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

2 Thessalonians 2:2-12 – Key Section 2:2-12 – Key Section The Rebellion? The Rebellion? The Man of lawlessness? The Man of lawlessness? The restrainer which must be taken away? The restrainer which must be taken away? Two things to keep in mind: Two things to keep in mind: Paul has already taught them these things before (2:5) Paul has already taught them these things before (2:5) Main point: certain events have not yet happened. So don’t think you are in the Day of the Lord (2:2) Main point: certain events have not yet happened. So don’t think you are in the Day of the Lord (2:2)

Comparing the Eschatology of 1 and 2 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians – Christ could come back in our life time 1 Thessalonians – Christ could come back in our life time 2 Thessalonians – Or Christ might delay for some time 2 Thessalonians – Or Christ might delay for some time In either case, be prepared! In either case, be prepared!

1 Timothy – from Paul or not? Pastoral epistles: yes/no Pastoral epistles: yes/no 1 Timothy addressed to Timothy to be relayed to church in Ephesus= Ephesians 1 Timothy addressed to Timothy to be relayed to church in Ephesus= Ephesians Pseudonymous writings? Pseudonymous writings? Language and style Language and style Theological differences: themes and theological interests different than other Pauline letters Theological differences: themes and theological interests different than other Pauline letters Later church organization Later church organization

1 Timothy Why was 1 Timothy written? Why was 1 Timothy written? Common idea: Church Manual approach; 1 Timothy manual in how to run the church Common idea: Church Manual approach; 1 Timothy manual in how to run the church 1 Tim. 1:3-4 Timothy being told to stay in Ephesus; no false teaching, myths etc. 1 Tim. 1:3-4 Timothy being told to stay in Ephesus; no false teaching, myths etc. Primary purpose: combat false teaching threatening the church Primary purpose: combat false teaching threatening the church

How to combat false teaching in the church… …by emphasizing the gospel of God’s grace (chap. 1) …by emphasizing the gospel of God’s grace (chap. 1) …by observing proper church order (chap. 2) …by observing proper church order (chap. 2) …by choosing qualified church leaders (chap. 3) …by choosing qualified church leaders (chap. 3) …by encouraging proper treatment of various groups (chap. 4) …by encouraging proper treatment of various groups (chap. 4) …by encouraging proper treatment of church leaders (chap. 5) …by encouraging proper treatment of church leaders (chap. 5) Objecting to New Roman woman idea Objecting to New Roman woman idea

Paul and Women False teaching and new Roman woman idea (dress provocative, disrespect husband) False teaching and new Roman woman idea (dress provocative, disrespect husband) Now that had gotten into the church and Paul trying to put a stop to it Now that had gotten into the church and Paul trying to put a stop to it 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