Paul - March 17

Introduction

  • Context of the Class

    • Instructor welcomes students

    • Highlights attendance issues

    • Mentions presenters: Lydia, Sohun, Gary Moss

  • Notable Events and Holidays

    • Instructor wears green for St. Patrick's Day

  • Introduction of the Topic

    • Overview of the lecture: "Romans continued"

    • Clarifies that the class will cover Romans due to previous delays

Outline of Course Structure

  • Overview of Pauline Epistles

    • Finish Romans, then move onto Colossians, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus

    • Textual criticism to be introduced as the culminating topic

Opening Prayer

  • Prayer for guidance and understanding in studying Romans

    • Acknowledges brokenness in the world

    • Encourages gentleness and compassion

Housekeeping Notes

  • Distribution of documents to assist with class activities

    • Mention of pamphlet on the development of Paul's theology

    • Reminder of impending deadlines for papers: Pauline Theology Paper and Comparative Paper

Introduction to Romans

  • Context of Paul's Letter to the Romans

    • Romans as the final uncontested letter of Paul

    • Audience: Christians in Rome, whom Paul has not personally met

  • Purpose of the Letter

    • To heal disputes between Gentile and Jewish believers in Christ

    • Connection to Claudian Expulsion

    • Historical context: Claudius expelled Jews around 48 CE

    • Jewish Christians returned under Nero in 54 CE

    • Resulting tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians

  • Discussion of Romans' themes and scholarly interpretations

    • Importance of understanding context

    • Previous theological interpretations (e.g. Reformation views on justification)

Discussion on Theories of the Purpose of Romans

  • Theories Addressing the Letter's Purpose

    • To heal disputes

    • To raise funds for the Jerusalem collection

    • Anticipation of Paul's mission to Spain

  • Common questions raised regarding these theories

    • Historical improbability of Jewish expulsion scenario

  • Critique of the theories

    • Assumptions about Jewish and Gentile dynamics in the Christian community

    • Implications of Gentile arrogance over Jewish believers

Paul’s Defense Against Accusations

  • Paul's character and teaching

    • Accusations of Antinomianism (disregarding the law) and legalism

    • Paul's defense: Faith does not annul the law

  • Paul's true teaching regarding the law

    • Law is good but can reveal transgressions

  • Metaphors used to explain transgressions and human nature

Concept of Covenant

  • Paul affirms God's covenant with Israel

    • Emphasis on Jewish identity and inclusion of Gentiles in faith

  • Rhetorical strategies used by Paul

    • Use of diatribe as a form of literature to present contrasting arguments

    • Engages a fictional interlocutor to strengthen points made

Structure of Romans

  • Chapter Breakdown:

    • Chapters 1-3: Universal sinfulness

    • Chapter 4: Abraham’s justification by faith

    • Chapters 5-8: Life through the Spirit contrasts with sin and death

    • Chapters 9-11: Israel's role in salvation history

    • Chapter 12-15: Ethical instructions for the Christian community

    • Chapter 16: Personal greetings and concluding remarks

Theological Implications

  • Significance of baptism and participation in Christ's death and resurrection

  • Christianity as a restoration of humanity beyond ethnic backgrounds

  • Discussion of Paul's optimistic view of the eventual inclusion of Israel

Closing Remarks

  • Overview of next class’s content: Colossians and contested Pauline literature

  • Reminder of the dynamic and complex nature of Paul's letters

  • Class is encouraged to think deeply about these themes and their implications for modern faith communities

Additional Insights and Questions

  • Summarizations of discussions around Georgi's work on Paul's collection and its anticolonial implications

  • Engage with students' reflections and critiques of Georgi’s viewpoints

  • Examine the importance of solidarity across diverse communities and its relation to present-day Christian practices