Case Study Context and Authorial Intent Template mod2
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Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by ChiefCrown3499
THEO 360
Name: Donya Tomberlin
C
ASE
S
TUDY
: C
ONTEXT
AND
A
UTHORIAL
I
NTENT
T
EMPLATE
1.
Observing the Biblical Text
A.
I have read Philippians 4:10-20 in one sitting. Highlight the correct answer:
o
Yes
o
No
B.
I have read Philippians 4:10-20 in both a formal/word-for-word translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation/thought-for-thought (
NIV, NLT, or NCV). You can find a copy of these translations at BibleGateway.com. o
Yes
o
No
C.
After reading Philippians 4:10-20 these three times, note your initial observations of this passage in the chart below. Verse(s)
Observations
10
Paul rejoiced in the Lord that at last, the Philippian believers have renewed their concern for his mission.
11,12
Paul explains to them that he has learned to be content in his life following Christ. He has experienced both spectrums of the “have/have-nots” circumstances on his mission.
13
Paul reminds the believers that all things can be done through Christ.
14,15
Paul reminds the believers in Philippi that they were the only ones who provided care for him on his journey.
16,17
The believers sent aid one time and they sent necessities that Paul needed. He explains that he is not in a “state of need”, but he wants to see the fruit that is seen for their love and generosity.
18-20
Epaphroditus delivered the things the Philippian believers sent Paul. He lets them know that their offering was pleasing and acceptable to God. Paul is filled with the holy spirit and sees the love and compassion that he taught them through Christ.
THEO 360
D.
Using your Bible and the chart of observations on Philippians 4:10-20 you have constructed above, record the major facts of the passage. For this exercise, you should not
consult any outside resources. You are simply writing down what you have observed in reading the Scriptures.
i.
Who (main characters in the narrative):
The apostle Paul
Philippian believers
ii.
What are the circumstances:
Paul is in prison for spreading the gospel of Jesus.
iii.
Where (setting):
Macedonia
Rome
prison
iv.
When (What section of the Old Testament and/or when in the history of Israel):
It reminds me of the Jews being held captive and enslaved by the Romans. Paul knew there would be consequences after being changed so radically and instantaneous.
THEO 360
2. Context and Authorial Intent
A.
Literary Context: In 200-400 words, identify where Philippians 4:10-20 (specifically v. 13) fits in relationship with the rest of the book of Philippians. Describe where Philippians 4:10-20 fits with the rest of Pauline Literature. Describe how Philippians 4:10-20 fits into the rest of the New Testament. Last level of correlation and identification of the literary context, how does Philippians 4:10-20 fit in the message of the entire Bible? You must interact with a minimum of 1 academic source and include biblical references to support your findings. Philippians 4 is the final greeting and offer of thanksgiving to the believers at Philippi for the
gifts, support, and prayers that the apostle received. In the book of Acts, the sixteenth chapter, it is recorded that Paul established the church in Philippi on his second missionary journey. He wrote the epistle to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome along with Silas. Philippi was the first city in Europe to be evangelized. Paul is very clear that he does all things by the power of God, not his own. This entire letter is about joy that can only come through Christ. He reminds us that he knows what it is to have it all and to have nothing yet remain joyful for the hope we have in Christ Jesus. The “all things” (v13) in this passage of scripture refers to the many struggles and joys that Paul experiences in his ministry; it does not mean Paul can do whatever he pleases, and God will bless it. While he thanks them for their gifts and support, God still would have provided what he needed had they not done so. The letter to the Philippians fits the narrative of God’s story perfectly. It reminds us that God’s word never fails, that this world cannot offer what God does, and that is unending joy. Joy that comes from a well, a source, that will never run dry. “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14, ESV). The trappings of this world are instantaneous and temporary. The joy of the Lord is eternal.” The portrait of Jesus Christ as a humble servant serves as the core of Paul’s teaching in this letter. Philippians brims over with often quoted passages” ( (Early Church 2023).
___________________________
2023. “Early Church.” Montanism.
02 11. Accessed February 1, 2024. www.earlychurch.org.uk/montanism.php
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THEO 360
B.
Historical Context: In 200-400 words, describe the circumstance/situation at play in Philippians 4:10-20. List a few differences between this time in antiquity and the modern day (language, location, situation, time, culture, covenant [if studying the Old Testament], etc.). You must interact with a minimum of 3 academic sources and include biblical references to support your findings. Philippi is an ancient city in northeastern Greece. Luke recorded in the book of Acts that while Paul was in Traos on his second missionary journey, Paul had a vision of a man begging him to come to Macedonia and help them. Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke went to Macedonia concluding that God had called them to preach the gospel to the people at Philippi. Lydia and her
household were the first Christian converts in Philippi which led to the establishment of the church there (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 2003). “In late Antiquity, Philippi was a prominent city in the Eastern Empire and an episcopal seat” (Cartwright, 2016). The message of the church spread exponentially around the world. “As the church grew, believers began to apply
the ethics of the gospel to every aspect of life. This led the church to establish hospitals, promote human rights, and care for the poor and neglected” (Leston, 2001). The positive impact of the church on society was being felt all around the world.
__________________________
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (2003) “Concision” ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England et al Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
Cartwright, Mark. “Philippi.” World History Encyclopedia. Last modified May 04, 2016. www.worldhistory.org/Philippi
Leston, Stephen. The Bible in World History- How History and Scripture Intersect. Barbour Publishing, Uhrichsville, OH (2001), pg. 150-153.
THEO 360
C.
Authorial Intent: In 200-400 words, consider the historical and literary contexts (answered above) and state what the author intended to communicate to his original audience of the church in Philippi. Support your findings with a minimum of 1 academic source and include biblical references (outside of the passage) to support your interpretation of the author’s intended meaning. The apostle Paul wanted to let the believers at Philippi that he received their financial gifts as
well as his material needs. The fact that they were the only church that sent aid to him did not go unnoticed. Every time he thought about the church in Philippi, he prayed and thanked God for them “I thank my god in all my remembrance of you”. (Phil 1:3, ESV). All believers should pray
for one another, and show love for one another, not only in word, but indeed. “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18, ESV). The love Paul had for this church is evident in his prayer and throughout the epistle. As we pray, we can be filled with confidence and joy “that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6, ESV). “From the time it was established, the church at Philippi
was healthy, strong, and generous, becoming a model church that only experienced minor problems of disunity” (“Introduction, Background, and Outline to Philippians” n.d
.).
“Introduction, Background, and Outline to Philippians.” n.d. Bible.org. Accessed February 4, 2024. https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-background-and-outline-
philippians#P82_5091
.