New Testament Review

Pharisees: Oral Torah

- "Oral Torah" were interpretations of the Torah going back to Moses. -A continually growing body of traditions that took sayings from older generations and put them in conversation with present generations. -Contain contradictory teaching which indicates that there was no one Pharisaic way of understanding an issue. -Their reading of scripture often required more than the text indicates. 1. They called this the "fence around the law."

A Prophetic Task (Chapters 10) Part 2

- "There will be no more delay, but in the days when the 7th angel is to blow his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled" (10:6-7) 1. Mystery signifies God's hidden purposes 2. Unclear what john means about fulfillment 3. Maybe judgment and salvation will be completed 4. Maybe it anticipates 11:13 where people repent -10:8-9 - Eating the scroll is like Ezek 3:1-3 1. Symbolizes John's embodiment of and identification with the message 2. It was both sweet and bitter; a word of grace and mercy as well as challenge and suffering in difficult circumstances

Major Themes of James

-"Be doers of the word" 1. Don't speak ill of each other (4:11) 2. Don't anger easily (1:19) 3. Warned against showing partiality to the wealthy (2:1-13; 5:1-6) -Emphasis on repentance -Clearing up Paul's teaching 1. Paul might be misunderstood as teaching a faith that requires no behavior modification 2. Faith for Paul is adopting certain beliefs and the manner of life that goes with them 3. Faith for James is mental ascent so he must add the secondary component of action a. "Faith without works is dead"

Octavian turned Augustus

-"Golden era" -emperor when Jesus is born

Key Feature of John: "The Jews"

-"The Jews" oppose Jesus, hunt him, and bring him before Pilate -Yet, the author was Jewish, Jesus is Jewish, lots of Jesus' colleagues are Jewish -How to reconcile this? 1. Usually = establishment leaders but not consistently 2. Some scholars: John's community was banned from the synagogue and read their experience back into Jesus' time -Use caution to avoid antisemitism and misinterpreting John's intention

Pauline Epistles

-1 Thessalonians -1 Corinthians -2 Corinthians -Galatians -Philippians -Philemon -Romans

The Pastoral Epistles

-1-2 Timothy and Titus are collectively referred to as the Pastoral Epistles -About 90% of biblical scholars think Paul DID NOT write these -Some think all 3 were written by the same person at the same time intended to be read as a collection -Others think 2 Timothy has a different author

Qumran/Dead Sea Scrolls

-11 caves of ancient scrolls found in 1940s -Numbering system 1. Q = found at Qumran 2. First letter after the Q comes from first letter in the text or an indication of something distinct in text 3. Following letters indicate something of content 4. Final numbers refer to column within the scroll

A Prophetic Task (cont) and 7th Trumpet (Chapters 11)

-11:1-2 - Measuring the Temple 1. Ignore the court outside the temple bc it will be destroyed by the nations for 42 months (11:2) 2. Measuring seems to symbolize a worshiping community, the church, and suggests a time and place protected from the destruction outside of it -Two witnesses 1. Prophesying during these 42 months 2. What are they doing? a. Represent the prophetic witness of the church and model the role the churches in the 7 cities should be doing b. They're killed by the "beast that comes up from the bottomless pit" and they are disrespected by being left unburied to be gazed upon by the "members of the peoples and tribes and languages and nations" 3.Who are they? a. Some have suggested Enoch and Elijah (since neither are said to have died) but this might be an over literal reading b. They are linked to other figures though c. They can stop the rain (like Elijah in 1 Kgs 17:1) d. They can turn water into blood (like Moses Ex 7:14-25) e. Their deaths are linked to Jesus' crucifixion (11:8) -7th trumpet 1. Worship in heaven focusing on God's reign/empire that overcomes nations that did not honor God 2. God's Temple (not some other god's) is shown to be where God is encountered, and true worship happens

The Woman

-12:1-2 "a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth." -12:6 - survives devil's attack and goes to the wilderness 1. Wilderness = place of ambivalence; both trial and hardship as well as freedom and protection a. Think Jesus, Hagar, the Israelites after leaving Egypt 2. In this context, it seems to be a place of protection and sustenance -Once the devil's back on earth, he pursues the woman (12:13-17) 1. Pursuit - eagles wings to escape 2. Tried to drown her - the earth swallowed the river to protect her 3. Changes target to her children (followers of Jesus) indicating that believers who separate from empire should expect opposition, but it's short lived -Who does she symbolize 1. Israel from whom the messiah was born? 2. Mary from whom Jesus was born? 3. The church, being attacked by the devil yet protected now that Jesus has ascended to heaven?

The Dragon

-12:3 "A great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tailswept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth." 1. "great red dragon" - red symbolizes death and violence (think of the red horse in 6:3-4). 2. The rest indicate his power and size -12:7-12a - war between Michael and the dragon; Michael wins and the dragon is expelled from heaven. Everyone celebrates and Heaven is now completely in God's control -However, the devil does continue activity in the earth. Not until chapter 20, when god's purposes are fulfilled, does the devil finally and permanently lose -"The context of his defeat in heaven and his 'short' time on earth defines the present as a difficult time for faithful Jesus-believers." (88) fortunately, it'll be short-lived -On earth he's a "deceiver" 1. Same word used to describe Jezebel in 2:20-24 2. This stresses that any accommodation to the empire means alliance with the devil and being in opposition to God

Rome's Description (chapter 17)

-17:1 "the great ***** ... seated on many waters" 1. Woman city a. May be influenced by Rome's protective warrior goddess Roma b. 17:9 "the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated" is nearly an explicit reference to Rome 2. Metaphors of "*****/prostitute" and fornication a. Same Greek root word: porne b. Though the metaphor is problematic, its purpose is to condemn participation by Jesus believers, notably eating meat offered to idols and honoring images -17: 2 Allied with the "kings of the earth" a. alliances were one of the primary ways that Rome exercised its power

Rome's Description (chapter 17) continued

-17:3 Rides "a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names" 1. recalls beast from 13:1 "I saw a beast rising out of the sea...and on its heads were blasphemous names" 2. the woman is linked with the beast which is linked with the devil, ergo the woman (Rome) is an agent of the devil. -17:4 Clothed in purple and scarlet; god and jewels and pearls; "full of abominations and the impurities of fornication" 1. Imperial colors and great wealth -17:5 "Babylon the great, mother of whores [prostitutes] and of earth's abominations" 1. Babylon is a consistent code name for Rome in Revelation; like with Jezebel, his enemy is a sexually disreputable woman -17:6 "Drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of witnesses to Jesus" 1. maybe Nero's attacks? 2. Maybe represents all those killed by Rome's quest for power and dominance

Celebration of Rome's demise (chapter 18)

-18:20 calls those who in 6:9-11 cried out to God to act to rejoice bc "God has given judgment for you against her" -18:22-23 catalog things that are destroyed with the city: music, entertainment, artisans, trades, households, and commerce -18:24 - the worst thing Rome has done is violence to human beings. "And in you was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slaughtered on earth"

Rome's Demise (chapter 18)

-18:4 "Come out of her, my people..." 1. John's call, via a heavenly voice, for non-participation and total separation -3 Laments 1. Allied Client Kings (18:9-10) a. "the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived in luxury with her" weep for "the mighty city" 2. Merchants of the Earth (18:11-17 a. Mourn because no one can buy their cargo b. 18:12-13 provide an extensive list of luxury items and resources ending in "slaves - and human lives" c. Emphasizes the tragic human cost for the empire to do business as usual 3. Shipmasters, Seafarers, sailors (18:19-20) a. recognizes, again, the extensive trade. Rome claimed dominion over land and sea

7 Visions of God's Work (chapters 19-22)

-19-22 reveals that the world's destiny is in god's hands, not Rome's. -The future has no place for Rome's purposes despite how permanent Rome seems -19:1-10 contain yet another worship scene in which God is praised for judging Rome and avenging the saints -The remainder of the book tells us what God's reign looks like in 7 scenes

7 Visions of God's Work (chapters 19-22)

-19:11-16: the rider on the white horse 1. This rider is Christ and is presented in military terms a. King of Kings and Lord of Lords b. He's with the armies of heaven" 2. Victory isn't through military means, instead, it is through his crucifixion and resurrection - revealing the limits of Rome's power 3. 19:15 - depicts Christ sharing and manifesting God's rule over all the nations, including Rome -19:17-21: the defeat of the beasts and their supporters 1. This scene depicts the destruction of the 2 beasts (ch 13) in the lake of fire 2. Elements of battle: kings of the earth prepare for battle at Harmagedon; birds summoned to eat "the flesh of kings...captains...the mighty...horses and their riders" as well as the "flesh of all, both free and slave, both small and great" (19:18) 3. However, Christ is in heaven, not on earth so the beasts' supporters are killed by the "sword that came from [the] mouth" aka Christ's words 4. So there is no real battle on earth; no armies actually fight 5. 19:20 - the two beasts go into "the lake of fire that burns with sulfur"

Deutero-Pauline Epistles

-2 Thessalonians -Colossians -Ephesians -1 Timothy -2 Timothy -Titus

7 Visions of God's Work (chapters 19-22)

-20:1-3: the locking up of the devil 1. Here an angel accomplishes the locking up of Satan 2. He is thrown into a locked and sealed pit for 1000 years - symbolically meaning a very long time 3. His demise = he won't "deceive the nations" anymore -20:4-6: Christ and the saints rule 1. Shift from judgment to vindication of the faithful - they will rule alongside Christ 2. Here again we have the language of marking, stressing loyalty and ownership 3. Vindication = resurrection a. Not always present in Hebrew thinking b. Occurs around the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes IV during the 2nd century BCE c. There were lots of martyrs during this time so a theology developed where God's faithfulness extended beyond death (1 & 2 Maccabees and Daniel 12) 4. This scene affirms the life-giving justice of God that extends beyond death

7 Visions of God's Work (chapters 19-22)

-20:11-15: the last judgment 1. Back in the throne room but not a worship scene 2. Final judgment scene 3. 20:11 - the earth and heaven fled from the presence of God (will be replaced in next scene) 4. 20:12-13 - the dead, great and small from the sea, Death and Hades - judgment has to do with how people have lived a. 2 books? It seems that we have the book of life and a book that accounts for people's works 5. 2014 - Death and Hades thrown into the lake of fire 6. 20:15 - not found in the book thrown into Lake of fire "second death" a. It's a place of destruction, not enteral torture. b. Cessation of existence is punishment 7. So: the devil, the 1st beast (Rome) and the 2nd beast (allied elites), death and hades, those who aren't in the book of life (aka those who got on board with Rome) all destroyed 8. They have no place in God's new purposes

7 Visions of God's Work (chapters 19-22)

-20:7-10: the defeat of the devil 1. Second scene depicting destruction of the devil 2. The devil deceives "the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, in order to gather them for battle" a. In Ezek 38:1, Gog is a symbolic figure representing militaristic and imperial powers arrayed against God and God's people b. You guessed it, Gog and his armies are defeated. 3. 20:9 - assemble to battle at the "beloved city" - Jerusalem a. This is the 4th reference to the final battle but there is still no actual fighting b. Gog and Magog's armies are defeated by fire from God c. Again, devil is thrown into the lake of fire

7 Visions of God's Work (chapters 19-22)

-21:1-22:5: a new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem 1. Revelation pictures city New Jerusalem coming to earth, not the faithful being raptured to heaven 2. City compared to a bride - common in the prophets to describe faithful/unfaithful relationships 3. God lives in a renewed world among people a. No death or mourning or pain; Life symbolized by the river and the tree of life b. Covenantal relationship is the norm (21:7) c. No sin allowed 4. Elaborate and glorious a. Gates always open = inclusion of kings of the earth --Compare - 19:17-21 said they were destroyed b. Large = 1500 square miles c. Built from precious stones and metals (list at 21:18-21) 5. No temple a. Temples in 7 cities were a problematic feature b. This city has no temple as God is the temple c. Worship is continuous 6. 22:4 - one last reference to marked foreheads

Symbolic Characters: The good guys

-7 churches may represent the whole church -Jesus 1. aka the Christ 2. aka Son of Man 3. aka Lion of the tribe of Judah 4. aka slaughtered lamb -The woman and the dragon (ch 12) 1. Israel/the church/Mary and Satan -24 Elders = 12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles

Numerology

-7 is the number of perfection -24 Elders represent tribes and apostles, thus representing all of god's people -144,000 is a way of expressing a great multitude will be saved -the millennium 1. perhaps Satan's power is limited during Jesus' life but unleashed anew on Jesus' followers after his ascension? 2. Or perhaps the power of Satan is limited during the time church exists until the 2nd coming?

Epilogue

-A series of appeals, warnings, and blessings reminiscent of chapter 1 -Trustworthy and true bc it came from the Lord -He threatens those who might want to modify his teachings in 22:18-19 lest they suffer the plagues

Moral Dualism

-A stark, either/or (binary) opposition of spirits -human beings must choose a side in the ongoing struggle -Draws ethical lines where there is no difficulty identifying the allies of God or the enemies -There is very little room for "gray areas" that we experience in our daily life

Colossians: Context & Issues

-About 60% of biblical scholars think Paul DID NOT write Colossians -Probably written in the mid-50s (if by Paul) or as late as the early 60s (if pseudonymous) -Major issues: 1. Certain teachers were claiming that visionary experiences were necessary to obtain forgiveness from and relationship with God

1 Thessalonians (written~51)

-Address and Salutation (1:1) -Thanksgiving (1:2-10, 2:13, 3:9-10) -Personal Defense 1. Recollection of Mission (2:1-16) 2. The Mission of Timothy (2:17-3:13) -Ethical Exhortation and Instruction 1. The ethical demands of the Gospel (4:1-12) 2. Concerning the Dead in Christ (4;13-18) 3. Concerning the season of Christ's coming (5:1-11) 4. Miscellaneous paraenesis (5:12-22) -Closing: Peace wish, kiss, Apostolic Command and Benediction (5:23-28)

Galatians (written ~54-56)

-Address and salutation (1:1-5) -Expression of astonishment (1:6-9) -Paul's defense of his apostleship (1:10-2:21) -Paul's defense of his gospel 1. Spirit comes through the gospel, not law (3:1-5) 2. Law and faith: example of Abraham as father of promise and a discussion of the nature of law and its relationship to faith (3:6-29) 3. Law and grace: adopted children are not slaves to the law. Inferiority of the way of law to the way of grace for Gentiles as illustrated by the allegory of Hagar and Sarah -The gospel applied: Responsible use of Christian freedom 1. Stand fast in freedom (5:1-12) 2. Freedom to love (5:13-25) 3. Law of Christ (5:26-6:10) -Personal exhortation and conclusion (6:1-18)

Romans

-Address and salutation (1:1-7) -Thanksgiving (1:8-12) -Autobiographical Introduction (1:13-17) -God's wrath now being revealed (1:18-3:20) -God's righteousness now being revealed (3:21-5:21) -Questions about Libertinism (6:1-8:39) -Questions and Answers about Israel's place in salvation history ((9:1-11:36) -The Consequence of life in the new age (12:1-15:13) -Paul's travel plans (15:14-33) -Final Greetings 16:1-23) -Conclusion - almost certainly not original to the letter (16:24-27)

1 Corinthians (written 53-54)

-Address, Salutation, Thanksgiving (1:1-9) -Concerning disunity (1:1-4:21) -Problems of immorality (5:1-6:11) -Reply to questions in the Corinthian's letter to Paul (6:12-16:4) -Paul's travel plans (16:5-9) -News of Timothy's visit (16:10-11) -Concerning Apollos (16:12) -Paraenesis (16:13-18) -Closing: greeting, apostolic warning, benediction (16:19-24)

2 Corinthians (Written ~55-57)

-Address, salutation, thanksgiving (1:1-11) -Autobiographical report and apology (1:12-2:17) -Defense of his apostolic ministry (3:1-6:10) -Invitation to Reconciliation (6:11-7:16) -Collection for the "poor" in Jerusalem (8:1-9:15) -Defense of authority of apostleship (10:1-18) -Concerning justifiable boasting (11:1-12:13) -Concerning his imminent visit (12:14-13:10) -Conclusion (13:11-14)

Context of Johannine Epistles

-All seem to come from the community that produced the Gospel of John -Similar vocabulary and outlook -Probably all written around the year 100 -2 & 3 John for sure written by "the Elder" -probably 1 John as well

Fifth Trumpet (Chapter 9)

-An attack of locust-like demons -From the "bottomless pit" - Satan's domain (1-2) - they're released by a fallen angel or star (3a) -Their targets are not believers, and their role is closely limited by God 1. 9:4 - They can torture those without God's seal on their foreheads 2. Recalls people of God from 7:3-4 (seal/brand could be baptism, presence of Holy Spirit, etc) 3. Like the Hebrews in Egypt, believers are protected -Key message: God's people have nothing to fear in the midst of God's efforts to persuade people to repent, however, the wacky earth isn't a safe place for Jesus-believers because the devil is at work in it. -7-10 recalls Joel 2:1-11. There, Joel interprets a plague of locusts as God's effort to persuade people to repent (2:12-17) -These locusts are described as battle ready - their description is bizarre (9:7-11): human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, scorpion tails, scales like iron breastplates

Hebrews Authorship

-Anonymous letter (not even pseudonymous!) -Attributed to Paul by 2nd Century, but unlikely 1. Too much is unlike what is known from extant Pauline letters 2. Too much that is typical of Paul is lacking 3. Similar subject matter is handled differently (works, faith, etc) 4. Vocabulary and literary style are different 5. None of Paul's extant letters are anonymous -Other suggestions: Luke, Apollos, Barnabas, and Priscilla -Origen (3rd c.) said "As to who wrote the epistle, only God knows" -Probably written by a Jewish Christian, maybe from Pauline circles

Jewish Independence

-Antiochus' successor acknowledges the Maccabees (AKA the Hasmoneans) as governors of Judea -The Jews have self-rule under the Hasmoneans for the first time since the Assyrians and Babylonians conquered them -Their rule will last from 142-63 BCE

Peter

-Apostle to the Jews -His speech inaugurates the church -His vision and experience with Cornelius incorporates the Gentiles

Questions to Consider

-Are these understood to be future realities or to some extent occurring in the present? -19:6 "the Lord our God the Almighty reigns" 1. Reigns is in present tense 2. God's actions throughout have a limited judgment in time or extent 3. God -Are these 7 distinct scenes? Variations on the same theme? Overlapping visions? 1. It's hard to make a coherent sequence of the events a. Devil is bound twice b. Judgment occurs in scenes 2, 4, 5, and 6 c. Kings of the earth are condemned in scene 2 but welcomed in scene 7 d. It seems more likely that these are all different dimensions of God's reign rather than a timeline of events e. Their overarching theme is the final and full establishment of God's purposes f. establishes full reign in heaven back in 12

Hebrews: Superior Blessings in Christ

-Argues that there are superior blessings in Christ -Earthly Temple is shadow of Heavenly Temple -Jesus is its eternal, sinless high priest -Christ's sacrifice is valid forever -Difference from Paul 1. Hebrews doesn't express a continuing appreciation for Jewish-Christian participation in the Mosaic covenant

2 Thessalonians: Context and Issues

-Around 40% of biblical scholars think Paul DID NOT write 2 Thessalonians: that's a big dissenting voice -Maybe written as early as 65 -Major issues: 1. What blessings do Christians have now versus when Christ returns 2. What powers the Spirit gives them in the present 3. Some teachers were claiming they possessed gifts and blessings that allowed them to rise above life's problems a. Thus the church should support them financially

Claudius

-Ate poisonous mushrooms -emperor during early part of Paul's ministry

Context & Themes of Jude

-Author 1. Pseudonymous of Jude, brother of James (and therefore Jesus) 2. Some have argued it may actually be by Jude -Date: End of the 1st century -Recipients: To all Christians -Major Themes 1. Harshness against opponents, yet hopes they repent 2. Wants his readers to keep more of the Law (contra Paul) a. He seems to be part of a Jewish Christian community

Context of 2 Peter

-Author 1. Pseudonymous, but claims to be written by Peter as he is about to die a. Greek is elegant; refers to Paul's letters; and an apparent past generation of apostles; use of Jude as a source 2. Probably not the same author as 1 Peter -Date 1. Maybe as late as 125 2. Probably latest book in New Testament -Recipients 1. Basically every believer

Context of 1 Peter

-Author 1. Pseudonymously by "Peter" a. Greek is much too sophisticated for a rural fisherman 2. Peter has been dead for about 30 years (martyred) 3. Encouragement for those experiencing persecution to endure because Peter endured -Date: Late 80s/90s -Recipients 1. The "exiles of the dispersion" 2. Draws on the imagery of the history of Israel 3. It Is a way of encouraging the church to interpret their lives through Israel's experience of exile

Colossians: Author's response

-Author does not oppose visionary experience 1. However, they are not required for salvation -Christ is a preexistent being who was a creative force and now sustains the world -Through baptism, believers are brought into Christ: no need for visions 1. Baptismal imagery a. Symbolized the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus b. One becomes identified with Christ and receives forgiveness and proper relationship w/God c. Results in virtuous lives, not dramatic displays of spiritual experiences

Evangelist

-Author of a gospel 1. Matthew or Mark -Someone who preached the gospel

2 Thessalonians: The "Man of Lawlessness"

-Author says the end won't come until the "man of lawlessness" is set loose -Often interpreted as any leader that the reader doesn't like from their own time (e.g. Russian or American leaders, Hitler) -However, this must have been a person that the Thessalonian church knew 1. Otherwise, how could they know the end has not yet come 2. They have to know who he is in order to know he has not been set loose

Context of James

-Author: 1. Pseudonymously attributed to James the brother of Jesus (martyred around 62) 2. Perhaps it does contain some oral traditions that go back to James' preaching -Date: Near the end of the 1st century -Form: 1. Not really a letter so much as a collection of ethical exhortations a. Starts like a letter, but doesn't end, so it may be intended to be a letter in form only -Recipients: Jewish(?) members of the church scattered outside of Palestine 1. Addressed to "Twelve Tribes" - may be a way of referring to the church

Sixth Trumpet (Chapter 9)

-Authorized by "the four horns of the golden altar before God" (9:13) 1. This is where the prayers of God's people were presented in 8:2-5 2. Is this a response to those prayers? To the call for revenge by the martyrs (6:9-11)? -9:14 - "release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates" 1. Some think this is a reference to an attack by the Parthians, since the Euphrates marked the border between the 2 empires 2. Some think this refers to Israel's older enemies the Assyrians and Babylonians who were understood in their time as being agents of God's punishment 3. Others (more likely) a variation on the locusts; further agents of the devil 4. Point: scene reveals a world under attack and dangerous to Jesus-believers -9:20-21: those that didn't die, didn't repent; this means that the vision of trumpet 6 didn't work, no one repented, and no one is saved. That's a problem - chapters 10 &11 envision a new approach.

Symbolic Characters: The bad guys

-Beast 1 1. composite of the beasts in Dan 7:3-7; depiction of Rome and its emperors -Beast 2 1. aka the false prophet 2. leaders of the imperial court -Prostitute riding on the red animal with 7 heads and 10 horns 1. 7 heads = 7 mountains = City of 7 Hills =Rome -10 horns = 10 different emperors

Seven Bowls & Rome's Demise

-Ch 15-18 reveal that time is up for Rome's eternal empire 1. The seven seals show that judgment takes place bc of Rome's own actions 2. The seven trumpets show God's judgment is an opportunity for repentance 3. These seven plagues/bowls show that, while there is still time for repentance, the time is short and God's purposes are coming to fulfillment -Contests Rome's claims 1. "Lord God the Almighty" and "King of the nations" are political statements 2. Contests Rome's claim to be the supreme power that exercises rule over all the nations -"All nations will come and worship before you" = inclusive of every nation, unlike Rome which is comprised of only conquered and allied peoples 1. How all this comes about is not specified, but perhaps the sequences of repentance seeking plagues worked 2. In any event, God's purposes are here shown to be for all people 3. Again, this is one of the internal inconsistencies of John's writing

Daniel 7:1-8

-Change of setting differentiates the apocalyptic prophecies from the narratives that came before -Babylon is the big bad and so gets used as a stand in for any empire ruling over the Israelites -Here, Babylon is a stand-in for the Seleucids 1. An empire that rose to power after the death of Alexander the Great -First person report of a vision mediated through a dream -Introduction of animal symbols 1. Lion = Babylon, Bear = Medes, Leopard = Persians, Dragon = Greeks -Ten horns = Ten successors of Alexander -The little horn is Antiochus IV Epiphanes -How do we figure this out? 1. Daniel 7:23-24-25 2. Reference to Antiochus 3. Count backwards in terms of empires to sort out the rest 4. Other visions in Daniel also reference Antiochus 5. This is also how scholars date the book

The Dragon and the Woman (Chapter 12)

-Chapters 12-14 1. These chapters reveal the power behind the scenes; the demonic forces behind Rome; the cosmic struggle between good and evil, God and the devil -Imagery 1. "Various cultures had myths concerning combat that involved gods and beastly figures. The great altar of Zeus at Pergamum depicted such a struggle." there we see Cybele coming to battle on alion, the eagle of Zeus holding lightning bolts, and other gods and goddesses with horses and dogs, etc. 2. Do these images resonate with the legend of Apollo's birth? (Carter 86-87) 3. Do they resonate with biblical stories? Maybe birth pangs suggest Eve? Maybe Micah 4:9-10 where labor is used as a metaphor for deliverance from Babylon? 4. Most important echo seems to be Jesus and his birth -Conflict 1. 12:4b—6 2. The dragon wants to devour the baby as soon as the woman delivers it, but these efforts are in vain. 3. God protects the child by snatching him away and taking him to heaven.

How John is different from the synoptics

-Cleansing the Temple inaugurates Jesus 'ministry -Raising of Lazarus is why the authorities want to kill Jesus -Jesus travels between Galilee and Jerusalem multiple times -Teaches in long monologues -Ministry seems to last for 3 years -No nativity, baptism, or temptation -Few miracles and no exorcisms

How the synoptics differ from John

-Cleansing the Temple occurs at the beginning of Jesus' final week -Cleansing the Temple is why the authorities want to kill Jesus -Ministry occurs in Galilee and he goes to Jerusalem at the end -Teaches in parables -Ministry happens in one year

Ephesians: Context and Issues

-Close to 90% of scholars don't think Paul wrote Ephesians -written shortly after Colossians since it seems to copy some words and phrases (late 50s-mid 60s) -some have thought of this as a "cover letter" for the first collection of Paul's letters; very general -Major issues: How does a predominantly Gentile church deal with its Jewish heritage?

Key Features of Luke: Conception/Nativity/Early Childhood

-Conception and birth of John -Conception and birth of Jesus 1. Angel comes to Mary 2. Travel to Bethlehem for a census 3. Infamous inn story 4. Local shepherds visit the baby 5. Jesus presented at the temple upon return to Jerusalem 6. Magnificat --Song/poem Mary sings -Story of Jesus teaching in the temple as a young boy and his parents not knowing where he is -Matthew stresses the royal aspect of Jesus while Luke stresses that Jesus identifies with the poor and is working to alleviate their suffering

Major Themes: 2 John

-Continuation of 1 John's themes -Love one another -Instruct churches to refuse to support Docetists 1. 2 John 7-8

key features of Acts: Inclusion of Gentiles

-Cornelius' house is the introduction of Gentiles -Peter has a vision in which God tells him not to call unclean what God has called clean -Spirit descends on Cornelius like it did the disciples on Pentecost -Peter baptizes Cornelius and his household -Story told 3 times 1. ch. 10 2. when Peter goes back to Jerusalem and the leaders are upset with him 3. at the apostolic council in ch. 15

Date and Form of Hebrews

-Date: Probably around 65 1. It would have been under the persecution of Claudius a. It doesn't seem that they were experiencing martyrdom: Nero and Domitian's persecutions included martyrdom 2. The temple must still be standing because mentioning its destruction would have been a great validation for the argument that the sacrificial system is outmoded -Form 1. Does not begin like a letter 2. Ends like a letter w/ circumstance of author and some personal greetings 3. Better thought of as a sermon or treatise that was sent as a letter 4. Alternates sections of exhortation with sections of explanation 5. Conversation between Jewish Jesus-followers

Chronicler's history

-Deuteronomistic history but more immediate and on a personal level -Often with specific application to the monarchy

Apocalyptic Literature

-Deuteronomistic perspective but cosmic in scope and extending to the afterlife -recognizes problem of theodicy but because God's justice is paramount, there must be vindication for the martyrs and punishment for the wicked

Diaspora Jews

-Diaspora Jews were Jews who lived outside of Palestine; most Jews were diaspora Jews -Observant Jews would have sent a contribution to the Temple even though they were not there to participate -Greek would have been a common language for most Jews, though Hebrew was the religious language 1.LXX is translated to address this situation -Without a temple, Jews worshipped in synagogues. -Diaspora Jews might see the Temple once in their lifetimes, if that

Style of James

-Diatribe: a style of instructional speech characteristic of Greco-Roman ethical teaching 1. Questions raised by a fictive opponent are addressed by the author 2. Rapid fire Q & A 3. Dense use of metaphor 4. Does not require that these are actual questions raised by the audience -Jesus is only mentioned twice, but the morality taught in the book is consistent with Jesus' teaching -No concern over the place of Torah, life and death of Jesus, or the resurrection. -Written in an elegant Greek style

Seven Trumpets of Judgment

-Disturbing Imagery 1. Critical to remember that John is speaking poetically; These scenes are shocking 2. The shock value grabs our attention by painting a picture of a world out of sorts (this is John revealing the crisis) 3. Indicate a specific change John expects of his audience upon hearing all this: repent of accommodating living -Connections with Exodus 1. Five of the seven trumpets recall the exodus plagues that got Pharaoh's attention 2. God tells Pharaoh several times that the plagues are happening so he will know that "I am the Lord" - the plagues were not intended as punishment per se, but as revelation of God at work so Pharaoh would change behavior. 3. Thus, "God is, so John claims, seeking a change in ways of thinking and living. God graciously offers Jesus-believers a chance to repent" 4. Also, God was victorious with Pharaoh, God will be victorious with Rome. -Why trumpets? 1. They get people's attention as a warning (Ezek 33:3-6) 2. Signal god's presence and activity (Ex 19:16; 20:8) 3. They are associated with worship (Pss 81:3 and 150:3) 4. They call people to battle (Judg 3:27; 6:34; 7:8)

Revelation: Dating

-During Nero's reign (54-68)? 1. 11:1-3 suggests the temple was still standing 2. 13:18 - the number 666 is thought to represent the name Nero Caesar 3. However, 13:3 and 17:9-11 may allude to the legend of Nero's return that circulated after his suicide -During Domitian's reign (81-96)? 1. Evidence suggests that Babylon as code name for Rome wasn't used until after the temple was destroyed -Most likely the book was composed and assembled in stages and only completed in the late 1st or early 2nd century -Not during a time of empire-wide persecution, 1. perhaps during a period of localized small-scale persecution that the author then expands out to a cosmic level

Major themes of 1 Peter

-Endurance through persecution -Responding to a question of theodicy 1. Bad things happen to Christians because evil presently controls the world and is trying to tempt them to abandon their relationship with God -Proposes a strict call for allegiance 1. You must choose the world or the church 2. Relies on the imagery of exile to interpret suffering 3. Encourages distinction

Passion Narrative Distinctions

-Extended trial with Pilate 1. Pilate washes his hands of responsibility -Judas' remorse and suicide -"My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" -Resurrection of many saints at the moment Jesus died -Guards posted at the tomb (who lie about what happened) -Women encounter an angel who tells them that Jesus is raised -Women encounter Jesus on their way to tell the male disciples -Jesus appears to his disciples on a mountain

Anatomy of a Letter: Thanksgiving

-Formal element in most Pauline letters -Terminates the letter opening -Signals the basic intent of the letter -May serve as an outline of the topics to be considered -Places him and his hearers in the presence of God -Galatians: no thanksgiving (but Paul is very upset with them)

True Worship: Chapters 4-5

-God is depicted as powerful and sovereign -24 elders probably represent the 12 apostles and the 12 patriarchs, I.E. the totality of God's people (4:4) -4 living creatures recall Ezekiel and Daniel (4:6b-8a) -Ch 5 becomes a vision of the exalted Christ described in terms of power but also of vulnerable suffering: the Lion of the tribe of Judah is a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered (5:6) -"Slaughtered" in Revelation is used to describe violent death not sacrifice; indicates the violent death that Jesus endured on the cross -that he is standing indicates God's power to overcome Rome's power. Rome could kill him, but they couldn't keep him dead. -Part of the crisis John is revealing is Rome's violence, reminding his readers that the world they happily accommodate violently rejected Jesus -Who is included in this vision of worship? 1. "all creatures" will be worshipping God (5:13) 2. So, it all people or is it or just those who agree with John?

Who is God?

-God is described in terms of time and power -"The one who is and who was and who is to come" 1. Covers all of time 2. Suggest that the divine purposes for the world described in Revelation embrace all time from the beginning to the imminent end -Throne suggests power and authority -7 spirits suggest God's ruling, powerful activity extends into the world -Alpha and Omega signify all of time -beginning and end of human affairs -The Almighty signifies God's sovereign control

Who is Jesus?

-God is described in terms of time and power -faithful witness (death on cross) -firstborn of the dead (resurrection) -ruler of the kings of the earth (supreme ruler - rather than the emperor - exercising god's rule) -lovingly delivers from sin (Rev understands sin to be personal and sins of Roman Empire) -creates a people to serve God (alternative community to Rome's empire, followers of Jesus) -doxology "glory and dominion..." recognizes Jesus will rule with God forever -One who will return to earth - Jesus will be the one to establish God's rule at the end of time

Revelation

-God speaks to the church in the city 1:1-3:22 1. Introduction & salutation 2. The presence of the risen Christ 3. The messages to the seven churches -God judges the Great City 4:1-18:24 1. Praise to God the creator of all 2. The lamb is praised as redeemer of all 3. The heavenly worship: opening the sealed scroll 4. Interlude: the church militant and triumphant 5. The heavenly worship: sounding the seven trumpets 6. Expose of the powers of evil 7. The seven last plagues 8. The fall of Babylon and the lament -God redeems the Holy City 19:1-22:5 1. Hallelujah choruses praise God's victory 2. Seven visions of the end -The vision ends and the letter closes 22:6-21

Hellenistic Culture

-Greek language and culture spread through military conquest -personal interaction through trade - "Our gods are better than your gods" resulted in religious syncretism - Alexander made alliances with local elites (3 wives) -Founding of cities that could serve as military outposts or administrative and commercial center

Hebrews: Centrality of Christ

-Has an exalted position in relation to God -Is mediator of salvation to the world -Jesus is superior to angels in the cosmic realm

John and the Synoptics: Some of the Similarities

-Healing of the official's son/servant -Feeding the 5,000 -Anointing by a woman -Entry to Jerusalem -Cleansing the Temple -Trial before Pilate -Crucifixion and Resurrection

Metaphysical Dualism

-Heaven and earth are separate realms of existence, which parallel and mirror each other -there are supernatural figures that play key roles in the ongoing struggle of the forces of good and evil -Reality, as we know it, contains tangible signs of inherent catastrophe, but God has a plan of cosmic redemption to address the problem -God has a predetermined course of action 1. at least for the end of human history 2. sometimes all the events on earth

General Epistles

-Hebrews -James -1, 2, & 3 John -1 & 2 Peter -Jude

General/Catholic Epistles

-Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude -Written to larger audiences dealing with issues in a particular segment or region of the church rather than a specific congregation -Still deal with specific questions -All are written pseudonymously

Roots of Apocalyptic Imagination

-Hellenism supplied several motifs 1. Otherworldly journey and speculative reflection on cosmic reality -Zoroastrianism (aka Persian) influence 1. Jews lived under Persian rule and had a good relationship with their Persian overseers so the intermingling of cultures may have been enhanced when you like the others 2. Zoroastrians had a strong belief in supernatural evil, an imminent supernatural victory of God, and the world transformed into a perfect, blissful environment

Recipients of Hebrews

-Historically thought to be sent to Jewish Christians (hence the name Hebrews) 1. Recipients not named explicitly 2. The arguments, use of scripture, and midrashic style of interpretation all point in this direction 3. Nothing in the text requires that they be Jewish Christians -Readers seem to have faced persecution for their faith with some perhaps tempted to abandon the faith 1. If Jewish Christians, then they may plan on returning to Judaism 2. This would explain the emphasis of the author concerning the superiority of Christianity to Judaism

Key Feature of Acts: Jerusalem Conference/Apostolic Council

-How to handle gentiles in the church: do they have to convert to Judaism? -Gentiles must abstain from things polluted by idols, fornication, from eating blood (so undercooked animals), and anything strangled -Not necessary for entrance into the church: circumcision, eat kosher, observe the Sabbath

Roman Occupation

-In 66 BCE a civil war breaks out in Judea; both sides call on Rome to back them - In 63 BCE Pompey conquers the region and they then become part of the Roman Empire -Pompey entered the Holy of Holies (though he didn't desecrate it) and that soured relations with Rome and Judea

Ancient Biographies

-Include a title, opening formula, preface, or prologue -Focus on the main character -Use of prose narrative, 10-20,000 words is medium length -Chronological structure & short episodes -Use of prior sources -Topics: ancestry, birth, education, great deeds, virtues, death & its consequences -Straightforward style & serious atmosphere -Tension between real and stereotype

Gospels

-Includes opening formula (Mark & Matthew) or prologue (Luke & John) -Jesus is the central character, significant attention to his death -Prose narrative; 11-19,000 words -Jesus' character shown through action and teaching -Topics: birth, genealogies, boyhood and education, great deeds, teachings, death and its consequences -Tension between real & stereotype -Contra: Jesus not elite; inclusion of resurrection; written for non-elites

Letters as Pastoral Theology

-Instructions are grounded in who God is, how God has acted in Christ, or how the spirit is present in their lives -Interprets the circumstances of the church in light of what is believed about God and the world -They are intended to be read in front of the whole church -They presuppose the author's authority.

2 John

-Introduction 1-3 -Commandment to love 4-6 -Warning about deceivers 7-11 -Conclusion 12-13

Philippians

-Introduction, salutation, and thanksgiving (1:1-11) -Paul's situation: the effect of his imprisonment on the local church, and his own attitude toward the imprisonment (1:12-26) -Exhortation to stand firm against opponents, following the Model of Christ (1:27-2:18) -Announcement of travel plans (2:19-30) -Beginning of conclusion to letter (3:1) -Exhortation to persevere in the struggle against libertinism -Conclusion: appeal for harmony, thanks for gifts, and closing greetings and benediction (4:2-23)

1 John breakdown

-Introduction: Christian life and fellowship 1:1-4 -God's light in the darkness of the world 1:5-2:17 -Truth and Lie 2:18-4:6 -God's love and its results 4:7-5:12 -Conclusion: knowing and doing 5:13-21

Key Feature of Luke: Sermon at Nazareth

-Isaiah 61:1-2 and 58:6 indicate that God is about to bring relief through Jesus -Healing of Naaman and the widow with the oil indicate that it's for Gentiles -This upsets the people

Place of the Jews & Gentiles

-Israel is still God's chosen people otherwise God is not trustworthy -Paul holds 2 things in tension 1. Israel remains God's chosen people 2. All salvation is through Christ -Does Paul mean all Jews? Or all "Israel" as he has redefined the perimeters? -Paul isn't quite sure either! (11:33-36) -Reminds the Gentiles that their spiritual blessings come through Israel

Roots of Apocalyptic Imagination Part 2

-Israelite mythology of creation and cosmic order already possessed some binary elements 1. Good v. Evil 2. Right v. Wrong 3. Clean v. Unclean -I like to think of it as "revenge fantasy" literature 1. You can anticipate divine intervention on behalf of the oppressed without being one of the oppressed yourself 2. However, both Daniel and Revelation (our biblical apocalyptic texts) come out of seriously oppressed contexts 3. Apocalyptic is a form of resistance

1 Timothy

-Issue: How should Gentiles Interpret and keep Mosaic Law? -Response: Affirms goodness of law but does not think Gentiles should directly observe parts of it -Other Features: 1. Problems with women? a. "widows" perhaps an order of women who opted not to marry and were amassing considerable power in the church b. the author wants them silenced; Only men can be teachers 2. Supports some conformity to secular norms so the church will face less opposition

2 Timothy

-Issue: Members of the church either reject an afterlife or claim they possess the Spirit to an extent the author thinks can only happen after death• -Response: Uses Paul's life as an example to reject improper eschatology 1. Encouragement to endure suffering 2. Paul is the primary example of faith

Titus

-Issue: What is the place of the cultic purity regulations for Gentile Christians? -Response: Gentiles should not adopt these practices -Other Features: 1. List of qualifications for appointing leaders a. Moral character b. Ability to refute false teachers 2. Encourages a conformity to societal expectations to protect the image of the church 3. Rejection of false teachers

Revelation: Purpose

-It addresses the issues of divine justice and theodicy -God's anger is because God's people are being hurt and killed -God's wrath does not exceed what is just -Why does God delay punishment for the wicked? 1. To give them an opportunity to repent -Christ's delayed return is not explained but written in as a part of the divine plan 1. Conclusion of the series of the seven seals "there was silence in heaven for about half an hour" -Encourages faithfulness by stressing the immanence of the end

Pharisees in the New Testament

-Jesus butt heads with the Pharisees a lot according to the New Testament Gospels. -His problem with them was the conclusions they drew about how to follow the law, not whether law observance was important. -Pharisees believed that there was some version of an afterlife -Christian ideas of Heaven and Hell grew out of Pharisaic thought. -The later Jewish Rabbis can be thought of as intellectual descendants of this group.

The "Jewish" Gospel

-Jesus is primarily called "Messiah" -Stress on obeying Torah 1. Even with debates on how it should be interpreted -"Kingdom of Heaven" rather than "Kingdom of God" -Avoids naming God

Key feature of Luke: Passion Distinctions

-Jesus knows his role in the script and is working to fulfill scripture -Pilate sends Jesus Herod Antipas in Galilee; demonstrates that Jesus wasn't viewed as a threat to Rome -Resurrection appearances abound 1. Road to Emmaus 2. Jesus "appears" among the disciples 3. Jesus eats with his disciples 4. Resurrected body can eat and be touched yet it can be unrecognizable and pop in and out of rooms

Beloved Disciple & Jesus' Mother

-John 19:25b-27 -Jesus commissions the beloved disciple and his mother to care for each other -His mother was present at the wedding when Jesus' ministry began and the beloved disciple was at the last supper

Key Feature of John: Double Entendre

-John 3 1. Conversation with Jewish teacher Nicodemus about how one gets into the Kingdom of Heaven 2. "born again/born from above" 3. Conversation at night = Nicodemus misunderstands -John 4 1. Conversation with Samaritan woman at the well about proper worship 2. "running water/living water" 3. Conversation in broad daylight = woman understands

"Adulterous" woman in John

-John 7:53-8:11 -Interpolation (a later story or statement placed in the text -often an interruption) -Note how 7:52 flows right into 8:12 -Not included in oldest and best manuscripts

Justification

-Judicial -Jews violated Torah, gentiles violated their conscience -Christ obeyed perfectly -Christ's faithfulness counts for those who identify with Christ

Paul

-Leaving Jerusalem and heading to Damascus, Paul has a vision of Christ -This sets him up to become the apostle to the Gentiles -His missionary work resulted in the church being made up predominantly of Gentiles

A Prophetic Task (Chapters 10) Part 1

-Like with the 7th seal, there is a temporary halt before the 7th trumpet is blown -Focus shifts from God trying to effect repentance to God working in the present dangerous world through the ministry of people like John and the 2 witnesses -10:1-11 - commissioned to speak God's message 1. 1:9-20 he is commissioned as God's instrument 2. In both, the vision legitimizes his claims to authority in the 7 churches -10:2-4 - John is instructed to "seal up" the message he has been given 1. Why? 2. Has God changed god's mind and is going to replace any further purposes of destruction with a new strategy? Or does God have further purposes that do not need to be revealed at this point?

Mark without Q (Farrer Hypothesis)

-Mark was written first -Matthew used Mark and some independent traditions, while Luke used Matthew and Mark along with some independent traditions -Q is not an option and cannot be defended as a source -significant following, not close to Two Document Hypothesis

Resurrection appearances in John

-Mary Magdalene in the garden -she thinks he's the gardener at first (20:11-18) -Doubting Thomas scene - he is never said to actually touch Jesus to believe (20:24-29) -Fishing scene with "do you love me? Feed my sheep." exchange (21:15-19)

Sadducees

-Mostly composed of the Jewish priestly aristocracy, but not all priests were Sadducees. -Emerged during the reign of John Hyrcanus (part of the Hasmonean dynasty). -They thought that only the books of the Tora were authoritative scripture. -Very literal in their understanding of Torah -They didn't believe in an afterlife because there is no mention of one in Torah -When Rome sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple in 70 CE, the priests, and thus the Sadducees, lost much of their importance. -They weren't suited to survive, so to speak, without the established roles in the temple.

Anatomy of a letter

-New Testament letters follow a standard Hellenistic pattern 1. Paul's letters are much longer 2. His theological emphasis is not like Hellenistic letters 3. His letters have a strong ideological tendency while H. letters are focused on daily concerns -Paul's alterations reveal his theology and intentions

Paul's Portrayal in Acts

-No mention of letter writing -Only calls him an apostle in 14:4, 14 -Conflict with Jewish and Gentile authorities -More aligned with Peter's mission to the Jews

Key Feature of John: Pre-existent Origins

-No nativity, but a pre-existent origin story -Jesus is "The Word" 1. Greek logos 2. Stoicism thought logos was the principle upon which the order of the world rested 3. Philo, Jewish thinker & contemporary of Jesus, argued that logos was the manifestation of divine presence (Philo did not know Jesus or become a Jesus follower) 4. Aramaic translation "memre" is used as a circumlocution for God in the Jewish Targumim (Aramaic translations of & commentaries on HB) -Identifying Jesus with God is John's central theological affirmation and primary way he identifies Jesus -Jesus is always in charge of his own destiny -Similar to how Jewish wisdom literature personifies Wisdom

Revelation: Authorship

-Not John the apostle -Of Jewish origin 1. frequent references to Hebrew Bible -Native to Palestine 1. Semitic features of his Greek style -Implies he is a prophet by calling his book a prophecy -Well-known itinerant Christian prophet since he is familiar with the circumstances in 7 different communities

Relevant Emperors

-Octavian turned Augustus 1. 14 BCE-37 CE 2. "Golden Age"; emperor when Jesus is born -Tiberius 1. 14 -37 2. Ordered expulsion of all Jews from Rome; emperor when Jesus dies -Caligula 1. 37-41 2. Assassinated; tried to put his statue in the Temple -Claudius 1. 41-54 2. Ate poison mushrooms; emperor during early part of Paul's ministry -Nero 1. 54-68 2. Died by suicide; brutally persecuted Roman Christians; emperor during latter part of Paul's ministry -Civil War: 3 competing claims: Galba, Vitellius, Ortho -Vespasian 1. 69-79 2. Succeeded in suppressing the Jews -Titus 1. 79-81 2. Stayed in Palestine and defeated the Jews in 70 as Vespasian's general -Domitian 1. 81-96 2. Stabbed to death; accused of persecuting Xians -Nerva 1. 96-98 -Trajan 1. 98-117 -Hadrian 1. 117-138 2. Bar Kokhba revolt

Difficulties in Interpretation of letters

-One side of the conversation 1. We have to reconstruct what the problem is based on the answer we get 2. One answer could address many questions: how we understand the questions influences the interpretation -We're separated by 2000 years 1. Miss allusions, notable people, lack of info about their city -One path is to think about why the instruction is given and then try to make a conceptual leap to the 21st century 1. Example: meat offered to idols in 1 Corinthians 10

Ptolemies

-One successor to Alexander -Egypt -lasted 300 years -Conquered by Rome in 31 BCE when Octavian (aka Augustus, the first Roman emperor) defeats Cleopatra

Major Themes: 1 John

-Opposes Docetism (the belief that Jesus did not have a physical body) -Like Gnostics, they believed that the earth and embodied life was to be escaped -By writing in the name of John, the author stresses that the disciples had experiences with Jesus, and we can trust that it was real, physical contact -A way to test the truth is if they can confess "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" (4:2) -Thinks that Docetism and lack of love are what cause people to leave the church -Wants proper belief and ethical living (love and righteousness)

The Parousia

-Parousia: Greek for "entry" -For Christians, this is the second coming of Christ at the end of things as the world knows them -In Paul's apocalyptic eschatology, the second coming of Christ is God intervening to set things right so God's promises could be fulfilled -Paul envisions this as a triumphal royal procession 1. It's not explicit, but the point would be that Christ returns to earth to set things right, not to take believers away 2. It has a "boomerang" affect - The believer gets caught up with Christ in the sky to then come back to earth with him

Personal Letter

-Paul is in prison when he writes this letter -Written mid- to late 50s -Issue: relationship between the slave Onesimus and his owner Philemon -Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a "brother" -Demonstrates the tensions b/w societal structures and faith communities

Prison Letter

-Paul is writing from prison but stresses that it should not cause them concern -Written 53-55 (if imprisoned in Ephesus) or 58-62 (if imprisoned in Rome) -Knowing the precise date doesn't affect much -Stresses Joy

What was Paul's conversion?

-Paul remained a Jew 1. He never says that he left Judaism or joined Christianity (that term didn't exist just yet) -Paul held an "apocalyptic eschatology" 1. Apocalyptic has to do with fulfillment of a promise being prevented by some other force 2. Thus, God must act decisively to intervene and create a reality in which fulfillment is possible 3. Paul imagined this happening in the future, until he had an experience of the risen Jesus 4. His "apocalyptic alarm clock" started ringing - God's intervention was happening sooner than he expected 5. Because he read Zechariah's prophecies, he knew this included Gentiles -Paul seems to believe that Torah is for Jews and Jesus is for Gentiles

Paul's pattern for ministry

-Paul would go to a new city and preach his gospel -After founding a church, he would stay with them for a while (maybe up to a year or so) -Once established, he would move on to another city and do it again -He maintained relationships with communities through letters and periodic visits -Once he left, issues would arise because of new entrants into the community, new leaders, other traveling preachers, etc.

Cons of Herod the Great

-Placed an image of a Roman eagle over the one of the temple's gates -Met all opposition with swift and disproportionate retaliation -He had some Jewish ancestry but was not observant of the faith

Buddha in Toga

-Post-Alexander statue of Buddha presented like Apollo in Greek toga -example of religious syncretism

Pharisees: The group

-Probably arose about the same time as the Sadducees, but they did not support the Hasmoneans like the Sadducees did. -They focused on the study and teaching of scripture. 1. They were known for their faithful observance of Jewish law 2. they had a more influential presence than the Sadducees. -Paul the apostle claims that he was Pharisee -They held that the Torah, the prophets, and the writings were authoritative scripture.

Paul's Portrayal in his letters

-Prolific letter writer -Refers to himself as an apostle consistently -Conflict between Paul and his communities -Emphasizes justification by faith in letters

Question about Persecution: Why is this happening to us when we are supposedly worshipping the superior God?

-Question of theodicy -Paul's response 1. Your suffering means you're doing it right! --The world is corrupted by evil forces --Humans can't undo this --It will be undone when God acts decisively to fix it 2. Christ's resurrection shows that God will act on behalf of God's people because God acted on behalf of Christ

Reconciliation

-Relational -God shows humanity love through Christ because Christ gave his life for humanity while humanity was hostile to God

key features of Mark

-Repent because the "Kingdom of God" is near -Urgency 1. Frequent use of "immediately" to characterize Jesus' action as energetic -Passion Narrative 1.5 of 16 chapters is dedicated to Passion and resurrection 2. The narrative pace slows 3."A passion narrative with a long introduction" 4. A Roman centurion is the only one who calls Jesus "Son of God"

Redemption

-Rescue and empowerment -Freedom from sin thru Spirit -Humans are held hostage by sin -God defeats sin through Christ's death and resurrection -God sends Spirit to humanity to help them reorient their lives

Rome's Demise (chapter 18)

-Resembles other biblical stories that celebrate the fall of powerful cities 1. Isaiah 23 = celebration of the downfall of Tyre and Sidon 2. Ezekiel 27-28 = celebrates Tyre's downfall 3. Jeremiah 51:24-58 = Babylon's downfall -18:2 "dwelling place of demons" 1. Underlining Rome's alliance with the devil -18:3 "the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her" 1. Highlights economics and trade a. Rome, like most agrarian societies, had a very unjust system of distribution. b. Most people lived at or near subsistence

Literature of Crisis

-Responding to crisis 1. Conflict between what is and what should be 2. Fundamental purpose: to encourage readers to remain faithful in difficult times and support a belief in a God that is powerful, loving, and just -Justice & Judgment 1. Concerned with a question of theodicy 2. Anticipates an intervention by God on a cosmic scale to reassert control 3. God is not "in charge" at the moment

First 4 Trumpet Judgments (Chapter 8)

-Revelation 1. Trumpet 1: Hail, fire, blood (8:7) 2. Trumpet 2: Sea into blood (8:8-9) 3. Trumpet 3: Water becomes bitter (8:10-11) a. Wormwood is a bitter-tasting plant -Exodus 1. 9:13-15; seventh plague (thunder & hail) 2. 7:14-25; first plague (water turned to blood) 3. 7:14-25; first plague (again?) 4. 10:21-29; ninth plague (darkness in the land) -Trumpet 4: Darkness (8:12) -Before the 5th trumpet, an eagle alerts us to a new focus. The first 4 were in terms of "imagined but massive destruction" in the natural and cosmic worlds, the next concern was woes for the inhabitants of the earth (8:13) and will come from demonic forces

Seven Plagues and Bowls (chapter 16)

-Revelation 16:2 1. Foul and painful sores on those with the mark of the beast 2. Exodus 9:8-12 (6th) -Revelation 16:3 1. The sea becomes blood 2. Exodus 7:14-25 (1st) -Revelation 16:4-7 1. Rivers and springs become blood 2. Exodus 7:14-25 (1st) -Revelation 16:8-9 1. Scorching heat from the sun? 2. Exodus? -Revelation 16:10-11 1. Darkness 2. Exodus 10:21-23 (9th) - Revelation 16:12-16 1. Drying up the Euphrates; spirits like frogs 2. Exodus 8:1-7 (2nd - frogs) -Revelation 16:17-21 1. Hail and Thunder 2. Exodus 9:13-25 (7th)

Jewish-Roman War

-Roman representatives in Judea oppressed the people -A full-scale revolt broke out against Rome in 66 CE, lasting 4years -In 70 CE, Jerusalem is sacked by the Romans, and the temple is destroyed again - A follow-up revolt from 132-134led by Bar Kochba resulted in the exile of Judeans from the land again

Paul's churches

-Rome, Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus, Colossae,

Pros of Herod the Great

-Rules Judea, Samaria, and Galilee from 37 - 4BCE -Ingratiated himself to Rome and gained some political independence from Rome -Expanded territory, took on large building projects, increased trade -Sponsored massive renovations to the temple

Philemon

-Salutation (1-3) -Thanksgiving (4-7) -Body: Return of Onesimus and anticipated apostolic visit (21-22) -Conclusion: final greetings, grace and benediction (23-25)

Jude

-Salutation 1-2 -Warning against false teachers 3-4 -Prior examples of disobedience 5-16 -Counsel for believers 17-23 -Concluding doxology 24-25

James breakdown

-Salutation 1:1 -Faithfulness in trials 1:2-8 -True Piety puts the word into practice 1:19-27 -An attack on Partiality toward the rich and disregard for the poor 2:1-26 -Those who can control the tongue have become perfect 3:1-12 -Choose God's wisdom over earthly wisdom 3:13-4:10 -Miscellaneous exhortations and warnings 4:11-5:12 -Exhortations on communal relationships 5:13-20

1 Peter breakdown

-Salutation 1:1-2 -Blessing 1:3-12 -Letter Body 1:13-5:11 1. Foundations of the Christian experience 1:13-2:3 2. The church: A temple of living stone, a covenant community 2:4-10 3. The church in the world, 2:11-4:11 4. Concluding exhortation 4:12-5;11 -Conclusion 5:12-14

2 Peter breakdown

-Salutation and reflection on the power of God's promises and the authentic witness of Peter 1:1-21 -The treachery and error of the false teachers 2:1-22 -Teaching and exhortation about the coming Day of the Lord 3:1-17 -Concluding doxology 3:18

3 John

-Salutation, prayer, and thanksgiving 1-4 -Exhortations 5-11 -Closing 12-15

Antiochus IV Epiphanes

-Seleucid ruler beginning in 175 BCE -outlawed the practice of Judaism in Judean in 167 BCE; a Judean revolt began against the decrees -sent soldiers through the town to force Jews to offer sacrifices to an idol or be killed -Mattathias, an old priest, killed a Jewish man before he could make a sacrifice to the idol, thus beginning the Maccabean Revolt -When Mattathias died, his son Judas took over 1. Judas fought back, retook the temple, and gained control of parts of Jerusalem and Judea

Anatomy of a Letter: Salutation

-Stable element -Includes names of sender(s) and recipient(s) -Paul uses the opening line to emphasize many things 1. Philemon: his imprisonment 2.Romans and Galatians: defends apostleship

Anatomy of a Letter: Conclusion

-Stable element of Paul's letters -Typically preceded by a sequence of last-minute instructions -Peace wish -Greetings -Benediction 1. most common "the grace of our lord Jesus Christ be with you" 2. Sometimes a solemn warning or sober adjuration precedes the benediction -Occasionally, an apostolic announcement

Function of Letters

-Substitutes presence for absence -Provides vehicle for instruction, exhortation, praise, blame -Offers a means for consolation and encouragement -Is an instrument for self-defense -Usually address a specific situation

The Apocalyptic Genre

-Symbolic language and imagery 1. Coded language 2. Increases dramatic effect; protects author & audience from repercussions 3. Connects the cosmic world with the events of earth -Ex eventu prophecies 1." predictions" after the fact - pseudepigraphic 2. This technique is used to establish credibility "The value of pretending that these notable characters wrote them is in having those ancient people predict the future." (Sumney, 390-91) 3. If these figures got all that other stuff right, certainly they'll get this unfulfilled stuff right, too.

The "Superapostles"

-The Problem: Competing teachers entered into the Corinthian church teaching something different than Paul 1. These apostles claimed that they had a larger measure of God's Spirit and they had --Extraordinary spiritual experiences --Ability to work miracles --Powerful speaking skills --Ability to rise above the troubles of life -Paul's Response: 1. Defends his own apostleship and why they should listen to him -This letter is an attempt to avoid another confrontation with the other apostles -Indicates that his teaching in 1 Corinthians didn't take

The Torah and Gentiles

-The Problem: Opponents of Paul teach that circumcision, festivals, and (maybe)dietary laws must be kept by Gentiles -The Question: What is the place of the Law of Moses in the lives of Gentile Jesus followers? -Paul's response 1. He's angry and frustrated 2. Jesus saves Gentiles, Torah saves Jews --Righteousness for Gentiles comes through God's promise and fulfillment through death of Jesus -Gentiles trying to follow Torah are at risk of losing their salvation because they are rejecting the path God offers through Christ by way of baptism

Ephesians: Author's response

-The church must maintain its connection with the historic people of God -Stresses the unity of the churches (image of the "Body of Christ") -Unlike Paul, there is no concern that Gentiles will try to take up Torah observance -Affirms validity of different practices -Unifying factors 1. Faith in the God that the church knows in Christ 2. Acceptance of God's gifts in baptism

The Devil's Agents: The First Beast (Chapter 13)

-The first beast: The beast of the sea (13:1-10) 1. Aligned with the dragon a. 10 horns/7 heads/10 diadems - same symbols of power as dragon b. Gets its authority from the dragon -Parodying the Lamb (slain but still standing) 1. Parody signals conflict 2. May be a reference to Nero's suicide and the rumor that he had returned from the dead -John's call to resistance 1. Resistance to worshipping the dragon or the beasts results in being added to the "book of life" 2. "If you are to be taken captive, into captivity you go; if you kill with the sword, with the sword you must be killed. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints" (13:10) a. John knows there will be consequences

Question about death

-The problem: Christ was supposed to be back by now, but some church members have died 1. They (even Paul) believed that Christ would return and set things right in the world before anyone of them died 2. None of them expected the wait to be very long -The question: What happens to those faithful people who died before Christ returned? 1. The Thessalonians seem not to believe in an afterlife -Paul's response 1. The dead will participate fully in the coming of Christ 2. God will do for the dead believers what God did for Christ (resurrection)

Leaders in Conflict

-The problem: Syntyche and Euodia seem to have some sort of conflict between them -Paul's response: Urging each leader to put the other's interests ahead of their own -Examples used 1. Christ Hymn (2:1-11) --Jesus was viewed as pre-existent and" In the form of God" from very early --Humbles himself 2. Epaphroditus (2:25-30) --Stresses that Epaphroditus' health issues were the result of the work of Christ 3. Self-example (3:2-11) --Counts his "gains" as losses --Stresses his faith in Christ as more important than any credentials

The Resurrection

-The problem: The nature of embodiment -The question: Will the afterlife be embodied or not 1. Some Corinthians thought that the spiritual self was superior to the physical self 2. Thus, they would engage in certain practices that Paul found morally problematic -Paul's Response 1. People will be embodied with a body like the one Christ received in his resurrection

The Lord's Supper

-The problem: Various social statuses were present in the church 1. The higher status folks, with more leisure, would begin eating before the poorer folk arrived 2. The poorer folk were left out of the meal because their obligations often got in the way -The Question: How should the meal be practiced -Paul's Response: 1. Paul stresses that all are equal and that the higher status members should wait on the poorer members before they partake in the meal 2. The meal should be a reminder of common commitments and equality of membership

The Devil's Agents: The Second Beast (Chapter 13)

-The second beast: The beast of the earth (13:11-18) 1. Also lamblike in appearance, but aligned with the dragon 2. Its work is to get the people to worship the first beast - Provincial elites 1. If the first beast is a cypher for the Roman Empire, then this beast might be the ruling elite 2. It benefits them for all people to get on board with the Empire -Mark of the beast 1. "Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person. Its number is six hundred sixty-six." (13:16-18) 2. Gematria: a type of numerology where letters carried numerical value 3. Probably a cypher for Nero 4. Could also refer to almost any human: almost complete, but not quite

Fulfillment Citations or Formula Quotations

-The way Matthew interprets the life of Jesus through passages taken from the Hebrew Bible -"This was done to fulfill what was spoken [or written] by the prophet _____" -Does not understand the prophets to have predicted Jesus 1. Connects Jesus to Israel's relationship with God 2. Demonstrates that God is acting like God always has acted, but this time via Jesus 3. Multiple levels of meaning

Pseudonymous Writing

-This is a text written in the name of another person -Common in antiquity -Purpose 1. Applies a person's ideas to a new situation 2. Puts the weight of that person's legacy behind the writer's views 3. Could be dishonest (intentionally deceptive) but could be merely a literary technique -Concerning Paul 1. Early Christians understood pseudonymous writing to be an authentic extension of Paul's teaching 2. The disputed letters of Paul are often called "Deutero-Paulines," meaning that they are the second series of letters written in Paul's name

Anatomy of a Letter: Paraenesis

-This is ethical instruction an exhortation 1. Can appear haphazardly throughout the body -Cluster of unrelated maxims strung together 1. Lists of virtues and vices, both Jewish and Hellenistic -Prolonged exhortation or homily on a particular topic tends to knit the body of the letter to the conclusion -Paul often tailors these exhortations to particular needs, though not always -Sometimes these also make requests or issue reminders

Gospels: criteria for inclusion

-This is not official and not necessarily something people are intentionally doing at the time -Antiquity: the closer to Jesus and the apostles the better -Apostolicity: a link with an apostolic figure 1. All originally circulated anonymously 2. Names attached to Gospels later -Acceptable theological content: a difficult criterion to pin down there was not a single orthodox position -Widespread church use: geographical and temporal

Key Feature of Acts: Pentecost

-Tongues of Fire = the Spirit of God is upon them -Peter's sermon -concerning the last days aka the "era" that the church lives in marked by ways that God lives with God's people 1. Pulls on Joel's prophecies 2.Inaugural moment of the church

Anatomy of a Letter: Body

-Topics are varied depending on the needs/problems/questions of the church -Usually begun with a request formula "I beseech you..." or "I would not have you ignorant..." -Often Paul includes an autobiographical section -Usually ends with an announcement of travel plans

2 Thessalonians: Author's response

-Tries to assure readers that the end has not come yet, as some are apparently preaching -The world will get much worse before God intervenes 1. God is being patient now to give time for repentance -No one, not even the author, has such a large measure of God's spirit that they can avoid life's problems

Hebrews: Relationship of Israel with God

-Values relationship with God that Israel had possessed -Acknowledges validity of the Mosaic covenant and efficacy of Temple sacrifices -Jesus was superior to Moses 1. Moses was a "servant"; Jesus is a "son" 2. Moses spoke of future things; Jesus enacts those thing

Key Characteristics of Apocalypses

-Visions and/or auditions -Reveal secret knowledge -Narrate the activity of a celestial being -Coded speech 1. Numbers, animals, and odd natural occurrences take special meaning -Re-use of older apocalyptic imagery 1. Revelation uses much from Daniel -Concerned with history 1. Time is periodized (then and now) 2. Author's time is always the "end" -Tours of heaven and hell -Dualism 1. Moral dualism 2. Metaphysical dualism 3. Temporal dualism -Vision of renewal of some sort

Central Issue: Spirituality for Paul

-Was more communally focused in his understanding of gifts -Gives rules about how gifts should be exercised in church -Stressed that the gifts were for service to and edification of others 1. Though there is some individual benefit, that isn't the core of spirituality -Rejects "carnal" behavior because they violated God and God's holiness

Central Issue: Spirituality for Corinthians

-Were more individually focused in their understanding of gifts -Thought that spiritual experiences gave 1. Some the ability to impose their arguments and wills on others 2. Some new hymns of praise 3. Power to speak in tongues -These gifts became status symbols and a means for competition in the community -Thought that because they have the Spirit,their physical conduct was of no consequence(seeing prostitutes, an affair with astepmother)

Key feature of Acts: Favorable View of Rome

-Why Rome might see Christians as threat 1. some aren't engaging in civic life 2. Nero has persecuted some in Rome 3. their language is politically loaded -Roman officials never find the Christians doing anything "wrong" -Paul goes to Rome (where he was likely martyred) but Luke doesn't tell us what happened to him

Key Feature of Luke: Focus on Poor and Oppressed

-Women are the focus in the nativity -Rich man and Lazarus (Rich man is condemned simply for being rich) -Good Samaritan -Jesus regularly associates with the "tax collectors and sinners"

Major Themes in 2 Peter

-Writing to reassure church members who have a hard time understanding Paul's letters -Christ will return, despite what naysayers tell you 1. Reinterprets "time" for humans and God 2. "with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day" -Deeply personal attacks against opponents 1. Probably just "straw men" to make a point -Live holy lives because Christ's return will include a judgment

Date/Provenance/Author of Mark

-Written 65-75 CE -Provenance 1. Egypt (Jerome, 4th century) 2. Rome (strong link with Peter & Latin influences on Mark's Greek) 3. Northern Galilee or Syria (Gospel's intense interest in that area) -Authorship 1. Originally circulated anonymously (all the Gospels did 2.2nd century: Papias (via Eusebius) said Mark, an associate of Peter, wrote it --Mark wrote after Peter's death in Rome under Nero's persecution 3.4th century: Jerome said it was John Mark of Acts, an associate of Paul's

Context of the Letter

-Written around 57 -Why Paul is writing 1. Paul is introducing himself 2. Wants their support as his mission moves further west 3. Includes teaching that he thinks will recommend him to them -Edict of Claudius in around 49 banning some Jews from Rome 1. Disturbances over Chrestus, possibly a misspelling of Christ 2. Claudius murdered in 54 3. When the Jewish Jesus followers returned, they found their churches operating very differently

Major Themes: 3 John

-Written to Gaius -Commends the traveling preacher Demetrius to him -Warns him against Diotrephes who is probably a Docetist, or, at the least, supporting them. 1. 3 John 9-12

But aren't we talking about Revelation?

-Yes! -Daniel's imagery gets used in Revelation -Daniel doesn't carry the same baggage as Revelation -Starting in Daniel gives us an example of the literature so we can better take on Revelation's imagery

Gymnasium

-a central educational institution for upper-class boys -Students studied Greek literature, math, rhetoric, and warfare -"place of nakedness" -students' physical education was done in the nude -It was a way for wealthy people of conquered nations to adopt Greek culture and ways so as to be socially and economically successful

Death of Alexander the Great

-died in 323 BC on march west to conquer Europe, death unexplained. -multiple wives, no heir -Did not arrange for a successor to rule 1. Resulted in years of fighting -After death, 3 kingdoms emerge as successors to his reign

Deuteronomistic History

-faithfulness= blessing; disobedience = cursing -used to explain a national crisis retrospectively

Stephen

-preaches a long sermon about how the people in the temple and their ancestors were unfaithful to God -Is martyred by being stoned to death -Saul/Paul is there "holding the coats"

Wisdom Literature

-recognizes theodicy but also that God is just and God's ways are beyond human comprehension

Purposes of letters

-substitutes presence for absence -teaching: correction, encouragement, clarification -self-defense 1. legitimacy of his gospel

Seleucids

-territory: Western Turkey to Afghanistan and centered in Syria -slowly loses territory -Roman general Pompey conquered what was left of Syria in 64 BCE

Temporal Dualism

-the current age of struggle and darkness and the future age in which God will rule and darkness and evil will be purged forever -Expect an imminent, divine intervention into human affairs -Uses highly metaphorical or mythical language -Yet expects a concrete, physical undoing of earthly reality 1. literal, divine re-creation

Seven Churches of Revelation

1. Ephesus 2. Smyrna 3. Pergamum 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea

Three Images for Salvation

1. Justification 2.Reconciliation 3.Redemption

Letter parts and features

1. Salutation: To and From 2. Thanksgiving: Give thanks, a way of invoking God's presence 3. Body: includes content such as exhortations, instructions, teachings, travel plans, corrections 4. Paraensis: instructions-short maxims 5. Conclusion: peace wish, benedictions, specific greetings, kiss

5 stages in NT canonization

1. Writing -By non-elites; articulated church's identity; codified acceptable beliefs and behaviors 2.Use -Written for community use; circulated beyond named audience; indicated broad applicability 3.Collections -Paul's letters; General epistles; Gospels; Diatessaron circulates vindicating no fixed or inviolable documents 4.Lists and Selections -Lists develop indicating authority; 367 CE has first list with all 27 books we know as NT (Athanasius) 5.Ratification -397 CE Council of Carthage in North Africa declares Athanasius' list as authoritative and "Divine Scripture"; most, but not all, churches got on board

Acts Structure

1:1-26: The early Christian community 2:1-8:4: Mission of testimony in Jerusalem 8:5-40: Mission of testimony in Judea and Samaria 9:1-14:28: The word is carried further: testimony to the Gentiles 15:1-35: Jerusalem decision about Gentiles 15:36-22:21: Paul's universal mission and testimony 22:22-28:31: Paul imprisoned for the sake of testimony to the word

Luke Structure

1:1-4: Prologue 1:5-2:52: Birth & childhood of Jesus -Birth announcements of John and Jesus; Mary visits Elizabeth; Births of John and Jesus; Presentation in the Temple; Growth of Jesus 3:1-4:13: Preparation for ministry 4:14-9:50: Ministry in Galilee 9:51-19:48: On the way to Jerusalem 20:1-21:38:Teaching in the Temple 22:1-23:56 Passion and Crucifixion 24:1-53 Resurrection & Exaltation of Jesus

Gospel of Matthew

1:1-4:16 - Birth and young childhood; John the Baptist's preaching; Jesus' baptism and temptation 4:17-11:1 - Jesus' ministry and preaching 11:2-16:20 - Responses to Jesus' ministry (questioning by religious leaders; Peter's confession of Jesus as Messiah) 16:21-20:34 - Journey to Jerusalem; transfiguration; teaching; Triumphal Entry; cursing the fig tree 21:1-27:66 - Cleansing of the Temple; Eschatological sermon; Jesus is tried and crucified 28:1-20 - Resurrection of Jesus and commissioning of disciples

Key Feature of John: 7 Works of Power

2:1-12 - Turns water into wine 4:46-54 - heals an official's son 5:1-18 - Jesus heals a paralyzed man in Beth-zatha 6:1-14 - Feeding the 5,000 6:16-21 - Walking on water 9:1-17 - heals a blind man 11 - Raises Lazarus from the dead

5 Major Teaching Blocks of Matthew

5:1-7:27 - Sermon on the Mount -Jesus as authoritative interpreter of Torah for the church -More difficult interpretations -Beatitudes = manner of life believers is to adopt -Lord's prayer honors God, asks for sustenance, and requests God act to set the world right 10:5-42 - Teaching on Mission -how they should act and what they can expect 13:1-58 - mini apocalypse -Incorporates parables about who is in and who is out 18:1-35 - Teaching on discipleship 24:3-25:46 - Eschatological discourse -concerning the end times

"Hall of Faith"

Abel Enoch Noah Abraham Moses Those who passed through the Red Sea Those who encircled Jericho Rahab Gideon Barak Samson Jephthah David Samuel and "the prophets"

Key Feature: Titles for Jesus

Christ (christos) -Greek translation of Hebrew word messiah, meaning "anointed one" -Anointed for a specific task -Has some royal connotations Son of Man - Jesus' preferred self-designation -Recalls Daniel's vision of "one like the Son of Man" (Daniel 7:13-14) -God's agent to establish God's reign on earth Son of God -Mark's central way of identifying Jesus -Designates particular relationship (Hosea 11:1 says Israel is God's son) -Political implications (Priene inscription) -Does not carry theological weight of the trinity just yet, that comes much later

Apocalyptic texts

Daniel and Revelation

Date/Provenance/ Authorship of John

Date -Last of the four, probably between 85-120 Provenance -Probably originated out of Ephesus Authorship -21:24 indicates that there were multiple authors to John -Redactional activity/layers to the story -Tradition: John son of Zebedee, the apostle 1. Goes back to the late 2nd century (Irenaeus says he got his info from Polycarp who knew John the apostle) "beloved disciple" -Is this apostle John? Or a "stand-in" for the readers? -1st mention is at last supper Gospel does not mention John or an author by name

Dating/Provenance/Authorship of Luke

Date: 80-100 Provenance: Ancient sources place Luke in Antioch -The obvious attachment to Paul and the Pauline tradition suggests one of the cities of the Pauline mission around the Aegean Sea Author -Attribution to Luke seems to have emerged in the latter half of the 2nd century -Luke, the person, was a travelling companion of Paul's and is mentioned in Philemon and a couple of pseudonymous letters of Paul (Colossians 4:14 & 2 Timothy 4:11, called a doctor). -There are lots of "we" passages in Acts that indicate it was written by a traveling companion of Paul's

Basics of Acts

Dating -Probably shortly after Luke (so between 90-100?) Provenance -It's hard to pin down a place of composition, much like Luke Authorship -Similarities in style, language, and theological and literary theme leave no doubt regarding common authorship as Luke -See Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-2 Distinguishing overall features -Theological, not historical, account -Peter is key in first half, Paul is key in 2nd half -Ascension and replacement of Judas in the Twelve (mention of Judas's suicide again)

Synoptic Gospels

Designation for Matthew, Mark, and Luke, given because they are alike in so many ways. The Synoptic Problem is the question of how these Gospels are related to one another. Most interpreters think they have some literary relationship.

Q

Designation for the written source that contained the preserved sayings of Jesus -Both Matthew and Luke used Q to supplement the material they found in Mark -No copies of this work survived -Q is short for Quelle, German for "source" -A shorthand way of referring to the double-tradition material

Prophetic Literature

Deuteronomistic perspective but as a way to explain present circumstance of exile

Nativity

Genealogy -constructs Jesus' identity as one that is connected all the way back to Abraham and with the monarchy -Jesus is qualified to be the messianic king Joseph is the focus in the nativity narrative -visited by an angel, given the name Wise men "magi" following the star -Herod the Great finds out -Magi betray Herod -2:11 - they find Jesus in a house, not in a manger "Slaughter of the innocents" forcing Jesus and family into Egypt -Herod's death allows the family to return to Galilee No mention of shepherds, Bethlehem, the manger, Mary's dream, the birth of John the Baptist-

Key Feature of Luke: Baptism & Genealogy

Goes back to Adam, suggesting Jesus' work is relevant to all, not just Jews Stresses Jesus ancestors were common folk, not royalty -Only royal reference is David -Zerubbabel is also named Unique "son of God" -God as most distant ancestor and closest progenitor (via virgin birth) -Jesus is the fulfillment of humanity's destiny; what God wanted to do with Adam is done with Jesus

Poverty in the cities of the 1st century Roman Empire

Highest proportion of the populations were stable near subsistence, At subsistence level, and below subsistence level.

Social Norms of Roman Empire

Honor-shame -ascribed vs achieved honor Patron-client -Role of broker -Charis translated as grace but is a gift expecting loyalty Challenge-Riposte -This is a competition between social equals in which a challenge (almost any word, gesture or action that might undermine honor) must be answered by a riposte ("a response that answers in equal measure or ups the ante

Judea Capta Coin

How Rome illustrates its power

God's brother

James

Key Feature of John: "I am" statements

Jesus uses the formula for divine revelation "I am" 8 times

Key Feature: The disciples as failures

Jesus' disciples are constantly shown as ignorant and lacking understanding -Peter is portrayed particularly negatively -All the male disciples betray Jesus in the end -The women stay through the execution and are the ones who discover the empty tomb -Perhaps persecutions resulted in the denial of faith and imagining the disciples this way encourages repentance and the acceptance of the repentant.

Triple Tradition

Material that appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke, all three.

Augustinian Hypothesis

Matthew wrote first; mark got information from Matthew and Luke got information from both of them

1 Thessalonians

Paul's first letter

1 and 2 Corinthians

Paul's second and third letters

John Structure

Prelude to Jesus' Ministry (1:1-51) -prologue, John the Baptist, calling of first disciples Beginning of Jesus' Ministry (2:1-5:47) -wedding in Cana, cleansing the Temple, convos with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, various healings Conflict & Opposition Grow (6:1-10:42) Prelude to Jesus' Hour (11:1-12:50) -Lazarus raised from dead, anointing of Jesus, entry to Jerusalem Farewell Meal & Discourse (13:1-17:26) -Last supper, foot washing, prayer Jesus' Arrest, Trial, & Death (18:1-19:42) -Interrogations by Annas, Peter's denial, trial with Pilate, Pilate's wife's dream, crucifixion, resurrection Resurrection Appearances (20:1-21:25)

Gospel of Mark

Prologue (1:1-13) -John the Baptist's message -Baptism and Temptation of Jesus Jesus, the Preacher and Healer (1:14-10:52) -Calls disciples -Healings and exorcisms -Preaching and parables Jesus, son of God (11:1-16:8) -Entry into Jerusalem -Arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection Longer ending of Mark (16:9-20)

key feature of Mark: Messianic Secret

Refers to when Jesus requires that those he has taught or healed not to reveal his identity

Synoptic Problem

The scholarly term for the question of relationship of the first three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Most scholars believe that Matthew and Luke are expanded forms of Mark.

What is the basic purpose of apocalyptic literature?

To encourage readers to remain faithful in difficult times and support a belief in a God that is powerful, loving, and just

Letters of Paul/"Paul"

Undisputed -1 Thessalonians -1 Corinthians -2 Corinthians -Galatians -Philippians -Philemon -Romans Dubious -2 Thessalonians -Colossians Non-Pauline -Ephesians -1 Timothy -2 Timothy -Titus

Date/Provenance/Author of Matthew

Written 75-100 CE Provenance: Likely Antioch -Ignatius of Antioch knows Matthew -Large diaspora community there -4:24 - Jesus' fame spreads throughout all of Syria even though the in the narrative he is restricted to Galilee Authorship -First associated with Matthew by Irenaeus around 180 -Matthew the disciple? A vital community member named Matthew? -Matthew means "gift of God" - maybe summarizing the Gospel's teaching? BUT The character Matthew does not witness the baptism or transfiguration, he's not at Gethsemane

Griesbach Hypothesis

argued that Luke used Matthew and other traditions and that Mark used both Matthew and Luke

Galatians

grumpy

Romans' theme

introduction

Double Tradition

is that material found in only Matthew and Luke

Philemon theme

personal letter

Philippians theme

the joyful unity of the gospel

Two Document Hypothesis (Four Source Hypothesis)

the theory that Mark (written first) and "Q" served as the two sources for Matthew and Luke -This is the dominant position held in biblical scholarship today