Secret Church: New Testament Part 1 InterTestamental Period—Romans

By: Matt Setliffe Background of the New Testament A. The Political World- I. HISTORICAL CONTEXT- Jesus specifically stepped into a specific time and place in history. Understanding the political and social climate of the day will lead us in contextualizing the life and ministry of Jesus. In Old Testament times the Kings Saul, David, and Soloman ruled over all 12 tribes of Israel. The nations then split into the ten tribes of the N. Kingdom of Israel, and also the southern kingdom of Judah.

1. Babylonian Period (597 BC) - The Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom. The Babylonians also took control of the Middle East from the Assyrians, conqured the southern kingdom and took them into exile

2. Persian Period- (538 BC) The Persians then took control of the Babylonians and let the exiles go free. During this time of the reign of of the Persians began a period of 400 years of silence or commonly known as the INTER-TESTAMENTAL PERIOD.

3. Alexandrian Period- (332-301 B.C.) Alexander the Great successfully challenged the Persian Empire. Under this period HELLENIZATION spread.

HELLENIZATION RESULTED IN: a. Spread of Greek Language- Hellenize means the spread of the Greek culture, philosophy,

and language throughout the Mediterranean world. The Greek language became a dominate second language for most people’s including the Diaspora Jews.

b. Greek Translation of the Bible- During this time due to an increased number of Jews only

speaking Greek the LXX or Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible was created. This translation was very important for evangelism in the early church because it allowed for cross cultural ministry

4. Syrian Period- (198 B.C.-167 B.C.) This period was led by Antiochas IV and he continued the period of Hellenization. Antiochas was an oppressive dictator who referred to himself as Antiochas Epiphanes which literally means “the manifest God”. Antiochas set up an image of Zeus on the alter and sacrificed a sow in the holy of holies. 5. Maccabean Period (167 B.C.-141 B.C.) Antiochas sent forth men who were to force the Jews to sacrifice to Pagan Gods. Mattathias an orthodox priest stepped in and killed all of the kings agents after one of them attempted to sacrifice on the altar. Him and his son fled to the mountains and started a resistence movement known as the MACCABEAN REVOLT. Maccabeus, the son, took over after his father’s death. They finally defeated the Syrians and reclaimed the Temple, cleansing it in 164 B.C. This rededication of the temple is known as

the Feast of Lights (John 10-22-23) and is celebrated today by Jews as Hanukkah. Zealots and Pharisees came into being during this period. 6. Roman Period- (63 B.C.) This period brings us to the times of Jesus, the Apostles, and the Period of the early Church. In 63 B.C. the Roman General Pompey conqured Syria and took over all of Palestine, Pompey crushed and killed thousands of Jews and this created an intense hatred of Rome. In 49 B.C. Julias Caeser took over Rome and Established Herod as the “puppet king” over Judea. This is the Herod the Great in power at the time of Jesus birth. Fearing a new king he ordered the death of all infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-18). After his death his kingdom was divided up and given to his 3 sons. Herod Antipas was given rule over Galilee. This is the Herod that is most prominent in the gospels whom Jesus calls a “that fox”. He had John the Baptist Beheaded and mocked Jesus before His crucifixtion. B. Social/Cultural World: I. With increasing hellinization there was a Jewish struggle to survive The Jews responded in two ways:

A. Acceptance and Accomodation The upper class Jewish nobility sought to accommodate Rome in order to maintain thier lifestyle B. Rejection and Rebellion

-Zealotism- Violent measures to overthrow Roman dominion -Pharisees- Practiced non-violent resistence through stricter observance of the law. Pharisees core beliefs:

1. Purity meant that doing the law was interpreted as not doing as the Gentiles do. 2. Since God separated Israel as a nation, Israel is obligated to separate from everything that is

unclean Qumran Community- A group who totally separated themselves and not only viewed Gentiles unclean, but also all Jews who lived in everyday life as unclean C. The Religious World: I. Jesus time also was full of religious views and tensions. The following groups made up the religious views of the day

A. Pharisees 1. Absolute purity required for table fellowship 2. Careful observance of tithing 3. Careful observance of Sabbath day

B. The Sadducees- Only accepted Torah as Scripture C. The Zealots- Sought guerrilla warfare as a means to escape Roman dominion.

D. Tax Collectors –No distinction made between tax collector and Gentile sinner

Hated for 3 Reasons: 1. Viewed as collaborators with Rome through their occupation 2. Continually in contact with Gentiles and were ritually impure 3. Viewed as thieves and extortioners

E. ‘Am Ha-retz- Literally means “people of the land”

1. Considered “fathers of impurity” because they lightened the burden of the Torah many times

2. Became second class citizens within their own nation

F. The Sinners 1. Apostate Jews who viewed their religious heritage as irrelevant or deliberately

chose to reject it altogether 2. Tax collectors had betrayed Israel as a people, but sinner has betrayed the God of

Israel

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The New Testament: Written over a period of 50 years 8 different human authors 27 books with unifying theme Written in common Greek Over 5000 manuscript copies of all or part have been preserved How to Read New Testament:

1. In relationship with the Old Testament 2. With a Christological Lens 3. With a Soteriological Lens 4. With a Eschatological Lens

The Canon

A. Definitions and Tests for Canonicity Canon means a “straight rod” or “measuring stick”. This came to be known as the equilvelant to the authoritative books of the Bible. When we speak of the canon of scripture we are speaking of the twenty seven authoritative books that comprise the New Testament. Four Critical tests for determining canonicity of the New Testament: 1. Authorship 2. The Nature of the Book 3. Universality- 4. Inspiration It is believed that the New Testament documents were written between A.D 45-100. Originals were written on scrolls possibly measuring up to 35 feet. A.D. 200 the New Testament writings were put into codex, or book form through the use of papyrus and parchment.

B. Necessity of the Canon

Three major factors led to the official recognition of the Canon 1. The spread of False Doctrine- 2. The spread of False Writings- pseudepigrapha 3. Persecution- In A.D. 303 the Edict of Diocletian went out stating that all Christian books

sould be destroyed. This made the early church determine what books were of real value and authority.

C. The Process of Canonization

1. The Council of Laodicea (A.D. 363)

This particular council accepted all the books of the New Testament, except the book of Revelation.

2. The Council of Carthage (A.D. 397)

This council was chaired by Augustine and accepted all 27 books of the New Testament as Canonical

3. The Council of Hippo ( A.D. 419)

This council reaffirmed the decision of the council of Carthage The deliberations of the Councils fell into two categories:

1. Homolegoumena These were the works unanimously accepted by the councils. The Greek prefix homo means “the same”. The root word logo means to “say”.

2. Antilegoumena These were the books that were most disputed. The prefix anti means “against” The disputed works were: a. Philemon b. Hebrews c. The Epistles of John d. 2 Peter e. Jude f. Revelation

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Four Gospels of Jesus Christ The Gospels are selective topical narratives, or historical biographies of Jesus Christ from a Theological perspective.

Each Gospel presents… 1. The Same basic message-

The ministry and mission of Jesus focused on his atoning death on the cross, followed by his bodily resurrection.

2. From a different viewpoint-

Designed to present a complete portrait of Jesus Christ as Son of Man for various readers and audiences.

Some critical scholors claim that the Gospels contradict one another and are repeticious. In fact the 4 gospels :

1. Complete one another 2. Complement one another 3. Confirm one another

Synoptic Gospels The first three Gospels- Matthew, Mark, and Luke are primarily historical biographies. They are often known as the synoptic gospels, because they see together the life of Christ by covering many of the same basic events, while contributing their own unique emphasis and style. They were all written during the 50s-60s AD. The Gospel of John however was written over 30 years later. It is almost purely theological with 92% of it’s content unique to his gospel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOSPEL OF MATTHEW—A King and His Kingdom Authorship:

Internal Evidence: 1. Listing Matthew as a “tax collector” 2. Writer is interested in genealogies and in parables which involve money

External Evidence: 1. Authorship was accepted as Matthew by the early church 2. Eusabius and Irenaeus both state that Matthew wrote a gospel to the Hebrews in their own

dialect Date: Although some argue for a later date, it is likely that Matthew wrote his gospel during the time of Nero at about AD 62-64. Purpose: Matthew’s major purpose is to prove that all the Messianic prophecies, beginning with Abraham and continuing through David are fulfilled in Christ.

Matthew is seeking to prove this by showing the kingship of Christ, and that Christ is a newer and better Moses. Structure/Content of the Gospel: Matthew does not arrange his gospel chronologically, but rather theologically in what he wants to prove to his audience. Matthew is organized into six narrative sections, followed by discourse or teaching from Jesus.

A. Background Narrative (1:1-4:25) - Virgin Birth and related events - Jesus Preperation for public ministry - Beginning of Galilean ministry and call of the disciples - The phrase “that it might be fulfilled” is mentioned 5 times in the first 4 chapters

B. The Sermon on the Mount Discourse (5:1-7:29) - Jesus explains the spiritual principles of the Kingdom of God. He demonstrates his ability to

fulfill and transcend the Law of Moses. For Matthew, Jesus is the new and better Moses.

C. The Miracle Narrative (8:1-9:34) This records Jesus power over disease, demons, the forces of nature, and even death. The purpose of this is to substantiate Jesus teaching of the Sermon on the Mount.

D. The Mission Discourse (9:35-10:42)

Jesus sends forth his disciples and empowers them to evidence the kingdom of God on Earth. Jesus here warns of persecution to come in the mission. Jesus gives them a number of reasons not to fear persecution a. His own suffering b. The impossibility of hiding the truth c. The unimportance of physical death when compared to the loss of the soul d. The value God puts on Jesus disciples e. The necessity of confessing Jesus before others f. The conveying of eternal life to others through self sacrificial witness

E. The Testimony Narrative (11:1-12:50) F. The Parable Discourse (13:1-52)

In this discourse Matthew includes eight parables about the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew’s use of the phrase “kingdom of Heaven” relates to Jewish sensitivity in pronouncing the name of God.

G. Conflict, Confession, and Crisis Narrative (13:53-17:27) Conflict- Jesus is rejected at Nazareth; the Lord is confronted continually by the scribes and Pharisees. Confession- Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ. This forms a pivotal turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. From this point on Jesus teaches about His impending death. Crisis- Jesus predicts his suffering, and the suffering of the disciples.

H. True Spirituality Discourse (18:1-35)

Jesus describes spiritual greatness in terms of serving, not causing another to stumble, and extending mercy and forgiveness.

I. Judean Narrative (19:1-22:46)

Matthew records Jesus journey from Galilee through the land of Judea and his ultimate arrival in Jerusalem. Here Jesus once again predicts his Crucifixtion, experiences the triumphal entry, and cleanses the Temple.

J. Eschatological Discourse (23:1-25:46) Hostility towards Jesus reaching a crisis point, here we see Jesus rebuking the Pharisees, weeping over Jerusalem, and foretelling of the last days, and His second coming.

K. The Passion and resurrection Narrative. Special Emphasis in Matthew:

1. Catechetical- This word means “to grasp”. The early church used this gospel often as a Catechism to train new believers. The clearly define structure was helpful for memorization. The extensive discourses in Matthew present more sayings of Jesus than any other gospel.

2. Eschatological- This simply means “end times” as all of Ch. 25 and 25 are devoted to the last days. Matthew also includes more of Jesus sayings on the last times than any other gospel

3. Royal- Much emphasis is placed on the kingdom of Heaven and Christ as King. The geneology of Jesus proves that He is of the Royal line of Judah and that He is God’s chosen Messiah. Herod is outraged that Jesus is called the “King of the Jews”. The triumphal entry also reflects the royalty of Christ. Matthew 25:31 speaks of Christ sitting on His throne in Glory.

4. Fulfilled prophecy- All events in the life of Jesus have prophetic signifigance. Matthew is intentional to point out these details in order to connect to the Jewish audience he is writing to.

Matthew in Application- Jesus is king, and we must give him Lordship over every area of our lives and live for this king and His kingdom.

GOSPEL OF MARK—A King’s Cross Mark is probably the first gospel to record the story of Jesus in “pen and ink”. Because of this Mark represents an important tradition in the church. That was that oral tradition was coming to an end, and the teachings of Jesus were being rendered into fixed literary form. Authorship: Mark’s name does not appear anywhere in the text of this gospel. There is also very little information within the text to help us to identify Mark as the author.

A. Internal Evidence of Authorship 1. Mark alone records the story of a young man fleeing naked at the time of Jesus arrest (14:5-

52) 2. Mark was not one of the twelve, yet he knew some of the apostles personally and may have

been disciple by Peter. B. External Evidence

1. The early church fathers Papias, Irenaes, Clement of Alexandria and Jerome all claim that Mark is the author of the gospel. These sources also associate Mark with Peter for the production and organization of the gospel.

2. Eusabius in his History of the Church states that he wrote down the sayings of Peter accurately, but not necessarily in order.

Date: Prior to AD 64

A. As we have seen Mark knew the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter B. Clement of Alexandria and Origin wrote that Mark wrote the gospel while Peter was still alive. C. There is no mention of the Temple destruction in this Gospel, so this seems to indicate that it

was written prior to AD. 70 Purpose: Intended for Roman readers Mark 1:1 sets forth the Central Theme: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark is vitally concerned with demonstrating that Jesus is the authoritative Son of God. If Matthew is seen as a teaching gospel, then Mark would be an action Gospel Structure/Content of Mark’s Gospel:

- Mark consists of 16 Chapters and 3 Major divisions within the gospel

1. The Service of Christ (1:1-10:45) Ministry context is Galilee a. Preparation 1:1-13

-John the Baptist - Baptism & Temptation

b. Preaching and Miracles 1:14-3:35 - Preaching Repenance - Casting out demons - Healing the sick - Lord of the Sabbath - Calling disciples

c. Parables and Power 4:1-5:43 - Sower/soil - Power over storms - Taught crowds in parables/ explained all to disciples d. Persecution/Opposition 6:1-8:26 - Rejected in hometown - Herod kills John the Baptist - Pharisees rebuked e. Personal training of the disciples 8:27-10:45 - Peters confession of Christ - Call to discipleship - Transfiguration

2. The Sacrifice of Christ (10:46-15:47) Ministry context in Judea and Jerusalem

Transitional Verse to next section in Mark is 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.” a. Triumphal entry 10:46-11:11 b. Teaching in view of rejection 11:12-12:44 c. Predictions in view of rejection 13:1-37 d. Passion and sacrifice 14:1- 15:47

3. Success of Christ (16:1-20) Ministry Context Jerusalem

- The Resurrection - Great Commission - Ascension - Action

How should Mark’s Gospel end? Special Emphasis in Mark

1. Christology 2. The Messianic Secret

3. A Gospel for the Romans Mark in Application- Jesus Christ is seen as serving others by preaching the gospel and meeting physical needs, as Christ followers we should walk in this way. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOSPEL OF LUKE – A Movement for the Marginalized

Luke represents the most single complete gospel account in the life of Christ. While Matthew was topically arranged, and Mark geographically, Luke’s account is chronologically. Luke emphasizes the Humanity of Christ as the Son of Man, but not to the exclusion of His deity. Almost 50% of the material in Luke is unique to his gospel, most of which is found between 9:51-19:27 Luke was primarily intended for Gentile readers of the Greek world Authorship:

1. Written to Theophilus 2. The “former treatise” 3. Writing style 4. The “we” sections 5. Traveling companion of Paul

Date:

1. Since Acts refers to the former treatise, Luke must have been written before Acts 2. The temple, which was destroyed in AD 70, was still standing at the close of Acts. 3. Luke was present with Paul prior to his execution in AD 64 4. Luke was written circa AD 60

Structure/Content:

1. Jesus seeks the lost a. Intro/Advent (1:1-4:13)

b. Ministry as Messiah (4:14-9:50) Now Luke begins to focus on Jesus authenticating himself as the Christ (Messiah) by….

-Reading from Is. 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth and stating that this clearly Messianic prophecy was fulfilled in Him. - casting out demons -healing sickness -calming the stormy sea -cleansing a leper -healing a paralytic

-forgiving sin -calling disciples to follow him -calling sinners to repent -Establishing authority over the Sabbath -Raising the dead -sending out disciples to proclaim his gospel -performing many miracles -predicting his rejection and death at the hands of the Jewish leaders -Promising his second return

c. Rejection and response (9:51-19:27) The first nine chapters of Luke present a growing reception of the ministry of Jesus by people. But toward the end of Chapter 9 Luke begins to focus on the rising rejection of Jesus by the Jewish religious leaders. Almost all of the material in this section of Luke is not found in other gospels, for example the sending out of the 72. Here Jesus teaching becomes a response to his rejection Here Jesus also interacts with a number of people individually including Zacchaeus and Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Much of the teaching takes the form of parables like the Good Samaritan, the rich fool, the prodigal son and the rich man in hell. Jesus also refutes through his teaching much wrong teaching about God and his love for sinners and it is here that we find possibly the theme verse of Luke. Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost” This idea is critically important in Luke as we see the Pharisees did not believe that they were lost.

2. Jesus saves the lost (19:28-24:53)

This section has in view the accomplishment of the mission. Luke begins this last section with his account of Jesus entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The common people were torn between accepting and rejecting Jesus. The religious leaders are seeking to trap Jesus and produce a charge against him. It is the authority of Jesus that is questioned and defended. Luke’s account of the Lord’s Supper and Garden of Gethsemane are both very personal and moving. We see here another picture of the humanity of Jesus as he relates to the closest to him. The crucifixion account includes an important discussion between Jesus and the two thieves on the cross. One accepted and the other rejected Jesus. Even in death Jesus was seeking the lost and marginalized of society.

After his burial and resurrection Jesus appears on the road to Emmaus and talks with them about the fact that the Christ had to suffer. Again Luke is pointing out attention to Jesus personal interaction with his disciples

3. Luke’s Gospel ends with…. a. The Great Commission b. The promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit to them from the Father c. The warning to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes d. The disciples were to continue to seek and save the lost in the power of the Holy Spirit after

Jesus ascended Luke’s Characteristics:

1. Comprehensive 2. Universal 3. Doctrinal 4. Historical

Luke in Application- As believers in Christ we should continue to “seek” the lost by proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Spirit and to make disciples by teaching them the truth of God’s word. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOSPEL OF JOHN – Believing on the Eternal son, for Eternal life The Gospel of John was known as the fourth Gospel. 90% of John’s material is unique to His gospel alone. The letter had universal appeal but was written primarily to Christians and contains much instruction to the church in Ch. 13-17 (upper room discourse). John’s Gospel contains a very clear and powerful purpose statement in 20:30-31, “ …but these (signs) have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” Authorship: The name of the Apostle John is not found in the book. Yet there is internal and external evidence linking John as the writer of this Gospel

A. Internal - The disciple whom Jesus loved - This disciple came to faith upon entering the empty tomb

B. External

-Irenaeus in his book “Against Heresies” put John as the author of the Gospel. -This information probably came from Polycarp, a disciple of John

Three Key words in John:

1. Signs- (semeion) This occurs 17 times in John and refers not so much to miracles performed, but to what it signifies. The miracles were to authenticate the divinity and Messiah-ship of Christ.

2. Believe- (pisteuo) occurs roughly 100 times in John and relates to the response which God

desires to His revelation in Christ. This is not simply intellectual assent but always involves actively placing trust in Christ. To believe is to see; to receive is to obey Christ

3. Life – (Zoe) as a noun or a verb occurs 40 times in John and relates to the result that comes from believing in Christ.

Other key words in John: light, darkness, Word, witness, abide, truth, glory, Father, love John is able to accommodate certain Jewish tradition to a Greek mindset, without allowing Greek thought to determine the content of the message. John’s gospel is many times viewed as a polemic (argument against) certain aspects of Greek philosophy Structure/Content Prologue (1:1-1:51) The Gospel of John is not part of the Synoptic Gospels. John does not begin with the life of Jesus in Bethlehem, but rather he opens with words about Jesus as the pre-incarnate logos. John presents the entire ministry of Christ as the Eternal word of God, who came into the world to reveal God to men. Here we see presented….

a. The Deity of Christ b. The Eternality of Jesus c. The Incarnational Mission of Jesus

1:1-18- Jesus is the Logos, the eternal word of God who became a man 1:19-51- Jesus is presented to the world through John the Baptist as “the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the World.” Public Ministry of Jesus (2:1-12:50) Here John focuses on Jesus witnessing to people, and seven miraculous signs that bear witness to who Jesus is. Seven Signs:

1. Water to Wine (2:1-11) 2. Healing the Nobleman’s son (4:46-54) 3. Healing the lame man (5:1-9)

4. Feeding of the five thousand (6:1-14) 5. Walking on Water (6:16-21) 6. The healing of the blind man (9:1-12) 7. Raising of Lazarus (11: 1-46)

Jesus encounters Nicodemus, and the Woman at the well in theological conversation. John intersperses theological discourse throughout so as to teach, and show the response of different people to Jesus. Jesus claims to be “I AM”, which is the equivalent of claiming to be God. Jesus was using the OT name for God in reference to himself (John 8:58; Ex. 3:13-15) Jesus Confronts the Jews that is they do not believe in the promised messiah, that they are not TRUE children of Abraham. Jesus then heals a man blind from birth bringing the religious conflict to a head. He was to be received or rejected, there was no middle ground left for them by Jesus. Jesus raising of Lazarus is the final sign that makes the point of his divinity. Only God could raise the dead. The Religious leaders were outraged, because many Jews were believing in Jesus through this sign. Private Ministry (13:1-17:26) This section of John’s gospel is like an intermission, or parenthesis in the story. The Upper Room Discourse – Occurred during and after the Last Supper on Thursday, before His Friday crucifixion

1. Washing disciples feet 2. Word as the way to the Father 3. Word as the true vine 4. Work of the Holy Spirit 5. Work of the disciples in the world 6. Jesus High Priestly Prayer

John focuses on the private teaching of Jesus and His disciples in light of His impending death Passion (18:1-19:42) John’s passion account is short and direct. They portray a graphic rejection of Jesus, but also that Jesus was in complete control -in the garden -before Pilate -on the cross Because He laid down His life by His own choice, Jesus sacrificial mission was truly “finished” Postlude (20:1-21:25)

John concludes His gospel with three different resurrection appearances:

1. Mary Magdalene 20:11-18 2. The Disciples in the Upper room 20:19-29 3. Seven disciples Ch. 21

John closes his Gospel with a reference to the genuiness of his own witness and authorship of the gospel (21:24-25) John in Application- We must receive Christ as the eternal Son of God and abide in him that we may bear much fruit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE BOOK OF ACTS- A Documentary on the Holy Spirit The main character of the Book of Acts is the Holy Spirit. Acts depicts… -The beginning of the Church -Growth and spread of the church -Persecution and establishment of the church Acts was written by Luke about AD 64-65 as a sequel to his gospel, and to record the history of the early church for a period of about 30 years But Acts is just not history- it is history from a theological perspective which shows continuity between teaching and ministry of Jesus, and the teaching and ministry of the Apostles. Acts serves as the key link demonstrating shift in focus from -law to grace -legalism to liberty in Christ -Judaism to Christianity -Gospel for Jews alone, to Gospel for Jews and Gentiles -performance of works, to power of the Holy Spirit at work in us Structure/Content: Acts follows what could be called a Geographical outline and Ecclesiastical framework.

I. The Church Founded (Ch. 1-7) a. Acts Links to Luke’s Gospel b. Pentecost/ Babel and Sinai revisited c. Jerusalem church born through Peter preaching the gospel d. Time of great power, miracles and awe in the church e. Deacons called out and appointed f. Stephen preaches and is stoned

II. The Church Forced out (Ch. 8-12)

a. Stephens witness or “martures” sparks widespread persecution b. Philip witnesses to Samaritans and Ethiopian Eunuch c. Saul converted on the road to Damascus d. Peter’s vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles, leads him to the home of Cornelius to

preach e. Center of Christian movement begins to shift to Antioch 300 miles NW of Jerusalem f. In Antioch Saul and Barnabus taught for a year, the disciples were first called Christians,

and a famine relief was taken back to Church in Judea g. Jerusalem persecution increases Peter is put in Prison and James is killed at the hands of

Herod

III. The Church Freed in the World (Ch. 13-28) Focus in this section turns from Pater being the apostle to the Jews, and now the attention is on Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles This section of Acts can be split into 3 movements…. 1. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (12:25-16:5)

The first Missionary team was Paul, Barnabus, and Mark. Because Jewish Christianity seemed to be overshadowed by Gentile Christianity some Jews sought to force Gentiles to circumcise. Here we see Jerusalem Council convene and rule that gentiles were accepted by faith alone. This established two important principles: a. Although Jewish Christianity was the minority, Jerusalem was still the headquarters

for the whole church b. One’s ethnic identity had no bearing on them becoming a child of God.

2. Paul’s Second and Third Missionary Journeys (16:6-19:20)

The central event here is Paul’s Macedonia vision. The Church spreads and is established into Europe. Churches are established in Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. Acts 19:20 speaks of the spread of the Word

3. The Church in Rome (19:21-28:31) This last section lays out how the Church was established in the capital itself. Paul is arrested in Jerusalem, spends two years in prison at Caesarea and finally is imprisoned for another two years in Rome. He is living on house arrest and visitors are free to come and go as he preaches the gospel to them. 28:21 end with the word “unhindered”. Even in these bleak circumstances the gospel goes forth unhindered.

Preaching In Acts: Acts records the “kerygmatic” sermons and theology of the early Christian leaders. Preaching is established in Acts as the mode for the gospel to spread. Here we will look at the development of this in different sermons in Acts.

1. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost - Explanation of Pentecost - The Kerygma- fulfillment, affirmation by God, affirmation by scripture, Repent and Believe

2. Stephen’s Sermon -Stephen delivers the lengthiest sermon in Acts beginning with Abraham and continuing through the crucifixion of Christ. Stephen makes two major points: a. Glory Follows Presence

God has never been restricted by land, people, or material building. During the Exodus the Tabernacle followed the presence of God. Compares veneration of the temple to idol worship of a golden calf

b. True prophets are Persecuted The Jewish people had always persecuted the true prophets of God, so it is only fitting that they would reject the Messiah. The suffering of Christ only served as a sign that he was indeed the Christ.

3. Peter’s sermon to Cornelius (10:34-43) This sermon also consisted of two major points: a. The salvation of God is not confined to one race (10:34) b. The conversion of Cornelius and all of his household was the official opening of the door of

the church to the Gentiles

4. Paul’s sermons A. To the Jews- Focused special emphasis on justification by faith apart from the law B. Preaching to Gentiles- Paul takes a different approach - God is preeminent and universal - Contextualize - Foolishness of Idolatry - God’s special revelation to man - Call to repentance

Acts in Application: All believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and called to carry on the earthly ministry of Jesus by witnessing to Christ and ministering in His name as part of His body, the Church. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The EPISTLES OF PAUL 13 letters 9 to Churches

4 to individuals Written over a period of 20 years (48 AD-68 AD) Most of Paul’s letters follow a similar pattern:

1. Intro/Greeting 2. Doctrinal section 3. Application section 4. Closing

In the Canon the nine letters addressed to churches (Romans- 2 Thessalonians) start with the longest and are arranged in order of decreasing length. The four letters to individuals (1 Timothy-Philemon) are similarly arranged ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LETTER TO THE ROMANS- An Expose on God’s Righteousness The Epistle to the Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. It contains all the major doctrines of the faith, and has often been described as the compendium of the faith. Date/Purpose: Roman’s was written by Paul probably from Corinth on his third missionary journey. Paul intended to stop in Rome on his way to Spain, but ended up there by way of imprisonment instead. With this knowledge of where Paul was when he penned this letter, the date is around the year AD 56 or early 57 Three theories on why Paul wrote this Epistle:

1. Establish a center for Evangelism 2. Confront Error 3. Pastoral

The Origin of the Church in Rome:

1. The Roman catholic tradition- Peter moved there and started the Church 2. Pilgrims returning from Jerusalem- Acts 2:10 records Roman Jews present at Pentecost 3. Paul’s converts- This is taken from personal greetings in Ch. 16

The theme of Romans has to do with the righteousness of God, and how one can obtain and live in the righteousness of God. Romans can be divided into six sections with a closing. Each of these divisions reveals something to us of the righteousness of God. Structure/Content:

I. Introduction (1:1-17) a. Paul identifies himself as author b. States general purpose of the letter to bless and affirm the saints (1:11) c. The Central Theme is Justification by Faith (1:16-17)

II. The Need for Justification ( 1:18-3:20)

Paul demonstrates this universal need in two ways: a. All Gentiles under sin (1:18-32)

They are condemned because they willing refuse the general revelation of God

b. All Jews under sin (2:1-3:20) All Jews are condemned because they have failed to live up to the law contained in the written word The universal problem of sin is stated “For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.”

III. God’s sin solution (3:21-4:25)

a. Justification by Faith (3:21-28)

It follows that if gentiles are condemned apart from the law, and Jews by the law, then justification must have a different basis, i.e. faith alone. Justification- To be judicially declared not guilty of sin because of the penalty Christ has paid. To be righteous before God because of the righteousness of Christ that has been credited to the believer. God is seen here as the JUST and the JUSTIFIER!

b. Abraham and David given as examples (4:1-8; 9-22)

Before the Law of Moses and the practice of circumcision, Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness. David was considered blessed when God refuses to impute his sin.

c. The Results of Justification by faith alone (5:1-8:39)

d. Peace with God (5:1; 10-11) We are no longer objects of God’s wrath, but through Justification we have been reconciled by grace and received atonement

e. Adam/Christ Parallel (5:12-21) Adam the first man brought sin and death Jesus, the second Adam recreates man through work of the cross

f. Sanctification through Christ, by the Holy Spirit (6:1-8:11)

There is no justification without sanctification that follows, and there is no sanctification without Justification that precedes.

The believer has become united with Christ’s life and death by the Holy Spirit Christ dies to sin and broke its power The believer has also died to sin and has been freed from its power

We are no longer condemned if we are in Christ Jesus (8:1-2)

g. Joint Heirs with Christ (8:12-30)

We have been adopted into the family of God, we are co-heirs with Christ, and destined to share in his future glorification

h. Divine Assurance (8:31-39)

The Grace of God in Christ and the continual empowering of the Spirit secures our relationship with the Father

IV. God’s wisdom and freedom in rejecting Israel (9:1-11:36) a. Romans 9-

Many Jews argue that God HAD to express his grace and mercy to them. Paul maintains that God has the freedom to determine who his chosen people are and who will receive his promises.

b. Romans 10-

Paul teaches that God was not unrighteous in his rejection of Israel, because she went about to establish her own righteousness, rather than accepting righteousness which comes by faith.

c. Romans 11-

Paul notes that the righteous use of God’s liberty resulted in the salvation of the Gentiles. The true Israel of God, the remnant will be saved and inherit the promises (11:1-5)

V. How Now Shall We Live- Ethical Instructions in light of the Gospel a. Romans 12- Not conformed, Transformed

Believers are to see themselves as LIVING SACRIFICES, holy to God We are to view the whole of our lives as an ACT OF WORSHIP

b. Romans 13- Submission to authority

Paul claims all power ultimately finds its source in God and that civil government is God’s way of establishing order in the world.

c. Romans 14: -15:33

Paul deals with interrelationships between the weak and the strong. The strong are those who are spiritually mature and have a healthy conscience. The weak are those who have an oversensitive conscious. Paul’s counsel is that the strong should be sensitive to the weak, and the weak should respect the freedom of the strong.

d. Personal Greetings and Conclusion (16:1-27)

Paul expresses a desire to go to Spain. He greets 26 people by name, perhaps those previously converted under his ministry. The final two verses contain a beautiful DOXOLOGY or “words of praise” to God.

Romans in Application- When we are right with God through faith in Christ, we will live rightly in the power of the spirit in every area of life. ___________________________________________________________

Secret Church Bibliography for New Testament Part 1: Bartholomew, Craig G., and Michael W. Goheen. The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story.

Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2004.

Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1988. Ferguson, Sinclair B. By Grace Alone: How The Grace of God Amazes Me. Lake Mary, FL. Reformation Trust 2010.

Gundry, Robert H. A Survey of The New Testament: 4th

Edition. Grand Rapids, Mich. Zondervan 2003. Guthrie, Donald. New Testament Introduction. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1970. Macarthur, John. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: John 12-21. Chicago, IL Moody 2008. Mock, Dennis J. Bible Training Centre for Pastors: New Testament Survey. Atlanta, GA 1989 Simmons, William. New Testament Survey. Cleveland, TN. Pathway 1998. Stott, John R.W. The Letters of John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988. Vangemeren, Willem. The Progress of Redemption: The Story of Salvation from Creation to the New Jerusalem. Grand Rapids, Mich. Baker Books, 2000. Wiersbe, Warren. The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament Volume One. Colorado Springs, CO Victor Press 2001.