Paul's Letters to the Philippians
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Questions and Answers

What is Paul urging the people of Philippi to do in the face of persecution?

  • Govern their actions through military might
  • Seek vengeance against their persecutors
  • Value others above themselves (correct)
  • Focus solely on their struggles
  • How does the mindset of Jesus differ from that of ancient world leaders?

  • Leaders valued equality over servitude
  • Jesus practiced servant leadership while leaders sought personal gain (correct)
  • Jesus aimed for authoritarian control like the Caesars
  • Both sought to establish military power
  • What does Paul identify as necessary for unity with Christ?

  • The spirit of God (correct)
  • A shared political ideology
  • Access to military resources
  • Wealth and social status
  • In what way did Jesus use his equality with God according to Paul?

    <p>To benefit humanity and serve others (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge do the people of Philippi face as they strive for unity?

    <p>Living for others amid their own struggles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted Philip to meet the Eunuch in the desert?

    <p>A divine encounter with an angel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes Cornelius?

    <p>A devout Roman soldier (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What vision does Peter receive that challenges Jewish dietary laws?

    <p>A vision of unclean animals and a command to eat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary change regarding access to the spirit of God from the Old Testament to the New Testament?

    <p>All of God's people now have access to the spirit of God. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event occurs when the Holy Spirit is poured out on the Gentiles?

    <p>They speak in their native tongue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many times does God repeat the vision to Peter?

    <p>Three times (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event does the Tower of Babel represent in relation to humans accessing God?

    <p>God allowing humans to access Him on their own terms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Peter's response when people asked, 'What shall we do?' after realizing their role in the death of Jesus?

    <p>Repent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action does Peter take that signifies his acceptance of Gentiles?

    <p>He eats with the Gentiles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT considered an unclean animal according to Jewish law mentioned?

    <p>Animals that chew the cud (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the communal life empowered by the Holy Spirit as mentioned in the content?

    <p>Communism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which miraculous event is NOT mentioned as occurring post-Pentecost?

    <p>Paul healing a blind man. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Holy Spirit play in the acceptance of Gentiles into the early Christian community?

    <p>It enables speaking in tongues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch symbolize?

    <p>The inclusiveness of the Gospel to all people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is Ethiopia located in relation to Israel?

    <p>Beyond the borders of Israel. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'inclusio' imply in the context of the Ethiopian Eunuch's story?

    <p>The theme of inclusion and acceptance in the community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of authorial probabilities when external and internal/transcriptional evidence conflict?

    <p>Readings that align with the author's style and vocabulary are likely original. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the King James Version not recommended as a primary Bible for study?

    <p>It was created before the advent of text criticism. (C), It relies on a limited number of manuscripts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a variant reading that has been heavily scrutinized by text critics?

    <p>1 John 5:7-8, related to the Trinity passage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critical view is taken regarding the woman caught in adultery in John 7:53-8:11?

    <p>Its omission is looked upon favorably by text critics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of scriptural texts does Bruce, a noted text critic, emphasize regarding doubts and controversies?

    <p>Most doubts are trivial and do not affect faith practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the nature of epistles in the New Testament?

    <p>Epistles are ancient letters addressing specific issues or communities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critical perspective does Holly express about the transmission of Jewish and Christian scriptures?

    <p>The inclusion of humans in the process enriches its beauty and access. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach is less favored when assessing textual variants?

    <p>Using a limited number of recent manuscript discoveries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized about God's choice between Jacob and Esau?

    <p>God subverts cultural expectations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'Jacob I loved, Esau I hated' communicate?

    <p>It signifies God’s covenantal commitment and choice. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key misunderstanding addressed in the interpretation of God's selecting process?

    <p>The belief that older individuals are always favored. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which view suggests that God's choice is about predestination?

    <p>View 1, which sees God favoring Jacob before birth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective suggests excluding cultural expectations in God's choices?

    <p>View 2 focuses on subverting established norms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy' imply?

    <p>God's mercy operates beyond human comprehension. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of God choosing Isaac over Ishmael?

    <p>It shows a deliberate action against human sin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the selection of Jacob and Esau reflected in the larger narrative of Israel?

    <p>It symbolizes the dual nature of Israel's identity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Works of the Law' primarily refer to?

    <p>Specific Jewish legal activities that separate Jews from Gentiles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way is circumcision described in relation to faith?

    <p>As a sign of faithfulness and a blessing to come (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary question addressed regarding who belongs to God's people?

    <p>Who lives faithfully and how can we tell? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What undermines the clarity of membership within God's people according to the content?

    <p>The blurry lines and God's knowledge of faithfulness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated about Paul's views on legalism?

    <p>He expresses concern about hypocrisy within legalistic practices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Parousia' refer to in the context provided?

    <p>The second coming and establishment of a new era (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the perspectives of TPP and NPP differentiated regarding salvation?

    <p>TPP works to 'stay in'; NPP works to 'get in' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What influenced the beliefs of believers grieving for those who died from persecution?

    <p>Past beliefs in Greek gods like Hades (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    OT access to God

    In the Old Testament, access to God was limited to special people like priests, prophets, kings, or through intermediaries.

    NT access to God

    In the New Testament, all followers of Jesus have equal access to God's Spirit.

    Tower of Babel

    An event where God confused human languages, demonstrating that humans have limited abilities to understand God's plan.

    Post-Pentecost miracles

    Early followers of Jesus performed miracles, like healing and raising the dead, proving that Jesus's mission was continuing.

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    Acts 8:26-40

    Describes Philip's meeting with an Ethiopian eunuch, marking a significant demonstration of the Gospel's reach beyond Israel to people outside of traditional Judaism.

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    Ethiopian Eunuch

    A powerful man from Ethiopia who converted to Christianity, signifying that the gospel was meant for all people, not just Israelites.

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    Communal life (Post-Pentecost)

    Early Christians lived communally, sharing resources and supporting each other. This was a demonstration of Jesus's teachings, and wasn't government based.

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    Repentance

    Turning away from sin and wrongdoing, as Peter urged individuals in the early Church, accepting Jesus's teachings/role.

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    Peter's Vision of the Sheet

    Peter has a vision of a sheet with unclean animals, signifying God's acceptance of Gentiles.

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    Cornelius and the Gentiles

    Cornelius, a Gentile, is a devout man who seeks out Peter to learn about Jesus.

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    Pentecost of Gentiles

    The Holy Spirit descends on Gentiles, just as it did on the Jewish followers of Jesus at Pentecost, leading to the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.

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    Unclean Animals (Jews)

    Jewish dietary laws prohibited certain animals, demonstrating a cultural distinction.

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    God's Plan for Inclusion

    God's plan is to unite Jews and Gentiles, transcending cultural barriers.

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    Peter's Conversion

    Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius help him remove his prejudice against Gentiles.

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    Divine Encounter

    Divine encounter through visions and the Holy Spirit is frequently used in the Bible.

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    Trustworthy Characters

    Cornelius is a trustworthy and devout Gentile, who seeks truth and follows God's guidance.

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    Philippi Unity

    Paul encourages the Philippians to value one another above themselves, striving for unity despite persecution. He emphasizes that they are united through the Holy Spirit, mirroring Christ's attitude.

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    Jesus vs. World Leaders

    Paul contrasts Jesus's humility and servant leadership with the authoritarian nature of ancient world leaders who sought to control through military might and claimed divinity. Jesus, though equal to God, humbled himself for our benefit.

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    Christ-Hymn Motivation

    The Christ-Hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 highlights Jesus's pre-existent equality with God, but emphasizes his voluntary humbling for our sake. It motivates us to have the same mindset as Christ.

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    World Leader's Divinity

    Ancient world leaders, such as Caesars, Pharaohs, and Alexander the Great, often claimed divine status based on their power and conquests. This contrasts with Jesus's humility and service.

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    Jesus's Humility

    Though Jesus was equal to God, he willingly humbled himself, becoming human and ultimately sacrificing himself on the cross. This act of humility demonstrates His love and service to humanity.

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    Works of the Law

    Specific Jewish practices that separate Jews from Gentiles, like circumcision, Sabbath observance, and dietary laws. These acts were seen as ways to "get in" to God's favor.

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    Staying In

    The idea that while grace is the starting point for being in relationship with God, continued obedience and faithful living are necessary to remain that way. This is a way of "staying in" the relationship.

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    Parousia

    The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, seen as a new era or new rule, marking a dramatic change and celebration.

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    Grieving Believers

    Early Christians were confused and grieved about the fate of those who died before Jesus's Second Coming, because their understanding of death was influenced by Greek beliefs about a place like Hades.

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    Jesus's New Reality

    Jesus's arrival reshaped how God's people are understood. It's not just about outward actions, but about a deep, inner connection with God.

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    Blurred Lines

    The boundary between those who are truly part of God's people is not always clear-cut. It's not about strict rules but about a deep relationship with God.

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    Embodiment

    Living out one's faith through actions, not just beliefs. This is a key concept in Christianity.

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    Faithful Living

    A life that shows devotion to God through actions, prayer, and obedience, not just adhering to rules.

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    Authorial Probabilities

    This method helps determine the original text when internal and external evidence contradict each other. It analyzes an author's style, vocabulary, and theology to see which variant reading best fits their known patterns. It may help identify if a reading sounds more like Paul or another author, for example.

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    Fundamental Guideline for Assessing Variants

    When examining different versions of a text, the most helpful question to ask is: which variant best explains the existence of the other variants? This principle helps build a family tree of text variations, showing how they interrelated and evolved over time.

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    KJV as a Primary Bible

    It's not recommended to use the King James Version (KJV) as your primary Bible for studying textual variations because it reflects the scholarship of a specific historical period and may not reflect the most accurate text based on modern discoveries.

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    1 John 5:7-8: The 'Trinity' Passage

    This verse, often cited to support the doctrine of the Trinity, is considered an addition by text critics. It's only found in a few late manuscripts and was not present in early church fathers' writings, making its authenticity uncertain.

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    John 7:53-8:11: The Woman Caught in Adultery

    While absent in most early manuscripts, this passage is still sometimes included in Bibles. While not considered John's original writing, it's a valuable story that highlights Jesus's compassion and teachings about forgiveness.

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    Epistles

    These are ancient letters written by individuals to different communities or individuals. Examples include Paul's letters to various churches, like Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, etc.

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    Bruce: Small Margin of Doubt

    Bruce, a renowned text critic, emphasizes that despite the existence of text variants, the core essentials of the Christian faith remain unchanged. The variants in question don't affect fundamental beliefs or practice.

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    Holly: Beauty of Transmission

    Holly highlights the beauty of the Bible's history, noting that God incorporated humans in the process of transmitting His Word. This process of transmission allowed the scriptures to reach diverse communities and generations.

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    God's Choice: Unexpected

    God often chooses individuals who are unassuming and seem the least likely, subverting societal expectations. This is seen in the examples of Joseph, Moses, and David, all chosen despite being the underdog.

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    Jacob and Esau: Divine Election

    The story of Jacob and Esau highlights God's choosing of Jacob over Esau, often interpreted as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and choice. This choice isn't based on merit, but on God's plan.

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    ‘Jacob I loved, Esau I hated’

    This phrase from Malachi 1:2-3 isn't about literal emotions but about God's covenantal commitment and choice. Jacob represents commitment and sacrifice, while Esau represents not doing so.

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    Is God Unjust?

    The Bible emphasizes that God is just, and His actions, like choosing Jacob over Esau, are not about favoritism but about fulfilling His plan and sovereignty.

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    Election: Individual vs. Collective

    While God's “election” can be understood individually, it's often interpreted collectively within the Old Testament, referring to a chosen people and a chosen nation.

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    God's Mercy and Compassion

    God's mercy and compassion are not universal. This demonstrates His sovereignty and that He chooses to be merciful to some, signifying that His grace is a gift, not a right.

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    Paul's Retelling of Israel's Story

    Throughout his writings, Paul uses the narrative of Israel's history, including the Exodus, prophets, exile, and the coming of Jesus, to demonstrate God's plan and his own ministry.

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    Beyond Human Comprehension

    Some aspects of God's plan are beyond our understanding, like His choice of Jacob over Esau. This highlights the mystery of Divine sovereignty and invites us to trust in God's wisdom.

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    Study Notes

    John

    • Written primarily for Jewish followers, including Jewish tradition
    • Most explicit in explaining who Jesus is
    • Focuses on the divinity of Jesus, spirit talk
    • "The Word" - not having genealogy or human ancestry; focuses on a different kind of ancestry
    • All New Testament books written to be performed or spoken aloud
    • The Book of Signs (7) highlights signs intermixed with other narratives
    • 7 is symbolic for creation, completion, being finished
    • 1st sign: water into wine at Cana (2:1-12)
    • Running out of water—socially bad, shameful, unprepared
    • Messianic banquet - abundance, imagery of a banquet hosted by the Messiah
    • Present Age vs. Age to Come (Kingdom of God)
    • Bad parties (not enough) vs. Messianic banquet (more than enough)
    • Ceremonial Washing Jars
    • Jesus interacting with special Jewish things (holidays, temple, jars), and takes them where they were intended to go
    • Fulfillment, completion, one-upping
    • 2:13-22: the temple and the temple
    • Disgracing the temple
    • Where in the Synoptics?
    • Episode towards the end of Jesus in Jerusalem; he dies after
    • This episode is earlier in the other gospels
    • Jesus interacts with the temple, claiming to fulfill it

    John 3-4: Nicodemus and the Samaritan Women

    • Nicodemus ("Nic @ Night"): where is the irony
    • Pharisee who comes at night to ask serious questions of Jesus
    • Irony: climbing back into mother's womb, "being born again"—Pharisee doesn't understand the theological meaning
    • Nicodemus is present at Jesus' burial, so it is assumed he figured it out
    • Positive portrayals of Pharisees in John and Luke
    • Samaritan Women: where is the irony?
    • Woman at the well, “Will you give me a drink?”—misunderstanding
    • "Living water", she tells the town of her encounter with Jesus
    • Irony: Samaritan women figured out what Jesus was saying, but Nicodemus couldn't
    • Jews and Samaritans did not interact much
    • Worst sinner in town...?
    • 5 husbands
    • Women have no authority to divorce, husbands probably die or divorce her
    • Not many men would marry an open adulterer
    • She was a victim of a system that prioritized men's rights
    • Women during this time likely needed a man to survive
    • Jesus says, "I know what happened to you"—He does not treat her any differently
    • Disciples: where is the irony?

    John 2nd and 3rd signs: Healings

    • Jesus heals on the Sabbath (5:16-17)
    • Sabbath was a restorative day for both individuals and the community
    • Leaders built a fence around the Sabbath, so people couldn't even go near crossing a line; Sabbath was more of a legalistic idea where you couldn't work

    John 4th and 5th Signs: Feeding 5000+, Walking on Water

    • Passover festival
    • Moses (Exodus)
    • OT Parallels
    • Messianic Banquet imagery
    • Jesus feeding people, abundance
    • Fills 12 baskets—tribes of Israel
    • Connections to Moses
    • God feeds Israel through Moses, similar to Jesus
    • Moses rescues through water, Red Sea—Jesus walks on water
    • "Don't be afraid, I am"—I am: God's name, Yahweh
    • Jesus claims to be the bread
    • Some disciples of John leave; they can't commit

    John Teaching at the Festival of Tabernacles

    • What did the feast commemorate?
    • Celebrates when Israel comes out of Egypt, wanders for forty years
    • God was with them in the wilderness
    • Tracing Israel's story
    • Water pouring & lamp-lighting/torch-carrying ceremonies
    • Water and fire
    • Water: Red Sea comparison, Israel gets water from rock
    • Fire: fiery tornado, God shows up in fire

    Luke and Jews and Gentiles

    • Theme in Luke: expectation for Gentile inclusion in God's salvation plan
    • Jews and Gentiles: history, the OT.
    • Jews had an antagonistic view of Gentiles; Jewish notion of apocalypticism: judgment and destruction of wicked (gentiles)
    • Theme of Salvation for Gentiles
    • Simeon (2:25-32)
    • Simeon - old, ancient, Jewish man; “righteous and devout”, trustworthy
    • Says there should be inclusion of Gentiles
    • “A light for revelation to the Gentiles”----Jesus seen as salvation God has prepared

    Acts

    • Whose Acts?: Holy Spirit—powering and compelling humans (trailing behind the Holy Spirit)
    • Acts 2:1-13—Pentecost (Moses bringing down the ten commandments)
    • Plot
    • Who?:the 12 apostles (Matthias), women (Mary), Jesus' brothers, 120 people (120)—Jews who have come to celebrate the festival (not part of the Jesus community)
    • 12 tribes, 10-completion for the tribes: God's people are complete and nothing is missing
    • When?: day of Pentecost—morning (9am), 50 days after Passover
    • Day of Pentecost: remembering/renewing first covenant (Moses gets 10 commandments)
    • started as a harvest festival but with added story (to commemorate the law given on Mt. Sinai)
    • Holy Spirit doing covenantal stuff again—fulfillment—renewed covenant
    • Where?: Jerusalem: center of Jewish identity, promise, treaty (parallel to the old covenant)
    • What?: the Holy Spirit filled followers of Jesus, began speaking in other tongues; Holy Spirit is poured out
    • How?: Holy Spirit is rushing wind (“like” a wind) and fire (“looked like tongues of fire”)
    • List of Nations: point?
    • People from everywhere—Gentile dominant; look what the Holy Spirit is capable of. Holy Spirit is for all people (Gentile inclusion)

    Acts 2:14-41 Peter's speech as the "Why?"

    • Is Peter an Authoritative speaker?
    • Yes, he is compelling and explanatory
    • Verses 14-36 of air time
    • He gets most of the chapter in live time; this is important—use of direct quotes
    • Joel Quotation • “In the last days” • Present age: spirit and special people; mediated access to God’s spirit • "Last Days", KoG: spirit and all (should be seen as a good thing if you’re on God’s “team”) • Who had the Spirit in the OT and now? • OT: special people/limited, high priests, prophets (Moses), Kings(David, Saul), everyone else through other people • NOW: All of God’s people have access to the spirit of God • “Democratization to the spirit of God" • OT Background of confusion of languages • Tower of Babel--God scrambled everyone to speak in different languages—humans access God on their own terms—bad idea

    Post-Pentecost Parallels

    • Lame man healed (ch. 3, 14)
    • Peter and Paul both heal a guy who can’t walk
    • Jesus heals man in Luke 5
    • Person raised from the dead (ch. 9, 20)
    • Peter raised Tabitha from the dead
    • Paul raised Eutychus from the dead
    • And more...
    • It means that followers of Jesus are continuing the Kingdom of Jesus

    Acts 8-26-40 (Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch)

    • Geographical, racial/ethnic, class/power questions
    • Ethiopia-South of Egypt
    • Beyond the borders of Israel
    • Eunuch: African person. Works for royal court; powerful/important; question of intimacy not impact of heir. Lost masculinity (no testicles, sometimes dismembered. Kept them undistracted and safe to be around the queen.)

    Acts 10-11 (Peter and Cornelius and household)

    • Visions of the sheet of unclean animals
    • Plot
    • Who?—Peter and Cornelius; Jews from circumcision party
    • Where?—Cesarea, Joppa
    • When?—3 in the afternoon; Peter's vision at noon
    • Jews had specific times to pray; 3-hour segments
    • What?—Cornelius had a vision of Peter and sends 3 people to go get Peter
    • Cornelius: devout, Roman soldier
    • How?—Holy Spirit poured out on Gentiles
    • Just like spirit poured out on us
    • Speak in tongues—other languages
    • “Gentile Pentecost”
    • Climax
    • When the spirit gets poured out on gentiles ->Peter then at with the Gentiles showing that he accepted them as peers
    • God says you can't call anything unclean that he's cleaned
    • When Peter finally gets it—tongues

    Galatians

    • What is the big issue in the Galatian churches?
    • Big issue—Jews feel entitled to being “good Christians” because they are circumcised. Galatian churches focus on outward appearance (circumcision) than heart (following rules but still hypocrites), ALSO listening to diff. preachers- being swayed
    • Want gentiles to be circumcised (essentially become Jewish), to get into the Kingdom of God
    • How does Paul feel about it?
    • Paul is furious, disappointed, upset, argumentative (asserts authority with explanation)
    • How does Peter/Cephas fit?
    • Peter (same as Cephas) had already interacted with gentiles, when he ate with them... but now reverted to seeing Gentiles as unclean
    • Paul calls him out for being a hypocrite—you are not even “clean” by following all the Jewish laws, but try to make everyone feel bad for not being Jewish (circumcised)
    • Eating shows “social acceptance”
    • Calls him Cephas—his hometown “homeboy” name—more personal, also called out publicly
    • Paul's thoughts on Purpose of the Law
    • Easier to be extreme and enforce homogeneity, BUT jews can stay Jews and gentiles can stay gentiles while following God (accepting diversity)
    • Not saying law is bad, it was good, but now outgrown it––into new era/stage because of Jesus (what has come now is better, but the past wasn't terrible)

    Romans

    • Paul uses rhetorical questions and restates and emphasizes important things
    • Romans 9: Individual Predestination or God’s faithfulness to God’s People
    • View 1: (has God failed? No, he chose this and chose certain people)
    • Individual predestination (Calvinist framework)
    • Argument (embedded in old testament connections)
    • God decided to choose few individuals for salvation (Isaac, Jacob), but chose to harden some (Pharaoh) and hate some (Esau), make pots (people) for destruction
    • Why?
    • View 2 ■ God is sovereign—God knows what he is doing, even if we don't know ■ God's goal is to glorify God’s self ■ Human will has nothing to do with it, it was God that chose them ■ Nobody actually deserves it, but God still chooses Being chosen is an act of God’s grace (he doesn’t need to choose any of us), so we must trust that he is just—even if we don't see his plan (humans: remember that you are human, and God is God)
    • God chooses not just individual Jews, but also individual Gentiles to be part of God’s people
    • Our view of justice doesn’t have the right to criticize God’s justice because it is beyond our understanding
    • God has been faithful to start and continue this “people of God”, even though humans have not been faithful (Israel failed and was unfaithful those who are in are those who are faithful) (in order to be in you need to chose to be faithful to the law)
    • God’s faithfulness
    • 9:1-5—Paul expresses sadness over Israel—WHY?
    • View 1: mourning that fellow Jews were not chosen by God for salvation—they used to have access to Jewish privileges
    • View 2: some of God’s ppl (Jews) had been unfaithful to Jesus, said no to their own choice
    • 9:6-13—There are 2 Israels, though all claim to be God’s children. Has God failed?
    • No, not God’s fault
    • Does this prove that...?
    • View 1: God always chooses individuals for salvation
    • EX—God chooses Isaac over Ishmael
    • View 2: God faithfully worked to keep the “ppl of God” thing going w/o human manipulation—thinks ur there if u live faithfully
    • EX—Two sons be of Abraham's original unfaithfulness, God had Isaac in mind from the beginning (Paul points out—must look @ the whole context—that humans are unfaithful, but God doesn’t let that change his plan)
    • 2 Israels
    • Descended from Israel (ethnically)
    • Paul says—just be ur in Israel, doesn’t mean ur a “true” child of Abraham
    • OT reference: Jesus called them “brood of vipers”—it doesn’t matter who you descended from—God can make anyone a child of God
    • Smaller group—real, chosen group
    • Why was it surprising...?

    ###1 Thessalonians

    • Gentle warnings, still encouragement
    • Thessaloniki/Thessalonica: port city, important city

    1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

    • Why are some believers grieving?
    • Believers had no hope for those who died from persecution
    • Past belief in Greek Gods, like Hades (place of the dead) influenced this belief
    • Parousia—second coming, new era
    • Ancient World Context
    • Greeting the new ruler; celebrate

    Philippians/Philemon

    • What does Paul want them to do?: ...Call to be of the same mind
    • Paul calls for unity, calls the people of Philippi (Neapolis—> port city) to value others above themselves, “nothing in vain conceit”
    • They are being persecuted
    • Hard to live for other people when we are going through struggles

    Ephesians

    • V. 5-11—the Christ-Hymn & incarnation
    • V. 5—motivation again
    • Have the same mindset as Jesus—because of Jesus
    • Jesus is equal to God
    • V. 6: Ancient World Leaders—how do they compare to Jesus Military gave world leaders control (authoritarian)
    • Claimed to be divine: Caesars, Antiochus, Pharaohs, Alexander the Great
    • Strength, military might, conquering most of the world—thinks of themselves as divine (“could a mere human accomplish this?”)
    • Jesus
    • Servant leadership
    • Didn't use equality with God to his advantage but to our advantage (while world leaders would use it to their advantage)
    • Jesus is killed (vs. other world leaders killing others)
    • “Used to own advantage / Exploit” or “Grasp”
    • Grasp
    • Doesn’t mean “couldn’t understand”
    • Means to grasp things that weren’t theirs, bad/negative connotation
    • Ex) Jacob grasped Esau’s birthright
    • V. 7-8—Jesus becoming human and a “slave” Slave—made himself nothing Self-sacrificial, dying on the cross
    • DEATH on a cross was as low as you could go: criminals, run away slaves, rebels/insurrectionists (resist Romans)
    • Incarnation: “slave”
    • In flesh—God taking on human flesh, “God in a bod”

    1 Corinthians 1:3

    • Paul says “Grace and Peace to you”

    Body of Letter

    • Paul's argument, development, main point—What is being communicated?
    • Pay attention to the development of the argument
    • "What is the trajectory?"
    • Personal news/greetings
    • Paul is expected to do this, collectivistic culture where community is important; relational ties are huge

    Thanksgiving

    • Typical, by including a thanksgiving Paul is doing what people expect (follows the "appropriate” format of the time)
    • Galations skips thanksgiving
    • Ex.) 1 Corinthians 1:4—Paul always thanks THE God for them; lumps Jesus into it

    Brief/single-word farewell

    • "...Amen"

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    Description

    Explore the key themes and challenges in Paul's letters to the Philippians, focusing on how to persevere in faith amidst persecution. This quiz delves into the mindset of Jesus and the necessary steps for achieving unity with Christ. Test your understanding of Paul's teachings and their relevance to the community in Philippi.

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