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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.”

Zach Pyron

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

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.

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

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