Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, August 13, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I wonder about Silvanus. And Phoebe and Euodia and Syntyche and all the other folks who get name-dropped in the various epistles without further explanation. It can be easy for me to read scripture and forget about the embodied humanness of the individuals who heard and shared the gospel and labored in adversity to grow the body of Christ. The writer of First Peter had a lot to say, but it was this dude, Silvanus, who put pen to paper for all to see. Was he young? Old? Single? Married? Was Silvanus his actual name or a nickname? Did he like fish? Was he allergic to pollen? What was his favorite color? Did he have a good laugh?
In asking these questions, I am put in touch with him—and scripture—in a different way. It’s more real, more intimate. I can hear the writer’s words directed to me, sitting among that congregation who originally received it from Silvanus’ pen—and maybe his lips. I know that I am a member of a family that transcends time and space and yet is forever located in a specific context. If you think about it, it kind of gives you the chills, doesn’t it?
I think I would have liked Silvanus. I kind of can’t wait to meet him.
When do I find myself fully engaged with scripture? How could I be more engaged?
