NTS 501 NT INTRO AND SURVEY Class XII: Hebrews; James; 1-2 Peter

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 1.1 Introduction to General Epistles List the NT General Epistles: Hebrews; James;1,2 Peter; 1-3 John, Jude 8 general epistles – grouped according to length No specific audience (e.g. Heb, 1Jh) Identity of audience is vague (1 Pet) Also known as Catholic epistles = general/universal

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 2.1 Introduction to Hebrews Theological depth unparalleled in NT Problems w/ accepting into canon in the west Problematic passages and doctrines What about historical appreciation b/f any doctrinal conclusions?

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 2.2 Historical and Critical Issues Author – unknown Suggestions: Paul, Barnabas, Apollos… Reluctantly accepted into canon (esp. west) Unknown authorship – cf. Origen “Only God knows” Problem of postbaptismal sin Date, provenance, purpose Probably pre-70AD, cf. 10:2 (before AD 96; cf. Clement of Rome) – possible dates AD 50s – AD 90 Place of writing “Those from Italy greet you” 13:24 Rome Jerusalem

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Is Hebrews a letter? ‘word of exhortation’ 13:22 (cf. Acts 13:15) – homily? Cf. recall conventions of ancient letter writing To Jewish-Christians or gentile Christians Apocalyptic or platonic background?

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Situation of Hebrews Jewish-Christians wavering in faith b/c of hardships  2 nd generation believers – experienced miracles (2:2-4)  Abuse & persecution - ‘Recall earlier days when you..’ 10:32-34  Used to be exemplary in good works (6:10; 10:34)  Now – ‘dull in understanding’ (5:11) & ‘sluggish’ (6:12; cf. 12:12)  ‘Do not abandon confidence…’ 10:35  Warnings of ‘falling away’ (6:4-8) & growth to maturity (5:11, 14)  Danger of falling back to Judaism (or of sort) Alternation of doctrine and encouragement/warnings Superiority of Christ over institutions & heroes of Judaism Consequences of falling away

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 2.3 Main themes in Hebrews Christ’s the superior Savior Christ’s pre-existence (1:2; 10:5) – (cf. Wis 7:25-26; 7:22; 9:9) Jesus as God (1:8; cf. 13:8) Incarnation (2:14-18) Sacrificial death (2:9); resurrection (1:3); return in judgment (10:25) Heavenly intercession (7:23-25; cf. 2:18; 8:1-2) Christ is superior to angles (1:4-11; 2:5-18) Christ is superior to Jewish heroes of OT prophets (1:1-3); Moses (3:1-6); Joshua (4:1-11); Aaron (4:14- 5:10); Levi (7:1-22) Christ brings superior salvation than OT institutions New covenant (8:1-13); superior sacrifice (10:1-18); saves completely (7:25); true, eternal salvation (8:5-6; 9:23; 10:1)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Christ the human being Like any other human being but w/o sin (2:11, 17-18; 4:15) Had to learn obedience and become complete (2:10; 5:8) Jesus’ human nature important in Hebrews b/c… To suffer & die as a sacrifice (2:14-15; 7:27) Able to sympathize w/ human weakness (2:17; 4:15) Becomes credible example for others (12:1-3) Jesus the High Priest (2:17; 3:1; 4:14; 5:5, 10; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1; 9:11; 10:21) How can Jesus be a priest w/o proper ancestry? Priest per Mechizedek (Gen 14:14-20; Ps 110:4) Jesus’ superior & eternal priesthood (7:3, 9-10) Jesus – priest & sacrifice (9:21-14; 10:4-10; 13:12) Once-for-all sacrifice in heavenly sanctuary (8:1-2; 9:24-26)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Pilgrimage and Rest Destiny of God’s people – heavenly rest & city (4:1-11; 11:16) “Rest” in OT – promised land (4:8) True rest not achieved due to unbelief & rebellion (3:12, 19; 4:6: 11)  True rest is “God’s rest” (4:9-11) Wilderness wandering vs. journey toward eternal city Goal – ‘eternal city’ ‘heavenly country’ (11:16) Journey includes hardship & persecution (10:32-39) “great cloud of witnesses” (11:1-12:1) Christ the great ‘pioneer’ & examples (12:2-3; 2:10; 4:15) Suffering as discipline (12:4-13) Holiness and completeness (2:10; 5:7-9; 12:10, 14)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Warnings about apostasy – How does one endure? The great warning passage in Hebrews Impossibility of renewal after apostasy (6:4-6) No sacrifice for willful sin – warning of hellfire (10:26-31) Apostasy and analogy of Esau (12:16-17) What did the author want to convey? Real and true apostasy possible? Rhetorical exaggeration or theoretical possibility? Call to examine one’s faith What about other passages in Hebrews? 3:14; 6:9; 7:25; 10:39 Severe warnings “How can we escape…neglect…great salvation” (2:3; 10:31)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 3.1 Introduction to James James has received a lot of bad press Luther “letter of straw…” that lacks the gospel Often compared to Paul – w/ negative consequences Some peculiar features Jesus mentioned only twice by name (1:1; 2:1) Meetings in a synagogue (2:2) No mention of death or resurrection of Jesus No mention of Holy Spirit Little in-depth doctrinal reflection

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 3.2 Historical and Critical Issues Authorship James - brother of Jesus (Mk 3:21; Acts 12:17; 15:19-29;1Cor 15:7) (AD 40-62) Anonymous Jewish-Christian (AD ) Stylistic features Jewish features of James Resemblance to OT wisdom literature Close affinity to Jesus’ sayings (e.g. Sermon on the Mount) Greco-Roman features Diatribe rhetoric (2:14, 21; 3:13; 4:1-5) Use of LXX Letter or homily? No personal notes or info – no formal closing Written to “twelve tribes in Dispersion” (1:1)  To live w/ integrity and not to compromise with the world

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 3.3 Themes in James Trials and temptations “trials of any kind” (1:2) – focus on tests from within Testing of faith beneficial (1:2-4, 12) One’s desires, not God, tempts (1:14; 4:1-3; 1:13) Temptation ought to seen as a test (1:2-4, 12) Leads to sin and death (1:15) Overcoming the test is possible through… Drawing near & submitting to God and purifying heart (4:7-9) Through God’s help and wisdom (1:4-7; 17; 5:7-9) Prayer and example of the prophets (5:11, 13-17)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Wisdom from above Wisdom = how to live ethically in the world Based on friendship w/ God – opposed to the world (4:4) Humility, mercy, gentleness, peace (1:9; 4:10; 1:21; 2:13; 3:18) Promotes endurance in trials (1:3-4; 5:11; 1:12-16) Controls anger & controls speech (1:19; 4:11; 5:9) Loves neighbor & care for the poor and needy ( 2:8; 1:27; 2:14-15) No partiality or favoritism (2:1-9; 3:17)  Greatest challenge is double-mindedness (1:8; 4:8; cf. 3:13)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Faith and works Focus on faith that shows itself to be true in practice (2:14-25) James opposed faith that is mere intellectual assent (2:19) Faith and works belong together (2:22) Compare Gal 5:6; Rom 2:13; 8:4, 14 Compare also to Matt 5-7 Consistency of faith and action  No room for double-mindedness

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Rich and the poor Discrimination in the church against poor (2:1-4) The poor are chosen and have strong faith (2:5) Exploitation of the poor by the rich (2:6; 5:1-5) Rich live in luxury (2:1-4; 5:1-5) Oppress and blaspheme (2:6-7) Conduct business and accumulate riches (4:13) Ready for slaughter and judgment (4:14; 5:1, 5)  Prophetic denouncement per OT prophets Riches do not last (1:9-11; 4:13-14) The rich should… True religion is to help the most vulnerable (1:27) Boast in “being made low” (1:10) – sell everything? Give generously? Reevaluate priorities (4:13-15) Demonstrate love of neighbor and give up double-mindedness (2:8, 12; 1:8; 4:8)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 4.1 Introduction to 1 Peter How often heard a sermon on 1 Peter? Familiar memory verses in 1 Peter? Themes and topics in 1 Peter?

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 4.2 Historical and Critical Issues Authorship – Apostle Peter or “Pertrine perspective”? Some arguments in favor of “Petrine perspective” (AD ) Lacks unique perspective (cf. p.467; box 25.2) Moody Peter vs. gentle Peter (cf. 3:8) Written in highly polished Greek (for a Galilean fisherman) Some arguments in favor of apostle Peter (early to mid 60s) Peter used Jesus, Jerusalem church & Pauline traditions Used amanuensis for better Greek Comparison w/ Gosp. of Peter; Acts of Peter; Apoc. of Peter

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Audience, purpose, occasion Written from “Babylon” – i.e. Rome (5:13) To churches in exile in dispersion (1:1) Gentile congregation (1:14, 18; 4:3; cf. 2:10) Written to churches enduring harassment & ostracism References to suffering (1:6. 11; 2:19-23; 3:14-18; 4:1, 13-19; 5:1, 9-10) Social ostracism not systematic persecution Purpose To stand fast in faith and act in a godly ways

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 4.3 Themes in 1 Peter Suffering and persecution Suffering of believers is “fiery ordeal” & “normal” (4:12) Verbal abuse and social ostracism (2:12; 3:16; 4:14-16; 2:19-20) Severance of ties w/ ‘old life’ (4:3-4) Believers as “strangers and exiles” (2:11; cf. 1:1, 17) Suffering accords w/ God’s will (3:17) Suffering comes from the evil people & devil, not God (5:8) Not believers’ fault (4:12; 5:9) Evildoers will be punished (4:5, 17-18) God’s care and rewards (1:7, 11-13; 2:19-20; 3:9, 14; 4:14; 5:4, 10) Suffering proving ground & sharing in Christ’s suffering (1:6-7; 4:13) Jesus the suffering Servant (1:11, 19; 2:22-25; 3:18; 4:1) Suffering of believers as imitation of Christ (2:21-23; 3:9)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Two practical steps in the midst of suffering Community of support (3:8; 4:17; 2:17; 5:9) Not to provoke persecution (2:12-16; 3:12) Behave respectfully to authorities (2:15-16) Demonstrate faith by good deeds (2:12; 3:1-16; 4:3-4; cf. 2:1) Christians as the New Israel Terminology of Israel now applied to believers in Christ Royal priesthood…chosen people (2:9) New temple – sacrifices through Christ (2:5) Prophets & scripture point to Christ (1:8-10; 1:11-12) Holiness of God’s people (1:15-16; cf. Lev 11:45) Believers as ‘dispersion’ and in ‘Exile’ (1:1) Salvation available to all in Christ (1:3, 11; 2:21-24; 3:18-21)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Submission to Earthly Authorities Submission to earthly authorities – weak to stronger Roman emperor and local authorities (2:13-15) Slaves to masters (2:18) Wives to husbands (3:1-6; cf. 3:7)  Why this emphasis on submission? Composition of the communities? Subservient position most Christ-like? Demonstrate Christians not a threat to social order? Plutarch: “a married woman should not worship and recognize gods whom her husband holds dear, and these alone” (Advice on Marriage 19) Strategy of 1 Peter Survival in the midst of persecution No attempts for social transformation (cf. Mk 10:42-44; Acts 5:29)

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 5.1 Introduction to 2 Peter How often have you heard a sermon from 2 Peter? What is the main theme of 2 Peter? Are there any popular ‘memory verses’ in 2 Peter?

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 5.2 Historical and Critical issues Authorship “pseudonymity of 2 Pet…more certain than…other NT book” (Brown 1997, 767) Some arguments for pseudepigrapha Different style, vocabulary, and themes from 1 Peter Reliance on Jude (p. 483, box 26.1) testament genre & late attestation in early church (Origen) Strongly Hellenistic perspective – not a Galilean fisherman 2 nd coming in the distant future & Paul’s letters as Scripture Some arguments for apostle Peter Identifies Peter as author (1:1-2) Reference to gospel tradition (1:16-18) Parallel phrases (1:2/1Pet 1:2; 2 Pet1:2/2:9; 2Pet 3:14/1:19) Testament genre not found in a letter format Paul as “dear brother” – unlikely pseudepigraphal statement Why would’ve pseudep. loaned from Jude but not from 1Pet?

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Audience, purpose, occasion If authentic, written AD (from Rome; cf. 1Pet 1:1, 2Pet 3:1) Peter’s martyrdom near (1:14) Wanted to pass legacy and warn of false teachers (2:1) If pseudepigrapha, written AD (?) Written by disciple of Peter as his last testament Purpose: to warn of false teachers & stand firm

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter The identity of false teachers No respect for authority (2:1, 10) Profit from their endeavors (3:3) Entice and flatter (2:14-18) Moral laxity (2:10-13) Reject coming judgment and Christ’s 2 nd coming (3:3-9) Use OT passages & Paul to support their ideas (1:20-21; 3:16) Were these false teachers… Gnostic Christians (cf. 1:16; 3:15-16; 3:5) Epicurean Christians (cf. 3:4; 2:19) Gods do not intervene in the world Danger of false teaching to lead even mature believers astray (1:12; 3:17; cf. 2:14, 18)  Strive for godliness and trust in God’s promises

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter 5.3 Themes in 2 Peter The Delay of Parousia – “Where is the promise of his coming?” (3:4) Parousia grounded in reality of Jesus on earth (1:16-18) God’s time vs. human time (3:8) God’s mercy and patience (3:9) “hastening the Day” by evangelism (3:12) Importance of judgment God’s judgment in history (2:5; 3:5-6) Time of end – by fire (3:7, 10-12) Recreation of heaven and earth (3:13)  Warning to false teachers of the coming judgment

Hebrew; James; 1-2 Peter Importance of godliness – “What sort of persons should we be?” (3:11) God’s power given to believers to escape sin (1:4-9) Part-takers of divine nature (1:4; cf. 3:14) Knowledge & promises of God (1:2-3) Knowledge of past and future Holiness and godliness in light of coming judgment (3:11) Remember past – not to become ‘nearsighted’ (1:9; 2:10)  Warnings of backsliding and apostasy