Life and Letters of Paul: Berding Final exam

What is the conventional view of spiritual gifts?

God given abilities (powers) to be used in ministry

A Biblical alternative to the conventional view of spiritual gifts

Not special abilities, but rather God-given ministry assignments that are empowered by the HS (roles, ministries)

Between the conventional view of spiritual gifts and the Biblical alternative, how often does Paul himself tell us that he is referring to one over the other?

about 80% percent of the time, Paul tells us what his lists mean to refer to

Spiritual Gifts: List 1: Ephesians 4:11-12

tells us that spiritual gifts are for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry.
we know that it was for a ministry role.
grace + given always means ministry when used elsewhere

Spiritual Gifts: List 2: Romans 12:6-8

The list contains words like members, functions.
List of character qualities
contains more function than abilities, except maybe prophecy

Spiritual Gifts: list 3: 1 Corinthians 12:28-30

contains words like members appointed and ministry assignments.
associates deacons with skills (helps and administration).
Greek grammatical framework leads us to believe that the body metaphor supportss ministry role

Spiritual Gifts: List 4: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10

tongues were only helpful if they were interpreted
Charasmitata, areas of service, workings - if interpreted as powers, does not support God's theme of powers

the theological reason why spiritual gifts mean ministries:
Also reason: questing to find gifts?

Paul develops a tone of serving within weakness. having "powers" does not quite relate
Neither Paul nor any other new testament author ever told anyone to go try to discover thier special abilities, no one ever embarked on a quest.

Why has the Charismatic view done so well?

When reading the rest of the lists through the "ability" view of 1Corinthians, you see what you want to see.
Also, there may be multiple meanings to the English word "gifts"

Five greatest concerns about Gift-based ministry

Focusing on one's abilities as the basis for ministry,
1) leads to inactivity rather than sacrificial, WILLING SERVANTHOOD
2) magnifies western individualism rather than biblical INTERCONNECTEDNESS
3) lends itself to a human-centered rather than GOD-CENTERED ministry
4) fosters pride rather than HUMILITY
5) encourages dependence on one's strengths rather than a recognition of one's weaknesses and need to DEPEND on God

Cessationism vs Continuationism

Arguments for continuationism:
-No where in the new testament does it say that these gifts will cease
-Credible witnesses in the post-apostolic church

Arguments for cessationism:
-But when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away (this implies that with the last apostolic writings the perfect had come... um)

Conclusion: Gifts were necessarily connected to the apostles as a conformation of their message, butthis does not prove that they were only attached to the apostolic ministry

Are there ebbs and flows in different ages in God's miraculous workings?

Yes probably. The need was much greater in the first century. Now we have the Bible (NT specifically)

Comparison of modern healings with the first century

How does Inaugurated Eschatology fit in?

Today 30% success rate
Probably higher in the first century (especially with Jesus)

We should expect to see miracles in the future, but we are not there yet.

Tongues - book chapter?

1 Corinthians 14

Tongues - human languages or not?

Prof view - probably two different types, human and angelic

What guidelines are given for speaking in tongues?

1) interpretation
2) Speak one at a time
3) don't do it in front of non-believers
4) prefer prophecy over tongues
5) everything done properly and in order
6) Gog is a God of peace
7) The goal is the building up of the Church
8) Test everything
9) Give to God, speak to Him

Why does God allow us to suffer? - book?

2 Corinthians

What kinds of suffering did Paul experience?

1) Opposition for being a Christian, outward persecution
2) General suffering to fulfill Paul's mission
3) Grieving over the failure of the churches he began
4) weakness and sickness
5) Opposition from false apostles
6) Satanic opposition

Who were the super-apostles from 2 Corinthians 10-13?

They were motivated by: Power, Presteige, and Persuasion

What is the New Apostolic Movement (NAR)?

A Large movement of people who claim that they are modern-day apostles.
To counter, you could ask:
-how do you define an apostle?
-Where does your authority come from?

Four categories of apostles in the NT: (boundaries overlapping)

Category 1 - The Twelve
Category 2 - Eyewitness of the Resurrection
Category 3 - Missionaries
Category 4 - Messengers

Peter - 1,2,3
Paul - 2,3
James - 2
Barnabas/Silas - 3
Epaphroditus/ the brother - 4
Timothy/Titus - 3,4

attributes of the four categories of apostles:

1&2 - Commissioned by Christ Himself, Universal leadership and authority, Formal position
3 - Commissioned by church leaders, Local authority, Functional position
4 - Non-commissioned (just sent), Authority limited to immediate task, Functional position

When Paul referred to apostles at the top of his list in 1 Cor 12, to what category was he referring?

must have been to missionaries - for building up of the church

So could there be modern day apostles now?

Yes, technically, but they could be referring to any of the four categories, and it is confusing for them to be using that word. raises questions about their motives (do they just want the "authority" that goes along with that word?). This could be causing a hard time for new believers.

Should we use the term apostle to refer to missionaries and church planters?

? maybe, maybe not, think through yourself.

How many letters were written to the Corinth? What were they and in what order?

Previous letter - 2nd MJ addressed divisions and problems in Corinth
1 Corinthians - Answered problems and questions given to him by Chloe
Sorrowful letter - severe tone and rebuking person who opposed Paul
2 Corinthians - Letter of joy at the Corinthian repentance

Why do some people believe that 2 Corinthians is actually two letters?

-tone change in chapter 9 to 10
1-9 good
10-13 bad

Solutions to the problem that 2 Corinthians is actually 2 letters? (5)

1) The book was penned at one time, tone changed with Paul's temperament
2) Second half of 2 Cor was penned after receiving good news from Titus, first half is the sorrowful letter
3) The sorrowful letter was Cor 1, and Letter C never existed (1 Cor is not sorrowful enough)
4) 2 Cor was written after ch 1-9 as a separate letter (Prof view)
5) 2 Cor was written after Titus' good report, but before letter was sent, more bad news came and Paul wrote 10-13 on the same scroll (Prof view)

Who were the Big Five?

Barnabas - Paul's companion on the 1st MJ
Silas - Paul's companion on his 2nd MJ and beyond
Timothy - A young man that Paul mentored, later a co-worker
Titus - Another young man mentored by Paul and eventually a co-worker
Luke - A physician who travleed a lot with Paul, author of Luke and Acts

Who was Phoebe?

Patroness, Deacon, may have carried Romans to Rome, Missionary

Aquila and Prisca

Paul led with a woman, Early Christians in Rome (Tentmakers), placement agreed btwn NT history and historians (Jewish exile from Rome) Priscilla may have had the bigger ministy.

F.C. Bauer asserted that Paul and Peter viewed each other as opponents rather than co-workers in the gospel. Is this true, according to Paul?

Gal 1 - probably discussed theology during the 15 days
Gal 2 - After 14 years Paul went to Jerusalem to submit the gospel. Titus, not circumcised, agreement and fellowship.
1 Cor 3 - all related to the same work
1 Cor 15 - didn't matter who preached, people believed

In unity but occasional conflicts

Walter Baur's assertions on Paul vs Peter argument
Baur believed that as long as anyone accepted Jesus ad the Messiah, they were saved. Apostles didn't draw doctrinal lines. Is this right according to Paul?

Gal 1 - Paul is pointing out false gospels and condemning them
2 Cor 11 - possible to be led astray, random apostles and workers of Satan
Phil 3 - watch out for people who will trip you up and devour you, dogs.
Col 2 - false philosophies

Why is sound doctrine important?

-good relationship feelings will only last so long. with bad doctrine, things get messy quickly
-humility in saying that some doctrines are wrong
-find balance btwn relationship and sound doctrine, can't make an impact without relationships
-rank the importance of a doctrine

Who was Erastus?

City treasurer, roman citizen
-Erastus is slave name, released and raised politically
-pavement inscription cost at his own expense
-most likely Paul's Erastus

Who was Aristarchus?

-at the end of Paul's 3MJ -trouble- Paul on prison ship, Aristarchus is also on that ship, How?
-possible voluntary imprisonment, voluntary slave of Paul

Who were Lois and Eunice?

-grandmother and mother of Timothy
-raised him right in the ways of the Lord
Timothy was Matrilineal (mother is a Jew), but not Matrilocal (mother is a Jew in Palistine)

Who was John Mark?

-Last supper may have been at Mark's house
-Deserted the group after MJ causing the Paul/Barnabas argument
-Eventually reconciled

Was Paul a loner?

no, deeply rooted in community, deeply community focused, cared deeply about others.

Why did Paul write Philippians?

1) to ENCOURAGEthe worried about his imprisonment
2) to COMMEND Timothy to them
3) to COMMEND Epaphroditus to them and to explain about his near-death illness
4) To WARN against Judaizers
5) to URGE imitation of good examples
6) to CHALLANGE"Odius and Stinky" to get along with each other
7) to THANK the Philippians for their money gift

Over All - to encourage ZEAL, HUMILITY, and JOY

What were the strongholds that Paul talked about in 2 Cor 10?

A teaching or philosophy that is against the truth of who God is. Allegiances, minds, hearts

What is Satan's relationship to the unbelievers of this world?

the god of this world, unbelievers are enslaved, sacrifices from people who do not know God are actually sacrifices to demons, the whole world is under his influence

Are Christians immune from having to deal with Satan and his demons?

No, he is the tempter, sometimes he stops people, tries to trick Christians by division, sexual temptation tempter, harasses Christians, tries to get people to stray from faith, disguises himself as an angel of light, wants people to get concieted, attacks us and we struggle against him, deicetful and propagates false doctrine

What will happen to Satan in the end?

Someone who arises (the man of lawlessness), they and their power will be destroyed when Christ delivers the world. They will be crushed.

What should our response to Satan and his demons be

- become aware of his schemes, don't be ignorant.
- give no foothold
- Stand against his schemes, put on full armor of God
- Declare that Satan is defeated
- Declare that Christ is the Creator of all, even the demonic powers
- Declare that we are complete in Christ
- Declare that Jesus Christ sits high above all these powers and that they have no authority in this relm

What is a hymn? (compared to psalm, or spiritual song)

Psalm = probably from the OT
Spiritual Song = Spontaneous song in worship
Hymn = An expression for thankfulness for God's redemptive work in Christ - does not have to be sung

In comparison, what was a creed?

creed = hymn, just really short

Homesick for Heaven passages:

Colossians 3, Philippians 1, 2 Corinthians

How does having a heavenly perspective affect our daily lives?

hope in future, relationships with others, aware of where our life is from, understand our purpose in life, treatment of others - justice and fairness

Life is short and the opportunity to save others is short too

Philippians 1

Life/Death = Christ/Gain

How do we get more of a heavenly perspective?

think about it more
walk by faith, not by sight

"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in, aim at earth and you will get neither." - C.S. Lewis

Twelve ways to admire Paul:

1)Passionate love for Christ
2) Commitment to do anything to reach the world with the gospel
3) Radical break w/ his past life
4) Paul's love for the Jews, even though he was called to the Gentiles
5) Paul's brilliant insight into what God was doing throughout history with Christ
6) Paul's understanding of the scriptures and history
7) Paul's long distance relationships
8) Paul's joy in the midst of suffering
9) Paul's practical wisdom
10) Paul's willingness to limit his own freedom
11) Paul's willingness to get involved in difficult situations
12) Paul's finish, he planned to finish well

Head-covering and or hair - book, chapter:
how to approach this topic?

1 Cor 11
-understand that biblical passages are always impacted by context (culturally bound)

What is true about trans-cultural themes?

-may be right on the surface: do not lie
-may be undergirding specific instructions: beware the yeast of the Pharisees - watch out for hypocrisy
-may not be in a passage at all - make the people sit down

How to proceed if you detect a trans-cultural theme?

-look for it elsewhere in scripture
-it is grounded in the character of God, which is unchanging
-it is grounded in creation, which God intended from the beginning
-the passage grounds its argument in the nature of the Gospel

Note: be as specific as the passage and the general teaching will allow, don't limit yourself to just "love God" or "do good"

Trans-cultural themes that should be known? maybe?

Eph 5, 1 Cor 14, 1 Timothy 2

Two key interpretive problems with 1 Cor 11:2-16?
meaning of the word kephale

Head or source
(authority) head - common meaning at that time
source - not so common at that time

Current debate, Prof thinks authority

Head covering vs hair

Arguments for head coverings and hair:
?
Arguments for hair only:
-the word for "veil" is not officially used
-hair is all over the place
-"uncovered" in verse 13 refers back to v5
-"down from the head" reads as hair v4

What is the big picture of the Hair vs head covering debate?

Sending inappropriate non-verbal sexual messages, like coming to church in a miniskirt
-looking like a distraction, like a prostitute
-men's long hair could have been a symbol of homosexuality
Sending inappropriate non-verbal submission messages
-in that culture women always had men (fathers, husbands, uncles, cousins)
-men, since you were born of woman

Three views on the NT view/use of the OT

1) Single meaning, unified referents: OT and NT authors meant the same thing (Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.)
2) single meaning, multiple contexts, and referents: OT and NT authors shared same basic idea that was part of a larger historical pattern or theological theme (prof view, correct view) (Darrell L. Bock)
3)Fuller meaning, single goal: The OT and NT authors sometimes intended different meanings in their respective contexts (Peter Enns)

How did Paul use the OT?

His use was based on historical patterns or theological themes that are all centered on the person and work of Christ. (God's character, God's promise, human sin, God's judgment, God working with a remnant, redemption, good news extending to the Gentiles, morality, messianic expectation, eschatological salvation)

What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?

Did the Corinthians know that Paul's thorn was?

1) something hidden, could not be seen.
2) A person who was publically opposing Paul
3) physical sickness (caused by evil spirit) (probably this, but we really don't know what it was)

Yes, probably.

Was Ephesians written to the church in Ephesus? How do we know?

Not only. Ephesians was probably a circular letter, written to a group of churches in Asia Minor
Why?
-In Ephesus is missing from some of the prominent early manuscripts
-Why would a copyist eliminate the words "To Ephesus"?
-The letter seems far too impersonal to be sent to a church that Paul knew so intimately.

What is the overall easiest way to remember the flow of the book of Ephesians?

Sit, Walk, Stand
-Eph 1-3 SIT in the knowledge of who we are in Christ Jesus
-Eph 4-6:9 "WALK in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called"
-Eph 6:10-24 "STAND firm aginst the schemes of the devil."

What was Paul opposing in Colossae?

-worshiping the things of philosophy
-food and drink
-overspiritualization
-self-made religion

What was the Colossian Heresy?

Not sure, but some possibilities:
1)not an internal heresy, just external pagan pressures
2)primarily related to streams of Jewish beliefs
3)related to pagan mystery religions
4)some sort of syncretism, both pagan and jewsh elements (Prof View)

Good arguments for the syncretism view of the Colossian Heresy:

-Motivation: why not cover your bases.
-General tendency toward syncretism in Phrygia
-Easy to suggest background, since folk religion was almost universal in ancient world
-Specific elements fit well into syncretistic scheme (food, drink, festivals, new moons, sabbaths)

What is Paul's answer to the Colossian Heresy?

1)Reminds the church that Christ is the Creator of the principalities and powers
2)argues that to return to these regulations is slavery
3)argues that these regulations have no ability to control the flesh
4) emphasizes that believers have already been transferred to the kingdom, that they have already been saved.

What were the five parts of Paul's basic Escatollogical Framework?

1) Paul worked from the understanding of two ages, present age and the age to come (apocalyptic dualism).
2) Paul lived in constant expectation that the end of the age is near
3) He breaks down the barrier between the future and the present. Christ's resurrection and the giving of the spirit are in themselves eschatological events.
4) In Christ, the believer has already begun to share in the eschatological event, although there is more to come
5) Paul uses the phrase "kingdom of God" sparingly, but it refers to both present aspects and future aspects.

What do we know about the rapture? (1 Thessalonians 4)

-Those who have "fallen asleep" will still participate
-Believers who are dead will rise before those who are alive.
-Live with the expectation that this is happening soon (prophetic telescoping)
- Rapture - just means "catching up"
- new bodies, just reconstituted
-burial vs ashes - gray area
-Timing: pre-trib, post-trib, pre-wrath we don't know
-practical application was to comfort those who have lost loved ones in Christ

What is the day of the Lord?

A period of time when God works more directly with the affairs of the world than any time previously. Can be viewed positively, but usually viewed more negatively

What is the "wrath" to be poured out?

Practical application?

-pouring out of God's punishment in the end
-God's judgment poured out right now

Encourage each other
Be warned if you do not know Christ

Who is the man of lawlessness?

1) First event before the Day of the Lord.
-apostasy, the rebellion
2) Second event
-revealing of the man of lawlessness
3) Third event
-removal of the restraints against the man of lawlessness (work of HS, vs inspiration of Satan)

Is hell eternal?

Yes, eternally away from the presence of the Lord.
both eternal and conscious

Did Paul write the Pastoral Letters? Argument Against 1

The historical situation did not fit with Acts, so Paul could not have written them
-refute: Paul probably wrote these letters after the time of Acts, but before he was martyred

Did Paul write the Pastoral Letters? Argument Against 2

The author of the letters seems to be arguing against an advanced form of Gnosticism. since Gnosticism did not appear until the second century, Paul could not have written them.
-refute: now thought that Gnosticism is not actually present in these letters, and actually, some early forms of Gnosticism probably did exist in the first century

Did Paul write the Pastoral Letters? Argument Against 3

The organization of the church government is too developed to have existed during the time of Paul, so Paul could not have written the letters.
-refute: Paul himself appointed elders, Paul greeted overseers and deacons, the pastoral letters deals with the emergence of leadership, not the well-established organization of it.

Did Paul write the Pastoral Letters? Argument Against 4

The vocabulary and style of the Pastoral letters is different than Paul's other letters.
-refute: yes there are small differences, but Paul was a smart guy and could have written differently for different occasions. Also could have used a scribe

Did Paul write the Pastoral Letters? Argument Against 5

Pastoral letters have different theological themes
-refute: Different occasions and needs bring forth different responses, the same is true when other Pauline letters are compared

Other evidence for Pauline authorship in the Pastoral letters:

Internal
- Why would someone else introduce new names?
- Why would someone else, who held paul in such high esteem, call him the "Chief of Sinners"?
- Why include such personal requests as for the cloak and scrolls?
External
- From the 2nd century on, the pastoral letters were being used as scripture
Polycarp's clustering activity of quotes meant that he thought 1 Timothy and Titus were written by Paul
Pseudonymous letters were rare in the early church and were not considered OK, why would they have been allowed to circulate?

Why is it important for Church leaders to contend for correct doctrine?

What are our goals of teaching?

-Potentially eternal consequences
-We need to know the truth about God

Love, a good conscience, and a sensere faith

How can you tell if someone is free from the love of money?

1) is contentment evident?
2) Does he aspire to be rich?
3) Does he show conceit?
4) when in a difficult situation, does he rely on wealth or on God?
5) is there evidence of generosity?

In 1 Timothy 3, when talking about Deacons, Paul randomly starts talking to women. Why?

Most likely, he was talking to women deacons (deaconesses)

Overseers = men Deacons = men and women

If you are young and have a role in church leadership, how should you conduct yourself?

be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and, purity.
-not to rebuke any older man
-treat younger women as sisters, with all purity

Timothy was probably early 30's

What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:12? "Do not allow women to teach or exercise authority..."

Complementarian - someone who believes that the Bible teaches some sort of male leadership in the church and in the home.

Arguments for male leadership only.
-grounded in order of creation
-order of sin
-husband of one wife (male leadership)

Arguments against male leadership only
-both created in the image of God
-could be a cultural thing only

Why is the word "teacher" important to understanding 1 Timothy 2?

The word teacher has developed over time. In other books, the word is very broad. in 1 timothy, it specifically means overseers and deacons
Paul may have limited this word for the protection of the doctrine, or else tor the ruling authority of the elders.

What should women not do in church today?

- Stand up and correct doctrine during a service (actually not a good idea for anyone, male or female)
- Deciding alone the direction of a church
- Not to publically evaluate whether or not a prophecy is from God or not.

Facts about Philemon:

- Very personal book, probably most personal
- Paul wrote the book by himself
- Apphia and Archippus were members of the household
- Meetings or services were probably held in Philemon's' house
- Paul would have known about Philemon's love and fiath through Hepaphris
- Paul uses the good/bad/good tactic to butter Philemon up in order to ask him to do something difficult

What tactics does Paul use to tug on Philemon's heartstrings?

- appeals out of love
- Could have ordered him, but does not
- As a brother and a spiritual son of Paul
- Sending my very heart
- Beloved brother, Onesimus
- Writing in his own hand

What is the play on words used in the book?

1) Onesimus means useful, formally was useless
2) Crestos (useful/useless) sounds like Christos (Christ). It's hilarious apparently.

What would happen if Philemon were to release Onesimus?

Did Philemon do as Paul requested?

Onesimus would have remained in the household.

We don't know, but probably since the letter was circulated.

What is Paul's weakness theme in the Corinthian Letters?

The Corinthians thought that the spiritual gifts are abilities is all about serving out of your strengths.

God honoring ministry should be characterized by the following

- Willingness
- Interconnectedness
- God centeredness
- Humility
- Dependence

What kinds of suffering did Paul experience?

2 COR
- Opposition for being a christian
- General suffering to fulfill Paul's mission
- Grieving over the failure of churches he began
- Weakness and sickness
-Opposition from false apostles in 2 cor
-Santanic opposition

Why does God allow us to suffer?

1) God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we might COMFORT others who suffer
2) So that we might TRUST in God who raises the dead, not in oursleves
3) so that people will learn that the power is from GOD not from ourselves and that people might come to see JESUS
4) so that God's GRACE will overflow THANSGIVING
5) so that we will GROAN
6) so that we might be brought to REPENTANCE
7) so that we can learn about God's SUFFERING
8) so that we will pursue HUMILITY
9) so that the GOSPEL gets out

Orientation to 2 Cor 10 - 13 and the "super apostles"

This is not a great term. "super apostles" look to three things.
1) power
2) prestige
3) persecution

What are the four categories of the "Apostles"

1) The twelve
2) Eyewitnesses
3) Missionaries
4) Messengers

The twelve apostles is under what categories?

The 12, eyewit, missionaries

Paul is under what categories?

Eyewit, missionary

James is under what category?

Eyewitness