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Stephanie Butcher RT1201 Introduction to the New Testament February 12, 2020 The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writing By Bart D. Ehrman Summary of readings for week 4: 02/20/20 Ehrman, 2020: Chapter 20-21 As we continued through Chapter 20 in this weeks’s readings we read about some of Paul’s letters referred to as the Prison Letters (Philippian and Philemon). So far, our studies have presented us letters from Paul and his life as a travelling missionary. With Philippians we read about letters that were compiled while Paul was confined within a prison. Although it is not certain all of the letters came from the same imprisonment, the letters to the Philippians was at a time when Paul was possibly facing the possibility of imminent death. These letters were written around 58-60 C.E. Philippi was an ancient town in the northern part of modern Greece called Macedonia. After Paul had his vision summoning him to Macedonia, he and Silas made there way there. The letters make it clear that Paul is imprisoned and there was a likely threat to his life. From the letters we learn that the community at Philippi had an especially close relationship with Paul and regarded themselves as his partners in the works of the gospel. Epaphroditus was sent to Paul via the Philippians with monetary gifts for him upon hearing of

his imprisonment. Epaphroditus intended to stay and help Paul most likely. He fell ill but we do not know if it was on his way to Paul of after he arrived. His illness was so severe and lengthy Paul knew there would be great concern over him and his health. So he sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi rather than staying to assist him. He sent him back with a letters. He expresses his gratitude to the Philippians. He arranged a series of short reflective essays and a central poem in chapter 2 telling the story of the messiah’s incarnation, life death resurrection and exaltation. Paul encourages the Philippians to participate in the same mindset as that of Jesus. The Letter to Philemon The shortest of the surviving letters of Paul, the letter to Philemon is another letter addressed to a Christian congregation like the Philippians. Although it was primarily meant for one of the congregates; Philemon. It is my understanding that Philemon was the leader of a small Christian group that was made up of his household and friends. The letter was addressed concerning a runaway slave. The short Epistle written by Paul to his friend Philemon asks of his friend a wealthy Christian who’s slave Onesimus has run away to forgive his slave. Paul writing thisletter from prison expresses his affection for the newly converted slave Onesimus and asks for Philemon to receive him as he would receive Paul himself. Paul doesn’t appear to give a clear judgment as to whether slavery is just or wrong as he does prostitution and worship of other idols. Paul seemed to be a man assuming the end of times were near and all Christians should follow the word of Jesus in order to reach salvation.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans Chapter 21 The letter to the Romans was written to the Christians living in the city of Rome. This letter claims Pauline authorship and there has not been too much controversy over this assumption. Early church traditions affirm Pauline authorship. While in the city of Corinth during his third missionary journey, Paul wrote to the Romans. He addresses them by saying: To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints. Paul was also writing to a church he had never visited. Paul wrote this letter with stating he was called to be an apostle for the gospel’s sake. The Israelites rejected the letters and messages while the gentiles welcomed his message. Paul addresses humanity lost without the Gospel (1:16-3:20), Justification through Faith in Christ (3:21-5:21), Justification and the Christian Life, Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan, Duties as Christians for salvation. It appears that these letters were written to secure the support of the Roman Christians for Paul’s missionary plans further west in Spain. In order to receive their support, Paul needed to correct their misperceptions about his gospel message. Thus he used the letters to the Romans to better explain himself and his understanding of the gospel as God’s act of salvation in Christ, for both Jew and Gentile, with no distinction between them. (Ehrman, 20200 The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early New Testament Writings. Ehrman, Bart D., New York Oxford University Press 2020.

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