and Tryphosa: Described as "workers in the Lord," indicating their active involvement in ministry Romans 16:12.
• Nympha: A woman who hosted a church in her home, showing the important role of women in providing spaces for Christian worship Colossians 4:15.

• Text: "A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.' And she prevailed upon us." Acts 16:14-15
• Role: Lydia, a prosperous merchant, is one of the first converts in Europe. Her role as a host for Paul and his companions suggests that she was a key supporter of the Christian mission in Philippi, using her resources and home to further the gospel.

• Text: "Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity." Acts 9:36
• Role: Tabitha is the only woman explicitly called a disciple (μαθήτρια, mathētria) in the New Testament. Her ministry focused on charitable works, particularly for the widows in her community, highlighting the social and compassionate dimension of early Christian service.

• Text: "When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying." Acts 12:12
• Role: Mary's home served as a gathering place for believers, indicating her role as a leader or at least a significant supporter of the Jerusalem church. This scene also reflects the early church's reliance on the hospitality and leadership of women.

• Text: "But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them." Acts 17:34
• Role: Damaris is noted as a convert in Athens, suggesting that women were also among the intellectual elite who engaged with and accepted the Christian message.