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New Testament

New Testament. BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary. Colossians. Why did Paul write this letter? Strong asceticism, mysticism attraction Strong Jewish element Mystical element: worship of angels, and visionary, syncretism

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New Testament

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  1. New Testament BCM 103Dr. Dave MathewsonGordon College/Denver Seminary

  2. Colossians • Why did Paul write this letter? • Strong asceticism, mysticism attraction • Strong Jewish element • Mystical element: worship of angels, and visionary, syncretism • Judaism: apocalyptic Judaism or similar to Essenes/DSS community • Christ is firstborn of creation so no need of being attacted to this asceticism …

  3. Problem • False teaching primary problem: 2:18f • Qumran document has mystical person going to heaven and coming back boasting • Teaching has cut off from Christ who inaugurated a new creation • 2:21ff: why submit to these regulations…human commands, they are of no value… • It cuts itself off from Christ  no value for overcoming sin

  4. Paul’s solution • Colossians 3-4 3:1-4– seek the things above [thesis] 3.5-4.1: what it means to seek the things above

  5. The “Old Self” vs. “New Self”Col. 3:9-10 Adam Christ Sin Death slavery Righteouness Life Holy Spirit

  6. Colossians 3 • Indicative: “for you have died with Christ” (v. 3) • Imperative: “Therefore, put to death…” (v. 5) • Indicative: “You have put on the new self” (v. 10) • Imperative: “Therefore, put on…” (v. 12)

  7. Colossians’ “Big Idea” • The way to combat false teaching is to teach the supremacy of Christ and a life of unqualified obedience to him.

  8. Philemon • Why putting Philemon after Colossians? • Onesimus is found in both • Philemon was addressed to one house church, Colossians to whole church • Why did Paul write Philemon?

  9. Reasons for Writing Philemon • Mirror reading--looking at the letter and reconstructing the original setting of the letter • Philemon was wealth slavery owner; Onesimus his slave and cause of interaction between Paul & Philemon

  10. Reasons for Writing Philemon • 3 Reconstructions • Onesimus was a run away fugitive slave; in jail with Paul in prison and then converted • Onesimus didn’t do anything wrong, but Onesimus sent by Colossian church to aid Paul who is in prison • *Amicus domini: friend of the master in Roman law, if slave had a dispute the slave could seek out a arbitrator to help in his case. Onesimus /Philemon dispute  Paul

  11. Paul will write a letter to get Philemon to accept Onesimus back not as a slave but as a fellow believer • What was Paul asking Philemon to do? • Just accept Onesimus back • Let Onesimus go to come help Paul • Tactful persuasion

  12. What kind of letter is Philemon? • Many types of letters as today and different conventions • Philemon resembles: letter of recommendation [cover letter to recommend to recipient of the letter]

  13. Philemon • Philemon is the shortest and most personal letter that Paul wrote (that we know of).—So specific why is it in the canon? Bereft of theological themes… • Philemon emphasizes love and forgiveness in a society that draws social distinctions. Christian love transcends social barriers. • Gospel transcends social distinctions contra Greco-Roman culture –verse 6

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