Jerry A. noted that in Roman times that there were references in writings that have survived that the term gospel was not necessarily a religious one. During the time of Caesar Augustus there was ". . . the gospel of Caesar Augustus . . ." in reference possibly to a new battle won or a new decree. When Greece defeated the invading Persians they sent our "heralds" to give Sparta and other areas the good news of the defeat of Persia. Also "the gospel" whether secular or religious was typically something that was life changing. For example, as the Greeks sent out heralds of the good news of the defeat of the Persians which was markedly life altering.  Read less

1) "Come follow me . . . " Jerry states that at the time that Jesus lived that a person sought out a rabbi to follow. Here though this is totally unprecedented in that the teacher is seeking out students! 2) Jerry A.'s points on the "Come follow me call." 1) The call is drastic. It took priority even over work and in the subsequent verses when James and John are called it took precedence over family. 2) His call is "developmental". It is a journey to follow Jesus and not a destination. A imperfect journey because even thought you grow you still make mistakes and come up short. 3) His call is "doable and dangerous". It is dangerous because of prejudices and persecutions. Yet it is able to be accomplished.  Read less

Just as the Spirit of God hovered over the darkness of the waters during the physical creation before light came into the world so also in the spiritual realm the Spirit came down from heaven before light came into the World in the work and person of Jesus Christ. The Spirit was instrumental in the physical creation and the spiritual re-creation (perhaps better termed as well creation). Apparently the Old Testament was read in Aramaic and when the Spirit hovered over the waters during creation it was translated to paraphrase "like a dove fluttering".  Read less