Acts, Pauline Letters, and Revelation: Key Themes and Structures

What book is the sequel to Luke and what years does it cover?

Acts; covers 30-62 CE.

Who is Theophilus?

The addressee of Luke-Acts.

What is the purpose of Acts?

To show the Christian message to Gentiles and portray Christianity as not anti-Roman.

What verse gives the geographic outline of Acts?

Acts 1:8 - witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea/Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Why does Acts end like a 'cliff-hanger'?

Paul reaches Rome but his fate is left unknown.

What are the three major witness sections in Acts?

1. Acts 1-7: Jerusalem; 2. Acts 8-12: Judea & Samaria; 3. Acts 13-28: Ends of the earth.

How many letters did Paul write and to whom?

9 to churches, 4 to individuals.

What are 'Catholic' Epistles?

Letters with broad audiences: James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude.

What are key features of ancient letter-writing?

Illiteracy common; use of amanuensis, co-authors, delivery, 'occasional' nature, typical format.

What are disputed vs. undisputed Pauline letters?

Some debated in authorship (e.g., Pastorals, Ephesians); others widely accepted (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians).

What were Paul's credentials in Judaism?

Pharisee, tribe of Benjamin, circumcised 8th day, student of Gamaliel, Roman citizen from Tarsus.

Where is Paul's conversion/call narrated?

Acts 9, 22, 26.

What are the four major regions of Paul's missionary work?

Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, Achaia.

What is the likely chronology of Paul's letters?

1-2 Thessalonians, Galatians, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus.

What is the theme of 1 Thessalonians?

Encouragement, eschatology, clarifying sexual morality, addressing deaths in the community.

What issue does 2 Thessalonians address?

Claims that the Day of the Lord had already come.

What issue is Paul addressing in Galatians?

Influence of Judaizers; defense of his apostleship; justification by faith.

What are the three main sections of Galatians?

1. Ch. 1-2: Paul's authority; 2. Ch. 3-4: Justification by faith; 3. Ch. 5-6: Christian freedom.

Why did Paul write Romans?

He had not visited Rome; planned mission to Spain; presents his 'gospel'.

What is Romans 1-3 about?

Universal human sinfulness (Gentile + Jew).

What is Romans 4-8 about?

Justification by faith, Abraham, God's love, Christ's death.

Who are notable women greeted in Romans 16?

Phoebe, Prisca, Mary, Junia, and others.

How many visits and letters did Paul have with Corinth?

3 visits, 4 letters.

What issues are addressed in 1 Corinthians?

Divisions, incest, lawsuits, sexual immorality, marriage, food sacrificed to idols, spiritual gifts, resurrection.

What are the three sections of 2 Corinthians?

1-7: Encouragement; 8-9: Collection for the saints; 10-13: Paul defends apostleship.

What is the tone of Philippians?

Joyful thank-you letter; includes Christ hymn.

What is Ephesians' major theme?

Unity in Christ.

What is unique about Ephesians 1:1?

'In Ephesus' missing from some early manuscripts.

What is Colossians addressing?

A philosophical/heretical teaching endangering the church.

What is Philemon about?

Reconciliation regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave.

Who are Timothy and Titus?

Timothy: Jewish mother; Titus: Gentile companion.

What leadership roles are described?

Bishops, elders, deacons.

What is 2 Timothy known for?

Paul's farewell address.

What genre is Hebrews?

A sermon/treatise.

What is the major argument of Hebrews?

Christ and the new covenant are better than angels, Moses, priests, sacrifices.

What themes appear in James?

Trials, tongue, prayer, wisdom, rich vs. poor.

Why did Martin Luther dislike James?

Believed it contradicted Paul on faith vs. works.

What issues appear in 1-3 John, 1-2 Peter, and Jude?

Community splits, false teachers, suffering, intruders, Day of the Lord's delay.

What are the three genres of Revelation?

Apocalypse, prophecy, letter.

When and by whom was Revelation written?

By 'John,' likely during Domitian's reign (90s), while exiled on Patmos.

What is Babylon symbolic of in Revelation?

Rome.

What themes dominate Revelation?

Worship, perseverance, God's victory over evil.