Exam 4 Flashcards
Who is the author of Hebrews
Anonymous - but there are several suggestions
What authors have been suggested for Hebrews
Paul - Barnabbas - Luke - Appolos
What reasons suggest Paul as the author of Hebrews
There is theological resemblance, but the style is not his, anonymity is not like Paul, and the eyewitness authority is not like Paul since he relied his apolostolic authority.
What rationale is given for Apollos’ authorship of Hebrews
Luther sugests it is Appolos, and he was acquanted with Paul, he was eloquent, and tutored Priscilla and Aquilla
What was Origen’s view of the author of Hebrews
He said, “God only knows the truth”
Regardless of the author, what are the characterisitcs of the author of Hebrews?
1) He knew Paul - or at least his theology
2) Able to build on complex thought
3) Well educated in Hellenistic standards
4) Well versed in the Septuagint
5) A pastoral theologian
6) Probably held a leadership role in the church previously
Who were the recipients of Hebrews
1) A specific local community of Christians
2) A community with a history
3) Had connections to the writer
4) Possibly a section of a larger community
5) Written to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles
What was the destination of the Hebrew Letter
Not conclusive but one of two areas:
1) Jerusalem
2) Rome
What is the likely date of Hebrews
during the early 60s
What is the purpose of Hebrews
1) To prevent a lapse into a former belief
2) To present the superiority of God
3) To show Christianity as superior to others
4) To encourage those tempted to retrun to a former worldview without Jesus
How does the author use the Old Testament
Very extensively:
- 31 quotes
- 4 implict quotes
- 37 allusions
- 19 summaries
- 13 names/events
Is Hebrews considered an Epistle
It lacks an epistolary beginning, but does resemble an Epistle in the ending
What structure does Hebrews have
A letter - essay; like Romans, James and 1 John
Likely writtenf ro oral delivery - like a sermon
What special theological emphasis is found in Hebrews
1) Christ is eternal High Priest - not temporary
2) Christs atoning work - compared to the temple rituals
3) The New Covenant fulfills the Old Covenant
4) The importance of Faith
Which “James” wrote the book of James
James, the brother of Jesus
What is the critical issue covered in James
The insistance that justification is tied to works - which is considered a contradiction of Pauls doctrine of justification by faith
Why is Peters authorship of 1 Peter disputed
1) There is no reference to life of Jesus
2) Quotes from Septuagint
3) Greek used too well
The use of the word “Babylon” in 1 Peter is a reference to what city
Rome
What was the purpose of 1 Peter
Written to exiles in the dispersion to encourage their faith during their persecution
What are the themes of 1 Peter
1) Encouragement in the midst of persecution
2) Christian Hope
3) Evangelize even those that persecute you
What are the arguments AGAINST Peter authoring 2 Peter
1) Differences in style of 1 Peter
2) Literary depedance on Jude
3) Hints of early catholicism
4) Doubts among early church Fathers
Language is too Hellenistic
5) Peters name associated with heretical writings
What are the arguments FOR Peters authorship of 2 Peter
1) Style is different because used a different scribe
2) Dependance on Jude is not conclusive
3) Hellenisitc character due to different scribe or author being billingual
4) Early catholcism is questionable
5) Heretical reference is disputable
What is the purpose of 2 Peter
1) To warn of false teachers
2) To correct misunderstandings of the second coming
What is the support of the cannonicity of Hebrews
- Clement referenced it in 96
- It was not included in the Muratorian canon
- In major uncials it is placed after 2 Thess
- In 4th century some began accepting it
- During Reformation it was accepted but Luther placed it in the back of the Bible with other less valuable books
What are the two primary reasons for accepting Hebrews into the canon
- We should absolutely accept it regardless of the debate because:
- it conforms to the “rule of faith”
* it was widely and effectively used in the early church
- it conforms to the “rule of faith”
The author of 1 John is refered to as
The elder
What was the three-fold purpose of 1 John
1) Belief that Christ had come in the flesh
2) Obedience to Gods commandments
3) Brotherly Love
What are the “tests of eternal life” identified in Johns epistles
1) Theological Test
* belief that Jesus is the Son of God
* beleif that Christ came int he flesh
2) Moral Test
* Practice righteousness and keep Gods word
* Sin is not compatible with Gods nature, Christs mission to take away sin, orthe beleivers new life.
3) Social Test
* Love one anohter
* God is love
What are two main positive features of Johns view of Christianity?
Truth and Love
Who wrote Jude
Jude, the brother of Jesus
Who was the audience of Jude
Not clear - but possibly Asia
What was the purpose of writing Jude
To refute false teachings
What is the theme of Jude
The faithful will overcome false teachings
Who was the author of Revelation
John the Apostle
What is the most likely date of Revelation
81-96 under Domitian
What internal evidence is used to determine the date of Revelation
Persecution Setting Emporer Worship Number of Kings listed in Rev 17 Nero Myth Temple still standing
Why was John on the Isle of Patmos
Likely exiled by Rome for being a Christian
List the Seven Churches listed as recipients of Revelation
Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira, Ephesus, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Laodicia
What is the three-fold genre of Revelation
Apocolypse
Epistle
Prophecy
What are the four perspectives of the time of Revelation
1) Preterist - book refers to things of the past
2) Historicist - refers to things past, present, future
3) Futurist - most, if not all, yet to be fulfilled
4) Idealist - no reference to time just the ever present conflict of good and evil
What are the three eschatalogical views of Revelation
1) Postmillenialism - hopeful outlook of history and its impact on Christianity
2) Amillenialism - simplified scheme
3) Premillenialism - debates over timing of rapture
What are the critical issues associated with Revelation
Authorship Methods of Interpretation Grammar Canonicity Literary Structure
