- Some thought that prophecy had come to an end in the first century. That's true in these times, too. (Part II, 2, (i) First-Century Judiasm, pgs 151, 152 ...)
- Even so, there were a variety of prophet-types, including some that were hired by the occupiers of the area (Romans, I suspect) who spread false information to confuse the people and some who were inspired to keep the people on the path toward God's salvation for Israel. This seems true to me in my times, too - truth and false "prophets" abound. You have to be careful who you believe. We are not unlike first century people. (pgs 153, 154)
- John the Baptist (recognized as a prophet type by Josephus) offered, through baptism, "what you would normally get through the Temple cult." The idea of an alternative to the norm, an alternative that produces a surer and truer Way, intrigues me. I have never thought of John's baptism as being an "alternative." Like many Biblical stories, I just took John's baptism as fact and never thought beyond that point.
The hymn "Open my eyes, that I may see...." comes to mind. For whatever these ideas mean, it's my prayer that a greater understanding helps keep my faith fresh and true.
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