Discussion Board 4
Discuss the occasion and purpose for the writing of Galatians. Who were the opponents of Paul in Galatia? What was the nature of the opponents’ doctrine, and how did Paul respond to it?
In the regard to the book of Galatians, the use of the term Galatia in the 1st century could refer to the ethnic group or a place in provincial sense and thus the focus should be beyond the common notion of who it the letter was written to. Any arising confusion may relate to the fact that the only during the days of the early church, only the northern part of the territory was left[1]. As the third century was closing, the southern part has been detached so that the only area remaining was the northern section. Galatia has traditionally been associated with the northern area. There may be strong evidence to suggest that Paul was writing to the South Galatia since Paul mention cities within this region and two men from that place were assisting Paul in delivery of offerings to Jerusalem, the high risk of false doctrine in the area[2]. Barnabas is also mentioned in this case who was not with Paul as he moved further north[3]. In case a South Galatians location is the right place, it means that the writing of this piece was probably after the first missionary of the Apostle and even before the Jerusalem Council. This may suggest Antioch as the origin but most probably Jerusalem[4].
Paul and Barnabas evangelical work in Galatia was through preaching in synagogues until the dissenting of the Jews, at which point their efforts turn to the Gentiles. After the apostles left, the Galatians’ Church was infiltrated by some people who undermined the missionary work by suggesting that dependence on the Torah would bring Salvation[5]. The aim of Galatians was to respond to the problem of Christian-Jewish missionaries who were intent on correcting the Gospel preached by Paul and completing the converts through their full integration into the Abraham heirs by circumcision and being under the law. Paul’s opponents were supporting a doctrine that needed believers to submit to circumcision as a form of religious obligation so as to be merited in the sight of God[6]. In Galatians 4:9-10, Paul suggests that those opposing him required the believers to follow the religious traditions of Jews so as to obtain merit. Basically, the opponents of Paul taught that justification in some way required believers to follow the Torah. Paul considered these views as being a total different Gospel.
In his response, Paul incorporates continuity with discontinuity while responding to his dissenters. His argument is based on the perception that the eschatological content of the Old Testament focuses on the risen Christ and brings in a new status of creation that integrates all Christians into God’s Israel Galatians 1:4; 3:1; 13-14; 4:4-5; 6:12-16. Through trying the identity of a Christian to Abraham and through speaking of the fulfillment of the law, the Apostle shows the underlying continuity that he traces to the plan of God’s redemption[7]. The discontinuous argument by the Apostle suggests that the emphasis of the Mosaic covenant on law was just a provisional phase in soteriology development. By establishing an argument that links the History of the Jews to Messiah and at the same time emphasizing the development of the Messianic salvation, Paul is able to construct his argument that leads both Gentiles and the Jews to Jesus.
Discuss the occasion and purpose for the writing of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Who were the opponents of Paul in Thessalonica? What was the nature of the opponents’ teaching, and how did Paul respond to it?
During Paul’s days, Thessalonica was an autonomous community that had significant number of the Jews as residents and thus it warranted a synagogue. Paul was on a journey to his second missionary work in Troas, when he was shown a vision by God that involves a Macedonian man saying “come and help us”[8]. The mission work to this place involved spending one night in prison for helping a girl with an evil spirit, after which Paul and Silas had to leave Philippi and then went to Thessalonica. While there, he reasoned with people present in synagogue for 3 Sabbaths and God-fearing Greeks and some Jews responded to his message, which angered the unbelieving Jews. The unbelievers stirred up an opposition against Paul in Jason’s house where he had been staying with friends[9]. After Paul left the area due to the uprising, Timothy reported on the conditions of Thessalonians church and this led to Paul’s writing of the first letter. After receiving back news regarding the growth and faith of the church, the apostle wrote the second letter. A large part of the letters touched on the issue of coming of Christ after some false teachings emerged about the day of the Lord[10].
Moreover, Paul felt the need to set straight any misunderstanding about his motives for leaving Thessalonica in a hurry. He also hoped to clarify the need to hold firm to the Christian’s faith ethical standards and provide console the believers within the Church who had lost relatives and friends through death[11]. The two letters had similar purpose but put more emphasis on the persecution topic and suffering with then the right eschatological context. The opponents of Paul were most likely spiritual enthusiasts, Judaizers or some Jews. The defense of the apostle in these letters could also have risen out of his unfounded fear that the church had poor thoughts about him. The false teachers in the first century were likely the opponents that Paul tried to disassociate from. It is also likely that Paul did not know the specific nature of those people opposing his teachings[12].
Nonetheless, the persecution was great and basically, it tried to undermine the credibility of Paul teachings by classifying him with other dishonest teachers and thus aimed at derail the message so that it did not hamper their influence[13]. Hence, his persecution could have led to his writing, by putting such suffering into the right context. He encouraged the believes to reflect on past persecution and realize that it was not at all in vain , and recognize the fact that his suffering was proof of genuine faith. He was reminding them to look forward to later life, where eternal perspective and peace were assured. It was also important for him to remind them that they were never alone since they would always get support from fellow believers and God and that eventually they would be vindicated. The accusations against pay were seen as a proclamation of Jesus as a rival emperor[14]. When added to the fact that Pail left Thessalonians in a hurry could have led to the accusation that he had tricked the new Christians, a subject that the apostle confronts boldly. In the two letters, Paul mentions every basic doctrine in Christianity.
Bibliography
Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1977
Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2009.
Lea, Thomas. The New Testament: its background and message. B&H Publishing Group, 2003.
[1] Lea, Thomas. The New Testament: its background and message. B&H Publishing Group, 2003
[2] Lea, Thomas. The New Testament: its background and message. B&H Publishing Group, 2003
[3] Lea, Thomas. The New Testament: its background and message. B&H Publishing Group, 2003
[4] Lea, Thomas. The New Testament: its background and message. B&H Publishing Group, 2003
[5] Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2009.
[6] Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1977
[7] Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2009.
[8] Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2009.
[9] Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2009.
[10] Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An introduction to the New Testament. Zondervan, 2009.
[11] Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1977
[12] Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1977
[13] Bruce, F. F. Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1977
[14] Lea, Thomas. The New Testament: its background and message. B&H Publishing Group, 2003.
