Intro to the New Testament Final Exam
1 Peter 4:12 and 4:14-15
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker." Do not suffer because you have committed a crime, suffer because God is testing you and your faith.
Emphasis on Restored Community and the Spirit: Ephesians 2:19-22
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God."
Work of the Church in Ephesians 2:11-12
"So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision"—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world."
Difficulties of the New Testament
1. Authenticity Did people actually write what is in the letters? Or was it later added? Or third option? 2. Integrity Is writing the same as the originals? For example, in 2 Corinthians 10:1, "I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards." (2 Cor 10:1-2) Paul changes his tone very quickly here.
Neronian Persecution
Around 64CE. There was a fire in Rome that just happened to be exactly where Emperor Nero wanted to reconstruct areas for his own palace. It was met with a lot of criticism since Nero did not really try to put it out, he therefore blames the Christian sect of Judaism for the fire. Then, Nero burns Christians to show that they did the fire. He had animals rip apart Christians, or he strung them up and burned them to light up his parties. This persecution resulted in Christians being distinguished apart from Jews, and after 70CE, Christians were no longer welcome in synagogues. However, people still got circumcised so that they would not be identified as Christians and thus be persecuted. Scholars believe Peter was crucified upside-down at this time.
The rest of Ephesians
Basically, Ephesians denies the urgency of the Apocalypse, but still says that the Gentiles must abandon their ways prior to Christ, and must live good lives. The church will have to take over for a while until the second coming of Christ.
The Seven Churches
Both 1 Peter and Revelation are addressed to modern-day Turkey region. The churches are in Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Asia, and Bithinya.
Background of Ephesians
Ephesians contains writing that is so ostentatious it is even further unlike Paul's writings than Colossians. The "mystery" spoken of in Ephesians 3:3 is the incorporation of Gentiles, along with Jews, into the body of Christ (3:6). This terminological shift in Ephesians' typifies its ecclesial focus; emphasis moves toward the church as the center of theological interest. Also, Ephesians was not originally addressed to one specific church. The oldest manuscripts do not contain "Ephesus" in the salutation; this omission corresponds with the lack of specific reference to persons and places at the end of the letter. Aside from Tychicus, the conclusions contains no references to persons or events. When "Ephesus" falls out of the salutation, Ephesians becomes a letter addressed by "Paul" to all Christians: a compendium of Pauline theology, having close parallels not only with Colossians but also with other, genuine Pauline letters. The purpose of Ephesians is uncertain. The suggestions that it was devised as a covering letter for an early collection of Paul's letters is plausible but unproveable. The earliest known compilation of Paul's letters, that of Marcion, whose views came to be judged heretical, contained Ephesians, though not Hebrews or the Pastorals. Thus, Ephesians' authority was surely established less than a century after its composition.
Ephesians: Ephesus the City
Ephesus was the most important city in western Asia Minor (now Turkey). It had a harbor that at that time opened into the Cayster River, which in turn emptied into the Aegean Sea. Because it was also at an intersection of major trade routes, Ephesus became a commercial center. It boasted a pagan temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Diana. Paul made Ephesus a center for evangelism for about three years, and the church there apparently flourished for some time, but later needed the warning of Rev 2:1-7.
Example of Parts of Genuine Pauline Epistle: Philemon
Salutation: 1-3 Thanksgiving: 4-7 Body: 8-16 Paraenesis: 17-22 Closing: 23-25 Philemon concerns the slave Onesimus who meets Paul in prison and tells him he was mistreated by his master, one who is member of Philemonic church. Paul basically tells them Onesimus is now an adopted son of himself, and he is sending Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter and tells them to treat him better. Onesimus is now a "beloved brother" who should be treated better. Paul expects to see Onesimus when he gets to Philemon after his imprisonment.
Paul/Saul
Saul is converted on road to Damascus according to Acts. Because he had been a persecutor, Christians are hesitant to trust him. Acts never calls him an apostle, but Paul says vehemently that he is an apostle. It is sometimes difficult to understand Paul's letters because he is writing to his communities or individuals of whom we are not familiar, but he is very familiar. Additionally, some suspect Paul had epilepsy and this is why his writing can be very hard to understand.
1 Peter 3:18b-20
" [Jesus Christ] was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Same idea as 2:19
The Introductory Hymn of Praise: Ephesians Thanksgiving 1:3-23
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory. I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." Long, solemn, liturgical: a kind of declaration or address to the readers.
Hebrews 10:3-35
"But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, "See, God, I have come to do your will, O God' (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)." When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of God," and since then has been waiting "until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet." For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds," he also adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we willfully persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy "on the testimony of two or three witnesses." How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by those who have spurned the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant by which they were sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward."
2 Cor 11:21b-27
"But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. (22) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. (23) Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. (24) Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. (25) Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea; (26) on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters; (27) in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked." Paul went through a lot and still continued to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul is writing to the church he established in Corinth which appears to be under attack by Paul's adversaries who want to take the Pauline churches. Fine speakers who are Evangelists go to the town in Corinth and challenge what Paul has taught. Paul is really upset they are trying to turn his churches against him from 11:22-33. Not only is he going through the physical hardships he mentions, but now he has to worry about his own churches.
Hebrews 12:3-6
"Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children— "My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts."
1 Timothy 3:8-13; Qualifications for Deacons
"Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; 9 they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 11 Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; 13 for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
Paul and Same-Sex Relations: Romans 1:20-28
"Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done." Paul assumes that same-gender sex acts are typical of a pervasive inversion of the natural order. The Levitical prohibitions against same-sex relations suggest that it may have been known in ancient Israel; in the Greco-Roman world it may have been widely practiced. Paul's understanding of idolatrous wickedness as the inversion of a God-given order leads him to depict homo-eroticism as a characteristic manifestation of all human sinfulness. Sin is not merely the breaking of commandments or laws. For Paul, sin is a complete disorientation for life: human existence and behavior have become altogether confused, estranged from the God who creates and orders all things. Modern appeals to texts like this in discussing homosexuality are often multiply confused: we assume clear correlations between our experience and the text's claims when, in fact, we may think of a phenomena in ways very differently from Paul while he may be presenting a view foreign to our interests and expectations.
Hebrews 2:1-3a
"For if the message declared through angels was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?"
Romans: Paul's Eschatology Rom 1:17-18
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth." Terms righteousness and wrath are eschatological and refer to apocalyptic manifestations in the last days of this world as signs that God is bringing human history to a climactic, perhaps catastrophic conclusion. Paul places God's righteousness and wrath over against each other as if he believed that their presence already marked th e final turning point of world history.
1 Peter 2:19
"For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly." If one suffers, suffer for Christianity.
No Second Repentance: Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 12:16-17
"For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, since on their own they are crucifying again the Son of God and are holding him up to contempt." "See to it that no one becomes like Esau, an immoral and godless person, who sold his birthright for a single meal. You know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought the blessing with tears."
Galatians 4:12-20
"Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. (13) You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; (14) though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. (15) What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. (16) Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? (17) They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. (18) It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. (19) My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, (20) I wish I were present with you now and could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you." Initial work of Paul in Galatia happened from Paul's sickbed, and at this time the people in Galatia were kind to him and helped him greatly, for which he is thankful. But now, after Paul has left, something else, something bad takes place. There are now opponents in Galatia.
The Bad in Galatia
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— (7) not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal 1:6-7). "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! (2) The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard? (3) Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?" (Gal 3:1-3). "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. (7) You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? (8) Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. (9) A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. (10) I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty." (Gal 5:6-10).
1 Timothy 2:8-15
"I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; 9 also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. 12 I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."
2 Corinthians Chapter 11:5 SUPER APOSTLES
"I think I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles" (2 Cor 11:5). These super-apostles are Paul's adversaries which he mocks in chapter 10.
Revelation 1:10-1:15 and The Future
"I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, "Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; his eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined as in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many waters." The voice coming from behind represents how the future happens in antiquity. In antiquity, the future sneaks up on one, just as a thief in the night, it comes from behind.
Philippians 3:4b-6
"If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: (5) circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; (6) as to zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to righteousness under the law, blameless." Paul is fully Jewish, but now found Jesus and says whatever gains he had he lost when he found Jesus because Jesus has made his purpose clear. He now proclaims the Son to the Gentiles.
Superiority of Christianity: Hebrews 1:1-2a Description of the Son: 1:2b-4
"Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things..." "through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
Ephesians 6:11-18
"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."
Message of Chapter 3 is to not be like the Israelites
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling, consider that Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses also "was faithful in all God's house." Yet Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken later. 6 Christ, however, was faithful over God's house as a son, and we are his house if we hold firm the confidence and the pride that belong to hope. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors put me to the test, though they had seen my works for forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, "They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known my ways.' As in my anger I swore, "They will not enter my rest.'" Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? But with whom was he angry forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief."
Jesus as the Pioneer: Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."
2 Cor 12:7b
"Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. (8) Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, (9) but he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (10) Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Cor 12:7b-10) Paul goes from revelations to a thorn in the flesh. His thorn in the flesh may have been epilepsy. In antiquity, epilepsy was considered to be demonic possessions.
Hebrews 4:1-2: Learn from the mistakes of the Israelites
"Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened."
Melchizedek and Hebrews Chapter 7:1-28
"This "King Melchizedek of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him"; and to him Abraham apportioned "one-tenth of everything." His name, in the first place, means "king of righteousness"; next he is also king of Salem, that is, "king of peace." Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. See how great he is! Even Abraham the patriarch gave him a tenth of the spoils. And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to collect tithes from the people, that is, from their kindred, though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man, who does not belong to their ancestry, collected tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had received the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case, tithes are received by those who are mortal; in the other, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical Priesthood—for the people received the law under this priesthood—what further need would there have been to speak of another priest arising according to the order of Melchizedek, rather than one according to the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. Now the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of him, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual (for the law made nothing perfect); there is, on the other hand, the introduction of a better hope, through which we approach God. This was confirmed with an oath; for others who became priests took their office without an oath, but this one became a priest with an oath, because of the one who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever' "—accordingly Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant. Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever."
Romans 15:20-21
"Thus I make it my ambitions to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else's foundation, (21) but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.'" Paul's Missionary Method: He does not want to go where Jesus is known, but spread word of Jesus where He is unknown so that he does not impede on someone else's teachings. He goes to a community, spends time with them, then leaves and sometimes follows up with these Epistles.
Romans: The Thanksgiving 1:7-15
"To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God's will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish—hence my eagerness to proclaim the gospel to you also who are in Rome." Paul highly reveres the Roman Christians. He wants their approval and he wants to visit them.
Revelation 6:9-11
"When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered for the word of God and for the testimony they had given; they cried out with a loud voice, "Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long will it be before you judge and avenge our blood on the inhabitants of the earth?" They were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number would be complete both of their fellow servants and of their brothers and sisters, who were soon to be killed as they themselves had been killed." Future Persecution
Revelation 8:1-6
"When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. Another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets made ready to blow them." Silence in heaven for about half an hour could be everyone in heaven praising God so loudly that it sounds like nothing.
Gal 1:13-17
"You have hear, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. (14) I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (15) But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased (16) to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, (17) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus." Paul was Jewish, raised a Pharisee, violent persecutor of early Christians. While Acts describes Paul's conversion to Christianity 3x, Paul himself never really describes his conversion. Paul feels personally connected to his conversion. Full Jew proclaims faith to Gentiles.
Pauline Theology in Ephesians 2:1-10
"You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ —by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." Though probably not written by Paul, this is a good epitome for Pauline theology.
Reactions to Abuse: Hebrews 12:12-13
1. Give up 2. Change Faith 3. DO NOT DO 1 + 2!!! "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."
1 Corinthians Chapter 15 + 16
15: In chapter 15 Paul takes up the defense of the bodily resurrection of the dead, a doctrine that has at least been questioned, and even denied, in Corinth. The perishable does not inherit the imperishable. The Corinthians thought of themselves as superior in their wisdom so they denied the bodily resurrection, but Paul says to do that is to deny Jesus' own resurrection as well. Paul distinguishes between the present body and the future body, which is spiritual. 16: Devoted to the business of the famine in Jerusalem; collection of food is needed. "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem." (16:2-3). "I will visit you after passing through Macedonia.... and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you. " (16:5-7). Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong, let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians Chapter 5-7
5: There are reports of sexual immorality among the Corinthians. A man is living with his father's wife. Paul is there in spirit to watch them. Do not boast, clean out the yeast that ruins the whole batch of unleavened bread, the yeast is maleficent and evil. Use the yeast of sincerity and truth. Do not associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or an idolator, reviler, drunkard, or robber, don't even eat with them. Drive out the wicked person from among you! 6: When any of the Corinthians have a grievance against another, the saints will judge, not the courts. To have lawsuits among each other is already a defeat; why not rather just be wronged? Wrongdoers will NOT inherit the kingdom of God. Be washed, be sanctified, do not be dirty, be cleansed by the word which you must follow. 7: Man and wife have control over each other's bodies and should pray for a set time together. Do not let Satan tempt you because of lack of self-control. Paul also talks about unmarried widows and unmarried women and men who should only remarry or marry if it is righteous, but he says not to marry. Do not divorce disbelievers because they still love you even though you are Christian. Nonetheless, the Lord called you to be faithful and do not be deceived by your wife or husband who does not believe.
1 Corinthians Chapter 8-
8: Food does not bring you closer to God, we are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Take care. When you sin against your family, you sin against Christ. Respect one another's beliefs, if you harm someone else through doing something, you are harming Jesus Christ. 9: Paul is free with respect to all, but is also a slave to all so he can win more in faith.
Hebrews
Addressed to "Jewish Wannabees". It is less of a letter and more of a treatise, and it is falsely addressed to Paul. It was written because people want to strongly identify as Jews during Christian persecutions. The central theme is that Christianity is superior to Judaism. There are also two motifs in Hebrews; The New Exodus Motif, Christ as High Priest Motif
The Book of Revelation
Fourth type of writing in the New Testament: Apocalypse. In Greek, revelation is apocalypse. The book was not accepted by all early on in Christianity. The Book is a mediated message from: God, Jesus, Angel, John, Seven Churches in Asia Who is John? John was not an apostle, he was just a guy named John. He was sent to Patmos, an ancient version of Alcatraz.
Galatians Overview
Galatia is a region in modern-day central Turkey. Galatia comes from word <Gaul> because centuries earlier the Franks migrated to Turkey. The Galatians do not get a Thanksgiving from Paul, instead they get a double cure in 1:8-9.
Christ as High Priest Motif and Malchizedek
Hebrews is the only book of the New Testament that likens Jesus to a High Priest... "Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested" (Heb 2:17-18). "Therefore, brothers and sisters, holy partners in a heavenly calling, consider that Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses also "was faithful in all God's house." Yet Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken later. Christ, however, was faithful over God's house as a son, and we are his house if we hold firm the confidence and the pride that belong to hope" (Heb 3:1-6). "Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (4:14-16). PSALM 110:1-4: "1 The Lord says to my lord, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool." The Lord sends out from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
Disputed Pauline Epistles
In Canonical Order: Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus
Undisputed Pauline Epistles
In Canonical Order: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon In Chronological Order: 1 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Romans, Philippians, Philemon
Colossians Overview
Introduction is very long, fourteen verses until the end of the Thanksgiving. Doctrine of Christ follows from 1:15-2:7; including Christ's status, Christ's saving work, and Christ's ministry (and Paul's service). There is a warning against erroneous teaching, and exhortation to good conduct. The exhortation to good conduct includes: death and resurrection the basis for Christian conduct, general advice, advice to families, further general admonitions. The conclusion houses instructions and personal matters.
Romans: Background
May be dated around 56 CE. Likely written during, or shortly after, his last visit to Corinth. He regarded his work in the eastern part of the Mediterranean as complete and looked forward to a mission in Spain, but his plans would be foreclosed by his arrest and imprisonment. Romans is addressed, not to a community lying within what had theretofore been Paul's missionary orbit, but rather to an already established church that Paul expected to visit. Paul wished to present himself and his gospel to Christians at Rome. Hoping to use Rome as a center for his future missionary endeavors in Europe, Paul sought the approval of the Roman church, which he had not founded. Romans is the fullest presentation of Paul's theological views that we possess. Its seeds had been planted long before, and he was likely driven by experiences with his churches in Galatia and Corinth to formulate more carefully his understanding of the gospel. Romans conveys Paul's somewhat later and more considered reflection, written at a time when some controversies had cooled.
Major Issue Paul Faced
Must a Gentile become a Jew in order to become a Christian? NO says Paul. Galatians 3:6—"Just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,' so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham." No physical mark of belief is needed, God knows who he should have faith in. Also, if you try to make yourself acceptable through circumcision, you are denying that Christ died for you.
2 Corinthians
Paul had several visits to Corinth. The first one, he founded the community. The second one was apparently "painful" and the third letter, which we do not have, concerns this painful visit. The fourth letter is 2 Corinthians. When he goes to Corinth after the first letter, this is when he is treated poorly. While he is in Macedonia after his painful visit, Titus returns to Paul with good news, which is the subject of 2 Corinthians. This is where people argue Paul had epilepsy.
1 Thessalonians
Presumed to be earliest letter by Paul, and shows that Paul's eschatological beliefs do not change from the beginning to the end. 1 Thessalonians shows that the people in Thessalonica received Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy well, and that they trust in the words that Paul spoke to them. He is writing as a follow-up from his visit. In spite of persecution Thessalonica received Paul and his words. Paul writes constantly about Faith, Hope, and Love. Salutation (1:1): introduction of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy who are writing to Thessalonians. Grace to you and peace. One verse long. Thanksgiving (1:2-2:20): Paul misses and adores the Thessalonians, who welcomed him and accepted his word not as a word from a human but for what it really was. When Paul and his helpers left Thessalonica, they were sad and wanted to return but Satan blocked his way. Thessalonica is his "glory and joy!" (2:20). Body (3:1-3:13): Paul was worried about the faith of the Thessalonians, but Timothy said that they are doing well with their faith. During all of the distress and persecution, Thessalonica remains a great example of faith. Paraenesis (4:1-5:23): The Thessalonians should live to please God: abstain from fornication and control your body and leave lust and passion behind. Aspire to live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands so you are dependent on no one. However, Paul tells them about those who have died (fallen asleep). 4:13-4-18 shows Paul's eschatology and how those who have died will rise again and those who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds and will meet the Lord. The parousia is imminent and "will come like a thief in the night" (5:2b). First there is peace, then destruction will come but the beloved will be saved because God loves them. Encourage one another and build each other up as they are already doing. Respect those who labor, and have charge of them, esteem all highly in love. Be at peace. Admonish idlers, encourage fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of the. See that no one repays evil with evil. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Do not despise the prophets, hold fast to what is good. Abstain from evil. Closing (5:23-28): Greet all with a holy kiss, grace of Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
1 Corinthians Chapters 1-4
Paul mentions that in Galatians there is a famine in Jerusalem and he is sending food from the Gentiles to the Jews. 1:10—there should be no divisions among the Corinthians, but some are divided because some are saying, "I belong to Paul, I belong to Apollos, I belong to Cephas, I belong to Christ." There is the topic of wisdom, God does not care about knowledge or wisdom, and He makes the foolish the wisdom of the world. 2:1—When Paul came to Corinth, he did not speak in lofty words or about mysteries. He was nervous, and he came weakly and in fear and trembling. His speech was not a proclamation. Speak not of human wisdom, but of God's wisdom. "None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (2:8). Be spiritual, the unspiritual do not receive God's Spirit for they are foolish. 3:10—Someone is building on Paul's foundation, and he is trying to reclaim it. That foundation is Jesus Christ. Each one of you is God's temple and God's spirit dwells in each. God's temple is holy, you are holy. Do not deceive yourselves, if you think you are wise, you are not. Chapter 4: God judges us, do not judge yourselves, do not judge others. Already you have what you want, already you are all rich. You have become kings. When reviled, Paul and crew bless, when persecuted, they endure, when slandered, they speak kindly. Paul is not writing to make them ashamed, but to admonish them like children because they do not have many fathers. Paul sends to them Timothy, but Paul will be there soon to check on them. Is he going to have to come with a stick? Or will he come with kindness?
Parts of Genuine Pauline Epistles
Paul writes to his communities to keep in touch with them. 1) Salutation: a) first mention of Sender, followed by mention of recipient. b) Greeting: always some variation of "Grace (Gk) and Peace (Heb). 2) Thanksgiving or Blessing: basically a table of contents of themes that will be elaborated on in the letter. 3) The Body: often finishes with a travelogue 4) Paraenesis or Exhortation: advice, warning, watch out 5) Closing: may include a travelogue, holy kiss, doxology/benediction (Amen.)
Philippians History
Paul wrote Philippians in prison, also Philemon in prison. Buz believes Philippians was written after Romans. Paul talks about his imprisonment: "It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God's grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:7-8). Again he talks about his imprisonment: "I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear" (Phil 1:12-14).
Paul's Purpose in Writing Romans
Paul's purposes for writing this letter were varied: 1) He wrote to prepare the way for his coming visit to Rome and his proposed mission to Spain (1:10-15; 15:22-29). 2) He wrote to present the basic system of salvation to a church that had not received the teaching of an apostle before. 3) He sought to explain the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God's overall plan of redemption. The Jewish Christians were being rejected by the larger Gentile group in the church (see 14:1 and note) because the Jewish believers still felt constrained to observe dietary laws and sacred days (14:2-6).
Philippians Eschatology
Phil 1:22-END, Paul believes he may not be alive during the Parousia. Epaphroditus is the one who delivers this letter.
Women in the Church Reading
Quotes that "there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, no 'male and female" (Gal 3:28 and referenced in Gen. :27). Signifies Mary Magdalene and other women who were with Jesus from the beginning to the end of his ministry. Women did indeed the criteria for apostleship since there were several who were with Jesus from beginning to "end." Women were never excluded from priestly ministry and indeed acted as priests. In Paul's greetings at the end of Romans, he talks about Phoebe of the church at Cenchreae, as well as Junia, a woman apostle. Women's roles may have been somewhat limited by what was culturally permissible, but many roles which were associated with priestly ministry were never restricted to only men. The 12 Apostles whom Jesus names is the only exclusively male groups associated with Jesus; but the Twelve, while usually regarded as predecessors of the later Church officials called priests, are not their sole precursors. Indeed, Paul expressly disclaims having been made an apostle by men. Thus, the claim that the intention and example of Jesus and the example of the apostles provide a norm excluding women cannot be made on neither logical nor historical grounds. Paul does say that women should cover their heads in 1 Cor while praying as proper attire, but the Church has acknowledged the cultural contingency of the regulation by no longer imposing it. Any mentions Paul makes that subjugate women are for worship purposes, and they are motivated by social and cultural factors.
Hebrews 11:13 and Hebrews 13:14
That which comes after is superior... "All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland." "For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."
The Issue of Galatia
The Galatians believe they need to be circumcised to be accepted by God because of Genesis 17:9-11. Galatians had this pointed out to them by someone and wonder why Paul did not tell them about circumcision, then they question what else he left out to them. Then they question his apostleship, which really angers him.
Hebrews: The New Exodus Motif and Chapter 3
The Sinai Peninsula is where the Exodus event of the Hebrew Bible takes place. Mt. Sinai is where 10 commandments are received by Moses. One of the central points of Hebrews is "just because you came out of Egypt, you have not gotten to the Holy Land..."
1 Peter
The author is writing around 80-95 CE, a time of persecution for Turkey. He is writing in Peter's name because Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome and died for his faith. The author is saying that if one suffers, suffer for your faith.
Vision Cycles of the Book of Revelation
There are Seven Cycles, there are seven elements in each cycle. Each cycle contains the same message: 1) persecution/suffering, 2) Judgement of persecutions, 3) Triumph of God. There are also 7 seals, 7 beatitudes, 7 thunders, 7 signs, 7 spirits, and a bunch of other 7s. The number seven represents completeness.
Paul's Imprisonment based on Philippians
We do not know where Paul is in prison, but because he talks about the imperial guards, people believe he is in Rome. It is possible that he is actually in an Ephesus prison (Buz) since this was from when Paul was in prison in Cesaria.
Romans 15:25 and Galatians
When Paul is ready to deliver to the famished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, in Romans 15:25 he does not mention the Galatians. Paul may have lost Galatia after his letter.