Acts and Paul

Who wrote Acts and what is it the second volume of?

Luke and it is the second volume of Luke-Acts;

What is the main purpose of Acts?

To show the growth of the church through the Holy Spirit as believers spread the gospel;

Who is the main “character” in Acts?

The Holy Spirit;

What is the key tension in Acts?

How Gentiles can be included in God’s people;

What happened at Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit came on believers and fulfilled Joel 2 as people heard the gospel in their own languages;

What does Pentecost show about God’s promises?

God’s Spirit is now given to all people not just Israel;

What happened in Acts 10?

Peter preached to Cornelius and Gentiles received the Holy Spirit;

Why is Acts 10 important?

It proves Gentiles can be included without becoming Jews;

What happened in Acts 15?

The Jerusalem Council decided Gentiles do not need to follow the full Jewish law;

What was Peter’s argument for Gentile inclusion?

They received the Holy Spirit just like Jews;

What does Acts show about the church?

It moves from Jewish-centered to global;

What was the problem in Galatia?

Jewish Christians were telling Gentiles they must follow the law;

How does Paul feel about the Galatians?

Astonished and frustrated;

What is Paul’s main argument in Galatians?

Salvation comes by faith not works of the law;

How does Paul use Abraham?

Abraham was justified by faith before the law;

What metaphor does Paul use in Galatians 4?

Sarah and Hagar representing freedom vs slavery;

What are “works of the law”?

Practices like circumcision Sabbath and food laws marking Jewish identity;

What is the main issue in Galatians 2:16?

Justification comes through faith in Christ not the law;

What does Galatians 3:28 teach?

All are one in Christ regardless of status;

What was causing division in Corinth?

Factions based on leaders and pride;

How many letters did Paul write to Corinthians?

At least 4 (1 Corinthians is the 2nd and 2 Corinthians is the 4th);

Who opposed Paul in Corinth?

False apostles or super apostles;

What attacks were made against Paul?

Weak speaker inconsistent unimpressive;

How does Paul defend himself?

By boasting in weakness and suffering;

What was wrong with the Lord’s Supper?

The rich ate while the poor went hungry;

How did Corinthians use spiritual gifts?

In a chaotic and disorderly way;

What does Paul say about meat sacrificed to idols?

Permissible but should not cause others to stumble;

What is the main theme of 1 Corinthians 13?

Love as the greatest virtue in the context of spiritual gifts;

How does Paul describe Christian identity?

New creation ambassadors and captives of Christ;

What is significant about Thessalonica?

A free city loyal to Rome with strong emperor worship;

Where was Thessalonica located?

Along a major Roman road Via Egnatia;

How did Paul leave Thessalonica?

He fled due to persecution;

Who did Paul send to check on them?

Timothy;

Why did Paul send Timothy?

To check on their faith and perseverance;

What were Paul’s main concerns?

Perseverance sexual morality and end times confusion;

What did Paul commend them for?

Faith love and hope in Christ;

What is the Day of the Lord?

A sudden time of judgment like a thief in the night;

What happens to the dead in Christ?

They will rise first at Christ’s return;

What is the main purpose of Romans?

To explain the gospel and unify Jews and Gentiles;

Did Paul start the Roman church?

No;

What is Paul’s main argument in Romans 1-3?

All people are under sin;

How does Paul use Abraham in Romans 4?

As an example of justification by faith;

Who is Jesus compared to in Romans 5?

Adam because he brings life where Adam brought death;

What does baptism represent in Romans 6?

Dying to sin and new life in Christ;

What does the law do in Romans 7?

Reveals sin but cannot save;

What do Romans 9-11 address?

God’s faithfulness to Israel;

What are views on Israel’s salvation?

Spiritual Israel ethnic Israel through Christ or two covenant view;

What is the main metaphor for the church in Ephesians and Colossians?

The body of Christ;

What is cosmic Christology?

Jesus rules over all creation and spiritual powers;

What is the mystery in Ephesians?

Unity of Jews and Gentiles in one body;

What problem existed in Colossae?

False teaching including asceticism and spiritual powers;

How does Paul respond to Colossae?

Christ is fully sufficient;

What does image of the invisible God mean?

Jesus perfectly reveals God;

Who is Tychicus?

Paul’s co worker who delivered letters;

Who is Onesimus?

A runaway slave who became a Christian;

Who is Philemon?

Onesimus’ master and a church leader;

What is the story of Philemon?

Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother not a slave;

Why does Paul not command Philemon?

He wants voluntary love not forced obedience;

What does Philemon teach?

The gospel transforms relationships;

What is Greco Roman society structured around?

Hierarchy and status;

What is the patron client system?

Wealthy patrons give support and receive honor;

What is honor shame culture?

Social reputation determines status;

What role did the emperor play?

Seen as divine and demanded loyalty;

What is Greco Roman religion like?

Polytheistic ritual based and not focused on morality;

How is Christianity different?

Exclusive worship of one God and moral transformation;

What is syncretism?

Blending of religions;

Why is travel important in the NT?

Roman roads allowed gospel spread;

What is the connection between Acts and Paul’s letters?

Acts gives narrative and letters explain theology;

What is the biggest NT tension?

Inclusion of Gentiles without the law;

What defines Christian identity in Paul?

Faith in Christ and life in the Spirit;

What is justification?

Being declared righteous by faith;

What is righteousness?

Right standing with God through Christ;