This Sunday's reading from Acts 1:15-17,21-26 used in churches following the Revised Common Lectionary omits verses 18-20 (I have put them back in), and I am left wondering why,
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred and twenty people) and said, 16 ‘Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.’
18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 ‘For it is written in the book of Psalms,
“Let his homestead become desolate,
and let there be no one to live in it”;
and
“Let another take his position of overseer.”
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us throughout the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.’ 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
I can only assume that the description of Judas' demise was felt to be too graphic for your typical Sunday pewsitter.
Or they want the blasphemy to not be uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that many churches that use the RCL which removes “offensive”Bible verses from the few minutes dedicated to reading scripture will spend countless minutes spreading false teaching (sometimes cleverly disguised) from the pulpit. UGP (can’t sign in from my phone).
ReplyDeleteWell, UGP, if people heard the "unpleasant" verses along with the rest, they might be slightly less likely to swallow the false teachings.
DeleteIt is interesting that many churches that use the RCL which removes “offensive”Bible verses from the few minutes dedicated to reading scripture will spend countless minutes spreading false teaching (sometimes cleverly disguised) from the pulpit. UGP (can’t sign in from my phone).
ReplyDelete