Romans and Thessalonians Flashcards
What types of behavior does Paul associate with non-Jews in Romans 1:1–2:16, and how does he connect that behavior to “idolatry”? How does this compare to his view of non-Jews in 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8?
Paul associates non-Jews with various immoral behaviors, including idolatry, which he connects to worshiping images and statues rather than the true God. This idolatry leads to a range of sinful behaviors as a consequence of rejecting God. In contrast, in 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Paul emphasizes moral behavior, urging non-Jews to live a sanctified life and avoid sexual immorality. He does not use the same idolatry framework but focuses more on ethical living and holiness.
Did Paul think that Jews had advantages over non-Jews in Romans 2:17–3:8? If so, how does he put Jews and non-Jews on a more equal footing in Romans 3:8–31?
Paul acknowledges that Jews have advantages, such as possessing the Law and being entrusted with God’s revelations. However, he emphasizes that these advantages do not guarantee righteousness, as all, Jew and non-Jew alike, have sinned. In Romans 3:8–31, Paul argues that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ rather than adherence to the Law, thus placing Jews and non-Jews on equal footing by asserting that righteousness is available to everyone through faith.
In Genesis 15:6, what does “Abraham believed God” refer to?
“Abraham believed God” refers to Abraham’s trust in God’s promise that he would have numerous descendants, despite his old age and the barrenness of his wife, Sarah. This belief in God’s promise was counted to Abraham as righteousness.
Who are the “descendants” referred to in Genesis 15:5, 13, and 18, and where do they live?
The “descendants” refer to the people who will come from Abraham. Specifically, they are the Israelites who will live in the land of Canaan. Genesis 15 describes how these descendants will be enslaved in Egypt before eventually inheriting the land promised to Abraham.
What reward does Abraham receive for believing God’s promise in Genesis 15:7?
As a reward for believing God, Abraham is assured that he will possess the land of Canaan. This promise is a key part of the covenant between God and Abraham.
In Romans 4:1–12, what conclusions does Paul draw from the narrative sequencing of “Abraham believed” before “Abraham circumcised” in Genesis?
Paul concludes that Abraham’s faith, which was credited to him as righteousness, came before the command to circumcise. This means that righteousness is based on faith rather than adherence to the Law (or circumcision), emphasizing that justification comes through faith, not works.
Whose ancestor is Abraham according to Paul in Romans 4:1–12?
Abraham is the ancestor of all who believe, both Jews and non-Jews. His faith is seen as the model for righteousness by faith, rather than through adherence to the Law.
Who are the “many nations” that are Abraham’s descendants according to Romans 4:13–25?
The “many nations” refer to all the peoples of the world who are counted as Abraham’s descendants through faith. This includes both Jews and Gentiles who believe in God’s promise, expanding the concept of Abraham’s lineage beyond ethnic Israel.
What should the addressees of Paul’s letter believe according to Romans 4:24–25 and 10:8–9? What reward is associated with belief in Romans 5:1–5?
The addressees should believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and confess him as Lord. This belief brings justification and salvation. In Romans 5:1–5, the reward for this belief includes peace with God, access to grace, and the hope of sharing in God’s glory, which Paul connects to the transformative promise of eternal life.
Can you see processing at work in Romans 4? How do selection, modification, and assembly play roles in Paul’s “performance” in writing his letter?
Paul processes the Abraham narrative by selecting key elements from Genesis, modifying them to support his argument about faith and righteousness, and assembling these elements to create a theological argument. He selects the story of Abraham’s faith, modifies it to emphasize that righteousness comes through faith rather than Law, and assembles it into a broader argument that applies to both Jews and Gentiles, showcasing how the Abrahamic promise is fulfilled through faith in Christ.
