Exam 4: Pauline Epistles

What is the significance of 1 Thessalonians in relation to Paul's letters?

It is likely the oldest of Paul's letters and the earliest Christian document in existence.

Why did Paul leave Thessalonica?

He was forced to leave due to persecution.

Who did Paul send to Thessalonica to report on the Christians there?

Timothy

What overarching tone is present in 1 Thessalonians?

Encouragement

What does Paul assert about God in 1 Thessalonians?

God is the one 'true God' chosen by the Gentiles.

What is the source of Christian hope according to Paul?

Jesus, who was raised from the dead.

What does Paul emphasize about the relationship he had with the Thessalonians?

He recounts their positive interaction and expresses his desire to please God.

What ethical behaviors does Paul encourage in 1 Thessalonians?

Control sexual behavior, excel in love for one another, and support themselves by working.

What concern do the Thessalonians have regarding deceased believers?

They fear that their dead friends will miss out on the benefits of Jesus's return.

What does Paul say about the return of Jesus in relation to living and deceased Christians?

Believers who have died will be raised with the Lord's return; living Christians have no advantage.

What is 'parousia' in the context of Paul's letters?

It refers to the 'presence' or 'arrival' of Jesus, specifically his expected return.

What is the significance of Paul's letter to the Galatians?

It greatly influenced Christian understandings of Jesus's death, law-free gospel, and the equal status of Gentile and Jewish Christians.

What was the likely date of writing for Paul's letter to the Galatians?

Around 50-51 CE.

What was the primary issue Paul addresses in Galatians?

The influence of Jewish Christian missionaries who instructed Galatians to practice Jewish rituals.

What does Paul assert about his apostleship in Galatians?

He establishes his authority as an apostle and contrasts human authorities with God.

What is notable about the structure of Paul's letter to the Galatians?

It lacks a thanksgiving section and begins with a rebuke.

What curse does Paul pronounce in Galatians?

A curse on anyone who teaches a false message about Jesus.

How does Paul defend his apostleship in Galatians?

By recalling his revelation from Jesus and his former life as a zealous Pharisee.

What does Paul emphasize about the grace of Jesus in Galatians?

He emphasizes that God intervened and called him to proclaim grace to the Gentiles.

What does Paul imply about the Jerusalem leaders' view of his work?

They affirmed Paul's work without any assistance.

What was Peter rebuked for by Paul?

For his hypocrisy in making distinctions between Jewish and Gentile Christians based on Old Testament holiness concerns.

What does Paul consider to be the authentic gospel?

The authentic gospel is one received directly from Jesus, emphasizing justification through Christ's death rather than the law.

How does Paul view the Old Testament law in relation to Jesus?

Paul sees a great divide between the power of the Old Testament law and the power of Jesus, asserting that justification cannot happen through the law.

What does Paul argue about righteousness?

Paul argues that righteousness comes by faith, not by the law, using Abraham's story to illustrate this point.

What is the significance of the promise to Abraham according to Paul?

The promise to Abraham is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, and believers inherit this promise through faith, not law.

What does justification mean in the context of Paul's teachings?

Being declared righteous by God, which empowers change and promises complete change in the future.

What does Paul emphasize about believers in Christ?

Paul emphasizes that all believers are equally set free from slavery to the elemental spirits of the world and are adopted as God's children.

What allegory does Paul use to illustrate spiritual enslavement and liberation?

Paul uses the allegory of Sarah and Hagar, comparing Isaac (the free son) to the covenant and Ishmael (the enslaved son) to the covenant made with Moses.

What obligations come with living in freedom as a Christian?

Involves obligations characterized by love, guided by the Spirit away from desires of the flesh.

What issues does Paul address in 1 Corinthians?

Paul addresses problems in the lives and worship of the Corinthian Christians, relying on Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection as the theological foundation.

What was the social context of Corinth during Paul's time?

Corinth was a cultural center with a divide between the rich and poor, populated by lower-class citizens and soldiers seeking to raise their social status.

What prompted Paul to write to the Corinthians?

Paul received reports of factions and quarrels among the Christians in Corinth and a letter seeking his advice on various topics.

How does Paul view the clash between Christianity and Roman culture?

Paul emphasizes that Christ should take precedence over Roman cultural norms and become the new model for Christians.

What does Paul praise the Corinthian Christians for?

Paul praises them for excelling in speech, knowledge, and spiritual gifts, but notes their improper use contributes to divisions.

What factions formed among the Corinthian Christians?

Around individuals deemed praiseworthy based on Roman virtues like eloquence and wisdom, leading to divisions.

What improper behavior does Paul address regarding legal disputes?

Paul criticizes Christians for taking legal disputes to civil courts instead of resolving them among themselves, emphasizing their loyalty to one another.

What does Paul affirm about sexual relations in marriage?

Paul affirms that sexual relations are proper for those who are married.

What advice does Paul give to those who have never been married?

Paul recommends that those who have never been married should stay single.

What does Paul advise the Corinthian Christians regarding their current status?

To remain in their present state to fulfill their obligations.

What is the main viewpoint of Paul in his letters?

Paul's viewpoint is decidedly eschatological.

What does Paul say about food sacrificed to idols?

He states that 'no idol in the world really exists' and felt free to participate in pagan temple celebrations.

How does Paul use his own life in his argument in 1 Corinthians 9?

He argues that he has the right to receive compensation as a minister but willingly forfeits that privilege for the gospel's prosperity.

What does 'Now Concerning' refer to in Paul's letters?

It may refer to or quote from a previous letter sent by the Corinthians to Paul.

What was causing disturbances in worship among the Corinthians?

The physical appearance of women and the inconsideration of upper-class Christians towards lower-class Christians.

What does Paul compare spiritual gifts to?

He compares them to the various members of the human body.

What is the ultimate purpose of all spiritual gifts according to Paul?

To build up the community of Christians; without love, all gifts are useless.

What is the significance of 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36?

Some doubt Paul wrote these verses, suggesting they disrupt his logic and may have been added later.

What misconception did Greco-Roman society create regarding resurrection?

They led Christians to conclude that the resurrection of the body and Christian eschatology are unnecessary.

What transformation does Paul describe regarding the physical body?

Each person's physical body must be transformed into a spiritual body.

What does 2 Corinthians consist of?

At least two and perhaps four or more source letters that were later combined into one text.

What was the 'painful visit' referred to in 2 Corinthians?

A visit where an individual challenged Paul's relationship with the Corinthian congregation.

What was the outcome after the Corinthians read Paul's 'painful letter'?

They changed course and renewed their allegiance to Paul.

What are the three major sections of 2 Corinthians?

Chapters 10-13, chapters 1-7, and chapters 8-9.

What does Paul emphasize in chapters 10-13 of 2 Corinthians?

He addresses his opponents' criticisms and characterizes himself with meekness and gentleness.

What does Paul hope to achieve through the monetary collection mentioned in 2 Corinthians?

To aid poor Christians in Jerusalem and solidify a partnership of ministry with Jewish Christians.

What is unique about the Letter of Paul to Philemon?

It is addressed to an individual Christian rather than a congregation.

Who does Paul greet in the Letter to Philemon?

He greets Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon's house.

What is Onesimus's background in the Letter to Philemon?

He is a former slave who has recently become a Christian while spending time with Paul in prison.

What does Paul request of Philemon regarding Onesimus?

To treat Onesimus as a fellow believer and to show love and forgiveness.

What does Paul ultimately hope for Onesimus in his letter to Philemon?

That Philemon will free Onesimus from his obligation as a slave.

What themes does Paul prioritize in his letter to Philemon?

Christian kinship over legal and cultural protocols.

What is Paul known for in Christianity?

Paul is among the most influential figures and is considered the first great Christian missionary among the Gentiles.

How many letters are attributed to Paul?

At least 7 out of the thirteen letters in the New Testament are attributed to Paul, known as the 'undisputed letters'.

Which letters are considered Paul's undisputed letters?

1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.

What are the secondary sources regarding Paul's letters?

Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, and Titus.

When was the Acts of Paul written?

Acts was written at least two decades after Paul's death.

Where was Paul likely born?

Paul was likely born between 5 and 10 CE in Tarsus, a Roman province of Cilicia in Asia Minor.

What was Paul's education?

Paul studied with Rabbi Gamliel in Jerusalem and became a devout Pharisee.

What significant event occurred in Paul's life in 35 CE?

Paul experienced a dramatic vision of Jesus while traveling to Damascus to persecute Christians.

What was Paul's stance on Gentile converts to Christianity?

Paul believed that Gentiles who became Christians should not be required to practice the ritual aspects of the Mosaic law.

How many trips did Paul make to Jerusalem according to Acts?

Paul made five trips to Jerusalem, but only three are referenced.

What was the purpose of Paul's monetary collection?

Paul took up a collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem while among the Gentile congregations.

What are the Prison Epistles?

Letters Paul wrote while in prison, including Philippians and Philemon.

What does Acts say about Paul's imprisonment?

Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome due to his missionary work.

What literary patterns did Paul follow in his letters?

Paul's letters generally conform to the Greco-Roman letter format, including greeting, prayer or thanksgiving, body, and closing.

What is the primary theme of Paul's letter to the Romans?

Romans provides Paul's most refined comments about the human need for salvation and emphasizes God's righteousness.

What occasioned the writing of Romans?

Designed to address a specific situation for a group of Christians Paul knew very little; a pastoral letter

What is the significance of Romans in Christian theology?

Previous Christian leaders relied heavily on Romans to understand the main tenets of Christian faith.

How did Paul view his divine calling?

Paul emphasized his divine calling or commission to serve as an apostle to the Gentiles.

What cultural influences shaped Paul?

Paul was heavily shaped by both Hellenistic culture and Judean culture.

What was Paul's relationship with the Jerusalem church?

Connected to the Christians in Jerusalem while he proclaims his theological independence from them.

What did Paul often include in the body of his letters?

Reestablishes his credentials, provides pastoral advice, and informs recipients of his travel plans.

What was the outcome of Paul's debates with the Jerusalem congregation?

The majority agreed that Gentile converts did not need to practice Torah rituals.

What is the significance of Paul's travels?

Essential for spreading Christianity, including his time in Damascus, Cyprus, Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Corinth.

What does the term 'paranetic' refer to in Paul's letters?

Refers to moral or ethical directives about being 'in Christ' that Paul provides in his letters.

What is the historical context of Paul's possible martyrdom?

Beginning in the second century CE, it is believed that Paul was martyred in Rome, likely a victim of Nero's persecution in 64 CE.

What is the purpose of Paul's letter to the Romans?

To address a specific situation and provide guidance to the Christians in Rome.

What does Paul plan to do after visiting Rome?

He plans to spread the gospel in Spain.

What significant event occurred in Rome in 49 CE?

Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews from Rome.

What was the impact of Claudius's edict on Jewish Christians?

It exacerbated internal cultural struggles between Christians in Rome.

When did Jewish Christians begin returning to Rome?

After the ban was lifted when Nero came to power in 54 CE.

What does Paul's extensive list of greetings in Romans 16 suggest?

That he already knew many of the Christians in Rome.

What is the overarching thesis of Paul's argument in Romans?

Both Jews and Gentiles are equally sinful and in need of divine rescue.

How does Paul describe God's wrath in Romans?

As righteous and merited.

What is the significance of Abraham in Paul's argument?

He serves as an example of justification through faith, not through the law.

What does Paul argue about justification?

It is granted through trust in Jesus's faithfulness, not through the law.

What literary technique does Paul use to express universal human experiences?

Diatribe.

What new obligation do believers have according to Paul?

To live 'the new life of the Spirit.'

What does Paul say about the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians?

Jewish Christians should not display arrogance toward Gentile Christians.

What does Paul instruct believers to do with their lives and bodies?

To give them back to God as offerings.