Bible Studies in the Life of Paul Part 10

5. The true doctrine of the resurrection (ch. 15), Paul lays great stress upon this doctrine. "If Christ be not risen from the dead, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain."

6. Parting directions, exhortations, and salutations (ch. 16).

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS

+Occasion and Purpose.+--Paul was quite anxious about the reception of his first letter by the Corinthian church.

Not long after its dispatch he sent t.i.tus (2 Cor. 2:13) to see how it was received and to note whether the strife of parties had ceased, the incestuous person had been dealt with, and other matters properly adjusted. While t.i.tus was absent on this mission Paul left Ephesus on account of the riot made by Demetrius and his fellows (Acts 19:23-41; 20:1) and went over into Macedonia (Acts 20:1). On the way, at Troas, he expected to meet t.i.tus and was greatly disappointed in not seeing him (2 Cor. 2:12-13). It is evident that he met t.i.tus in Macedonia and received from him the report of the condition of the Corinthian church and the manner in which his first letter had been received and acted upon (2 Cor. 7:5-16).

Again it is evident, from the Epistle, that t.i.tus brought back the encouraging news to the Apostle that the incestuous person had been dealt with and had repented, and that, as a whole, the church stood loyally by him, but still there were some who were making trouble. It was this report that was the occasion of the Second Epistle.

Prof. G. B. Stevens says in regard to this letter, It reflects the mingled joy and grief of the Apostle. The earlier chapters are predominately cheerful and commendatory, the latter mainly sorrowful and severe. In the light of these facts the letter may be described as threefold: First, to encourage and instruct the church (1-7). Second, to induce the Corinthians to make a collection for the poor Judean churches (8-9). Third, to defend the writer's apostolic authority against the calumnies of his enemies (10-13).

+Place and Time.+--There are a number of references by the Apostle which show that this Epistle was written in Macedonia (1:15, 16; 2:12, 13; 8:1; 9:2) and shortly after Paul came out of Asia (1:8, compare Acts 20:1, 2). The time probably 57 A.D., the same year in which the First Epistle was written.

+Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Salutation (1:1, 2)

2. Paul's principles and ways of working (1:3-7:16).

In these chapters the Apostle endeavors to remove any feeling of bitterness which may have been produced in the Corinthian church by his dealing with a certain evil in the previous Epistle. He also vindicates his spiritual ministry. He declares his love for the church and its spiritual advancement. He also declares that he has put off his visit to Corinth that he might not come in sorrow. He rejoices in the good news brought by t.i.tus.

While he is weak in body, the power is of G.o.d and the ministry is a communication of the Spirit. He a.s.serts that he is sustained by the hope of the future life. He earnestly exhorts the church to receive and live the gospel which he preached to them, for separation from the world and unity with G.o.d. In chapter seven he rejoices that they have received his words so well.

3. The collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (8-9). Paul here speaks of the liberality of the Macedonian churches and the work of t.i.tus who is sent to forward the contributions.

4. Paul's vindication of his authority as an apostle (10:1-13:10). He has been attacked in his person, character, and teaching by parties in the Corinthian church who would overthrow his authority and ruin the church.

These four chapters are a magnificent setting forth of his apostolic claims. (a) His power and glory are not in his bodily presence or his letters but in the spiritual might of G.o.d. (b) His preaching is the pure gospel of Christ.

In bodily labor, trials, and persecutions he has excelled them all (ch. 11). (c) He has the highest qualifications (in visions and revelations) but he will glory only in his infirmities. His object is not to boast but to put an end to the disorders in the church. (d) The Apostle declares his intention to visit the church. By the power of Christ he will not spare the evil. His desire is only for righteousness.

5. Farewell greetings and messages (13:11-14).

THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

+The Church at Rome.+--When and by whom this church was founded it is not known. It is thought that the "strangers of Rome" (Acts 2:10), who were present at the day of Pentecost when the great manifestation of the Holy Spirit took place, carried back the good news and that this was the beginning of the church. It was composed of both Jews and Gentiles for Paul addresses both cla.s.ses (Rom. 1:13; 9:24; 11:13; 2:17; 4:1; 9:13; 7:1; 9:1-5). This church seems to have made rapid progress (1:8). Paul was evidently acquainted with some of the Roman Christians (16:3-15).

+Occasion and Purpose.+--This Epistle grew out of a desire on the part of Paul to see Rome (Acts 19:21; Rom. 1:11; 15:24-28). As this would be his first visit it was no more than a courteous act that he should write to the church of this intention. Again as the Christians in Rome might have heard false and distorted reports of the gospel which he preached, Paul takes care to clearly and logically set forth the principles and doctrines which he was teaching. This letter then becomes very important as the summing up of the experience and teaching of many years of service in the cause of Jesus Christ.

+Place and Time+.--This Epistle was in all probability written from Corinth during Paul's stay there in the course of his third missionary journey 58 A.D. (compare Acts 19:21; 20:1-3; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 2 Tim. 4:20).

+Central Thought.+--The theme is justification by faith and not by works. There are four main positions. First, All are guilty before G.o.d. Second, All need a Savior.

Third, Christ died for all. Fourth, We are all (through faith) one body in Him. The thought may be put in other ways, but all to the same purpose. The doctrine of sin, and the doctrine of grace; or the universality of sin and the universality of grace.

+Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.+--There are two great sections, Doctrinal (ch. 1-11), and Practical, (ch. 12-16).

1. Introduction (1:1-15). Paul's salutation to and thanksgiving for (the faith of) the Roman church.

2. Doctrinal (1:16-11:36). (a) The great theme stated, Justification by Faith. (b) All have sinned and all are guilty, Gentiles without the law and Jews with the law have failed to attain righteousness. (c) Righteousness for all comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by law or works; the universality of grace. Abraham was justified by faith (ch. 4). The blessedness of justification by faith in Jesus Christ (ch. 5). (d) Objections against free grace that it will multiply sin or discredit the law are taken up and answered. Thorough union with Christ on the part of the believer annihilates sin and the law has no more any power. The believer justified by his faith in Christ is dead to the law while quickened to a new and holy life by the Spirit. (e) The apparent rejection of Israel is the problem considered in chapters 9-11. The nation sought righteousness through the law and not by faith. (f) Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. (g) The restoration of Israel.

3. Practical (12-16). (a) Advice and exhortation.

The Christian's duty to the church and his conduct outside of it; duty to the state and society; duty of toleration and supreme trust in Christ. (b) Salutations. Paul's apology and explanation for addressing the Roman church.

Greetings to various persons and farewell words.

QUESTIONS

What can be said of the old faiths and the new? What was the great question? The Jewish faith; how fulfilled in Christ?

What can be said of the heathen faith? What of the new faith in Christ? What is the practical bearing of this group of Epistles upon every day life? When written? Give some account of the Galatians. When was the Epistle to the Galatians written?

What was the occasion and purpose? Give the princ.i.p.al divisions and chief points. What can be said of the Epistles to the Corinthians? When was the church founded? Give some account of the city. What was the occasion and purpose of writing the first Epistle to the Corinthians? What was the place and time?

What the thought of Christ. Give the princ.i.p.al divisions and chief points. What was the occasion and purpose of writing the Second Epistle? Place and time? Give the princ.i.p.al divisions and chief points. When was the church at Rome founded?

What was the occasion and purpose of writing the Epistle to the Romans? Time and Place? Central thought? Give the princ.i.p.al divisions and chief points.

III. PAUL'S WRITINGS

STUDY IX

THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST

THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES

COLOSSIANS. PHILEMON. EPHESIANS. PHILIPPIANS.

a.n.a.lYSIS

+The Question at Issue+--The Supremacy of Christ. Reason for Raising this Question. The Answer to the Question.

Present Day Attention.

+The Writing of the Epistles+--The Interest. The Sending of the Epistles.

+The Epistle to the Colossians+--The Church at Colossae. The Occasion. Central Thought. Time and Place of Writing.

Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.

+The Epistle to Philemon+--Occasion. Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.

+The Epistle to the Ephesians+--The City and the Church. t.i.tle and Time of Writing. Subject. Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.

+The Epistle to the Philippians+--The City and the Church.

Occasion. Objects. Time of Writing. Princ.i.p.al Divisions and Chief Points.

III. PAUL'S WRITINGS

STUDY IX

THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST