Harris
Harris
Unlike most commentaries which immediately throw the reader into a verse-by-verse dissection of the epistles, the authors begin each half with a brief overview of the letter. The summary includes a brief history of the city of Corinth, an explanation of the cities religious practices, and the issues that are addressed in Paul’s letters as well as how the two relate to one another. These summaries are very well written and on their own, while they wouldn’t make much of a book, provide the reader with incredible insight of Corinthian culture and the context of the letters, and are perhaps the defining trait of this…
[1] Harrer, G. A. “Saul who also is Called Paul.” Harvard Theological Review 33, no. 1 (Ja 1940): 19–33.…
Paul the Apostle gave us not only some of the most profound pieces of early Christian theological reflection, but also some of the finest, poignant writing in history. Throughout Paul of Tarsus’ life, he has been able to contribute to the development of Christianity through his heritage, his personal encounter with Jesus and his life as a missionary for Jesus. AD 33, before Paul converted to Christ, Christianity grew only amongst disaffected Jews. A Jew himself, Paul spoke Greek and inherited Roman citizenship. This enabled him to put Jewish ideas into the language of the Gentiles, and because of his efforts, through his missionary journey’s throughout Asia, Macedonia and the West, Christianity grew from its beginnings in Israel to the rest of the Roman Empire.…
It is interesting that Paul uses the phrase “although they knew Him, they did not glorify him as God,” (NKJV, Rom.1:21). This phrase speaks to his disbelief that anyone who knew God could be so “futile and foolish” and in verse 22 he states that these people were “professing to be wise, they became fools” (NKJV, Rom.1:22). Today, the worldview of the word…
What is meant by Paul’s “yes, but” logic that he employs in several parts of 1 Corinthians?…
Which is also the basic element to all Christians, for man cannot do business with God until man is willing to approach the situation properly. Although the epistle is directed more so to the Gentiles, it can still be relevant to contemporary society. There is no distinction between man in the way of faith, because God’s salvation is for everyone. Paul develops this element of God’s righteousness throughout the epistle to the Romans. (Tenney 1985, 305).…
The origin of the Roman Church is historically obscure. There is no indication when or by whom the church in Rome was founded. Scholars theorize the founders were part of the Diaspora (Acts 8). This church already had a worldwide reputation by the time of Paul's writing (1:8). Because Paul had been unable to visit the church, he writes a letter stating his intentions (1:13-15).…
In conclusion, through analyzing and comparing the various similarities and differences of theology between Judaism and early Christianity, one could assess how Paul used his Jewish background to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Jews. This is similar to both historical and modern prominent figures with foundational religious beliefs who act differently then what their beliefs are once they obtain a substantial amount of influence. Paul the apostle was born into a Jewish family,…
In Paul letter to the Romans he provides for us a biblical view of creation, which is our natural world, our human identity as it relates to God, human relationship and how it should be understood and culture. He shows us God’s love for all mankind, regardless of nationality or cultural background through His saving grace found in Jesus Christ. He grants salvation to all by faith in His son, with no favoritism or partiality. Man is incapable of saving himself, it is not earned through his works or good deeds, it’s only found by faith in Christ. It is essential for us today to have a clear and proper biblical understanding of our Creator, our relationship to Him and others, sin and its consequences and also our justification and redemption found in Jesus Christ.…
A worldview is how someone sees life, reasons for making decision, and the filter they use to understand life and everything in it (Weider & Gutierrez, 2011). Knowing what a worldview is makes it easier to understand what a Christian Worldview is. A Christian Worldview uses the Bible as its filter for understanding the world around us and how we should act. Paul addresses a lot of perspectives of the Christian Worldview in his letter to the Romans. Paul touches on the Christian worldview in the areas of the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and culture.…
Though the Book of Romans is not a systematic theology, when one reads through Paul’s letter to these believers there is no doubt that Paul has delivered his message of grace with direction. As Paul opens this letter in chapter one he clearly explains his call, his…
Throughout history societies have created numerous religions and belief systems (Christianity being one of these). In the years that followed the death of Jesus Christ, a man named Paul believed he had been “… sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father…” ( NRSV, Galatians 1:1) to spread the gospel of salvation (or ‘Paul’s Euangelion’). Paul’s Euangelion stated “…we believe that Jesus died and rose again and… the Lord himself, … will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise ...” (NRSV, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16). During this time, the belief systems within regions influenced the content,…
To clarify his point further, Paul explains that to be justified means to be in a right relationship with God. (Galatians 2:16, 3:24) Justification is closely related to…
Paul’s thoughts on Judaism have been broken up into two perspectives, which include the Old Perspective and the New Perspective. Paul’s letters could be interpreted differently based on the contrast of the two perspectives. The Old Perspective was based on Paul opposing Jewish legalism, while the New Perspective was based on opposing ethnocentrism. Based on my finding, I have to agree with the New Perspective. It expresses Paul in a more faithful and God centered way.…
First, it is clear that Paul is tackling many issues regarding selfishness and pride. However, he acknowledges the fact that Jesus is the divine identity and man should follow the ways of Jesus Christ because he is divine.…