June 6

OT -- 1st kings 1:1-53
Today we begin 1st Kings. It is tempting to see 1st Kings as a direct continuation of 2nd Samuel. However, the authors are not the same nor is the aim of the book. 2nd Samuel was written using prophet notes and documents. 1st Kings was written using court documents and records. 2nd Samuel is a much, much earlier book than 1st Kings which was probably written after the Babylonian exile.
My study Bible says to look for prophetic warnings in the book. since the book was at least compiled after the Exile, it is logical to assume that the authors were trying to justify the destruction of the Temple and the captivities.

Our scripture today opens with David in his last moments unable to regulate his body temperature thus the Shunammite girl. The line of succession is briefly interupted by an unworthy heir with Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan taking charge to establish Solomon as the true heir to the throne. Our scriptures today indicate that it was a peaceful transition, whether it will be all the way, is for another day. '

NT -- Acts 4:1-37
Told not to speak or teach about Jesus, Peter and John ignore the High Priests and Sanhendrin Council. P & J continue to proclaim Jesus is the Anointed One, Sovereign Lord, etc.
After Kim's comment about Jesus being the 'author of life', I remembered a blog post from an orthodox Jewish woman. It was about all the names that God is called and why His name is changed so much. Go check it out:

As Americans, we have an immediate gut reaction to the holding of goods in common. How could we not, after so many years of anti-Communistic propaganda and our constant mantra of self-improvement by acquistion. And lest you think I am in favor of the whole goods-in-common, I most definitely am NOT. I have the same reaction. However, I would ask that you read these next few scripture passages with a new eye. The statement should not be 'that will not/would not ever work' and should be the questions 'why did they begin the church that way? and 'what can we learn about being Christian from their examples?'.
Then, let's talk about right and wrong and the implications of the whole goods-in-common.