Term
| What type of literature predominates in the New Testament? |
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Definition
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Term
| What does the dominance of the epistle form in the New Testament mean? |
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Definition
| It means that much is revealed about the history of early Christianity and its original social context. |
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Term
| What is the basic form of the Hellenistic personal letter? |
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Definition
| Greeting, thanksgiving, main body, closing greetings and blessings. |
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Term
| Which of Paul's epistles lacks a "thanksgiving" section? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is unique about the "thanksgiving" section of Paul's epistle to the Philippians? |
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Definition
| It's hard to determine where the thanksgiving ends and the main body of the letter begins. This symbolizes an outpouring of thanks and rejoicing. |
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Term
| How is the explicit form of the book of Revelation characterized? |
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Definition
| As an example of apocalyptic literature that can also be classified as an epistle. |
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Term
| What is Paul's earliest known letter? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the tone of 1 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| Friendly and encouraging, filled with praise, affection, and expressions of family feeling. |
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Term
| Thessalonica was the capital of what Roman province? |
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Definition
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Term
| When and by whom was Thessalonica founded? |
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Definition
| It was founded in 316 BCE by Cassander, one of Alexander's generals. |
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Term
| When was 1 Thessalonians written? |
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Definition
| Around 50 or 51 CE before Gallio became proconsul of Corinth. |
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Term
| What does the main body of 1 Thessalonians encourage? |
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Definition
| It encourages the young congregation to maintain its convictions of the imminent consummation of the new age at the day of the Lord despite repeated afflictions. |
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Term
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Definition
| Silvanus (Latin form of Silas) was one of Paul's companions. |
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Term
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Definition
| Timothy was one of Paul's emissaries and a traveling companion. |
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Term
| What is unique about the greeting "grace to you and peace" at the beginning of 1 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| It is likely a variation of the Jewish "mercy and peace." |
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Term
| How is the suffering or affliction that the Christians at Thessalonica are enduring characterized? |
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Definition
| As woes that precede the consummation of the new age. |
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Term
| Who is Paul addressing in 1 Thessalonians and how do we know? |
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Definition
| He is addressing converts who were gentiles. This is known because there is a formal statement of belief, "Turned to God from idols." |
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Term
| What metaphor is used to describe "the great opposition" to which Paul refers in 1 Thessalonians 2:2. |
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Definition
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Term
| What is unique about the Greek word epioi in 1 Thessalonians 2:7? |
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Definition
| It means "gentle" but differs from nepioi, "infants," but only the letter "n." Paul rarely uses "infant" positively, so "gentle" is probably the original meaning. |
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Term
| What does Paul mean when he says "lead a life worthy" in 1 Thessalonians 2:12? |
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Definition
| He means "walk" with a distinctive holy life even though the end time is not yet obvious to a world that is passing away. |
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Term
| How is "God's wrath" in 1 Thessalonians 2:16 interpreted? |
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Definition
| "God's wrath" is perhaps an actual event, but given the survival of the Judean churches and the Thessalonians, it is more likely that God at last has prevented opponents (some Jews or some gentiles) from destroying them. |
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Term
| What is the purpose of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11? |
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Definition
| For Paul to show the distinctiveness of a community expecting the Lord's coming and the end times. |
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Term
| What charge does Paul direct at the teachers from outside in Galatians? |
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Definition
| He charges them with "perverting the gospel of Christ" by insisting that gentiles must observe the Mosaic Law. In particular, they are requiring circumcision. |
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Term
| What other epistle deals with themes that occur in Galatians? |
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Definition
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Term
| Why is Paul's tone in Galatians more polemical than in Romans? |
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Definition
| His apostleship has been directly attacked. He is much more defensive and devotes much of the opening chapters to personal concerns. |
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Term
| What is the first part of the letter to the Galatians? |
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Definition
| The first part deals with personal matters (Paul's earlier life in Judaism, his apostolic call, his meeting with other Christian leaders in Jerusalem, and his confrontation with Peter in Antioch). |
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Term
| What is the second part of the letter to the Galatians? |
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Definition
| The second part is a tightly packed treatment of Paul's gospel in which he explains the effects of Christ's death on the Mosaic Law. |
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Term
| What is the third part of the letter to the Galatians? |
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Definition
| The third part moves to more practical concerns. Paul explains the freedom Christ has brought. He gives moral teaching that sketches a profile of Christian behavior. |
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Term
| What is "the different gospel" to which Paul refers in Galatians? |
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Definition
| The views Paul opposes in the letter; mainly, that God requires gentile Christians to observe the Mosaic Law. |
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Term
| What does Paul's omission of his normal opening prayer of thanksgiving in Galatians show? |
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Definition
| How angry he is with the Galatians. |
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Term
| What is the significance of when Paul says in Galatians, "God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace..." |
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Definition
| This language recalls Old Testament prophetic calls in Isaiah 49:1 and Jeremiah 1:5. |
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Term
| How long was the time between Paul's receiving "a revelation of Jesus Christ" (1:12) and his visit to Cephas? Who was Cephas? |
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Definition
| Three years. Cephas is Peter, another apostle. |
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Term
| What was opposition between Peter and Paul to which Paul refers in Galatians 2:11-21? |
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Definition
| Paul's observance of Peter's hypocritical stance on the acceptance of Gentile practices. He wonders how Peter could meet Gentiles half way (not keep food laws), and then require them to go the whole way (circumcision). |
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Term
| How does Paul speak of his first visit among the Galatians? |
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Definition
| His first visit resulted from a physical infirmity, but the Galatians did not scorn or despise him. They welcomed him as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. |
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Term
| Why did Paul see circumcision as offensive to the gospel he preached? |
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Definition
| Those who wanted to be justified by the law would cut themselves off from Christ, making them fall away from grace. To choose law was to abandon Christ, the symbol of God's grace. Whether one gets circumcised or not does not coutn for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. |
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Term
| What is the first thing explained about Philippians? |
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Definition
| It is a friendly and joyful letter, expressing themes of relinquishing one's status for others, presence and absence and Paul's longing for this church, the oneness of thoughts and deeds, and giving and receiving. Above all, it commends friendship. |
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Term
| Where is Philippi located? |
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Definition
| On the coast of northern Greece about ninety miles northeast of Thessalonica. |
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Term
| Who was Philippi named for and who was it heavily populated by? |
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Definition
| It was named for Philip II, king of Macedonia. It was a Roman colony heavily populated by war veterans. |
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Term
| Who was Epaphroditus? (Philippians) |
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Definition
| Paul refers to him as his brother, co-worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and minister to his need. He longed for the Philippians, who were distressed when they heard he was ill. |
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Term
| Who were Euodia and Syntyche? (Philippians) |
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Definition
| They were women in Philippi who Paul urged to be of the same mind in the Lord. They struggled beside him in the work of the gospel. |
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Term
| Who was Clement? (Philippians) |
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Definition
| Clement was one of Paul's co-workers, who struggled in the work of the gospel with Euodia and Syntyche. |
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Term
| Where and when did Paul write Philippians? |
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Definition
| He wrote it from prison. He may have been in Rome, Caesarea, Ephesus, or Corinth. Depending on where it was written, it could date from 50 CE (Corinth); 54-57 CE (Ephesus); 58-60 CE (Caesarea); or the early sixties CE (Rome). |
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Term
| Why does Philippians appear to be a combination of letters? |
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Definition
| There is an apparent break at the beginning of chapter 3 and Paul only gives thanks for a gift at the end of the letter, although he had ample opportunity before. |
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Term
| What are the two distinct but related problems that Smith sees Paul as addressing in Philippians? |
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Definition
| External intimidation and internal strife. |
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Term
| How does the opening of the epistle to the Philippians anticipate Philippians 2:7? |
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Definition
| In the opening, Paul uses the word "servants," which literally means "slaves" ("douloi") and in Philippians 2:7, Paul talks about Jesus taking the form of a slave ("doulou") in becoming a human being. |
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Term
| To what does "the day of Jesus Christ" refer in Philippians 1:6? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the significance of the phrase "harvest of righteousness" in Philippians 1:11? |
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Definition
| It is apocalyptic imagery that places present-day problems in the setting of the end-time. |
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Term
| What does the phrase "whole imperial guard" in Philippians 1:13 refer to? |
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Definition
| It refers to two thigns: In Rome, the "praetorium" are the emperor's elite soldiers; in Asia Minor, it is the provincial residence of any Roman administrator. |
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Term
| What does Paul mean by "make my joy complete" in Philippians 2:2? |
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Definition
| He means make more joy than he already has despite difficult circumstances. It is an appeal based on the common benefits he and his audience share as believers. |
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Term
| How is the material in Philippians 1:6-11 characterized? |
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Definition
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Term
| How is the material in Philippians 1:6-11 characterized? |
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Definition
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Term
| What does Paul mean when he says "being poured out as a libation" in Philippians 2:18? |
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Definition
| Paul's present suffering for the gospel. |
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Term
| Who is the Greek philosopher quoted in a sidebar of Philippians in The Access Bible? |
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Definition
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Term
| What does Paul state to "beware of" in Philippians? |
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Definition
| Paul states to beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, and beware of those who mutilate the flesh. Beware, repeated three times, or "watch out for," warns about a possibility, not what already exists. Dogs in ancient writing were examples of shameless greed. |
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Term
| What is Paul's attitude in Philippians 4:10-13 compared to? |
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Definition
| To Cynic and Stoic discussions of his time. Cynics were popular Greek philosophers, famous for their rude, blunt ways. Some traveled from place to place, living off gifts from supporters or what they cou |
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Term
| What is Paul's attitude in Philippians 4:10-13 compared to? |
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Definition
| To Cynic and Stoic discussions of his time. Cynics were popular Greek philosophers, famous for their rude, blunt ways. Some traveled from place to place, living off gifts from supporters or what they could beg. Stoics were Greek philosophers in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, who taught that emotions should be strictly controlled by reason. |
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Term
| Who started the church in Corinth? |
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Definition
| Paul, only a few years before writing 1 Corinthians. |
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Term
| What are the issues that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| Questions that arose within the congregation as it sought to live out the demands of the gospel within an urban setting. It encourages the church to be more unified in its internal dealings and to put its leaders in proper perspective. It may be seen as a pastoral letter addressing very practical questions of congregational life. Paul had also received reports of friction among members and knew of incidents requiring his attention. |
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Term
| What are the four major features of a Pauline letter? |
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Definition
| Opening greeting, thanksgiving, body of the letter, and benediction. |
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Term
| What is the first part of 1 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| Paul warns against divisions and quarrels, and he spells out what it means to be a "church of God." |
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Term
| What is the second part of 1 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| Paul deals with a case of serious sexual impropriety and internal legal disputes. |
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Term
| What is the third part of 1 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| Paul takes up the Corinthians' questions. The repetition of "Now concerning..." suggests that Paul is taking up their concerns one by one and making a serious effort to provide thoughtful responses that would suffice until his next visit. |
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Term
| How does Paul characterize the way he first proclaimed the gospel to the Corinthians? (1 Corinthians) |
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Definition
| He says he was humble, in weakness nad in fear and in much trembling. He did not want their faith to rest on human wisdom but on the power of God. |
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Term
| How do we know that many members of the church in Corinth were not wealthy and of high social status? Why does Paul bring this up? (1 Corinthians) |
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Definition
| Paul says not many of them were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, and not many were of noble birth. He brings this up to demonstrate how the Corinthians' own call shows God's capacity for upsetting human expectations and proving God's power and wisdom. God chooses the foolish to shame the wise and the weak to shame the strong, so that no one may boast in His presence. |
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Term
| What architectural image does Paul employ as a metaphor to describe the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| Paul is a skilled master builder that has laid a foundation, which someone else is building on. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it, for no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid (the foundation is Jesus Christ). Starting churches was like laying the foundation of a building. |
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Term
| Why does Paul remind his readers, "I am not writing this to make you ashamed."? Of what would his readers have been ashamed? |
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Definition
| He is admonishing them as his beloved children, for he has become their father through the Gospel. He would think his readers as having been ashamed of sitting in judgment on Paul or having an inflated self-image that leads to boasting and arrogance. He reminds them that they have everything they want, and that what they received they boast of as if it was not a gift. |
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Term
| What is the nature of the sin that Paul condemns in 1 Corinthians 5? |
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Definition
| Sexual immorality. It is not a kind found even among pagans, for a man was living with his stepmother. Sexual immorality ("porneia") is a general term including a variety of sexual sins. The Old Testament forbade sexual relations between son and stepmother. |
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Term
| How does Paul tell the Corinthian Christians to deal with legal disputes that arise among them in 1 Corinthians 6? |
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Definition
| He tells them to take it before the saints instead of the unrighteous. Appoint as judges those who have standing in the church. Paul also says that the fact that they have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for them. |
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Term
| How does Paul's discussion of knowledge in 1 Corinthians 8-9 relate to his claims to be a true apostle whom Jesus Christ has sent? |
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Definition
| Paul has experienced God's call to be an apostle in a vision of Christ. He says that anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; anyone who loves God is known by Him. |
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Term
| What non-Biblical ancient Christian writings deal with "The First Eucharist"? |
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Definition
| "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles" (The Didache) and The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus. Didache was an early Christian writing, dating from around 150 CE but including earlier materials. Its name means "teaching," and it consists of moral exhortation, a manual of church order, and guidance for community life. It contains material similar to that in the Pastoral Letters, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. |
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Term
| What does Paul say about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14? |
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Definition
| Paul says that although the members of the church are many and each individually receives a spiritual gift, the members are part of one body and are made to drink of one Spirit. The one gift Paul advises his readers to desire above all others is prophecy. |
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Term
| Why does Paul believe and teach that "in the Lord your labor is not in vain" in 1 Corinthians 15? |
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Definition
| God gave us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, who broke the stranglehold of sin, death, and law. He says this because he believes living in hope fuels life. |
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Term
| What is the first section of 2 Corinthians (1-7)? |
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Definition
| Focuses mostly on Paul's understanding of his apostolic ministry. Embedded within it is a short section that appears to have been composed separately. |
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Term
| What is the second section of 2 Corinthians (8-9)? |
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Definition
| Deals with the collection for Christians in Jerusalem, a project of great importance for Paul. |
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Term
| What is the third section of 2 Corinthians (10-13)? |
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Definition
| Paul is on the defensive, answering charges brought against him by his opponents. |
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Term
| What prompted Paul to write 2 Corinthians 10-13 ("the severe letter")? |
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Definition
| He wrote it shortly after returning from a painful visit to the church in Corinth. Its polemical tone suggests that they were written in the heat of controversy, or shortly thereafter. |
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Term
| What Paul mean when he refers to Christ as God's "yes" in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| God's promises have been fulfilled in him. |
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Term
| What earlier letter is Paul referring to in 2 Corinthians 2? |
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Definition
| "The severe letter" in 2 Corinthians 10-13. It was written from Ephesus after Paul returned from a painful visit to Corinth. |
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Term
| What image does Paul drawn on in 2 Corinthians when he says, "who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession." |
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Definition
| The image of a victory march where the conquering general, along with his chief officers, leads his army in triumphal procession, the air filled with the burning of incense. The aroma signifies life to the victors, death to the conquered. |
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Term
| Who does Paul refer to when he says "peddlers of God's word" in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| The teachers traveling around the Roman world who were frequently accused of being in it for the money. |
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Term
| To what does Paul refer when he writes, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts" in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| He is referring to a letter of Christ. Christ, whose Spirit lives within the human heart, is the content of the letter. |
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Term
| To what character of the Old Testament does Paul refer in 2 Corinthians 3 and why? |
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Definition
| Moses because, unlike him (whose face could not be gazed upon because of its glory), all of us with unveiled faces can see the glory of the Lord. Christ's new covenant replaces the Mosaic Law. The old covenant of Moses is described negatively: death, condemnation, fading glory, temporary. The new covenant under Christ, by contrast, has positive features: Spirit, justification, greater glory, permanent. |
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Term
| To whom does Paul refer with the phrase "the god of this world" in 2 Corinthians 4:4? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the comparison that Paul implies in 2 Corinthians with his use of "earthly tent" and "a building from God"? |
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Definition
| The comparison is between the perishable body and Jesus' resurrected body, envisioned as a reconstructed temple not made with hands. Christ's resurrection gives the believer hope of inhabiting a similar dwelling. |
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Term
| What is the mixing of images in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| The image of inhabiting a building with the image of putting on new clothing. |
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Term
| What does "from a human point of view" mean in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| It could mean several different thigns: knowing merely the historical facts about Jesus, trying to understand Christ without seeing God's bigger story, or failing to see Christ as the funnel of God's spirit. |
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Term
| How are the paradoxes that Paul lists in 2 Corinthians interpreted? |
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Definition
| They are interpreted as specifying the ways he has embodied the dying and rising of Christ. |
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Term
| To what is Paul possibly referring when he mentions "my letter" in 2 Corinthians 7:8? |
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Definition
| The "tearful letter" in 2 Corinthians 10-13. |
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Term
| The churches in which three cities make up "the churches of Macedonia" to which Paul refers in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| The churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. |
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Term
| Who is the great example of selfless giving that Paul presents in 2 Corinthians 8? |
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Definition
| The Lord Jesus Christ, who was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty we might become rich. |
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Term
| What is the context of Paul's reference to the generous person he refers to in 2 Corinthians 8? |
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Definition
| The generosity of the churches of Macedonia, who voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means. Paul now wants the church of Corinth to also excel in this generous undertaking. |
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Term
| What is the testing to which Paul refers in 2 Corinthians 9? |
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Definition
| The willingness to give, which is seen as an expression of one's confession of faith. |
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Term
| What does Paul mean by "acting according to human standards" in 2 Corinthians 10? |
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Definition
| Human translates "sarx," literally "flesh." It denotes an outlook opposed to God and concerned primarily with oneself. |
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Term
| What is Paul's criticism of his opponents in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| That they commend themselves. Paul was probably accused of making himself the center of his preaching. Now he criticizes his opponents for promoting themselves as a way of gaining favor. |
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Term
| What is Paul referring to when he talks about the possibility of someone coming to the Corinthians and teaching them about "another Jesus" and "a different spirit" in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| "Another Jesus" may be referring to an understanding of Christ completely different from Paul's, perhaps one emphasizing Jesus' miracle-working power and resurrection to the neglect of his human limitations and crucifixion. "A different spirit" may be referring to a different understanding of the Holy Spirit. |
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Term
| Who are the "super-apostles" Paul refers to in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| His opponents. It need not refer to the twelve apostles, but could be a derisive way of referring to competing missionaries. |
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Term
| To whom does Paul refer to when he states "I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago..." in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| Himself. Fourteen years ago would put it shortly after his conversion, probably in the 30s. |
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Term
| Why does Paul consider God as having given him what he calls a "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| To keep him from being too elated. His weakness allows the power of Christ to dwell in him. |
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Term
| What is the advice Paul gives to make the Corinthian Christians less vulnerable to the pressures of outside teachers in 2 Corinthians? |
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Definition
| That they examine themselves to see whether they are living in the faith. They should test themselves and realize that Jesus Christ is in them, unless they fail to meet the test. |
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Term
| In what way does the letter to the Ephesians read like a liturgy? |
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Definition
| In that it talks about the powerful and beneficent love of God in bringing Jews and Gentiles into one body and in exalting the body to a cosmic love. Praise and thanksgiving celebrate God's predetermined plan of love in raising Christ from the dead, in placing him over all things, in sealing the church with the Holy Spirit, and in making Christ the head of the universal church, his body. The liturgical flavor is also found in the stirring call to arms against the cosmic powers and a sonorous request for sustained altertness, prayer, and supplication with which Ephesians ends. |
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Term
| What is the first puzzling aspect of the letter to the Ephesians? |
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Definition
| The earliest manuscripts lack the words "in Ephesus," so that it could have been written to Laodicea, or perhaps as a circular letter to several communities. As a result, the sepcific addressees are not certain. |
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Term
| What is the second puzzling aspect of the letter to the Ephesians? |
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Definition
| Though it shares much with Colossians (similar openings and closings, twenty-nine words in common, similar rhetorical structure, and a similar set of household codes), Ephesians lacks Colossians' specific concern about "heresy." |
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Term
| What is the third puzzling aspect of the letter to the Ephesians? |
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Definition
| There are questions about authorship and dating. Peculiar style, unique diction, and distinctive viewpoints of the letter lend more weight to a post-Pauline authorship. Many scholars date it to early post-Pauline times (around 80 CE) when the hopes of a quick return of the risen Lord had faded. |
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Term
| How does Ephesians address Christians? |
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Definition
| As they live in the interim between two great cosmic battles: one already performed by God when all things were placed under Jesus' feet, and another to be held on that "evil day" when the church in its fullness as Christ's body will fight in heavenly places. |
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Term
| What is unique about the phrase "heavenly places" in Ephesians? |
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Definition
| It occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. |
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Term
| What is unique about the title "the Beloved" as it applies to Christ in the epistle to the Ephesians? |
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Definition
| The title "the Beloved" is never used by Paul to characterize Christ, though later Christian writers, like Ignatius, do. |
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Term
| How is the Ephesians concept of "redemption" explained? |
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Definition
| It is a purchase payment that covers all of the believers' lives and is completed only at the second coming ("parousia"). |
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Term
| How does the metaphor of "head" describe Christ's relation to the church in Ephesians? |
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Definition
| It shows Jesus as the head of the body and the church growing towards that head. |
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Term
| To what does the "dividing wall" of Ephesians refer? |
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Definition
| The Temple barrier separating the court of the Gentiles from the parts of the Temple open only to Jews. |
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Term
| What is the goal of the prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19? |
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Definition
| To ask God to give the Ephesians the fullness of God by way of the love of Christ. |
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Term
| What is the purpose of spiritual gifts as explained in Ephesians? |
|
Definition
| To equip the church members for the work of the ministry and build up the body of Christ for it to reach maturity. |
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|
Term
| What does "walk" mean in Ephesians? |
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Definition
| Live. The new walk avoids the walk of the Gentiles with its futility, vices, and opposition to instruction. |
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Term
| What are "household codes" in Ephesians? |
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Definition
| They governed social relations within an extended family. |
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Term
| Why does the writer of Ephesians describe himself as "an ambassador in chains"? |
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Definition
| He believes that God gives him messages to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. He sounds as if he has no choice other than to speak it. |
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Term
| What are the three elements of Colossians? |
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Definition
| Liturgical elements (a prayer, a hymn, and baptismal reminiscences), typical features of letters, and exhortations on fidelity to correct teachings. |
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Term
| Who likely established the church at Colossae? |
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Definition
| Epaphras, a resident from Colossae. |
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Term
| What is the first reason for advocating the view that Paul did not actually write Colossians? |
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Definition
| There is no written evidence that Paul ever visited Colossae, and the church was likely established by Epaphras. |
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Term
| What is the second reason for advocating the view that Paul did not actually write Colossians? |
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Definition
| Despite similarities to several Pauline letters, aspects of its style and theology suggest it is post-Pauline. There are many long sentences and redundant expressions. |
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Term
| What is the third reason for advocating the view that Paul did not actually write Colossians? |
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Definition
| Theologically, the letter presents hope as an object in heaven, not vigorous, assured expectation as in the undisputed Pauline letters. It never mentioned the parousia. |
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Term
| What are the two types of claims against which Colossians argues? |
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Definition
| Cosmological and ritualistic. The cosmological contended that the vast powers that control the universe must be adored. The ritualistic required regulations about food and drink, as well as special festivals and days. |
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Term
| What is the basic statement of belief in Colossians reciting what God has done? |
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Definition
| "He has rescued us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." |
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Term
| What are the possible origins of the "hymn to the universal Christ" in Colossians. What are the two parts into which it divides? |
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Definition
| The hymn's origin is unknown, but if not Christian it may be an adaptation from a Greek mystery religion, a Jewish text about the Son of Man and the end times, or a Hellenistic Jewish wisdom text. The two parts into which it divides are Christ as the agent of creation and Christ as the agent of redemption. |
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Term
| What is the provision Colossians mentions? |
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Definition
| The gospel, reconciliation in Christ's fleshly body through death to present man as holy and blameless and irreproachable before him. |
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Term
| What is "the mystery" the writer of Colossians claims God gave him to reveal? |
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Definition
| Christ in the Gentiles, or Christ growing in them, the hope of glory. |
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Term
| What is the basis for Colossians' admonition? |
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Definition
| God disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them on the cross. |
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Term
| What does the writer of Colossians mean by the question "why do you live as if you still belonged to the world?" |
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Definition
| He is asking why they still submit to human regulations, which he associates with the elemental spirits of the universe. |
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Term
| What transition occurs in Colossians 2:20-23? |
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Definition
| The revelation of the practical implications of death with Christ. |
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Term
| What transition occurs in Colossians 3:1-4? |
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Definition
| The commendation of the life raised with Christ. |
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Term
| How is Colossians 3:5-11 characterized? |
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Definition
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Term
| How is Colossians 3:12-17 characterized? |
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Definition
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Term
| What does 2 Thessalonians "express strong concern" for? |
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Definition
| The community's survival. Prayers, exhortations to discipline, explanations of suffering, and attention to the community's thoughts and deeds all give it a tone of encouragement. |
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Term
| What are the arguments for Paul's authorship of 2 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| Similarities with 1 Thessalonians: simple headings, repeated thanksgivings, prayers following thanksgivings, and a reliance on belief in the approaching end time. |
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Term
| What are the arguments against Paul's authorship of 2 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| The question of why Paul would want to imitate himself so closely in a second composition. Also, an end-time perspective is the ground of hope in 1 Thessalonians, while the ground of certainty in 2 Thessalonians is a certain authorized body of knowledge. The strongest argument is the need to authenticate and differentiate itself from other, non-genuine letters (that effort would not be necessary while an author remained alive). |
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Term
| Why does 2 Thessalonians rebuke some members of the community? |
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Definition
| For spreading inaccurate information about the day of the Lord or refusing to work. |
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Term
| What does the writer give thanks to God for at the beginning of 2 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| For the congregation's steadfastness despite affliction and comments on that affliction in light of the not yet present day of vindication. |
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Term
| In what way is the name of the Lord Jesus glorified among the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| In that God will make them worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith. |
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Term
| What is significant about the line "And you know what is now restraining him" in 2 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| The identity of the unknown one restraining the lawless one is impossible to determine, but the conflict between the two belongs to what must occur before the day of the Lord. |
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Term
| What is the writer's request for prayer in 2 Thessalonians? |
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Definition
| For the word of the Lord to spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, and that they may be rescued from wicked and evil people. |
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Term
| In what way does the writer of 2 Thessalonians expect the Thessalonian Christians' imitation? |
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Definition
| In not being idle and eating anyone's bread without paying for it. Instead, they should toil and labor night and day, so that they might not burden anyone else. |
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Term
| What are the arguments against Paul's authorship of the Pastoral Epistles (1, 2 Timothy and Titus)? |
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Definition
| The Pastorals present a picture of Paul that is somewhat at odds with the image of him that emerges from the undisputed letters. The support Paul expresses for women and their active roles in the community in the undisputed writings- those who accompanied him or whom he praised- is weakened in the household codes of the Pastorals. Paul's endorsement of charismatic authority becomes instead Paul the final authority. Though Paul advised young widows to abstain from sexual passion, the Pastorals see marital intercourse as the best means of controlling sexual appetites. In Romans, Paul speaks of a westward mission, but not an eastern one as the Pastorals suppose. |
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Term
| Why does the writer of 1 Timothy urge prayer on behalf of people in high positions? |
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Definition
| So that they may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. That is right and acceptable in the sight of God, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. |
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Term
| Why does the writer of 1 Timothy believe that women should have no theological authority over men? |
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Definition
| Because Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. |
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Term
| What two church offices does 1 Timothy mention? |
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Definition
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Term
| How does the writer of 1 Timothy advise that widows be treated? |
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Definition
| With honor if they are real widows, who have set their hope on God and continue in supplications and prayers night and day. |
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Term
| How does the author of 1 Timothy interpret disagreement of opinion among the community? |
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Definition
| As being caused by false teachers, who are conceited, understanding nothing, and have a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. They cause envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions, and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. |
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Term
| What literary form is 2 Timothy compared to? |
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Definition
| A last will a testament from a dying father; it is a moving, stirring letter about impending death and hopes for the steadfast faithfulness of those left behind. |
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Term
| In what ways is 2 Timothy different from 1 Timothy and Titus? |
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Definition
| It is a personal exhortation rather than a formal guide for ministers or a presentation of traditional teaching. Vivid images of hard work, models of leadership, and passionate personal defenses combine to make it a lively document. It is probably the latest of the pastorals. |
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Term
| How is Titus similar to 1 Timothy? |
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Definition
| Both give qualifications for congregational leaders, include household instructions in an attempt to address the effect of false teaching on families, contrast the believer's former life with the present to encourage right behavior, and the teachings that are opposed include divisive myths and genealogies. |
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Term
| What is said about the authorship of Hebrews? |
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Definition
| Paul was thought to be the author, but scholars now agree that he is not, nor is Hebrews a genuine letter. The content, style, and viewpoint are those of a highly educated person familiar with Greek philosophy, the scriptures, and allegorical logic. The author is often compared to Philo of Alexandria, who in the same century writes in a similar manner about Israelite matters. |
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Term
| What type of document does Hebrews seem to be? |
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Definition
| A mixture of exhortation and argument, but in a manner totally unlike other New Testament letters. |
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Term
| What kind of ancient literature does the epistle to the Hebrews resemble? |
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Definition
| Ancient philosophical essay letters. More like an extended presentation of a position or idea than like a piece of personal correspondence. |
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Term
| What are the two themes of Hebrews? |
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Definition
| (1) The need to remain faithful and (2) the basis for steadfast faith as found in the description of Jesus' death as victim and priest. |
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Term
| In what way does Hebrews describe Jesus as "a true deity?" |
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Definition
| The author applies to Jesus traditional concepts used to speak about a true deity. Gods in antiquity were named "immortals" in contrast to mortal men and women; they never die, but we do. Moreover, a true god must be both uncreated in the past and imperishable in the future. Just this sort of language is used of Jesus in two places. |
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Term
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Definition
| The priest who blessed Abraham. He not only represents a different kind of priesthood in Israel, but his name indicates that he was also a king, both of which become important in understanding Jesus' exalted role and status. What can be known about him is understood to describe Jesus, the true priest. |
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Term
| How does the writer of Hebrews describe Jesus' death? |
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Definition
| Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death, the devil. His death is likened to a battle in which the dying one destroyed the cause of his death, the devil. |
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Term
| In what does the author of Hebrews say lies the hope of Christians' access to God? |
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Definition
| It rests entirely on Jesus' death as high priest. |
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Term
| According to Hebrews, why is Jesus' priestly ministry superior to that of the Levites? |
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Definition
| He is holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the Levites, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. The law appoints high priests who are subject to weakness, but the world of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. |
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Term
| What is the play on words discussed in Hebrews? |
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Definition
| The same Greek word can be translated into either "covenant" or "will." |
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Term
| What is the function of the references to Old Testament characters in Hebrews? |
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Definition
| To prove that through faith, one receives approval from God. |
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Term
| What is the role of the "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews? |
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Definition
| To surround believers and encourage them to lay aside every weight and sin, running with perseverance the race set before them. |
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Term
| Where does the writer of Hebrews encourage the reader to go with Christ? |
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Definition
| Outside the camp with Christ and bear the abuse he endured. The reference is to Jesus suffering outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood during the crucifixion. |
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Term
| Why do some scholars think that neither James the brother of Jesus, nor James the overseer of the Jerusalem church is the author of James? |
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Definition
| The author writes fine Greek and uses rhetoric impressively; he is well educated in Judean and biblical traditions and can translate Semitic expressions into plausible Greek. This type of literacy seems most unlikely for a Galilean peasant. |
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Term
| What Old Testament parallel is evoked by referring to the readers as "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion?" |
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Definition
| The twelve tribes of Israel. The Christian Scriptures also consider the community as the new twelve tribes, who are governed by the twelve apostles. |
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Term
| What is the world that the author of James reflects? |
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Definition
| The world of the Greco-Roman philosophical tradition which composed both "moral epistles" and "exhortatory letters." |
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Term
| How does James advise his readers to react to persecution? |
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Definition
| By considering trials as nothing but joy, because the testing of their faith produces endurance. When endurance has its full effect, they will be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. |
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Term
| What specific lack does James advise his readers to ask God to fill? |
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Definition
| Lack of wisdom. But one must ask in faith, never doubting. |
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Term
| From where does James say temptation (or trial) comes? |
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Definition
| From one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. |
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Term
| What does James teach about anger in relation to the righteousness of God? |
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Definition
| James teaches that everyone should be slow to anger, for anger does not produce God's righteousness. |
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Term
| How does James relate religion to speech? |
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Definition
| By saying that any who think they are religious, but do not bridle their tongues and instead deceive their hearts, have a worthless religion. |
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Term
| What is "religion that is pure and undefiled before God" according to James? |
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Definition
| To care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. |
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Term
| What kind of favoritism does James advise against? |
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Definition
| Favoring the wealthy over the poor when both come into their assembly. |
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Term
| How does James relate showing partiality to the "whole law?" |
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Definition
| By saying that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point becomes accountable for all of it. Perfection means being accountable for all the commandments. |
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Term
| How does James relate "faith" to "works?" |
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Definition
| By saying that faith itself, without works, is dead. Faith is brought to completion by works; just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead. |
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Term
| What is the mistake James describes as being destructive? |
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Definition
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Term
| What guidance does James give with regard to recognizing the presence of wisdom or lack thereof? |
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Definition
| James says to show through a good life that one's works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. Wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. The wisdom from above, however, is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. Lack of wisdom leads to envy, selfish ambition, disorder, and wickedness of every kind. |
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Term
| Why is James somewhat severe in tone in James 4:1-10? |
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Definition
| He wants to convince the readers to stop being friends with the world, humble themselves before God, and cleanse their hands of sin. |
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Term
| How is James' advice about making plans for the future characterized? |
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Definition
| Reminding his readers that they are ultimately not in control of the future. They can make speculations about the future, but they can only say that if the Lord wishes, only then will tomorrow bring what they want it to bring. |
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Term
| What warning does James level at the rich? |
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Definition
| That their earthly treasures are nothing in the eyes of the Lord. Their luxuries and pleasures merely fatten them for the Day of Judgment's slaughter. |
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Term
| What is the basis for the patience that James advises? |
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Definition
| Examining how blessed those are who show endurance, whose faithfulness in difficult times is rewarded by the Lord's compassion and mercy. |
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Term
| What is the role of Elijah in James' epistle? |
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Definition
| To illustrate the claim about the effective prayer of the righteous. He stopped rain from falling on the earth for three years and six months through fervent prayers. Then, he prayed again and the heaven rained and the earth yielded its harvest. |
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Term
| What are the possibilities for when 1 Peter was written? |
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Definition
| If the letter was composed at the outbreak in Rome of anti-Christian hatred associated with Nero, then it is possible that the historical "Peter" might be dictating this document in Rome to his secretary Sylvanus. Current scholarship, however, thinks the author writes on the occasion of the persecution in the provinces, which began under the emperor Trajan (97-117) and for which we have evidence in the letters of Pliny, the Roman governor of Asia Minor. |
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Term
| What is the first formal aspect of 1 Peter? |
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Definition
| Peter embodies the typical structure of ancient letters: opening, thanksgiving, body, and closing. Its epistolary type is that of a letter of exhortation. |
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Term
| What is the second formal aspect of 1 Peter? |
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Definition
| The body of the letter contains very interesting material. Some describe the document's contents as a baptismal liturgy, emphasizing new birth, cleansing, and baptism. Others consider it as the script for a Christian Passover because it emphasizes Christ's death and resurrection. But "exhortation" seems the best genre, which stresses Christians' radical break with their past and their constancy in present troubles. |
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Term
| What is the third formal aspect of 1 Peter? |
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Definition
| The letter contains an extended catalog of "household duties" stressing rights and obligations: Certain people endowed with authority have a right to lead and others, especially those of socially inferior positions, have a duty to obey. All should obey secular authority; slaves, their masters, and wives, their husbands. The duties of elders and young men finish the catalog. |
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Term
| What evidence is there of a Semitic background to 1 Peter? |
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Definition
| The thanksgiving is Semitic in form: "Blessed be the God..." |
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Term
| How does the concept of patronage work in 1 Peter? |
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Definition
| God their patron purifies them with the blood of Jesus, thus conferring worth on a valueless people. God bestows lavish divine gifts on God's clients, the Christian communities, but expects from them respect, exclusive allegiance, and praise. |
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Term
| What is the basis for being holy in 1 Peter? |
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Definition
| Preparing one's mind for action, disciplining oneself, and setting all one's hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring when he is revealed. |
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Term
| How does the writer of 1 Peter describe his readers as being ransomed? |
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Definition
| From the futile ways inherited from their ancestors, not with perishable things like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. |
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Term
| In 1 Peter, what is the architectural metaphor the writer uses to describe the Christian community? |
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Definition
| A spiritual house or holy temple. |
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Term
| What are the civic and family focal points of discussion on which the writer of 1 Peter comments? |
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Definition
| The people honoring the authority of human institutions (emperor, governors), slaves honoring their masters, wives honoring their husbands, husbands honoring their wives, and fellow believers honoring each other. |
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Term
| How does 1 Peter describe Christ suffering "in the flesh?" |
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Definition
| Christ was put to death "in the flesh" but made alive in the spirit. He suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring us to God. |
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Term
| How are God's gifts in 1 Peter characterized? |
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Definition
| As a patron's benefaction to his clients. Conversely, clients offer glory or honor to their patron in the doxology. |
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Term
| What is said about the use of the word "Babylon" in 2 Peter? |
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Definition
| It refers to the church in Rome. |
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Term
| What are the four reasons giving for proposing that Simeon Peter did not write 2 Peter? |
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Definition
1) He refers to "your apostles," implying that he comes late on the scene.
2) He mentions Paul's letters, which were not collected until the second century.
3) He speaks of "the other Scriptures" which implies Christian writings that only later were canonized in this way.
4) Most of ch. 2 is taken directly from Jude. The fine Greek vocabulary implies a formal education unlikely for a fisherman. |
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Term
| What is the role of God's "precious and very great promises" described in 2 Peter? |
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Definition
| That through them one may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become a participant of the divine nature. |
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Term
| How does the writer of 2 Peter describe how "entry into the eternal kigndom of our Lord Jesus and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for" the readers of the letter? |
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Definition
| By saying that if they are eager to confirm their call and election, they will never stumble. |
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Term
| How does the writer of 2 Peter reinterpret the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain? |
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Definition
| As a prophecy of Jesus' return in glory. |
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Term
| How does 2 Peter describe "scoffers" as they relate to the "last days?" |
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Definition
| By saying that they ridicule the prophecy of Jesus' return. Delay serves as their chief argument against Jesus' coming and God's judgment. The author refutes their scoffing by emphasizing the reliability of God's word. |
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Term
| What does Jude warn about? |
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Definition
| Intruders whose false doctrine leads to immorality. They pervert the grace of God into licentiousness and deny the only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. They defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander the glorious ones. The writer finds it necessary to exhort the addressees to contend for their faith that was delivered to the disciples in its fullness. |
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Term
| What non-biblical book does Jude quote? |
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Definition
| The "Assumption of Moses," in which Michael the archangel confirms God's sovereignty. He and the devil fight over the body of Moses. ("Assumption" means that one is raised bodily into heaven without dying.) |
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