COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Malachi 3:1-4
Yahweh promises to send his messenger to prepare the way for his coming. The messenger is the center of this pericope. Malachi means my messenger." (v. 1) The book was written by an unknown prophet who considered himself the messenger to prepare the way for Yahweh's coming to the rebuilt temple after the return of the Exiles from Babylon. When Yahweh comes, he, like a refiner's fire, will cleanse the Levitical priesthood and their sacrifices. Christians interpret this passage as a promise of a messenger fulfilled by John the Baptist to prepare the way for Christ.

Epistle: Philippians 1:3-11
Paul prays that his people will be pure and righteous for the return of Christ. Paul accepted gifts from the Philippian congregation. The letter is a thank-you …