NEW TESTAMENT FOUNDATION
NT 102
THE CHURCH AT CORINTH (II)
LETTERS FROM PRISON (I)
II CORINTHIANS
Introduction
Background
A. Provisional
B. Relationship & correspondence history thus far:
1. Founding visit
2. “Previous letter” – lost (1 Cor. 5:9)
3. I Corinthians
4. Paul’s plan to return to Corinth (via Macedonia)
C. I Cor. did not solve the situation
Occasion
A. Matters in Corinth do not improve (cf. 1 Cor 9:12)
1.
Source/s (who is behind this is not entirely
clear)
2.
Dissention against Paul
Initial Plans: Macedonia then Corinth
Sudden visit and sudden departure
B. Collection is still a pressing concern for Paul
(1 Cor 16:5ff)
C. Paul changes his plans—instead of coming via
Macedonia, he arrives directly from Ephesus making
a surprise, 2nd visit (cf. 1 Cor. 16:5; 2 Cor. 1:15ff)
D. Instead of returning from Ephesus to Corinth, he
writes a 3rd “severe/sorrowful” letter, which is now
lost (2:3-4; 7:8-12)
More unexpected events… Titus is not in Troas
E.
Something happens in Ephesus: a severe
trial in which Paul expected to die (1:8-11)
F.
Paul composes a 4th letter (2 Cor 1-9).
Sequence of I-II Corinthian Correspondence:
1. “previous letter” (lost)
2. I Cor.
3. “severe/tearful” letter (lost)
4. II Cor. 1-9
5. II Cor. 10-13
Literary Integrity of 2 Corinthians
A. Clearly entirely authentic (but cf. 6:14—7:1)
B. Problematic features
C. Proposed relationships between 1-9 & 10-13
1. II Cor. 10-13 part of the 3rd “severe” letter
2. II Cor. 10-13 a 5th letter
Purpose
A. II Corinthians comprised of two letters both of which
prepare for Paul’s 3rd visit.
B. II Cor. 1-9 is a conciliatory response
C. II Cor. 10-13 is written in the light of new trouble
Content
A. Explanation & Reconciliation (1-7)
1. The recent past & his changes of plan
a. Paul’s life-threatening experience & God’s
comfort & deliverance (1:3-11)
b. Explanation for changes in itinerary (1:12—2:4)
(i) his integrity & sincerity (vv.12-14)
(ii) not casual in my planning (vv.15-17)
(iii) to spare you the grief of an even tougher visit, I wrote
instead (vv.18—2:4)
c. Speaking of grief: Forgiveness to Paul’s opponent (2:5-11)
d. Return to itinerary (2:12-13)
2. Paul’s apostolic ministry (2:14—7:4)
a. A celebration of his ministry under
God’s call (2:14-17)
b. Discussion of the two covenants
(3:1-18)
(i) that of Moses came with a glory, but:
- the glory faded
- it was only letter, not Spirit
- the letter brought death
(ii) that far greater ‘transforming’ covenant which Paul
announces
- unfading glory
- with Spirit
- brings life
c. Exposition on the nature of this glory & its ministry
(4:1—7:4)
d. Return to itinerary (7:5-16)
Clay jars
B. His initial purpose: the collection (chs. 8-9)
1. From Macedonian example, excel in generosity (8:1-7)
a. “severe trial” + “overflowing joy” + “extreme
poverty”  rich generosity (v. 2)
b. As you excel in all else, so this.
2. Consider the example of Christ (8:8-9)
3. Make good on your former eagerness (8:10—9:5)
4. In the light of God’s grace, give joyously (9:6-15)
5. Jerusalem collection
Why was Paul so concerned about the success of this
collection?
i. Spiritual
ii. Ecclesiological
iii. Diplomacy
C. “Defense” of Paul’s apostolic ministry
1. Dealing with accusations (ch.10; cf. 1 Cor
1-4)
a. Against him
b. Against them
2. The boast of the “fool” (11:1-12:10): turning everything on its
head
a. Patronage (11:1-15)
b. A series of 4 boasts: Graeco-Roman drama: the “fool’s
speech” (11:16; 12:11)
(i) his “power” (11:16-29)
(ii) his “courage” (11:30-33)
(iii) his “great visions” (12:1-6)
(iv) his “miracles” (12:7-11)
3. Concluding warnings in the light of his impending 3rd visit
(12:11-13:10)
D. One of Paul’s finest moments:
i. 3 features
ii. 2 central issues
iii. Discipleship & a suffering Messiah (Mark)
iv. Christian ministry
PRISON EPISTLES
Introduction
A. Include: Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon,
Philippians
B. Indicate: Later stage of development: Paul
and/or Churches?
C. Dates are approximate and can vary by
several years.
Setting in the Life of Paul
A. Review of Paul’s correspondence history to
date
1. Two letters during 2nd missionary
journey, 1 and 2 Thessalonians
(AD 50)
a. written from Corinth when he
founded the church
b. primary concern was
eschatology
2. Four letters during 3rd missionary journey (Acts
18:23—21:14; AD 53-57)
a. Letters:
(1) 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus, AD 54/55)
(2) 2 Corinthians (from Philippi, in Macedonia, AD
56)
(3) Galatians (?)
(4) Romans (from Corinth, AD 57)
b. Primary concerns
(1) significance and meaning of the gospel
(2) nature and defense of Paul’s apostleship
B. Subsequent events
1. The writing of Romans
2. Speech to Ephesian elders in Miletus (Acts 20:1735)
3. Has three fundamental concerns about the future:
a. Imprisonments (v.23)
b. Profound pastoral concern for them
c. False teaching … from within (v.30)!
C. Themes which dominate these Epistles
1. Written from prison
2. Reflect Paul’s profound & on-going pastoral
concern
3. Combat heretical teaching
Critical Issues in the Study of the Prison Epistles
A. 4 major concerns:
1. Location of Paul’s imprisonment (Ephesus,
Caesarea, Rome?)
2. Authenticity of Ephesians (and thus Colossians)
3. Destination of Ephesians
4. Integrity of Philippians
B. Issues involved in determining imprisonment location
1. Impinges only on dating
2. Raises possibility of two different imprisonments
a. Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon
(1) All written at same time and
carried by the same people.
(2) Possible scenario to occasion the
writing of all three
b. Philippians might have been written on a
separate occasion
3. Geographical & other elements to be considered
4. Conclusion: a Proposal…
a. Roman imprisonment is probably best
suggestion (although Ephesian setting a
possibility)
b. Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon written
during imprisonment’s early stages
c. Philippians almost at imprisonment’s end: he
expects to be soon released (Phil 1:19; cf. 2:17)
PHILIPPIANS
Introduction
A. History: Acts 16:6-10: Macedonia & Philippian
imprisonment
B. Location at time of writing: again in prison this
time in Rome
C. Critical issue: integrity of the letter
1. “Fragments” theory
a. 3 fragments proposed
(1) 4:10-20: thanks for their gift
(2) 1:1—3:1; 4:4-7, 21-23: Paul
warns against internal rivalry
and complaint
(3) 3:2—4:3; 4:8-9: this having
failed, he vigorously attacks
agitators
b. Problems with theory
(1) much too complex & subtle
(2) doesn’t explain why “stitched” together in the
present form
(3) Paul could move from one thought to another
without strict logical sequence
2. Supposed non-genuine themes
The City of Philippi
A. Established by Alexander’s father, Philip II of
Macedonia
B. Controlled nearby goldmine
C. Overlooked a fertile plain
D. Conquered by Rome in 168 BC
Roman Forum
Paul & the Church at Philippi
A. Founded by Paul around 50 AD – on his 2nd
missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40; cf. 1 Thess
2:2; Phil. 4:15).
Via Egnatia to Philippi
B. Perhaps Paul’s most beloved congregation
1.
They are gracious & generous (2 Cor 8:1-4)
2.
Paul’s evident affection for them, and
pervasive joy of the letter (Phil 1:4-5, 8; 4:1;
cf. 1:1 and Philem 1)
3.
Mutual affection (2 Cor 11:8-9; Phil 4:14-19)
4. Genre is “a friendship letter”: celebration of
fellowship & mutual fondness
a. Basic features
b. Friendship in the ancient world
c. Note the frequent employment of the language of:
(1) fellowship/koinonia (1:5; 2:1; 3:10; 4:15)
(2) togetherness/syn-prefix (struggle together with,
rejoice, share, worker, soldier, imitator, yoke
etc.)
(3) “equity”/oneness (1:27; 2:2; cf. 1:6, 30; 2:2, 18;
4:3)
Occasion & Purpose
A. Occasion
1. Epaphroditus & some companions arrive
2. Writes this letter for Epaphroditus to take
home
B. Purpose: a number of matters but tends to be
“looser” than other epistles
1. Expresses thanks for their friendship & gift
2. Informs his situation
3. Exhorts to Christ-mindedness & unity
4. Warns against false teachers from the outside
Content
A. Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:3-11)
B. Report on his circumstances (1:12-26)
1. In the present (vv. 12-18)
2. Looking toward the future (vv. 19-26)
C. Exhortation to maintain unity (“whether I come or
remain absent” 1:27—2:30; cf. Eph)
1. Standing firm in one spirit, striving with one
mind for the faith of the gospel
2. Given our special relationship, fulfill my joy
by being one (2:1-4)
3. Examples (2:5-30)
Phil. 2:6-11: Self-humiliation & the exaltation
of Christ
Exegetical issues:
i. Meaning of morphe (“form”)
ii. Meaning of harpagmon
(1) Christ as very God
(2) Christ as a man (“being found in human form”)
(3) The result: Exaltation
(4) Your response: “Work out” your salvation in this
very spirit (vv. 12-18)
D. Attack against false teachers (3:2-—4:1)
1. A warning against Judaizers (3:1-3)
2. A discussion on why their teaching is futile (3:4-21)
a. A word of personal testimony
(1) When it comes to keeping the law, Paul has “been
there, done that”
(2) Instead, everything is now Christ:
(3) consequently: a warning against complacency
(4) Parallelism between Phil. 2 & 3
b. A final condemnation of the false teachers
3. A final exhortation
E. Concluding exhortations (4:2-9)
F. Thanks for the gift (4:10-19)
G. Final greetings
Conclusion
A. Life in Christ
B. Unity
C. Joy
PHILEMON
Introduction
A. On Slavery & Absconding
1. Pliny, Letter 21: To Sabianus:
“The freedman of yours with whom you said you were
angry has been to me, flung himself at my feet, and
clung to me as if I were you. He begged my help with
many tears, though he left a good deal unsaid; in short,
he convinced me of his genuine penitence. I believe he
has reformed, because he realizes he did wrong. You
are angry, I know, and I know too that your anger was
deserved, but mercy wins most praise when there was
just cause for anger. You loved the man once, and I
hope you will love him again, but it is sufficient for the
moment in you allow yourself to be appeased.
You can always be angry again if he deserves it,
and will have more excuse if you were once
placated. Make some concession to his youth, his
tears, and you own kind heart, and do not torment
him or yourself any longer—anger can only be a
torment to your gentle self. I’m afraid you will think
I am using pressure, not persuasion, if I add my
prayers to his—but this is what I shall do, and all
the more freely and fully because I have given the
man a very severe scolding and warned him firmly
that I will never make such a request again.”
2. Aurelius Sarapammon, AD 298
“I commission you by this letter to journey to the
famous city of Alexandria, and search for my slave
by name _______ about 35 years of age, known
to you. When you have found him, you shall place
him in custody, with authority to shut him up and
whip him and to lay a complaint before the proper
authorities against any persons who have
harbored him, with a demand for satisfaction.”
3. Profile of slaves
B. Importance of Paul’s letter
The message is theological concerning the
practical outworking of the gospel in a social
reality.
1. Reveals the gospel in action
2. Illuminates a very serious matter of
property, persons & the gospel
3. Unique in Paul’s writings
Setting & Style
A. Paul & his companions are in prison
B. Onesimus appears on the scene
1. commits theft (?) before absconding (v.18)
2. makes contact with Paul.
3. is converted (v.10) & serves as Paul’s
personal attendant (vv.11, 13) during his
imprisonment.
C. Paul has some obligations
1. Onesimus must be sent back to his master …
2. Reconciliation
Plan of Large House
D. Philemon, Onesimus’ master, is introduced.
1. Philemon’s identity
a. wealthy
b. a church met in his home
c. probably a member of the Colossian
church (cf. Col. 4:9)
2. Paul & his relationship
a. thorough-going friendly ambience (vv.7,
17, 21; cf. Pliny); delicately informal
Cloistered Garden
b. probably converted through Paul (v.19) or one of
his co-workers (vv. 23-24; Epaphras?)
c. if Appia is Philemon’s wife Paul knows her (v.2)
and may have stayed in their home before (cf.
v.22)
E. Paul writes a letter to Philemon.
1. Purpose
2. Nature of the concern:
a. 2 very serious offences:
(1) Onesimus in absconding
(possibly with theft)
(2) Paul for harboring
b. a delicate manner of approach: how to
communicate from a gospel perspective?
3. Style of writing
To help defuse a potentially tense situation,
there are a number of delightful puns.
a. double pun on Onesimus = “useful”
(Chrestos ≈ Christ)
v.11: formerly “useless” (achrestos, ≈
apart from Christ) but now as a
brother “useful” (euchrestos ≈ a good
Christian) to you and to me
b. heart & refreshment
Content
A. Format: “classic” letter
1. greeting (vv.1-3)
2. thanksgiving (vv.4-7)
3. body (vv.8-20)
4. greetings (vv.21-24)
5. farewell (v.25)
B. Issues: seeking pardon
1. for Onesimus
2. for Paul
C. Motive: love
Conclusion
A. The gospel & slavery
Why doesn’t the NT take a stand against the
practice of slavery or social injustices?
B. A unique look at Paul
C. Philemon as the gospel of reconciliation
D. Possible outcome of the letter?
Ignatius of Antioch (Ephesians 1:3):
“In God’s name, therefore, I received your large
congregation in the person of Onesimus, your
bishop in this world, a man whose love is beyond
words. My prayer is that you should love him in
the Spirit of Jesus Christ and all be like him.
Blessed is he who let you have such a bishop.”