Mid-Term

Question 1

When did authorship come into question regarding the Pastoral Epistles and why?

Answer 1

Until the so-called “historical-critical” method. Introduced rationalistic methods of biblical study.

Question 2

What five arguments did liberalism use to cast doubt on Paul’s authorship of the Pastoral Epistles?

Answer 2

1) Greek syntax rather different than Paul’s usual style
2) Word’s are unusual
3) Theological teaches does not contain typical Pauline doctrines like justification by grace through faith.
4) Historical & geographical references do not fit Paul’s travels recorded in Acts & the other Epistles
5) Church organization seems more rigid than I Cor. Claim this is more in common with 2nd-century churches presbyters & bishops

Question 3

What are eight arguments which refute claims against, and also argue for, Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles?

Answer 3

1) a person’s grammatical style & choice of words change over the years
2) strong possibility dictated to a scribe
3) style expressions, choice of words, etc. are largely decided by topics of conversation.
4) Pseudopigraphal?
5) Several unmistakeable tenets of Paul’s strongly asserted in these letters
6) local & personal references make perfect sense with the assumption that Paul was released from Roman imprisonment at the end of Acts.
7) No greek manuscripts exist that do not give Paul’s name as author
8) Critics of Pauline authorship disagree among themselves which verses & parts of these letters are from Paul, and which have been inserted.