Life+Letters of Paul Final

Category Mistake

Presenting a word belonging to one category as belonging to another (ex. church --> building)

Where are Paul's four ministry lists found?

Ephesians 4, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 (8-10), 1 Corinthians 12 (28-30)

Many people ____ that the Greek word charisma means 'special ability.' This is a ____ of how words work and _____ the discussion

Assume, Misunderstanding, Confuses

What does charisma mean?

1/3 of the time it does not mean special ability, “give“ to romans

What are the uses of charisma in Romans?

Encourage, gift (not ability), promises to Israel

Paul's central concern in the ministry lists is what?

That every believer fulfills his or her role in building up the community of faith

Was Paul interested in Special Abilities?

No, the corinthians were

Paul does not use any ability concepts in his extended metaphor of ____

the body

The activities that Paul lists in his ministry lists can all be described as

ministries -- note that they cannot all be described as abilities

ex: apostle - is not an ability but an appointment in a particular role/ministry

The idea of ministry assignments is

a common thread through paul's letters

What word/phrase indicate the nature of the ministry lists?

appointed, functions, equipping

What words does Paul combine in discussing ministry-roles?

Grace & Given

Paul talks in detail about his _____ ministries, suggesting that all believers have received ministries

own (ex. stewardship)

We're called to minister out of what?

Our weakness - this doesn't work with spiritual gifts being strengths

Does paul encourage the 'discovering' of one's spiritual gifts?

Never

Dr. Berding's diagnosis; The hardening of our categories

Leads to our lost ability to think in any other way about 'spiritual gifts'

What are the two english meanings of the word 'gift'?

Transfered from 1 person to another without cost

Special abilities

What are the 3 negative impacts of the special abilities view?

1. People get locked in/ locked out of abilities

2. Some -even spiritually minded- never figure out which ones they 'have'

3. Those who think they have special abilities have to figure out what they are, and then figure out where God wants them to serve. It should just be the latter

What are the more miraculous ministries?

Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues

What are the arguments for continuationinism of miraculous ministries?

Arguments for continuationism (the idea that they continue today)

1. Nowhere in the NT does it say they'll cease

2. Credible witnesses in the post-apostolic church

What are the arguments for cessationism of miraculous ministries?

Arguments for cessationism (the idea that they “ceased“ after the apostolic age)

1. 1 Cor 13:10 "when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away"

2. Necessarily connected to apostles as a confirmation of their message

What is 'the perfect' according to the verses surrounding 1 Cor 13:10?

When we see face to face -- at/after the 2nd coming of Christ

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

Yes

more need for confirmation first century

comparison of modern healing SUCCESS RATE

Ebbs and flows of miracles in Biblical history: Moses, Elijah/Elisha, Jesus' ministry, Apostles

Inaugurated Eschatology and Miracles: It's not a straight line because the kingdom is not fully here yet

Ebbs and flows of miracles in Biblical history

Moses

Elijah/Elisha

Jesus' ministry

Apostles

Inaugurated Eschatology and Miracles

It's not a straight line because the kingdom is not fully here yet

Does Paul allow us to forbid speaking in tongues?

No - 1 Cor 14:26, 39

Do the tongues in 1 Cor 14 seem to be human language or not?

Not human - even outsiders can't understand

Is there a place for personal use of tongues

Yes - personal prayer time

What guidelines go along with tongues being spoken at a Christian gathering?

Interpreter, interpret themselves, or remain silent

Only 2-3 at most

One at a time

Others weigh what is said

Don't put it above prophecy

Do it properly & in order

The goal is edification

Do non-christian tongues exist

Yes - Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim

Where is the praise directed when someone speaks in tongues

Toward God

What kinds of suffering did Paul experience

Opposition for being a Christian - Outward Persecution

General suffering to fulfill Paul's mission - hardship

Grieving over the failure of churches he began

Weakness and sickness

Opposition from false apostles

Satanic opposition

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will be prepared to minister to others who suffer, so that…

So that we will be able to comfort, exhort, encourage others who suffer

So we can spiritually strengthen others

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will trust in God who raises the dead

Immense psychological distress

Learn to trust him in ways we never have before

ἱνα - in order that/so that

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will acknowledge the power is from God, not ourselves

Jars of clay - our weak bodies

Treasure - knowledge of God

In jars of clay to show that the power is not from us

Ex. Jesus is the one throwing bigger rocks into the lake behind us

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will display the life of Jesus

So the life of Jesus is manifested in our bodies

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will respond in gratitude to God's grace

Grace & Gratitude related (καρις & καριζομαι)

Testimony to God

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will gain an eternal perspective

Looking towards heaven changes the way we live life right now

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will yearn for resurrected bodies

Live in light of eternity -- recognize how short life is

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will repent when repentance is needed

The severe letter, a very harsh letter to bring about repentance

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will support each other during times of hardship

To bring solidarity between/among believers

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will experience God's sufficiency for every need

Collecting $ to take to jerusalem because they're poor - God will care for them as they care for Jerusalem

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will pursue humility

Thorn in the flesh

God sometimes allows us to suffer so that we will embrace weakness for spiritual strength

Thorn in the flesh

Who were the super-apostles in 2 Cor 10-13?

People who came in from the outside since Paul was there

Jews familiar with Helenism, Sophists

What did Sophists care about

Power, Prestige, Persuasion

What issue did the Sophists have with Paul

Power - he boasted in his weakness

Prestige - he was humble in an honor/shame culture

Persuasion - he was not a good enough speaker (they were philosophers)

What are the 4 categories of Apostles in the NT?

The 12, Eyewitnesses, missionaries, and messengers

The 12: Who were, what were they doing, and what was their leadership & Authority in the early church?

The 12, Commissioned by Christ himself, Universal leadership and Authority, Formal

The Eye-Witnesses: Who were, what were they doing, and what was their leadership & Authority in the early church?

The 12, Paul, James; Commissioned by Christ himself, universal leaderhsip and authority, formal

The Missionaries: Who were, what were they doing, and what was their leadership & Authority in the early church?

The 12, Paul, Barnabus, Silas, Timothy, Titus; Commissioned by Church leaders, local authority, functional

The Messengers: Who were, what were they doing, and what was their leadership & Authority in the early church?

Epaphroditus, Timothy, Titus; Non-commissioned (sent on task), authority limited to immediate task, functional

When Paul put 'apostle' at the top of his list of spiritual ministries, what was referring to?

Most likely local, functional church missionaries

Can there be modern day apostles?

If you mean missionaries, yes. We don't know what it means without asking. Why are they using that term? Do they want authority? Words mean different things in different contexts.

How many letters did Paul write to Corinth?

4

Why do people think 2 Corinthians is 2+ letters?

Ch 1-9 are upbeat, 10-13 are angry & ironic

Argument for 2 Corinthians being penned at one time

NO essential difference in tone, just in temprament

Does not adequately account for changes, not valid solution

Argument for 2 Corinthians 1-9 being 2 Cor D, and 10-13 is the sorrowful letter

Explains difference in tone

NO breaks in any manuscript

NO hint of demand for punishment of the offender, but we know he demanded punishment in the sorrowful letter

Promises a visit soon, but sorrowful letter was sent instead of another sorrowful visit

Argument for 1 Corinthinas being the sorrowful letter and Corinthians C never existed

Not valid

1 Cor doesn't have the severe tone that is described in 2 Cor 2&7 concerning the letter

Argument for 2 Cor 10-13 being written as a separate letter

Accounts for change of tone

Manuscript tradition doesn't support it

If so, we've lost the end of Cor D & beginning of Cor E

Argument for 2 Cor 1-9 being written after Titus's good report but before the letter was sent he got the bad report leading to ch 10-13

This is the best solution, but 10-13 never talk about new information

According to Paul, what was the relationship between Paul & Peter?

Gal 1:18 - Paul stayed with Peter for 15 days

Gal 2:1-3, 7-10 - They seem to agree

1 Cor 3:21-4:1 - All part of the same work

1 Cor 15:11 - They preached and believed the same things

Did Paul tolerate anyone who accepted that Jesus was the messiah?

Gal 1:6-9 - Nobody may preach a different/distorted Gospel

2 Cor 11:2-5, 12-15 - It is possible to be led astray to a different gospel

Phil 3:2-3 - Watch out for 'dogs', false circumcisers

Col 2:8 - There are those who take captive with false philosophy

Paul's top-five coworkers

Barnabus - companion on 1st missionary journey

Silas - Companion on 2nd missionary journey

Timothy - young man mentored by Paul, later just a co-worker

Titus - Another young man mentored by Paul & one of his co-workers

Luke - A physician who traveled a lot with Paul; author of Luke & Acts

Pheobe

Deaconess, sister (coworker) to Paul, benefactress who possibly was the one paying for Romans and was the letter carrier

Aquila & Priscilla

Early Christians in Rome, tentmakers kicked out of Rome due to conflict. With paul in corinth, house chruch in their house at Ephesus, have Chruch in house at Rome after claudius died. Priscilla mentioned 1st 4/5 times (strong ministry to women, good knowledge of scripture, really hospitiable?) STRONG MINISTRY COUPLE

Andronicus and Junia

Jews (Andronicus = helenistic Jew) Junias was short or male name OR a woman's name. Junia is an issue becuase they're called an apostle, the abriviation of a man's name as Junia was not common, and it's possibly a husband/wife duo. Was junia outstanding among the apostles or outstanding BY/TO the apostles

Erastus

Roman citizen holding important office, steward or treasurer

Stone slab

Aristarchus

Fellow Prisoner, dragged into riot, traveling partner of Paul, possibly voluntary prisoner to help paul (how'd he end up on the boat?)

Lois & Eunice

Lois --> Timothy's grandmother

Eunice --> Timothy's mom (Jew)

Raised timothy in the way of the Lord

John Mark

Possibly mark of the Gospel, JOn mark's mothers house when Peter is release from prison and goes to the house of the believers

With Paul & Barnabus on their first mssionary journey but deserted them - the one Barnabus and Paul had a dispute over

Was Paul a loner?

NO! He's a people person - he had lots of friends and co-workers

What is Satan's relationship to unbelievers?

He is the god of this world, blinds people to the Gospel, unbelivers are in slavery to demons, the whole existence of unbelievers is in this realm

Are Christians immune from dealing with Satan and his demons? What is Satan's relationship to Christians?

his is the tempter, hindering even God's people, tries to trick Christians through disagreement in the church, harrasses God's people, tries to get people to stray from Christ, disguises himself as an angel of light, wants them to become conceited, constantly attacks us, deceitful and teaches false doctrine

What does Paul believe will happen to Satan and his demons at the end of the age?

The one who gives power to the lawless one - thhey will be destroyed and cast into the lake of fire, he will soon be crushed

What should our respnse to Satan and demons be?

Become aware of the schemes of the devil, stand against his schemes, declare that Satan is defeated because of Christ's work on the cross, Declare that Christ is creator of all, declare that we are complete in Christ, declare that Christ sits on the throne

What is a hymn?

An expression of thankfulness especially for the redemptive act of Christ (not only music). Can be to or about Christ

What is a spiritual song/song of the spirit?

A spontaneous song from a worship service

How does one identify a hymn/fragment?

Clause int he beginning with who/which leading to a change in style or vocabulary

Romans 1:3-4

I believe that Christ is the Son of God, from the line of David, resurrected from the dead, our Lord

2 Timothy 1:9-10

I believe that Christ is the savior, brings grace, is eternal and pre-existing, destroyed death adn offered immortality

Titus 3:4-7

I belive that Jesus is God

Colossians 1:15-20

I believe that Christ is the image of God, the head of the body, creator, preexistent savior, fulness of God

Phil 2:6-11

I belive that Chist is God with previous eistence , holds equality with God, made in human likeness, exalted, and all must bow to him

2 Cor 8:9

I believe that Christ offers grace, was rich and became poor

The Bible's earliest prayer to Jesus demonstrates

High Christology - Maranatha

What difference does having a heavnly perspective make in daily life? (Colossians 3)

Colossians 3 - rid yourselves of worldly living, set apart, work for the Lord, breaks down stereotypes

How do we get a more heavenly perspective? (Colossians 3)

Set your mind on things above, bring theological truths into daily life

One practical application from Colossians 3

Remember how short life is

What difference does having a heavenly perspective make in daily life? (Philippians 1)

There are benefits in suffering, believers are united, don't need to fear, eager expectation and hope, centrality of Christ

HOw do we get a more heavenly perspective (Philippians 1)

Standing with community, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel, centrality of Christ, thinking about it

One practical application from Philippians 1

Focus on Christ and why you're doing it (for Christ)

What difference does having a heavnly perspective make in daily life? (2 Corinthians 4-5)

Sharing, being renewed, don't lose heart, we can be encouraged in our 'light affliction', seek to please him in whatever we do

How do we get a more heavenly perspective? (2 Cor 4-5)

Afflictions --> Weight of Glory

Think about and long for

One practical application from 2 Cor 4-5

Hope, long for the future

What should we imitate, according to Paul? (4 things)

What is Good, other Christians, God himself, Paul

12 Ways Dr. Berding Admires Paul

1. Paul's passionate love for Christ

2. Paul's commitment to reach the world with the Gospel

3. Paul's radical break with his past life

4. Paul's love for the Jews even in his call to the Gentiles

5. Paul's brilliant insight into what God was doing through history in Christ

6. Paul's understanding of the Scriptures and theology

7. Paul's long distance relationships

8. Paul's Joy in the midst of his suffering

9. Paul's practical wisdom

10. Paul's willingness to limit his own freedom for the sake of others

11. Paul's willingness to get involved in difficult situations

12. The way Paul finished his life

Since every passage in the Bible is culturally-bound to some degree, try to ascertain what ______ are found in the passage

Trans-cultural biblical themes