I really enjoyed Pauline this semester. Thus far in my college experience ministry classes have been my most difficult classes as well as the classes I have enjoyed the most. I have learned that I must have a different attitude when taking one of my core classes. For me to come into it unprepared to learn from the Lord creates a theological mind in me and not a mind set centered on Christ dealing with theology. That has been tough every semester, but this semester God has really helped develop a habit of being prepared when approaching his word. Over the semester several of the most difficult elements of our schedule sparked the greatest amount of change in my life. Beginning with the seminar, I grew closer to some individuals in the class and learned what it meant to be in the shoes of Paul. Attempting to take on his humility and burden for a hurting and wavering church. Polhill and the DPL challenged my consistency, even though I did not completely overcome they were a constant lesson on the Pauline corpus and a lesson on how to handle it with integrity. Winter provided an intellectual exposition on Corinth. One of which stretched my comprehension, but challenged tradition and my life. The lectures from Dr. Foster conglomerated the mass of information for this dumb second year student. Actually he did a lot more than that.
I thought I would end with telling some of what I learned from my paper and some of how Pauline has effected my life. In studying the man of lawlessness of 2 Thess, I learned some of the things that will happen before Christ's return. I learned what this scripture teaches about the Anti-Christ. I learned how I must not shy away from eschatological and apocalyptic texts in the Paul or for that matter the whole bible. Todd Still said something to the extent of, "reading Paul while avoiding eschatology is like eating raisin bread and avoiding the raisins." The Thessalonian letters taught me about how I must live each day in the anticipation of Christ's imminent return. This should probably be another paragraph, but our teacher counted points off my book report for going over. Taking what I learned from the class and being able to teach a bible study over 1 Corinthians the last few weeks a church has been a joy. Not that I have some gold nugget that I can show the guys that they may have never heard before, but being able to teach students the truth of the scripture and how they can be good stewards of it is a blessing.
kevin
Monday, April 24, 2006
One more post...
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
Pualine Epstlies
Hi, Jacob Here!! My semeter in Pauline Epistles has been awesome. I think that my most fovorite part about this semesters class has been the discussions in class. I gained a lot from listening and hearing what people had to say. I value opinions of everyone because there are some many smart people in our class. I think that Io have learned more in this class than I have any other class, and that is encouraging to me as I enter into more of the same classes at Williams.
I have been excited about this class since day one. I feel that the most beneficil assigement was out seminar. This is where i really learned how hard it was to compose a letter that Paul would have composed. I have a new perception of Paul's letters and on Biblical studies that I plane on usining later on in the futre. It's been a great year. Hope everyone has a Wonderful summer. Come by and sign my yearbook.
I have been excited about this class since day one. I feel that the most beneficil assigement was out seminar. This is where i really learned how hard it was to compose a letter that Paul would have composed. I have a new perception of Paul's letters and on Biblical studies that I plane on usining later on in the futre. It's been a great year. Hope everyone has a Wonderful summer. Come by and sign my yearbook.
Overall View of the Class
I have thoroughly enjoyed Pauline Epistles this semester. I have to admit, prior to this class, my knowledge of Paul and his letters was limited. I have enjoyed reading the letters of Paul after gaining more knowledge about the Greco-Roman world and getting a better understanding of how to interpret his letters within the proper context. I also learned a significant amount of information from the Bruce Winter's book. I enjoy studying history, but particularly history from the period and culture of biblical times.
Once again, I also enjoyed the seminar we had this semester. I learned that I did not know as much about scripture from memory as I thought I previously did. The discussions and the freedom to discuss topics of personal interests in the class are appreciated as well. My favorite part of the class is the detailed exegesis of the text. I thoroughly enjoy the lectures and the personal touch added to the class by Dr. Foster, even though I sometimes get frustrated before thinking his comments through. I also am glad I finally learned the chronology of Paul's letters and his missionary journeys. Since this class, I have been able to teach my church members more about the largest portion of the New Testament.
Once again, I also enjoyed the seminar we had this semester. I learned that I did not know as much about scripture from memory as I thought I previously did. The discussions and the freedom to discuss topics of personal interests in the class are appreciated as well. My favorite part of the class is the detailed exegesis of the text. I thoroughly enjoy the lectures and the personal touch added to the class by Dr. Foster, even though I sometimes get frustrated before thinking his comments through. I also am glad I finally learned the chronology of Paul's letters and his missionary journeys. Since this class, I have been able to teach my church members more about the largest portion of the New Testament.
I have learned a lot
I have learned a great deal in this Pauline class. I have gone from addmitedly ignorant about Paul to feeling confident that I could outline his life. He was an inspirational character. He went from completely doubting to completely defending because of an encounter with Jesus. He was obviously favored because Jesus does not show up in person to everybody; Paul was unique. His Jewish Pharisee background made him well versed in the basics and his zealous nature made him a formitable Christian.
Paul wrote many of the books of our New Testament. These books were once just letters to church plants Paul had been involved in while traveling on missionary journies. I learned in Dr. Foster's class that Paul spoke to the Jew first then the gentile. This was a very new idea to me since I assumed everything was written just for me. I enjoyed Dr. Foster's lectures a lot. Though the class was a challenge, I have gained volumes of knowledge that will further my intellect.
Paul wrote many of the books of our New Testament. These books were once just letters to church plants Paul had been involved in while traveling on missionary journies. I learned in Dr. Foster's class that Paul spoke to the Jew first then the gentile. This was a very new idea to me since I assumed everything was written just for me. I enjoyed Dr. Foster's lectures a lot. Though the class was a challenge, I have gained volumes of knowledge that will further my intellect.
REFLECTION!! (IN ALL CAPS SO I CAN KEEP IT IN MY FOLDER..) mo was so much more simple!!
Lyda Turner
It has been a rollercoaster of a semester! I went into this not knowing what to expect and honestly dreaded the most of it. Little did I know my life would be forever changed. I have a greater sense of accomplishment and can definitely tell where I am lacking in responsibility. My favorite thing about the class lectures and reading material had to be just the chance to really dig in to Paul's writings and the purpose for writing them. It was good to read the letters and have the historical background from which he was working. I really enjoyed the study of the people and their culture.
My favorite part of the assignments honestly would be the seminar. It was really a humbling experience. To set down without a bible,and be able to speak like Paul. My own ability really suprised me. I worked with a really great group of kids too. I really have said for a long time that I thought Paul was a good biblical character to follow, but after doing an indepth study of how he wrote I really do strive for that passion.
Some of the toughest parts of the semester were the paper! It was a tough one, and although i could have done better overall, i am proud of what i gained from it. This was a class that forced me to stay on task, and can definitely feel the pull when I havent. I needed the extra mile this semester The internet has not cooperated with us ALL semester, and I have renounced twice!! but God is good and has a forgiving heart!!! ITS BEEN A GREAT SEMESTER!!
It has been a rollercoaster of a semester! I went into this not knowing what to expect and honestly dreaded the most of it. Little did I know my life would be forever changed. I have a greater sense of accomplishment and can definitely tell where I am lacking in responsibility. My favorite thing about the class lectures and reading material had to be just the chance to really dig in to Paul's writings and the purpose for writing them. It was good to read the letters and have the historical background from which he was working. I really enjoyed the study of the people and their culture.
My favorite part of the assignments honestly would be the seminar. It was really a humbling experience. To set down without a bible,and be able to speak like Paul. My own ability really suprised me. I worked with a really great group of kids too. I really have said for a long time that I thought Paul was a good biblical character to follow, but after doing an indepth study of how he wrote I really do strive for that passion.
Some of the toughest parts of the semester were the paper! It was a tough one, and although i could have done better overall, i am proud of what i gained from it. This was a class that forced me to stay on task, and can definitely feel the pull when I havent. I needed the extra mile this semester The internet has not cooperated with us ALL semester, and I have renounced twice!! but God is good and has a forgiving heart!!! ITS BEEN A GREAT SEMESTER!!
Don't be a language bigot!
I have learned so much about Paul and his writings over the semester, mainly the way some of his writings should be viewed in the cultural context as well as how some have been taken out of context. The Pauline seminar. Wow. That experience blew any notion that I had that I was a mini quasi-biblical expert. I'm still not up to par by any means. It was awesome to have been provided the opportunity to combine what knowledge I have with the knowledge of others to write the letter to the Dystopians, sans Bible.
The fiery debates were fun as well. Especially the "called or converted?" debate. I had always thought what I had been taught in Sunday school about a billion and a half years ago that it was Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. I liked Dr. Foster's restatement of the question and then the simple answer of "yes". I had never thought of the event that way. This class has challenged me to think critically; to analyze thoroughly through the historical, grammatical...yada yada yada...those filters we learned about in the hermaneutics section of Bib Interp three forevers ago.
I have to admit that toward the end of the class I got to the point where I didn't want to pick up my Bible and read it simply because there was Paul in it and I viewed it as a textbook. It was because of the Pauline paper that I stood outside of the dorm with my fist up in the air yelling at God. I've taken the stress of these things and turned them into a challenge. I'm thinking that they're an indication that I need to grow spiritually. Wow. I think if I had to boil everything that I learned about this class down, I would have to say that it has taught me that I need to strive even harder to grow in every aspect of my faith and strengthen my relationship with Christ.
Thanks Paul.
The fiery debates were fun as well. Especially the "called or converted?" debate. I had always thought what I had been taught in Sunday school about a billion and a half years ago that it was Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. I liked Dr. Foster's restatement of the question and then the simple answer of "yes". I had never thought of the event that way. This class has challenged me to think critically; to analyze thoroughly through the historical, grammatical...yada yada yada...those filters we learned about in the hermaneutics section of Bib Interp three forevers ago.
I have to admit that toward the end of the class I got to the point where I didn't want to pick up my Bible and read it simply because there was Paul in it and I viewed it as a textbook. It was because of the Pauline paper that I stood outside of the dorm with my fist up in the air yelling at God. I've taken the stress of these things and turned them into a challenge. I'm thinking that they're an indication that I need to grow spiritually. Wow. I think if I had to boil everything that I learned about this class down, I would have to say that it has taught me that I need to strive even harder to grow in every aspect of my faith and strengthen my relationship with Christ.
Thanks Paul.
Pauline Epistles: A Final Word
Wow! I have been continually amazed at how much I walk away with when I have endured upper-level biblical work while here at Williams, and Pauline Epistles is no exception! The first point I would like to say that I am thankful for is how we have learned much about the ancient world in which Paul's letters were written. When I read Paul now, I read it with an understanding that he was not anywhere near an American in his thinking, and that makes a tremendous difference in interpretation and application. I have came to view it as a foriegn letter that has been translated into my language, and that is exactly what it is. I am thankful for the historical background of Paul's culture that Dr. Foster has painstakingly emphasized.
I would also like to say that I have been reminded once more by this class that biblical studies is a very challenging, difficult task. It requires much diligence, determination, and effort, but the rewards truly are eternal and therefore worth it all. Through the reading, class lectures, the book review, the paper, and even this blog I have learned a tremendous amount about Paul and his letters. This class has encouraged me to continue to push myself to "study to show myself approved." Though I know I am not anywhere where I need to be, I am determined to press on with a motivation that comes from the knowledge I have gained from this class. Ours is a worthwhile calling deserving of our perseverance. This class has given me tools and trained me to continue biblical studies in the future in seminary and then also on my own.
I would like to thank everyone for this experience!
Peace
Wade Drury
I would also like to say that I have been reminded once more by this class that biblical studies is a very challenging, difficult task. It requires much diligence, determination, and effort, but the rewards truly are eternal and therefore worth it all. Through the reading, class lectures, the book review, the paper, and even this blog I have learned a tremendous amount about Paul and his letters. This class has encouraged me to continue to push myself to "study to show myself approved." Though I know I am not anywhere where I need to be, I am determined to press on with a motivation that comes from the knowledge I have gained from this class. Ours is a worthwhile calling deserving of our perseverance. This class has given me tools and trained me to continue biblical studies in the future in seminary and then also on my own.
I would like to thank everyone for this experience!
Peace
Wade Drury
Pauline Epistles
Pauline Epistles this semester has been a very interesting experience for me this semester. I have spent most of my life in ignorance of most of whom and what Paul was. I have learned that much of what Paul wrote was very culturally significant. I had always struggled with much of Paul’s teachings because they seemed almost anti Christian in a manner of speaking. Much of what I learned was a result of understanding the cultural significance of Paul.
This class has taught me to look more critically at the text and the understanding of how to interpret the Pauline Epistles. The books that I have obtained for this class will be invaluable resources to me in my coming ministry. This class has armed me with the necessary knowledge to interpret this scripture. The Pauline Corpus has taken on new meaning and will now be a more effective and powerful tool for me both on a ministerial level and on a person level.
This class has taught me to look more critically at the text and the understanding of how to interpret the Pauline Epistles. The books that I have obtained for this class will be invaluable resources to me in my coming ministry. This class has armed me with the necessary knowledge to interpret this scripture. The Pauline Corpus has taken on new meaning and will now be a more effective and powerful tool for me both on a ministerial level and on a person level.
Pauline Reflection
I could not think up a clever title as my fellow graduate Mr. Adam B. so that title will have to do. I had high hopes coming into Pauline this semester. The last upper level Dr. Foster class that I took was Life of Christ (which is also recommended if one wants to gain more knowledge of the Gospels). I have always been intrigued by the person of Paul in a very naive sense -- meaning that I never really knew anything about the man. Our class this semester provided a new outlook for me when I examine the letters and teachings of Paul. Moreover, I learned a ton of information regarding history and the importance of context in Biblical studies.
For the most part, I enjoyed my time in Pauline Epistles. The one thing that bothered me the most was my increased stress level because of my anxiety to graduate. But apart from that, I felt that this class was beneficial to my ministry. In the most cheerleader way that I can, I fell that I am a better person because of Pauline Epistles in Spring 2006 (no seriously, B-E-T-T-E-R BETTER!!!!!....with a song and dance to follow). I have enjoyed my time in this class and around the people that encompass the class. I have made new friends through this class and have gained new respect for everyone. Do well in your ministries and God Bless.
For the most part, I enjoyed my time in Pauline Epistles. The one thing that bothered me the most was my increased stress level because of my anxiety to graduate. But apart from that, I felt that this class was beneficial to my ministry. In the most cheerleader way that I can, I fell that I am a better person because of Pauline Epistles in Spring 2006 (no seriously, B-E-T-T-E-R BETTER!!!!!....with a song and dance to follow). I have enjoyed my time in this class and around the people that encompass the class. I have made new friends through this class and have gained new respect for everyone. Do well in your ministries and God Bless.
Paul and modern Christian Ministry students
I feel that the most helpful and most enlightening aspect of the Pauline class was the seminar. The seminar gave me more of a chance to relate to Paul. The seminar also showed me how much I do not know. I of course thought I knew much more than I did. I have come to the firm conclusion that more classes should have seminars such as we had. My other conclusion is that Galatians 5:1 does still belong in chapter five not four.
My second point is one of disappointment. I spent quite a bit of time with some of my classmates and was horrorstruck by their ethical practices. If you are a Christian Ministry student that cheats, then hopefully you will be operated on by a surgeon who cheated as well. I think that Paul would be knocking some of our classmates out the window if he was in our class. How can you think that cheating does you any good.
My second point is one of disappointment. I spent quite a bit of time with some of my classmates and was horrorstruck by their ethical practices. If you are a Christian Ministry student that cheats, then hopefully you will be operated on by a surgeon who cheated as well. I think that Paul would be knocking some of our classmates out the window if he was in our class. How can you think that cheating does you any good.
A Crab + A Bomb= Ou What A Blast! (Sorry, if you are currently a barbarian, then this falls into the category of TA MUSTHRIA H EKKLHSIA TOU PHOTOS!)
As I reflect on Pauline Epistles, my attitude toward the class is indicative of my time spent here at Williams. My thoughts and feelings about the class are best expressed in a single slogan. This slogan was popularized in the 80's because of its use in a hit song, Patrick Swayze (what a heartthrob) danced his heart out to it on the big screen, God knows who wrote it, but yes--"I"ve had the time of my life, and I've never felt this way before. Yes I swear it's the truth, and I owe it all to you." This has been a tremendous learning experience for me. Through this class I have gained siginificant insight and understanding of the Pauline corpus, my personal Bible study has been enhanced, and I feel that I have progressed intellectually and spirtually. I have also enjoyed this learning exprience alongside my friends and brothers and sisters in Christ amongst the class. This class, and this semester, as well as all my time spent at Williams has truly been a blessing. While my mom may have gotten drug through the mud on a few, well ok several occassions, I still consider to be a better person having had the privelage to attend school at this college. The relationships I have made with students and professors are some that will surely make lasting impressions on me. I hope to be able to continue those friendships as I move on and embrace the next part of my life. So, to sum it up.......it's been a blast (hence the title)!
Pauline Theology
When I started the semester off in this class I had no idea what I was going to get into, nor how little I actually knew about Paul. Paul was a great defender of the faith and he got his point across , and he had a way of going about to doing it that made people realize that he was true. Paul really cared about the people that he was ministering to. I really learned how much trouble besides persecution that Paul really went through in his ministry, he had so many opponents and he use simple things like rhetoric to ask questions. Paul showed Jews and Gentiles alike how they are to be united as one body with one another in the Christian family and that the Gentiles did not have to become Jew first to be saved. Paul showed that it is the an issue of the heart on most controversies that he faced.
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
Pauline Theology
When I started the semester off in this class I had no idea what I was going to get into, nor how little I actually knew about Paul. Paul was a great defender of the faith and he got his point across , and he had a way of going about to doing it that made people realize that he was true. Paul really cared about the people that he was ministering to. I really learned how much trouble besides persecution that Paul really went through in his ministry, he had so many opponents and he use simple things like rhetoric to ask questions. Paul showed Jews and Gentiles alike how they are to be united as one body with one another in the Christian family and that the Gentiles did not have to become Jew first to be saved. Paul showed that it is the an issue of the heart on most controversies that he faced.
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
Pauline Theology
When I started the semester off in this class I had no idea what I was going to get into, nor how little I actually knew about Paul. Paul was a great defender of the faith and he got his point across , and he had a way of going about to doing it that made people realize that he was true. Paul really cared about the people that he was ministering to. I really learned how much trouble besides persecution that Paul really went through in his ministry, he had so many opponents and he use simple things like rhetoric to ask questions. Paul showed Jews and Gentiles alike how they are to be united as one body with one another in the Christian family and that the Gentiles did not have to become Jew first to be saved. Paul showed that it is the an issue of the heart on most controversies that he faced.
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
Pauline Theology
When I started the semester off in this class I had no idea what I was going to get into, nor how little I actually knew about Paul. Paul was a great defender of the faith and he got his point across , and he had a way of going about to doing it that made people realize that he was true. Paul really cared about the people that he was ministering to. I really learned how much trouble besides persecution that Paul really went through in his ministry, he had so many opponents and he use simple things like rhetoric to ask questions. Paul showed Jews and Gentiles alike how they are to be united as one body with one another in the Christian family and that the Gentiles did not have to become Jew first to be saved. Paul showed that it is the an issue of the heart on most controversies that he faced.
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
Pauline Theology
When I started the semester off in this class I had no idea what I was going to get into, nor how little I actually knew about Paul. Paul was a great defender of the faith and he got his point across , and he had a way of going about to doing it that made people realize that he was true. Paul really cared about the people that he was ministering to. I really learned how much trouble besides persecution that Paul really went through in his ministry, he had so many opponents and he use simple things like rhetoric to ask questions. Paul showed Jews and Gentiles alike how they are to be united as one body with one another in the Christian family and that the Gentiles did not have to become Jew first to be saved. Paul showed that it is the an issue of the heart on most controversies that he faced.
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
By doing the project and writing the reasearch paper I really learned alot about the character of Paul himself, he had his own style of doing things and it worked he was stubborn and hard headed by at the sametime loving and he did let them work together and that was amazing. Paul was good at pointing out the main emphasis to being saved and that was to simply believe in the death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus CHrist and that He is the Savior of the world. Big Bro James
Good Times
Pauline Epistles has been one of the most edifying classes I have ever taken. It means a lot to me to finally study and understand Paul’s background and the background of the first century church. There is a number of good things I can say about the class. I Think the Polhill book is the best part about the class because It’s really easy to understand and He does a great job of revealing the background and the meaning of each of the letters of Paul. It is definitely a book that I will keep and refer back to in my ministry studies. The group seminar that we did was another very important part of the class for me because I was broken on my superficial knowledge of scripture and Pauline style. The project has caused me to study more fervently.
Another thing that I really loved about the class was doing the paper. Not that I enjoy papers but the passage really meant a lot to me. I did my paper over the 2 Cor 11:26-33, which is the hardship catalogue. I don’t know how well of a paper I presented but I do know that the passage had an important effect on my heart and I pray that I can apply what I have learned to my life and ministry. I understand that being a servant of Christ may cost be everything but it would truly be worth it for the glory of God.
Stephen Foust
Another thing that I really loved about the class was doing the paper. Not that I enjoy papers but the passage really meant a lot to me. I did my paper over the 2 Cor 11:26-33, which is the hardship catalogue. I don’t know how well of a paper I presented but I do know that the passage had an important effect on my heart and I pray that I can apply what I have learned to my life and ministry. I understand that being a servant of Christ may cost be everything but it would truly be worth it for the glory of God.
Stephen Foust
Keep on Keepin' on
There are so many ways that this class has challenged, grown, and interested me. To have a much better grasp of the biblical historical perspective the first century church, as well as the first century itself I will hold as such a avalueable commodoty. Two major parts of the class, besides the lectures, really helped me grow as a student of the Bible: the Paper and the Project.
The project was so much more fun than i thought spending six extra hours of school could be. I was blessed by the hard work of my group and the understanding they conveyed throughout the project. The challenge put forth by my peers was so encouraging. There was a specific point during the project in that i thought to my self "wow, i don't know very much!" this has pushed me to desire a stronger and deeper biblical/historical understanding of God's Word
The Paper, weather or not i did well, was personally rewarding. i truly felt like i was able to apply many things i have learned at college, specifically in my major, to the paper. i used many of the skills learned in bib. interp. to research the text. When finishing the paper i felt like i had when i had finished my bib interp paper, like i had some solid authoritative knowledge of the biblical text. this brought me much joy and satisfaction, but at the same time overwwhelms me at the thought of how much work goes into doing that study on a much larger scale.
So i will keep on, Keepin' on in the work that still lies before me.
The project was so much more fun than i thought spending six extra hours of school could be. I was blessed by the hard work of my group and the understanding they conveyed throughout the project. The challenge put forth by my peers was so encouraging. There was a specific point during the project in that i thought to my self "wow, i don't know very much!" this has pushed me to desire a stronger and deeper biblical/historical understanding of God's Word
The Paper, weather or not i did well, was personally rewarding. i truly felt like i was able to apply many things i have learned at college, specifically in my major, to the paper. i used many of the skills learned in bib. interp. to research the text. When finishing the paper i felt like i had when i had finished my bib interp paper, like i had some solid authoritative knowledge of the biblical text. this brought me much joy and satisfaction, but at the same time overwwhelms me at the thought of how much work goes into doing that study on a much larger scale.
So i will keep on, Keepin' on in the work that still lies before me.
a reflection
I really enjoyed Pauline this semester. Thus far in my college experience ministry classes have been my most difficult classes as well as the classes I have enjoyed the most. I have learned that I must have a different attitude when taking one of my core classes. For me to come into it unprepared to learn from the Lord creates a theological mind in me and not a mind set centered on Christ dealing with theology. That has been tough every semester, but this semester God has really helped develop a habit of being prepared when approaching his word. Over the semester several of the most difficult elements of our schedule sparked the greatest amount of change in my life. Beginning with the seminar, I grew closer to some individuals in the class and learned what it meant to be in the shoes of Paul. Attempting to take on his humility and burden for a hurting and wavering church. Polhill and the DPL challenged my consistency, even though I did not completely overcome they were a constant lesson on the Pauline corpus and a lesson on how to handle it with integrity. Winter provided an intellectual exposition on Corinth. One of which stretched my comprehension, but challenged tradition and my life. The lectures from Dr. Foster conglomerated the mass of information for this dumb second year student. Actually he did a lot more than that.
I thought I would end with telling some of what I learned from my paper and some of how Pauline has effected my life. In studying the man of lawlessness of 2 Thess, I learned some of the things that will happen before Christ's return. I learned what this scripture teaches about the Anti-Christ. I learned how I must not shy away from eschatological and apocalyptic texts in the Paul or for that matter the whole bible. Todd Still said something to the extent of, "reading Paul while avoiding eschatology is like eating raisin bread and avoiding the raisins." The Thessalonian letters taught me about how I must live each day in the anticipation of Christ's imminent return. This should probably be another paragraph, but our teacher counted points off my book report for going over. Taking what I learned from the class and being able to teach a bible study over 1 Corinthians the last few weeks a church has been a joy. Not that I have some gold nugget that I can show the guys that they may have never heard before, but being able to teach students the truth of the scripture and how they can be good stewards of it is a blessing.
kevin
I thought I would end with telling some of what I learned from my paper and some of how Pauline has effected my life. In studying the man of lawlessness of 2 Thess, I learned some of the things that will happen before Christ's return. I learned what this scripture teaches about the Anti-Christ. I learned how I must not shy away from eschatological and apocalyptic texts in the Paul or for that matter the whole bible. Todd Still said something to the extent of, "reading Paul while avoiding eschatology is like eating raisin bread and avoiding the raisins." The Thessalonian letters taught me about how I must live each day in the anticipation of Christ's imminent return. This should probably be another paragraph, but our teacher counted points off my book report for going over. Taking what I learned from the class and being able to teach a bible study over 1 Corinthians the last few weeks a church has been a joy. Not that I have some gold nugget that I can show the guys that they may have never heard before, but being able to teach students the truth of the scripture and how they can be good stewards of it is a blessing.
kevin
I really enjoyed Pauline this semester. Thus far in my college experience ministry classes have been my most difficult classes as well as the classes I have enjoyed the most. I have learned that I must have a different attitude when taking one of my core classes. For me to come into it unprepared to learn from the Lord creates a theological mind in me and not a mind set centered on Christ dealing with theology. That has been tough every semester, but this semester God has really helped develop a habit of being prepared when approaching his word. Over the semester several of the most difficult elements of our schedule sparked the greatest amount of change in my life. Beginning with the seminar, I grew closer to some individuals in the class and learned what it meant to be in the shoes of Paul. Attempting to take on his humility and burden for a hurting and wavering church. Polhill and the DPL challenged my consistency, even though I did not completely overcome they were a constant lesson on the Pauline corpus and a lesson on how to handle it with integrity. Winter provided an intellectual exposition on Corinth. One of which stretched my comprehension, but challenged tradition and my life. The lectures from Dr. Foster conglomerated the mass of information for this dumb second year student. Actually he did a lot more than that.
I thought I would end with telling some of what I learned from my paper and some of how Pauline has effected my life. In studying the man of lawlessness of 2 Thess, I learned some of the things that will happen before Christ's return. I learned what this scripture teaches about the Anti-Christ. I learned how I must not shy away from eschatological and apocalyptic texts in the Paul or for that matter the whole bible. Todd Still said something to the extent of, "reading Paul while avoiding eschatology is like eating raisin bread and avoiding the raisins." The Thessalonian letters taught me about how I must live each day in the anticipation of Christ's imminent return. This should probably be another paragraph, but our teacher counted points off my book report for going over. Taking what I learned from the class and being able to teach a bible study over 1 Corinthians the last few weeks a church has been a joy. Not that I have some gold nugget that I can show the guys that they may have never heard before, but being able to teach students the truth of the scripture and how they can be good stewards of it is a blessing.
kevin
I thought I would end with telling some of what I learned from my paper and some of how Pauline has effected my life. In studying the man of lawlessness of 2 Thess, I learned some of the things that will happen before Christ's return. I learned what this scripture teaches about the Anti-Christ. I learned how I must not shy away from eschatological and apocalyptic texts in the Paul or for that matter the whole bible. Todd Still said something to the extent of, "reading Paul while avoiding eschatology is like eating raisin bread and avoiding the raisins." The Thessalonian letters taught me about how I must live each day in the anticipation of Christ's imminent return. This should probably be another paragraph, but our teacher counted points off my book report for going over. Taking what I learned from the class and being able to teach a bible study over 1 Corinthians the last few weeks a church has been a joy. Not that I have some gold nugget that I can show the guys that they may have never heard before, but being able to teach students the truth of the scripture and how they can be good stewards of it is a blessing.
kevin
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
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
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
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
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