© 2006 mcgraw-hill higher education. all rights reserved. chapter 17 letters from prison:...

© 2006 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

Chapter 17

Letters from Prison:

Philippians and Philemon


Key Topics/Themes

Philippians: an uncommonly warm Pauline letter

Philemon: an implicit acceptance of slavery while stressing that Christian unity supercedes social class


Introduction

The four captivity letters Philippians Philemon Colossians Ephesians

Widespread doubt about authenticity of Colossians and Ephesians


Place of Origin

Traditional view: Rome Other modern scholars: Ephesus Other modern scholars: Caesarea


Letter to the Philippians


Introduction

Founded during Paul’s first tour of Greece The only church from which Paul would

accept financial support Reveals Paul’s characteristic quick changes

of mood


Introduction (continued)

Some hold Philippians to be a composite letter

Gives clues to early Christian beliefs about Jesus’ nature

Organization


The Significance of Paul’s Imprisonment (1:12-30) A new opportunity to witness for Christ Paul’s competitors attempt to use Paul’s

imprisonment to their own advantage Paul torn between wishing to live for the sake

of his friends and leaving this world to “be with Christ”


Hymn to Christ (2:6-11)

May be pre-Pauline material Paul imported into letter

Traditionally used in Christian theology to support doctrines of Trinity and Jesus’ pre-human existence

May actually be contrast between the ways Adam and Christ related to God


Hymn to Christ (continued)

Adam’s disobedience brings shame Jesus’ obedience brings glory and

exaltation Christians should imitate Christ


Recommendations of Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-3:1a) Timothy: Paul’s entrusted associate;

coauthor of Philippians Epaphroditus: messenger from Philippi;

helped Paul while in prison


Attacking Advocates of Circumcision (3:1b-4:9) May have originated as part of a separate

letter Portrays Judaizers as “dogs” who practice

“mutilation” Paul’s rejection of the significance of his own

outstanding Jewish heritage


Letter to Philemon

Paul’s only surviving private correspondence Addressed to Philemon and his family An appeal for the good treatment of

Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus Hints at Philemon to liberate Onesimus Paul expresses hope he will be released from

prison soon


The Question of Slavery

Paul’s implicit acceptance of slavery Hebrew Bible’s regulation of slavery Slavery inconsistent with New Testament

principles of Christian freedom and human worth

Paul’s letters used by both pro- and anti-slavery advocates in American history


Paul’s Lasting Influence

Paul recognized as chief among missionary apostles after his death

Paul’s letters collected and designated Scripture by mid-second century C.E.


Lasting Influence (continued)

Paul’s accomplishments Impressive legacy as itinerant missionary String of churches in Asia Minor, Macedonia,

Achaia Paul’s voluminous accomplishments


Review of Significant Themes in Paul’s Theology God The role of Jesus Justification Adam and Christ Salvation through faith God and Christ Eschatology


Summary

Only a brief survey of Paul’s thought Paul a monument to orthodoxy (correct

teaching) to later church leaders Other New Testament books written in his

name after his death


Summary (continued)

Influence of Paul’s beliefs on Protestant Reformation in Europe

Contemporary significance of Paul for modern Christendom

© 2006 mcgraw-hill higher education. all rights reserved. chapter 17 letters from prison:...

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