New Testament Online Exam 2 Short Answer

Be able to provide a sketch of “Paul’s Chronology” (see chart in chapter)

1. Early Ministry, which included Paul’s conversion and commissioning, his period in Arabia, and his first visit to Jerusalem after conversion. 2. First Missionary Journey, which included the cities of South Galatia. 3. The Apostolic Council in Jerusalem, which was around the time that Galatians was written. 4. Second Missionary Journey, which included his visit to Athens. 5. Third Missionary Journey, which included his trip to Ephesus where he wrote 1 Corinthians. 6. The Caesarean and Roman Imprisonments, where Paul was imprisoned and wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.

What does Paul mean by “union with Christ”? Why is this concept so central for Paul? (see sidebar in chapter)

The term used to describe Paul’s theology of being joined to Christ. It is best understood through four images: union, participation, identification, and incorporation. Union with Christ through the indwelling by the Spirit. Participation with Christ’s suffering, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and glorification. Identification with Christ’s realm of righteousness and peace. Incorporation with the body of Christ.

Be able to describe and discuss “the structure of Romans” (see sidebar in chapter)

The structure of Romans is comprised of four sections. Chapters 1-4 address justification by faith; chapters 6-8 deal with union with Christ and the work of the Spirit; chapters 9-11 are about the history of salvation and Jew-gentile relationships; chapters 12-16 unpack the practical exhortations of the letter.

Be able to describe and discuss the “structure of Ephesians” as well as the way Paul develops the concept of being “in Christ” in this letter. (see sidebars in chapter)

The structure of the letter of Ephesians divides into two halves. The first half offers a profound theological message centered on God’s reconciling work in Christ. God brings salvation by making spiritually dead people alive in Christ. The second half applies the theological argument of the first half to the life of the church, families, and individuals. It shows how to live together as members of Christ’s body. The concept of being “in Christ” refers to a Christian’s union with Christ as well as participation, identification, and incorporation.

Be able to describe and discuss the “structure of Hebrews” including its constant use of the OT. (see sidebars in chapter)

The structure of Hebrews revolves around the superiority of Jesus. Jesus is God’s superior last word, superior over the angels, superior over Moses. Jesus is the superior high priest over the superior new covenant and the superior new tabernacle. The ending exhorts readers with examples of faith discipline and worship and general instruction.

In Hebrews 12, what does “discipline mean? How does the writer of Hebrews help believers to think about their suffering? (see Spellman article)

In Hebrews 12, “discipline” refers to the loving guidance, correction, and training that God provides to His children, not just punishment. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to view their suffering through the lens of divine discipline, asserting that hardship is not evidence of abandonment but proof of sonship. While suffering can be painful for us in the moment, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to think about it as God’s disciple, which draws us closer to Him and the way of life He desires for us. Jesus’ own suffering should also encourage us to bear our own suffering through His example of perfect disciple and submission to the Father in His own suffering.

Be able to describe and discuss the “structure of James” and its theological emphasis on wisdom. (see sidebar in chapter)

The structure of James uses a question-and-answer style arguments. James should be read as wisdom literature because it overviews topics then revisits them later on and dives deeper into them with further teaching. James seeks to convince his readers that true faith is proved by words and works that are in accordance with God’s view of people and the world. As part of wisdom literature, James emphasizes the need for maturity in speech and service to those in need.

What is the relationship between Paul and James’s discussion of justification and good works? (see sidebar in chapter)

While they appear contradictory, they both agree that faith and works that evidence true faith are necessary. They are addressing different audiences. Paul speaks to the impossibility that someone can enter into covenant relationship with God by their works alone. Conversely, James address another audience to help them understand that believing in Christ involves acting in accordance with the character of Christ.

Who were James and Jude? (see sidebars in chapters)

Both James and Jude were half-brothers of Jesus. James became the leader of the Jerusalem church. Not early followers of Jesus, but later became His followers, likely after Jesus’ resurrection.

How is the OT used in a unique way in the book of Revelation? (see sidebar in chapter)

While not making many direct quotations, Revelation makes more allusions to the Old Testament than any other New Testament book. Revelation especially emphasizes the new creation details in Isaiah as well as building on the themes of creation and fallen humanity that is found in Genesis.