New Testament Exam 2 | Ford

The main message of Acts

The Gospel spreads from the Jew first to the Gentile, despite persecution, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prescription vs. Description

Prescription refers to what should be done; description refers to what happens in the narratives.

Pentecost as Descriptive

• Argued through Luke’s purpose in writing (Luke and Acts is a two volume work)

• Didactic literature. Paul asks a rhetorical question that seems to say that not all speak in tongues.

• Peter references Joel 2, which seems to say that the event of the Holy Spirit is unique in redemptive history.

Theological Purpose of Pentecost

The opening of the floodgate of the Holy Spirit, which saves us and provides spiritual gifts.

Purpose of the Mini Pentecosts

• Continuity in the message - Gospel that saves the Jews is the gospel that saves the Gentiles, both by faith alone

• Continuity in authority of the church - Apostles are the authority of the entire church

Acts and the Church

God’s church is universal, made of Jew and Gentile, and local, structured with elders and deacons.

Righteousness of God in Romans 1:17

An alien righteousness received from God by faith; a forensic righteousness that is not our own.

Why does Paul mention the Jews and Gentiles in Romans 1?

Paul cultivates mutual respect by acknowledging the special redemptive history of Jews while affirming Gentiles' inclusion.

Why Paul brings up a doer of the law in Romans

Addresses presumption in the Jewish audience; stresses that doers of the law, not mere hearers, are justified. God’s grace is meant to lead us to repentance.

The Gentile in Romans 2

A believer or a true Jew.

Nature of Inerrancy

The Bible cannot err; Seeming contradictions should prompt further study of how texts work together.

Identity of the 'I' in Romans 7

Refers to a non-Christian and serves as an apologetic for the law's goodness. We are no longer slaves to the law.

Can Christians Obey the Law?

Yes, but not perfectly.

Purpose of the Law in Christian Life

To expose sin.

The dilemma Paul is trying to solve in Romans 9

• The current state of Israel, rejecting the Messiah and oppressed by the nations

• Reconciles this with the promises discussed in Romans 8

Nature of Paul's Answer to the dilemma in Romans 9

The promises were made to a remnant of Israel but we do not know who that is; not all Israel is “Israel”. God chooses who is part of “Israel”

Key Theme of 1 Corinthians

Unity

Key Principles of Unity in 1 Corinthians

Prioritize the gospel, do not worship leaders, prioritize purity and love. Love your brothers and sisters in Christ enough to discipline them.

Purpose of 1 Corinthians 13

Tells us to prioritize love over spiritual gifts.

Main Message of 2 Corinthians

Suffering magnifies the gospel, revealing true faith amidst trials.

Textual Unity of 2 Corinthians

Debate over the sharp tone break between chapters 9 and 10 suggests it may consist of two letters. No solid evidence for this and it may have been written over a long period of time.

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

Intentionally vague; could be a spiritual or physical ailment.

Main Message of Galatians

Salvation is by faith alone, not by works.

Role of Paul’s story in defense of the gospel

His main point is that he preaches the gospel not for people-pleasing but because it was given directly by God.

Two Questions of Galatians

Vertical: How are we reconciled to God? (By faith); Horizontal: Who are the people of God? (Those who believe).

Logic of the Spirit in Galatians

Gentiles received the Spirit by faith alone, illustrating that the law does not save. No need for the Gentiles to go back to the law for salvation.

Paul’s Argument in Galatians 4

Circumcision does not mark out the people of God.

Paul’s Argument from Abraham's Story

God’s promise, not circumcision, defines the children of God. Example, Ishmael was circumcised and from Abraham but he is not part of the children of God.

Authorship of Ephesians

Ephesians is very different from Colossians so people deny it was written by Paul. Simultaneously, they claim that it’s similar to Colossians.

Main Message of Ephesians

God has saved you, so live like it.

Purpose of Predestination in Ephesians 1

It exists for God’s glory. He chose us because he loved us.

Rhetorical Point of Ephesians 5

Curves Greco-Roman views on men and women without erasing their differences and specific roles.

Christology of Philippians 2

Affirms Christ's dual nature as both divine and human.

Purpose of Philippians 2

To encourage humility based on Jesus's example. As Jesus humbled himself and became human, so should we humble ourselves for the sake of the gospel.

Pieces of a Word

Sign (word), referent (what the word refers to), sense (connotations).

Meaning of 'Firstborn' in Colossians 1

Indicates Christ's preeminence over creation, not that he was created.

Purpose of Mentioning the Second Coming

To encourage the Jews that they haven’t missed it.

To facilitate hope and faithfulness.

Pieces of Conversion

Faith, repentance, perseverance.

What it means to be a one-woman man

It takes wisdom to apply this. You do not have to be married but, if you were, you should be the type of person that would be faithful.

How Paul argues for complementarianism in 1 Timothy 2

Paul appeals to the created order as an exhortation of the distinct purposes for men and women.