REAP Toowoomba New Testament After the Gospels The
REAP, Toowoomba: New Testament After the Gospels
The New Testament ACTS, PAUL, OTHER LETTERS, REVELATION
What? 4 Gospels 1 Acts of the Apostles 13 letters attributed to St Paul 8 letters by other authors 1 Book of Revelation (Apocalypse)
The Acts of the Apostles (Luke, Part 2) The early days of the Church, first in Jerusalem then, in its spread to different parts of the Mediterranean world. Peter is the dominant figure in the first part of the book but I sthen replaced by Paul.
Pauls Letters Nine letters to Churches. Four letters to individuals (two to Timothy, one each to Titus and Philemon. )
Paul’s Letters to Churches Romans: A great theological treatise on Christ, salvation, the Jewish Law, faith, our complete need for God’s help. 1 Corinthians: A letter addressing problems in a local Church. Centrality of love in Christian life. 2 Corinthians: Paul defends himself against some who question his authority.
Paul’s Letters to Churches, 2. Galatians: Paul defends the Christian message. The Jewish Law and faith in Christ are contrasted. Ephesians: Great theology. Salvation. What God has done. What God gives us. Philippians: Written while in prison but full of joy and thankfulness.
Paul’s Letters to Churches, 3. Colossians: Being Christ’s people in the circumstances of our lives. 1 Thessalonians: A very early letter. Encouraging a young community. Emphasises love and hope. 2 Thessalonians: Similar to 1 Thess. Theme of encouragement. “The Letter to the Hebrews”: a special case
Other Letters A variety, ascribed to James 1 and 2 Peter 1, 2 and 3 John Jude
Apocalypse (Revelation) A style of literature unfamiliar to us. An exhortation to a community/communities to endure a time of suffering and persecution from a force that seeks to crush them. Despite the terrors, pain and apparent triumph of evil, the true victory has already been one by “the Lamb who was slain”.
- Slides: 10