Religion 314Religion 314

PaulPaul

Dr. Donald N. PennyDr. Donald N. Penny

Topic 1Topic 1 IntroductionIntroduction

A.A. Significance of Paul Significance of Paul – most significant figure in NT after Jesus– most significant figure in NT after Jesus

1.1. Quantity of materialQuantity of materiala.a. 13 “Pauline” letters; half of Acts.13 “Pauline” letters; half of Acts.

b.b. About 1/3 of NT (by page count).About 1/3 of NT (by page count).

2.2. Scope of his missionary activityScope of his missionary activitya.a. Vision of evangelizing whole world.Vision of evangelizing whole world.

b.b. Planted churches in key Hellenistic cities.Planted churches in key Hellenistic cities.

3.3. Influence of his theologyInfluence of his theologya.a. Keenest theologian of early church – made gospel relevant to Keenest theologian of early church – made gospel relevant to

Gentiles.Gentiles.

b.b. Influential on Christian theology.Influential on Christian theology.

Was Paul the “second (or “real”) founder” of Christianity?Was Paul the “second (or “real”) founder” of Christianity?

B.B. SourcesSources1.1. Apocryphal literature (2Apocryphal literature (2ndnd cent. and later) cent. and later)

a.a. Letters: Laodiceans; 3 Corinthians; Correspondence between Letters: Laodiceans; 3 Corinthians; Correspondence between Paul and Seneca.Paul and Seneca.

b.b. Acts of Paul and Thecla – Acts of Paul and Thecla – physical description of Paulphysical description of Paul..

c.c. Tell more about 2Tell more about 2ndnd-cent. Christian movements which -cent. Christian movements which produced them than about Paul himself.produced them than about Paul himself.

2.2. NTNTa.a. Acts – detailed account of Paul’s career.Acts – detailed account of Paul’s career.

b.b. Letters – insight into Paul’s theology.Letters – insight into Paul’s theology.

c.c. Cannot simply take Acts for Paul’s life and combine with Cannot simply take Acts for Paul’s life and combine with letters for his thought.letters for his thought.

3.3. Letters – primary sources for both life and thoughtLetters – primary sources for both life and thoughta.a. Authenticity Authenticity – Which letters did Paul actually write?– Which letters did Paul actually write?

b.b. ““Occasional” natureOccasional” nature1)1) Responding to particular situations/problems/questions.Responding to particular situations/problems/questions.

2)2) Not writing systematic theology – thought comes piecemeal, Not writing systematic theology – thought comes piecemeal, ad ad hochoc; much left unsaid (issue: contingency vs. coherence).; much left unsaid (issue: contingency vs. coherence).

B.B. SourcesSources4.4. ActsActs – secondary source for Paul – secondary source for Paul (interpret in light of letters)(interpret in light of letters)

a.a. Date – Date – late 1late 1stst cent.; memories fuzzy; details in conflict with letters. cent.; memories fuzzy; details in conflict with letters.

b.b. AuthorshipAuthorship1)1) Tradition: Luke the physician, companion of Paul (Phlm. 24; Col. Tradition: Luke the physician, companion of Paul (Phlm. 24; Col.

4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11).4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11).

2)2) Some cite “we-passages” (Acts 16:10-17; etc.) as evidence of Some cite “we-passages” (Acts 16:10-17; etc.) as evidence of eye-witness authorship.eye-witness authorship.

3)3) Others: “we-passages” could reflect use of source or literary Others: “we-passages” could reflect use of source or literary device; author not well acquainted with Paul’s theology.device; author not well acquainted with Paul’s theology.

c.c. Sources Sources 1)1) May have used written sources; no agreement on exact nature.May have used written sources; no agreement on exact nature.

2)2) Perhaps used Jerusalem source; Antiochene source; travelogue Perhaps used Jerusalem source; Antiochene source; travelogue or diary of Paul’s journeys.or diary of Paul’s journeys.

d.d. Theological perspective Theological perspective 1)1) Writes “theological history” of church to commend gospel to Writes “theological history” of church to commend gospel to

Gentiles.Gentiles.

2)2) Shows expansion of church from Jerusalem to Rome.Shows expansion of church from Jerusalem to Rome.

3)3) Selective, compressed account; idealizes early church.Selective, compressed account; idealizes early church.

B.B. SourcesSources4.4. Acts – cont.Acts – cont.

e.e. Views on historicity of ActsViews on historicity of Acts::1)1) Naïve historicism – uncritical view; assumes historical Naïve historicism – uncritical view; assumes historical

accuracy; discrepancies must be harmonized; not good accuracy; discrepancies must be harmonized; not good method.method.

2)2) Extreme skepticism – some older critics took Acts as Extreme skepticism – some older critics took Acts as pious, edifying fiction; accepted nothing from Acts unless pious, edifying fiction; accepted nothing from Acts unless corroborated by letters; such skepticism is unwarranted.corroborated by letters; such skepticism is unwarranted.

3)3) Prevailing view – contains reliable information; use Prevailing view – contains reliable information; use cautiously, critically to supplement letters; always interpret cautiously, critically to supplement letters; always interpret Acts in light of letters.Acts in light of letters.

C.C. Paul’s Early LifePaul’s Early Life – – A Man of Two CulturesA Man of Two Cultures1.1. Paul’s Jewish RootsPaul’s Jewish Roots

a.a. Jewish familyJewish family (born c. 1-10 A. D.) (born c. 1-10 A. D.) – explicit in Acts and letters– explicit in Acts and letters

1)1) Acts 22:3 – “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up Acts 22:3 – “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God…”strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God…”

2)2) Phil. 3:5 – “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Phil. 3:5 – “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews…”Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews…”

3)3) Disproves Ebionite charge that Paul was a Greek who converted Disproves Ebionite charge that Paul was a Greek who converted to Judaism to marry a priest’s daughter.to Judaism to marry a priest’s daughter.

4)4) Family has close ties to Palestine:Family has close ties to Palestine:a)a) ““Hebrew born of Hebrews.”Hebrew born of Hebrews.”b)b) Sister and nephew in Jerusalem (Ac. 23:16).Sister and nephew in Jerusalem (Ac. 23:16).c)c) Jerome: tradition that Paul’s parents had migrated from Jerome: tradition that Paul’s parents had migrated from

Gischala (in Galilee) to Tarsus. Gischala (in Galilee) to Tarsus.

b.b. Jewish name “Saul”Jewish name “Saul” – – only in Actsonly in Acts1)1) Venerable Jewish name going back to king Saul (also a Venerable Jewish name going back to king Saul (also a

Benjaminite).Benjaminite).2)2) Acts uses “Saul” up to 13:9; then switches to “Paul.” Acts uses “Saul” up to 13:9; then switches to “Paul.” 3)3) Not pre-Christian and Christian names, but Jewish and Not pre-Christian and Christian names, but Jewish and

Hellenistic (Roman) names.Hellenistic (Roman) names.4)4) ““Saul” not used in letters because of Hellenistic context.Saul” not used in letters because of Hellenistic context.

C.C. Paul’s Early LifePaul’s Early Life – A Man of Two Cultures– A Man of Two Cultures

1.1. Paul’s Jewish RootsPaul’s Jewish Roots – cont. – cont.c.c. PhariseePharisee, devoted to Jewish law , devoted to Jewish law – explicit in Acts and letters– explicit in Acts and letters

1)1) Acts 26:5 – “According to the strictest party of our religion I have Acts 26:5 – “According to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee” (cf. 23:6).lived as a Pharisee” (cf. 23:6).

2)2) Letters – strict Jew; Pharisee; zealous for law.Letters – strict Jew; Pharisee; zealous for law.a)a) Gal. 1:14 – “I advanced in Judaism beyond many among Gal. 1:14 – “I advanced in Judaism beyond many among

my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.”the traditions of my ancestors.”

b)b) Phil. 3:4-6 – “…as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a Phil. 3:4-6 – “…as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”blameless.”

d.d. Educated in Jerusalem under GamalielEducated in Jerusalem under Gamaliel – only in Acts – only in Acts

1)1) Acts 22:3 – “…brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel.”Acts 22:3 – “…brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel.”2)2) Prominent Pharisaic teacher; grandson of the great Hillel.Prominent Pharisaic teacher; grandson of the great Hillel.3)3) Represents moderate/lenient wing of Pharisees (cf. Acts 5:34ff.).Represents moderate/lenient wing of Pharisees (cf. Acts 5:34ff.).4)4) Letters do not mention Gamaliel or rabbinic studies in Letters do not mention Gamaliel or rabbinic studies in

Jerusalem; absence from Gal. 1, Phil. 3, 2 Cor. 10-13 is curious.Jerusalem; absence from Gal. 1, Phil. 3, 2 Cor. 10-13 is curious.5)5) Gal. 1:22 (“unknown by sight to churches of Judea”) often taken Gal. 1:22 (“unknown by sight to churches of Judea”) often taken

to dispute education in Jerusalem.to dispute education in Jerusalem.6)6) Letters indirectly attest knowledge of rabbinic teaching and Letters indirectly attest knowledge of rabbinic teaching and

methodology.methodology.

C.C. Paul’s Early LifePaul’s Early Life – A Man of Two Cultures– A Man of Two Cultures

1.1. Paul’s Jewish Roots – cont.Paul’s Jewish Roots – cont.e.e. Trade as tentmaker Trade as tentmaker – explicit only in Acts– explicit only in Acts

1)1) Acts 18:3 – Acts 18:3 – skēnopoios skēnopoios = “tent-maker” or “leather-worker.”= “tent-maker” or “leather-worker.”

2)2) Letters do not mention tent-making; Paul does boast of Letters do not mention tent-making; Paul does boast of being self-supporting through work at a trade (1 Thess. being self-supporting through work at a trade (1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-8; 1 Cor. 9:6).2:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-8; 1 Cor. 9:6).

3)3) Later rabbinic practice was to learn a trade in order to Later rabbinic practice was to learn a trade in order to support oneself and be manager of own time.support oneself and be manager of own time.

f.f. Marital statusMarital status1)1) Clearly not married when he wrote 1 Cor. 7:7-8; 9:5.Clearly not married when he wrote 1 Cor. 7:7-8; 9:5.

2)2) Normal for Jewish men to marry. Was Paul divorced? a Normal for Jewish men to marry. Was Paul divorced? a widower?widower?

3)3) Acts 26:10 (“I cast my vote against them”) has been taken Acts 26:10 (“I cast my vote against them”) has been taken to imply that Paul was member of Sanhedrin, and to imply that Paul was member of Sanhedrin, and therefore married – highly questionable.therefore married – highly questionable.

C.C. Paul’s Early LifePaul’s Early Life – A Man of Two Cultures– A Man of Two Cultures

2.2. Paul’s Hellenistic RootsPaul’s Hellenistic Roots a.a. Native of Tarsus in CiliciaNative of Tarsus in Cilicia – – explicit only in Actsexplicit only in Acts

1)1) Tarsus Tarsus (Acts 21:39; 22:3; cf. “Syria and Cilicia” in Gal. 1:21).(Acts 21:39; 22:3; cf. “Syria and Cilicia” in Gal. 1:21).2)2) Capital of Cilicia; strategically located; important commercial Capital of Cilicia; strategically located; important commercial

center; famous for high culture; center of Stoic teaching; schools center; famous for high culture; center of Stoic teaching; schools of rhetoric.of rhetoric.

3)3) Debated whether Paul would have attended such schools; surely Debated whether Paul would have attended such schools; surely heard popular philosophical preachers in streets.heard popular philosophical preachers in streets.

b.b. Roman citizen Roman citizen – – only in Actsonly in Acts1)1) Acts 16:35-39; 22:25-29; 25:11-12.Acts 16:35-39; 22:25-29; 25:11-12.2)2) Citizenship could be attained by inheritance; military service; Citizenship could be attained by inheritance; military service;

liberation from slavery; purchase; political favor; etc.liberation from slavery; purchase; political favor; etc.3)3) Carried social status and legal rights (proper trial; appeal to Carried social status and legal rights (proper trial; appeal to

emperor).emperor).4)4) Often disputed on basis of 2 Cor. 11:25 (“three times beaten with Often disputed on basis of 2 Cor. 11:25 (“three times beaten with

rods”) – a Roman punishment not allowed on citizens.rods”) – a Roman punishment not allowed on citizens.

c.c. Roman name “Paul”Roman name “Paul” – – both Acts and lettersboth Acts and letters1)1) Roman name with Greek spelling; “Paulus” = “very small.”Roman name with Greek spelling; “Paulus” = “very small.”2)2) Acts 13:9 switches to Paul – not at conversion but 14 years later; Acts 13:9 switches to Paul – not at conversion but 14 years later;

as mission moves into Hellenistic environment. as mission moves into Hellenistic environment.3)3) Letters use only “Paul” – writing in Greek for Hellenistic readers.Letters use only “Paul” – writing in Greek for Hellenistic readers.

C.C. Paul’s Early LifePaul’s Early Life – A Man of Two Cultures– A Man of Two Cultures

2.2. Paul’s Hellenistic RootsPaul’s Hellenistic Roots – cont. – cont.

d.d. Greek languageGreek language – – both Acts and lettersboth Acts and letters

1)1) Letters show Greek was first language; writes fluently; quotes Letters show Greek was first language; writes fluently; quotes Scripture from LXX.Scripture from LXX.

2)2) Acts 21:37-40; 22:2 – also knew Hebrew and/or Aramaic.Acts 21:37-40; 22:2 – also knew Hebrew and/or Aramaic.

e.e. Hellenistic culture and philosophyHellenistic culture and philosophy – – Acts and lettersActs and letters

1)1) Acts 17:22-31 – Luke’s Paul quotes Greek poets and borrows Acts 17:22-31 – Luke’s Paul quotes Greek poets and borrows themes from Stoic philosophy.themes from Stoic philosophy.

2)2) Letters show Paul familiar with Hellenistic culture – Greek Letters show Paul familiar with Hellenistic culture – Greek language; rhetorical skills; Greek philosophical/ethical terms; language; rhetorical skills; Greek philosophical/ethical terms; military and athletic imagery.military and athletic imagery.

3.3. ConclusionConclusiona.a. Was Paul shaped by Judaism or Hellenism?Was Paul shaped by Judaism or Hellenism?

1)1) Evidence for both – debated which is dominant.Evidence for both – debated which is dominant.

2)2) Can’t really separate the two – Judaism itself was hellenized.Can’t really separate the two – Judaism itself was hellenized.

b.b. Paul’s dual culture ideally fitted him to bring God of Israel to Paul’s dual culture ideally fitted him to bring God of Israel to Gentile world.Gentile world.

Acts of Paul and Thecla Acts of Paul and Thecla (c. 160)(c. 160)

Physical Description of PaulPhysical Description of Paul

““And he saw Paul coming, a man small of stature, with a bald And he saw Paul coming, a man small of stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked, full of eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked, full of friendliness; for now he appeared like a man, and now he had friendliness; for now he appeared like a man, and now he had the face of an angel.”the face of an angel.”

(Hennecke-Schneemelcher, (Hennecke-Schneemelcher, NT ApocryphaNT Apocrypha, Vol. 2, p. 354), Vol. 2, p. 354)

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Authenticity of Paul’s LettersAuthenticity of Paul’s Letters

Implications for methodology:Implications for methodology:1)1) Use undisputed letters to reconstruct the historical Paul and his theology.Use undisputed letters to reconstruct the historical Paul and his theology.

2)2) Use disputed letters more cautiously as witness to Paul’s influence.Use disputed letters more cautiously as witness to Paul’s influence.

UndisputedUndisputed DebatableDebatable Prob. inauthenticProb. inauthentic

1 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians 1 & 2 Timothy1 & 2 Timothy

GalatiansGalatians ColossiansColossians TitusTitus

1 & 2 Corinthians1 & 2 Corinthians EphesiansEphesians (“the Pastorals”)(“the Pastorals”)

PhilippiansPhilippians

PhilemonPhilemon

RomansRomans

(“Deutero-Paulines”)

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