New Testament Study Notes

Study Guide for New Testament Course with Dr. Gimpel

Exam Information

  • Last Day Before Exam Two:

    • Review materials available now.

    • Exam two scheduled for Tuesday.

  • Exam Format:

    • Similar to the first exam, 50-60 questions.

    • Both multiple choice and true/false questions.

    • Time allocated for the exam: 1 hour 20 minutes.

  • Testing Accommodations:

    • If accommodations are needed, contact the testing center in advance.

  • Important Software:

    • Utilize the Respondus LockDown Browser for the exam.

    • Test the browser beforehand to ensure functionality.

Study Materials

  • Study Guide Location:

    • Materials can be found under the Blackboard folder titled “Acts and Paul's Letters.”

    • Includes a variety of formats: PDF versions of Nearpod materials, Word documents summarizing teachings, and lecture transcripts.

  • Textbooks to Review:

    • Bible 101: Introducing the New Testament

    • The Drama of Scripture (Focused on the Kingdom of God as a major theme).

Last Paper Assignment

  • Overall Topic:

    • Analyze what the New Testament teaches about the Kingdom of God.

    • Must expand beyond the Sermon on the Mount to explore the broader context and teachings.

Review Strategies

  • Active Recall Techniques:

    • Practice recalling key points about Paul's letters in chronological order and by categorizing them (e.g., missionary letters, prison letters, pastoral letters).

    • Engage in active study by quizzing yourself on key concepts and trying to answer without looking.

  • Using AI for Study:

    • Instead of asking AI questions, have it generate questions for you to answer, thereby activating your mind and reinforcing learning.

Paul's Pastoral Epistles

Definition of Terms

  • Epistle:

    • Means letter. Used to refer to the letters of Paul, specifically Timothy and Titus as 'Pastoral Epistles.'

Key Characters and Concepts

  • Timothy:

    • Joined Paul in Acts 16. Paul had him circumcised due to Jewish customs. Key figure in First and Second Timothy letters, serving in Ephesus.

  • Titus:

    • Key correlation with Paul, mentioned in Galatians. Tasked with appointing elders on the island of Crete.

  • Difference Between Timothy and Titus:

    • While Timothy is seen as a pastor, Titus functions in a role more focused on leadership establishment.

Authoritative Teachings

Qualifications for Church Leaders (Elders and Deacons)

  • Common Qualifications:

    • Above reproach: moral character essentially without blame.

    • Faithful in Family: Must manage household environments well.

    • Not a New Convert: To avoid pride and enable stability in leadership.

    • Self-Controlled, Respectable, and Hospitable: Display character consistency (Also should be able to teach).

Noteworthy Teachings

  • Quotes referring to the persistence of the Gospel message:

    • “This statement is trustworthy,” signifies significance and authenticity in teachings (frequently appears in pastoral epistles).

    • Encouraged Timothy to teach and rebuke vigorously the false teachings infiltrating the church.

Importance of Scripture

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 emphasizes that all scripture is God-breathed, serving as essential source material for teaching, correction, and righteousness training.

  • 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs to preach the word with diligence, reinforcing the model of persistent teaching.

Summary of Paul’s Closing Thoughts in His Letters

  • Encouragement Based on Personal Experience:

    • Paul positions his lived experience as the foundation for his faith teachings, presenting his history as evidence of divine mercy and the transformative power of Christ.

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations

  • Promoting Unity over Division in the Faith Community:

    • Essential to reject divisive behaviors and teachings, embrace love, and foster community understanding.

  • Recognition of female roles in church-related tasks, emphasizing inclusion, and ensuring respect in leadership roles.

Overall Conclusion

  • Paul’s letters serve as mentorship and guidance for church leaders, stressing the importance of character, doctrinal integrity, and relational health in ministry contexts.

  • The processes of discipleship, teaching, and unity are reiterative themes threading through his writings, pointing towards community and shared faith as the essence of Christianity.