Final Flashcards
“New Perspective”
Paul is trying to preserve Jewish and Gentile unity, not attack boundary markers (i.e. circumcision, dietary laws, special days).
The idea that Jews did not actually follow the law out of legalism but out of an understanding of grace. Paul, then, emphasizes grace for Gentiles bc they did not have a Jewish law to follow and may view it as an obstacle to conversion.
Covenantal Nominism
The Jews did not rely on religious practices to be saved; they were already God’s people. There were still some legalistic Jews though.
What is an Apostle and what is the criteria?
An apostle is a “chosen messenger” and Acts 1:21-22 says an apostle must have been present from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to his ascension.
Who were the NT apostles?
The 12 disciples, Paul, Matthais, and James the brother of Jesus
How is Paul considered an apostle?
Paul considers his Damascus experience to qualify him as seeing Jesus. Paul also recognizes that his call was different than that of the other apostles because he wasn’t around during Jesus’ ministry.
Genre of Epistles
Letters. NT authors followed pattern of preestablished genre.
2 changes to Epistles
- Greeting shifted from wishes for health to wishes for grace and peace.
- farewell shifted from goodbye to a benediction
Occassional/Situational Nature of Epistles
NT letters weren’t written just because. They addressed particular issues of particular churches. The content is not always meant for every audience.
Application of Epistles
It is hard to reconstruct what is being addressed in the letters. It’s kind of like hearing one side of a phone conversation. Application not always meant for everyone.
Standard Groupings of Epistles
Paul 1. prison epistles, 2. pastoral epistles,3. missionary journeys
Prison Epistle
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
Pastoral Epistles
1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. Written to pastors towards the end of Paul’s life. 1 Timothy and Titus written from Roman prison and 2 Timothy when Paul knows he’s about to die.
Missionary Journey Epistles
1st Journey: Galatians
2nd Journey: 1 & 2 Thessalonians
3rd Journey: 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans
These epistles were written before the prison and pastoral epistles
Genre of Epistles
Epistles are letters. Paul followed the structure of ancient-day letter with the exception of 2 changes:
- he changed the greeting from pertaining to health to grace.
- the farewell was a benediction instead of just “bye.”
Occasional nature
Epistles were only written from time to time because they addressed specific issues in the churches. It is critical that the reader consider this context when reading. Epistles are like hearing one side of a telephone conversation.
Standard Groupings
- Prison Epistles
- Pastoral Epistles
- Missionary Journey Epistles (written before the first two)
Chronological Order of Pauline Epistles
Galatians Thessalonians Corinthians Romans Ephesians and Colossians Philippians and Philemon 1 Timothy Titus 2 Timothy
Challenges to Pauline authorship
There is varied vocabulary, style, grammar, and general tone in Paul’s letters. Ephesians and Colossians are particularly questioned because they divert from his usual style. Differing audiences could call for change in vocab, style, etc. Additionally, writers often used an amanuensis.
Scholars also question Ephesians because Paul spent 2 years there and does not have extensive greetings and seems to be unfamiliar with the church. Ephesians was an encyclical letter that was addressed to numerous churches in Asia Minor and could have been titled later on.
Challenges to Pauline authorship (Pastoral Epistles)
- (External) One of the earliest manuscripts of Paul’s letter does not contain the pastorals, but it also breaks off in the middle of 2 Thess.
Marcion did not include these letters, but Tertullian suggests he knew about them and just rejected them. However, apostolic fathers used these letters. - (Internal) These letters have a different style and vocab from other letters. This could be because he used an amanuensis, and some have suggested Luke.
Major Theme-Romans
The Gospel of the righteousness of God (Romans 1:16-17; Habakkuk 2:4)
Secondary themes include Gentile hope and Jewish advantages (a dialogue with Judaism).
Flow of Paul’s Argument-Romans
Paul begins with a theological explanation of the Gospel and then provides practical implications.
Key Texts and Teachings-Romans
God's wrath and the unrighteousness of man (1-3) Justification by Faith (4) Benefits of Justification (5) Sanctification (6) (submitting to God>sin- ch 7) Life in the Spirit (8) Election and grafting Gentiles in (9-11) Transform, not conform (12-16) -Transformed -Spiritual gifts -submission -weaker/stronger consciences
City of Rome
- Technologically advances (aqueducts, sewer systems, public latrines and baths, internal plumbing)
- Culturally advances (libraries, theatres, race courses)
- Capital of Mediterranean world
- religion was central to political and social life
Setting of Romans
Written from Corinth at end of 3rd missionary journey
Getting ready to give offering to church in Jerusalem; not sure how it will be received
Roman Church
Gentile Church in Jewish community
Rome became increasingly Gentile when Claudius expelled Jews and Jewish-Christians in AD 49.
Paul recognizes Jewish background of the churches
