new testament foundation nt 102
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NEW TESTAMENT FOUNDATION NT 102. THE CHURCH AT CORINTH (II) LETTERS FROM PRISON (I). II CORINTHIANS Introduction Background A. Provisional. B. Relationship & correspondence history thus far: 1. Founding visit 2. “Previous letter” – lost (1 Cor. 5:9) 3. I Corinthians - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
NEW TESTAMENT FOUNDATION
NT 102
THE CHURCH AT CORINTH (II)LETTERS FROM PRISON (I)
II CORINTHIANS
Introduction
Background
A. Provisional
B. Relationship & correspondence history thus far:1. Founding visit2. “Previous letter” – lost (1 Cor. 5:9)3. I Corinthians4. Paul’s plan to return to Corinth (via
Macedonia) C. I Cor. did not solve the situation
Occasion
A. Matters in Corinth do not improve (cf. 1 Cor 9:12)1. Source/s (who is behind this is not entirely
clear)
2. Dissention against Paul
Initial Plans: Macedonia then Corinth
Sudden visit and sudden departure
B. Collection is still a pressing concern for Paul (1 Cor 16:5ff)
C. Paul changes his plans—instead of coming via Macedonia, he arrives directly from Ephesus making
a surprise, 2nd visit (cf. 1 Cor. 16:5; 2 Cor. 1:15ff) D. Instead of returning from Ephesus to Corinth, he writes a 3rd “severe/sorrowful” letter, which is now lost (2:3-4; 7:8-12)
More unexpected events… Titus is not in Troas
E. Something happens in Ephesus: a severe trial in which Paul expected to die (1:8-11)
F. Paul composes a 4th letter (2 Cor 1-9).
Sequence of I-II Corinthian Correspondence:1. “previous letter” (lost)2. I Cor.3. “severe/tearful” letter (lost)4. II Cor. 1-95. II Cor. 10-13
Literary Integrity of 2 Corinthians
A. Clearly entirely authentic (but cf. 6:14—7:1) B. Problematic features C. Proposed relationships between 1-9 & 10-13
1. II Cor. 10-13 part of the 3rd “severe” letter
2. II Cor. 10-13 a 5th letter
Purpose
A. II Corinthians comprised of two letters both of which prepare for Paul’s 3rd visit.
B. II Cor. 1-9 is a conciliatory response C. II Cor. 10-13 is written in the light of new trouble
Content
A. Explanation & Reconciliation (1-7)1. The recent past & his changes of plan
a. Paul’s life-threatening experience & God’s comfort & deliverance (1:3-11)
b. Explanation for changes in itinerary (1:12—2:4)(i) his integrity & sincerity (vv.12-14)
(ii) not casual in my planning (vv.15-17)
(iii) to spare you the grief of an even tougher visit, I wrote instead (vv.18—2:4)
c. Speaking of grief: Forgiveness to Paul’s opponent (2:5-11)
d. Return to itinerary (2:12-13)
2. Paul’s apostolic ministry (2:14—7:4)a. A celebration of his ministry under God’s call (2:14-17)
b. Discussion of the two covenants (3:1-18)
(i) that of Moses came with a glory, but:- the glory faded- it was only letter, not Spirit- the letter brought death
(ii) that far greater ‘transforming’ covenant which Paul announces
- unfading glory- with Spirit- brings life
c. Exposition on the nature of this glory & its ministry (4:1—7:4)
d. Return to itinerary (7:5-16)
Clay jars
B. His initial purpose: the collection (chs. 8-9)1. From Macedonian example, excel in generosity
(8:1-7)a. “severe trial” + “overflowing joy” + “extreme
poverty” rich generosity (v. 2)
b. As you excel in all else, so this.
2. Consider the example of Christ (8:8-9)
3. Make good on your former eagerness (8:10—9:5)
4. In the light of God’s grace, give joyously (9:6-15)
5. Jerusalem collection Why was Paul so concerned about the success of this collection?
i. Spiritual
ii. Ecclesiological
iii. Diplomacy
C. “Defense” of Paul’s apostolic ministry1. Dealing with accusations (ch.10; cf. 1
Cor 1-4)a. Against himb. Against them
2. The boast of the “fool” (11:1-12:10): turning everything on its head
a. Patronage (11:1-15)
b. A series of 4 boasts: Graeco-Roman drama: the “fool’s speech” (11:16; 12:11)
(i) his “power” (11:16-29)(ii) his “courage” (11:30-33)(iii) his “great visions” (12:1-6)(iv) his “miracles” (12:7-11)
3. Concluding warnings in the light of his impending 3rd visit (12:11-13:10)
D. One of Paul’s finest moments:i. 3 features
ii. 2 central issues
iii. Discipleship & a suffering Messiah (Mark)
iv. Christian ministry
PRISON EPISTLES IntroductionA. Include: Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon,
PhilippiansB. Indicate: Later stage of development: Paul
and/or Churches?C. Dates are approximate and can vary by several years.
Setting in the Life of Paul
A. Review of Paul’s correspondence history to date
1. Two letters during 2nd missionary journey, 1 and 2 Thessalonians (AD 50)
a. written from Corinth when he founded the churchb. primary concern was eschatology
2. Four letters during 3rd missionary journey (Acts 18:23—21:14; AD 53-57)a. Letters:
(1) 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus, AD 54/55)(2) 2 Corinthians (from Philippi, in Macedonia, AD
56)(3) Galatians (?)(4) Romans (from Corinth, AD 57)
b. Primary concerns(1) significance and meaning of the gospel(2) nature and defense of Paul’s apostleship
B. Subsequent events1. The writing of Romans 2. Speech to Ephesian elders in Miletus (Acts 20:17-35) 3. Has three fundamental concerns about the future:
a. Imprisonments (v.23)b. Profound pastoral concern for themc. False teaching … from within (v.30)!
C. Themes which dominate these Epistles1. Written from prison
2. Reflect Paul’s profound & on-going
pastoral concern
3. Combat heretical teaching
Critical Issues in the Study of the Prison Epistles
A. 4 major concerns:1. Location of Paul’s imprisonment (Ephesus,
Caesarea, Rome?)
2. Authenticity of Ephesians (and thus Colossians)
3. Destination of Ephesians
4. Integrity of Philippians
B. Issues involved in determining imprisonment location1. Impinges only on dating
2. Raises possibility of two different imprisonmentsa. Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon
(1) All written at same time and carried by the same people.
(2) Possible scenario to occasion the writing of all threeb. Philippians might have been written on a
separate occasion
3. Geographical & other elements to be considered
4. Conclusion: a Proposal…a. Roman imprisonment is probably best suggestion (although Ephesian setting a possibility)
b. Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon written during imprisonment’s early stages
c. Philippians almost at imprisonment’s end: he expects to be soon released (Phil 1:19; cf. 2:17)
PHILIPPIANS
Introduction
A. History: Acts 16:6-10: Macedonia & Philippian imprisonment
B. Location at time of writing: again in prison this time in Rome
C. Critical issue: integrity of the letter1. “Fragments” theory
a. 3 fragments proposed(1) 4:10-20: thanks for their gift(2) 1:1—3:1; 4:4-7, 21-23: Paul
warns against internal rivalry and complaint
(3) 3:2—4:3; 4:8-9: this having failed, he vigorously
attacks agitators
b. Problems with theory(1) much too complex & subtle (2) doesn’t explain why “stitched” together in
the present form(3) Paul could move from one thought to
another without strict logical sequence 2. Supposed non-genuine themes
The City of Philippi
A. Established by Alexander’s father, Philip II of Macedonia
B. Controlled nearby goldmine C. Overlooked a fertile plain D. Conquered by Rome in 168 BC
Roman Forum
Paul & the Church at Philippi
A. Founded by Paul around 50 AD – on his 2nd missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40; cf. 1 Thess 2:2; Phil. 4:15).
Via Egnatia to Philippi
B. Perhaps Paul’s most beloved congregation1. They are gracious & generous (2 Cor 8:1-4)
2. Paul’s evident affection for them, and
pervasive joy of the letter (Phil 1:4-5, 8; 4:1; cf. 1:1 and Philem 1)
3. Mutual affection (2 Cor 11:8-9; Phil 4:14-19)
4. Genre is “a friendship letter”: celebration of fellowship & mutual fondness
a. Basic features
b. Friendship in the ancient world
c. Note the frequent employment of the language of:(1) fellowship/koinonia (1:5; 2:1; 3:10; 4:15)
(2) togetherness/syn-prefix (struggle together with,
rejoice, share, worker, soldier, imitator, yoke etc.)
(3) “equity”/oneness (1:27; 2:2; cf. 1:6, 30; 2:2, 18;
4:3)
Occasion & Purpose
A. Occasion1. Epaphroditus & some companions arrive
2. Writes this letter for Epaphroditus to take home
B. Purpose: a number of matters but tends to be “looser” than other epistles
1. Expresses thanks for their friendship & gift
2. Informs his situation
3. Exhorts to Christ-mindedness & unity
4. Warns against false teachers from the outside
Content
A. Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:3-11) B. Report on his circumstances (1:12-26)
1. In the present (vv. 12-18)
2. Looking toward the future (vv. 19-26)
C. Exhortation to maintain unity (“whether I come or remain absent” 1:27—2:30; cf. Eph)
1. Standing firm in one spirit, striving with one mind for the faith of the gospel
2. Given our special relationship, fulfill my joy by being one (2:1-4)
3. Examples (2:5-30)Phil. 2:6-11: Self-humiliation & the
exaltation of Christ
Exegetical issues:i. Meaning of morphe (“form”)ii. Meaning of harpagmon
(1) Christ as very God (2) Christ as a man (“being found in human form”) (3) The result: Exaltation (4) Your response: “Work out” your salvation in this
very spirit (vv. 12-18)
D. Attack against false teachers (3:2-—4:1)1. A warning against Judaizers (3:1-3)
2. A discussion on why their teaching is futile (3:4-21)a. A word of personal testimony
(1) When it comes to keeping the law, Paul has “been there, done that”
(2) Instead, everything is now Christ:
(3) consequently: a warning against complacency
(4) Parallelism between Phil. 2 & 3
b. A final condemnation of the false teachers
3. A final exhortation
E. Concluding exhortations (4:2-9) F. Thanks for the gift (4:10-19) G. Final greetings
Conclusion
A. Life in Christ B. Unity C. Joy
PHILEMON
Introduction
A. On Slavery & Absconding
1. Pliny, Letter 21: To Sabianus: “The freedman of yours with whom you said you were angry has been to me, flung himself at my feet, and clung to me as if I were you. He begged my help with many tears, though he left a good deal unsaid; in short, he convinced me of his genuine penitence. I believe he has reformed, because he realizes he did wrong. You are angry, I know, and I know too that your anger was deserved, but mercy wins most praise when there was just cause for anger. You loved the man once, and I hope you will love him again, but it is sufficient for the moment in you allow yourself to be appeased.
You can always be angry again if he deserves it, and will have more excuse if you were once placated. Make some concession to his youth, his tears, and you own kind heart, and do not torment him or yourself any longer—anger can only be a torment to your gentle self. I’m afraid you will think I am using pressure, not persuasion, if I add my prayers to his—but this is what I shall do, and all the more freely and fully because I have given the man a very severe scolding and warned him firmly that I will never make such a request again.”
2. Aurelius Sarapammon, AD 298“I commission you by this letter to journey to the famous city of Alexandria, and search for my slave by name _______ about 35 years of age, known to you. When you have found him, you shall place him in custody, with authority to shut him up and whip him and to lay a complaint before the proper authorities against any persons who have harbored him, with a demand for satisfaction.”
3. Profile of slaves
B. Importance of Paul’s letterThe message is theological concerning the practical outworking of the gospel in a social reality.
1. Reveals the gospel in action
2. Illuminates a very serious matter of property, persons & the gospel
3. Unique in Paul’s writings
Setting & Style
A. Paul & his companions are in prison
B. Onesimus appears on the scene1. commits theft (?) before absconding (v.18)
2. makes contact with Paul.
3. is converted (v.10) & serves as Paul’s personal attendant (vv.11, 13) during his imprisonment.
C. Paul has some obligations1. Onesimus must be sent back to his master
…
2. Reconciliation
Plan of Large House
D. Philemon, Onesimus’ master, is introduced.1. Philemon’s identity
a. wealthy b. a church met in his homec. probably a member of the Colossian church (cf. Col. 4:9)
2. Paul & his relationshipa. thorough-going friendly ambience (vv.7, 17, 21; cf. Pliny); delicately informal
Cloistered Garden
b. probably converted through Paul (v.19) or one of his co-workers (vv. 23-24; Epaphras?)
c. if Appia is Philemon’s wife Paul knows her (v.2) and may have stayed in their home before (cf. v.22)
E. Paul writes a letter to Philemon.1. Purpose
2. Nature of the concern:a. 2 very serious offences:
(1) Onesimus in absconding (possibly with theft)(2) Paul for harboring
b. a delicate manner of approach: how to communicate from a gospel perspective?
3. Style of writingTo help defuse a potentially tense situation, there are a number of delightful puns.a. double pun on Onesimus = “useful”
(Chrestos ≈ Christ) v.11: formerly “useless” (achrestos, ≈ apart from Christ) but now as a brother “useful” (euchrestos ≈ a good Christian) to you and to me
b. heart & refreshment
Content
A. Format: “classic” letter1. greeting (vv.1-3)2. thanksgiving (vv.4-7)3. body (vv.8-20)4. greetings (vv.21-24)5. farewell (v.25)
B. Issues: seeking pardon1. for Onesimus2. for Paul
C. Motive: love
Conclusion
A. The gospel & slavery
Why doesn’t the NT take a stand against the practice of slavery or social injustices?
B. A unique look at Paul C. Philemon as the gospel of reconciliation D. Possible outcome of the letter?
Ignatius of Antioch (Ephesians 1:3):“In God’s name, therefore, I received your large congregation in the person of Onesimus, your bishop in this world, a man whose love is beyond words. My prayer is that you should love him in the Spirit of Jesus Christ and all be like him. Blessed is he who let you have such a bishop.”