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NEW TESTAMENT FOUNDATION NT 102 THE CHURCH AT CORINTH (II) LETTERS FROM PRISON (I) Slide 2 II CORINTHIANS Introduction Background A. Provisional Slide 3 B. Relationship & correspondence history thus far: 1. Founding visit 2. Previous letter lost (1 Cor. 5:9) 3. I Corinthians 4. Pauls plan to return to Corinth (via Macedonia) C. I Cor. did not solve the situation Slide 4 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 Slide 5 Initial Plans: Macedonia then Corinth Slide 6 Sudden visit and sudden departure Slide 7 B. Collection is still a pressing concern for Paul (1 Cor 16:5ff) C. Paul changes his plansinstead of coming via Macedonia, he arrives directly from Ephesus making a surprise, 2 nd visit (cf. 1 Cor. 16:5; 2 Cor. 1:15ff) D. Instead of returning from Ephesus to Corinth, he writes a 3 rd severe/sorrowful letter, which is now lost (2:3-4; 7:8-12) Slide 8 Slide 9 More unexpected events Titus is not in Troas Slide 10 E. Something happens in Ephesus: a severe trial in which Paul expected to die (1:8-11) F. Paul composes a 4 th letter (2 Cor 1-9). Slide 11 Sequence of I-II Corinthian Correspondence: 1.previous letter (lost) 2.I Cor. 3.severe/tearful letter (lost) 4.II Cor. 1-9 5.II Cor. 10-13 Slide 12 Literary Integrity of 2 Corinthians A. Clearly entirely authentic (but cf. 6:147:1) B. Problematic features C. Proposed relationships between 1-9 & 10-13 1. II Cor. 10-13 part of the 3 rd severe letter 2. II Cor. 10-13 a 5 th letter Slide 13 Purpose A. II Corinthians comprised of two letters both of which prepare for Pauls 3 rd visit. B. II Cor. 1-9 is a conciliatory response C. II Cor. 10-13 is written in the light of new trouble Slide 14 Content A. Explanation & Reconciliation (1-7) 1. The recent past & his changes of plan a. Pauls life-threatening experience & Gods comfort & deliverance (1:3-11) Slide 15 b. Explanation for changes in itinerary (1:122:4) (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.182:4) c. Speaking of grief: Forgiveness to Pauls opponent (2:5-11) d. Return to itinerary (2:12-13) Slide 16 2. Pauls apostolic ministry (2:147:4) a. A celebration of his ministry under Gods 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 Slide 17 (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 (4:17:4) d. Return to itinerary (7:5-16) Slide 18 Clay jars Slide 19 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 (8:109:5) 4. In the light of Gods grace, give joyously (9:6-15) Slide 20 5. Jerusalem collection Why was Paul so concerned about the success of this collection? i. Spiritual ii. Ecclesiological iii. Diplomacy Slide 21 C. Defense of Pauls apostolic ministry 1. Dealing with accusations (ch.10; cf. 1 Cor 1-4) a. Against him b. Against them Slide 22 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 fools 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 3 rd visit (12:11-13:10) Slide 23 D. One of Pauls finest moments: i. 3 features ii. 2 central issues iii. Discipleship & a suffering Messiah (Mark) iv. Christian ministry Slide 24 PRISON EPISTLES Introduction A. Include: Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, Philippians B. Indicate: Later stage of development: Paul and/or Churches? C. Dates are approximate and can vary by several years. Slide 25 Setting in the Life of Paul A. Review of Pauls correspondence history to date 1. Two letters during 2 nd missionary journey, 1 and 2 Thessalonians (AD 50) a. written from Corinth when he founded the church b. primary concern was eschatology Slide 26 2. Four letters during 3 rd missionary journey (Acts 18:2321:14; 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 Pauls apostleship Slide 27 B. Subsequent events 1. 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 them c. False teaching from within (v.30)! Slide 28 C. Themes which dominate these Epistles 1. Written from prison 2. Reflect Pauls profound & on-going pastoral concern 3. Combat heretical teaching Slide 29 Critical Issues in the Study of the Prison Epistles A. 4 major concerns: 1. Location of Pauls imprisonment (Ephesus, Caesarea, Rome?) 2. Authenticity of Ephesians (and thus Colossians) 3. Destination of Ephesians 4. Integrity of Philippians Slide 30 B. Issues involved in determining imprisonment location 1. Impinges only on dating 2. Raises possibility of two different imprisonments a. Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon (1) All written at same time and carried by the same people. (2) Possible scenario to occasion the writing of all three b. Philippians might have been written on a separate occasion Slide 31 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 imprisonments early stages c. Philippians almost at imprisonments end: he expects to be soon released (Phil 1:19; cf. 2:17) Slide 32 PHILIPPIANS Introduction A. History: Acts 16:6-10: Macedonia & Philippian imprisonment B. Location at time of writing: again in prison this time in Rome Slide 33 C. Critical issue: integrity of the letter 1. Fragments theory a. 3 fragments proposed (1) 4:10-20: thanks for their gift (2)1:13:1; 4:4-7, 21-23: Paul warns against internal rivalry and complaint (3) 3:24:3; 4:8-9: this having failed, he vigorously attacks agitators Slide 34 b. Problems with theory (1) much too complex & subtle (2) doesnt 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 Slide 35 Slide 36 The City of Philippi A. Established by Alexanders father, Philip II of Macedonia B. Controlled nearby goldmine C. Overlooked a fertile plain D. Conquered by Rome in 168 BC Slide 37 Roman Forum Slide 38 Paul & the Church at Philippi A. Founded by Paul around 50 AD on his 2 nd missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40; cf. 1 Thess 2:2; Phil. 4:15). Slide 39 Via Egnatia to Philippi Slide 40 B. Perhaps Pauls most beloved congregation 1.They are gracious & generous (2 Cor 8:1-4) 2.Pauls 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) Slide 41 4.Genre is a friendship letter: celebration of fellowship & mutual fondness a. Basic features b. Friendship in the ancient world Slide 42 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) Slide 43 Occasion & Purpose A. Occasion 1. Epaphroditus & some companions arrive 2. Writes this letter for Epaphroditus to take home Slide 44 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 Slide 45 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) Slide 46 C. Exhortation to maintain unity (whether I come or remain absent 1:272:30; 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) Slide 47 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 Slide 48 (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) Slide 49 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 Slide 50 E. Concluding exhortations (4:2-9) F. Thanks for the gift (4:10-19) G. Final greetings Slide 51 Conclusion A. Life in Christ B. Unity C. Joy Slide 52 PHILEMON Introduction A. On Slavery & Absconding Slide 53 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. Slide 54 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 longeranger can only be a torment to your gentle self. Im afraid you will think I am using pressure, not persuasion, if I add my prayers to hisbut 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. Slide 55 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. Slide 56 3. Profile of slaves B. Importance of Pauls letter The 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 Pauls writings Slide 57 Setting & Style A. Paul & his companions are in prison B. Onesimus appears on the scene 1. commits theft (?) before absconding (v.18) 2. makes contact with Paul. 3. is converted (v.10) & serves as Pauls personal attendant (vv.11, 13) during his imprisonment. Slide 58 C. Paul has some obligations 1. Onesimus must be sent back to his master 2. Reconciliation Slide 59 Plan of Large House Slide 60 D. Philemon, Onesimus master, is introduced. 1. Philemons identity a. wealthy b. a church met in his home c. probably a member of the Colossian church (cf. Col. 4:9) 2. Paul & his relationship a. thorough-going friendly ambience (vv.7, 17, 21; cf. Pliny); delicately informal Slide 61 Cloistered Garden Slide 62 b. probably converted through Paul (v.19) or one of his co-workers (vv. 23-24; Epaphras?) c. if Appia is Philemons wife Paul knows her (v.2) and may have stayed in their home before (cf. v.22) Slide 63 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? Slide 64 3. Style of writing To 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 Slide 65 Content A. Format: classic letter 1. greeting (vv.1-3) 2. thanksgiving (vv.4-7) 3. body (vv.8-20) 4. greetings (vv.21-24) 5. farewell (v.25) Slide 66 B. Issues: seeking pardon 1. for Onesimus 2. for Paul C. Motive: love Slide 67 Conclusion A. The gospel & slavery Why doesnt the NT take a stand against the practice of slavery or social injustices? Slide 68 B. A unique look at Paul C. Philemon as the gospel of reconciliation D. Possible outcome of the letter? Slide 69 Ignatius of Antioch (Ephesians 1:3): In Gods 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.