Lesson 7 Flashcards
- How can we categorize the books in New Testament?
In the New Testament there are 27 books in total. Apart from 4 Gospels, Acts of Apostles, Revelation there are 21 letters in total (We have learned about the 4 gospels in class VIII and about Acts in class IX). Out of the 21 letters the first 14 are written by St. Paul. They are known by the name of the Church to which it was written. Rests of the 21 letters are known as “Public letters” or “Catholic letters”.
- How St. Paul’s letter is generally arranged?
The arrangement of all the letters is similar. Generally the name of the writer and to whom it is written is mentioned in the beginning of the letter itself. After a short thanks/appreciation he jumps directly into the content which he wants to communicate. This is followed by a formal greeting. Letter concludes with prayer and blessing.
- What is the theology of St. Paul?
Theology of St. Paul is centered across Jesus Christ. St. Paul gives more importance to feel the Christ (or Christian feeling) than the stories related to birth of Christ. St. Paul is the one who used the word “gospel” the most number of times in New Testament. Whenever St. Paul uses or explains terms related to the word “Jehovah” in Old Testament he uses the word “Lord”. He uses the same word “Lord” for Christ also. Most of his letters prove that Christ is the Son of God. Among the Christology St. Paul emphasizes more on crucifixion, death and resurrection. St. Paul teaches that when somebody joins these secret of human incarnation of Jesus Christ, he/ she becomes in Christ and that is the life in Christ. This life in Christ is being described as the evidence for special freedom one has in Christ. He explains that the freedom from commandment, freedom from sin and freedom from death leads us to the freedom of children of Christ
- St. Paul’s letter can be categorized as how many parts? Which are they?
14 letters are categorized as 5 different types for ease of study.
1. Early letters
The two letters written to Church of Thessalonica are categorized under this. These were the first couple of letters in the New Testament.
2. Evangelical Epistles
Letter to the Romans, two letters to Corinthians and letter to Galatians are categorized in this. These letters are also known as Major Epistles.
3. Captivity Letters
Letter to Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon fall under this category. These were written by St. Paul when he was imprisoned.
4. Pastoral Epistles
The two letters written to Timothy and the letter written to Titus are categorized as Pastoral Epistles. These were written to the episcope of the churches started by St. Paul himself.
5. Letter to Hebrews
This letter is different from other letters of St. Paul. St. Paul’s letters are not arranged according to the chronological order in the New Testament. Instead it is arranged according to its order of importance.
