Note: After Easter, we won't have OT readings. So, I will work with the texts other than the gospel ones. I will note at times linkages to Easter.

Acts 5:27-32-

1) My sense is that the exaltation theme, a link between Easter, Ascension, and sitting at the right hand of the Father was an important view of the victory of Jesus.

2) Like Jesus, the disciples are brought to trial. Unlike Jesus, they talk a good deal more.

3) Notice the irony of the priest's desire not to bring the blood on the council.

4) To follow god and not people is bold and admirable, but it can also be mistaken arrogance.

5) Again irony, Jesus is indeed made to be sin, the cursed one, but through the cross and resurrection now a leader.

6) Savior appears for the first time in Acts here. recall the emperor was a savior as well.

7) Notice the emphasis is on the spirit and on forgiveness for Israel.

 

 

 

Rev. 1:4-8- Note well that this letter is a circular one to seven real churches in what is now Turkey. One should exercise care in leaping to current evangelical dogma that it is directed toward then unknown American churches with clear predictive accuracy.

1) Obviously, the major Easter link is the wonderful phrase, the first-born of the dead.

2) Again exaltation is apparent.

3) We have the image of the return as well. This is a  link to Daniel 7:13 with the coming on the clouds.

4) Note the blurring of time into the Eternal Now of the one who was, who is, who is to come.this is perhaps a play  on the name of Ex. 3:14.

5) Jesus is given a political designation , even though he was killed by the empire. This is a part of exaltation theology. Jesus represents, if you will, a higher power.

6) Textual issues are here on loose v. washed us from sins.

7_ Piercing refers to John's story of the cross but also refers to Zech. 12:10

8) Look at how the Exodus  19 kingdom of priests is for the churches here.