This title is ascribed to David in 1 Sam 13.14. Yet, later in his life, he fell into serious sin. See the events recorded in 2 Sam 11. Paul is not embarrassed to refer to David (Acts 13.22). His story is in the Bible, yet he is described as a man after God’s own heart.

When David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband Uriah killed, David was acting out of character.

I think there is a contrast with Amnon and Shimeah, who appear in the narrative of David’s life. They have major and persistent character flaws.

Most people act in character most of the time; whether that is good or not so good.

An observation – I often see an item in the media where a one-off event is portrayed as a regular practice. For example, a patient dies when a nurse administers 100 times a dose. This becomes; ‘hospital staff poison patients!’ This is extremely damaging, and too common. Further it fees prejudice.

When we treat others harshly, are we considering a one-off event, an out-of-character incident, or persistent rebellion and lawless behaviour?

There are indications of interaction between the apostles Paul and Peter, and their churches.

Both apostles refer to each other in their letters. They assumed that their readers were aware of the other apostles. In a context of Christian unity, Paul mentions Cephas (Peter) in 1 Cor 1.11. Similarly, Peter mentions Paul’s epistles in the same breath as ‘the other Scriptures.’ Neither criticises the other.

There is a different situation in Gal 2, where Paul does refer critically to Peter, although only in respect of a specific incident. Paul does not criticise his ministry. In fact in the first part of that chapter, Paul indicates agreement with Peter and the other apostles in Jerusalem.

Silas and Mark both worked with Paul and Peter at different times.

Some churches were in relationship with different apostles at different times. For example, Ephesus and Laodicea are both referred to in relation to Paul and John. Churches in Galatia are both addressed by Paul and Peter. The reasons for these changes are not given. From other scriptures we assume teamwork and unity, not division.

The New Testament does not lay down a strict formula for the way apostles interacted, or how workers or churches moved between them. Such a formulaic approach is out of keeping with the ‘way of life’ presented in the NT.

Similarly, the values of the NT include unity, teamwork, support, friendship, co-operation. Where, for example, workers serve with both Paul and Peter, we would want to draw the conclusion that they did so with full agreement and commendation. The alternative, of frequent fallings out, cannot be commended.

I have found this a book which I am returning to again and again; my list of such books is small.  In a Christian world where there is a tension between a rules-based morality and authenticity, Tom Wright highlights that the Biblical way is actually neither of those.

The Great Commission includes the significant command to “make disciples.”

It may be said of the New Testament letters that thy are addressed mainly to Churches, constituted of numerous Christian believers. One overall emphasis of these letters is that the writers are continuing Christ’s command to “make disciples.”

Virtue Reborn refers to virtue and character, ‘the pattern of thinking and acting which runs right through someone. Tom Wright insists that character is not achieved automatically. It requires effort – numerous NT scriptures are provided to evidence this.

The book contrasts the cultural Greek description of virtue; courage and justice and prudence and temperance. Instead, the NT speaks of humility and patience and purity and love.

The book sensitively, albeit firmly, addresses the current western Christian pursuit of authenticity and freedom. That subject is itself worth further consideration.

I believe the importance of developing Christ-like character is central to the New Testament writings.

Chapters 7 and 8 provide helpful practical considerations. This is important, since discipleship means nothing if not lived out.

Scripture is key to this; listening to, reading, studying scripture are not restricted to Christian leaders, but are essential for us all.

And, crucially, community. Christ-like character cannot be developed in a solitary life. Character is learned and developed in Christian community. The early Christians were devoted to fellowship, ie: community.