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SUNDAY SEMINARY: NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY I

April 2015

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY 1

2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

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COURSE OBJECTIVESTo give you a broad overview of the purpose, structure, historical setting and major themes of the first 6 books of the New Testament.

By the end of this course you should:

1. Know how the New Testament books are organized in English Bibles.2. Understand the basic issues surrounding the “Synoptic Problem”.3. Be able to state the purpose, basic outline and key themes of Matthew to Corinthians4. Have read through Matthew to Corinthians and have memorized at least two key

passages from each of these books.5. Understand what are some of the major interpretive issues relating to each of these

books.

The study of God’s Word is an act of worship which should produce a life of worship – so please approach it as such! (Rom 11:33-12:2)

COURSE SCHEDULE (7 WEEKS)1: 12 April – Introduction + Matthew

2: 19 April - Mark

3: 26 April - Luke

4: 3 May - John

5: 10 May - Acts

6: 17 May - Romans

7: 24 May - Corinthians

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MacArthur Study Bible Bruce Wilkinsen and Kenneth Boa, The Wilkinson and Boa Bible Handbook: A Practical

Guide to Help You Get More Out of the Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville: 1983.

“God gave us His Word to deliver us from the power of darkness and to translate us to the domain of light, “the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col 1:13). The Bible reveals the full scope

of the Lord’s creative and redemptive plan for His people. Only in its pages can we gain a perspective on our corporate past, present, and future and realize the overwhelming

significance of our new identity as recipients of “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3). (Wilkinsen & Boa)

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LESSON ONE

MATTHEW

1: BACKGROUND

1.1 THE NEW TESTAMENT WRITINGSHow is the New Testament arranged in our English Bibles?

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What is the chronological order in which the books of the New Testament were written?

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What are the dates when the first and last books of the New Testament were written?

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1.2 THE OLD/NEW COVENANT (HEB 8:6-13; EPH 2:11-22)What is the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament?

Old Covenant = Mosaic Covenant

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N.T = New Covenant

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Distinctive

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“The Old Covenant involved a revelation of the holiness of God in a righteous standard of law which those who receive it were solemnly enjoined to keep. The New Covenant embodied a revelation of the holiness of God in an utterly righteous Son, who empowered those who received the revelation to become sons of God by making them righteous.” (Merrill C Tenney, The New Testament, An Historical and Analytical Survey, 22)

1.3 JUDAISM

5 beliefs and 4 practices that unified the Jews of Jesus’ day

BELIEFS PRACTICES

Monotheism – one true God CircumcisionGod had chosen Israel – Election The Sabbath

God’s provision of a way to live – The Torah The Prayers

God’s gift to Israel of a land, focused on the temple

The Feasts

Hope for the future

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The following distinct groups emerged within Judaism

Pharisees: religious zeal, conservative view of law and politics. No compromise with Greek culture

Sadducees: control temple, political ties, play the political system, more flexible on the law

Essences: withdraw, not part of the system, go live in the dessert. Zealots: radicals, make war with Rome, looking for military figure to lead them.

2: MATTHEW

2.1 LITERARY FORMWhat kind of literature is a gospel?

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2.2 BACKGROUND

AUTHOR

Anonymous – so can’t say by biblical authority who the author is

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Early church has almost unanimous agreement from very early that Matthew

o Superscription: “Gospel according to Matthew” oldest known witness to author. Found on all known manuscripts of the gospel dating as early as 125 AD

o Pappias (130); Irenaeus (185); Origen (220); Eusebius (324) – early church fathers which unanimously attribute this gospel to Matthew.

Matthew the tax collector

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AUDIENCE

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PLACE/ DATE

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DISTINCT CHARACTERISTICS

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KNOWN ISSUES RELATING TO AUDIENCE

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2.3 LITERARY STRUCTUREAll agree that Matthew’s gospel is carefully arranged. Not much agreement about how it is arranged.

GEOGRAPHICALMatthew seems to give very specific geographical indicators. Seems concerned that readers know exactly where various events occurred:

o Geographical (“withdraw” – 4:12; 12:15; 14:13; 15:21; o geographical movement – 3:13; 4:12-16, 23-25; 9:35; 11:1; 14:13; 15:21, 29, 39; 16:13,

21; 17:22; 19:1; 20:17-18, 29; 21:1)o Should have a map with you as you study Matthew.o 5 major geographical areas:

o Judea (1:1-4:11)o Galilee (4:12-13:58)

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o North of Galilee (14:1-16:12) – border with gentiles!o Toward Jerusalem (16:13-20:34)o Jerusalem (21:1-28:20)

DRAMATIC DIVISION (“FROM THAT TIME” – 4:17; 16:21)o The Person of Jesus (1:1-4:16)o The Proclamation of Jesus (4:17-16:20)o The Passion of Jesus (16:21-28:20)

DISCOURSE FORMULA (7:28-29; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1-2)Arrangement of material:

o Narrative leading up to a discourse (teaching/ converstation) end with “now when Jesus had finished this teaching… then another section of narrative leading up to a discourse.

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Plot/ problem

o Everyone recognizes that after chapter 13 and the parables of Jesus there is a change. Nothing is quite the same. First 11 seems to be very responsive, but then have Jesus withdrawing. Something took place in 11-13 which changes the mood of the gospel.

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the parables from 13 onwards

o Sower – why some reject seed=word of Godo 13:24 – kingdom of heaven is likeo 13:31 kingdom of heaven is likeo 13:44 kingdom of heaven is likeo 13:47 kingdom of heaven is likeo 18:23o The wicked vinedresser, the wedding feast, the fig tree.o All parables which explain the setting aside of Israel and the new nature the

kingdom would take on until Christ returns. What is expected of subjects of the kingdom until the king returns.

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Keith Essex – arrangement in chiastic format as follows:

a The Birth of the King (1:1-2:23) an angel of the Lord (1:20, 24; 2:13, 19) a dream (1:20; 2:12, 13, 19, 22) fulfillment (1:21; 2:15, 18, 23) King of the Jews (2:2)

b The Introduction of the King to Israel (3:1-7:29) the baptism [of John] (3:7) mountain…sat (5:1-2) the Law and the Prophets (5:17; 7:12) divorce, except for immorality, adultery (5:32) treasure in heaven (6:20) false prophets (7:15) “depart from Me” (7:23)

c The Manifestation of the Authority of the King (8:1-11:1) the faith [of a Gentile] commended (8:10) compassion for the multitude (9:36) “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (10:6) take cross and follow (10:38) lose and save life (10:39)

d CENTER: The Opposition to the King (11:2-13:53)

c’ The Withdrawal of the King (13:54-19:2) the faith [of a Gentile] commended (15:28) compassion for the multitude (14:14; 15:32) “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (15:34) take cross and follow (16:24) lose and save life (16:25)

b’ The Official Rejection by Israel of their King (19:3-26:2) the baptism of John (21:25) mountain…sat (24:3) the Law and the Prophets (22:40) divorce, except for immorality, adultery (19:9) treasure in heaven (19:21) false prophets (24:11, 24) “depart from Me” (25:41)

a’ The Death and Resurrection of Jesus (26:3-28:20) an angel of the Lord (28:2) a dream (27:19) fulfillment (26:54, 56; 27:9) King of the Jews (27:11, 37)

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2.4 KEY CHAPTERS/ VERSES IN MATTHEWo 5 – sermon on mount (righteousness/ ethics of the kingdom)o 10 – sending out 12 (proclamation of the kingdom). 12 officially designated messengers

representing the 12 tribes of Israel, sent to all Israel to proclaim that the king has come.o 13 – parables of kingdom (nature of the kingdom) in the light of Israel’s rejectiono 18 – relationships in the kingdom. The authority of the church the centrality of love and

forgivnesso 24 – future of the kingdom

Matthew 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.(ESV)

Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (ESV)

2.5 MAJOR THEMES

THE KINGDOM Matt 1:1-17 genealogy – centres on David “King” [8x] (2:2; 21:5; 25:34, 40; 27:11, 29, 37, 42; cf. 1:6; 2:1, 3, 9; 5:35; 10:18; 11:8; 14:9;

17:25; 18:23; 22:2, 7, 11, 13) “The Kingdom of Heaven” [32x] (3:2; 4:17; 5:3, 10, 19, 20; 7:21; 8:11; 10:7; 11:11, 12; 13:11,

24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47, 52; 16:19; 18:1, 3, 4, 23; 19:12, 14, 23; 20:1; 22:2; 23:13; 25:1) “The Kingdom of God” [4x] (12:28; 19:24; 21:31, 43) “The Kingdom” [15x] (4:23; 6:10, 13, 33; 8:12; 9:35; 13:19, 38, 41, 43; 16:28; 20:21; 24:14;

25:34; 26:29; cf. 12:25, 26; 24:7)

THE FULFILMENT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT “Be fulfilled” (1:22; 2:15, 17, 23; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:54, 56; 27:9) “Written” (2:5; 4:4, 6, 7, 10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24, 31) Scriptures (21:42; 22:29; 26:54, 56) The Law (5:17, 18; 7:12; 11:13; 12:5; 22:36, 40; 23:23) Christ is the long-awaited king.

THE TEACHING OF JESUS (5-7; 10; 13; 18; 24-25) "Teacher" (8:19; 9:11; 10:24, 25; 12:38; 17:24; 19:16; 22:16, 24, 36; 26:18); Rabbi (cf.

23:8; 26:25, 49)

RIGHTEOUSNESS [26X] “righteousness” (3:15; 5:6, 10, 20; 6:1, 33; 21:32);

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“righteous, just” (1:19; 5:45; 9:13; 10:41; 13:17, 43, 49; 20:4; 23:28, 29, 35; 25:37, 46; 27:[4], 19, [24]);

“to be righteous, to do justice” (11:19; 12:37)

THE JEWSo Jewish Leaders (21:23-22:14; 23:1-36; 27:1) o People (11:7-19; 27:25)o As go through Matthew’s gospel, see that has nothing good to say about Jewish leaders.

The people don’t know whether to follow Jesus or follow their rulers. In the end, it is the Jewish leaders who say – “His blood be upon our shoulders”

THE CHURCH (16:18; 18:17)o Matthew the only gospel that mentions the church. This new body, new people of God

consisting of Jew and Gentile together as one people of God.

THE GENTILES (2:2; 8:11-12; 12:18-21; 15:21-28; 28:19-20)o In this most Jewish gospels, have Gentiles who come to Jesus and demonstrate faith.

THE LAST TIMESWhen get to end of Matthews gospel, are ready for commission to take gospel to all nations – the Gentiles. They will respond in a way the Israel hasn’t.

o “The Wrath to Come” (3:7)o The Judgment to Come (7:21-23; 12:36; 13:50; 22:13; 25:31-46) – judgment that will

come upon those who reject Jesus.o The Age to Come (12:32; 13:39-40, 49; 19:28; 25:46)

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS (8:17; 11:4-5, 20-24; 12:22-32)o Jesus didn’t just do miracles to do miracles, did miracles to reveal who he was. He replies

that people must look at the miracles to decide who he is. Miracles validate the reality of who He is.

2.6 PURPOSETo show that Jesus was/is the promised Messiah and Israel’s King who will establish the Kingdom in the future despite Israel’s past rejection of Him (21:5)

3: TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT LESSON Read through the gospel of Mark Memorize the key theme and key verse for Matthew

Are you allowing Christ to be the King of your life? Are there any areas in which you are

struggling to relinquish control to Him?

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LESSON TWO

MARK

1: LITERARY FORM

1.1 COMPARISON OF GOSPELS (MK 1:1-3)___________________________________________________________________________

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1:1-3 the only quote of O.T passage. Much less than Matthew and other gospels.

Misses the first year of Jesus’ public ministry and focusses on second year spent mostly up in Galillee.

Immediately (42 times e.g. 1:10, 12,17-18, 21,23,29) – everything happens quickly in Mark's gospel, rapid sequence of events (used 42 times)

Much less of Jesus' teaching than the other gospels, much greater emphasis on Jesus' actions. 18 out of 75 parables yet over half his 35 miracles

2: BACKGROUND

AUTHOR


CHURCH HISTORY/ EXTERNAL EVIDENCE

Ascription – according to Mark, which tells us what the early church thought and should have good reason before ignore this since they were closer to the events. But which Mark is this?

Justin Martyr, Irenaeus (185AD), Clement of Alexandria (195AD), Origen (230AD) – all concur with this basic tradition

Internal hints: Mk 14:51-52 – only record of this event which seems almost irrelevant unless it was

the author. (Other apostles had already fled vs 50)

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AUDIENCE

1. External tradition (Church fathers) say gospel was written from Rome, with Gentile audience in mind.

2. Supported by:

a. Jewish Customs Explained (7:2-4; 14:12; 15:42) eg. Washing of hands

b. Aramaic Expressions Translated (3:17; 5:41; 7:11, 34; 10:46; 14:36; 15:22, 34)

c. Latin Terms Used (5:9; 6:27; 12:14-15, 42; 15:16, 39)

d. Roman Time Used (6:48; 13:35)

e. Sons of Simon of Cyrene (15:21; see Rom. 16:13)

PLACE/ DATE

a) Place probably Rome, time, dependant on view of which gospel was used first.

b) Some external tradition suggests that written while Peter was still alive and that Peter endorsed the gospel which would make it around AD 50-60. But can't be dogmatic about date.

DISTINCT CHARACTERISTICS

Brevity: shortest gospel (2/3rds as long as luke). Eliminated all but 2 of Jesus' long discourses (4:1-34; 13:3-37)

Action: immediately – Jesus is on the move, active (only Mark records that Jesus too busy to eat 3:20, 6:31) twice!

“To read this gospel at a single sitting is to feel hemmed in by crowds, wearied by demands, besieged by the attacks of demons.” (Gerhard Sloyan in Hiebert, Introduction to Gospels, 98)

Vividness = more detail concerning the events he does record.

o “He mentions Jesus compassion (1:41;6:34;8:2), His sighs (7:34; 8:12), His hunger and weariness (4:38, 6:31; 11:12), His distress and sorrow (14:33-34). He notes His sweeping gaze (3:5, 34; 5:32; 10:23; 11:11), the touch of His hand (1:31; 41; 7:33; 9:27), His warm interest in the little children (9:36; 10:14-16). He refers to His anger and displeasure (1:43; 3:5; 9:16; 10:14). Only Mark records how Jesus, on the last journey to Jerusalem, resolutely went before His disciples amid a prevailing feeling of aprehension (10:32)...” (Hiebert, Introduction to the Gospels, 98)

3: LITERARY STRUCTUREGeographical

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1. Judea (1:1-13)

2. Galilee (1:14-9:50)

3. Perea (10:1-52)

4. Jerusalem (11:1-16:8[20])

Ideological

There is a change in Christ's ministry at chapter 8 similar to Matthew's chapter 13. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ and then Jesus begins to talk about death. Like this signals that needs to prepare his disciples for his death.

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8:29-38 – the cross is central to understanding what it means that Jesus is the Christ.

FOCUS JESUS CHRIST: THE SUFFERING SERVANT OF GOD

STRUCTURE Sent To Serve Sent To Suffer/Save

1:1 7:23

7:24 10:52

11:1 16:20

CHRIST’S MINISTRY

Beginning Broadening Consummating

GEOGRAPHY Galilee Gentile Regions Jerusalem

TIME 3 years 6 months 8 days

4: MAJOR THEMES

Titles for Jesus

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Christ (7x – 1:1; 8:29; 9:41; 12:35; 13:21; 14:61; 15:32)

The Son of God (8x – 1:1, 11; 3:11; 5:7; 9:7; 12:6; 14:61; 15:39) – gentiles confess this, even enemies.

The Son of Man (14x – 2:10, 28; 8:31, 38; 9:9, 12, 31; 10:33, 45; 13:26; 14:21, 41)

Deity and humanity of Christ.

The Gospel (1:1, 14, 15; 8:35; 10:29; 13:10; 14:9; 16:15)

The Kingdom of God (1:15; 4:11, 26, 30; 9:1, 47; 10:14, 15, 23, 24, 25; 11:10; 12:34; 14:25; 15:43)

The Power of Satan

Satan (1:13; 3:23, 26; 4:15; 8:33)

Unclean Spirits (1:23, 26, 27; 3:11, 30; 5:2, 8, 13; 6:7; 7:25; 9:25)

Demons (1:34, 39; 3:15, 22; 6:13; 9:38; 16:9, 17)

The Miracles of Jesus (especially 1-8)

19 Miracles Recorded

16 Miracles Recorded in 1:14-8:30 (the work of the last part = the cross)

No miracles recorded in and around Jerusalem

Faith (1:15; 2:5; 4:40; 5:34, 36; 9:23, 24, 42; 10:52; 11:22, 23, 24, 31; 13:21; 15:32; 16:13, 14, 16, 17)

The Disciples (1-16; 4:40; 6:52; 7:18; 8:21, 33; 9:10, 32; 10:14)

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5: KEY CHAPTERS AND VERSESSome of the key chapters in Mark along with a summary of their content:

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o 4 Parable of the sowero 8 Peters confessiono 10 Teaching about divorceo 12 The great commandment - love

Two key verses in Mark:

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mark 8:34 And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would

come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save

6: PURPOSETo show that Jesus, the Son of God, came not to be served but to serve and gave his life as a ransom, providing a model for all who would follow Him.

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LESSON THREE

LUKE

1: LITERARY FORM

1.1COMPARISON OF GOSPELS “In Matthew He is Israel's King, in Mark He is Jehovah's servant in Luke He is the

perfect man.” (J S Baxter, Explore the Book, 5:229) “In Luke, Christ is not the messiah of the Old Testament, or the Servant of God, so

much as the Saviour of all mankind, the Satisfier of humanities need.” (Evans, The Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, 124)

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1.2 COMPILATION (LK 1:1-4)Great insight into the process by which the gospels came together

Many have compiled a narrative = a story, a flowing account drawn from various oral traditions, various stories and accounts which were floating around Palestine.

“Just as those who were eye-witnesses from the beginning have delivered them to us.” The primary witness comes from the Apostles, those who were specifically chosen by Jesus to be eye-witnesses of all that He said and did from the beginning. So the preaching of the Apostles was primarily gospel preaching, a recounting of all that Jesus said and did and the significance of it in the light of the cross.

Luke, having followed these things closely for some time, did careful research and wrote an orderly account for the purpose that you might have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

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2: BACKGROUND

Author Anonymous – so can’t say by biblical authority who the author is

Church History/ External evidence

Ascription – according to Luke, which tells us what the early church thought and should have good reason before ignore this since they were closer to the events.

Have nothing from Pappias (70-150AD) So the earliest witnesses to Luke are from AD 150 onwards, but the testimony is so

consistent and strong that Guthrie can conclude: “At no time were any doubts raised regarding this attribution to Luke, and certainly no alternatives were mooted. The tradition could hardly be stronger” (Guthrie, New Testament Introduction, 99)

Irenaeus (185AD), Tertullian (150-222AD), Clement of Alexandria (155-216); Origen (AD 230); Eusebias and Jerome all concur with this testimony.

The anti-Marcionite prologue to the third gospel (AD160-180) contains one of the fullest statements of the tradition concerning the third gospel and its author:“Luke is a man from Antioch, Syria, a physician by profession. He was a disciple of the apostles, and later he accompanied Paul until his martyrdom. Having neither wife nor child, he served the Lord without distraction. He fell asleep in Boeotia at the age of eighty four, full of the Holy Spirit. Moved by the Spirit, Luke composed all of this Gospel in the districts around Achaia although there were already Gospels in existence-one according to Matthew written in Judea and one according to Mark written in Italy. He reveals this fact in the prologue: that other gospels were written before his and that it was imperative that an account of the divine plan be set forth or the Gentile believers. This was necessary in order that they might neither be distracted by Jewish myths nor, deceived by heretical and vain phantasies, depart from the truth....” (Quoted by Hiebert in “An Introduction to the New Testament,” 116)

Internal hints:

Acts 16:1-5, 11 pronoun suddenly switches to “we” (20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16)o So a close travelling companion with Paulo Mentions Timothy here, and in fact in other places all Paul's travelling

companions are mentioned except Luke, Titus.o Of these two options, Luke best fits the requirements.

Col 4:14 – the beloved physician (Phil 24) and 2 Tim 4:11 only Luke is with me – evidence of his loyalty and value to Paul in the ministry.

In Col 4:12-14 two lists – Jewish companions and Gentile companions and Luke listed amonst gentile companions so probably a Gentile.

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Acts 1:19 – in their own language = not our language so not assiating himself with Jews.

What better person to give a defence of the gospel, then a respected Gentile convert, and missionary companion of Paul to the Gentiles from very early on in His ministry!

Audience/ Recipients Theophilus – many different theories about this. Most Excellent = title that would have been used of Roman governors. Would have been used by Luke of someone of higher ranking socially. Name on it, so originally written to him, Greek name. But when someone had a work presented by name, in the Roman idea that would then

become a literary patron who would copy and present it to others. So Theopholis would be a representative of gentile Christians.

Place/ Datea) Must have been written before Acts.b) Most date Acts before the death of Paul in AD65 c) Still eye-witnesses of Jesus' life, so not too late.d) Depending on order of synoptic gospels, how you see them depending on one anothere) 60-70 AD.

Distinct Characteristics Lk 1:5-8: sets the narrative carefully in its historical and geographical context.

Explains exactly who, what where, when and how in terms that non-Jews can understand.

2:1-3 specific political and historical markers that would have been known to all his readers, not just Jewish or religious markers.

3:23 Genealogy in Matthew = Son of Abraham, son of David=Jewish roots. Genelogy in John = Son of God, who was with God = eternal roots. Here in Luke = Adam = human roots. The seed of Eve who would crush the serpent in Gen 3:15.

4:31 detailed accounts of individual encounters with Jesus, who, when, where and exactly what happened, many of them Gentiles who encountered Jesus

Narrative selectionWhat the author chooses to include or exclude:

Parables: more parables and more distinct parables than the other gospels. Some of well known parables (Good Samaritan, lost coin, lost son, great banquet, Pharisee and the tax collector) = all emphasize God's grace to all, the widening of God's grace to all, God's love for all.

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Luk 4:14 – passes over ministry in Capurnaum, chooses to start his public ministry in Galillee with this event. Vs 23-28 – starts Jesus ministry with him affirming that Jews will reject him, but nothing new – God has historically provided salvation for Gentiles in midst of Jews rejection.

Sending out of the 70 – broader ministry of Jesus disciples than that which carried out by the 12 in Galillee – recorded only in Luke, quite a lot of detail devoted to this in 9-10 = 2 chapters.

Narrative emphasis = amount of material devoted to Lk 1-3 = early life, start of ministry (3 chapters) Lk 5-9 = ministry up to transfiguration just before goes to Jerusalem. 9:31 (5

chapters) Lk 9:51-21 – set his face to Jerusalem dominates the narrative. Journey to Jerusalem

to die =13 Chpts ( 13:22, 13:33-34; 17:11; 18:31; 19:11; 19:28) Lk 22-23 = death and burial Lk 24 = only writer to include assention – from where did assention happen – Mt

Olives in Jerusalem.

If think of Luke/Acts as a 2 part series – everything Jesus began to do focussed toward Jerusalem and the cross and everything Jesus continued to do in Acts, spreads out from Jerusalem and the cross. The events that took place at Jerusalem are at the heart of the gospel message.

3: LITERARY STRUCTUREGeography is important to both Luke and Acts so possibly the most helpful outline

Prelude (1-3)Ministry in Galilee (4-9)Journey to Jerusalem (9-19)

Samaria (9) Judea (10-13) Perea (14-19)

Death at Jerusalem (19-23)Ascension from Jerusalem (24)

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Alternative, simpler outline

The coming of the son of man (1-3)

The ministry of the son of man (4-9)

The rejection of the son of man (10-19)

The death and resurrection of the son of man (20-24)

4: MAJOR THEMES

Luke/ Acts

The Sovereign Plan (Purpose) of God

The “dei Motif” [18x in Luke; 22x in Acts] (Luke 2:49; 4:43; 9:22; 11:42; 12:12; 13:14, 16, 33; 15:32; 17:25; 18:1; 19:5; 21:9; 22:7, 37; 24:7, 26, 44; Acts 1:16, 21; 3:21; 4:12; 5:29; 9:6, 16; 14:22; 15:5; 16:30; 17:3; 18:21; 19:21, 36; 20:35; 21:22; 23:11; 24:19; 25:10, 24; 26:9; 27:21, 24, 26)

◦ The dei motive means “this must be, it had to be”. This shows divine necessity. A prophet must die in Jerusalem etc. Jesus has his marching orders, it must be this way. The whole life of Jesus is according to divine necessity, based on Old Testament revelation. Luke continues using the dei motive into Acts. So this is not just the role of the Christ, but also those who follow him. The rest of the spread of the gospel is equally in accordance with the fulfilment of God’s plan and scripture.

The Salvation of God

Saviour (soter – Luke 1:47; 2:11; Acts 5:31; 13:23); Salvation (soteria – Luke 1:69, 71, 77; 19:9; Acts 4:12; 7:25; 13:26, 47; 16:17; 27:34; soterion – Luke 2:30; 3:6; Acts 28:28); To save, free from disease, free from harm (sozo – Luke 6:9; 7:50; 8:12, 36, 48, 50; 9:24, 56; 13:23; 17:19; 18:26, 42; 19:10; 23:35, 37, 39; Acts 2:21, 40, 47; 4:9, 12; 11:14; 14:9; 15:1, 11; 16:30, 31; 27:20, 31)

The Power of God

(dunamai – 26x in Luke; 21x in Acts; dunamis – 15x in Luke; 10x in Acts; dunatos – 4x in Luke; 6x in Acts. See Luke 1:35; 4:14; 22:69; Acts 1:8; 4:7, 33; 6:8).

The Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15, 35, 41, 67; 2:25, 26, 27; 3:16, 22; 4:1, 14, 18; 10:21; 11:13; 12:10, 12; Acts 1:2, 5, 8, 16; 2:4, 17, 18, 33, 38; 4:8, 25, 31; 5:3, 9, 32; 6:3, 5,

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10; 7:51, 55; 8:15, 17, 18, 19, 29, 39; 9:17, 31; 10:19, 38, 44, 45, 47; 11:12, 15, 16, 24, 28; 13:2, 4, 9, 52; 15:8, 28; 16:6, 7; 19:2, 6; 20:23, 28; 21:4, 11; 28:25)

The Outcasts of Society

The Poor (Luke 4:18; 6:20; 7:22; 14:13, 21; 16:20, 22; 18:22; 19:8; 21:2,3) Tax Gatherers (Luke 5:29, 30; 7:29, 34; 15:1; 18:10, 11, 13; 19:2) Women (Luke 1:5, 13, 18, 24, 28, 42; 3:19; 4:26; 7:28, 37, 39, 44, 50; 8:2, 3, 43, 47;

10:38; 11:27; 13:11, 12, 21; 14:20, 26; 15:8; 16:18; 17:32; 18:29; 20:28, 29, 32, 33; 22:57; 23:27, 49, 55; 24:22, 24; Acts 1:14; 5:1, 2, 7, 14; 8:3, 12; 9:2; 13:50; 16:1, 13, 14; 17:4, 12, 34; 18:2; 21:5; 22:4; 24:24)

The Response to the Message

“to repent” (Luke 10:13; 11:32; 13:3, 5; 15:7, 10; 16:30; 17:3, 4; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 8:22; 17:30; 26:20)

“repentance” (Luke 3:3, 8; 5:32; 15:7; 24:47; Acts 5:31; 11:18; 13:24; 19:4; 20:21; 26:20)

“to turn” (Luke 1:16, 17; [2:39; 8:55; 17:4, 31] 22:32; Acts 3:19; 9:35, [9:40]; 11:21; 14:15; 15:19 [15:36; 16:18] 26:18, 20; 28:27)

“to believe” (Luke 1:20, 45; 8:12, 13, 50; 16:11; 20:5; 22:67; 24:25; Acts 2:44; 4:4, 32; 5:14; 8:12, 13; 9:26, 42; 10:43; 11:17, 21; 13:12, 39, 41, 48; 14:1, 23; 15:5, 7, 11; 16:31, 34; 17:12, 34; 18:8, 27; 19:2, 4, 18; 21:20, 25; 22:19; 24:14; 26:27; 27:25)

“faith” (Luke 5:20; 7:9, 50; 8:25, 48; 17:5, 6, 19; 18:8, 42; 22:32; Acts 3:16; 6:5, 7; 11:24; 13:8; 14:9, 22, 27; 15:9; 16:5; 17:31; 20:21; 24:24; 26:18)

Summary: It is God's sovereign plan that the message of Salvation in Christ must go out in the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to all the world and everyone, least to greatest.

5: PURPOSE

Purpose: To demonstrate that Jesus is the saviour of all people and died, was raised and ascended from Jerusalem exactly according to God's predetermined plan.

Why would Gentile Christians need certainty?

What does Acts tell us happened to the gospel?

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What else might have been a problem? (Gal 1:11-2:10; 2 Cor 11:1-4)

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Why would Gentile believers in particular need certainty?

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The gospel entrusted to Peter for the Jews is the same gospel entrusted to Paul for the Gentiles.

The gospel is for Jew and Gentiles the gospel is a message of salvation by grace through faith, not by law the gospel is universal and was meant to spread out from Jerusalem to the ends of the

earth, it has come to you by God's specific plan and intention. It accurate and reliable and historical fact and true to the original – you can believe it

and continue in it.

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STRUCTURE OF LUKE/ACTS (Keith Essex, Masters Seminary)

Luke-Acts

Luke Acts

1:1-4 1. Preface 1:1-2

1:5-4:13 2. Preparation by the Spirit 1:3-2:13

4:14-30 3. Ministry opened by a Sermon stressing fulfillment and rejection 2:14-40

4:31-8:56 4. Ministry emphasizing theme of fulfillment and conflict 2:41-12:24

5:17-26 a. Lame Man Healed 3:1-105:29-6:11 b. Conflicts with Religious Leaders 4:1-8:37:1-10 c. Centurion's Request for a Visit 10:1-487:11-17 d. Widow and Resurrection 9:36-437:36-50 e. Criticism by Pharisee 11:1-18

9:1-50 5. Messengers sent out 12:25-19:20 9:51-19:28 6. Last Journey to Jerusalem 19:21-21:17 19:29-23:56 7. Events in Jerusalem (and consequences) 21:17-28:16

19:37 a. Good reception 20:17-2019:45-48 b. Temple entrance 21:2620:27-39 c. Sadducees and the Resurrection 23:6-922:19 d. Taking and Blessing Bread 27:3522:54 e. Seizure by Mob 21:3022:63-64 f. Slapping at High Priests Command 23:222-23 g. Four Trials 23-26

24:1-53 8.Conclusion: Ministry ends on the positive note of fulfilment of 28:17-31 Scripture

Too many links here to ignore. Luke is deliberately drawing parallels between the gospel of ministry of Jesus, Peter, and Paul. The gospel Jesus proclaimed is the same gospel Peter proclaimed, it was continued in Peter and expanded in Paul – all according to God's predetermined plan.

Compare Lk 24:44ff to Acts 28:25 to end - Look how Acts ends Ministry of Paul ends just like the minsitry of Jesus ended in Luke The gospel must go out to the ends of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit it will

go out. Ministry of Paul is the continuation of the ministry began by Jesus.

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LESSON FOUR

JOHN

1: LITERARY FORMPhilip Schaff says “It is as simple as a child and sublime as a seraph, gentle as a lamb and bold as an eagle. Deep as the sea and high as the heavens.”

Distinct CharacteristicsWhat are some of the distinguishing features of this gospel as you compare them to the other gospels?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Narrative of selection_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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2: BACKGROUND

Author


Church History/ External evidence

Ascription – according to John, which tells us what the early church thought and should have good reason before ignore this since they were closer to the events.

Irenaeus in his work, “Against Heresies” written around AD185 writes, “Afterwards [after the synoptics were written], John, the disciple of the Lord, who also leaned upon his breast, did himself publish a gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.” (quoted in Hibert, New Testament Introduction, 193).

Also Theophilus of Antioch (c180), Tertullian (150-222); Clement (155), Origen (185Ad), Eusebius (325).

“The external evidence for the early date and Apostolic authorship of the fourth gospel is as great as that for any book of the New Testament.” (Thiessen)

Internal hints:

One of the Twelve (13:23)

The Guardian of Mary (19:26-27)

An Eyewitness of the Empty Tomb (20:2-8)

A Fisherman (21:7)

Some things about the author:

James and John brothers, fisherman Mk 1:19

Mother was Salome (Mk 15:40 in conjunction with Mt 27:61) On basis of

Family well-to do since the family had servants mk 1:20

John among a group of Galileans who attended the preaching minsitry of John the Baptists and became his disciples. Met Jesus and became his disciple and stayed with him a short time.

He was the only disciple that was at the cross and Jesus committed his mother to his care.

on Easter morning – he was there to see the empty tomb with Peter Jn 19:26-27

John was not the affectionate, sympathetic type. He was narrow-minded, arrogant and impetuous…yet he became affectionately known as the “Apostle of Love”

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John alone records the restoration of Peter. This, for John, represents the highpoint of Jesus' resurrection ministry. This is how his gospel closes. These are the last words of Jesus that John want's etched on our minds.

It is a personal conversation between Peter and Jesus, which John is allowed to witness and to hear that he might come to understand something – Christ's unfailing love for those whose love for Him fails. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Audience/ Recipients As you look at the gospel itself, there are so many allusions back to the Old Testament

that the writer assumes his readers know the Old Testament.

Emphasizes Jesus as the messiah of the Jews from the prologue

Why would John have written to Jews?

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Place/ Datea) AD 90 near end of life – last of gospels according to external tradition.

3: LITERARY STRUCTURE

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See Appendix A from Wilkenson and Boa Handbook pg 335

I. The Public Ministry of Jesus (1 12)

II. The Private Ministry of Jesus - Upper Room (13 17)

III. The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus (18 21)

4: MAJOR THEMESSigns (17x – 2:11, 18, 23; 3:2; 4:48, 54; 6:2, 14, 26, 30; 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18, 37; 20:30)

Jesus

The Man (4:29; 5:12; 7:46, 51; *8:40; 9:11, 16; *10:33; 11:47, 50; 18:14, 17, 29; 19:5)

The Christ [Messiah] (1:17, 20, 25, 41; 3:28; 4:25, 29; 7:25, 27, 31, 41, 42; 9:22; 10:24; 11:27; 12:34; 17:3; 20:31)

The Son of God (1:34, 49; 3:16, 17, 18, 35, 36; *5:19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26; 6:40; 8:36; 10:36; 11:4, 27; 14:13; 17:1; 19:7; 20:31)

Believe [98x]

“Believe that” – emphasizes the content of faith (20:31; 6:66; 11:27; 14:10; 16:23, 30; 17:8)

“Believe” with the simple dative- emphasizes giving credence to someone/something, accepting someone/something as true (2:22; 4:21; 6:30; 8:46)

“Believe in or on” – emphasizes trust directed to someone/something (2:11, 23; 3:16; 7:31, 39; 8:30; 10:42; 12:11; 16:9)

“Believe,” absolute use- emphasizes the act of faith (1:50; 3:12; 6:47; 11:14-15, 40; 14:29; 20:29)

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Truth, True [48x] (1:14; 14:6)

Witness, Bear Witness [47x] (3:11, 32; 18:37)

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Life [vb., 17x; n., 36x; -17x (3:15, 16, 36; 4:14, 36; 5:24, 39; 6:27, 40, 47, 54, 68; 10:28; 12:25, 50; 17:2, 3) as life eternal] / Death (5:24)

World [78x] (1:9-10, 29; 3:16-19; 4:42; 8:12, 23; 10:36; 12:25, 31, 46-47; 13:1)

Jew, Jewish [71x] (5:16, 18; 6:41, 52; 7:1; 8:31, 48; 9:22; 10:31; 11:45-46; 12:9-11; 19:7)

Light [23x] / Darkness [9x] (1:4-5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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5: PURPOSETo testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and to encourage personal faith in Him as the means to eternal life.

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LESSON FIVE

ACTS

1: LITERARY FORM

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2: A SURVEY OF THE SPIRITS MINISTRY IN ACTS Acs 1:8: This key verse shows that Acts is continuing where Luke concluded his

gospel – the Spirit will come and empower witness.

2:1-4 = there can be no doubt that the Spirit has come.

2:5-11 = the first work the Spirit does, is to enable them to be witnesses to all languages, tribes and tongues – the very thing Jesus said He would do

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7:51 as Stephen preaches and his message is rejected, because the Jews reject the Spirit, this same Spirit that was in the preaching of Christ and whom they blasphemed.

8:4-8 the message is preached in the power of the Spirit and those who receive it receive the same Spirit. So when the gospel bridges its first cross-cultural barrier to the Samaritans, it is by the Spirit empowered preaching and reception of the message.

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9:17 the Apostles to the gentile is called and receives the same Spirit.

10:1 – Gentile god-fearer

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Ministry of Peter continues, but in book of Acts it begins to phase out and Paul begins to come into focus

Acts 13:1-3 – who initiates the ministry of the gospel to the Gentiles = Spirit.

Acts 13:4 – sent out by the Spirit! Same ministry, same message

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Acts 15:1-3 = crisis = is this the same gospel?

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16:6-7 the Spirit continues to supervise the expansion of the gospel – He is the one in charge.= empowering and directing them.

19:1-7: These men knew only the baptism of John, a baptism of repentance to look forward to the coming messiah (18:24-26). So these men believe as far as they can (interim period) but don't know the whole truth and therefore don't receive the Spirit.

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20:22 march back to Jerusalem also by the Spirit.

Summary: So this is a selective narrative. In terms of what Luke chooses to include = showing that the spread of the gospel was by the power of the Spirit and at each key point Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth – confirmed specifically by the Spirit and that the same Spirit who was at work in Christ, was at work in Peter, and at work in Paul.

3: CONTUNUITY BETWEEN PETER AND PAUL IN ACTS

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Peter Paul

Filled with Holy Spirit 4:8 13:9

Message to "Men of Israel" 2:22-36 13:16-37

Healing of Lame Man 3:1-10 14:8-10

Raising of a Dead Person 9:36-43 20:9-12

Magician Confronted 8:9-24 13:6-12

Shadow Healings 5:15 19:12

Prison Chains Loosed 12:7 16:26

Trance While Praying 10:10 22:17

Vision Leading toPreaching 10:17-35 16:9-10

Addressed by Angel 12:7-8 27:23-24

Three Evangelistic Messages 2, 3, 10 13, 14, 17

STRUCTURAL CONTINUITY IN ACTSEVENT ACTS ACTS

Return to/from Jerusalem 1:12 12:25

Assembled Prayer 1:13-26 13:1-3

Manifestation of Holy Spirit 2:1-4 13:1-12

Apostolic Preaching 2:14-40 13:16-40

Lame Man Healed 3:1-10 14:8-13

Speech, "Men … why?" 3:12-26 14:15-17

Persecution of Apostles 4:1-5:42 14:19-28

Church Dissension 6:1-7 15:1-16:5

Mission to the Gentiles 10:1-11:18 16:6-21:26

Vision 10:9-16 16:6-10

"Come!" 10:22 16:9

Gentile Company 10:24, 44 16:31-34

Jerusalem Defense 11:1-18 21:17-26

Imprisonment 12:3-5 21:31-28:28

Success of the Word 12:24 28:30-31Remember. This is second volume of two volume series. Luke shows continuity between the ministry of Jesus and Peter; Acts between the ministry of Peter and Paul. Historical continuity of the gospel is thus shown from Jesus to Paul

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INTERPRETATION OF ACTS

When we ignore the principle of selection that we have seen, which holds true for all historical narrative, when we ignore issues of plot, climax and character, which are part of story, when we ignore the literary framework, then we come out with bad theology.

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Continuation of cessation of gifts?___________________________________________________________________________

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A Word about Spirit Baptism.___________________________________________________________________________

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4: BACKGROUND

THE GEOGRAPHY OF ACTS

The ministry of Peter (Jerusalem) – Acts 1:1-8:4

The ministry of Philip (Samaria) – Acts 8:5-12:25

The ministry of Paul (Ends of the earth) – Acts 13:1-28:31

THE TIMING OF ACTS

What When Reference

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The outpouring of the Spirit AD 30 Acts 2

The stoning of Stephen AD 32-33 Acts 7

The conversion of Paul AD 33-34 Acts 9

Silent years (8 years, no record in Acts!) AD 35-43 Gal 1

James written

The first missionary journey of Paul AD 47 Acts 13-14

Galatians written

Peter at Antioch Gal 2:11-16

Apostolic Counsel AD 49 Acts 15

The second missionary journey of Paul (2-3 years, 3 chapters in Acts)

AD 49-51 Acts 15:36-18:22

1 + 2 Thessalonians

The third missionary journey of Paul (3-4years, 3 chapters in Acts)

AD 52-56 Acts 18:23-21:16)

1 + 2 Corinthians written

Romans written

Paul's arrest, journey to Jerusalem (4 years, 7 chapters in Acts) AD 56-60 Acts 21:26-28:30

Why so much detail about Paul's arrest and trial in connection with the expansion of the church?

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5: LITERARY STRUCTUREWitness in Jeruslaem - Peter (1-7)

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Witness in Judea and Samaria - Philip (8-12)

Witness to the ends of the earth – Paul (13-28)

6: MAJOR THEMES(See also the gospel of Luke)

1. The continity of the message and ministry of Peter and Paul.

2. The expansion of the gospel (6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31) Geographically and ethnically (8:4; 9:31; 11:19; 13:1 By the power of the Spirit (Acts 2, 10,13,19) Through Peter and Paul (Acts 2,10, 15, 19)

7: PURPOSETo show that the gospel was faithfully proclaimed by God's appointed witnesses, in the power of the Spirit, to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth according to God's sovereign plan.

LESSON SEVEN

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CORINTHIANS

1: LITERARY FORM

KIND OF LITERATURE? (1:1-4)___________________________________________________________________________

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2: LITERARY BACKGROUND

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RECIPIENTS

Church at CorinthWhat do we know about the church at Corinth?

The church was founded by Paul, Timothy, Silas, Luke, Priscilla and Aquila and later Appolos ministered among them after being sent there by Aquila.

Paul received a specific vision that God has many believers in the city and so he stayed there for 18 months amidst much persecution. One of the longest times Paul spent ministering in a single place.◦ Divisions – 1 Cor 1:10-11

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◦ 1 Cor 10:17-25. Liked prominent speech (Greek influence) oratory (2:1-5)◦ Many poor classes – 1 Cor 1:26◦ Immature- divisions – 1 Cor 3:1-3; 18-23; boasting 4:6-10 (sarcastic tone)◦ Some challenging Paul – 1 Cor 4:14-20◦ Sexually immoral -1 cor 5:1-5 + condone.◦ Lawsuites, materialistic – 1 Cor 6:1-2◦ Disputes about

▪ sex– 1 Cor 7:1-2▪ divorce – 1 Cor 7:10▪ marriage – 1 cor 7:25-28▪ food sacrificed to idols – 1 Cor 8:1-3▪ Paul's motives, validity as an apostle – 1 cor 9:1-7▪ the role of woman in worship 1 cor 11:1-4▪ Communion 1 cor 11:17-20▪ Spiritual gifts 1 Cor 12:1 (12-14)▪ The real issue is placed in the middle = they do not love!▪ Resurrection 1 Cor 15:12-15

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THE CITY OF CORINTH

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OCCASION

About their correspondence The Founding Visit (Acts 18:1-7; I Cor. 2:1; 3:2; 11:2; 15:1)

◦ 2nd missionary journey The Writing of a ‘Lost’ Letter (I Cor. 5:9) They write Paul a letter asking questions (1 Cor 7:1, 8:1; 12:1) The Writing of I Corinthians

◦ 3-4 year span, from first ministry at Corinth and writing of letter. Much has transpired in the Corinthian church since he ministered there.

◦ From Ephesus (16:8-9; 19); A.D. 56 The Painful Visit (2 Cor. 2:1; 12:14; 13:1, 2)

◦ Before 1 Corinthians? Possibly in connection with painful letter? The ‘Severe’ Letter (2 Cor. 2:4)

◦ Possibility a separate letter, or otherwise 1 Cor is the severe letter. The Writing of 2 Corinthians (2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6-16)

◦ From Macedonia (2:13; 7:5-6; 8:1)

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◦ A.D. 56 Paul’s Last Recorded Visit (Acts 20:1-4)

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1 CORINTHIANS OCCASSION: Address divisions, factions, immorality, false doctrine in the church (1 Cor 1:10) Defend his ministry among them (1 Cor 2:1, 4:3; 4:15-19; 9:3) Answer specific questions from the church (1 Cor 7:1; 8:1) Prepare them for a collection to help the church at Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:1-4)

2 CORINTHIAN OCCASSION: To explain his change of plans (2 Cor 1:15-2:1) To defend His Apostleship (2 Cor 3:1-3; 6:3-12; 7:2-4; 10:1-3, 10-12; 11:5-9;12:1-

2,11-14) To prepare them for his coming, the collection for the saints (2 Cor 9:1-2, 13:1-2)

3: LITERARY STRUCTURE

1 CORINTHIANS

1: Divisions in the church (1-4)2: Disobedience in the church (5-6)3: Difficulties in the church (7-16)

2 CORINTHIANS

1: Character – Paul's explanation of his ministry (1-7)2: Collection – Paul's collection for the saints (8-9)3: Credentials – Paul's defense of his apostleship (10-13)

4: MAJOR THEMES

1 CORINTHIANS

The Call to Holiness (1:2, 30; 3:17; 6:1, 2, 11, 19; 7:14; 34; 14:33; 16:1, 5, 20)

The Holy Spirit/ Spiritual Gifts The Holy Spirit (2:4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 3:16; 6:11, 19; 7:40; 12:3,

4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13) “Spiritual” (2:13, 15; 3:1; 9:11; 10:3, 4; 12:1; 14:1, 37; 15:44, 46)/”Spiritually” (2:14)

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The Pride of the Corinthians Their “Wisdom” (1:17, 19, 20-22, 24-27, 30; 2:1, 4-7, 13; 3:10, 18-20) Their Arrogance (4:6, 18; 5:2; 8:1) Their Boasting (1:29, 31; 3:21; 4:7) Their “Knowledge” (1:5; 8:12; "Do you not know?" 3:16; 5:6; 6:2, 3, 9, 15, 16, 19;

9:13, 24)

The church/ body The “Body” (6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15) The Church (1:2; 3:16-17; 4:17; 5:11-13; 6:1-2; 7:17; 10:32; 11:16; 12:28; 14:4, 12,

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2 CORINTHIANS

The Attack against Paul [MSB, 1764] He was vacillating (1:17-18; 10:2-4) He was dictatorial (1:24; 7:2) He was not credentialed (3:1; 10:13, 14) His gospel was obscure (4:3; 6:2, 3) He sought to destroy (7:2, 3; 10:8; 13:10) and cause pain (2:2, 4, 5; 7:8) He was a coward (10:1, 10) He did not maintain apostolic dignity (11:7) He was not an ‘original’ apostle (11:5; 12:11) He collected for himself (12:16-18) He walked after the flesh (10:2)

The Defense of Paul (1:12-14, 2:17; 3:2; 10:1-13:10) His Ministry (3:3, 7-9; 4:1; 5:18; 6:3; 8:4, 19-20; 9:1, 12, 13; 11:8, 15,23) His Affliction (1:4, 6, 8; 4:8, 17; 6:4; 7:4, 5) & Weakness (11:21, 29, 30; 12:5, 10;

13:3, 4, 9) but God’s Comfort (1:3-7; 2:7-8; 7:4, 6, 7, 13) & Strength (1:4, 8-11; 4:7; 6:7; 12:9, 12; 13:4, 8)

Satan (2:11; 4:3; 6:15; 11:14; 12:7)

5: PURPOSE

1 CORINTHIANS: Paul writes to restore a church that is being torn apart by sinfulness, selfishness and pride by reminding them of the gospel and the “Law of Love.”

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2 CORINTHIANS:Paul defended his Apostolic authority and ministry against a pointed attack from his foe(s) at Corinth.

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Documents

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY 1 - midrandchapel.co.za … · Web view“God gave us His Word to deliver us from the power of darkness ... based on Old Testament ... the gospel was by the