Paul's World

Lecture 6

Oct 18, 2007

 

1. Half of the New Testament is written by Paul.

2. Half of the Acts of the Apostles is about Paul.

3. Paul's writings not organized chronologically, 1 Thessalonians is first and Philemon is last.

4. More thematic approach in text book.

5. Methods, approach of study of Paul - Intro Course - how to approach material?

 

 

I. Paul's Mission Identified

 

A. Hellenistic world marked by:

 

1. Great Mobility

2. Great Ethnic Diversity

3. Great Religious Diversity

 

B. Where Paul Went

 

1. Paul went to the most important Hellenistic centres, his was an urban mission.

2. Writings reflect his life.

3. Hellenistic world (Greco-Roman) marked by mobility, common culture and language.  People of diverse cultures intermingled, diverse elements fused into whole.

4. Marked by a tolerance for religions and gods of other peoples.

 

 

D. Pagan Prophets

 

1. Cynics - (Toward dog), stoic philosophers (some of them), intentional poverty, developed diatribe for public discourse and critique, asked rhetorical questions to goad and provoke crowd (Paul Galatians and Romans 6)

2. Neo-pythagoreans , (mostly Platonists), philosophy, but hard to distinguish from religion.   Concerned with immortal soul and existence of demons.

3. Gnosticism, grew in same areas of church, always an enemy.  Value of understanding and secret knowledge. Material world profoundly mistake, people asleep, means of salvation, hidden.

4. Judaism in Hellenistic world, most Jews lived in diaspora. Successful missionary activity among Gentiles.  Strong moral focus, worshipping one true God.

 

 

II. Religious Features of the Hellenistic World

A. Groups in the Area

 

1. Traditional Religions

2. Mystery Religions

3. Astrology and Magic

4. Philosophies

5. Judaism

 

 

B. Religious Features

 

1. Old religions of Greeks dying out, anxiety and despair, fate and fortune.

2 . New religions, mystery cults, ie. Mithras.

3. Practice of astrology  and magic as an option.

4. The philosophies (closer to theology than now)

 

 

F. Forms of Association

 

How did early Christians meet?

 

1. Jews in Synogogues

2. Volunteer associations and guilds.

3. Epicureans had friendship associations, groups.

4. Households, especially larger and wealthier members.

 

III. Acts of the Apostles and 1 Corinthians

 

...

 

IV. Key Terms and Concepts

 

• Koine Greek
• mystery religions
• Cynics
• diatribe
• Neopythagorians
• Gnosticism
• household

 

 

 

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