Though we use names and titles differently in 2011 CE than in 111 CE they affect us: our emotional state, our responsiveness to the person being introduced or spoken to, and our general “feeling” about the person being addressed, spoken about, or spoken to. This was the thinking behind the Sunday Forum on 15 May 2011.
For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25
Taking that single verse at the end of the Lesson from 1 Peter we spoke out our “names and titles” of Jesus to one another. It was a lively discussion. Please leave a comment here to any or all of the questions we considered on Sunday. At minimum, answer the questions for yourself.
Sunday’s Questions
- How many names/titles do you use when speaking of Jesus?
- How many names/titles do you use for addressing Jesus in prayer?
- Which name do you use most frequently?
- Have you ever thought about this?
- Does it make any difference?
These are just a few of the questions that can be asked based upon a single line, verse 25, in today’s lesson from the First Letter of Peter. To highlight once again the dilemma faced by contemporary translators I offer several translations of the Greek word episkopos used long ago. Try out each translation as a prayer word; each word evokes a different emotion for me. How about you?
King James Version KJV
For ye were as sheep going astray ; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
New Revised Standard Version NRSV
For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
New International Version NIV
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
New American Bible Revised Edition NABRE
For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Contemporary English Version CEV
You had wandered away like sheep. Now you have returned to the one who is your shepherd and protector.
Hear what the Spirit is saying 