Epiphany
Accurate Doctrine
Exploring Discipleship: Accurate Doctrine
Epiphany Papers: (4 of 5)
How important do you think accurate teaching is to the Church? In Acts 18:24‐28, Apollos is a disciple already “well‐versed in the Way of the Lord” and who “taught accurately the things concerning Jesus.” But Priscilla and Aquila took him aside to explain things “more accurately…” Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the peoples of the earth. The winter solstice was kept on Jan. 6 at some places during the first centuries of the Christian Era. In opposition to pagan festivals, Christians chose this day to celebrate the various manifestations, or "epiphanies," of Jesus' divinity. These showings of his divinity included his birth, the coming of the Magi, his baptism, and the Wedding at Cana where he miraculously changed water into wine. The day was called "The Feast of Lights." Celebration of the Son of God replaced celebration of the sun. Baptisms were done, and a season of preparation was instituted. [Source: Office of Liturgy & Music for the Episcopal Church] For this season of Epiphany, we invite our diocese to focus on discipleship in preparation for the Spring Learning Event on March 6th titled Claiming Discipleship. a Season of
Revelation
As Episcopalians, we pledge to follow Christ, and keep repeating that pledge at every baptism when we say together The Baptismal Covenant on page 304 of The Book of Common Prayer. Candidates are asked to renounce their sins and turn to Christ. That “turning to Christ” is what it means to be a Christian, a disciple if you will. In our Baptismal Covenant, we also agree to follow certain practices and join with a community of believers in living out this faith. In this series of Epiphany Papers, we explore stories of the early church in the book of Acts, and how it lived out its “turning to Christ.” What can these stories tell us about the roots of our faith? How can these stories inform our lives today? How are we shaped by these stories and the words of our liturgies we hold in common? Please use this series of papers for discussion or personal study. We encourage parishes to print these out to put into bulletins, place at the back of the church or on tables at coffee hour, or email out to parishioners and friends. Acts 18:24-28 -- Ministry of Apollos
There came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well‐versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. When he wished to cross over to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. On his arrival he greatly helped those who through grace had become believers, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus. Discussion Questions: (for individuals or small group discussion) 1. How important do you think accurate teaching is to the Church? Do you think there is a relationship between orthodoxy (“right belief”) and orthopraxis (“right living”)? 2. Consider question #1 in the context of Acts 15:1‐21. Why is accurate teaching so important to the early Church in Jerusalem? 3. What are some doctrines that you think the Church should teach (more) accurately? 4. How might some teachings, if not understood accurately, affect discipleship? 5. What does or could your parish do to help explain the Way of God more accurately? 6. Note that Apollos is able to learn more accurately. What does he do in order to learn more accurately? What might you do to learn more accurately? These Epiphany Papers are written by the Rev. Todd Miller, Rector of Trinity Church, Newton Centre, and Amy Cook, Resource Center Director & Formation Specialist for the diocese. This year’s Diocesan Spring Learning Event – Claiming Discipleship ‐‐ will be held Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Boston University. For more information, visit the diocesan Web site: www.diomass.org. Epiphany Papers are produced by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111.