New Testament Survey II (Video)

According to philosopher Gottfried Leibniz, God could only create a world without the Fall if He created another one of Himself. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. (Galatians 3:16)

In Revelation, the victory is being and will be fully implemented. Patterns of seven are revealed and God is in control of the history John is watching unfold. There are several views of Revelation’s thousand years. Those who hold to the Preterist interpretation believe most Revelation events happened in the first three centuries. Premillennialists hold that Christ’s return happens before the thousand year reign. Amillennialists believe the thousand years is metaphorical and not a specific number of years. Most Christians throughout Church history have been Amillenialists. Postmillennialism has been a rare idea. The second coming of Christ will be in glory as the Conqueror. Christ is the Anointed and His Messianic rule is the time of God’s sovereignty over creation and His defeat of Satan.

The reality revealed in Revelation is more real than the present existence or ontology. God’s coming judgment and New Jerusalem is more real than what looks like the end at the present time. Revelation radically turns on its head ideology, philosophy, and ideals of any political power structure. Revelation shows a stark contrast between the Babylon beast who imprisons all people through violence and the redemptive work of the Lamb. Rome was secured and sustained peace through violence. In Revelation 12 and 13 we find that the false peace is a manifestation of the true enemy behind every violent power structure. The decisive event of Revelation is the victory of the Cross.

Consider that the one Revelation is revealed to is John. Christian tradition is that most agree it is the same John who wrote the Gospel of John. The primary author is Jesus – God himself speaks this reality. John is a mediator and functions as a prophet. He writes down what he saw and heard. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Some believe Revelation was written before the destruction of the temple in the late 60’s AD. In Revelation 11: 1-2 there is a reference to the temple. In 64 AD there was Christian persecution under Nero. The According to the Apostolic Fathers, persecution was under Domitian in the 90’s AD. In Revelation, Babylon is referenced and most believe it refers to Rome. In 586-87 BC Babylon destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. The context of Revelation is an actual time the Christians were suffering persecution. According to Revelation, a church was lukewarm due to an easy life. Revelation judges churches that are too comfortable and speaks comfort to those suffering. Rome is a problem for Christians due to the rapid spread of Emperor worship. Christians were called atheists because they did not have an idol. Explore that the nature of challenges and temptations facing the churches indicates a much larger battle than with Rome. God who has, is, and will fight for His people is the Creator God and Redeemer God.

This lecture explores the Apocalyptic or “to unveil”. The focus of Revelation is to offer hope and comfort in the present. Revelation unveils Jesus as a word of comfort and judgment. Apocalyptic genre is written as writers have otherworldly journeys. Eschatological history is history God has initiated. He is active in it and gives believers confidence for the future. Apocalyptic genre includes a shared vocabulary and grammar. Prophecy is mediating the Word of God. The prophet hears God’s Word then speaks it. There is much debate about Revelation – what has happened and what has yet to happen. Revelation speaks to the past, present, and future with a word of hope in Jesus Christ.

Consider that for John, sin is not knowing or confessing Jesus as Lord. Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation. Martin Luther said, “The cross alone is our theology.” Scripture teaches the change agent in a sinner’s life is grace. Judgment and Law kill – they do not change.

The Cross is the revelation of God as Love and revelation of God’s love. Consider that love looks like self-giving death. The form of love is forgiveness. John encourages his readers not to sin by announcing they have an Advocate in Jesus. Christians cannot continue and abide in sin if we have the Spirit. No one who abides in God can continue to practice sin.

1 John teaches that Christ did come in the flesh. The practical issue of how to decide what is true is to deal with those who went out and let true teachers come in. Explore the Brothers Karamazov‘s (by Fyodor Dostoyevsky) character who, due to the suffering in the world, chose not to believe in God.

1, 2, 3 John and the Gospel of John have a similar theology and come from a similar community. The early Church had to face the issues of the delay of the return of Jesus. John’s Gospel addresses a quarrel within the Church over true and false teaching. For John, an antichrist denies the crucified Jesus who shows us what God is like. 1 John teaches that the Church community is to be defined by love. 3 John encourages hospitality for missionaries that proclaim Christ came in the flesh. In 2 and 3 John we learn about proper and improper hospitality. In 2 John 4-6, John praises the believers for walking in the Truth.

The promised return of Jesus is based on the authority of Scriptural tradition. Jude refers to a prophecy found in 1 Enoch, a part of Jewish tradition. Jude compares an active Christian life with that of moral laxity. Human action is always situated within God’s prior unconditional action. The Spirit mediates His authority to us through the written and preached Word of God.

Consider that the relationship of 2 Peter is closer to Jude in its theme. Many do not think Peter wrote this letter. In 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter shares instructions for after his death. Explore that Peter writes with movement from prediction to reality in the present. The message of power and Jesus’ coming is not based on a myth but an eyewitness testimony. Peter tells us that God has acted in history in judgment and grace. The way man perceives time and how God perceives time is contrasted in 2 Peter. The delay of Jesus’ return is a sign of His mercy.

The suffering of Christ is both a gift and example for us. Peter’s Christological reinterpretation of suffering has a context created by the salvation accomplished by Christ. Consider that believers suffer for Christ and suffer as a gift. Christ’s suffering and death for us are grounds for our identity. The issue in 1 Peter is between those who have accepted Christ and those who believe suffering is shameful.

It is difficult to determine to whom Peter is writing to. The Dispersion (“scattered”) was the Israelites who were not living in the land of Israel. One trial the people were enduring was that they were being abused verbally and slandered. Tacitus was a Roman historian who described Christians as atheists. In the ancient world, honor was highly esteemed. Peter presents a Christological and Eschatological reinterpretation of suffering.

Our focus should be on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Word of God creates and gives meaning to reality. The Word of God is action and God accomplishes by speaking. The pattern of Jesus’ life is suffering then exaltation. Consider that when comfort is found in Christ, real courage can follow. The message of Hebrews is that Christians looking to the future can endure the present.

The author and audience of Hebrews are not known for sure. Apollos is a possible candidate for the authorship of Hebrews. Some believe Prisca wrote Hebrews. In Hebrews 6, the people are instructed in the Christian faith. In Hebrews 10 we find the people were faithful through a time of suffering. The suffering of the people is causing some concern. Consider that the main theme is a warning not to neglect so great a salvation. In Hebrews 2 we have the conversion of the audience. In Hebrews 3:1-6 we are shown that Jesus is superior to Moses and the Prophets. Hebrews 9-10 contains Jesus as the Final Sacrifice and Effector of Redemption. Hebrews shows us that Jesus is the final Word and fulfillment of prophecy. Explore that there are warning sections between sections that celebrate Jesus. The first warning is Hebrews 2:1-4 which is in-between Jesus as superior to the angels and to Moses. The second warning is in Hebrews 3:7 -4:13 in-between Jesus as superior to Moses and Jesus as the Great High Priest. The third warning is in Hebrews 5:11-6:12 which is in-between Jesus as Great High Priest and after the order of Melchizedek. The forth warning is in Hebrews 10:22-36 which is in-between the superior New Covenant and Faith Hall of Fame.

James and Paul are informed by the same Gospel. Paul teaches us that we are not justified by the ceremonial laws of Israel. In Galatians 2:1-10, James, John, Paul and Peter agree on the Gospel regarding Gentiles. In Galatians 2, James agrees the Gentiles do not need to be circumcised. Martin Luther called the book of James “a right strawy epistle”.

In James 1:2-15, we are instructed to have joy in suffering because it leads to wholeness and sets us free. James 5:1-6 warns about riches. Martin Luther said, “…upon which you set your heart and put your trust is properly your god.” James 5: 7-11 urges patience in suffering because Jesus will return. Consider that James defines true wisdom. James 1:27 – 2:13 charges us to be unstained from the world.

Some believe James was written to either Jewish Christians only and some believe it was written also to Gentile Christians. Part of the mission of James was to ethnic Jews. As Paul writes letters, he uses and argues theology to address specific situations. James does not talk much about the death and resurrection of Christ for the salvation of sinners. The teaching material of James clearly is derived and informed by Jesus’ teaching ministry. The central theme is that true religion is active, loving, and pure. James talks about the activity of the Christian. The focus is on our love for others and for God. Paul tells us our works are impure and sinful.

At the heart of 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul confronts the false teachers with the true Gospel. Paul also talks about suffering in 2 Timothy. Paul is writing this letter while in chains. Paul admonishes that the Word of God cannot be changed.

The context of 1 Timothy is that Paul has left Timothy in Ephesus. There was false teaching with the issue of myths and endless genealogies and Paul confronts false teachers. There were also notions of aestheticism or monastic lifestyles. Paul gives instruction on how to select local leaders and general instructions are given on care for those in the Church. 2 Timothy was written from a Roman prison and Paul expects to die. He asks Timothy to bring his books, parchment, and cloak. In 2 Timothy, false opponents are addressed who say the resurrection has already taken place. The admonition to care for widows is taught in 1 Timothy 5. Paul says clearly that men should do the praying and teaching and that women should listen and learn with submissiveness. Women should not have any authority over a man. Ephesus was home to a temple cult to Artemis lead by female priests. Christian leadership is addressed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

The Pastoral letters feel different from other letters written by Paul. 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus have a unique vocabulary. The majority of Pauline scholars today do not believe Paul wrote 1 and 2 Timothy or Titus. Consider that Paul’s missionary journeys do not give us any indication that he went to Crete. Ignatius of Antioch wrote seven letters on how the Church should be structured. Consider that the structure of the Church serves as the preservation of the Gospel. Why do some evangelical Christians believe the letters were written by someone other than Paul? An amanuensis would explain a difference in writing style. Students often would write a tractate under their teacher’s name. In Luke-Acts, Luke writes in a theological order, not sequence of events. In the Pastoral Epistles, the goal is that not all who disagree should be put out of the Church.

Consider that man is not sick - he is dead in his trespasses and in need of resurrection. Man is a sinner (homo peccator). Spiritual battle armor is made useful in our consciences. In Ephesians 2: 1-10, we are shown salvation and grace, the condition we were in, and what God has done for us.

As part of God’s plan, He predestined us to adoption. Consider that Pelagius believed that if God commands it, we can accomplish it. Infralapsarianism is the view that God’s decision to redeem the world came after the decision to allow the fall. Supralapsarianism is the view that God’s decision to redeem the world came before the decision to allow the fall. Consider that Predestination is not a point of disunity.

Ephesians teaches us that the mystery of the Gospel has an ecclesiological dimension. Consider that Christian unity is determined by the person and work of Jesus. There is a debate if this letter was written to the church at Ephesus or was a circular letter. In Ephesians, themes from Paul’s other letters are summarized.

Christ’s cosmic Lordship is that He is Lord of everything – over His people and Church. The message of Colossians is Christ is all. Consider that there is freedom in Christ – not for yourself but to serve your neighbor. Because you know God loves you, you can love your neighbor. The textual tension is that Jesus is eternally generated. Arius thought that Jesus was a creation of God. The primogenitor or firstborn has the right to everything. Paul teaches us that if you want to know who your God is, look to Jesus Christ.

As an Apostle, the church at Colosse comes under Paul’s care. He writes Colossians to cut off a false teaching that could influence the church. Some think the false teaching was a mixture of Jewish practices and a Roman cult. Colossians focuses on the preeminence, singularity and supremacy of Jesus Christ. Paul addresses the issues of clean and unclean food and the calendar, specifically the Sabbath. He also addresses the issues of powers and principalities, and special knowledge. A key part of Jewish practice was that of purity taboos, Sabbath, and food laws. What is the message of Colossians?

Who wrote Colossians and Ephesians? An issue over Paul’s authorship is that some of the theology is a little different and the writing style is different. The issue over Paul’s authorship is the Resurrection. On the surface there is a little tension between future and past resurrection. About one third of the Colossian material is also in Ephesians.

How does Paul read the Scriptures? His way of reading the Old Testament makes sense only in light of what God has done in Jesus. Paul reapplies the prophecy originally for Israel and applies it to the Gentiles. Jesus brings both righteousness to the Gentiles and reduces Israel to a remnant. Israel’s stumble over the Rock that is Jesus Christ is not outside of God’s plan. God gives life to the dead and justifies the unrighteous through Jesus Christ.

How does Paul read the Scriptures? The Old Testament makes profound sense in light of Jesus Christ. Explore the texts, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1) and “…nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called. But the children of the promise are counted as the seed. For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy…” (Romans 9:7-8) Consider then, “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.“ (Romans 9:16)

God’s righteousness takes the form of pouring out His judgment on His Son. Consider that there is a distinction between sin with and without the Law.

Paul teaches us that Christians should out do one another by showing honor to others in view of God’s mercy. Consider that the order of Paul’s ethics is revealed as the Word is announced, the gift of faith is created by that Word and then love follows after faith is created.

This lecture explores that God’s Law is holy, righteous, and good. Consider that through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. God speaks His Law, then speaks His Gospel. The Gospel is God’s Son Jesus for us. “The just shall live by faith…” (Romans 1:17)

John Calvin stated that Romans was “an open door – a wide open gateway into all of theology.” Philipp Melanchthon confessed that Romans “is a compendium of all Christian doctrine.” Paul wanted to go to Spain. He planned to go to Jerusalem first and drop off the collection. In Romans 1: 1-15 we have the Introduction. In Romans 1:16-17, the theme of Romans is announced that the righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel for salvation to all who believe. The problem is stated in Romans 1: 18 - 3:20 that all have sinned and are under the judgment of God. In Romans 3:21 – 4:25, the announcement is made that God has justified sinners through Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:1 - 8:39, the Gospel is considered more deeply. Trusting God is the theme of Romans 9-11. The implications and life of believers is shown in Romans 12 - 15:21. The Letter concludes in Romans 15:22 – 16:24. The Doxology is found in Romans 16:25-27.

Soteriology is an understanding of salvation. Paul explains to Philemon that Onesimus is now more than a slave – he is a beloved brother. Imputation is credit to us that is not ours – giving to Christ what is not His. Paul has a profound affect in the case of slavery for Onesimus. Paul states that Onesimus the slave is his bother. Consider that Paul is the first to interpret the significance of Jesus. Philemon is a parable of the Gospel.

Explore that God is the primary actor and we are the recipients – He works through us. He works in and through ordinary human means. Consider that Paul’s needs are met through God acting through the Philippians. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

For the Reformers, the theology of the Cross is contrasted with the theology of glory. The Theology of glory is that our identity is a result of things we do- we glorify ourselves. Glory Theology is based on the Law. For the theologian of the cross, God is called God and sin is called sin. Although we all sin, all who believe in Christ Jesus through faith are saved. We are known in our sin and loved at the same time. Consider that our relationship to God is regulated by God’s Law. The theology of the Cross affirms the Law as good and that we all are under the curse.

Paul is writing this letter from jail either in prison in Caesarea or in Ephesus. He changes perspective in Philippians because he senses he may die before Christ returns. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) Consider that Philippians is a letter of friendship. Paul reports that Epaphroditus, a common friend, is doing well. Paul reports on his situation. Paul’s focus on real opponents will help create unity for the church. The command to the Philippians is to take hold of that which is already theirs as a gift.

This lecture explores 1 Corinthians 11:10, “That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels”, and 2 Corinthians 12:7, “a thorn was given me in the flesh”. Consider that according to 1 Corinthians 11-14, women participated in the worship service. Paul’s thorn caused him pain and was a hindrance at times.

The Corinthian problem was that because of allegiance pledged to different genuine apostles there was division. Also, the Lord’s Supper was not saved for the poor in the church. Consider that for Paul, a person or church is not defined by what they do. Martin Luther used the phrase simul Justus et peccator which means at the same time righteous and sinner. Reflect that God sees us either as sinner in need of justification or in Jesus, through whom God has declared us righteous. Paul confronted the Corinthians with the contradiction between who they were and what they were doing. For Paul, what you do flows from who you are.

Consider the Reformers and “the glorious exchange”. God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. Explore how Paul boasts in his humility and reliance on God’s power.

Paul defends his apostleship. For some, the 2 Corinthians letter fits together strangely. Consider that the Apostles proclaim Christ crucified and embody the death of Christ to bring life to those who hear the Gospel. In Paul’s weakness he preaches Christ crucified so that the Corinthians have life. In 2 Corinthians 10 and 12 the focus is on the Apostolic mission. Christ crucified and in the weakness of the Cross, the power of death is defeated.

For Paul, the core of Scripture is Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected for us. Death is defeated by the overcoming of death in the Resurrection of Christ. Explore that within God, there is a plurality of Persons. There is a relationship between God the Father and His Son, Jesus.

1 Corinthians works with a Gospel logic. Paul proclaims Christ crucified and to those being saved it is the power and wisdom of God. To sanctify is to set apart for holy use. Paul teaches us that our identity precedes our actions. The ministry of the Apostles was servant suffering. Paul teaches that there is equality among the members of the Church and spiritual gifts are to build up and unify the Church. 1 Corinthians 13 is the central chapter. Love is the key to how the Church should relate to itself. What is the difference between ontology based on substance and relational ontology? Until we die we remain sinners. The old Adam still lives within us in our flesh.

Justification by faith is anchored in Jesus. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. (Galatians 2:20) Paul makes the distinction between justification by works of the Law and justification through faith in Christ. At the Final Judgment we will stand on works of the Law or nothing but Jesus Christ. Consider that the deepest meaning of the Old Testament cannot be understood apart from the Gospel. The Old Testament promises are what the New Testament has announced is accomplished.

Paul teaches us that grace creates peace. Consider that the Word creates faith and faith is active in love. For Paul, freedom is the context the Christian lives his life in. There is radical discontinuity in Galatians between what is old and what is new.