THL Post Exam 4 Content

Romans 13 accommodation to Rome

Gives divine warrant to rulers, tells believers to submit, approves taxes and state authority

Possible influences on Romans 13

Avoid political controversy; expectation of end times; Jewish wisdom tradition; practical respect for order

Cassidy view of Romans

Accommodative toward Roman rule

Cassidy view of Philippians

More resistant or critical toward Roman power

Why sequence of letters matters

May show Paul’s political outlook changing after imprisonment and suffering

Philemon imprisonment outlook

Paul is imprisoned but still hopes for release

Philippians imprisonment outlook

Paul is imprisoned and considers possible death

2 Timothy imprisonment outlook

Paul expects imminent death

Bryan on Romans 13

Read it within chapters 12–15, where authority is legitimate but limited

Bryan on Christian civic duty

Seek the good of society while recognizing limits of state power

Paul imperial rhetoric in Philippians

Uses titles like Lord, Savior, citizenship, then redirects them to Christ

Heavenly citizenship meaning

Christian identity and highest allegiance belong to heaven

Philippians 2 Christ hymn summary

Christ humbles himself, becomes servant, dies obediently, then is exalted by God

Imperial resonance in Philippians 2

Honor language used for emperors is reassigned to Christ

Sanhedrin in Acts

Frequent opponents of apostles and involved in charges against Paul

Peter and John in Acts

Arrested and ordered not to preach

Stephen martyrdom

Condemned by Sanhedrin

Paul temple arrest

Seized after Temple-related accusations

Why Paul caused disturbances

Preaching threatened money, pride, or public order, leading to riots

Paul citizenship at Philippi

Revealed citizenship after illegal beating, forcing apology

Paul citizenship at Jerusalem

Used citizenship to avoid unlawful flogging

Paul citizenship at Caesarea

Appealed to Caesar for fair hearing

Acts 4 community summary

Believers shared possessions and supported one another

Acts 4 political contrast

Christian community contrasts domination systems through mutual service

Roman governors favorable in Acts

Sergius Paulus; Gallio; Publius

Roman governors unjust in Acts

Felix delayed case for bribe; Festus compromised fairness

1 Peter political tone

Encourages orderly conduct toward authorities during local harassment

Bryan on Revelation

Main target is Roman idolatry more than empire itself

Why Revelation is hostile to Rome

Emperor worship pressure; persecution; martyrdom; exile of John

What Revelation calls believers to do

Endure, remain faithful, resist compromise, trust God

Revelation prophetic literature

Message of judgment and salvation from God

Revelation apocalyptic literature

Uses visions to reveal God’s final victory over evil

Why Revelation uses symbolism

Communicates truth powerfully during hostile times

The Lamb in Revelation

Jesus, slain yet victorious

The dragon in Revelation

Satan or the devil

Sea beast in Revelation

Roman imperial power

Land beast in Revelation

Local forces promoting emperor worship

Babylon in Revelation

Symbolic name for Rome

Roman abuses criticized in Revelation

Idolatry; persecution; economic exploitation; blasphemy

Overall NT view of Rome

Varied responses: cooperation, critique, endurance, and loyalty to God above empire