NTI Final Exam

The performance aspects ("performance criticism") of The Book of Revelation (Ramsaran reading from Leaven).

"Jesus comes to them through the recital of the apocalyptic vision; and he comes to them in the liturgy of Eucharist of which this recital is a part" (Barr, 486) "The liturgical recital of the Apocalypse becomes a real experience of the kingdom of God because the worship of the community actualizes the rule of God" (Barr, 486) "The approach to a holy God is done with careful preparations and, then, it is experienced as gift. The performer of Revelation brings the audience into the very worship of God through the characterization and enactment of the seer, John, experiencing wonderful things. We are in awe with John as a throne vision of the Almighty unfolds before us (Rev 4.2ñ11). We fall down as we see John (via the performer) fall down (Rev 1.17). And so our journey beginsóand so we are tutored to right and proper worship as we learn not to worship other creatures, whether a beast or societal patterns of greed or even a powerful messenger angel (Rev 13.4; 18.11ñ20; 22.8ñ9). We bow in worship in the throne room of God or before the feet of his victorious Christ, Jesus" (Ramsaran) "The performance of Revelation may very well have been connected to the early Christian ritual pattern of the celebration of the Lordís Supper. ìThe revelation of/from Jesus Christî comes to John while he is ìin the Spiritî on the Lordís Day (Rev 1.1, 10)" (Ramsaran) "Audience participation in the performance of Revelation is marked by imagery and song. Ritual has the ability to transcend time itself. A ritualized performance of Revelation engages the audience not only ìthrough the ear,î but also in the mind through imagination and in the heart by deep emotions. This is accomplished through the rich and varied imagery of the composition" (Ramsaran) Crowns clinking on the ground; colors and images SONGS Rev 10 interlude-- Scroll pause before 7th trumpet.... Eat it too. Taste the sweetness and bitterness of the message until the 7th trumpet is blown. Join John the Apocalyptic seer on the Lord's Day (Ramsaran)

Problems at Corinth (be able to list four).

1) Factionalism (1 Cor 1:11)- 2) Incest (1 Cor 5:1; 9-12; Barr, 132)- man sleeping with mother-in-law 3) Prostitution (1 Cor 6:15) 4) Proper Food Practices in relation to idolatry (1 Corinthians 8-10)

What is new in Paul?

1) New cosmic order Reality of old time and new time We step into the river of the Spirit working in the world We live in between the old and the new 2) New social structure New family Gal 3:28 No longer slave or free No longer Jew or Greek No longer male AND female Jesus comes as a slave How does Jesus relate to the patriarchal culture 3) New creation of persons Relate rightly to God and one another They act differently 4) Freedom from all worldly structures that exclude

The three modes of Paul's ministry operations.

1) Travel and visitation 2) Letter Writing 3) Sends co-workers in his absence

Basic outline for the Letter of James

1. Maturity and the Goodness of God: 1:1-18 2. Individual and Covenantal Responsibility: 1:19-2:26 · Protection of the Weak - 1:26-27 · Impartiality - 2:1-13 · "Works" - 2:14-16 3. Proper Leadership - Teachers: 3:1-5 (ff??) · Dangers of the Tongue · Works of Gentleness · Conflicts from Inner Desires 4. Rich: 4:13-5:6 2. Life in Community: 5:7-20

Be able to describe and layout the Pauline corpus (13 documents).

7 INDISPUTABLE 1 Thessalonians; Galatians; Philippians; Philemon; 1 & 2 Corinthians; Romans Once Removed 2 Thessalonians; Ephesians; Colossians Twice Removed 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus

Epideictic

= memorial (What are the grounds for praise or blame?) Rhetoric of the present Create blame or give honor Funeral

The chart and an understanding of Paul's overall strategy in Philemon with respect to social status differences.

AUTHORITY Paul possesses apostolic authority over... Philemon who possesses master authority over ...Onesimus PAUL relinquishes apostolic authority and instead practices relational authority APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY.... no "Though having much boldness to command" (v. 8) "So that your good act may not be done because of FORCE (v. 14) RELATIONAL AUTHORITY... yes I appeal on basis of love (v. 9) "If you have fellowship with me, receive him as me" (v. 17) "I do not speak to you concerning how you also owe me yourself" (v. 19) Likewise Philemon for Onesimus Relinquish master authority for relational authority "No longer as a slave but more than a slave-- a beloved brother" (v.16) All I have acted with relational authority. Would you bring Onesimus up to this level? Household of brothers and sisters instead of hierarchy

Chart on Paul's guidance in making moral choices

AUTO-PILOT (Don't worry about it) Ordinary things of life.... Automatic.... Brush your teeth etc. Not his concern Adiaphora (about possibilities; do they accomplish the goal?) Important decisions Do they accomplish the goal? The Good News "This is good; but this is better"- 1 Cor 7 Agency for the man and the woman and DECISIONS FOR BOTH 1) Is it Appropriate to Me? Should you get married? Have you wrestled with your own conscience? Carrying your own burdens (Gal 6) Whatever is not from faith is sin (Rom 14:23) 2) Is it Appropriate to Others? Love Harming others? Pattern of Jesus? 3) Is it Appropriate to the Mission of God's people? 1 Cor 14 What if someone comes in who is not a believer and chaos leads them away from God? NO CHOICE (WORRY ABOUT THIS) Vice list For moralist- inappropriate behavior JUST DON'T DO IT What things are out of bounds Common trope of moralists; Israelite vice lists too

How is the community described in Acts 2:42ff and 4:32ff in continuity with the community forming around Jesus in Luke's gospel.

Acts 2:42--They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 4:32: All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Study Jesus' teachings (2:38) Table fellowship (breaking of bread; 2:38) Prayer (2:38) Sharing possession (4:32)

Pseudonymous

An author writes under a false name Ascension of Isaiah

The persuasive use of the theme "heart" in Philemon.

Argumentation based on "heart" (σπλαγχνα) "The hearts (σπλαγχνα) of the saints are refreshed through you" (v. 7; exordium) Onesimus "is my heart" (σπλαγχνα) (v. 12; probatio) "Yes, O brother, I may I have a benefit from you in the Lord: Refresh my heart (σπλαγχνα) in Christ (v. 20; peroratio) You refresh the hearts of the saints, right (exordium)? Well Onesimus is my heart (probatio)! Now refresh my heart (peroratio)

Terms: authenticity, integrity, and interpolation.

Authenticity Whether or not a document was written by the person who purports to have written it 7 indisputable letters verses vs. those once or twice removed Integrity Does the document that we have now in the same shape and form as when it was first composed? 2 Corinthians 1-9 and 2 Corinthians 10-13 Interpolation Positing that something has been added to the original document. At some later stage, a copier or someone has intentionally added something into the midst of the original document. 1 Corinthians 14- women speaking in church

The elements of the Greco-Roman letter writing form and their importance for Pauline interpretation.

A→ B Greeting Thanksgiving Prayer Body Travel Plans Salutation

What are the interpretations for the following symbols: Babylon, 666, the seven lamps, winepress, one like a son of man, Alpha/Omega (see Barr).

Babylon = Rome 666= "Number of a human" Historical (w/ gematria) Kaisar Neron transcribed into Hebrew; Roman Emperor Symbolist intensification of 6... the # of imperfection.. And human arrogance 7 Lampstands 7 churches Winepress "Wrath of God" One Like a son of man Jesus Alpha & Omega "The One who was, is, and is to come"

Exordium

Barr's first 15 pages Introduction Paul's letters Rhetorically designed to create a bridge between speaker and audience Prays them up to where he wants them to be

Jude as epideictic rhetoric and its use of apocryphal sources and the reference to "love feasts" in Jude.

Barr: "Jude, like James, is a letter only in a formal sense; actually it is more of an exhortation. Its address could hardly be more general: 'to those who are called' 1:1. There may be some irony here, for among Gnostics the 'called' were the common believers as opposed to the elect Gnostic few. Lacking all traits of an actual letter aside from this stylized address, Jude is a tract or sermon in letter form. It is a particularly fine example of a type of an ancient rhetorical exercise known as invective, the dark side of demonstrative rhetoric, the opposite of eulogy. As eulogy intends to praise the worthy, so invective seeks to damn the unworthy (Matt. 23 is a good example of an invective)." The social function of this kind of writing is not to define and expel the heretic but to unify the group and make deviance from the norm less likely. This writing probably stems from a group conscious of its own identity and of its differences from other groups. The references to preserving the apostolic tradition (3, 17) probably place them in the late first or early second century. The claim to the Jude tradition and the citation of noncanonical writings like Enoch (14) and the Assumption of Moses (9) place them within the framework of Jewish Jesus followers. Jude's audience appears to resemble the Jews at Qumran. Jude uses extra canonical resources. You have quotations from 1 Enoch and other biblical traditions. The author encourages the communities to "stick with it" though it's really vague. One term he uses is Love Feasts. Likely what we would call the Lord's Supper. This is viewed as a very tangible way of showing acceptance in community.

Is Acts 1:8, the paradigmatic statement, fulfilled/accomplished at the end of the Book of Acts?

Barr: "1:8 describes the progress and intention of the witness to Jesus, it does not seem adequate as a summary of the structure of Acts. First, Rome, where Acts ends, is not the end of the earth but its center. In addition, all the goals are accomplished by chapter 12, at least in a preliminary way." I would say yes and no. The mission described in 1:8 is still being fulfilled through us as it was fulfilled through the apostles in the first century. It will still be in progress until the parousia. But Rome is indeed the center of the world; it is certainly a major milestone in the eyes of Luke

Why is the Acts 2 account of Pentecost 1) important for the early Christian movement and 2) symbolic of Luke's agenda for the Book of Acts?

Birth of the Church by the Spirit This is the starting point for the fulfillment of Acts 1:8-- the paradigmatic statement Multiethnic crowd comes to know Christ Different cultures join the Way POINTING FORWARD TO THE GENTILES

Ethos

Character of Speaker Paul, the way he presents himself in thanksgiving prayers and maxims

How does John's gospel differ from the synoptics?

Cleansing of the temple: happens at the beginning of John's gospel Not just a spiritual gospel. ??? John's gospel begins differently (different prologue). Mark begins with Jesus' ministry, Matthew and Luke begin with the birth of Jesus, but John starts "in the beginning" More Pseudo-Platonic than Apocalyptic (see chart) New Stories- Lazarus; wedding at Cana; footwashing Jesus' identity obvious from very beginning (John 1); not Markan Messianic secret

2nd Sophistic and Canonization

Consolidation of the traditions that form your identity Jews Tanakh after destruction of Temple Very little apocalyptic writings in Tanakh- bits of Isaiah and Daniel Greco-Roman Greek Anthology Philostratus Christian What are our traditions? NT documents mostly rooted in apocalyptic Kasemann- "apocalyptic is the mother of NT documents"

Internal forces directing canonization

Danger for error and dilution of traditions themselves How to respond? Gospels and pastoral letters Maintain integrity of tradition using these as a measuring rod Christian community thinks of itself as an outgrowth and fulfillment of Judaism Established value for written documents in Judaism Christians pick this up Passage of time Apostles leaving the scene Parousia is obviously delayed Jesus isn't coming back yet Paul is expecting Jesus to come VERY soon As time moves on, the question becomes what is important and useful through time.

Canonization

Doctrine- the church decided that there is a measured set of documents that would create the kind of church God desired Word of God Lower case word of God Humans try to make theological sense of current experience (word of God) in connection to their relationship with God (Word of God)

anonymous

Document has no claim to authorship attribution Hebrews

The historical and literary evidence for the setting of Paul's Letter to the Romans; the dual audience of Romans and its social imbalance.

Dual Audience of Romans Jews and Gentiles Originally more Jews than Gentiles... BUT THEN Edict of Claudius because of Chrestus (Suetonius) When Jews finally return more Gentiles than Jews JEWS WANT THINGS THAT GROUNDED THEIR IDENTITY (LAW; FOOD REGULATIONS) Jews were originally in charge of Roman church, but now it looks like Gentiles have more influence. Christian community in Romen now led by Gentiles

Yom Kippur as background for the Letter to the Hebrews

Dying Levitical HPs (7:23) < Permanent, indestructible priesthood (7:24-5) JESUS PERPETUALLY INTERCEDING NOW (7:25) Sinning Levitical HP's (7:27) < Sinless Jesus has no need for sin sacrifice (7:26) Lev HP in copy sanctuary < Jesus a HP in true, heavenly sanctuary (8:2) Annual access Lev HP's w/ animal blood (9:7) < Permanent access w/ Jesus' blood (9:12) Lev HP's sacrifice can't take away sin (10:11) < Jesus' offers his blood as a sacrifice; takes away sin permanently. Sin out of the picture (10:12) ANIMAL BLOOD < JESUS' BLOOD Lev HP ONLY can go in HOH < Through Jesus, all have access to HoH (10:19, 21) ONLY LIVE FAITHFULLY (10:23); since no more sin... you have access... just go in! Don't reject it.

Pathos

Emotion of Audience Enliven person you are speaking to

Know how the theme of revelation is replicated in the structuring of the document.

Ephesus- you have denied false prophets You have shown patient endurance But your love has grown cold RESTORE IT (Judgment and salvation) THEN Open Door to Heaven Subduing the SEA Sea of GLASS- CALM Casting crowns before throne This is your destiny! So stand firm! There are cycles in Revelation If I am studying something in Revelation 6, I might be able to see a connection between that and in Rev 11

The contrast and significance between Paul's example (Phil l) and Jesus' example (chap 2) in Philippians.

Following his maxim (to live is Christ; to die is gain; Phil 1:21) Paul says he must choose life over death for the sake of the Philippian church. (334) By contrast, Jesus in Phil 2:5-11 chooses to die for all believers (334) One must die or live (adiaphora; not an obvious yes or no answer), and Paul chooses life because of the benefit it has for the mission of God (God's telos); Jesus chose death because of the benefit it has for the mission of God (333-4) "Paul and Jesus share the same mind, humbly looking after the interests of others (2:3). Yet the "preferred" selected by each differs with their respective situations: one lives, one dies (to live again)" (334)

The themes of forgiveness in Matthew and their relationship to "ordered community."

Forgiveness (in ordered community --Matt 18) good community focus in 18--extending forgiveness to all. It is an inherent theme throughout the entire gospel but culminates in the parable in Mat 18.

Deliberative

Future (What should we do?) group community function Councils What should we do in the future?

Paul's example of freedom for the Galatians in Chapter 2.

Gal 2:4-5 "But because of false believers secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us— 5 we did not submit to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might always remain with you" False teachers spying on their freedom in Christ Demanding that Paul make Gentiles participate in covenantal sign of circumcision But freedom in Christ; PAUL SAYS NO! This is narratio is used in a DELIBERATIVE SECTION OF THE LETTERGIST? You Galatians follow my example. Don't give in and accept bondage. Gal 2:20- No longer I who live but Christ lives in me [INTERPRETED IN LIGHT OF CONTEXT AND COMMUNITY MYSTIC EXPERIENCES] Exhortation through narratio Paul hopes the Galatians will follow his example...(178) How? Through the Spirit (3:2; 4:6; 5:5; 5:16) 3;2- you received spirit through faith 4:6 cry to abba by the spirit 5:16- walk by the spirit Paul assumes a common religious, mystical experience (see modes- Spirit, baptism, Abba Cry

The four-fold narrowing structure of Ephesians/Colossians.

God's Plan → The Church → The Household → The Individual MIRRORS GRECO-ROMAN WORLD Cosmos → The State → The Household → The Individual ... God's Plan - Eph 1 The Church- Eph 2 (Paul)- Eph 3 The Church- Eph 4 THe Household- Eph 5, 6 The Individual- bits of Eph 4, 5, and 6

2. Matthew's characterization of Jesus.

Gospel According to Matthew: Jesus is an authoritative teacher who fulfills God's instruction and calls disciples to do it. Jesus is also shown to be a second and superior Moses He preaches the SM, a new covenant code, on a mountain like Moses receiving the Torah on Mt Sinai The SM is a better covenant code "You have heard it said... but I say to you.." Jesus' teaching > Torah teaching

The question of "household codes" ("Haustafeln") in Ephesians and Colossians.

Haustafeln- house table Household codes and the pattern of the house of Caesar POLIS- made up of households [Plato]; [Hellenic] HOUSEHOLD- what makes up individuals? [Aristotle] [close to Hellenistic] Husbands and wives; father and children; masters and slaves Household divided between family and slave [Greco-Roman system of Augustus] Aspects of dominating system that the Roman household builds upon Metaphor of master and slave being related to all levels of the household In cosmopolis of Roman Empire, ideas connected of slavery feeed into: honor/shame patron/client Paul's response to Greco-Roman household (divided by family and slave) where conceptions of slavery and domination feed into honor/shame and patron/client Paul in indisputable letters seems to level things out as brothers and sisters Jesus as big brother and God as Father "Outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom 12) Paul is utterly defying the system SUDDENLY HOUSEHOLD CODES Is that representative of Paul wrestling with structures we already have or is someone else in a shifted paradigm, how do we get along with the structures we find ourselves in? Is this community stabilizing institutionalization? (cf. Margaret MacDonald) Though it should be noted IN PAUL, SUBORDINATE PARTY IS MENTIONED FIRST RATHER THAN SECOND IN PAUL, SUBORDINATES ADDRESSED DIRECTLY RATHER THAN THROUGH DOMINANT PARTY

Be familiar with the three theories of interpretation for Revelation from Barr's New Testament Story, 267-70, as explained by Ramsaran in class.

Historical Document speaks directly to people it was written to. Uses historical code for them Reading it in its own late 1st century/2nd century context Focusing on original audience Including the seven churches in Revelation 1-3 EXAMPLE: 666=Nero or some other particular Roman emperor Prophetic Document speaks chronologically beyond the historical code of people it is written to Aims towards what will happen historically going forward Some history but also pointing forward It can be pretty misused EXAMPLE: 666=Ronald Reagan (666) BUT the book calls itself prophetic Things that are and things that are to come It is more than someone's particular present, but also the future Looks forward to culmination of God's plans and purposes IN THE FUTURE. Symbolist Document speaks both to history and today...To EVERY period of time Revelation is a book of timeless truths. Certain enduring truths that come out of the document that can be applied TO ANY TIME OR SPACE THROUGHOUT HISTORY Good to endure in the face of evil Good to be wary of the temptations of this violent world in general EXAMPLE: 666=human imperfection and arrogance... Nero, Hitler, Mussolini

What is the goal of life for John's (Revelation's) Christian communities? How is this modeled after Jesus?

Hold on to the 'faith,' the story, the revelation Persevere in suffering and hardship, even unto death Don't culturally accommodate to the forces of Rome Direct worship to God and Jesus only... not to others (especially not emperor) Jesus faithfully persevered in suffering and through that suffering conquered (Rev 5:5-6) The Conquering Lion is a Slain Lamb "See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered" This is a model for those who must suffer Rome; they too will conquer (Rev 12:11) "But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death" "the commonly known methods and means for worldly domination and victory are disarmed, subverted, and transformed--Jesus demonstrates that power obtained through suffering brings life, wholeness, and the full presence of God." (Ramsaran, "Believe in God" 179)

Be able to name three "I am" sayings of Jesus (from the Gospel of John).

I am the Bread of Life I am the Light of the World Before Abraham was I am-- John has tutored you to read that in terms of "in the beginning was the word" Jesus, the Word, was with God, was the Wisdom of God, before Abraham ever existed. Jesus is the Word who is before all things. I am the door. I am the Good Shepherd I am the way, the truth, and the life These last two emphasize Jesus' redeeming nature I am the true vine. Jesus sustains. All the I Am statement emphasize: Who is Jesus? And What is the response of the covenant people?

Paul's exemplary argumentation pattern of A B A' in 1 Corinthians 8-14 (chapter 11 as "intercalation").

In 1 Corinthians 8-14, Paul uses a rhetorical argumentation pattern of A, B, A' to address concerns surrounding both food and the use of spiritual gifts in worship to help explain how to navigate both in ways that benefit the entire church. The structure looks like this: A-- Problem: Is it okay to eat food sacrificed to idols? 1 Cor. 8 B—Solution: Restriction of freedoms for the sake of others like Paul restrains his own freedom for the sake of others. 1 Cor. 9 A'--Application: Eat food sacrificed to idols at these times, but not at these other times (You can eat food sacrificed to idols if it doesn't cause you or your brother to stumble. If it does, restrain that freedom.) 1 Cor. 10 Intercalation: Discussion of both food issues and worship issues 1 Cor. 11 A—Problem: Use of Spiritual gifts in worship 1 Cor. 12 B—Solution: Love 1 Cor. 13 A'—Application: Speak in tongues at these times (when it is beneficial to the body because it can be interpreted. Pray at these times (again when it is beneficial to the body because that is motivated by love for others.) 1 Corinthians 11 functions to link these two sections (1 Cor. 8-10 and 1 Cor. 12-14) as one complete thought because it discusses both of the issues addressed in the two sections. The whole section of 1 Cor. 8-14 exemplifies Paul's moral ethic of the restraint of freedoms for the sake of cruciform love for others. It follows well what Paul says in 1 Cor. 6 that "all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial." The believer is called to think of the beneficial things as those things that do not harm the body of Christ, or one's own relationship with Christ, but instead, build the body of Christ up. Ramsaran discusses a similar idea in his essay concerning Romans 14-15, where he unpacks the classic Stone Campbell maxim, "In essentials unity, in nonessentials, liberty." Ramsaran discusses how moral decisions are intimately linked to one's God-given faith (so we have to be very very careful before we judge others) and how all disagreements amongst the body of Christ should begin with the understanding of cruciform love—as essential that allows for liberty in nonessentials. That same concept is found 1 Corinthians 8-14 where we see the restraint of freedoms out of love for others. The love is essential to Paul in 1 Corinthians, and it acts as a major piece of the guide for whether or not something is beneficial or moral.

Luke's characterization of Jesus.

In Luke, Jesus is the Spirit-filled Prophetic Liberator of Renewal Luke 4:18-19 (theme statement of the book of Luke--Jesus quotes Isaiah)

The environment of Paul's ministry compared with the environment of Jesus' ministry?

Jesus = more agrarian and localized in Galilee Paul = Gentile, urban setting

The "logic" behind Jesus being our "high priest" according to Hebrews.

Jesus from the tribe of Judah... But priesthood derived from Aaron.. How can Jesus be the high priest? 7:8-9.... JESUS IN ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK (Psalm 110 in Hebrews 7) Levi (the seed of the ancestor) gives tithes to Melchizedek Melchizedek > Levi through Abraham Melchizedek has the SUPERIOR ROLE Another priestly order better than the Aaronite priesthood Also Melchizedek never died; SAME WITH JESUS Priest FOREVER JESUS IS LIKE MELCHIZEDEK Psalm 110 Jesus > Aaronite High Priests: THE TRUE AND BETTER YOM KIPPUR ALL 8 Here + 1 Dying Levitical HPs (7:23) < Permanent, indestructible priesthood (7:24-5) JESUS PERPETUALLY INTERCEDING NOW (7:25) Sinning Levitical HP's (7:27) < Sinless Jesus has no need for sin sacrifice (7:26) Lev HP in copy sanctuary < Jesus a HP in true, heavenly sanctuary (8:2) Annual access Lev HP's w/ animal blood (9:7) < Permanent access w/ Jesus' blood (9:12) Lev HP's sacrifice can't take away sin (10:11) < Jesus' offers his blood as a sacrifice; takes away sin permanently. Sin out of the picture (10:12) ANIMAL BLOOD < JESUS' BLOOD Lev HP ONLY can go in HOH < Through Jesus, all have access to HoH (10:19, 21) ONLY LIVE FAITHFULLY (10:23); since no more sin... you have access... just go in! Don't reject it.

The themes of judgment in Matthew and their relationship to "ordered community."

Judgement: outsiders, insiders, all Matt 23 (OUTSIDERS) Matt 13 (the weeds and the wheat; INSIDERS) Matt 24-25 (ALL)

Logos

Logic of Speech Argument The structure and the content of the communication or speech

How would you characterize the relationship of Jesus and the Spirit in Luke/Acts?

Luke 4--The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Triad of Connected Themes: 1. Prayer: Lk 11:1-13, special L material, topically organized, prayer ties Jesus to God; Spirit leads him in prayer. 2. Spirit: The Spirit Guides Jesus. 3. Kingdom: Lk 17:20-21 "Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, "The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."

Know the thesis of 2 Corinthians and Paul's alternating pattern of argumentation in chapters 1-7 (handout).

MAJOR THESIS: 2:16b- "Who is sufficient to this proclamation?" Alternating Pattern of Argumentation (After Thesis): RESPONSE 1: Our sufficiency revealed in you whom we evangelized (2 Cor 3:1-4) RESPONSE 2: Character of message sufficient and powerful RESPONSE 3: Messenger weak so power of message shines through Message/Messenger (Alternating Response between 2 and 3) 3:5-18 (Message)- New Covenant and Spirit- (3:6) 4:1-5:10 (Messenger)- Jars of Clay (4:7) 5:11-6:2 (Message)- Message of Reconciliation (5:18-21) 6:3-10 (Messenger)- Bad stuff happening to messengers! 6:11-7:16 - CALL FOR FULL and CONTINUED RECONCILIATION

External forces directing canonization

Marcion 144 CE Coming to Rome around 2nd Sophistic era Had a different approach to God and Scripture He was a church planter God of OT (bad) and God of NT (love) He highlighted this new God He likes Paul's letter and Luke if you cut out the OT He brings that way of thinking to Rome itself Church decides that is NOT THE WAY TO GO The OT and NT work together There must be a canon They are adequate Montanism Proclaimed the time of the Paraclete John-- Holy Spirit Montanist--- expect imminent apocalypse Maximilla and Priscilla- prophetesses Speak with direct communication of the Spirit They produce new writings It went in the opposite direction of the institutionalizing churches They focus canon on teachings of 12 apostles as adequate and normative--nothing else needed Howard Keefe- "If Marcion hastens idea of canon, Montanist hasten the idea of a CLOSED canon [no more adding books]"

Matthew's attempt to maintain continuity and discontinuity with Jewish traditions.

Matthew attempts to maintain continuity and discontinuity by making use of both the "old and new." Matthew 13:52-- "He said to them, 'Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.'" Barr-- "In his vision of Israel Matthew tried to include the best from the past, especially the Law (5:17-19), and even much of the Oral Torah (23:2-3). But the old is defined in light of the coming of the Messiah Jesus

Canonical selection

Muratorian canon- 180-220 Some have said 300, but it actually is earlier 23 of the 27 NT documents included Origen First to designate the term "New Testament" Eusebius- 325 Athanasius 367 Springs of Salvation Canon

Narratio

Narration Unfolding of what has transpired Statement of the case What actually happened? This person traveled here Galatians 1-2 in deliberative context- NOT JUDICIAL. WOW

What things are new in Luke/Acts and how do they necessitate the writing of two volumes?

Orderly account- Checking sources--presents himself as a Hellenistic historian. The prologue in Luke and Acts is a perfectly crafted Greek period to demonstrate his work should be compared to other Greco-Roman writings of the period. In the NT, the Optative is a very rare Greek mood to use. But Luke uses it very well. Birth Narrative Structure: (= liberation, hope, joy), Emphasis on women. Mission of the 70--this points to Luke's Gentile concern. The number 70 seems to encapsulate the number for All Nations, which Luke has a particular interest. Luke genealogy goes all the way back to Adam, while Matthew's starts with Abraham. Inclusive community is also very important to him. Delay of the Parousia (12:45; 17:20-24; 19:11; 19:28-21:38 = Destruction of Jerusalem and Parousia separated by "time of the Gentiles" Ascension--binds the volumes together, goes beyond both Mark and Matthew. The abundance of special L material.

Paul as "situational" letter-writer.

Paul responds to situations within the communities he forms 1 Corinthians- Conflicts rising within community 2 Corinthians- Conflicts arising because of super apostles OUTSIDE of the community

The goal of life (and its various terms) in Hebrews.

Pay attention and do not drift away ( 2:1) [pay attention] Enter promise of TRUE rest (4:1, 11) .... [pursue ideal rest- platonic] Leave the baby milk; Heb 5), go to perfection ( 6:1) [ progress unto perfection] Draw near to God because of Jesus as HP (10:22)... [draw near CULTIC] AND Let us hold fast to the confession (10:23) [don't give up; hold tight] Endurance in face of suffering in past (10:32) in light of faith Since cloud of faithful witnesses ( 11), let's run the race (12:1).... [run sport metaphor]

Difference between primary and secondary sources.

Primary A source we have that we know they wrote Romans is a primary source Secondary Someone writing about somebody else's source Ernst Kaseman's commentary on Romans is secondary

Probatio

Proofs 1 Corinthians- lots of proofs

The Johannine Correspondence and its issues of authorship; the background of "Jesus come in the flesh" of 1 John.

Reason for positing a relationship between 1-3 John and Gospel of John.... HOW DO YOU MAKE THAT LINK?!? The opening of 1 John is similar to John 1 Beginning The Word of Life 1 John and 2 John linked by "love one another" "confess Christ coming in the flesh" 2 John and 3 John linked by The elder Come in the flesh Docetist tendencies? People denying Jesus came in the flesh? Jesus came in flesh and now community can "flesh out" (that is practice) Jesus' teachings For John, Jesus coming in the flesh is absolutely paramount (1 John 4:9-12)

Be familiar with "the drama of the woman, the dragon, and the warrior" in Revelation (cf. Barr, 453-54).

Revelation 12-22 Woman= Israel, mother of the Messiah Male child = Messiah Dragon = Satan.. Demonic power in the world Other Children = Christians Divine Warrior= Messiah as Rider on White Horse DRAMA ITSELF Woman about to give birth to male child and dragon wants to devour (12) Woman escapes, and dragon turns to try to devour other children (12) Dragon raises up Beasts (13) But the children have conquered via Lamb and prep for divine judgment (15) Divine JUDGMENT (16) Self-destructive ***** of Babylon and beast... victory and marriage song (17, 18, 19:1-19:10) Divine Warrior- conquers Beast (19) Divine-Warrior- conquers Dragon JUDGMENT COMPLETE (20) Divine Marriage (21)

Know the issues around the "titles" given to Revelation as we drew that out in class.

Revelation 1:1- "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John" Not revelations PLURAL A revelation that comes from Jesus Christ... God gave it to him To show his servants (the Church) Mediated by an angel to John who gave it to the churches LOGICAL ORDER OF GIVING REVELATION: God → Jesus → Angel → John

The themes of righteousness, Matthew and their relationship to "ordered community."

Righteousness/perfection (Matthew 5-7): These mean the same thing in Matthew. It comes to a head in the sermon on the mount. It is based on the very character of God. God brings the rain on both the just and unjust. It is a balance of grace and opportunity that is extended toward others, even those with whom you strongly disagree (now put that in the overall context of antagonism found in Mathew's community)

The "much more power" available according to Romans 5-8 and dealing with differences in community: Romans 14-15 (Ramsaran reading from Leaven)

Romans 5:21 Where sin abounded, grace HYPER-ABOUNDED Romans 14-15 In essentials unity (1-8) In non essentials, liberty (14-15) In all things (charity (12-13)

"Saved through child-bearing" in 1 Timothy; genre of Hebrews; Stoic issues in 2 Peter

Saved through childbirth in 1 Timothy 2-- Cf. 1 Cor 3-- saved through fire Holly Beers- links to Artemis cult Ramsaran- Response to ascetics... you can be saved even if you have the experience of childbirth Hebrews Genre Homily "Word of Exhortation" Cf. Acts 13 Stoic Issue in 2 Peter 2 Peter 3- Stoic conflagration necessary BUT NOT CYCLICAL Romans 1-3... Romans 8 Revelation- new heaven and new earth...transformed heavens and earth SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE

What is the social setting behind the Revelation to John and how is it portrayed in the letters to the seven churches?

Social Setting Call to stand against Rome ("Babylon") Later years of Domitian (97 and 98) No confessional compromise allowed! That revolves around "Lord" and "God" Plays out between Jesus and the emperor This is responding to emperor worship cult in Asia Minor No cultural compromise allowed! Compromise in the church potentially in light of persecution Antipas had been martyred in Pergamum (Rev 2) "Nicolaitans" and meat sacrificed to idols in Pergamum (Rev 2) "Jezebel" and meat sacrificed to idols in Thyatira (Rev 2) Who will be connected to the things of Rome? Rev 18 Don't participate in the economic machine Not a time of heavy persecution, but hints of it Christians having a negative impact on economics of the region John calls for SEPARATION from the culture (Barr, 462; Rev 131)-- THE BEAST Compare letters between Pliny the Younger and Trajan Emperor worship is the issue Not as extreme as Pliny the Younger But "they felt persecuted" (Barr, 464)

The integrity of 2 Corinthians (read Study Bible "Introduction to 2 Cor.," SBL edition: know the first two theories given).

THEORY 1 Letter of Tears (Letter C; cf. 2 Cor 2:4) LOST 2 Corinthians a whole letter (Letter D) written from Macedonia after Titus' return THEORY 2 Letter of Tears (Letter C; cf. 2 Cor 2:4) LOST 2 Corinthians two separate letters edited together 2 Cor 1-9 (Letter D) following optimistic Titus report 2 Cor 10-13 (Letter E) after troubling news reaches Paul

What is the maturity level of the Philippian community and what evidence supports your view?

The Philippians church is pretty mature. According to the Pauline moral reasoning chart, joy and suffering are key signs of Christian maturity. If one is experiencing joy in the midst of suffering as a Christian, this, for Paul, is a sign that the freedom a community experiences in Christ through the power of the Spirit is threatening the worldly systems based on death-dealing ways. Paul mentions opponents and suffering in the letter's propositio (1:27-30) and he exhorts the Philippian to rejoice several times (3:1; 4:4)

Peroratio

The conclusion Restate what you have put forward and leave it with a bit of pathos Bring out the widow and the children Some people have attempted to tie 2 Corinthians together 2 Cor 10-13 as a peroratio

The social setting of the gospel according to Luke in terms of rich/poor, friendship, and encountering of Greco-Roman culture.

The idea of friendship in Luke Possessions Zacchaeus (Luke 19) Written to the wealthy Question of friendship Reciprocity Give to those in need PRACTICAL Luke has a tendency to comment on what Jesus is doing as being attentive to friends and friendship directions Leads to Acts 2:42 Luke is writing to the wealthy Scripture Luke 14- invite the poor to the mea Luke 16- Dishonest manager make friends Luke 19- example Zaccheus made friends with the poor! GENTILES This friendship is assumed in the gospel to go beyond the Jews and extend to the nations Godfearers in Acts Centurions in Luke

Know the overall theme of Revelation .

The overall theme = God is coming in judgment and salvation through Jesus as the church undergoes persecution and turmoil. So hold onto the faith Persevere in suffering don't culturally accommodate Rome (Rev 2, 13) worship and confess Christ alone--not Caesar-- (Rev 13, 14) Structure of the work Rev 1-4 (Theophany) Letter dictated by risen, victorious Christ... "stand firm and receive a crown of victory" References to Satan and persecution in Pergamum (Rev 2) JUDGMENT and SALVATION PROMISED AND POINTED TO Rev 4-11 (Throne Room) The Slain Lamb is the Conqueror who alone is worthy of worship and to open the scroll The Slain Lamb opens the 7 seals of judgment and FINALLY in 11 brings about salvation through the 7th trumpet JUDGMENT AND SALVATION PROMISED AND POINTED TO Rev 12-22 (Mythic War) Lamb/Rider on White Horse brings judgment on dragon and beast and brings about salvation for his people JUDGMENT AND SALVATION PROMISED AND POINTED TO NOTE... Occasional intercalations to lace it together 144,000 in Rev 7 really belong in Rev 14 (Barr)

Outline of I Thessalonians based on faith, love and hope with scriptural citations.

Thes 1:2-3 "We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" Work of Faith- 1:2-3:13 Thessalonian work of faith- 1:2-10 Paul, Silvanus, Timothy's work of faith (2:1-3:13) Labor of Love (1)- 4:1-12 Steadfastness of Hope - 4:13-5:11 Labor of Love (2)- 5:12-22

What is new in the gospel according to John?

Unique Opening (Johannine Prologue) Starts at the VERY beginning.... NEW STORIES Cana Wedding Raising of Lazarus Prefigures Jesus' death and resurrection Foot washing New view of time and history Within a pseudo-Platonic Gospel, you can have eternal life NOW. Collapsing the above into below The above has entered below so you can have LIFE now....

Canonical Criteria

Use of the writing by the community Reading it publicly in worship and in catechismal instruction; being used for profit Quotation in ancient authorities Sense of the old and the ancient as being true Later stages--quoting of documents means they must be important Apostolic origin; doctrine makes sense MAJOR CONSIDERATION FOR FINAL INCLUSION Was it written or connected to an apostle?!? Gospel of Mark-- but there is a connection between this and Peter in the tradition Pauline letters Gospel of Luke- connected with Paul Key focus on content [doctrinal]... not authorship

The background of "worship" for Revelation - esp. right worship, right confession, non-compromise with culture.

What is proper worship and who is it directed to? WORSHIP Not to emperor (Rev 13) Not to angels (Rev 5) IT IS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE (Rev 1; Rev 5; Rev 19) CONFESSION Jesus alone is Lord Mark of beast on forehead (confession of Rome; Rev 13) Name of Lamb's Father on forehead (confession of God; Rev 14) Non-compromise with culture Do not worship Rome/emperor/the dragon like others (Rev 13) Do not eat meat sacrificed to idols or participate in Roman systems (Rev 2, 13)

Know the components, thought structures, and worldview expressed in "apocalyptic." What are the goals for this type of literature (e.g., "to scare the hell out of you" or "to give hope and encouragement" [pick one])

World is getting worse; horrible persecution; only hope is divine intervention Offers hope to the audience The one who endures to the end will be saved (Mk 13:13b)

Homonymous

Written by someone with same name as famous person Common names John the elder?

1. The social setting of Matthew and its relationship to the portrayal of Jesus and the Pharisees in Matthew 23?

Written out of a time after destruction of 2nd Temple Trying to put Matthew into its historical context Leadership in Judea having been decimated Judaism trying to put itself back together How is God leading during this time? Matthew's community- It's Jesus! Formative Judaism [Pharisaic tradition]- It's NOT Jesus! Pharisee for Matthew = leaders who have followed the Pharisaic tradition post-Judaism. CONFLICT You see it in SM ("Your righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees" Mat 5:20) You see if Matt 23- direct critique against the Pharisees "Woe to you Pharisees and scribes you hypocrites!"

Canon definition

normative documents for Christian life

judicial

past, trial (Fact legality);

The "key" to Hebrews according to Ramsaran.

seudo-Platonic view of reality Apprehend the "true form" by faith The realm of true forms is where we belong Hebrews 8:5- earthly sanctuary a SHADOW of the heavenly one Hebrews 9:24- For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself TRUE FORMS (ABOVE) (Heaven); (true) Rest The Sacrifice The High Priest COPIES and SHADOWS (BELOW; EARTH) sacrifices (plural) high priests (plural) Apprehend true form by faith NOT platonic meditation RATHER through faith in Christ! Faith = tuning into other realms where CHRIST is

1 Corinthians as "Apocalyptic Rhetoric" (Ramsaran reading)

· Critique of Rulers- 1 Cor 1-4 · Renewal of Community- 1 Cor 5-14 · Vindication of the Martyrs- 1 Cor 15