New Tes
For Paul what is the relationship between ministry and integrity? Relate this to the first two major sections in 2 Corinthians.
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What does the conscience do? How does it relate to Paul's teaching on the weaker brother?
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What had Paul done that the Corinthians were pointing to as an indication of his character?
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What is this "paradox of strength in weakness" and how does it relate to Paul and the Super Apostles?
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Who is the "weaker brother" and how does he differ from the "professional weaker brother"?
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What are the marks of genuine ministry that arise for 1 Thessalonians chps. 1-3? Why does he wait until 1 Thessalonians chp 4 to start exhorting them to do something?
1. A reminder of the effects of the gospel through greeting, thanksgiving and commendations 2. An appeal for continued fidelity (faith) based on personal integrity and Gospel centered love 3. An appeal for continued faith based on Paul's ongoing concern; if you genuinely love someone you can't abandon them Chapter 4 stands on a platform of love (love gives warnings)
What is important about the history of the church in Rome for our understanding of Romans?
1. Not established by Paul 2. Origins may go back to Pentecost Converts 3. Jewish/Christian Tensions Culminated in Claudian Epulsion of Jews in A.D. 41 4. Expulsion of the Jews left the Gentiles in charge
What types of crises are the churches in Corinth facing?
1. Spiritually immature 2. Fractured into Cliques (Paul, Christ, Cephas) 3. Abusing the Lords table (classes, ranks) 4. Notorious Immorality 5. Internally Litigious (taking people to courts) 6. Marriage Problems (denying it) 7. Cultural Accommodation Questions (saved from pagan culture) 8. Resurrection (they were clinging to over realized eschatology)
Be able to recognize and explain Paul's theological distinctives.
1. Theocentric vision with its center point on Christ 2. Already/not yet tension 3. Interpenetration (meshes) of Theology and Ethics 4. Balance of corporate and personal spiritually and witness (work on ourselves within a community of believers)
What is the "central tenant" of the false views being promulgated in the church in Corinth? How does this theological aberration relate to the behavior of the people? Does this theological aberration show up in another community later on in Paul's writings?
1. They were not taking the gospel to the unsaved 2. Treating their bodies with contempt and living as if only spiritual things mattered
Ephesians is a "prison epistle", what imprisonment is Paul writing from?
Acts 28, his first imprisonment
To whom is the book of Philemon addressed? Why is that significant?
Addressed to the church of Colossians. He wants them to act as an unbiased third party to Onesimus and Philemon.
What is the "central tenant" of the false views being promulgated in the church? How does this theological aberration relate to the behavior of the people? Does this theological aberration show up in another community later on in Paul's writings? (1 Corinthians)
An over-realized eschatology that makes them think that they've arrived spirituality in response to the resurrection despite feeling an indifference to creation in the sense of God's intended design. In Reality, their social/physical life is nothing compared to their spiritual life (arrogance). It also shows up in 2 Thessalonians.
How is it that sexual sin is somehow uniquely "against the body"?
Because sex has a strong connection to the soul, not just the mingling of bodies.
What caused the problem in 2 Thessalonians? What does this say about the church and pseudepigraphy? Would the early church think it acceptable to convey truth through it?
Believers were wavering. Many felt unsettled thinking that the day of the Lord was close. So much that they stopped doing basic daily, life-sustaining activities. When they realize that the Lord was not coming back yet, Paul tells them to go back to work so they won't be such a burden to the church.
How does Paul's emphasis on "redeemed, soul and body," relate to the bad theology at Corinth? How does the phrase "food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both," relate to the issues in 1 Cor 6?
Corinth believed that the body was of this world. Because they believe that it was of this world, they believed that marriage, sex, and anything that was of the body was also bad.
What was the heresy that had the effect of diminishing Christ?
Epaphras was alarming Paul of the mysticism and murchaba (throne)
What is the main problem at Philippi?
Euodia and Syntyche are the main issue in the church. They are at odds to each other because of envy and rivalry and it is affecting the whole church body. They have different views of the Gospel. Paul used to identify but now he doesn't. Paul's ministry is challenged because of this.
What were the benefits of Roman citizenship?
Exempt from Military Duty Right to Roman Trial Right of Appeal Exempt from Flogging Required Proof Citizenship by birth is a privilege
What were the benefits of Roman citizenship?
Exemption from Military Duty Right to a Roman Trial Right of Appeal Could not be crucified Required proof
Which books extensively treat Paul's concern for the church to embrace God's desire to heal the relationships between Jew and Gentiles (i.e. all people) as a central aspect of his redemptive plan? ?
Galatians (no hierarchy for salvation) Ephesians (Jews and Gentiles are united by the cross) Romans (Paul asking the Gentiles to let the Jews back in)
Which books extensively treat Paul's concern for the church to embrace Gods desire to heal the relationships between Jew and Gentiles as a central aspect of his redemptive plan?
Galatians (no hierarchy in salvation) Ephesians (Jew and Gentile united through the cross) Romans (Paul asking the Gentiles to embrace the Jews back in)
What is the key verse that relates to the theme? Why does Paul make this emphasis? (Galatians)
Galatians 3:26-29 - We are all children of God through faith which should lead us to accept salvation by Him. by grace we are free and unified.
How is it that "God is on trial" in Romans?
God is on trial because Jews are constantly scrutinizing whether what Paul says about him is true and they are deciding if they want to follow Christ
How is it that "God is on trial" in Romans?
God is on trial because Jews are constantly scrutinizing whether what Paul says about him is true and they are deciding if they want to follow Christ.
What is this "paradox of strength in weakness" and how does it relate to Paul and the Super Apostles? (2 Corinthians)
God is our strength in the midst of our weakness. God gives strength to Paul where he falls short, through knowledge. The theology of the cross is greater than the theology of triumph. The most powerful followers of Christ look to be the weakest. Paul can be seen as a thorn in the flesh. Allowing people to stray from the things of the world; a thorn in the flesh
The plan of God laid out in Ephesians has individual, corporate and cosmic dimensions. He lays out this all-encompassing plan to re-situate the Ephesians believers so that they can see God for who He is and themselves for who they are.
God steps in working out his purpose Individually raised with Christ by grace and Jews/Gentiles united through the cross. Practical implications of God's purpose right now Unity, diversity, moving from the darkness into the light, armour of God All-reality embracing salvation plan of God Purposes: Inform the Ephesians of God's saving purposes To see ourselves in respect of who God is, putting God in the center of our life Encourage and arm believers
What is it that is so reliable in 2 Tim?
God's word
What is Paul doing in chps 9-11 where he breaks into the book's flow of thought before returning to the "new life in Christ in practice" in chps. 12-16? (Romans)
God's word cannot fail because it depends on God alone. There is no excuse to not believe. God is faithful and he will fulfill his promises to the Jews. Romans were not for sure if they could trust God and Paul to defend God.
What do we mean when we say that for Paul, theology interpenetrates ethics
Godliness is the right knowledge of God which, through faithful service, shapes your life.
What do we mean when we say that for Paul, theology interpenetrates ethics?
Godliness is the right knowledge of god that shapes your life
What is Paul doing in chps 9-11 of the book of Romans where he breaks into the book's flow of thought before returning to the "new life in Christ in practice" in chps. 12-16?
Gods word cannot fail because it depends on God alone. There is no excuse to not believe. God is faithful and he will fulfill his promises to the Jews. Romans were not for sure if they could trust God and Paul defends God.
What do we mean when we say Paul is Theocentric?
Having God as the central focus. Losing a godless life and transforming into a genuine life.
How does Paul respond to this problem? (1&2 Timothy and Titus)
He advised widows to get married. Told them not to restrict their diets. Drink more. lol
What are the things that Paul asks Philemon and the addressees of the letter to do that is so startling with regard to Onesimus?
He calls Onesimus his son, and says that Onesimus could take the place of Paul while he is in prison.
Why is Timothy not "timid Timothy"?
He is not timid because Paul wouldn't put someone who wasn't prepared in charge.
Why does Paul refer to Christians as citizens of heaven? What about the background of the Philippians explains his use of the idea of citizenship?
He makes a distinction between the citizens of heaven and the citizens of Rome because the Romans were very prideful. Lydia began the church of Philippi when Paul came to the city and found her near a body of water.
Why does Paul write to Timothy?
He writes to Timothy instead of the church, but keeps the church in mind. There's a problem with the leadership in his church. Paul left Timothy to deal with the Ephesus church. This letter gives Timothy the authority to lead.
Why does Paul defend himself in 1 Thessalonians?
He writes to a people he was forced to separate himself from. The people are under great opposition and Satan can easily take control of the poor foundation set for him. Paul believes that he didn't plant their faith deep enough.
What do we know about life in Corinth?
Immoral, messy, sexual love was connected to religion
What does Paul do in his Introductory Thanksgiving sections?
Introduces topic and theology, theme, pastoral connection, prepare them for what he will exhort them to do.
What is the basic structure of a letter in the first century and what did Paul do that was unique?
Introduction (Paul didn't do a standard greeting) Body Conclusion (adds more material after the goodbyes) Paul Christianizes all of his letters.
What does the conscience do? How does it relate to Paul's teaching on the weaker brother?
It connects values/beliefs with choices: prospective and retrospective. It demands to and allows inner-integrity. To destroy someone is to encourage someone to ignore their conscience.
What happens to Jewish practices, e.g. circumcision, when the gospel is understood aright?
It didn't matter, Jesus nailed all those things on the Cross. If the Gospel is done right, there is no hierarchy in the salvation. Nothing to offer, all children of God through faith. Free to love, free to serve one another, flesh vs. creation. We can either do things in the flesh or in the spirit.
How do the commands of Philippians 4:2-9 promote and strengthen community?
It says to rejoice in the Lord and that when you are content with Christ, to let your gentleness to be made known to everyone. To not be anxious about anything, and pray to God in a way that God consumes you.
What is important about the history of the church in Rome for our understanding of Romans?
It was not established by Paul, and the Origins may go as far back as the Pentecost Converts. The Jewish/Christian Tensions culminated in Claudian Expulsion of Jews in 41 AD. This Expulsion of the Jews that left the Gentiles in charge.
What do we mean by syncretism with regard to Colossians?
It's a threat and it's demeaning. Syncretism blends the elements of a past non-christian religion with Christianity. Like saying Christ isn't a supreme created being.
What do we know about life in Corinth?
It's immoral, messay, sexual love was connected to religion. (Aphrodite)
What is the basic structure of a letter in the first century and what did Paul do that was unique? What does Paul do in his Introductory Thanksgiving sections?
It's the normal introduction, body, and conclusion. However, Paul has a unique christian introduction and follows up and with information after the conclusion.
How do we explain the relationship between Paul and Jesus?
Jesus saves the uber Jew (Paul) and commands him to save the Gentiles 1 Cor 7: Paul sees himself in agreement to Jesus, Paul doesn't repeat, he extends, he speaks about believers, not disciples, doesn't talk about the Kingdom as much as Jesus did; Not I, but the Lord (God didn't say this, but I am recommending it)
What is the effect on the churches in Galatia?
Jew/Gentile Division, attacks on/distrust of Paul, Legalism
What was the primary influence that shaped Paul, Judaism or Greco-Roman world, and how?
Judaism because that was how he was raised. He followed all of the Jewish customs... Pure, Feast days, circumcised, strong Jewish home, trained by and became a Pharisee, No holds barred (to death) commitment, food, everything followed Jewish law
What was the primary influence that shaped Paul, Judaism or Greco-Roman world, and how? How do we explain the relationship between Paul and Jesus?
Judaism was the primary influence. He was born and raised in it. Feast days, strong Jewish home. Trained by and became a pharisee. Followed intense jewish law.
What is the message of Philemon?
Letting the love of God of Christ penetrate your relationships
What is the problem and how does Paul address the problem? (2 Thessalonians)
Many of the church believed that the Day of the Lord had already begun. Paul was like nah. Two things will happen before this: Vindication (clearing someone of blame) and Judgement
What is over-realized eschatology and how did it affect the church?
No marriage Strange diets No role distinctions No concern for others It impacts the church in their wanting to rely on the pseudepigrapha (jewish writings that aren't God inspired)
Is the imprisonment in 2 Tim the same as that in the "Prison Epistles"?
No. Instead, Paul is on death row
What had happened in 2 Cor since 1 Cor. had been read?
One year after 1 Cor, Paul had visited, but had to run off and had little impact. Now, his integrity was questioned because he ditched the new believers. Now the Corinthian church ceased giving to Paul's Jerusalem collection. The super apostles were leading the church astray.
How did Onesimus come to be with Paul and why would he do that as a slave?
Onesimus fled to a social superior; Paul. He wanted Paul to reconcile his relationship with Philemon. This is the solution between the Master/slave disputes
How does Paul's emphasis on "redeemed, soul and body," relate to the bad theology at Corinth? How does the phrase "food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both," relate to the issues in 1 Cor 6? How is it that sexual sin is somehow uniquely "against the body"?
Our bodies won't last forever and they won't matter that much. But be careful with your bodies because you can glorify God with them.
What had happened since 1 Cor. had been read?
Paul visited Corinth (it was a painful visit). Paul's last letter had a very small impact. "Super Apostles had arisen and plagued the church. The integrity of Paul's ministry was being questioned. Corinthian church ceased Paul's giving to Jerusalem collection.
Would Paul be happy with "homogenous" churches?
Paul wants them to intermix, so he wouldn't agree because they would all be the same if they did not mix.
Would Paul be happy with "Homogenous" churches?
Paul wants them to intermix. So, no. Because if they are homogeneous nothing would change and everything would be the same.
What about the 1st century understanding of gods and spiritual forces makes sense of Paul's stress on God's sovereignty and their need to know just who this God is that they have come to know in Christ?
Paul was trying to grab a people who were in constant fear and Paul wants them to know that they do not need to fear anything. Know God so well that you recognize the evil one.
Ephesians has two significant prayers. What did we suggest about Paul's prayers?
Pray for insight into God's purpose and power Prayer for experience of God's transforming power
What are the "three foci" of Paul's letter to the Romans and what was going on with regard to each of them?
Roman Christians: Introduction Establishing credentials, reconciliation of Jewish and Gentile believers Jerusalem Church: Prayer concerning the reception of the gift from the Gentile churches, which is ironic because the Romans are struggling with this as well. Personal Ministry: Request prayer, prepare Roman church for visit and support him
What are the three foci of Paul's letter to the Romans and what was going on with regard to each of them? What are the purposes of Romans with respect to these three foci?
Roman Christians: Introduction to establishing credentials. Reconciliation of Jewish and Gentile believers. Jerusalem Church: Prayer concerning the reception of the gift from the Gentile churches, which is ironic because the Romans are struggling with this as well. Personal Ministry: Request Prayer, prepare for roman church for visit and support him *This was important because the Gentiles and Jews would unify and the Romans would pray for the Jerusalem church, that he could use them as a base of support because he was on his way to Spain
What is the key verse that relates to the theme? Why does Paul make this emphasis?
Salvation by Grace 3:2. Believing vs. doing. He does this to promote Freedom and Unity.
How does the theme address the problems at Corinth? What is Paul trying to re-configure in the Corinthians?
Seeing through the Father's eyes relates to the problem because if they saw it the way that Paul sees it, then they would see the truth in the Gospel and see all the issues with the false teachers.
What in Acts 19 is especially significant for understanding Ephesians?
Sons of Sceva were trying to cast out demons and a spirit answered them and the spirit beat them up. "God did all extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul"
What are the types of crises the church is facing? (1 Corinthians)
Spiritually Immature Fractured into cliques Abusing the Lord's classes and ranks Notorious Immorality Internally Litigious (taking people to court) Marriage Problems (and denying it) They were clinging to over realized eschatology
To be armed with the armor of Eph 6 is to do what? How would you explain it?
Strength and provision for the real battle. Clothe our world with Jesus. Put on the full armour of God; the best defense against Satan. It's a metaphor for putting on Christ. The spirit is not the thing that fills you, the spirit is the agent that allows you to be filled with Christ.
What is the relationship between the Super Apostles and 1st century Rhetors? How did this all come into play in the attitudes of the Corinthians toward Paul?
Super apostles were unbelievers with a different gospel, they belittled Paul, were Jews, arrogant, and were living off of the church. A rhetor basically was a public speaker or entertainer and focused on the things seen, not the things unseen.
What are the purposes of Romans with respect to these three foci?
That the Gentiles and Jews wold unify, that the Romans would pray for the Jerusalem church, that he could use them as a base of support because he was on his way to Spain
Who is oppressing the churches in Galatia and what is the "false gospel" they are spreading?
The Jews are spreading that they cannot be saved as a Gentile, only if you're a Jew.
What is the theme and key verse for the book of Romans? How does the key verse relate to the structure of the book of Romans?
The Just, by Faith, Shall Live: God's Program in Christ Defended, Explained, and Applied. Romans 1:16-17 It relates to the structure of the book because "by faith" is the hinge that holds it together
What is the theme and key verse for the book of Romans? How does the key verse relate to the structure of Romans?
The Just, by Faith, Shall live: God's program in Christ defended, explained, and applied Romans 1:16-17; It relates to the structure of the book because "by faith" is the hinge that holds it together.
What do we need to know about the background of the book of *1 Thessalonians* from the book of Acts?
The church consists mostly of gentiles. Turning from idols to God, trying to under how to live in Christ.
What had Paul done that the Corinthians were pointing to as an indication of his character?
The fact that he said he was going to visit but was kept from seeing them the day of his visit told us that he was challenging the super apostles.
Ephesians is a "prison epistle", what imprisonment is Paul writing from?
The first imprisonment from Rome.
Who is oppressing the churches in Galatia and what is the "false gospel" they are spreading? What is the effect on the churches in Galatia?
The jews are oppressing the churches of Galatia to follow their Jewish Christian customs. They were leading a false path where we add to the cross, and question the lines of bondage vs. freedom. This creates a Jewish/Gentile division which leads to distrusting and attacking Paul and his faith. Works vs Grace (Works won't save you) and bondage vs. freedom.
Who is the householder/despot, who is the house, and what are the house rules?
The master of the house is God The house is the church and the rules are the bible
What is the theme of Colossians?
The supremacy of Christ. That Christ is sufficient
What about the 1st century understanding of gods and spiritual forces makes sense of Paul's stress on God's sovereignty and their need to know just who this God is that they have come to know in Christ?
Their moment is spiritually charged. They are surrounded by superstition and good luck charms. The common belief is extreme polytheism. The Ephesians need to know that God reigns over the spiritual realm.
How does the theme of 2 Corinthians address the problems at Corinth?
Theme: theology of the cross and spiritual leadership (Having Christ's Eyes). It is important to have Christ's eyes to see what effects did my ministry produce etc.
Be able to recognize and explain Paul's theological distinctives.
Theocentric vision with its "centerpoint on Christ" Already/Not Yet Tension Interpenetration of Theology and Ethics Balance of corporate and personal spirituality and witness. (Work on ourselves within a community of believers)
What is Paul trying to re-configure in the 2 Corinthians?
Theology of triumph: another way to talk about over realized eschatology. They thought their lives were complete and they had reached the goal of resurrection.
How does the portrait of Christ in Phil 2, as well as those of Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus address the problem at Philippi?
These portraits are all different, but they all have the same focus to pursue Christ and proclaim his name. This brings them to unity. Paul wants the Philippian church members to each pursue Christ and be so focused on him that their unity will come naturally. Genuine copies (Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus) Fake Copies (Judders)
For Paul what is the relationship between ministry and integrity? Relate this to the first two major sections in Corinthians.
They are intertwined. Your integrity is the currency of your ministry. He spends the first two major sections of this book defending his integrity. A spiritual leader knows the people's need for a right relationship with God and provides no flattery.
What is the relationship between the Super Apostles and 1st century Rhetors? How did this all come into play in the attitudes of the Corinthians toward Paul?
They based the qualification of an apostle on how well the could communicate and how they made the listener feels. They had a different Gospel. They were just really good communicator. Overall, aesthetics should not rival over content. This differed from Paul because Paul wasn't entertaining.
What happens to Jewish practices, e.g. circumcision, when the gospel is understood aright?
They become traditions, instead of law. They should not view them as what saves them! it isn't as important as Jesus
Why are some of the people idle? (2 Thessalonians)
They were too reliant on the church. They needed to engage in their own life and use their gifts to benefit the church. They waste time when they are not keeping busy and providing for themselves. (Offer your gifts and serve)
To be a people of hope is to let the reality of the future shape the present, giving strength and direction for the present.
This is the theme of 1 Thessalonians. This says that there is hope and the purpose of the book is to encourage the fact that we have not been abandoned.
How does the situation of Titus differ from that of 1 Tim?
Titus was written to a church with no leadership (in comparison to bad leadership). Titus was written to a newer less established church
Why does Paul go back to creation to reorient the household? (1&2 Timothy and Titus)
To reassure them that God is the playwright and that we are all in our rightful places
In Titus, how does Paul designate the Christians and what is its significance?
We are God's elect. God chose us and elected us in His mission
What do we mean when we say Paul is Theocentric? Explain Paul's already/not yet view of the Christian life.
We are transformed and we are already Christians (believers) but we are not yet fully what we should be in Christ (Resurrected, but not yet). This can be shown in our ability to be tempted but can still faithfully serve God.
Explain Paul's already/not yet view of the Christian life.
We have not yet completely reached the goal for which Christ has called for us. We are waiting for the resurrection of Christ (Phil 3:12)
Who is the "weaker brother" and how does he differ from the "professional weaker brother"?
Weaker brothers are spiritually less mature and looks to other people for direction. Professional weaker brothers are good at making other people feel guilty for not having a great spiritual maturity like them.
What in Acts 19 is especially significant for understanding Ephesians?
When Paul comes to Ephesus and he encounters magic. This made people fearful of the spiritual world. When in Christ, there is nothing to be afraid of. It's this acknowledgment of wisdom that changes a person. Living in fear of a Spirit-charged word so he prays that the spirit would enable them to know the hope they have in Christ, to know they are chosen, and know the great power they have in Christ that they do not need to fear anyone.
