Exam 4: Development of Christianity in the New Testament

The author sees Paul as both distinguishing and blurring distinctions among God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ, even that "Paul's metaphysics seems confused." If this is correct, what does this say about biblical inspiration? What does it imply about using the Bible to derive secure Christian doctrines?

What did the Council of Jerusalem decide?

Some of Jesus's ministry was apocalyptic and gave the impression that the end of the world was imminent. The preaching of the apostles seems to support this. Given that the end of the world did not happen in the first century, what should one make of this type of preaching? How does your reasoning then address the fact that some Christians today think that the end of the world is imminent?

Paul (also named Saul), had a conversion experience after hearing a voice from the risen Jesus. What did Jesus say?

If those scholars who dispute Paul's authorship on some of his letters are correct, how could this to affect reading the Bible as authoritative?

What does the author say about Paul's theology?

How did Paul try to ensure that others would not write letters in his name?

Where was the earliest church centered?

Jews believed that following the Torah or Law justified them.

What were God-fearers?

In Galatians, Paul claims that Moses's covenant was never annulled.

According to Galatians, representatives from James:

Acts of the Apostles presents an idealized church that did not accurately represent complicated relations or decisions.

The author says that the upshot of the Letter to the Galatians is that Paul nullified the Law not just for the Gentiles but for Jews as well.

What is the position about the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament?

Why was Paul arrested in Jerusalem?

In Galatians, what does Paul think of those who follow the Law for their justification?

What did Paul do immediately after his baptism?

The council of Jerusalem decided that Gentiles did not have to take on the Jewish law (Torah), but certainly presumed that fellow Jewish believers would continue. Does then Paul's argument that the time of the law for everyone is over contradict this? How might Paul defend himself against this claim?

In his letters, Paul was careful to distinguish God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.