I have truly enjoyed Pauline Epistles over the last semester. There is much more to Pauline studies than I first expected, but the study has opened my eyes to a number of important ideas. First of all, Pauline literature encompasses much more than a text. The occasional letters of Paul respond to specific issues in specific places. We may not be able to completely understand the occasion of a letter, but the study of cultural and religious aspects of the first century world yields important information concerning the context of Pauline letters. Secondly, the field of New Testament literature is not static. The Pauline Corpus has been intact for nearly two millenia, but theories and scholarship continued to change throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century. Scholars such as F.C. Baur develop theories concerning Paul's opponents and controversy within the church. Schools of thought rise and fall with the discovery of new information and the passage of time.
Though scholarship changes over the passage of time, the letters of Paul remain the same. They have persevered as examples of apostolic leadership. While the modern church cannot understand all of the dynamics of the first century church, the Pauline Corpus contains guidance that is still relevant to the modern church. A great professor of mine once said, "begin with the end in mind." Such an admonishment challenges one to begin a course with the intention of finishing strong, and finish without forgetting the original goals or foundation of the course. This weekend, I was thinking about the above statement while I was finishing the reading log. I ran across 2 Timothy 2:14-26, the scripture passage that Dr. Foster addressed in the initial class period. As a young minister of the gospel, I believe that Paul's admonishment is one of the most positive, encouraging, and truthful admonishments that one might receive. If each individual did his best to present one's self to God, a number of the issues that Paul addressed would not exist in the modern church. With this in mind, the most important aspect of Pauline studies is the application of Biblical principles in the context of daily living.
It's been real. It's been fun. It's been really fun,
the other Paul
Monday, April 24, 2006
A Walk to Remember
I have truly enjoyed Pauline Epistles over the last semester. There is much more to Pauline studies than I first expected, but the study has opened my eyes to a number of important ideas. First of all, Pauline literature encompasses much more than a text. The occasional letters of Paul respond to specific issues in specific places. We may not be able to completely understand the occasion of a letter, but the study of cultural and religious aspects of the first century world yields important information concerning the context of Pauline letters. Secondly, the field of New Testament literature is not static. The Pauline Corpus has been intact for nearly two millenia, but theories and scholarship continued to change throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century. Scholars such as F.C. Baur develop theories concerning Paul's opponents and controversy within the church. Schools of thought rise and fall with the discovery of new information and the passage of time.
Though scholarship changes over the passage of time, the letters of Paul remain the same. They have persevered as examples of apostolic leadership. While the modern church cannot understand all of the dynamics of the first century church, the Pauline Corpus contains guidance that is still relevant to the modern church. A great professor of mine once said, "begin with the end in mind." Such an admonishment challenges one to begin a course with the intention of finishing strong, and finish without forgetting the original goals or foundation of the course. This weekend, I was thinking about the above statement while I was finishing the reading log. I ran across 2 Timothy 2:14-26, the scripture passage that Dr. Foster addressed in the initial class period. As a young minister of the gospel, I believe that Paul's admonishment is one of the most positive, encouraging, and truthful admonishments that one might receive. If each individual did his best to present one's self to God, a number of the issues that Paul addressed would not exist in the modern church. With this in mind, the most important aspect of Pauline studies is the application of Biblical principles in the context of daily living.
It's been real. It's been fun. It's been really fun,
the other Paul
Though scholarship changes over the passage of time, the letters of Paul remain the same. They have persevered as examples of apostolic leadership. While the modern church cannot understand all of the dynamics of the first century church, the Pauline Corpus contains guidance that is still relevant to the modern church. A great professor of mine once said, "begin with the end in mind." Such an admonishment challenges one to begin a course with the intention of finishing strong, and finish without forgetting the original goals or foundation of the course. This weekend, I was thinking about the above statement while I was finishing the reading log. I ran across 2 Timothy 2:14-26, the scripture passage that Dr. Foster addressed in the initial class period. As a young minister of the gospel, I believe that Paul's admonishment is one of the most positive, encouraging, and truthful admonishments that one might receive. If each individual did his best to present one's self to God, a number of the issues that Paul addressed would not exist in the modern church. With this in mind, the most important aspect of Pauline studies is the application of Biblical principles in the context of daily living.
It's been real. It's been fun. It's been really fun,
the other Paul
What a long, crazy ride its been...
It seems like we just started and now it's over. I have to admit when Dr. Foster said during the first day that "this class will haunt you" I was wondering a bit what exactly it was that I had gotten myself into, but this class has been the most informative, yet exhausting academic endeavor I have ever undertaken. I have never leaned so much in my life. I had absolutely no idea about most of the things that we studied, or ever questioned some of the things we debated. The Polhill text has proved to be a very helpful tool in Pauline Studies. I am very glad (now) that we had the reading assignments, for they have been very helpful in bringing issues out in a new light.
When I was registering for classes at the end of last semester I was reminded time and time again that "Pauline is the hardest class offered at Williams." In some respects I am sure it is, however I know that in the years to come I will look back upon my time in Pauline Epistles and realize that it was here that I first gained my knowledge and understanding of the background of the Apostle Paul and the first century world in which he was writing. I am forever greatful for what I have gained this semester in this class.
In Christ,
Steven Price
(Stevo)
When I was registering for classes at the end of last semester I was reminded time and time again that "Pauline is the hardest class offered at Williams." In some respects I am sure it is, however I know that in the years to come I will look back upon my time in Pauline Epistles and realize that it was here that I first gained my knowledge and understanding of the background of the Apostle Paul and the first century world in which he was writing. I am forever greatful for what I have gained this semester in this class.
In Christ,
Steven Price
(Stevo)
Pauline, Pauline... My, how time flys.
When I thought about all of the things that I got from taking this course, I realized that I really have learned alot. My whole view of Paul before his conversion call experience may be one of the biggest changes in my understanding that I have experienced. The fact that Paul wasn't just some kind of monster before he met Christ on the road to Damascus, just someone who was passionate about his beliefs. He was no less passionate about the cause for Christ when he learned the truth.
Also the influences that played a part in the developement of Paul's preaching and teaching techniques was a concept that I hadn't heard of before Pauline. The use of rhetoric and simularities with some of Paul's methods and the apocrypha were very interesting as well.
I will miss the class very much...
The Blogging on the other hand...
Also the influences that played a part in the developement of Paul's preaching and teaching techniques was a concept that I hadn't heard of before Pauline. The use of rhetoric and simularities with some of Paul's methods and the apocrypha were very interesting as well.
I will miss the class very much...
The Blogging on the other hand...
What I Have Learned
I have learned tht a paranesis is a moral or value lesson. Paul's outline of his writings include: address, thanksgiving, body, paranesis, greetings, and closing benedition. The social situations and content of Paul's time are very relavant to the interpretation of the text. I realized the importance of knowing the existence of gnosticism and mystery religions in order to have spiritual discernment and understand the context of what Paul was saying. Paul helped them to understand that just to know Christ and Him being crucified, buried, and resurrected enables you to understand the spiritual.
The idea of a slave as understood in Paul's day was different than what we consider a slave to be today. Paul addressed defective wisdom. I discovered that the Patra familia comes from God. In Hebrew theology, God is the Patron who provides divine wisdom. He protects and takes care of His people. God is the Patra familia over Christ who is over the Church. Paul illustrates that patronage is alright, as long as you have the right patron. Human wisom is defective. It took the church and fractured it into four parts: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. True wisdom and true church leaders should be servant leaders, and Christ focused and centered. Leaders are formed from servanthood, and not power. A true Christian leader must serve before he/she can lead.
Vicky
The idea of a slave as understood in Paul's day was different than what we consider a slave to be today. Paul addressed defective wisdom. I discovered that the Patra familia comes from God. In Hebrew theology, God is the Patron who provides divine wisdom. He protects and takes care of His people. God is the Patra familia over Christ who is over the Church. Paul illustrates that patronage is alright, as long as you have the right patron. Human wisom is defective. It took the church and fractured it into four parts: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. True wisdom and true church leaders should be servant leaders, and Christ focused and centered. Leaders are formed from servanthood, and not power. A true Christian leader must serve before he/she can lead.
Vicky
Pauline Epistles, An Overview
I think that the class in Pauline Epistles was very effective. It was effective to me not because I was spiritually fed, though at times I was, but because I grew intelectually in my knowledge of first century society. I can read the Bible for myself, yet it was good for me to be taught about the workings of the Mediteranean world and how they impacted Paul. Without fail the best read in this class, and maybe in my whole college career thus far, was Bruce Winter's After Paul Left Corinth. This book was so intriguing and it helped me so much to really discover some of the motives and thoughts of Paul. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the group project. It is by far, the most fun project that I have had here at this school. I enjoyed the oppurtunity to be creative, as well as the challange to set myself in the mind of Paul.
I think so often in Christianity we approach everything with a mythical perspective. We want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside and we do not really challenge ourselves academically. I think this is suicidal for the Christian religion. We must be a people that learn the Word of God, that learn the aspects behind it, that learn the criticism of it. If truly desire to grow the faith and to grow in our faith, I think we must understand this. I enjoyed this class because it did challenge my intellect. To be quite frank: I think the church needs less hocus-pocus and emotion and more in depth study and interpretation of the word fo God.
I think so often in Christianity we approach everything with a mythical perspective. We want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside and we do not really challenge ourselves academically. I think this is suicidal for the Christian religion. We must be a people that learn the Word of God, that learn the aspects behind it, that learn the criticism of it. If truly desire to grow the faith and to grow in our faith, I think we must understand this. I enjoyed this class because it did challenge my intellect. To be quite frank: I think the church needs less hocus-pocus and emotion and more in depth study and interpretation of the word fo God.
One last post... (Unless there is another)
This semester in Pauline Epistles has been very interesting. When class first started I realized that this class was going to push me more than any other class I had taken and I was right. This class forced me to look at Paul in a new perspective. We started the semester off by doing a background study of Paul’s life before Christ and we learned about the area in which he grew up in. It is surprising how much we truly miss when we just open our bibles and go straight to a commentary for help with the passage. This class showed me the importance of understanding the person that wrote the book withing the bible. Not only did this class force me to learn about Paul, but I will now try to read about the other authors of the bible to get a better understanding of them and what they wrote.
This semester in Pauline Epistles has been fun as well as educational. Even though it is a upper-level course that pushed our abilities and stress level’s, it was still fun. If this class would not have been as tough as it was, I would probably have gotten nothing out of it. Also, I fell good knowing that the grade I get, I earned, because the class was no put on. Overall, I know have the ability to look at Paul’s writing’s and have a better understanding of why he said what he said. I can look at the scriptures and know what group of people he was talking to because, we have done a precise background study of the books he wrote. Pauline Epistles has made me look at Paul in a different light and it will make me a better preacher because of it.
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
This semester in Pauline Epistles has been fun as well as educational. Even though it is a upper-level course that pushed our abilities and stress level’s, it was still fun. If this class would not have been as tough as it was, I would probably have gotten nothing out of it. Also, I fell good knowing that the grade I get, I earned, because the class was no put on. Overall, I know have the ability to look at Paul’s writing’s and have a better understanding of why he said what he said. I can look at the scriptures and know what group of people he was talking to because, we have done a precise background study of the books he wrote. Pauline Epistles has made me look at Paul in a different light and it will make me a better preacher because of it.
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Reflection of the Past Semester
It has been an amazing semester. The study of Paul’s epistles has challenged my beliefs and the way I look at Paul’s letters. I have learned the value of examining terms and concepts and what they meant to a first century Jewish mind set rather than a 21century understanding. The one lecture that truly made me realize this was the discussion on Paul’s conversion. It never occurred to me before hand that Paul never really had an understanding of conversion like Augustine discusses. I also have gained a better appreciation of the use of primary sources. This class has shown me how to use those sources to gain a better understanding of not only the culture but the literary styles that are found in Paul’s letters. Also, this class has made me think more about sociological studies and their significance on biblical studies. The gentile converts in Paul’s churches still held onto their pagan mind sets after conversion. For the gentile, conversion was a radical life change. Everything they knew and every behavior they formed was called to be altered for the sake of Christ. Before this class, I always viewed the recipients of Paul’s letters to be foolish. Now I realize that they were involved in a radical life change and that kind of altercation toke much effort and was very hard. We today also struggle with being completely Christ like in our behavior after being believers for even several years. We have more in common with the gentiles in Paul’s letters than I realize.
Before this class, I had the mind set that by studying enough resources on the biblical text that I would be able to have a great understanding of exactly what is going on in Paul’s letters and be able to answer all the hard questions that all my youth group kids would ask. The truth is after studying all the reconstructions of Paul’s letters and the debate on the countless possible opponents of Paul, I have more questions than when I started. I have learned that ultimately no matter how hard I try I will not be able to answer all the questions about the bible. I have learned that ultimately Christianity is a faith issue and not the intellectual studies that I have tried to make it at times. It is ok that I do not know everything, because I believe that my God is big enough to provide for me and guide me through the journey of life in ministry and ultimately it is He that changes people and heals their wounds and not me.
Before this class, I had the mind set that by studying enough resources on the biblical text that I would be able to have a great understanding of exactly what is going on in Paul’s letters and be able to answer all the hard questions that all my youth group kids would ask. The truth is after studying all the reconstructions of Paul’s letters and the debate on the countless possible opponents of Paul, I have more questions than when I started. I have learned that ultimately no matter how hard I try I will not be able to answer all the questions about the bible. I have learned that ultimately Christianity is a faith issue and not the intellectual studies that I have tried to make it at times. It is ok that I do not know everything, because I believe that my God is big enough to provide for me and guide me through the journey of life in ministry and ultimately it is He that changes people and heals their wounds and not me.
Reflection on the Past Semester
It has been an amazing semester. The study of Paul’s epistles has challenged my beliefs and the way I look at Paul’s letters. I have learned the value of examining terms and concepts and what they meant to a first century Jewish mind set rather than a 21century understanding. The one lecture that truly made me realize this was the discussion on Paul’s conversion. It never occured to me before hand that Paul never really had an understanding of conversion like Augustine discusses. I also have gained a better appreciation of the use of primary sources. This class has shown me how to use those sources to gain a better understanding of not only the culture but the literary styles that are found in Paul’s letters. Also, this class has made me think more about sociological studies and their significance on biblical studies. The gentile converts in Paul’s churches still held onto their pagan mind sets after conversion. For the gentile, conversion was a radical life change. Everything they knew and every behavior they formed was called to be altered for the sake of Christ. Before this class, I always viewed the recipients of Paul’s letters to be foolish. Now I realize that they were involved in a radical life change and that kind of altercation toke much effort and was very hard. We today also struggle with being completely Christ like in our behavior after being believers for even several years. We have more in common with the gentiles in Paul’s letters than I realize.
Before this class, I had the mind set that by studying enough resources on the biblical text that I would be able to have a great understanding of exactly what is going on in Paul’s letters and be able to answer all the hard questions that all my youth group kids would ask. The truth is after studying all the reconstructions of Paul’s letters and the debate on the countless possible opponents of Paul, I have more questions than when I started. I have learned that ultimately no matter how hard I try I will not be able to answer all the questions about the bible. I have learned that ultimately Christianity is a faith issue and not the intellectual studies that I have tried to make it at times. It is ok that I do not know everything, because I believe that my God is big enough to provide for me and guide me through the journey of life in ministry and ultimately it is He that changes people and heals their wounds and not me.
Travis Adams
Before this class, I had the mind set that by studying enough resources on the biblical text that I would be able to have a great understanding of exactly what is going on in Paul’s letters and be able to answer all the hard questions that all my youth group kids would ask. The truth is after studying all the reconstructions of Paul’s letters and the debate on the countless possible opponents of Paul, I have more questions than when I started. I have learned that ultimately no matter how hard I try I will not be able to answer all the questions about the bible. I have learned that ultimately Christianity is a faith issue and not the intellectual studies that I have tried to make it at times. It is ok that I do not know everything, because I believe that my God is big enough to provide for me and guide me through the journey of life in ministry and ultimately it is He that changes people and heals their wounds and not me.
Travis Adams
Reflection on the Past Semester
It has been an amazing semester. The study of Paul’s epistles has challenged my beliefs and the way I look at Paul’s letters. I have learned the value of examining terms and concepts and what they meant to a first century Jewish mind set rather than a 21century understanding. The one lecture that truly made me realize this was the discussion on Paul’s conversion. It never occured to me before hand that Paul never really had an understanding of conversion like Augustine discusses. I also have gained a better appreciation of the use of primary sources. This class has shown me how to use those sources to gain a better understanding of not only the culture but the literary styles that are found in Paul’s letters. Also, this class has made me think more about sociological studies and their significance on biblical studies. The gentile converts in Paul’s churches still held onto their pagan mind sets after conversion. For the gentile, conversion was a radical life change. Everything they knew and every behavior they formed was called to be altered for the sake of Christ. Before this class, I always viewed the recipients of Paul’s letters to be foolish. Now I realize that they were involved in a radical life change and that kind of altercation toke much effort and was very hard. We today also struggle with being completely Christ like in our behavior after being believers for even several years. We have more in common with the gentiles in Paul’s letters than I realize.
Before this class, I had the mind set that by studying enough resources on the biblical text that I would be able to have a great understanding of exactly what is going on in Paul’s letters and be able to answer all the hard questions that all my youth group kids would ask. The truth is after studying all the reconstructions of Paul’s letters and the debate on the countless possible opponents of Paul, I have more questions than when I started. I have learned that ultimately no matter how hard I try I will not be able to answer all the questions about the bible. I have learned that ultimately Christianity is a faith issue and not the intellectual studies that I have tried to make it at times. It is ok that I do not know everything, because I believe that my God is big enough to provide for me and guide me through the journey of life in ministry and ultimately it is He that changes people and heals their wounds and not me.
Travis Adams
Before this class, I had the mind set that by studying enough resources on the biblical text that I would be able to have a great understanding of exactly what is going on in Paul’s letters and be able to answer all the hard questions that all my youth group kids would ask. The truth is after studying all the reconstructions of Paul’s letters and the debate on the countless possible opponents of Paul, I have more questions than when I started. I have learned that ultimately no matter how hard I try I will not be able to answer all the questions about the bible. I have learned that ultimately Christianity is a faith issue and not the intellectual studies that I have tried to make it at times. It is ok that I do not know everything, because I believe that my God is big enough to provide for me and guide me through the journey of life in ministry and ultimately it is He that changes people and heals their wounds and not me.
Travis Adams
Saturday, April 22, 2006
SEMESTER that might haunt you!!!!!
I still remember Dr. Foster's words on the first day of class "this class will haunt you" and indeed at times such as two or three in the morning during the semester it has on certain days but all in all I feel it has been well worth the stress it has given with all the demands it has shed on me. This class has really made me think about many things in a new light such as Paul's "conversion" and whether it was even that. It has also made me dive deeper into the text at times to understand the meaning of the text than I generally have in the past. I have been reminded this semester that every word in scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness and that it is not just advice but is actually "purpose driven".
Through the major paper for the class I was stretched academically and spiritually as I honestly explored what Paul actually meant when he wrote Ephesians 2:1-10. Over many long nights and sweat and tears and maybe a little bit of blood I really began to understand what Grace really was better than it had ever been explained to me by anyone in the past. I feel throughout this class I have been better prepared to lead others and that I am realizing the amount of study that should be poured into God's word not only for teaching but also for our own relationships with God to grow.
In the words of a wise man....."peace be with you"(yeah I am talking about Jesus)
Ira R.
Through the major paper for the class I was stretched academically and spiritually as I honestly explored what Paul actually meant when he wrote Ephesians 2:1-10. Over many long nights and sweat and tears and maybe a little bit of blood I really began to understand what Grace really was better than it had ever been explained to me by anyone in the past. I feel throughout this class I have been better prepared to lead others and that I am realizing the amount of study that should be poured into God's word not only for teaching but also for our own relationships with God to grow.
In the words of a wise man....."peace be with you"(yeah I am talking about Jesus)
Ira R.
...and That's the Whole Ball of Wax
The Pauline Corpus has always had an impact for me on my life. To think that some Pharisee who used to persecute Christianity could experience some miraculous appearing of the risen Christ and become Christianity's strongest advocate and defender is a feat that only God could arrange. I have learned many things about Paul's life and ministry: Grace was a major theme of Pauls writings; boasting is not sinful when used to glorify the Lord; but I believe the idea that I have come to understand throughout the writings of Paul is the significance of suffering in the Christian life. This idea pops up in almost every writing by Paul; he was one of the best experienced in this turmoil for the sake of Christ. It only gives me hope that when I am suffering for my faith, Christ is right there beside me nodding his head saying, "Now you are taking up your cross."
Pauline Epistles will be a class that will stick with me (haunt me) for the rest of my life. I praise God that I chose to take this class and even more so that I was challenged in many ways by it (ideologically, mentally, spiritually, sometimes even physically). The environment of the class itself was very relaxed to me and made me comfortable in my note taking and in understanding the concepts, especially the ones I had never heard of. Blogging itself created challenges for the sake of time; but I personally enjoyed it that I was able to think of a theological idea from a different standpoint or sometimes just pat someone on the back and tell them that I agreed with them. All in all, regardless of grade, Pauline Epistles will ever be in my heart.
Zach Pyron (DTS/AIC...DEAD TO SIN/ALIVE IN CHRIST)
Pauline Epistles will be a class that will stick with me (haunt me) for the rest of my life. I praise God that I chose to take this class and even more so that I was challenged in many ways by it (ideologically, mentally, spiritually, sometimes even physically). The environment of the class itself was very relaxed to me and made me comfortable in my note taking and in understanding the concepts, especially the ones I had never heard of. Blogging itself created challenges for the sake of time; but I personally enjoyed it that I was able to think of a theological idea from a different standpoint or sometimes just pat someone on the back and tell them that I agreed with them. All in all, regardless of grade, Pauline Epistles will ever be in my heart.
Zach Pyron (DTS/AIC...DEAD TO SIN/ALIVE IN CHRIST)
Wrapping it all up...in a box of sardines!
So this semester in Pauline has been interesting, and challenging. I have really enjoyed getting completely emersed in the Pauline Corpus. There is so much more still to learn from Paul and his ministry. One of my favorite things about this class, and one of the things that made the class alot easier to enjoy and learn, was Dr Foster's passion for most of the subjects. It is always easier to sit through a Tuesday/Thursday class if the teacher wants to be there, and enjoys teaching and discussing the material being presented. I also enjoyed the seminar, this was a first time expierence for me, and I think that more professors should consider this in thier upper level classes.
Along with gaining more knowledge from this course...I gained some new friends. There were alot of people in this class, that I had never talked to nor had I had the opprotunity to talk to before. I really enjoyed getting to know my fellow ministry majors better, some I had known for awhile, and also the ones I didn't know at all. All in All, this class has challenged me spiritually, it has provided some encouragement for my daily life...and well also my academic life...which I guess is daily life too...but anyway, I really got a lot out of this class. So Hasta Pasta!
Abbilicious
Along with gaining more knowledge from this course...I gained some new friends. There were alot of people in this class, that I had never talked to nor had I had the opprotunity to talk to before. I really enjoyed getting to know my fellow ministry majors better, some I had known for awhile, and also the ones I didn't know at all. All in All, this class has challenged me spiritually, it has provided some encouragement for my daily life...and well also my academic life...which I guess is daily life too...but anyway, I really got a lot out of this class. So Hasta Pasta!
Abbilicious
Friday, April 21, 2006
Another one bites the dust
According to yesterday's horoscope I will be rewarded for the work I've accomplished, as I've learned this semester, I guess only time will tell. I've been shown how Paul was masterful at the way he pastored and mentored people. Without being overly harsh or arrogant he put people in their place by being honest with them out of love. He found ways to teach them that were familiar to them and sometimes had special significance to them. Paul's consistancy and passion for the health of the local church is to be admired and imulated. I think that churches today could use some honesty out of love and concern rather than leaders being afraid of rejection or retaliation. I know now by looking at Paul's letters that their is a way to communicate concerns to a body of believers out of love for them without attacking them or insulting their intellegence.
Outside of that, I've learned an abundance of contextual information that I did not know before, and had to relearn some things that I thought wrong. The importance of the culture and civilization became much more apperent this semester. In writing my paper I learned that although there may be questions about who wrote what and when, there is still truth in what we have before us, and by looking past the doubt we strengthen our faith in God and His providence through the scriptures.
I need to apologize for spelling errors due to my drowsiness. pseudoephedrine works wonders. All hail the mighty Drixoral.
Well, that's enough out of me...peace out.
Mr. Bill Lee Faber
Outside of that, I've learned an abundance of contextual information that I did not know before, and had to relearn some things that I thought wrong. The importance of the culture and civilization became much more apperent this semester. In writing my paper I learned that although there may be questions about who wrote what and when, there is still truth in what we have before us, and by looking past the doubt we strengthen our faith in God and His providence through the scriptures.
I need to apologize for spelling errors due to my drowsiness. pseudoephedrine works wonders. All hail the mighty Drixoral.
Well, that's enough out of me...peace out.
Mr. Bill Lee Faber
Reflections on a Semester
What has Pauline Epistles taught me? Nothing. Nothing at all.
That is, unless you count things like the Beatitudes of an Exegete...or the tests of a good interpretation...or the two-city approach to understanding Paul...or the reinterpretation of Paul's conversion in the paradigm of the call of an OT prophet...or a detailed understanding of the first, second and third missionary journeys...or the inherent contrasts between Lukan and Pauline theologies.
But I mean, if you're going to count stuff like that, you might as well also count things like the compositional analysis of Philippians...or a deeper, better understanding of Paul's opponents...or the right way to perform a mirror reading of an epistle...or the theological and social problems occurring in Corinth that prompted two canonical letters from Paul...or the overarching themes of Romans...or the historical, stylistic, and theological problems associated with incorporating Colossians into the Pauline corpus...or the impact of Second Temple Judaism upon the deciphering of confusing Pauline passages.
But c'mon...who cares about that stuff?
(Hint: I do.)
That is, unless you count things like the Beatitudes of an Exegete...or the tests of a good interpretation...or the two-city approach to understanding Paul...or the reinterpretation of Paul's conversion in the paradigm of the call of an OT prophet...or a detailed understanding of the first, second and third missionary journeys...or the inherent contrasts between Lukan and Pauline theologies.
But I mean, if you're going to count stuff like that, you might as well also count things like the compositional analysis of Philippians...or a deeper, better understanding of Paul's opponents...or the right way to perform a mirror reading of an epistle...or the theological and social problems occurring in Corinth that prompted two canonical letters from Paul...or the overarching themes of Romans...or the historical, stylistic, and theological problems associated with incorporating Colossians into the Pauline corpus...or the impact of Second Temple Judaism upon the deciphering of confusing Pauline passages.
But c'mon...who cares about that stuff?
(Hint: I do.)
Monday, April 17, 2006
Virtue List
Paul gives a virtue list to the Christian’s at Colossi in chapter three verse twelve. He says to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Paul continues to with forgiveness and love. I think this is very good for every believer to look and ask themselves whether their life reflects these Christ like attribute. I believe the most important virtue comes in verse fourteen when Paul says to put on love. If we have love then compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are taken care of. Paul declares that love is the perfect bond of unity. Having real unity within the church seems impossible but it is a necessity. It is well known that the church does not function the way it should without unity. The issue is that believers need to be able to love as Christ loved them.
Stephen
Stephen
Pure Doctrine
My favorite part of the discussion today in class involved the opponents of Paul and his teachings. The Jewish opponents emphasized the Jewish holy days such as the annual festivals, the Sabboths, and the New Moon celebrations. I am sure that this "hit a nerve" with Paul. His main purpose in writing to the church at Colosse was to bring to the attention of the new Christians the importance of guarding against false teachings. The Jewish opponents were trying to acceive piety by their observances of their Jewish traditions. Paul was trying to emphazise the importance of focusing on Jesus and humility. Paul was demonstrating that their concept of humility by practicing outward bodily sacrificial actions was not really being humble but a status symbal. What one does in private correspondance with God is what counts, not outward actions.
Vicky
Vicky
The Mystery Book
Of the many questions about the book of Colossians and if it is even Pauline at all, the one that stood out the most to me was the one dealing with the issues of Colosse. This has a lot to do with all the rest of the questions, because most scholars think that the language in Colossians is different then all the other Pauline books. While this is true for the most part it is different language because Paul is dealing with different opponents, and he does it by using their language and thier culture to show them the reality of Christ, and this is infact a Pauline concept to doing things. Paul is reaching out to them on their level and by doing this he shows them how important it is to have the real teaching of Scriptures and not the false teachings of the many diverse supposed concepts that the city was supposely full of. Things ranging from Hellenistic Mysteries to Jewsih Mysticism and all the many in between that we discussed in class today. I think that when you put into context that Paul is always trying to show the simplicity of the Gospel, but showing that though it is easy to become a Christian but very difficult to be a Christian he is giving them the full truth. This is how I like to minister to people as well, by reaching them on their level, because all this theolgy jargon they might not know, but they can know the truth if you reach them on their level. Disciple OF a Glorified God , JB
Requesting Prayer from a Brother is not the same as praying through a Saint.
I am responding to the comment about asking our others to pray on our behalf. It is not the same as praying to a saint on our behalf. There is nothing wrong or unbiblical about praying for one another. I also believe that we are supposed to lift each other up in prayer. I don't think that any of us believe if our Pastor prays for us that the prayer will be heard over ours. On the contrary, Catholics do believe whether their doctrinal statement says so or not, that the Saints as well as the priest prayers are heard over their indivual prayers, or they wouldn't go to confession or hold the virgin Mary in such high regards. The idea of asking a brother to pray for you has not been taken to the extent of praying through the saints. We do not make statues or wear beads, or have paintings of the brothers we ask to pray for us in our homes or churches. The idea of a person who is dead praying on my behalf is not logical. We also don't know for sure that just because the Catholic Church deems someone as a saint that they are held as a saint in heaven. Some Catholics don't even agree on who should become a Saint. There also is no scriptural basis for someone in heaven to have any interaction with the living on earth. I understand the point that was trying to be made in class, and some do fall into that category, but not those who know better. The bottom line is that praying for someone else is not the same as asking a dead person to pray for you. All men are created equally in the eyes of God.
Paul's Opponents
I am suprised not more people mentioned that God was a woman. I figured that would raise a few eyebrows and get some fingers to typing. Unfortunately this is also not going to be a persuasive argument about how God is feminine and therefore wears womens jeans (Father forgive me for my blasphemy...). The most intriguing part of this Colossians discussion of Paul has been the idea of his opponents. There is so much specualtion as to who was the problem and there are many persuasive arguments out there to support every idea. Yet, I feel that Polhill did give the most practical explination when he mentioned that Paul's opponents were a blend of the different speculations. Which brought of the point of over simplifying the matter. Paul had opponents when writing this letter, that is proven. And I believe that is a combination of different opponents and not a set form of opponents.
Paul the Hymnist?
I like how Polhill talks about the “stanzas” of Paul’s Christ Hymn: first stanza—Christ, Firstborn of creation; second stanza—Christ, Firstborn from among the dead. The idea of Christ’s presence in the creation reflects the idea that John portrays in the 1st chapter: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” For years I have often thought that Jesus was an afterthought (God already knew he was going to do it, but he thought he would try the Law first) of creation, but I have come to realize through my understanding of theology that Jesus was there the whole time and was in the forefront of God’s mind from the very act of creation. Christ is also the firstborn from among the dead; this is a nearly eschatological idea pointing to the resurrection of everyone else too. Jesus has already experienced the death and resurrection to make him that much better than us. I think someone should take this hymn idea and run with it…no Stamps and Baxter…Baptist Hymnal!
essesnes
I have to say that I think that Colossians was written in responce to the essesnes. From my study of the essesnes the list of problems that Paul has seems to hit several of the essesnian beliefs. If the synogue in Colossi was essesnian then the essesnes would have much influeance with the people. We have seen how that Jews from the synogue have caused Paul trouble before, why not the essesnes?
Danny
Danny
No other god's before me...
Does angel worship have any significance in today’s society? In doing a brief study about angel worship in Colosse, I understood that angel worship can still be looked at in today’s society. At first I would not have thought that, but I now do. No matter which group had an influence or how they actually worshiped angels, they were still putting God second. I look at society today and see films were people in some sort of way envy angels. There are a lot of movies today that focus on angels instead of God and we see several of them through out our lives. I think the most important thing to understand about the passage of scripture is there should be no other god’s before him. Why worship something that the creator made?
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
Prayer to Who?!
"Worship of angels and saints" was put into better perspective for me today. I did not know from where the "justification" of such acts actually derived from. Though it is not worship (theoretically/doctrinally), it many times is precieved that way in such traditions as Catholicism and Greek orthodox and even Lutheranism. I was glad to know that the roots of such practices came from upright motives; the idea of encouraging "saints/angels=holy ones" to interceed upon our behalf is not such a terrible thing. Like Dr. Foster said, it is similar to our protestant tradition of asking a "strong brother" to pray for us. But does our own tradtion not leave way for person worship? Possibly... probably. In either case it can be dangerous to place others on such high pedestals.
Jesus is, The Savior, the Advocate, the Redeemer, and the Righteos One, by who's blood we are made righteous.
The fact of the matter is Paul prayed for others and Jesus prayed for others, so then should we. either of the two prayed to anyone but God the Father.
Jesus is, The Savior, the Advocate, the Redeemer, and the Righteos One, by who's blood we are made righteous.
The fact of the matter is Paul prayed for others and Jesus prayed for others, so then should we. either of the two prayed to anyone but God the Father.
a Colossian and American problem
I really like Paul’s exaltation of Christ in Colossians because like the recipients I also find myself seeing Christ as inadequate. Our society permeates with this mindset. If you don’t believe me, observe our culture. What has everyone asked you about your weekend? Probably the question, “what did you do?” I don’t have a problem with the question; I am sure I asked others the same thing, but why do we not ask, “how was worship or what did Christ do?” We have an inclination that we must be busy doing something fun or our time is wasted. I catch myself jam packing my free time and thoughts with all kinds of activities; internet surfing, sports, canoeing, biking, and time with friends. Lately I have often put “practicing the presence of God” underneath happiness. As if Christ is not adequate to provide joy, peace, and fulfillment. The Colossians were doing the same thing, but in a different way. Paul’s word to them was, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him al things were created: things in heaven and on earth…He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” He created a tiny earth in a huge universe. Christ is far above being worthy of worship and we should worship him.
kevin
kevin
saints, angels and the like...
Coming from a Catholic family I can fully appreciate the comment by Dr. Foster about praying to saints. It has always been told to me that Catholics do not pray to the saints, but rather through the saints. I must admit I always took the typical Baptist stance on the issue and regarded praying through a saint to God to be pointless and a bit childish. It was not until today that I better understood the issue. We often have others pray for us, as if our prayers will somehow not be heard by God. This was really put in context for me today. The discussion about the use of angels in Colossians gives me reassurance that the Christians of the first century were in some extent facing the same issue that we are today. It is so amazing to me how God uses a letter written thousands of years ago to minister to us today.
-Steven Price
-Steven Price
Paul's Defense of the Gospel
I believe that the explanation of Paul's defense of himself sheds light on the position of the apostles in relation to the gospel. In modern Christianity, we separate the messengers from the message. If one major evangelist sins and loses credibility, some Christians may becomed disillusioned, but the message of the gospel will not die. On the contrary, in Paul's situation, the credibility of the gospel message hinged on the credibility of Paul. This was not necessarily a correct way to view the gospel, nevertheless the culture of honor and shame dictated that the messenger was just important as the message. I believe that such a perception of the gospel persists outside of Christian circles. Honor and shame may not be as potent as it was at the time of Paul, but many non-Christian people still watch and wait for a messenger of the gospel to fall.
In Christ,
Paul
In Christ,
Paul
Overly Complicated
Rather than agree with Pohill's statement that we overly simplify the letter of Colossians, I disagree. Based on the several arguements of Paul's opponents it seems as though we try to overly complicate it. Accepting Pohill's theory that this document may be a combination of several issues is more of a simplification. Trying to seperate Paul's opponents in to different categories makes things complicated, especially purposing different arguements for each. I like Pohill's thinking that this may be a combination of issues, but this doesn't really answer the problem at hand. Trying to decipher who his true opponents were based on the styling and vocabulary seems to more pin point the problem. This complicates the document, but searches for the true meaning behind it. Blessed are those who study text rather than topics, because they will inherit integrity.
Christ is big enough
For the past few years I have struggled with my ability to fully execute my responsibilities to the absolute best of my abilities. I try so hard to do the absolute best and have become a perfectionist. For the longest time I have feared that if I did not do the absolute best performance possible that I have failed God. Even more I feared that by not performing accurately in my ministry that the repercussions could be horrible for those who rely on me for spiritual guidance and council. I have put so much pressure on myself that I have basically become miserable, constantly trying to work in fear of failure and the results of it. But after reading the hymn in Colossians, I have realized my mistake. I had put Christ in a box and thought that the results of my ministry relied on my efforts and my planning. In reality, Christ is the one who rules all things. He conquered the powers and authorities, not I. I have repeated the mistakes of the Colossians by trying to make my studies and ministry my attempt to gain holiness and acceptance and not seeing that Christ is big enough to handle it all. I rejoice knowing that Christ is Lord over all and nothing can ever defeat Him!!! I do not plan to be a complete slacker when it comes to my responsibilities, but I can now breathe a giant sign of relief knowing that no matter how good or bad my efforts are, Christ is big enough to use me and take care of my mistakes.
Travis Adams
Travis Adams
What really matters
I think that in reading Polhill and also, after discussion in class today that it is essential to look at all views on a subject but not to forget the importance of what it all means. I am referring to the entire discussion and part in Polhill where we learned who all were possible opposers of Paul in Colossians. I think it is really good that Polhill points out that we do not always need to explain everything and have all the facts as long as we can come to an understanding as to what the major problem was and how Paul dealt with the issue. The point being that there was an 'inadequate view of Christ' in this church. Paul deals with this by giving a picture of the exalted Christ, one that Polhill argues is the most exatled in all of Paul's epistles. I like how Polhill continually brings up arguments but reminds us what we should focus on, and gets to the meat of the issues he presents.
Good stuff
Abbilicious
Good stuff
Abbilicious
Salvation
Romans 10:9 confuses me, is that a salvation experience to speak the name of Christ and believe in your heart. I hear words of people saying about their " salvation experience" is this what we are talking about here? I do believethe words of Paul and the bible as truth I just don't understand if this is a one time experience of "when I accepted Christ" or a more logical beleif of professing and believing in Christ everyday.
-Jacob
-Jacob
keep your shirt on!!!!!!
Today in class the question was raised if angel worship was really happening in Colosse and Dr. Foster made the comment that you do not create rules for things that are not being done. this made me think of Paul's writings in a different way in that many things that I saw as Paul just giving helpful advice or suggestions in his letters were probably written for a specific purpose. Looking at his writting from this standpoint makes much of Paul's writting more understandable and brings a greater impact because of specific purposes for everything written. This makes comprehension even more important as we study the texts because many if not all of the situations that Paul addresses can and will impact us in our present culture.
Peace, Ira
Peace, Ira
abstinence
In Collose, Paul is being opposed by Jews how were attempting to demonstrate holines through strict adherence to the law. These people measured their place in God's favor by doing works and by abstaining from certain things of the flesh. Paul in response to this questions these people by asking, "if you with Christ died to the elemental spirits of thwe world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to its regulations -"do not handle, do not taste, to not touch"... What is Paul saying here? Is he saying we have no need to abstain from the indulgence of the flesh because we are dead to it? (This would seem like a Gnostic argument.) No, what he is saying is that Holiness is not meausred in the law but rather in the heart. If we read the early part of the chapter (vs. 8-15) we can clearly see that verse 20 and 21 are a mere echo of what is formerly stated: Holiness and salvation is found in Christ and in the heart, not the flesh.
A recipe for unity in the church
Right after Paul speaks of things that should not be a part of the Christian life, he speaks of things that should be a part of the lives of those who are “God’s chosen ones, holy and loved.”
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul tells the church to “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”. This is a list of traits that Christians should stick with, and it seems to be mixed in with love, which Paul says is the perfect bond of unity. When harmony in a body of believers becomes broken, the problem may be traced back to failed attempts to correctly display this list of compassion and love. Why do churches split so often? Could it be that sometimes the members of the church forget the love that was freely given to them? How can someone believe that it is ok to withhold forgiveness from any person. The fact is that no one is deserving of forgiveness, but God has given it to us and we are to reflect this. If anyone has a complaint, be forgiving just as you were forgiven. This is Paul’s recipe for unity in the church.
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul tells the church to “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”. This is a list of traits that Christians should stick with, and it seems to be mixed in with love, which Paul says is the perfect bond of unity. When harmony in a body of believers becomes broken, the problem may be traced back to failed attempts to correctly display this list of compassion and love. Why do churches split so often? Could it be that sometimes the members of the church forget the love that was freely given to them? How can someone believe that it is ok to withhold forgiveness from any person. The fact is that no one is deserving of forgiveness, but God has given it to us and we are to reflect this. If anyone has a complaint, be forgiving just as you were forgiven. This is Paul’s recipe for unity in the church.
The contradicting James
I realize that it is a little late to discuss Romans, as we talked about it previously but something has been intriguing me. I encounter rather often those who say that James and Paul did not agree on issues of faith and works. It would seem in a precursory reading of the two authors that a conflict does in fact occur. However upon closer inspection of such verses as are found in Romans chapter five it is clear that Paul himself held that works were important to the faith. By no means did he intend for works to become the foundation upon which salvation was recieved but instead saw it as a natural outgrowth of his faith. I have long felt, and now it has been confirmed, that the works that we see in our lives are important because of what they show off, but showing them off does not make one more spiritual.
Kenneth
Kenneth
Paradigmatic Instability
For two thousand years, the Christian church has operated under the fundamental philosophical assertion that humans are clients in need of a divine patron to provide them with what they lack. This paradigm is certainly not unique to Christianity; it is the framework by which almost every religion operates. But is this truly an accurate depiction of the divine/human relationship?
A New Model Proposed
I am a firm believer in the test of exclusivity; all things being equal, the only correct religion will be the most unique religion. If we claim to have the only truth, and yet share much with many other faiths, we must re-examine either our truth-claim or our doctrinal precepts. (Of course, one must never forget the effect of sociocultural and religious derivation in this type of analysis.)
The question then is: Should Christianity be built upon the idea that we lack something that God can give to us?
I offer for consideration a paradigm based upon the relational model of understanding the Gospel. Instead of humans coming to God in search of something that's missing from us, we come to God in search of a relationship.
Consequences of the New Model
This paradigmatic shift would not come without cost:
1) A reinvention of Scripture would become necessary. Instead of Scripture being the "only rule of faith and obedience" and an "effectual means" by which God interacts with us (questions 3 and 155 of the Westminster Larger Catechism), Scripture must become primarily a historical document, to be viewed with authority roughly equal to any other document produced in the Greco-Roman world.
2) The concept of sin would have to be discarded. The concept of sin, and the associated concepts of justification and sanctification, are perhaps the most well-known direct representations of the old paradigm in the world. Although the discarding of these ideas would cause a dramatic impact upon our society, it would be an impact not without significant benefit. The uncountable millions of people who consider themselves to be "good persons" would no longer be tortured by self-fulfulling notions of guilt and despair. This concept is, without question, the most psychologically damaging aspect of our religion; we owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to no longer torture ourselves. This freedom is the impetus for the entire paradigm shift.
3) Orthodoxy and orthopraxy would be drastically altered. It is perhaps impossible to predict what church would look like under the proposed paradigm, or what the content of one's individual faith might become. This uncertainty should not be an effective deterrent, however; all great discoveries, voyages, and reinventions are accompanied with uncertainty.
I have only sketched out here a few brief thoughts on the matter; further thought would be welcome.
A New Model Proposed
I am a firm believer in the test of exclusivity; all things being equal, the only correct religion will be the most unique religion. If we claim to have the only truth, and yet share much with many other faiths, we must re-examine either our truth-claim or our doctrinal precepts. (Of course, one must never forget the effect of sociocultural and religious derivation in this type of analysis.)
The question then is: Should Christianity be built upon the idea that we lack something that God can give to us?
I offer for consideration a paradigm based upon the relational model of understanding the Gospel. Instead of humans coming to God in search of something that's missing from us, we come to God in search of a relationship.
Consequences of the New Model
This paradigmatic shift would not come without cost:
1) A reinvention of Scripture would become necessary. Instead of Scripture being the "only rule of faith and obedience" and an "effectual means" by which God interacts with us (questions 3 and 155 of the Westminster Larger Catechism), Scripture must become primarily a historical document, to be viewed with authority roughly equal to any other document produced in the Greco-Roman world.
2) The concept of sin would have to be discarded. The concept of sin, and the associated concepts of justification and sanctification, are perhaps the most well-known direct representations of the old paradigm in the world. Although the discarding of these ideas would cause a dramatic impact upon our society, it would be an impact not without significant benefit. The uncountable millions of people who consider themselves to be "good persons" would no longer be tortured by self-fulfulling notions of guilt and despair. This concept is, without question, the most psychologically damaging aspect of our religion; we owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to no longer torture ourselves. This freedom is the impetus for the entire paradigm shift.
3) Orthodoxy and orthopraxy would be drastically altered. It is perhaps impossible to predict what church would look like under the proposed paradigm, or what the content of one's individual faith might become. This uncertainty should not be an effective deterrent, however; all great discoveries, voyages, and reinventions are accompanied with uncertainty.
I have only sketched out here a few brief thoughts on the matter; further thought would be welcome.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Ain't nothing you can do about it
I've understood for a long time that works cannot save you, or as put today, that works cannot put you into the covenant, but the concept that works cannot keep you in the covenant is a concept that I've only recently grasped and even still wrestle with today. I want to do things that will please God and signal that I am a Christian, but I tend to forget that there is nothing I can do to lose my place in the covenant or to make God love me any more or less. Concerning this matter, man I respect greatly once said "God loves you, even when you bring Him nothing."
Is Paul Ant-semitic? Didn't he helpJews?
I read the wrong stuff last night. I read the Jerusalem Collection stuff and wrote these thoughts to blog. Our lecture today actually talked a little about some of this.
Paul's harsh words towards his opponents in his letter to the Galatians is sometimes considered anti-semitic. Paul definitely is harsh to his opponents who teach that Jewish traditions such as circumcision and works of the law are required to receive the full blessing of God, but is he anti-semitic? In Galatians chapter two, Paul says he is very eager to remember the poor. Our reading teaches that there was a famine in the Roman world that must have greatly affected
Law=Bad; Jesus=Good (or not?)
Greetings. In my years of growing up in the church, especially in the years of youth, I remember having it drilled into my head that those Law keepers were some pretty bad people. Along with this was the teaching, or interpretation, that Paul was absolutely apposed to the Law and it should all be ignored and replace with Jesus. (I am exaggerating slightly) My home church, which is now without a pastor, has had some new attendees here lately that have been questioning the place of the Law in Christian living.
I mention all of these things because I feel it is of utmost importance for us as ministers to deal with this challenging question: what part does the Law or works play in the Christian life? Today's lecture on E.P. Sander's view of the Law within first century Jewish thought and his thoughts on Paul's understanding of the Law was quite thought provoking. I do not agree with all that he has to say, but he does make us realize that in Paul's teaching the Law is not bad nor should be discarded. As Dr. Foster taught, good works serve as a sign of a true convert.
I mention all of these things because I feel it is of utmost importance for us as ministers to deal with this challenging question: what part does the Law or works play in the Christian life? Today's lecture on E.P. Sander's view of the Law within first century Jewish thought and his thoughts on Paul's understanding of the Law was quite thought provoking. I do not agree with all that he has to say, but he does make us realize that in Paul's teaching the Law is not bad nor should be discarded. As Dr. Foster taught, good works serve as a sign of a true convert.
Faith in Jesus Christ
Paul emphasizes in several different passages that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Many stressors were placed on whether righteousness was obtained through the old law. Paul writes saying that we should not throw out the old law... instead use it to glorify the fulfillment in Christ. In his letters he encourages the readers to do the same. He calls them to test their ways and see where it leads them and search for the truth and wisdom.
Praying for Colossians
While reading Colossians for class I was struck with a wonderful example of believers praying for other believers. Paul knows of the faith that the believers in Colosse have and he is compelled to pray for them. Paul and Timothy even say that they have not stopped praying for them in verse nine. It seems that they faithfully prayed every day for the other believers because they wanted them to grow even further in their relationships with the Lord. They specifically pray that the people will grow in knowledge of the Lord’s will so that they may be fruitful in every thing that they do. In today’s church we have to be praying the same thing for each other. We need to have a desire to see others around us grow and be fruitful so that we may come together as mature believers and work together for the Kingdom of God. Our prayers for each other need to be consistent as Paul and Timothy’s prayers were for the Colossians. Imagine how strong our faiths could be if we prayed for and supported each other as we see in the Bible.
Stephen Foust
Stephen Foust
Did Paul start the Church in Colosse?
A hard question to answer is did Paul have a hand in the starting of the church in Colosse? Doing a brief study about Colosse, I read about different ideas about how the church had started. I am writing this blog in the hopes that maybe a discussion will be started about this issue. One suggestion that struck my interest was Epaphras mentioned in Col 1:7. Could he have been a helper of Paul that started the church and he had been the reason why Paul and the Colossians had a relationship? Maybe some think that Paul did go to Colosse. I am still undecided and probably will be for a long time to come, but maybe somebody knows something that I do not.
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
Justification
In justification man stands before God accused. We are justified by faith by believing in God's word that we no longer stand as one accused, but rather one who as been made right with God through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. There is nothing in anyone that would make them choose God. Justification is entirely the work of God. God is the one who does the calling. We are the ones who need to be found, not God. If it is that we cannot find God, who moved? I have to say emphatically that God was not the one who moved.
In his article in the Holman Bible Dictionary titled "Justification" Paul Jackson writes, "...in the New Testament, God dealt with the sin of humankind by the highest and most intimate form of revelation, His Son Jesus Christ. The earliest Christians believed that they were “made right” with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26; Romans 4:18-25; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18). In his letter to the Romans, Paul conveyed the message that God did not consider sin lightly. Sin created a massive gulf between God and people. This gulf required a bridge to bring all of humanity into a right relationship with God. Theologians call God's bridge building “reconciliation.” Reconciliation functions to bring humans “justification.” The main character who effected this divine plan was Jesus Christ. Uniquely, His death on the cross made it possible for God and people to be reconciled (Romans 5:10) and thus for humans to be justified.
If I were not a sinner, why would I ever need to be justified and if my reconcilation with God rests on my performing good works and obeying the Law then I am doomed. I can only say with a sincere heart, Thank You Jesus for the sacrifice you made for me so that I do not recieve what it justly due to me.
Michael Carpenter
In his article in the Holman Bible Dictionary titled "Justification" Paul Jackson writes, "...in the New Testament, God dealt with the sin of humankind by the highest and most intimate form of revelation, His Son Jesus Christ. The earliest Christians believed that they were “made right” with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26; Romans 4:18-25; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:18). In his letter to the Romans, Paul conveyed the message that God did not consider sin lightly. Sin created a massive gulf between God and people. This gulf required a bridge to bring all of humanity into a right relationship with God. Theologians call God's bridge building “reconciliation.” Reconciliation functions to bring humans “justification.” The main character who effected this divine plan was Jesus Christ. Uniquely, His death on the cross made it possible for God and people to be reconciled (Romans 5:10) and thus for humans to be justified.
If I were not a sinner, why would I ever need to be justified and if my reconcilation with God rests on my performing good works and obeying the Law then I am doomed. I can only say with a sincere heart, Thank You Jesus for the sacrifice you made for me so that I do not recieve what it justly due to me.
Michael Carpenter
Where Adam Failed, Christ Persevered
I am continually amazed that years and years have gone by in my Christian life reading Romans and until last summer, I have never understood the contrast between Adam and Christ as Paul mentions in Romans 5: 12-21. The concept of this passage is so simple, but still so forgotten. Polhill uses the term "humanity" (p. 290) in reference to our standing in sin; we were part of the humanity of Adam, but in our lives in the humanity of "the Second Adam" (Christ), we are made righteous through Christ’s obedience. To me the passage is saying, "Adam screwed up by being disobedient to one rule, so Jesus came to clean up the mess." It is almost a bad son/good son contrast yet in the context of God’s providence. The grace of God is made evident from the very beginning of creation to the very end of time, and the Apostle Paul makes this idea very clear.
Zach Pyron
"Human Wrath"
I found G.L. Borchett's section on Human Wrath interesting and challenging. He connects some of the wrath scriptures spoken of in Romans with Christian living. We, as believers in Him, should leave anger to God. Although Borchett explains anger to be okay at times "it must not be indulged." I find it difficult when I become angry to exercise restraint. I think Ephesians says that when angry do not let Satan have a foothold. As mentioned in the article, the best attitude for us to have involves allowing God to have his wrath when he chooses. We should simply rely on Him to be humble and pray for eyes of grace. Through our lives we should reflect and tell others about Christ. The world watches us and we must be self-controled even if persecuted. I really have no idea what dealing with persecution is like, but the scripture teaches we should allow those times to demonstrate Jesus to the world and allow the Lord to have vengence or show mercy.
kevin
kevin
Faith and Works
The "argument" of faith vs. works has not really bothered me too much as of yet. I have a simple philosophy in relation to the subject. As Christians, we have been redeemed from our punishment of death, and been reconciled to God the Father; not by any "work/act" we've done, but through the grace found in Christ's atonement. And because of this monumental and accompishment of Christ, which we don't deserve, we Love and Serve God and others out of the gratitude of our hearts for of our salvation. not for the salvation.
Covenantal Nomism
This theory created by E. P. Sanders, as discussed in class, has been expounded on by the works of James D. G. Dunn. Dunn explains this idea alittle different from that of Dr. Foster. In reading through his book, A Contextual Approach, Paul & the Law, I understood this idea as relevant. That is Paul addressed the Church of Galatians to suppress this idea; the idea of national identity. Dunn explained this concept being the Jews thought of the law as given to them; thereby, they were the only ones to attain righteousness through it. Paul on the other hand, refering to Abraham, showed how faith was before the Law and faith remains after the Law. Therefore, the Gentiles, like their father Abraham, are saved through faith. Meaning, if the Law still applied Gentiles would be called to it, but since it is fulfilled we are saved through grace. This idea supports Jews as Paul's main opponent or rather a systemized religion in general. Based on Dunn's exposition of the scripture it seems sound.
Works serve as a sign
Today in class when Dr Foster elaborate on the role of works in the believers life, it helped me verbalize what I had always thought to be true. Works serving as evidence of a person’s salvation rather than the means of that salvation brings about a better understanding of Christian practice as a whole. I sadly admit that before today I never really thought about Eph 3:8-10 and its complete thought. Today’s class has truly lifted some anxieties as far as verbalizes my understanding and how best to explain works and their function in the Christian faith. It has brought about questions on how much in common James and Paul’s theology have. I guess that they do not oppose each other as much as I originally thought.
Travis Adams
Travis Adams
Colossians....
The evidence that was discussed in class today about the authorship of Colossians is very interesting to me. The Historical, Stylistic and Theological points that were presented made sense and now have me questioning the validity of Paul's authorship of the book. Until today I always assumed that Paul wrote Colossians and never gave it a second thought. The non-Pauline vocabulary and the Gnostic ideas that are prevelant in Colossians present the biggest evidence to me for a non-Pauline authorship.
This discussion has really challenged me to research basic facts about the Bible that I was always taught were true. If Paul in fact did not write Colossians how many other aspects of Paul and Pauline theology that I always held to be true are in fact mere speculation?
-Steven Price
This discussion has really challenged me to research basic facts about the Bible that I was always taught were true. If Paul in fact did not write Colossians how many other aspects of Paul and Pauline theology that I always held to be true are in fact mere speculation?
-Steven Price
The prupose of the old covenant
Romans 5:14, "Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come."
Death and sin reigned in the aforementioned time period because of the sin of Adam. God gave his creation free choice and they chose to sin, as we discussed in class. However, when the law was introduced, as an act of God's grace, a door was opened for the redemption of God's people. The people of God eventually became corrupted in the law as well, and finally Christ was introduced as the final resolution to the sin between God and man. Why did God first give the law instead of just Jesus. Did he not know that it would be inadequate? Did he, as some say, only provide the law to prepare for the way for Christ who was always the original plan?
If God did not know that the law would fail does that mean that he is not all knowing and sovereing? Does it imply that God was in the process of trial and error? If God only inteded the law to be a precursor to Christ, does that infer that he simply used the people of the Old Testament as pawns to orchestrate his ultimate goal? These questions are very difficult and I believe that they do not find resolution in any simple answer. Of course God to have known the fallacies that would arise from the law, but I believe that the law served as a truly genuine way for people to know God while, at the same time, illustrating the complete depravity of mankind and the total dependence of man on God's complete grace and power. I am confident that I will never understand the full depths of possible answers to these questions. Ultimately, I can only rely on the God that I find in the Biblical text and on the character that I believe he reveals therein. He is loving, just, and sovereign, and he treats his people according to his character.
Death and sin reigned in the aforementioned time period because of the sin of Adam. God gave his creation free choice and they chose to sin, as we discussed in class. However, when the law was introduced, as an act of God's grace, a door was opened for the redemption of God's people. The people of God eventually became corrupted in the law as well, and finally Christ was introduced as the final resolution to the sin between God and man. Why did God first give the law instead of just Jesus. Did he not know that it would be inadequate? Did he, as some say, only provide the law to prepare for the way for Christ who was always the original plan?
If God did not know that the law would fail does that mean that he is not all knowing and sovereing? Does it imply that God was in the process of trial and error? If God only inteded the law to be a precursor to Christ, does that infer that he simply used the people of the Old Testament as pawns to orchestrate his ultimate goal? These questions are very difficult and I believe that they do not find resolution in any simple answer. Of course God to have known the fallacies that would arise from the law, but I believe that the law served as a truly genuine way for people to know God while, at the same time, illustrating the complete depravity of mankind and the total dependence of man on God's complete grace and power. I am confident that I will never understand the full depths of possible answers to these questions. Ultimately, I can only rely on the God that I find in the Biblical text and on the character that I believe he reveals therein. He is loving, just, and sovereign, and he treats his people according to his character.
Authorship in Colossians: The Tip of a Colossal Problem?
I must admit that I typically ignore arguments against the accepted view of authorship. They often seem to end exactly where they started. When I studied authorship of the pastoral epistles, I spent a large amount of time considering the possibility of non-Pauline authorship. The arguments belonged to the typical regimen of criticisms that scholars use when examining a passage. The study of such criticisms has not changed my views on Pauline authorship, but it has given me a greater understanding of the possible purposes of a work such as Colossians. In the case of Colossians, the unique characteristics of the book lend themselves to arguments against Pauline authorship. Though some would argue that Pauline authorship is essential, I do not believe that Pauline authorship is a necessary element on which the value of the work must be based. The contents of the book have stood the tests of canonicity and time. I believe that all other Pauline works should be examined with these standards in mind.
In Christ,
the other Paul
In Christ,
the other Paul
I write a paper on a subject and I don't know that I even solved anything or came to a good conclusion on the subject. The most influential scripture in the passage that I had of Romans 9 was verses 1-5. I think Paul's heart is really portrayed in these five verses... what I don't understand is why he would be so aggressive about the thought of giving his salvation to save these Jews, if he didn't believe God was the chooser and men were not the chosen. Maybe more light can be shed on these verses? Commentaries never really elaborated well on WHY he said these things.. yes I see that he loves these people and he was establishing his connection with them because Paul might have been considered a trader among the Romans because of his realtionships with Gentiles..BUT what I want to know is why he used the vocabulary he did in these five verses.
-Jacob
-Jacob
E.P. Sanders
Dr. Foster brought up some great points dealing with E.P. Sanders. As I did the research for my paper, I found the books mentioned to be an interestin source. Although they did not completely fulfill my goal in the paper, some of the ideas Sanders presented where interesting. I agree with Dr. Foster in that Sanders has some weak, an controversial viewpoints when it comes to the relationship of Paul and Jewish law. However, I have found that Sanders is a very good source when dealing with Judaism. One of his larger books, "Judaism: Practices and Beliefs," is a very good help when it comes to studying Jewish law. It helps to better understand the law in a Historical sense. So I guess this blog entry is credited to giving Sanders some sort of credit for his writings. They are very difficult to read, and even to look at the table of contents. But he breaks some of his books up in such a way to make them more helpful for the reader. Sanders is a wonderful resources when it comes to Jewish practices and teachings. If you are interested in studying more about Jewish history and beliefs, then I would recommend Sanders to you. But do be cautious in some areas.
Mr. E
The similarities between Colossians and Ephesians are interesting. Take for example the Colossians 1:24 - 2:5 and Ephesians 3:1-13 passages. They both appear to be dealing with similar opponents and using similar language in dealing with opponents views. The idea of the mystery of God or of Christ is almost limited entirely to these two passages. No where else is this language used so much or so specifically.
In both passages the mystery is revealed as being the design of the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan and salvation. What a glorious mystery revelation.
Mr. Bill Lee
In both passages the mystery is revealed as being the design of the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan and salvation. What a glorious mystery revelation.
Mr. Bill Lee
The Answers are in the Book
I am really impressed at how the Bible holds so many mysteries and yet there is no mystery. God gave us all the answers. We as humans like to complicate things to find hidden meanings or to question if what it says is really what it says. I was amazed today at how it did not say in Acts that Paul went to the Lycus Valley but that the answer was there. If Paul knew Philemon than we can infer that he was there. He went right through the area to get to other churches, he probley stopped in. The fact that there are so many questions in the bible make it interesting and because most the questions are answered in the same book keeps you reading. It also further convinces me that the Bible, though written by so many different people in so many different times, was ment to be the way it is, complex but deciferable.
Setting my heart on things above. Col 3:1-4
How easy is it to get caught up in the worries and pursuits of this world? In the blink of an eye, my focus sometimes shifts from learning what I can about scripture to just trying to complete an assignment. My focus is on an earthly acomplishment and not a heavenly purpose of equipping myself to better serve the Lord. Sometimes focus like that is so hard to acomplish, because there is so much stuff going on around us. It is difficult to see the stuff going on around us from a heavenly perspective, instead sometimes we see heaven from an earthly perspective. By setting our hearts and minds on things above, we will be able to maintain a more Christlike focus and be more efficient for the cause of Christ, but this is so hard, because we must die to self every day to acomplish this.
It's all Relative?
As I was reading Polhill's article on Colossians I found it particularly interesting the number of cults and views that were threatening the Colossians' faith. The fact of how many their were makes me think of present time and just how applicable this letter is today. It is definitely a letter that could be seen as showing that humanity never changes, but that we have always been depraived and of ourselves we are not going to get better. In the problem this letter faces of false teachers leading people astray this can be seen by just looking around at our culture and the millions of views to follow that just lead away from Jesus. So this problem faced by the Colossians is one that still plagues the church today and needs to be addressed.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Trophimus the Ephesian
While reading Polhill's chapter on Colosse, I saw that Colossians, Philemon and Ephesians was written by Paul between A.D. 57-62 during his imprisionment in Rome. When I did my paper on Ephesians, my research indicated that Paul did not write to a particular church at Ephesus but to a universal body of believers. Trophimus the Ephesian was the representative from the church at Ephesus who accompanied Paul with the collection to the mother church in Jerusalem. Trophimus was also the one that the Asian Jews accused Paul of bringing into the temple area which resulted in his arrest and Rome imprisionment.
Don't you know that Trophimus felt REALLY GOOD knowing that HE was the one that they pointed at which resulted in Paul's arrest, even though the allegations were not true. Since Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians after his arrest and Trophimus the Ephesian was the false reason why he was arrested, it is no wonder that Paul did not address specific people when writing Ephesians but rather wrote to a universal church.
I am sure Trophimus had a long walk home after that incident, even though it was not really his fault that Paul was imprisioned.
Polhill made the observation that Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon have links between them.
Vicky
Don't you know that Trophimus felt REALLY GOOD knowing that HE was the one that they pointed at which resulted in Paul's arrest, even though the allegations were not true. Since Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians after his arrest and Trophimus the Ephesian was the false reason why he was arrested, it is no wonder that Paul did not address specific people when writing Ephesians but rather wrote to a universal church.
I am sure Trophimus had a long walk home after that incident, even though it was not really his fault that Paul was imprisioned.
Polhill made the observation that Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon have links between them.
Vicky
Monday, April 03, 2006
Paul's feelings of Idol Meat
The discussion of idol meat was brought up a few class periods ago using Paul's feelings towards it in 1 cor 8. Towards the end of this section of lecture, different areas were hit upon that discuss the end of this chapter when Paul mentions that even though idol meat is just meat cooked in front of a pretty image, if you eating that meat offends someone around you, then it's best you not even eat meat. What I struggled with in my own faith is this same issue concerning "the people around you." I have grown to have this mentality that if my sins are not hurting anyone, then they are okay. Even though I know they are wrong, then it's not that bad of a sin. Or better yet, when I speak every Wednesday to my group, I've had to look back and ask myself if I've acted the same way that I've spoken, or am I worst than what I discussed. Paul's saying that he has no problem with idol meat, but if someone around him takes offense to this, then he would rather be a vegetarian. It has two parts to me: one is that weaking others is a sin and by doing somethings I make others stumble--whether it be culturally acceptable or not, and two is that I need to not look and say that its not hurting anyone else so get over it, but rather I need to put others first in my thoughts.
There is no one righteous, not even one (Romans 3:9-19)
I am writing about these verses because they are very significant to me. When I was younger, I felt I lived a pretty good Christian life, according to what I understood of Christianity at the time. Not only was I pleased with my own behavior, I also thought I was a better person than many others, especially murderers and burglars. However, these verses showed me that I was a sinner, just like everyone else. We are all one in the same and this is what these verses disucss.
These verses are significant because of the straightforward manner in which Paul explains his thoughts. Many Christians try to water down verses such as these so as not to hurt others' feelings. However, one cannot make improvements in his/her Christian life if they do not take verses such as these seriously. We all need to be directly reminded that we sin daily and that all sins are equal in the eyes of the Lord.
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
These verses are significant because of the straightforward manner in which Paul explains his thoughts. Many Christians try to water down verses such as these so as not to hurt others' feelings. However, one cannot make improvements in his/her Christian life if they do not take verses such as these seriously. We all need to be directly reminded that we sin daily and that all sins are equal in the eyes of the Lord.
Brother in Christ,
Billy Hardesty
Pauline Theme
I am doing my Pauline research paper on 1Corinthians 12. There is a strong theme in that passage about unity in the church. I am begining to see that that was a theme in most of his writting. He tells people to reject the isolative ways of the Law to be joined with everyone under grace. It is so relevant to our culture today. I know that some scripture is written for us but not to us, however, I really think that Paul's message of unifying the Church can be a direct message to us today. It is amazing how one denomination will cut off another over simple theological differences. Or worse yet, we categorize some people as unclean and they are shunned in the church. Paul went to the gentile/ sinner to bring them in and make them part of the body of Christ. This unity is a clear theme throughout all the Pauline Epistles.
Paul's Hardships
By the looks of the hardship catalogue in 2 Cor, it seems that Paul has gone through more tough times than any other for cause of Christ besides Christ himself. I think we can safely say that Paul took up his cross and followed the example that preceded his ministry. Paul may have suffered some horrifying physical afflictions that we cannot even imagine but I believe his deepest wounds came from his concern for the people his was ministering too. He did not only suffer for Christ but for those who Christ burdened him to love. If anyone of his beloved brothers stumbled he would burn with indignation against the one who made him fall and he would burn with shame as if it would himself who had fallen. I believe some of his sleepless night came from his anxiety for the well being of the people he was responsible for. When can we realize the example of a minister here and seek the well-being others no matter what the cost? When will we selflessly follow the example of Jesus as Paul has done?
Stephen Foust
Stephen Foust
Christ Centered Theology
Pauline theology is just about as Christ centered as it gets. Today's lecture was just another reminder that nothing the apostle teaches should be viewed as anything other than Christ centered. He seems to always build up an arguement (Gentiles without excuse. Jews don't follow the law. All are not good.) Then he solves the problem by pointing to Christ. He says we recieve the righteousness of God in Christ. Many times it seems we have various problems within the church that we try to solve with the wisdom of this world when the real solution lies in Christ. Jesus is the basis for every aspect of our faith. During the course of this semester, I have been reminded over and over again within Paul's letters to remember that it's all about Jesus.
Christ Centered Theology
Pauline theology is just about as Christ centered as it gets. Today's lecture was just another reminder that nothing the apostle teaches should be viewed as anything other than Christ centered. He seems to always build up an arguement (Gentiles without excuse. Jews don't follow the law. All are not good.) Then he solves the problem by pointing to Christ. He says we recieve the righteousness of God in Christ. Many times it seems we have various problems within the church that we try to solve with the wisdom of this world when the real solution lies in Christ. Jesus is the basis for every aspect of our faith. During the course of this semester, I have been reminded over and over again within Paul's letters to remember that it's all about Jesus.
The Powerless Made Powerful
In Rom 5:6-8, Paul talks of the unjust death of Christ for the sake of sinners. He uses the word “powerless” to describe the sinful state of man. Paul also mentions the absurdity of a man dying for a good man but not a righteous man. He is pointing out that the righteousness that is held is not something to be seen and boasted of as deeds are. Someone can see a “good” man and decide that they are worth dying for, but almost none would die for a righteous man because his standing is given and not earned. However, we receive the righteousness of God through the sacrifice of a good AND righteous man. It’s because of our unworthiness that the miracle of redemption takes place. Christ could have died merely for the good; but since we are of no avail in our good deeds, Christ’s sacrifice is even more miraculous. We are made “powerful” by the redemptive work of Christ (assuming that in our sinful state we are powerless), and we are the recipients of a free gift only to be maintained through faith…“not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Some things never change
I was struck today about how society today is not much different from Roman society in the A.D. 50's. In verses 21-25 Paul discusses how men worshipped creation instead of the Creator. The same is true today of many "New Age" religions. Self and nature is worshipped as a god. Nothing really new there. He also talks about unnatural relationships that men and women have with the same sex. He says that those who did these perverted acts paid the penalty. Others are said to be "filled with unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, disputes, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful" (Rom 1:29-31). They all did their best to be the worst, and enticed and then praised those who would join them in their acts. Sadly, this was the state of the church in Rome in Paul's day, and so it is in our society AND churches today. Unnatural relationships are rewarded within some Christian churches today, and the catalog of "human beastliness" is prevalent in and outside of the church. Sadly, although these things have not changed, this is our hope: God has not changed either, and the offer of grace that transforms that He extended thousands of years ago has not been rescinded.
Covenantal Ignorance?
It may be my feeble understanding of things that has me wondering the following, but here we go.
I have often wondered why the Jewish converts to Christianity did not realize that they were now under the new coventant that Jeremiah prophesied in Jer. 31:31-34. It discusses how the old covenant was broken by God's people and the new covenant would be completely different. The term "new" implies the replacement of the old which is then backed up by the reference to the old covenant being broken.
To me, this idea should not have been foreign to them and should have been adopted as soon as they realized Christ as the messiah.
Why was this not sooner realized by so many who knew the scripture so well.
Mr. Bill Lee Faber
I have often wondered why the Jewish converts to Christianity did not realize that they were now under the new coventant that Jeremiah prophesied in Jer. 31:31-34. It discusses how the old covenant was broken by God's people and the new covenant would be completely different. The term "new" implies the replacement of the old which is then backed up by the reference to the old covenant being broken.
To me, this idea should not have been foreign to them and should have been adopted as soon as they realized Christ as the messiah.
Why was this not sooner realized by so many who knew the scripture so well.
Mr. Bill Lee Faber
Denominational Problems of Antiquity
The passages in the first five chapters of Romans remind me of the problems we have between the different denominations that exists today. When one looks at the way Paul addresses the Gentile and Jew disputes over righteousness and salvation, How can
Churches today still argue over the same topics. I am blown away that some Churches and individuals still believe that they have some kind of spiritual dominance over others. I don't understand how anyone can read Romans or any of Paul's letters and have trouble grasping the concept that salvation is by grace alone. There are no specific acts, rituals, or processes that lead one to God except by grace given through Jesus. I also do not understand how some can justify thinking that they are more righteous than others by their knowledge of scripture. I heard a saying one time that reminds me of this, "to know and not to do, is not to know!" If they have read Romans then they ought to know, however the reality is that most people who fall subject to this trap have not investigated the scriptures for themselves.
Churches today still argue over the same topics. I am blown away that some Churches and individuals still believe that they have some kind of spiritual dominance over others. I don't understand how anyone can read Romans or any of Paul's letters and have trouble grasping the concept that salvation is by grace alone. There are no specific acts, rituals, or processes that lead one to God except by grace given through Jesus. I also do not understand how some can justify thinking that they are more righteous than others by their knowledge of scripture. I heard a saying one time that reminds me of this, "to know and not to do, is not to know!" If they have read Romans then they ought to know, however the reality is that most people who fall subject to this trap have not investigated the scriptures for themselves.
The Pater familia
We discussed in Ministerial Orientation that God is head over the church and then comes Christ and then the church and then the leaders of the church follow, serving the church. I find it interesting that we have so strayed from this example and now follow our pastors like they are the mouthpiece of God and that the church is thier playground. Like the shepard the pastor must take the role of servant to the flock in order to effectively nurture the flock. I think that it is interesting to see that the most effective pastors serve the church more than lead it. I am finding that the more a pastor pushes to further his agenda, or even the harder church members push a pastors agenda, the farther it seems to stray from the TRUTH. I feel that if we are going to change this error that we have made we are going to have to revamp all of church politics.
Roman Christianity
In the first few pages of Polhill's section on Romans he discusses how Christianity came to Rome. Coming from a Catholic family I have always heard of the greatness of Peter as the first Pope and that it was he that started Christianity in Rome. After reading Polhill and reflecting on parts of the book of Acts I have began to question this statement. Polhill suggests that lay people were responsibile for bringing Christianity to Rome. If this is true it is an enormous testiment to the previous work done by Paul and others. For these people to have only just learned about Christ, but yet have enough discipline to take that message and actually start 'churches' (even though it may have been house meetings) is phenomenal.
As I read this section by Polhill I could not help but to think of Barnabbas and John Mark in the book of Acts. We have no record of their ministry activity which took place after the First Missionary Journey. Is it possible that Barnabbas was the one that brought Christianity to Rome? This is purely an argument from silence, however Polhill mentions Paul's policy of not intruding on the territory of other missionaries (2 Cor. 10: 15-16). Perhaps that is the reason why we don't know where Barnabbas ministered or if he indeed was responsible for bringing Christianity to Rome.
-Steven Price
As I read this section by Polhill I could not help but to think of Barnabbas and John Mark in the book of Acts. We have no record of their ministry activity which took place after the First Missionary Journey. Is it possible that Barnabbas was the one that brought Christianity to Rome? This is purely an argument from silence, however Polhill mentions Paul's policy of not intruding on the territory of other missionaries (2 Cor. 10: 15-16). Perhaps that is the reason why we don't know where Barnabbas ministered or if he indeed was responsible for bringing Christianity to Rome.
-Steven Price
Unworthy Leaders
Last Monday we discussed 1 Corinthians and in the class lecture on chapter 3 we discussed the defects of the church of Corinth had. One of them was that they put their leaders on a pedestal, which I think is still a big issue in today's churches as well. To many times we look at the pastor or youth minister in a godly sense, they are god-like in our eyes and we take their word on what the Bible says, instead of looking and studying the Bible for ourselves. The people of Corinth were making their faith statements by who they followed and Paul says that unless they follow Christ Himself then this is all useless, we can't base our faith on who our leader is, because even they are human and will make mistakes. Put your faith in Jesus alone and have godly wisdom is what Paul is trying to tell the Corinthians. Big Bro james B
Peace in Righteousness
Romans 5 is a great section of scripture that describes a strive for a peace filled life. What is peace? Is peace abstract to where there is no set definition? I would say not because I think we have a great definition of what peace accually is. We can blame whoever for an unpeaceful life even in the faith, yet do we have a desire for righteousness. Romans 5:1 says, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. That seems to be a pretty blunt definition of the word peace. When we are justified through faith, then comes the peace we search for each day. Why should we strive for righteousness, it is through faith and only faith comes peace. Righteousness alone is simply morality. Peace is a gift from faith through Christ.
-Jacob
-Jacob
I can remember when i began to understand that Christianity had alot more to do with Christ and alot less to do with me. Growing up in a society that says "become a christian and it'll make everything better for YOUR life" skewed my understanding of the cross, and the duty of discipleship.
Monday Dr. F. discussed Paul's view on the function of hardship within Christianity, in 2 Cor 11. Either i have just recently began to listen to the Word more clearly or the topic of Christian suffering has been ignored for the last 20 years, at least in my sphere of influence, but as christians we are called to more than sermons and "worship" we are called to die, and that is so so very uncomfortable. People can truly see the character and love of Christ thought the scars of his followers.
Monday Dr. F. discussed Paul's view on the function of hardship within Christianity, in 2 Cor 11. Either i have just recently began to listen to the Word more clearly or the topic of Christian suffering has been ignored for the last 20 years, at least in my sphere of influence, but as christians we are called to more than sermons and "worship" we are called to die, and that is so so very uncomfortable. People can truly see the character and love of Christ thought the scars of his followers.
All Roads Lead To Romans?
The theory that states that Paul intended Romans as a systematic or quasi systematic theology has a number of implications that one must consider. The qualification of Romans as a systematic theology could result in the use of Romans as a standard for the interpretation of all Pauline or even all New Testament literature. I am certainly not saying that Romans should not be considered as a candidate for systematic theology. On the contrary, I believe that Paul is very systematic in his purpose, but I believe that he addressed the divide between Gentiles and Jews. The issue that Paul addressed was the greatest issue in first century Christianity. No other book gives a more thorough resolution to the issue than Romans. In many respects, all roads do lead to Romans. Paul's rabbinic arguments reference the pre-law faith of Abraham, the entrance of sin into the world through Adam, and the imputation of righteousness through faith in Christ. Paul gives one of the most thorough theological connections of New Testament and Old Testament ideas in the Biblical text, but as Polhill stated, the letter did not cover all bases of theological thought. Paul neglects eschatology and Christology because they were not relevant to his occasional letter. In conclusion, there are many theories surrounding the purpose of Romans, but all theories must considered in light of Roman's status as an occasional letter. Roman's provides a thorough account of salvation by faith and has been utilized in evangelical methods such as the Roman's road. Nevertheless, the theological question of purpose remains. "Do all roads lead to Romans?"
In Christ,
the other Paul
In Christ,
the other Paul
To the Circumcised First
Based on the discussion in class today all I can think about is the requirement to be Jew. I mean there wasn't a secret word at the door or a special knock. In this club you literally would have to prove yourself. Maybe that’s how Paul ended up as such a bold speaker; embarrassment went out the door years ago. I have never thought about circumcision as mentioned today. It always seemed to be law of the Law, a rule that must be followed. The idea that it served as a marker for those whose follow the Law brings it into a new light. Now I can better understand why Jews were so reluctant to change, and even more so why Gentiles thought they were nuts. This indicator of their religion was directly commanded by God. It was thereby proof of a religion that stood the test of time. To convert now would, in their minds, totally throw out the past, disregard everything they had been taught. From a Gentile perspective it was time to change. Through the message of Christ, by Paul, they understood the past, to some extent, must be thrown out. If cutting yourself was part of a fulfilled Law, it is thereby abolished. Circumcision was to them an indicator of a fulfilled religion.
Blessing or Curse
Rom 11:32
32 For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
NIV
After reading this verse I am deeply disturbed. Paul says that God has bound us all into a sin nature. Does that mean that God did not have to curse the decedents of Adam and Eve to sin? If God did not have to curse us, yet He did, does that mean that it is better to be cursed by a sin nature with the chance for mercy, than to be blameless and be able to communicate with God directly as did Adam and Eve. If it is better to have a chance for mercy then is our sin nature not a curse but a blessing?
Danny
32 For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
NIV
After reading this verse I am deeply disturbed. Paul says that God has bound us all into a sin nature. Does that mean that God did not have to curse the decedents of Adam and Eve to sin? If God did not have to curse us, yet He did, does that mean that it is better to be cursed by a sin nature with the chance for mercy, than to be blameless and be able to communicate with God directly as did Adam and Eve. If it is better to have a chance for mercy then is our sin nature not a curse but a blessing?
Danny
Romans 6....Apologetical?
We discussed the different factors that prompted Paul to write the book of Romans in class today. Dr. Foster pruposed, and I agree, that the chief reason for Paul to write the Romans was to begin building a foundatin from which to launch his western missions, but we also observed occurrances of what seemed to be apologetics. These observations were made in the following passages: 1:16, 3:8, and 9:1-8. However, Romans 6 is the chapter that immideately grabbed my attetion as being apologetical. In his conclusion of the Gospel answer to the depravity of man, he states that, "where sing increased, grace abounded all the more..." (5:20). Paul goes straight into an argument to gaurd against the abuse of grace in chapter six. Why? Is it because people in Rome were struggling to swallow the aspect of grace in the Christian faith? Was it simply that in Paul's mind the issue of free grace would naturally lead to the question he poses in 6:1, and so he chose to answer the question that he presumed would arouse? There is no way to tell what happened in the minds of the Roman believers and non-believers alike regarding grace, but it is logical to assume that if the Roman church promoted the doctrine of free grace, the issue of sinning to increase grace would likewise have followed. Therefore, wheter the issue Paul adresses is already extant or simply potential, I think it only logical to consider the sixth chapter of Romans as apologetical in its intent.
The Importance of a definite article...
In reading Polhill, and in Romans 4, Paul uses a rabbinical argument about the faith of Abraham...in the process he tells the story of Abraham's faithfulness that he would be the father of nations...I think its crazy how the ommission of the a definite article 'a' or 'the' completely changes the entire point of Paul's argument and the story of Abraham. Paul was trying to provide unity among Jew and Gentile by explaining that no one is better than the next...he uses Abraham to argue that righteousness does not come from the law, because if that were the case then Abraham could not have been righteous because the law was not written until after God had considered him righteous. God's promise to Abraham was he would be the father of nations, and Abraham had faith in this promise. This faith merited his righteousness, given as a gift from God. God's promise was not to be a father of 'a' nation (as Jews believed in thier self righteousness they were the only nation), but a father of 'nations'.
This is the second time the past few days that I have realized the ommision of one single, seemingly insiginficant letter or word can change a person's perspective on scripture and thus change thier belief system and theology.
Pretty crazy...pretty crazy...
This is the second time the past few days that I have realized the ommision of one single, seemingly insiginficant letter or word can change a person's perspective on scripture and thus change thier belief system and theology.
Pretty crazy...pretty crazy...
The Strength of Mutual Encouragement Through Faith
In Romans 1:11- 12, Paul speaks of being mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. He speaks very strongly of this. In fact, he labels it as a spiritual gift that is able to make them strong. He also proudly exclaims that their faith was being reported all around the world in a previous verse. When I read this, I immediately thought of my own church family and the strength that I draw from the encouragement that they give me. Not just the verbal encouragement that they show, but also the encouragement of their own faith. When I watch someone who is going through a really tough situation, but they still stand on the solid rock of their faith, I am encouraged. All of the things that seem too big for me to handle probably are, but with faith in Christ, I have His strength to complete whatever tasks are sent my way.
The Strength of Mutual Encouragement Through Faith
In Romans 1:11- 12, Paul speaks of being mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. He speaks very strongly of this. In fact, he labels it as a spiritual gift that is able to make them strong. He also proudly exclaims that their faith was being reported all around the world in a previous verse. When I read this, I immediately thought of my own church family and the strength that I draw from the encouragement that they give me. Not just the verbal encouragement that they show, but also the encouragement of their own faith. When I watch someone who is going through a really tough situation, but they still stand on the solid rock of their faith, I am encouraged. All of the things that seem too big for me to handle probably are, but with faith in Christ, I have His strength to complete whatever tasks are sent my way.
Propitation
While reading Borhcert’s article in DPL I began to reflect on propitiation and how it fits into the overall character of God. I have an understanding that in the big picture it’s all about God. I believe that creation was made to glorify God and that man’s purpose in creation is to glorify Him. How does taking on the sin of the world and experiencing the His own wrath in the form of Christ attribute to these truths? Many people have the understanding that God is all about loving us. They tend to ignore the characteristic of God’s wrath and His jealousy and focus only on his love. This in my view undermines a complete picture of the nature of God. While I do not claim to have a complete understanding of God by any means, I do think that vital truths about God are overlooked in the grand scheme of things. In order to understand the full picture of mankind’s deliverance from God’s wrath and propitiation one must keep in mind that everything is ultimately about God. After all, who receives the most glory and recognition in the salvation process? Who was the only one who could take on the infinite and incomprehensible wrath of God other than God himself? Don’t get me wrong. I firmly believe that God redeems us because He loves us. I do think, however, that the greater purpose of God receiving glory and the penalty of sin being fulfilled according to the just nature of God’s is the greater purpose of propitiation.
Travis Adams
Travis Adams
Weak vs. Strong
This last week I have felt more and more challenged to think about what it means to be weak, especially so that you may be strong in return. I am really challenged because the world promotes strength and pretty much shuns the weak. However, Paul says the weak are indispensable to the church. I am very convicted at this, because I often see the weak as just that, and ignore the possibility that God wants to use them. I think too often in human terms, and in turn limit God. It makes sense that God would want to use the weak to display his perfect strength and glory. God is all for God.
Jennifer Young
Jennifer Young
Prepositional Ignorance?
This post may be a tad esoteric.
A clever, but often-overlooked, interpretation of 1 Cor 15:29 is that of Martin Luther, who suggested that the preposition hyper be understood in what is called the "local" sense, thus resulting in a translation of 29a that reads: "What shall they do who are baptized over [the graves of] the dead?"
The traditional rejection of Luther's interpretation is predicated upon the unspoken concept that Paul would not have been familiar with this usage of hyper, since it had long fallen out of usage by the time he wrote 1 Corinthians. I don't think this rejection necessarily holds water, however, since a man of Paul's education may well have been familiar with this antiquated usage of the word. Doubtlessly the result would be an odd word choice on Paul's behalf, but since the Corinthian recipients of the letter would completely understand Paul's reference, intelligibility wouldn't necessarily be sacrificed at the behest of this word choice.
A clever, but often-overlooked, interpretation of 1 Cor 15:29 is that of Martin Luther, who suggested that the preposition hyper be understood in what is called the "local" sense, thus resulting in a translation of 29a that reads: "What shall they do who are baptized over [the graves of] the dead?"
The traditional rejection of Luther's interpretation is predicated upon the unspoken concept that Paul would not have been familiar with this usage of hyper, since it had long fallen out of usage by the time he wrote 1 Corinthians. I don't think this rejection necessarily holds water, however, since a man of Paul's education may well have been familiar with this antiquated usage of the word. Doubtlessly the result would be an odd word choice on Paul's behalf, but since the Corinthian recipients of the letter would completely understand Paul's reference, intelligibility wouldn't necessarily be sacrificed at the behest of this word choice.
Works righteousness?
On page 296 of Polhill it states that the Jews did not see the law as a means to gain salvation, but a means to maintain the covenant once already a part of the covenant. I think I might have already heard that somewhere but it really hit me because that seems like how I have viewed the Jewish thought surrounding the law in that it was a means to an end of salvation. If the Law is only a maintenance tool then it seems to raise questions as to what effect the law has on those who have not entered the covenant. In another place Paul states that the law serves to point out sin, but what would that mean in light of a Jewish view that the law was a maintenance for the covenant, how would that effect the gentile? Maybe it should be looked upon as serving both purposes, in Jewish mindset to maintain the covenant and to point out sin as a means to find salvation through Jesus. The author also points out that there is debate that Paul thought that the law was ended through Christ and as I am thinking about this I think that Paul may have realised that the law may have changed purposes, but I don't think that he believed that it was ended with Christ.
The Blessing of God
My favorite discussion in the reading was the comparison of the humaity in Adam and the humanity in Christ. Polhill says that Paul came close to "universalism" when he says that through Adam cam condemnation and death and through Christ came righteousness and life. I do not agree that "universalism" is the correct term to use.
Jesus fulfilled the law. In Romans 7, Paul discusses the law and the role of the law. Polhill points out that the law is not the problem but that sin is the problem (p. 291). Sin brought death, not the law. Eve brought sin into the world. The law makes a person accoutable for sin. Polhill says that verses 7-11 are written in 1st person singular and points to Adam and Eve.
Before Abraham's covenant, God made a covenant with Adam and Eve. In Genesis 1:28-29, God BLESSED Adam and Eve and gave them rule over every living creature and creation. Genesis 1 tells the creation story. Genesis 2 is designed to teach a lesson. Genesis 3 is the fall in which God put enmity between Satan's offspring and the woman's offspring.
The DPL says that there are two kinds of God's wrath. The wrath of God and the wrath of humans. The book goes on to say that there are two kinds of Divine Faithfullness: God's faithfullness and God's truth.
Jesus fulfilled the righteousness of God and provided access to God. At the end of time, Satan will be judged for his "supposedly" distruction of God's creation. God BLESSED His Creation. No one takes away God's blessings, especially not Satan.
Vicky
Jesus fulfilled the law. In Romans 7, Paul discusses the law and the role of the law. Polhill points out that the law is not the problem but that sin is the problem (p. 291). Sin brought death, not the law. Eve brought sin into the world. The law makes a person accoutable for sin. Polhill says that verses 7-11 are written in 1st person singular and points to Adam and Eve.
Before Abraham's covenant, God made a covenant with Adam and Eve. In Genesis 1:28-29, God BLESSED Adam and Eve and gave them rule over every living creature and creation. Genesis 1 tells the creation story. Genesis 2 is designed to teach a lesson. Genesis 3 is the fall in which God put enmity between Satan's offspring and the woman's offspring.
The DPL says that there are two kinds of God's wrath. The wrath of God and the wrath of humans. The book goes on to say that there are two kinds of Divine Faithfullness: God's faithfullness and God's truth.
Jesus fulfilled the righteousness of God and provided access to God. At the end of time, Satan will be judged for his "supposedly" distruction of God's creation. God BLESSED His Creation. No one takes away God's blessings, especially not Satan.
Vicky
suffering part of Covenant
Dr. Foster explained in class how the passage from Sirach portrayed the image of the followers’ sufferings reflecting the faith of God in the believer. Thus, building on Col 1:24, the believers’ (the church’s) sufferings is a bodily continuation of Christ’s sufferings for the unbelieving world to see. Our suffering glorifies the Lord, a counter human idea. As I reflected over the section taken from Sirach 2:1-5, I thought of 2 Cor 3:18, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory…” Just as the Christian glorifies Christ through suffering, so also we glorify Him through partaking in the new covenant of the Spirit. By being filled with Him we, like Moses reflect our maker. Hopefully I am not to off in trying to parallel these passages, for I think suffering is one part of us mirroring Christ’s brilliance.
kevin
kevin
Monday, March 13, 2006
Seven sons of Sceva
Based on Acts 19:13-20, I am reminded to be more Christ like.The fact the Seven sons of Sceva were bold enough to approach a demon and not be able to cast it out because they were not powerful enough really bothers me. Honestly I find demons a little creepy and don't wish to be around them. These guys had the courage, but lacked the faith. I am astonished that their boldness to attempt to cast out this demon did not elevate their name status. One other thought is that they tried to cast it in the name of Paul. Paul on the other hand always used Christ as his source of power to drive them out. Maybe Paul's name wasn't needed.
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