Accordingly, Philemon is termed a real letter, as opposed to a literary or philosophical exercise intended for wider publication. Question: May a Christian Eat Food Consecrated to a Pagan God? Eric D. Huntsman was an assistant professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when this was published. Some early manuscripts of Ephesians 1:1 lack at Ephesus, opening the possibility that the letter was meant for more than just the branch at Ephesus. In it he bared his heart and declared his steadfast love for the Corinthians even though some had been extremely critical and very fickle in their affection for him. 2:9). Clearly, Pauls purpose is to broaden the believers horizons regarding the limitless wealth of his blessings in Christ who is the head of the church, the body of Christ. Our freedom must never be used as an opportunity to indulge the flesh but rather as a basis for loving one another by walking in the strength of the Spirit (5:13, 16, 22-25). During the first, Paul was kept in or near the barracks of the Praetorian Guard or in rental quarters at his own expense for two years (Acts 28:30), during which these epistles were written. Second Thessalonians 3:17, The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write, is a clear example of an authoritative postscript, and it is particularly interesting since the authenticating postscript seems also to have been a device used to prevent forgery by a letter purporting to be from Paul. [33] Letters to groups, such as Pauls letters to various congregations, were often read to a majority of the recipients (the probable meaning of Colossians 4:16), so most individuals never actually read the letters themselves. [32] Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing, 169. [41] Brown, Introduction to the New Testament, 412. ( A.D. 60, 62) Titus, 1 and 2 Tim. As with 1 Thessalonians, this letter was also written by Paul (cf. Since the epistle clearly names the author in the opening verse, it is not necessary to theorize that Ephesians was written by one of Pauls pupils or admirers, such as Timothy, Luke, Tychicus, or Onesimus.54. Objections are based on internal factors rather than on the adequacy of the statements of the church fathers. While 1 Timothy is in many ways a manual on leadership and the conduct of the church, a key term is sound doctrine which is emphasized in a number of places (see 1:10; 4:6; 6:1-3). Each of these letters contain references to this situation (Eph. The Explanation of the Evidence (1:8-10), B. Because these letters are older than any of the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus, they constitute the most reliable source that we have today for information concerning the early history of the Christian movement. The Description of Righteousness (3:21-31), B. In this one and some others he writes a greeting toward the end in his own distinctive handwriting, to give a warm personal touch and also to prevent forgery.. Paul did not deny the rights of Philemon over his slave, but he asked Philemon to relate the principle of Christian brotherhood to the situation with Onesimus (v. 16). 2:1). Because of this, he could appeal to Caesar as a citizen of Rome while imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:37-39). Because of the greetings in 1:2, Colossians became known as Pros Kolossaeis, To the Colossians. As with the other epistles of Paul surveyed thus far, both the external and internal evidence strongly support Pauls authorship. 2 Cor. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Then, either from Macedonia or Nicopolis, Paul wrote the epistle to Titus to encourage and instruct him. In antiquity, even personal letters were read aloud. The Pattern of the Christian Life: Having the Mind of Christ (2:1-30), D. The Examples of Humility Seen in Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30), IV. [4] Often covering a variety of subjects and addressing each with complex argumentation, his letters can be difficult to follow, especially in translation. The first was simply to announce Pauls plans to visit Rome after his return to Jerusalem and to prepare the church for his coming (15:24, 28-29; cf. 56 The NIV Study Bible Notes, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, electronic media. There is an absence of controversy in this epistle, and it does not deal with problems of particular churches. The remainder of Pauls letters either fall into different generic categories or combine different types of writing. While a postscript could in fact be additional information added after the close of a letter, as is often the case today, in antiquity an author more generally used a postscript to guarantee that the contents written by a scribe reflected his thinking. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. However, as noted above, Pauls letters were unusually long, and he adapted the standard letter format to meet each occasion. It has been argued that the vocabulary and style are different from other Pauline Epistles, but this overlooks Pauls flexibility under different circumstances (cf. It is because organization and administration are not primary. (See Colossians 4:16. An important task for Pauline scholars has been to determine Pauls relationship to the Greco-Roman world and to Judaism. The Mystery, the Product of Revelation (3:1-6), 2. In the first two chapters Paul vindicated his apostleship and message. What is so significant about that? When Plato referred to a prostitute, he used the expression Corinthian girl (Republic 404d). . Regardless, external and internal evidence support Paul as the author. And, of course, the letters themselves claim to have been written by Paul.65, The Greek titles for 1 and 2 Timothy are Pros Timotheon A and Pros Timotheon B, First to Timothy and Second to Timothy. Timothys name means, honoring God.. Paul, as is his custom, uses his Greek name Paulos rather than his Hebrew name Shaul. Exhortation Regarding the Methods of False Teachers (2:4-5), 2. Because believers are complete in Christ (2:10) and are thereby risen with Him, they now have all they need for Christ-like transformation in all the relationships of life (3:1f.). [36] A short example from what is perhaps Pauls earliest extant letter illustrates the thanksgiving section of one of his letters: We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God (1 Thessalonians 1:24). Web4 Major Parts of Pauline Letter. Ephesians and Colossians, midway between real and circular letters, follow the same general structure of most of Pauls other letters, whereas the general epistles of other authors, although they open and close as letters, are generally shorter and have a less complex structure than a Pauline letter.[18]. Consequently, these letters have been labelled the Johannine epistles, despite the fact that none of the epistles mentions any author. The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:116:10), K. A Spiritual Fathers Appeal to His Children (6:117:4), II. Paul wanted to inform them of his plans and to have them anticipate and pray for their fulfillment (15:30-32). In this letter we have a wonderful example. Moreover, the books declare Paul as the author (1 Tim. In fact, it is stamped with his style and it contains more autobiographical material than any of his other writings.44 The only problem concerns the claim of some regarding its apparent lack of unity. Yet as Greeks they prided themselves on their intellectualism, although in their case it had degenerated into a crude and shallow type (1:17; 2:1-5) 43. 1:3). Two key words and concepts stand out in this short epistle: sanctification (4:3, 4, 7), and the coming of the Lord, which is referred to in every chapter of the epistle (1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23). When Paul left Antioch for Jerusalem to discuss the gospel of grace (Acts 15:1f.) In the case of Pauls scribe Tertius, he may have been a professional secretary who was able to take dictation in ancient shorthand and had volunteered his services since Romans has many oratorical features that seem to reflect spoken composition. While there he lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla who were of the same trade, tent-makers (Acts 18:3). About the New Testament of the Bible. As to Ones Self and the Church (5:19-21), D. The Believers Walk in Warfare (6:10-20), 2. They taught, among other things, that a number of the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the church. The regulations for the use of gifts (14:26-40), VII. Eventually, he was invited by Barnabas to come to the church at Antioch and assist in the work being done there. 15-16). Is this because organization is unimportant? If the con-tingency of the letters is ignored, Pauls let-ters become timeless treatises, severed from the historical circumstances in which they were birthed. In addition, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria, and the Muratorian Canon do as well. No! In harmony with one of the basic doctrines of Judaism, he believed that salvation could be obtained only by obedience to all of the laws that God had given to his people. They promoted their own ideas and at the same time sought to discredit both the person and message of the apostle. Contrary to modern notions of letter writing, Paul did not sit alone at a desk quietly composing his epistles. Chapters 2 is key in that it demonstrates why and how the believer is complete in Christ and needs nothing added to the saving person and work of Christ. WebAFT acted quickly by pursuing four main goals: first, safeguard the health and lives of students, families and frontline workers in education, healthcare and public service. WebThe letter proceeds from a greeting to a warning against false teachers who mishandle the law. In view of Pauls statement in Rom. Since leadership is so determinative of a churchs spiritual growth and effectiveness, chapter 3, which sets forth the qualifications for leadership is clearly a key chapter. The playwright Philetaerus (Athenaeus 13. A recap of the events pertinent to this epistle will help give some idea of a probable date for Titus, though the exact time is unknown. Even when indicative and imperative sections alternate or are otherwise spread throughout the body of a letter, the modern reader must always keep in mind that Pauls letters not only teach doctrine but also call to action and insist that Christians must live according to the highest ethical and moral standards, that their whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). In the process, he made a preliminary stop at Troas hoping to rendezvous with Titus (2 Cor. Further, it is because sound teaching and spirituality are what ultimately produce ministries that are effective according to Gods standards and that manifest the spirit and character of Christ in ministry and outreach. WebThe reports are exclusively narrative until July 1867 when a printed form first came into use. [40] The classical point of discussion begins with Aristotle, Ars rhetorica, 1.3 (1358b) and includes Quintillian, Institutio oratorio, 3.4.1215. So now both Onesimus and Philemon were faced with doing their Christian duty toward one another. WebFour of Pauls undisputed letters, 1 Thess, 1 and 2 Cor, and Phlp, may contain an insert or compilation added by an editor before being released for publication by the recipient For more discussion see Wallace, Exegetical Syntax, 270-78, esp. The theme of 1 Timothy, as with Titus and 2 Timothy, is twofold, one involving the individual and the other the church. The Pauline Letters. [21] Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing, 3644. [37] Murphy-OConnor, Paul the Letter-Writer, 6061. In place of a simple expression of affection and the occasional wish for strength and health for the recipient, the letters of Paul, for instance, frequently include a final blessing, greetings to various individuals in the community receiving the letter, sometimes the instructions to greet with a holy kiss, and a final peace wish. So what were they? His zeal as a religious Jew was carried over into the way he zealously sought to persecute the church. All we need for life is found in Him. Pauls epistles are part of Gods inspired word. 4:9, 21 with 4:6-8), and (2) to admonish Timothy to keep holding on to sound doctrine, to defend it against all error, to endure hardship as a good soldier, and to realize we are living in days of growing apostasy. To instruct Titus about what he should do to correct the matters that were lacking in order to properly establish the churches in Crete. Giving, for instance, is a corporate and individual responsibility, but our giving and the collection of money must be so done that it does not violate certain biblical principles such as giving voluntarily rather than by methods that employ coercion or manipulation. 38 This material is taken from J. Sidlow Baxter's Explore the Book, pp. Q. The Condemnation of the Moral Man (2:1-16), C. The Condemnation of the Religious Man (the Jew) (2:173:8), III. For those who were themselves able to read and perhaps write, scribes were still often used to take down literal dictationalthough the skill involved often made this prohibitively expensiveor to take notes from which they wrote a first draft, which the author then reviewed, altered, and approved. Brooke Lim, 19, apologized for Instructions Concerning Men and Women (2:8-15), IV. Exhortation to Progress in the Life of Faith (2:6-7), 3. [31] Sperry, Pauls Life and Letters, 102, 1045, notes, A careful reading of [2 Thessalonians 2:2] . Are they themselves properly to be described as Jewish? It outlines the format of Paul's letters in the New Testament. This may well account for the period spent in Arabia and Damascus before his first visit to Jerusalem (Gal. This means he wrote it in A.D. 60-61 (see the discussion on the date of Ephesians and Philippians). [28] Murphy-OConnor, Paul the Letter-Writer, 11013; Brown, Introduction to the New Testament, 419; Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing, 17175. The centrality of Christ as the essence, source, and means of the Christian life is stated in 1:30, of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us the wisdom of God: both righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (my translation). As such a student, he was familiar with many of the sayings of classical and contemporary writers. Death was the normal punishment for a runaway slave, but Paul intercedes on behalf of Onesimus. A collage of Brooke Lim and a screenshot from the TikTok account that exposed her for plagiarism. Personal Messages and Benediction (15:1416:27), C. Pauls Conclusion and Benediction (16:17-27). The Minister, Appointed to Proclamation (3:7-13), III. These, then, are the first Roman imprisonment letters, whereas 2 Timothy is the second Roman imprisonment letter.52. Having energetically and consistently persecuted the church of Jesus Christ, while on the road to Damascus, Paul had an encounter with the glorified resurrected Christ, which had revolutionary effects on his life. The phrases justification by faith and freedom from the Law form the key words of the epistle. 8-9); and (3) he sought to defend his apostolic authority (chaps. No specific purpose is stated and no particular problem or heresy is addressed. In this book we see the deity (2:13) and redemptive work of the Savior (2:12). Paul first preached the gospel in Corinth while on his second missionary journey, about A.D. 50. [24] Murphy-OConnor, Paul the Letter-Writer, 2024, reviews carefully both 1 Corinthians and considerable commentary on said letter to try to discern what contributions Sosthenes indeed made to the letter. Final Instructions to Timothy (6:11-21), C. Exhortations to Remain Faithful (6:20-21). This preoccupation with Jesus return, however, seems to have been at the heart of Pauls second letter, where he needed to moderate the enthusiasm of the Thessalonians, noting some of the significant signs that would precede the Parousia (see 2 Thessalonians 2:112) and encouraging the Saints with admonitions to work that seem to have been occasioned by the disorderly walk (ataktos peripatountos) or idle behavior of Saints whose indolence seems to have been the result of an unrealistic expectation of an imminent Second Coming (see 2 Thessalonians 3:615). The title is Pros Galatas, To the Galatians. Being addressed to the churches of Galatia, it is the only epistle of Paul addressed to a group of churches. Within a few months the form reports superseded the narrative reports, although the informational content remained similar. You are a Unlike some of his other epistles, Romans was not written to address specific problems. [1] Some of Pauls teaching, taken in isolation and out of context, can seem confusing or even to be in contradiction with gospel principles explicated elsewhere in the scriptures generally or even in the rest of the Pauline corpus itself. While the experience was sudden and dramatic, the effects were enduring. The Call to Remember Timothys Responsibilities (1:8-18), IV. Amanda Goh and Cheryl Teh. The content of the reports was specified in a circular letter issued by the Assistant Commissioner on December 31, 1866. Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12). Originally, they were regarded as mere personal letters and were classified with Philemon, but because of their strong bearing on the life of the church, they began to be called the Pastoral Epistles. Though addressed to individuals, these books are not only not limited to personal and private communications, but they are more official in character. Phrases in Ephesians like in Christ or with Christ appear some 35 times. In Ephesians and Colossians, however, there are indications that Paul expected the letters to be circulated among a broader audience. The Explanation of Our Armor (6:14-17), Both the internal and external evidence again points to Paul as the author. [8] While this part of Pauls teaching is best preserved in 1 Thessalonians 4:1318, this same passage also makes clear that it caused some confusion among the Thessalonians that Pauls letter sought to resolve: because the Thessalonians, and possibly Paul himself, expected the Lord to return soon, they were concerned when the Parousia did not happen immediately and, furthermore, when members of the congregation began to die before Jesus return. During this time, Paul had ample opportunity to rethink his religious conceptions, systematize his understanding of the meaning of Jesus' career on earth, and formulate plans for spreading Christianity throughout the world. 1:1; 2 Tim. The Prospective: The Endurance of Hope (4:13-5:28), A. 2:12-13; 7:5-6; 8:6). 39 Frank E. Gaebelein, General Editor, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, New Testament, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1976-1992, electronic media. Second, assess and advocate for the science-based measures needed to resume in-person schooling safely because of the vital importance of in-person schooling. The traditional title is Pros Ephesious, To the Ephesians. Many ancient manuscripts, however omit en Epheso and for this and other reasons, many scholars believe this was an encyclical letter (intended for circulation among several churches). 63-64. [22] Murphy-OConnor, Paul the Letter-Writer, 1619; Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing, 3336. Because Ephesians gives no hint of Pauls release from prison, as in Philippians (1:19-26) and Philemon (v. 22), many believe that Ephesians was written in the early part of his imprisonment about A.D. 60, while Paul was kept under house guard in his rented quarters (Acts 28:30). In the process of this, Paul then launches into a grand revelation regarding the humility and exaltation of Christ in 2:5-11. Also this epistle is written after Pauls usual manner or pattern with greetings and thanksgiving, a doctrinal section followed by the practical application of that doctrine with concluding personal remarks. If you or I were doing this (especially today) we would probably first try to get the administrative organization in order, the structure, and then worry about the doctrine. Ordination of Elders in the Church (1:5-9), B. Prayer o Most often provides a thanksgiving for the efforts and successes [23] Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing, 3233. Some areas of ecclesiology are more difficult to determine than others. It was likely sent first to Ephesus by Tychicus (Eph. [29] For instance, the subscription to 1 Thessalonians reads: The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens. First Thessalonians 3:16, taken together with Acts 18:15, make it clear that Paul wrote the letter from Corinth, after he had left Athens and when Timothy had come to Corinth with news about the Church in Thessalonica (see Anderson,Understanding Paul, 72). 3:1-2, 8-11 with Acts 15:36; 2 Cor. 9. [14] Early in the postapostolic period and in the centuries since, many Christians have seen the necessity of accepting Jesus Christ and the failure of Israel to do so as a sign that the Christian Church, as New Israel, had superseded, or taken the place, of ethnic Israel. 64 For a detailed discussion of the issues of authorship see Donald. 4-33; and Henry Clarence Theissen, Introduction To The New Testament, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 1943, pp. that included southern districts and those cities just mentioned. Notes. This is true whether they deal with personal matters or the corporate ministry of the church. From Macedonia (northern Greece), he wrote 1 Timothy (1 Tim. WebTHE LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS. As a result, in this letter Paul provides a masterful survey of many of the issues he treated in earlier letters to other congregations, producing in the process what is perhaps his most systematic treatment of the issue of justification by faith (see Romans 1:168:39).[12]. [13] See Suetonius, Claudius, 25.3, which attributes the expulsion order to riots over one Chrestus, the Latin form of a common Greek slave name meaning useful or serviceable (Chrestos), which apparently he had confused with the name Christos.
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