Staying put
Elijah goes to Gilgal, and Elijah tells him to stay. Elisha refuses, and together they move on to Bethel. Elijah tells Elisha to stay put again, but again he refuses and the move on to Jericho.
When Elijah has departed and Elisha returns to the land, he “stays” in Jericho (2 Kgs 1:18). He stays with the sons of the prophets, and is a healing presence among them, only after he has received the double portion of Elijah’s spirit. There appears to be a different requirement for the apostles of Jesus, who are told to stay put in Jerusalem until they have received the Spirit.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
In Medias Res
Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.