Introduction to the Bible Session 10 Awaiting the Fulfillment – the Apostles’ Writings

Introduction: Apostle’ Writings 1. The Letters of Paul 2. The Overlap of the Ages 3. Other New Testament Writings

Intro: The Apostles’ writings The Apostles Where their writings fit in salvation history

1. The Letters of Paul

Why were his letters written? Thirteen of the New Testament letters indicate that they were written by the apostle Paul. The letters of Paul were generally written in response to specific problems that arose in the churches founded as a result of his missionary activity (there are exceptions). now-not yet tension The letters which make up the rest of the New Testament take up the now-not yet tension and explain how Christians should live in the light of it.

Romans Appears at first to be a theological manifesto Containing a detailed exposition of the gospel and an explanation of God’s plan for Israel and the nations. Exceptions

PhilemonWas written as a personal letter Dealing with the issue of a runaway slave. Timothy & Titus Were also addressed to individuals Who were appointed by Paul to teach and establish effective patterns of ministry in particular churches. Exceptions

Ephesians Was perhaps the most general of all Explaining God’s great work in Christ, Paul’s part in proclaiming it, and practical implications of the gospel for personal, family and congregational life. Exceptions

Letter to Basic response Key phrase Galatians To attack the false teaching which demanded Gentile Christians keep certain aspects of the law of Moses. Christian Freedom 1 Thessalonians The apostle was encouraged to hear news of the faith, hope and love of these new converts, even in the face of persecution. Encouraged 2 Thessalonians Encouragement to stand firm in the face of a continuing persecution, attacking a false teaching proclaiming that ‘the day of the Lord has come’. Stand Firm

1 Corinthians There should be no division amongst Christians based on human wisdom rather than the gospel. No Division 2 Corinthians Explains the motives and methods of Paul’s ministry to answer the challenges of false apostles. Rival gospel Colossians To establish the uniqueness of Christ, arguing that believers come to ‘fullness of life’ in a relationship with Christ, not by the religious practices advocated by the false teachers. False Teaching Philippians Thankfulness for the partnership in Paul’s ministry. He encourages them to stand firm as they engage in suffering for the gospel. Partnership Letter to Basic response Key phrase

“Although Paul deals with problems specifically arising from the situation of the churches in the first century, the solutions he proposes have an ongoing relevance and application for Christians in every age.” This is because the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle to meet those problems with an exposition of the implications of the gospel. Fundamentally, Christians are called to believe the gospel and to live their lives in its light.

2. The Overlap of the Ages

inaugurated The ‘age of salvation’ has been inaugurated by means of the Messiah’s death, resurrection and ascension. overlap of the two ages And yet the old creation remains. Thus, Christians live in the overlap of the two ages, in an interlude called ‘the last days’. consummation The consummation of God’s purposes will occur when Christ returns.

2. The overlap of the ages: (a) The Return of Christ Why is the return of Christ so important? What will happen? What does p127 add?

(a) The rebellious people will experience his judgement & punishment (2 Thess 1) (b) All believers will meet the Lord and be together with him forever. (1 Cor 15, 1 Thess 4) (c) The full reality of the new creation will be experienced without any hindrances of the old creation. (Rom 8:18f, Rev 21-22) (a) Christians have already been rescued. (b) Christians are citizens of Christ’s heavenly kingdom. (c) Christians’ lives should reflect this truth.

2. The overlap of the ages: (b) Ethics & the Gospel The NT says lots about the Gospel, and lots about “ethics”. How are the two linked? (Can you think of any well-known passages that demonstrate that link? If not, see Col 3:1-4) What does p129 add to this?

The ethical teaching of the New Testament arises from constant reminders about the status of those who belong to Christ. Setting our hearts and minds “on things above” should look like: (a)Pursuing the values, ideals and behaviour appropriate to the heavenly realm of the kingdom of God. (b) Having lives centred on that heavenly realm where Christ reigns and where we truly belong. (c) For the moment, our heavenly life remains secure with Christ and not visible to others.

3. Other New Testament Writings

Hebrews Appears to be more like a written sermon Taking certain important Old Testament texts and expounding them to show how they find fulfilment in the person and work of Christ. James, Jude & Peter Are all general letters intended for circulation Dealing with a variety of problems such as false teaching, wrong behaviour amongst Christians and persecution from unbelievers.

Revelation Is described by its author (John) as a prophecy Being addressed to seven churches of Asia Minor, the risen Christ has specific warning and encouragements for each church. The gaze of the readers is then lifted to the heavenly scene to give his readers a different perspective on their situation. This leads into a series of visions about the unfolding events leading to the final judgement and the establishment of ‘a new heaven and a new earth’.

“apocalyptic symbolism” His message is conveyed using “apocalyptic symbolism”, also found in Daniel 7- 12, Zechariah 1-6 and in several Jewish documents written in the last years of Judaism before the writing of the New Testament. The symbolism is used to convey the fact that the future belongs to God and his Christ and not to the enemies of God. The main point is to encourage patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of believers as they wait for God to fulfil his purposes. The aim is NOT to provide a chronological account of future history, but to challenge believers to a constant readiness for the Lord’s return.

The Bible concludes with the clear promise of Jesus: “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20) Those who know themselves to be the children of God, destined for the new creation because of their trust in Jesus and his saving work, can only echo John’s prayer: “Amen. Come Lord Jesus!”