New Testament Study Guide 2

What role does Ephesus play in the great apostasy?

- seems to be hq of it all. Paul says its a problem - paul says they need to maintain unity - wolves among the sheep

How common was slavery in the ancient world?

1/4 people in Rome were slaves. 1/6 in world overall. Legal under law of Moses. Common! Jewish- legal under Law of Moses for 7 years. Roman- very prevalent.

Who was Philemon? Onesimus?

A convert of Paul's living in Colossae. Onesimus was Philemon's slave who ran away.

Why were angels such a problem for the Colossian church?

Absorption of Jewish angels. Do angels have to be worshipped as well? People were confused about whether or not they should worship angels because they now worship Jesus Christ.

Why is Paul arrested and almost killed

Accused of taking a Gentile into the temple of Herod. Paul pays for Nazarite's Vow and enters the temple after traveling to Gentile land (unclean).

How many different letters does Paul write to the Corinthian church?

At least four different letters. Three (or two?) included in NT.

What does Paul mean when he speaks of predestination?

Basically, we were predestined to need a Savior. Jesus is predestined to return, beat Satan, and at judgement, the House of Israel will be saved.

What are Paul's prison epistles?

Colossians, Philippians, Philemon and Ephesians (need PPE in prison, C?)

What are the possible identities of the "true yokefellow?"

Could be his spouse Lydia the seller of purple. Could be old mission companion or one of his family members. Lydia - seller of purple dye. tradition says they possibly got married. Timothy- missionary companion.

How did those teachings (from Greek Philosophers) impact the way people saw the universe and their own bodies?

Earth is wickedest part of the universe. Heaven is somewhere else. Physical body is disgusting. Could do anything they wanted with their bodies.

What was the general sense of the ancient world when it came to superstitions and folk-lore?

Evil spirits were constantly trying to get you. Carried amulets and lucky charms to protect themselves. Very anxious place as many people in the ancient world believed that they lived in a world controlled by Satan and his angels. As a response, people would seek charms or amulets to invoke powers of righteous angels.

What are faith, hope, and charity? Answer for faith

Faith-trust/confidence that Christ can save you

What are the roles of Felix, Festus, and Herod Agrippa II?

Felix-arrested and puts Paul under house arrest for two years. Festus-replaces Felix as governor-appeal to Caesar. (Like Pilate, wanted peace) Herod-Heard Paul's case (Said he's innocent, but need to send to ceasar anyway) Agrippa - Festus brings Paul before him prior to taking him to the Emperor and they find no fault in him Festus - almost get set up by Jews wanting to take Paul away. Paul appeals to the emperor as a Roman citizen, so case has to be taken to Caesar instead. Felix - waiting for a Bribe - Paul is in house arrest with him for two years

What are Paul's views on marriage?

Focus on God. If you can stay single. Nothing wrong with getting married. - problems - good for man not to touch woman - every man have own wife, wife own husband - take care of partner - 4 special circumstances - widow - try to remain single - divorce likely - try not to - have non bleiever - its ok - engaged - put it off for a bit, 2nd coming is close

What are Paul's feelings towards the church at Philippi?

He feels like he can open up to them for some reason. They are close to him. They were the only church that Paul accepts money from, yokefellow in congregation, and personal connection.

How to the Corinthians feel about Paul's physical appearance?

His physical presence is weak. He doesn't look intimidating and is less assertive in person than in his letters.

What are faith, hope, and charity? Answer for hope

Hope-Expectation/anticipation that Jesus will save me-> beyond trust, into reality

What does Paul teach in the Philippian Christ-hymn?

If we want to get home-we need to follow Jesus's course. The condescension of God. Everyone emptied themselves to come to earth and became servants. Jesus emptied himself too. He was exalted because he submitted. Jesus emptying out going from Jehovah to a slave on Earth to exaltation - Christ and Heavenly Father are in the image of one another, Christ= firstborn and superior to all creatures, the Light of Christ holds the universe together, value Jesus the most.

What are the problems of the Corinthian church?

Immorality, Pride/Elitism, Lawsuits, Disunity, Sources of Authority aesthetics - denial of the body - hedonists - anything goes - women (b) their hair in sacrament - problem with which spiritual gift is the best

What is Christian liberty, and what is the issue that raises it?

Issue - eating meat meant for idols - idea that in the gospel you have agency, not everything is black and white. building fence wall, paul says to look out for: 1. has to be ok with the holy ghost, 2. other people effect & how they view it

What does Paul teach about the existence and reality of evil?

Jesus is more powerful.

What does Paul teach about Jesus in the Colossian "Christ-hymn"?

Jesus is the image of the invisible God Jesus is the firstborn Jesus is mightier than angels OR angels on same level as god?? By Jesus all things can exist

What evidence do we have of baptism for the dead in the ancient world?

Marcionites-living person gets baptized on behalf of the dead person

What is the admonition of Paul?

Philippians 4:8/13th article of faith

Who was the Greek philosopher responsible for many of the views of the Greeks?

Plato

What is a "Christ-hymn"?

Poetic stanzas. Early hymns? 1:15-20 Poems recited by members that would be recited in worship. Their purpose is to illuminate who Jesus is.

What are faith, hope, and charity? specifically charity

Pure love of Christ/Agape. Other's needs become more important than your own. Self sacrifice

Who are Paul's opponents? What are their characteristics?

Super Apostles. Jewish. Believe in Jesus but a different Jesus. Value rhetoric technique a lot and accept money. Value outward appearance. They are Jewish, they believe in Jesus, value rhetorical technique, boast, and accept money from the Corinthians

How does Paul understand "celestial" and "terrestrial"

Terrestrial is having no Law while celestial is living the law and the principles. not as kingdoms of glory, but as stuff in the heavens (stars) vs stuff on earth (stuff that dies)

What does Paul mean when he encourages wives to "submit to their husbands"?

There's an ideal model where husband submits to the Lord, wife submits to the husband. If the husband isn't submitting to the Lord, there's no obligation. Husband is to a wife as Jesus is to the Church. Wives should submit to husbands as long as they follow the role Jesus was to the Church

What does it mean to be redeemed?

To be brought back, or purchase.

What are the areas in which Paul stresses unity?

Unity of doctrine, unified against the world, unity in families, and unity between you and God.

How does Paul react to the issue of dress standards?

Women need to have hair veiled when they pray or prophesy (to not shame husband) If you don't want to wear the veil-shave your hair.

What does Paul say about women speaking in church?

Women shouldn't speak in church. Churches inside homes, men should be in charge rather than the women. - praying prophesying is ok, more who's authorized to be in charge - not saying, can't literally speak in church

What was the Colossian heresy? Jewish or Gentile roots?

Worshipping angels and putting them above Christ. Jewish. Deemphasized the work of Christ. Syncretization of previous religious ideas such as worshipping the goddess of Cybele and introducing the worship of Jesus. Jewish roots. Pop culture + religious context.

Paul's thorn in the flesh

poor eyesight got in the way of what he could have become (most likely), speech impediment, epilepsy, depression, persecution

What image does Paul use to unify his congregation?

the cross