The Motivation, The Mindset, and The Model. What Beautiful Alliteration!

I agree with Pohill in that Paul's antidote for unity is timeless and can still be applied in the church today(Pohill, 169). If one has experienced the grace of Christ Jesus then one has all the motivation to unify with believers and set one's mind on others instead of self. Paul gives the "perfect" model in Christ and urges believers to be imitators of Him. Just as in the days of Paul the church still currently experiences differecnes in the fellowship, but it is essential to believers to maintain unity. This may be achieved by focusing on what motivates unity, the mindset of unity, and the model, which gives the best example of how to live at peace with one another.

Paul the Name Caller

In Philipians 3:2 Paul calls the Judaizers "dogs", "evil workers", and "mutilators".
I can't help but wonder if Paul had intentions of his opponents seeing the letters. I wonder if he were hoping that the Judaizers would be present when the letters were read to the church in Philipi. It almost seems that Paul was an advocate of labeling those who opposed his teachings. I wonder if he encouraged the church to label the Judaizers by these names. I understand the intentions of Paul to build a case against those who were seeking to destroy the church, but would it be acceptable if I were to stand behind the pulpit today and call atheists, homosexuals, and the ACLU dogs, evil workers, and destroyers to build my case against them as being wrong. I believe the comments made in verse 2 are an example of how frustrated Paul may have been with the Judaizers and that he was a human being expressing that frustration.

Paul's letter

I like what we discussed in class today about just the breaking up and different portions of the letter. It helps seeing it broken apart like that to break it down and see what Paul really was trying to convey. We learn so much from the writings of Paul about just who we should strive to be in Christ and he isnt afraid to voice himself and tell what he thinks.. I tend to agree with the idea that it is "Chopped" for lack of a better term, it explains a lot about how the letter is constructed.

three in one.....ok?

As we studied about Philippians and the controversy of whether or not it was one letter or several combined I found myself asking what it mattered. I realize that it would have an effect on the way we interpret the book as a whole, but in general the book still emphasizes the three main characteristics that were discussed in class of suffering, humility, and Christian living. If you look at the text in this view with these central themes I think that even if it was still three letters we can see how they coincide and work together. Even in several letters or just one Paul makes these three themes work together very well even if his writing style seems sketchy.
peace.....Ira R.

Paul the Arrogant??

Phillipians 3:4-6 The relavence of this scripture to me is, how important it is to read scripture into context. Reading 3:4-6 I see a whinny baby that feels he has any right to be confident in himself, after all he was circumcised on the 8th day, of the people of Israel, of the tride of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee, why wouldn't he be able to boast in himself. Yet Paul see God as his greatest gain, no superficially but in a real relationship way. His confidence remains in Christ, that he considers all of his worldly gains as loss compared to his relationship in Christ, a humble thought.

Jacob Moseley

Pastor Paul

I tend to overlook Paul's pastoral ministry at times. My tendancy is to focus on the missionary aspect of his ministry and on his argumentation and block out the rest. This account of Paul's nurturing an infant church is amazing. I wish there were more Pastors who tend to the specific needs of their congregations as Paul does in 1 Thesselonians. He addresses the issue of the second coming with hope and encouragement. He knows that this church is young and ambitious and he does more good for them through corespondence than some would do in a month of local service.Paul overcomes "Satan's" attempts to keep him from being effective by using his words and his companions. He does everything in his power to encourage his congregation. We need to take note.

Bill Lee

Connecting Old and New Testament dogs

In Philippians 3:2, Paul referred to some of his opponents as "dogs", specifically Jewish Judaizers. As said in class, this was typically a name that was given to the Gentiles by the Jews, so Paul calling other Jews a dog had to have hacked some folks off. The J.J.s could have picked up on Proverbs 26:11 from having studied the OT to great lengths. This verse says that dogs return to their vomit, just as fools return to their foolishness. Although the J.J.s were covered by grace, they reverted back to their old ways of strictly following the law in an attempt to obtain salvation. Peter also addresses the issue in 2 Peter chapter 2. He tears into false teachers who have the knowledge of Christ and have experienced salvation through grace, but deceive others by teaching that they have to observe the old law that was fulfilled through Christ. Simeon Peter references Proverbs 26:11 in in saying that they, like dogs, have returned to their own vomit, that "it would have been better for them to have never known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them (2 Peter 2:21-22). Apparently the problem with this heresy persisted even after Paul addressed it in Philippians, and Simeon Peter and possibly even Paul utilized OT Scripture that would have rang a bell with the Jewish Judaizers and called them out for the foolishness that they were teaching, and causing others to be led astray.

Philippians

Due to the discussion in class and lack of my own studying, Perkin's view of Philippians being an accumulation of Paul’s letters to Philippi seems rather sound. This would explain the abrupt subject changes and the resembling closing remarks throughout the book. The fact that it might not be a solitaire letter does not offend me in the slightest. In fact, I find encouragement in the answer purposed because it gives in sight without taking away from the text. One question for the argument of the book as a whole based on themes, “could these themes not be areas of concentration in all of the Pauline letters to the Philippians?”

Joy in Suffering

I enjoyed reading the part about Joy in the Dictionary of Paul. It talks about him having joy even though he is in prison. This reminds me of my brother, who is in jail, but unlike Paul he is constantly trying to find a way to get out. But Paul had joy and wrote to encourage brothers in Christ telling them to "rejoice in the Lord". He was not worried about getting out as much as serving God where he was at.
Matt Justice

Who is the enemies of Paul?

The whole discussion of the enemies of Paul has been rather interesting. I had no idea that there was so many ideas of who the enemies of Paul could have been. I had previously thought that the enemies mention were mainly the Jewish Judiazers. After examing the different ideas in class I have a different perspective of who Paul was talking about. I am still undecided on who I think he was talking about in each of the different books, but I can say that now I can look at these verses with a better of understanding of all the different groups that Paul could have been dealing with. I know this discussion really enlightened me to new ideas, maybe it did to some of you as well.

Who ever said boasting is a BAD thing?

I love that Paul was so outspoken about everything. I especially love that Paul boasts about his legalistic “righteousness” in Philippians 3:2-11. It is astonishing to me to see WHAT Christ can do in someone’s life. Especially when they already seem to have it all together as Paul did: “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel…” yada yada yada. Paul had a one-up on almost anyone who wanted to boast about their accomplishments. But in verse seven, he turns around and says that it was all a waste because he now knows Christ. He sees EVERYTHING that he has done (works) as useless: the prophet Isaiah called them “filthy [menstrual] rags”; Paul says that he considers his works to be “rubbish.” Paul is so puffed up about his former life, but not of what he has done, but what Christ has done in his life. We should all boast of the work of Christ for it is HIS work that makes us worthy of HIS righteousness.

Zach Pyron

Paul's Friends

Paul definitely had his enemies, but he had his friends as well Paul, had the backing of the Pillar disciples and the elders of the church. Paul had meant with James and Peter and had in fact gotten them to stand for his cause. Peter and James the brother of JEsus; head of the church both highly supported the Gentile case that Paul was trying to accomplsih. I find it ironic that even with the Christian leaders of the day that the Jews still had a problem with the Gentiles bcecoming Christians without going through the the Jewish process and Peter and James both present a great defense for Paul. Peter's speech clarified that the Gentiles were equal to the Jews, because Jesus purified their hearts by faith as well. Peter thus establishes that Gentiles should remain Gentiles when they convert to CHristianity. James adds to this the problem of scocial contact between theses two groups, accomplishing this by dealing with Table Fellowship by telling the Gentiles to not eat meat sacrificed to idols, or meat with blood or that is strangled and to stay clear of sexaul immortality.
BY having the help of his friends and with the authority that they had it really secured and solidified Paul's mission to the Gentiles.

The humanity of Jesus

For as long as I can remember whenever I have read Philippians 2:5-11 I always wonder as to its meaning. What does it mean that he 'emptied himself,' or that he 'did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped?' I have always wondered as to the meaning of these things, but never until today did I grasp the full effect of Jesus' humanity. The fact that Jesus was tempted just as we are and still did not sin, even though He had the ability to, gives me great comfort. The text says that He 'took the likeness of men.' I'm so glad of that. I suppose we could argue forever about the meaning of Philippians 2:5-11, but throughout it all, one thing remains constant: Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. No one else could have sufficed.

Paul's Life Motto

I have always been intrigued by Paul's life motto, "For me to live is Christ; to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). It is obvious by Paul's life that he meant this whole-heartedly by the way he faced beatings and persecutions. "...To depart and be with Christ is a very much better thing [than living]," is something only someone in a position ready to die for the Gospel could say. Paul obviously had a real grasp of what Jesus Christ is like to be so ready to join him. Why does it seem Christians today are less excited about seeing Jesus Christ? I think Paul had a totally different mindset than modern Christians. Paul longed to be with Christ in a way that is an example to me now. Paul's motto is centered on Christ on both sides. He wanted to live a life worthy of the Gospel and his calling. On the other hand, he longed to be with Christ in his death.

Jennifer Young

Paul's Strong Voice

I am very perplexed by Paul. He most definately teaches love and unity and yet he uses some of the most vicious terms. He calls men dogs and workers of evil. Those are terms I would reserve for when I feel no love for someone. I understand that Paul is trying to communicate that these things that are being said to the contrary of the Lord are wrong. However, his name calling is not helping the new converts to do anything but alienate and hate those that may be mis-understanding grace. It is an appeal to emotion. He could just have easily put down the ideas without the insults hurrled at the "knife- happy circumcizers." The Lord does tell us to hate the sin and to push it away. He was even provoked to call the hypocrites vipors, I just can't help but wonder where to draw the line. If I stood in a town square and shouted that anyone believing outside of my own perseption of right was a dog, my ministry would be over. No one would listen to me talk about loving my enemy, unity, or the peace that I have inside. I am sure I have a lot to learn about how to hate sin properly, but when I think about the confused people in the world I do not feel hatred, only compassion. I am really learning alot from Paul, or should I say really being confused alot by Paul.

A PAUSE FOR PEACE

I have been noticing how that Paul puts a fairly large emphasis on peace. If you look at the openings and conclusions of his letters he normally bestows some kind of blessing of peace. One could even say that Paul’s call for unity in Philippians is a call for peace. I think that we as Christians, as American, do not put enough emphasis on the peace and harmony that Christ has brought to us.
I see peace as part of the harmony of being that Christ died to give us (Joy and the Holy Spirit being the other parts). We often try to fill our life with so much business that we can never come to understand nor experience the Peace that Paul speaks of. I think that we should whole-heartedly be seeking the peace of God. Those that are not seeking peace, make me wonder, did Christ come only to save your life and not to change your life?

May Peace favor you,

Danny the Red.

He Emptied Himself

When I read the passage of Phil. 2:5-11, the phrase “He emptied himself,” immediately I asked myself many questions about just how empty Christ became. Did he lay aside his omnipresence? It sure seems so, as he was bound by the restrictions of time and space. Did he lay aside his omniscience? It sure seems so when he stated that he did not know when the time of His return would be. Did he give up his omni benevolence? That surely does not seem to be the case. These arguments, though puzzling, don’t seem to be the focus of what that piece of scripture is about. I believe that the focus of this passage is to attempt to show us exactly what the very definition of humility is and how far we are to take it. The creator of the universe took on the form of a lowly creation. The master of everything became the servant of everyone. He carried this humility to the point of death. This is a perfect example of humility for us to imitate, and I believe that this was the intention of this passage.

Craig A. Golden

Co-senders

Did the co-senders have any voice in the letters that were being sent? Polhill expresses that some people believe that the co-senders such as Timothy or Sothenes, who is the co-sender of 1 Corinthians, may have had say in the content of Paul’s letters. I must admit that I have never thought about this issue before now. I always thought that the letters were from Paul’s words alone. Perhaps Paul allowed his brothers to add their thoughts to his work. I don’t think it would be necessarily wrong to believe that this is possible but I have a feeling that their names appear to show that they endorse all that is being said to the churches. If the men have a strong connection with the church it seems good that they are supporting the teachings of Paul. I think the important thing to see is that all the leaders have unity over the doctrine that the Holy Spirit is allowing them to teach. The teachings need to be precisely the same so that there is not any confusion.

stephen foust

Joy

I really enjoyed reading about Joy this past week in Dictionary of Paul's Letters. The word Joy in our society can be used in such loose terms, but it is not something that is fleeting or something that can be lost. Joy in the Lord. Wow. I have dealt with the whole 'joy' word for the past year when confronted to struggles in my life, and though I may get down in the dumps there is always a hope in my Soveriegn God. I liked how the term joy was discussed and empasized, and basically said that Paul was a Joy Preacher...he preached on having Joy and its necessity in the Christian Walk.

Abbi

Pauline Authorship and Canonization

The authorship of the Pauline Corpus and its component epistles may be one of the greatest controversies in New Testament scholarship. There seem to be just as many scholars as there are opinions. I discovered this issue last year, while studying a passage in 1 Timothy. For scholars that doubt Pauline authorship, the pastoral epistles seem to be the first books to receive the mark of doubt regarding the authorship of Paul. Despite recognition of the criticisms surrounding the Pauline Corpus, Polhill recognizes that the value of the epistles may lie in their Pauline nature rather than Pauline authorship. Regardless of actual authorship, one must concede that Paul’s original letters had a definite influence on subsequent epistles of "Pauline nature", if they were not written by Paul himself. I believe that the best argument for the canonization of the entire Pauline corpus lies in the text itself. As some would say, "The proof is in the pudding." One may examine the use of the epistles in the decades following its creation, but time has muddied the waters of subsequent uses of the epistles. Scholarship has not reached a consensus on the compilation of the Pauline corpus. Thus, I believe that the best way to examine the validity of an epistle is to compare its elements with that of well established epistles. I believe that once one examines the corpus as a whole, it is difficult to pick apart certain epistles as false or theologically unsound.
In Christ,
the other Paul

The missing puzzle pieces

It seems the more I learn the more questions I have. Scholars just seem to constantly debate and theorize about dates, authorships, locations, people groups, and on down the line about everything I look in biblical studies. It seems to me that there are so many crucial things that are not answered that can totally change perspectives on context. How much more would we know if we knew exactly who were Paul’s opponents and beliefs. How much difference it would make if we knew what all of Paul’s letters, both true and false, said. What if Philippians really was a copy and paste job? Who the heck wrote Hebrews and why? If I weren’t receiving all of this education, I would be completely ignorant of the context we do know and of all the possible solutions to the things we don’t. The thing I guess that is really getting under my skin is why didn’t Paul get specific? I guess the main reason would be that the recipients would already know the situation. But, did Paul not know that what he wrote was going to be universally applied to the church for centuries to come? If he did, one would think that he would have been a little more specific in his letters about the entire situation. I guess in the long run, asking questions that may never be answered will just give you a headache and allow you to miss the entire point. What is crucial for the church today is to not worry about how many letters make up Philippians, but to embrace the message of joy, unity, and servant hood. While it would be amazing to know everything there is to know about context and authorship, I doubt it will ever come to be. Ultimately, we must rely on faith and not scholarship, as hard as that may be at times. I just hope that we future ministers still remember that ultimately, God is the provider for wisdom and our finite human understanding will never be adequate.

Travis Adams

Canonization of the Pauline Letters

The canonization of Paul's writings in the DPL was very informative. I had never heard of the Deutero-Pauline hypothesis. It suggests that after Paul's death an individual or individuals of the Pauline school of theology gathered his material to reveal his writings and theology to later generations.

Marcion rejected the Old Testament as an inferior perspective of God and the Law. He inadvertently helped establish Paul by his deliberate selection of Paul's letters in which he viewed supported his rejection of the Old Testament. The ten letters he selected helped establish the collection of Paul's Letters.

The Chester Beatty Codex is the earliest extant verification of Paul's Letters. I am not sure what the numbers with the letter "P" are, I can't read that small of print.

Paul's letters were canonized because they were recognized as "part of the apostolic deposit of faith".

Vicky