Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Making “An Unknown God” Known: A Narratne-Critical Reading Of Paul’S Areopagus Speech (Acts 17:16-34) In Light Of The “Ignorance-Knowledge” Theme Of Luke-Acts, Hyo-Jong Kim

Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation

Kim, Hyo-Jong. "Making 'An Unknown God' Known: A Narrative-Critical Reading of Paul's Areopagus Speech (Acts 17: 16-34) in Light of the 'Ignorance-Knowledge' Theme of Luke-Acts." Ph.D. diss., Concordia Seminary, 2015. 324 pp.

This dissertation argues that a reading of Paul's speech in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) through narrative-critical analysis helps the reader see how Lukan narration of Paul's "new teaching" to make "an unknown god" known to the pagan philosophers marks a pivotal point for Lukan presentation of the "ignorance-knowledge" theme in Luke-Acts. This study examines how the speech, in its unique narrative setting and with its subtle rhetorical critique of …

Rhetorical Rationale For The Compositional Integrity Of Second Corinthians, Mark Erickson

Master of Art Theology Thesis

The contention of this thesis, then, is: The Apostle Paul’s apparent use of ancient Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions in 2 Corinthians gives evidence of its compositional integrity and adequately accounts for the apparent partitions which, to some scholars, reveal the existence of multiple documents.

Discerning The Body - An Exegetical Examination Of 1 Co. 11:17-34, Mark Surburg

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The following study will provide a detailed treatment of1Co. 11:17-34 with an emphasis on lexical meaning and structural analysis. It will examine Paul's treatment in five major sections: 1) Exegesis of 11:17-19 2) Exegesis of 11:20-22, 33-343) Analysis and Critique of scholarly reconstructions of the Corinthian Eucharistic setting 4) Exegesis of 11:23-26 5)Exegesis of 11:27-32. Within each section the study will focus on certain important issues.

Suspended Endings In Ancient Literature-A Context For The Evaluation Of The Ending Of Mark's Gospel, David Lewis

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

In response to this second, literary level argumentation, this paper will attempt to provide evidence which will support the view that Mark 16:1-8 can be properly interpreted on the literary level as the ending intended by the author. In addition, in response to the objection that the use of a sudden, unexpected, inconclusive ending (such as 16:8 would be) demonstrates a modern literary device which would be foreign to ancient authors, this paper will consider the endings of other ancient literary works and examine how these endings function in relationship to the narrative as a whole and to the expectations …

Suffering And Eschatology In Light Of An Exegetical Study Of 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5, Richard Shields

Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers

This paper examines suffering in light of an exegetical study of 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5.According to rhetorical analysis the exordium includes 1:1-12, with three major parts: epistolary prescript (1: 1-2); thanksgiving (1:3-10); and intercessory prayer (1: 11-12).2 Thus, this text occurs near the beginning of Paul's introductory thanks giving. 3 Many commentators appear to rush through this section in anticipation of examining the heart of the letter, chapter2.Recently, deSilva, commenting on 1 Thessalonians, "proposes that the thanksgiving section [of 1 Thessalonians 1] functions as much more than a captatio benevolentiae ....Rather, it addresses a real concern for the congregation(s)." Even more …

Use Of Ek Πι∑Τεω∑ In Romans And Galatians: The Significance Of Paul’S Choice Of Prepositions With Πι∑Τει∑ As Object And Its Bearing Upon Justification By Faith, Andrew John Spallek

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

In addressing the current debate concerning Paul's explanation of justification by faith as it pertains to Jews and to gentiles, the present study will examine the meaning of ὲκ πίστεως in Paul and its bearing on justification by faith. The approach to this examination will be rather complex. In order to arrive at a precise meaning for ὲκ πίστεως, it is essential that the word πίστις be thoroughly examined, especially its connection to the Old Testament concept of faith (אכזד). In order to differentiate between ὲκ πίστεως and other prepositional phrases with πίστις it will be necessary to examine the …

James 1:25 And 2:12: The Perfect Law Of Liberty And The Perfect Liberty Of The Christian, Paul Alliet

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

"The perfect law of liberty" is an expression which sounds strange. Even in secular use, a law is more often seen as a restriction of liberty than a guarantee of it, and theologically the problem seems as great if not greater.1This study is based on the belief that if James is allowed to speak on his own terms, he speaks as one who not only found the Law compatible with Christian liberty, but an essential part of it. This is particularly the case since St. James was one of the four half-brothers of our Lord mentioned in Matthew 13:55 and …

St. Paul's Apostolic Authority And His First Letter To The Corinthians, Robert Weinhold

Master of Divinity Thesis

The search for an authoritative word from God has been at the heart and center of man's struggle for existence since the beginning of time. God, in His wisdom, has seen fit to provide that authoritative word through many messengers in the course of history. Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah and Malachi were all messengers, mediators, of God's sacred will to his chosen and beloved people, Israel. With the sending of his own Son, God sent the ultimate messenger in the perfect God-Man, Jesus. Even though Jesus spoke God's message clearly and perfectly, man still needed guidance in understanding God's will …

Echoes Of Pauline Concepts In The Speech At Antioch, Paul E. Deterding

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The present study will examine the speech of Acts 13 in view of these denials of its genuineness. The vocabulary, methodology, and theological concepts of this address will be compared with the thirteen letters Of Paul. This comparison will center on five major topics: The use of the Old Testament, the use of rabbinic ideas and procedures, the ministry of John the Baptizer, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the teaching of justification. Finally, we will review the arguments against the authenticity of the speech at Antioch in light of the findings of this study in order to …

The Cosmic Powers In Paul’S Theology, Ebong Sam Ukpong

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis deals with neither the meaning of the terms nor with the exegesis of the passages in which these terms are found. Nor shall we attempt to re-interpret or relate what Paul said about "cosmic powers" to the modern thought-forms. The purpose of this work is rather to examine, first of all, the terms employed by Paul to describe the forces of evil in the light of his own Jewish background. We shall not be concerned so much with the question: What does Paul mean? as with the query: Where did Paul get the terms and ideas for what …

The Lord's Supper In Paul And In Mark: A Critique Of The Position Of Professor Willi Marxsen, Reinhold Miessler

Master of Divinity Thesis

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, the writer will show that the tradition of the Lord's Supper recorded in Mark does not depend upon or develop from the tradition preserved in Paul; secondly, he will suggest that a special interest focusing alone upon the elements occurs after the traditions of Paul and Mark were recorded.

The Pneuma As Authority And Moving Force In Paul, With Special Reference To 2 Corinthians 3:17, Roger Beese

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis proposes to discuss the pneuma theology of St. Paul on the basis of the much disputed seventeenth verse of 2 Corinthians 3 and related passages. The study will concentrate on the role of pneuma as authority and moving force in the Pauline congregation. The word pneuma is used frequently in Paul's letters, particularly in the Pillar Epistles, in a variety of contexts. Pneuma is unquestionably a key concept in Pauline theology. A study of Paul's pneuma theology, then, is a vital one, for it strikes close to the heart of his entire theological thinking. The centrality of his …

The Theology Of Acts, Robert H. Smith

Concordia Theological Monthly

The author argues that Luke-Acts must be read as a single work in two volumes, whose author is a brilliant theologian. Acts 28:17-31 provides a window through which the reader can begin to penetrate and to ponder the theological message of Luke-Acts.

Λοτική Λατρειά The Dedication Of The Body To The Will Of God, Aaron L. Uitti

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this study is to ascertain what Paul, means by the phrase λοδικὴ λατρεία and what its implications are for the worshiping Christian community. This phrase occurs only once in Paul, but at an important transitional point in the epistle to the Romans (12:1). Nowhere else in the New Testament or the Greek translation of the Old Testament does this phrase appear. In fact the combination logikȇ latreia did not appear in any of the literature or material investigated.

A Study In The Origin Of The Pauline Use Of Mysterion, Gilbert John Holstein

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of our investigation is to try to determine the origin of Paul’s use of the term Muσˉcmˈecov with a view toward clarification of the concept of “mystery" in Pauline theology.

The Pauline Understanding Of "The Law Of Christ", Keith Arnold Gerberding

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

It is puzzling, then, to hear Paul affirming the validity of the law, as he does in his letter to the Romans (3:21,31; 7:12,16) and in the first letter to the Corinthians (14:34). It seems to be a contradiction in terms when Paul combines "law" and "Christ" in the expression "the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). The purpose of this study is to find out what Paul means by this phrase and those phrases which are similar (1 Cor. 9:21; Rom. 3:27; 8:2), in view of his teaching on law and the revelation given in Christ.

Jewish And Historical Background To 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Offiong Udo Idiong

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The eschatology of 2 Thess. 2:1-12 has been a perennial problem for biblical interpreters. The language of the chapter is very different from that which Paul uses in his other epistles. He exhorts the Thessalonians not to be excited about the coming of the day of the Lord, "for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed …" (verse 3). When the appears, he will exalt himself "against every so-called god or object of worship, so that be takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God" …

The Secret Of God's Plan: Studies In Ephesians Part Four, Martin H. Scharlemann

Concordia Theological Monthly

This fourth and final study in the Letter to the Ephesians depicts the scope of God's secret plan for the universe. It follows the previous expositions of the content and implementation of the divine mystery as well as the opposition to God's purpose of restoring the universe by gathering up all things under the lordship of Christ.

Community Discipline: Saint Paul And Qumran: An Exegetical Study Of Paul's Principles Of Church Discipline Based On An Investigation Of Qumran And Such Pauline Materials As Relate To First Corinthians 5:1-5, Harold Louis Kitzmann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Discipline problems arose early in the church. A case of flagrant immorality at Corinth prompted Pau1 to counsel the congregation there to meet in solemn assembly and to “excommunicate” the offender. The purpose of this study is to examine the subject of discipline as treated in Paul’s letters, particularly the instance related in 1 Cor. 5:1-5, against the background of Qumran. It is an attempt to establish the New Testament principles governing the church in its internal relations as the fellowship or community of God's "called out people" as compared with practices described in the Dead Sea Scrolls. On the …

The Secret Of God's Plan: Studies In Ephesians, Martin H. Scharlemann

Concordia Theological Monthly

Verse 9 of chapter 1 of Ephesians provides a good general tide to highlight one basic theological emphasis of the letter. There the Greek, literally translated, makes reference to "the mystery of His will." The Revised Standard Version in this case retains just that wording from the Authorized Version.

The Church In Your House- A Study Into The Form And Function Of The Primitive Church, Paul Biegner

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

A search for new forms of church and new patterns of ministry and mission has occupied parts of the church in the western world for the past ten years or so. Both the concern for the doctrine of the church and for the cutting edge of mission dominate the search for new forms. That search has yielded varied patterns, many of which utilize face-to-face contact in smaller groups to meet the challenges of mass-man in a depersonalized society. Some of these new forms of church and church ministry and mission have claimed a relationship to “the church in your house”.

∑Γη Χpi∑Tω - Pauline Eschatology In Philippians 1:23, John G. Eiwen

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis will be limited to the consideration of the immediate state of the believer after his death as this is illuminated by St. Paul in Phil. 1:23. Other Pauline passages will be studied as they relate to the verse in question. There will be no attempt to determine the state of the unbeliever since Paul does not treat this question.

Henotẽs:Pauls Term For Christian Unityin Ephesians 4:3 And 4:13, John Edward Helmke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

We believe that in this light the almost casual treatment that henotẽs has received is a distressing situation, commanding our attention and challenging our best efforts. The purpose of this study paper is to help the church continue in its mission to the world by- seeking to better understand that mission in the light of henotẽs.

The Gospel As Formulated In The Apostolic Tradition: An Exegetical Examination Of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, David Yagow

Bachelor of Divinity

But this pericope is not intended merely to clarify Paul’s doctrine of eschatology. It is obvious that Paul wants to straighten out some muddleheaded thinking and to enunciate anew the historic kernel of the kerygma. But the pericope has a double function. It serves also to validate Paul’s apostolic credentials as an heir to the earliest tradition. Paul establishes his authority, authenticity, and reliability as an apostolic witness before he moves from the kerygmatic summary to unfold his elaborate argument in support of the necessity of the resurrection.

Rom 1:1-7- The Christology Of An Early Christian Church Formula And The Apostle Paul's Reinterpretation, Kenneth Neumann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the extent and text of the pre-Pauline tradition or formula generally acknowledged to be cited in this passage, secondly, to discuss the Christology embedded in the formula, and finally, to compare this earlier Christology with the Pauline reinterpretation of it. This study does not claim to exhaust the Christology of Rom. 1:1-7 but rather focus primarily on the verses which have possible pre-Pauline tradition. The questions concerning Christ's person which are raised in this passage demand much more space, particularly the questions of adoptionism and pre-existence, and the relation of resurrection, ascension, …

Pauline Paidology: The Use Of The Suffering Servant Of God Image Of Isaiah 52-53 For Jesus Christ In The Pauline Corpus, Robert Kolb

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is the result of an investigation of the Pauline epistles which sought to determine whether Paul did use Isaiah 53 in the formation of his Christology, and if he did, to determine the purpose of his uses of that chapter. This presentation seeks to demonstrate that Paul's use of the image of the suffering Servant of .God taken from Isaiah 53 is infrequent at best and difficult to determine assuredly in most cases. It further seeks to demonstrate that most possible references to Isaiah 53 are found 1n formulations which at least may be pre-Pauline. However, the implication …

The Concept Of Παρρηξια In The New Testament, Frederick Naumann

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis is primarily a word study of παρρηδία as it is used in the New Testament. This study seeks to discover some of the meaning and significance of παρρηδία for the New Testament and for the church today.

Romans 3:24-26: An Evaluation Of Form Critical Studies, Ronald Lehenbauer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Our purpose in this thesis is to evaluate the form critical studies of Rom. 3:24-26; we also intend to compare these studies with some suggested alternative interpretations. Form analysis, as we shall see, offers some unique solutions ·to the problem. We do not expect that all of the questions will be answered; the suggestion that Paul in these verses is citing and correcting or commenting on an earlier formula, however, explains some of the puzzling features which have not been adequately explained before.

The Eschatological Significance Of Paul's Collection For Jerusalem, David Young

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

Paul's collection has always been looked upon for its functional value. It relieved the needs of the Jerusalem poor, and it was an ecumenical venture embracing Jews and Gentiles. Other minor functional explanations have been suggested. Such explanations usually treat the collection as a small event in the history of the early church.

The scope of our investigation is devoted to the eschatological significance Paul attached to the project. Paul's understanding of the end-time seems to provide the only explanation that can justify the time and effort being spent on this matter. Our inquiry may be formulated as follows:

The …

The Christian Under Grace, According To Romans 6:1-14, Walter Maier

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

This thesis proposes to discuss one of the basic New Testament passages dealing with baptism and its significance for baptized believers, Romans 6:1-14. In this section the Apostle Paul speaks of one of the mighty, saving effects of the sacrament, the fact that it establishes spiritual union of the baptized with Christ. This is sometimes referred to as the "mystical union" of the believer and his Lord. Because of the union with Jesus, the child of God participates spiritually in Christ's crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and continuing life. As a result, the Christian is a new creation in Christ and, …