New Testament BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary

Paul and Women Are Paul’s instruction on woman in 1 Tim. 2 universal or culturally bound to 1 st century only or only Ephesus issue Are Paul’s instruction on woman in 1 Tim. 2 universal or culturally bound to 1 st century only or only Ephesus issue New Roman woman being addressed New Roman woman being addressed They are in response to a problem in the church They are in response to a problem in the church 1 Tim 2 church gathering for worship not at home or private light 1 Tim 2 church gathering for worship not at home or private light

How do we read 1 Tim 2? On woman in the worship of church On woman in the worship of church Text is universally binding—all churches and all settings at all times (grounding it in creation) Text is universally binding—all churches and all settings at all times (grounding it in creation) These instructions only to address this specific problem in Ephesus (particular problem in Ephesus only; specific situation and setting) These instructions only to address this specific problem in Ephesus (particular problem in Ephesus only; specific situation and setting) How you apply them will depend… How you apply them will depend…

1 Timothy False teaching has infiltrating Ephesian church so Paul writes Timothy regarding to the specific problems False teaching has infiltrating Ephesian church so Paul writes Timothy regarding to the specific problems Elders and deacons qualifications 1 Tim 3 Elders and deacons qualifications 1 Tim 3 Is Paul giving instructions about teaching elders or is he telling Timothy how to pick elders in light of problems there? Is Paul giving instructions about teaching elders or is he telling Timothy how to pick elders in light of problems there? To combat false teaching having elders able to teach –little said about what they actually do To combat false teaching having elders able to teach –little said about what they actually do

1 Timothy What is the relation of the elders to the deacons? Paul is not telling us what the elders and deacons do What is the relation of the elders to the deacons? Paul is not telling us what the elders and deacons do More directed to leadership as they resist false teaching…he’s silent on what they actually do More directed to leadership as they resist false teaching…he’s silent on what they actually do The focus is how they can stand against the false teaching The focus is how they can stand against the false teaching

Purpose of 1 Timothy 1 Timothy is not a manual on how to run the church—Paul not primarily answering this question 1 Timothy is not a manual on how to run the church—Paul not primarily answering this question Primary focus he’s addressing a threat to the Ephesian church in false teaching Primary focus he’s addressing a threat to the Ephesian church in false teaching

2 Timothy Why did Paul write (background and occasion)? —4:6 Why did Paul write (background and occasion)? —4:6 Last will and testament Last will and testament Theme: contend for the faith Theme: contend for the faith

Titus What is Titus’ role? What is Titus’ role? Different strategy usually letters addressed to specific churches, addresses a person (cf. Timothy) who is to communicate to church Different strategy usually letters addressed to specific churches, addresses a person (cf. Timothy) who is to communicate to church The island of Crete The island of Crete How 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus fit into Acts How 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus fit into Acts

Where is Crete?

Titus A subversive letter A subversive letter Reflects ideas in island of Crete Reflects ideas in island of Crete Proverbial as live wildly, liars, (Las Vegas like) Proverbial as live wildly, liars, (Las Vegas like) Birth and burial place of Zeus Birth and burial place of Zeus Purpose: Purpose: Instruct Titus (cf. Timothy) regarding church’s life in a pagan world Instruct Titus (cf. Timothy) regarding church’s life in a pagan world Writes letter to subvert pagan culture to encouraging them to follow a God who never lies and pursuing a life-style of true virtue Writes letter to subvert pagan culture to encouraging them to follow a God who never lies and pursuing a life-style of true virtue

What do we learn from Paul? Justification is by grace through faith apart from works of the law, the works are the result of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Justification is by grace through faith apart from works of the law, the works are the result of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Both Jew and Gentile can become God’s people on an equal basis, apart from the need to observe the OT law. The promises of Abraham belong to anyone who has faith in Jesus the Messiah. Both Jew and Gentile can become God’s people on an equal basis, apart from the need to observe the OT law. The promises of Abraham belong to anyone who has faith in Jesus the Messiah. God’s grace is made manifest through suffering. God’s people are called to suffer. God’s grace is made manifest through suffering. God’s people are called to suffer.

What do we learn from Paul? God’s people have overcome sin and death through union with Christ in his death and resurrection, though sin is a present reality that must constantly be dealt with. The former provides the motivation for the latter. God’s people have overcome sin and death through union with Christ in his death and resurrection, though sin is a present reality that must constantly be dealt with. The former provides the motivation for the latter. An understanding of and a life shaped by Christ and the gospel are the way to combat error and false teaching. An understanding of and a life shaped by Christ and the gospel are the way to combat error and false teaching. Salvation is communal not just individual Salvation is communal not just individual