The Epistles of PaulGalatians

audience: the churches of Northern Galatia, written from Ephesus

date: 54-55 AD

themes: validity of Paul's apostolic mission acceptance of Gentiles into the community

(Jerusalem Council, Peter's duplicity) covenant in Christ fulfills covenant with Abraham,

the Law is no longer needed freedom in faith

The Epistles of PaulGalatians

Points to note: no thanksgiving, Paul is too angry to include one Paul's anger/frustration cause him to be very blunt in this

letter anathemas 6 arguments for justification by faith, outside the Law (from

R. Brown Introduction to the New Testament)

a) if Spirit was received without observing works of the Law,

how can those works be made necessary?b) fufillment of promise to Abrahamc) the Law was a custodian of Israel until the heir (Christ)

should comed) why become slaves again when you have been freed?e) how can one (Paul) whom they accepted now be an

enemy?f ) redefining the lesson of Abraham and his wives

paraenesis – freedom in the Spirit passionate conclusion in 'my own hand'

The Epistles of PaulRomans

Audience: the churches in Rome, written from Corinth/Cenchreae

date: winter of 57/58

themes: Righteousness Justification

Salvation

The Epistles of PaulRomans

Points to note: Paul's most thorough and organized presentation of his theology

Greeting and ThanksgivingDoctrinal matters (1.16-11)

Righteousness (dikaiosune) (1.16-2)Justification (3-4)Sin since Adam (5 -6)Law (7)Glorification (8)Salvation History, remnant (9-11)

Hortatory (12-15.13)The Ethical Christian life (12-13)

unity, charity, orderliness, “love is fulfillment”

Tolerance and Endurance (14-15)self-recommendation/last testament26 individuals in Rome greeted in the

conclusion

The Epistles of PaulPhilippians

Audience: the community at Philippi

date: 56(?) uncertain, written while in prison (Ephesus?) – where and when are debated; possilby over a period of

time, possibly another 'collection' of letters or parts thereof

themes: gratitude to the community Paul's imprisonment

dangers of false teachers

The Epistles of PaulPhilippians

Points to note: Christological hymn 2.6-11 Paul's zeal for Christ and warnings against

false teachers possible multiple letters indicated by more than one greeting/farewell

The Epistles of PaulPhilemon

Audience: Philemon, Apphia and Archippus and their house church

date: 61-63 AD

theme: return of Onesimus the slave, brotherhood in Christ

The Epistles of Paul

Philemon

Points to note: Paul's boldness in declaring a slave son/brother in Christ

Roman slaveryOnesimus a runawayPaul will 'pay what is owed'need for Philemon and Onesimus to reconcilePaul's theology of freedom in Christsituation reflects Paul's eschatology: imminent

parousia

Pauline Theology

Gospel

revelatory apocalyptic

salvific mysterydynamic

kerygmaticnormativepromissory

Pauline Theology

Christocentric Soteriology

Christ crucifiedChrist the Power of God

Christ the Wisdom of God

Pauline Theology

Salvation History/Covenantal Fulfillment God does all things for His people

God's “Wrath”God's Righteousness/Fidelity

God's Lovethe 'fulness of time'

Lawless, Under the Law, Eschaton

Pauline Theology

Justification

not through 'works of the Law'a gift from God of faith, in faith, through faith

faith produces love (agape, philia)love manifests in good works