romans and pastoral epistles

What are the Pastoral Epistles?

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, addressing issues of pastoral leadership.

Who wrote the Pastoral Epistles?

The Apostle Paul, to his associates Timothy and Titus.

Why are the letters called 'Pastoral'?

They deal with issues related to a pastor's relationship with their congregation.

What does 'righteousness' signify in the context of the Pastoral Epistles?

It refers to a pragmatic moral injunction rather than God's redemptive intervention.

What is the primary concern of Paul in the Pastoral Epistles?

To safeguard the continuity of the true Pauline Gospel against internal and external threats.

What does Paul advocate regarding church members' public image?

He emphasizes the importance of how church members are perceived by outsiders.

What danger does Gnosticism pose according to the Pastoral Epistles?

It promotes egalitarian practices that could undermine the church's societal standing.

What hierarchy does Paul establish in the church?

A hierarchy of ministerial orders with properly installed clergy leading to a reliable succession.

What is the role of a bishop according to 1 Timothy?

The bishop is the term for senior or main leadership in the church.

What is the role of a deacon in the church?

A deacon serves as a secondary leadership role, meaning 'minister' or 'server.'

What does Paul say about women in church leadership?

It is unclear if references to 'women' pertain to women deacons or wives of deacons, but the emphasis is on male deacons.

What does 'saved through childbearing' imply?

It suggests that women may find sustenance or salvation through the experience of childbearing.

What issues does Paul address regarding widows?

He discusses economic support for destitute widows and their potential involvement in church affairs.

What is the 'order of widows'?

It may serve as both an economic lifeline and a powerful bloc within early congregations.

What instructions does Paul give to slaves in the Pastoral Epistles?

He provides directions to slaves but notably lacks corresponding instructions for masters.

How does Paul view Timothy in 2 Timothy?

Timothy is presented as a model of leadership and loyalty to Paul.

What is the significance of 2 Timothy as a letter?

It is cast as a farewell letter, emphasizing Paul's role as the Apostle.

What themes are present in Titus?

Similar themes of church leadership and the proper functioning of the congregation as a Roman household.

What is the outcome of faith according to Paul in Titus?

Proper behavior and adherence to roles within the church structure.

What challenges does Gnostic asceticism present to the Pauline tradition?

It creates issues regarding the value of the unmarried state and family roles.

What does Bonnie Thurston's work focus on?

The leadership of women in the early church, particularly regarding the order of widows.

What was Paul's plan regarding his journey to Rome?

Paul planned to visit Rome after delivering an offering to Jerusalem and intended to go further west to Spain.

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

The letter is primarily addressed to Gentiles, although it acknowledges a mixed Jewish and Gentile congregation.

What does Paul identify as the thesis statement of his letter in Romans?

The thesis statement revolves around the concepts of righteousness and faith, specifically Romans 1:17-18.

How does Paul define sin in Romans chapters 1-3?

Sin is defined as the disobedience and bad actions of all humanity, applicable to both Gentiles and Jews.

What example does Paul use to illustrate faith in Romans?

Paul uses the story of Abraham as an example of faith that precedes the giving of the law.

What is the significance of Romans 8:31-39?

It provides a complete answer to the human plight, emphasizing the certainty of salvation in Christ.

What does Paul argue about the role of the Law in Romans?

Paul argues that the Law is ineffective for salvation and becomes an enslaving power opposed by Christ.

What is the concept of theodicy as discussed in Romans 9-11?

Theodicy addresses whether God acts fairly in choosing Israel and rewards the righteous while punishing evildoers.

What does Paul mean by 'Not all Israel is Israel'?

This statement indicates that not all descendants of Israel are part of God's covenant, starting with Abraham.

How does Paul view the relationship between Jews and the Law?

Paul suggests that Jews have stumbled over Christ because they have not put their faith in him despite being entrusted with the Law.

What does Paul say about human helplessness in Romans?

Paul emphasizes that humans are helpless to do good or avoid evil without the intervention of Christ.

What is the role of suffering according to Romans 8?

Suffering is part of the created order and is connected to the suffering of Christ.

What does the term 'participation in Christ' refer to in Paul's theology?

It refers to the transformative relationship believers have with Christ, leading to righteousness by faith.

What does Paul mean by 'righteousness by faith'?

It signifies that righteousness is attained through faith in Christ rather than through adherence to the Law.

What is the significance of the terms 'malakoi' and 'arsenokoitai' in Romans?

These terms relate to Paul's condemnation of certain sexual practices, reflecting ancient attitudes toward sexual roles.

What does Paul argue about the universal human plight in Romans 5-8?

He discusses the consequences of Adam's sin and the resulting bondage to sin, which is broken through dying with Christ.

What does Paul mean by the 'flesh' in his letters?

The 'flesh' refers to the sphere of human activity, often associated with sin and transgression.

What is the relationship between sin and the Law according to Paul?

Sin uses the Law to bring about disobedience, highlighting the need for salvation through Christ.

What does Paul emphasize about the nature of faith in his letters?

Faith is central to salvation and is available to both the circumcised (Jews) and uncircumcised (Gentiles).

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

It transitions into his purpose for planning to visit Rome and lays the groundwork for his theological arguments.

How does Paul address the issue of judgmental attitudes in his letters?

He warns readers against being judgmental, particularly when discussing the sinfulness of Gentiles.

What is the significance of the term 'introspection' in the context of Paul's writings?

Introspection refers to reflective looking inward, which is significant in understanding one's conscience and moral behavior.

Who is Augustine of Hippo and what is his relevance to the study of conscience?

Augustine is a Christian theologian whose writings on introspection and conscience have influenced Christian thought.

What does Paul suggest about the nature of salvation in relation to Israel?

He argues that salvation is found in Christ alone, and not through the Law or ethnic identity.

What does Paul say about the role of the Spirit in the life of believers?

The Spirit represents the indwelling presence of Christ and God, facilitating participation in the divine life.

What is the significance of the remnant in Paul's theology?

God has not rejected His people because He has chosen to save a remnant, as evidenced by the story of Elijah.

What does Paul mean by 'salvation by jealousy'?

It refers to the benefit to the Gentiles, fitting Paul's vision for the end of the age as described in Isaiah 2:2-3.

What does Paul say about the gifts and calling of God?

They are irrevocable, and God's ways are inscrutable.

What metaphor does Paul develop in Romans 12 regarding the church?

He describes the church as the 'body of Christ' and emphasizes 'life in the Spirit.'

What ethical admonitions does Paul provide in Romans 12?

He lists active verbs and emphasizes obedience to rulers, love, and consideration for others.

How does Paul view his role in relation to the Gentiles?

He sees himself as an emissary to the Gentiles, fulfilling his role in the divine plan during the Messianic era.

What does Paul emphasize about the community in Romans 16?

He greets numerous individuals, highlighting the active mission field and partnerships in ministry.

Who is Phoebe in the context of Paul's ministry?

Phoebe is described as a traveling minister and one of Paul's partners in ministry.

What is missiology?

It is the theory of or reflection on missionary activity and the compulsion to evangelize.

What does Stendahl suggest about Christian missionary activity?

He raises the debate on whether it has been a cover for imposing Western practices on non-Western peoples.

What does 'Sitz im Leben' refer to?

It literally means 'situation in life' and pertains to the context of a biblical text in its original or textual context.

What is the relationship between universalism and imperialism according to Stendahl?

He argues that universalism can lead to imperialism, as it assumes one's beliefs are right for everyone.

How does Paul's theology remain consistent?

His belief in one God who called Abraham and sent Jesus to save all people does not change.

What is the focus of Paul's Christology?

He emphasizes the person and work of Christ without delving into the nature of the relationship between God and Christ.

What does Paul mean by the 'Body of Christ'?

It refers to the concept of believers being united with Christ, which is developed through issues like food offered to idols.

What is the role of the Spirit in Paul's writings?

The Spirit is described variably, providing life, freedom, and being a witness that Christians are children of God.

What is realized eschatology in Paul's theology?

It refers to the belief that the glory experienced in the present is a foretaste of the future fulfillment at the end of time.

How does Paul address the theme of suffering?

He transitions from suffering 'for Christ's sake' to sharing in Christ's suffering, encouraging believers to endure their troubles.

What does Romans 8 say about suffering and glory?

It states that believers are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, provided they suffer with Him to be glorified with Him.