Mid-term LRQs Flashcards
1.1) Cara states that there is a dialogical relationship between studying Pauline epistles and studying Pauline theology. Explain.
Paul’s writings can be understood horizontally - as separate epistles written at various times, to particular contexts, with unique emphasizes - but also vertically - as incorporating shared themes and a unified, coherent theology. The best understanding will integrate both perspectives, recognizing the uniqueness of each letter but never neglecting or rejecting the unified (and divinely inspired) theology of the whole.
2.1) Give a brief explanation of the difference between hermeneutics and interpretation.
“Hermeneutics = philosophy and methodology of interpretation.
- Interpretation = conclusions concerning a text based on hermeneutical assumptions.
- Cara attempts to base his hermeneutical assumptions on the Bible’s own hermeneutical assumptions.”
2.2) Briefly explain BT and R-H. Explain how HNR’s Paul is in both categories.
“BT: looks at what an individual writer says about a specific subject in a book. (eg what does Jeremiah say about God) - Usually there is an emphasis on the theological terms and themes that the writer himself uses (e.g., K of G in Synoptics, suffering in 1 Pet)
R-H: Acknowledging that God’s redemptive actions and Scripture have been progressively revealed through time, this term has a variety of related meanings.
1) The big R-H events of history including creation, fall, covenants, exodus, Davidic kingship, X’s birth, death, res, ascension, now/not yet, second coming.
2) What the Bible says about “x” through time? E.g., What does “land / rest” mean before the fall, after fall, Moses, Prophets, X, church age, new heavens and new earth with appropriate implications? See Heb 3:7-4:10. R-H studies many times presuppose BT studies, e.g., kinsman redeemer in Ruth (BT study) relates to X and us in this way (R-H study).
ST: ST looks at what whole Bible says about x (and usually also included is how it relates to today), and how the various doctrines (i.e., system) are interrelated. e.g., What does Bible say about divorce? How is X’s atonement related to his ascension? Some use ST for the standard categories such as God, Man, X, Sin, Salvation, etc. Many call this “traditional ST categories.””
2.3) Draw Ribberbos’ R-H chart. How does Cara adjust it?
(see LEC2) little “hell” arrows from fall to parousia; stronger Spirit arrows from Christ into eternity, but Cara adds Spirit arrows in OT too; we live in tweener age
3.1) Give one reason why knowing the chronology of Paul’s life is important.
Helps to understand the historical events and circumstances Paul was writing to address; While Paul (as inspired by perfect Author) never contradicts himself, his theological emphases and aims do change according to time and context.
3.2) What is the “lynch pin” of Pauline absolute dating?
Acts 18:12, during 2nd missionary journey, mentions Gallio as proconsul of Achaia; Extrabiblically corroborated and universally accepted as midsummer of 51 to midsummer of 52
3A.1) Give one concrete example of how knowing the generic Pauline letter format might aid in interpretation of Paul.
Knowing generic form allows reader to see the emphasis or “point of” a departure from the usual; e.g. no thanksgiving in Galatians
3A.2) How might Paul’s “grace and peace” in his opening be related to both Hellenistic and Aramaic/Jewish letter formats?
“Grace” probably hearkens to the Hellenistic opening greeting, χαιρειν; “Peace” connecting to the Jewish “shalom”
3A.3) How does Gal 6:16-18 compare to the generic Pauline closing?
Galatians closing does not include a greeting; Peace benediction => “Let no one trouble me” => Grace benediction
4.1) Briefly describe Paul’s opponents in Galatians.
Judaizers - Jewish Christians enforcing Jewish law on non-Jew Christians; minor = ceremonial-law maintenance, major = law merits salvation
4.2) What is unusual about the outline of Galatians?
No thanksgiving following Opening; instead, a strong apostolic defense
5.1) Give Cara’s two keys to understanding Gal 3
1) No one can fulfill the covenant of works (3:10 - “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by ALL THINGS written…”); and
2) The law was never intended to impart life (3:21 - “IF a law had been given that could give life…”
5.2) According to Cara’s exegesis of Gal 3:12 (“The man who does these things will live by them.”), in what sense does Paul believe that the OT teaches that one can be justified by works?
In Gal 3:12 (and elsewhere) Paul upholds the theoretical possibility of merited righteousness by the fulfillment of the law, or the cov of works; but in reality no fallen human is able to perfectly keep all of the requirements of works (3:10)
6.1) In Gal 5:18, how is “led by the Spirit” the opposite of “under law”?
Throughout the doctrinal portions of Galatians, as well as in his other writings (esp Rom 6-8), Paul regularly employs these sorts of dichotomous comparisons, and here he sets “led by Spirit” in contradiction to “under law”; This does not mean that the law has no more use or may be disregarded for Xn (i.e. 3rd use is real and right) but that the Xn’s justification is not based on law-obedience, and the motivation for sanctification is responsive, led and empowered by the Spirit, not earning but yearning
6.2) If we are not under the law, Why does Paul positively quote the law in Gal 5:14?
Paul recognizes the value of the law, both for 2nd-use conviction of the non, and 3rd-use sanctification guidance for Xn.
6.3) For Xns, how can sarx be both crucified (i.e., done away with) and presently fighting w/ Spirit (Gal 5:17)?
This apparent contradiction has to do with Paul’s eschatalogical “already-but-not-yet” understanding of the overlapping ages. The Christian is already justified righteous before God by the crucifixion of the flesh in Christ at the cross, but he continues to battle the lingering influences of the flesh in this age. Nevertheless, he is no longer primarily beholden to the flesh, but to the Spirit, and his ultimate deliverance from the power of sin is certain.
7.1) What is the occasion of 1 Thess?
Paul forced from Thessalonica prematurely; is anxious for churches well being, sends Tim back to check on them, while he remains in Athens; Tim brings back largely good news, though Paul respnds to minor issues relating to: (1) apostolic defense, (2) eschatalogical questions; and (3) idleness problems in the church.
7.2) Give a brief summary of Paul’s “imitation” (μιμητης) doctrine.”
On multiple occassions in epistles, Paul explicitly encourages Christians to imitate him (in various regards); Insofar as Paul (or another Christian) leader is imitating Christ, it is right and good for others to look to him as model (They will do it anyway!)
8.1) Give exegetical reason that “word of God” in 1 Thess 2:13 refers to word spoken by God and NOT simply word about God. (1 Thess 2:13, “You accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.”)
b/c it parallels “word of men,” this is clearly a subjective genitive (as opposed to objective). The preaching (and writing) of Paul is God speaking through him, and all who faithfully convey the truth of scripture can be confident that God himself is speaking through them
8.2) Does Paul believe he will be alive at parousia? Give rationale for your answer.
In short, Paul is unsure, that is what the “thief in the night” language implies. In some places in his epistles, he describes the parousia with 1st-person language, elsewhere in 3rd; and in 1 Cor 6 he seems to believe he will be dead and alive.
9.1) What are the two primary aspects of the Day of the Lord in Scripture?
Judgment for the wicked and ultimate salvation for the righteous - Judgment is to encourage repentance, vigilance, obedience; Salvation is to encourage hope and steadfastness
9.2) What is an amanuensis?
A scribe who wrote documents as they were dictated; Paul uses amanuenses for many of his letters
10.1) Why did many of the Reformers believe that the Pope(s) was the man of lawlessness?
1 Thess 2 implies that the Man of Lawlessness will be in some type of power position in a religious group and will confuse many in the visible church; In the eyes of the Reformers, the Pope fit this bill very well
10.2) Who or what is the 2 Thess 2 “restrainer” according to Cara? Give his rationale
A confusing question for many interpreters thru church history; Cara’s interpretation is that the “restrainer” is an evil person or force that is working to eventually reveal the man of lawlessness
