2 in On Theology of Paul 2 in 4

MEANING OF PAUL’S CONVERSION

Write short note on conversion of Paul (2000)

Explain the impact of Paul’s experience on the Damascus road upon his life and theology.  How much did this experience influence Paul’s Gentile mission? Explain. (2004)

There are two  sources that speak of Paul’s conversion: the Letters (Gal. 1: 11-24; 1 Cor. 9: 1; 15: 8, 10; 2 Cor. 4: 4-6; Phil. 3: 7-8, 12) and the Acts (9: 1-19; 22: 1-21; 26: 1-32). The former must be treated as the primary and the latter as the secondary source.  Acts 9 is Luke’s own narrative, while chapters 22 and 26 the event is described in the context of Paul’s speeches; the first before a hostile Jewish crowd at the Temple in Jerusalem and the second before the Roman governor Festus and the royal couple Agrippa and Bernice.  How much of historical value is to be attributed to the texts in Acts is a hotly debated issue.  While we admit that Luke has employed the historical data in function of his own particular theology, we cannot certainly deny them all historical value.  At the same time, primary importance needs to be given to Paul’s own statements in his letters.

On Theology of Paul 1 in 4

BACKGROUNDS OF PAUL

Construct a chronology of the life ad ministry of Paul.  Show how Paul’s background has influenced his theology (2000)

Examine how far the Greek and Jewish background of Paul contributed to his theology. (2003)

“Paul was a child of his time.”  Explain the how Paul’s background influenced his theology and ethics. (2005)

Describe with examples how Paul’s Jewish heritage and his Hellenistic background gave him the competence to present his theological thoughts relevantly through his epistles.

Paul was born in Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia, probably around AD 10.   His parents gave him names:  Saul (Hebrew – Sa’ul = asked of God & Greek – Saulos), found prior to Acts 13: 9 and Paul (Greek Paulos & Latin Paulus) found in Acts 13: 9 and subsequently, in 2 Peter 3: 15 and in his letters.  The former name was probably used in the Jewish circles and the latter in the Roman circles, for he possessed a Roman citizenship as well. He preferred, however, to call himself an apostle of the Gentiles (Rom 11: 13).  His pedigree runs as follows:  Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law a Pharisee, as to zeal a persecutor of the Church, as to righteousness under the law blameless” (Phil. 3: 5-6).

Just as Paul had two names so also he spoke two languages: Aramaic at home and Greek in the Hellenistic synagogue and elsewhere. Very little is known about his youth.  He went to Jerusalem to study.  According to Acts 7: 58, at the martyrdom of Stephen (ca. AD 36) the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man – according to Jewish tradition, one who is between 24 and 40 years of age – named Saul. He had a sister who lived in Jerusalem.  Her son is believed to have saved the life of Paul on one occasion (Acts 23: 16).  As a young man he was exposed to both Hellenistic and Jewish influences.

On Modern Religious and Secular Movements in India 1 in 4

1.      Historic-political, socio-economic, and religio-cultural conditions in India during the second half of the 18^th and throughout the 19th centuries.

            Around 1800, India was in a pitiable condition. Neither the earlier Hindu governments nor the Muslim rulers who ruled from the 12^th century succeeded in creating or maintaining peace. As such, India had not known peace during 1200-1800 AD. Even under the best of Mughal rulers, there were frequent fightings. There were no reform movements during that period.

            Indian civilization and culture during the 18^th century was at its lowest. No important book was known to be produced in any of the Indian languages. The lack of appreciation and patronage given to indigenous arts led to the disappearance of many old works of art, due to ignorance and carelessness. Some were taken away by foreigners. No creative work in any field was produced during this period. In the societal life, during this period, social evils perpetrated in the name of religion were rampant.

On Liberation Theology 1 in 4

 LiberationTheology:  In the 1950s the idea of liberation came to colonial Africa and spread throughout the Third World.  Once the idea of liberation was expressed, its essential rightness could not be ignored and the will to maintain possession of the colonies collapsed.  If this had been uniformly true, then of course there would not be such a thing as a theology of liberation.  Liberation theology has arisen, because liberation has not come about universally: the struggle continues, and insofar as it is a just struggle, some Christians have stated its biblical basis and the basis of their own support for the movement. In the African context the meaning of liberation was uncomplicated.  The demand was to be free from colonial rule.  Liberation was achieved by decolonization, whether by armed struggle or by non-violent protest or by negotiation.  However, liberation movements in other parts of the world have been involved in more complicated situations: theological reflection on these has also been more complex.

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Jesus of Nazareth

1. Promises and Prophecies Relating to Him .
The promises and prophecies relating to the Messiah are numerous:
a. the intimation that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head (Genesis 3:14,15; Romans 16:20 );
b. the promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 26:1-5; Genesis 28:10-15; Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 11:8,9 );
c. the prediction of Jacob (Genesis 49:1,8-10; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 5:15 );
d. the prophecy of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15,18; Acts 3:22 );
e. David's prediction of his resurrection (Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 2:25-28 ) and triumph (Psalm 110:1-4; Acts 2:34,35 );
f. Isaiah predicted that he would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25 ), the greatness of his kingdom (Isaiah 9:6,7; Luke 1:32,33 ), his humiliation and sufferings (Isaiah 53:1-10; Acts 8:30-33 ), and his proclamation of the acceptable year of the Lord (Isaiah 51:14; Luke 4:14-21 );
g. the prediction of his birth place (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6 );
h. the prediction of his betrayal (Zechariah 11:10-14; Matthew 27:3-10 )

2. His Ancestry . Jesus, according to the flesh, was the son of David (1 Kings 8:24,25; 1 Kings 11:11-13; Psalm 132:11; Matthew 1:1-17; Acts 2:25-30 )

3. His birth . Jesus was born of the virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-28 )

4. Early Life . On account of the decree of Herod, Joseph took the Young child and his mother and fled into Egypt, where they remained Until Archelaus succeeded his father, after which they returned to Nazareth and resided there (Matthew 2:1-23 ). Nothing is recorded of Him until He was twelve years old, when he was able to confound the doctors Of the law by His wisdom (Luke 2:40-51 ). Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus learned the trade and followed it in the city of Nazareth (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Luke 2:39 )

5. His Baptism . Jesus came from Nazareth to Jordan and was baptized By John, and as he came up out of the water, His Father acknowledged Him, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him (Matthew 3:13-17 )

6. The Temptation and Triumph . Immediately after His baptism He was Led away into the wilderness and tempted by the devil. He was tempted "In all points" (Hebrews 4:15 )--the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:16 )--but He signally triumphed in every particular (Genesis 3:6; Matthew 3:1-11 )

7. Introduction to Israel . Jesus was subsequently introduced to Israel by John, His forerunner (John 1:29-36 )

8. Public Ministry . He immediately entered upon his Public ministry. His work was twofold:a. He administered to the needs of both mind (Matthew 4:17 ) and body (Matthew 14:13-21 ).b. He announced that the kingdom of God was at hand (Matthew 4:17 ), and that he was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24 )

9. Manner of Teaching . He taught the multitude by parables in order To hide from them His true mission until the time ordained by His Father (Matthew 13:33-35 )

10. The Parables . Parables of Jesus stand unapproachable and Unapproached in the history of man. There are thirty-one of them {*}, And they are divided into three classes:a. Those which relate to His Kingdom, its growth, characteristics and triumphs. The Sower (Matthew 13:1,2; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:1-18 ); The Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30 ); The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31,32; Mark 4:31,32 ); The Seed Planted in the Ground (Mark 4:26-29 ); The Leaven (Matthew 13:33 ); The Concealed Treasure (Matthew 13:44 ); The Pearl of Great Value (Matthew 13:47-50 ); The Casting of the Net into the Sea (Matthew 13:47-50 ).b. Those which relate primarily to the lives of men, which were given in answer to inquiries: The Two Debtors (Luke 7:40-43 ); The Merciless Servant (Matthew 18:23-35 ); The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37 ); The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-13 ); The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21 ); The Wedding Feast (Luke 12:36-38 ); The Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9 ); The Great Supper (Luke 14:16-24); The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32 ); The Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-12 ); The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31 ); The Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-17 ); The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14 ); The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16 ).c. Those which are prophetic in character and find their fulfillment in the rejection of Israel and ultimately in the second coming of the Lord: The Pounds (Luke 19:11-27 ); The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32 ); The Vineyard Let Out to Husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12 Luke 20:9-18 ); The Marriage Feast (Matthew 22:1-13 ); The Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13 ); The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30 ); The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46 ).{*} While Johnson states that there are thirty-one parables, he lists only twenty-nine

11. Discourses . The principal discourses of Jesus were,
a. His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-15 );
b. His conversation with the woman of Samaria at Jacob's well (John 4:1-26 );
c. His address in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30 );
d. the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29 );
e. charge of the apostles (Matthew 10:1-42 );
f. He pronounced the doom on Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum (Matthew 11:20-24 );
g. discourse after healing the infirm man at Bethesda (John 5:1-47 );
h. He defended His disciples after they plucked the corn on the sabbath day (Matthew 12:1-19 );
i. He defended Himself when the Pharisees accused Him of being in collusion with Baalzebub, the prince of devils, announcing to them that attributing His works to this source was a sin against the Holy Spirit that would never be forgiven (Matthew 12:23-32; Mark 3:22-30 );
j. the discourse on the Bread of life (John 6:25-61 );
k. He discussed internal purity (Matthew 15:1-20 );
l. He emphasized the necessity to forgive injuries (Matthew 18:21-35 );
m. the discourse at the feast of tabernacles (John 7:1-44 );
n. He condemned the accusers of the woman who was taken in adultery (John 8:1-11 );
o. He declared himself to be the shepherd of the sheep (John 10:1-42 );
p. He denounced his contemporaries for their wickedness (Luke 11:29-36 );
q. He discussed humility (Luke 14:7-14 );
r. He marked out the way to everlasting life (Matthew 19:27-30 );
s. He predicted his sufferings (Matthew 19:17-19 );
t. He denounced the Pharisees with great severity (Matthew 23:1-36 );
u. He foretold the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-35 );
v. His words of comfort to his disciples (John 14:1-16:33 );
w. His wonderful prayer (John 17:1-26 );
x. His remarks on the way to Gethsemane (Matthew 26:31-36 )
y. and the last and great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20 )

12. His Miracles . The miracles performed by Jesus were,a. He changed the water into wine (John 2:1-11 );b. He cured the nobleman's son (John 4:46,47 );c. the great draught of fishes (Luke 5:1-11 );d. He cast out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23-28 );e. He cured Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:30,31 );f. He healed a leper (Mark 1:40-45 );g. He healed the servant of the centurion (Matthew 8:5-13 );h. He raised the widow's son from the dead (Luke 7:11-18 );i. He stilled the storm (Matthew 8:23-27 );j. He cured two demoniacs (Matthew 8:28-34 );k. He cured a man of palsy (Matthew 9:1-8 );l. He raised the ruler's daughter from the dead (Matthew 9:18-26 );m. He cured a woman of an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48 );n. He opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31 );o. He loosened the tongue of a dumb man (Matthew 9:32,33 );p. He healed an impotent man at Bethesda (John 5:1-9 );q. He restored a withered hand (Matthew 12:10-13 );r. He cured a man who was possessed of a devil (Matthew 12:22 );s. He fed five thousand people (Matthew 14:15-21 );t. He healed a woman of Canaan (Matthew 15:22-28 );u. He cured a deaf and dumb man (Mark 7:31-37 );v. He fed four thousand people (Matthew 15:32-39 );w. He opened the eyes of a blind man (Mark 8:22-26 );x. He cured a boy who was vexed with a devil (Matthew 17:14-21 );y. He opened the eyes of a man born blind (John 11:1-38 );z. He cured a woman who had been afflicted eighteen years (Luke 17:11-17 );aa. He cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4 );ab. He cleansed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19 );ac. He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46 );ad. He opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 20:30-34 );ae. He caused the fig tree to wither (Matthew 21:18-22 );af. He restored the ear of the high priest's servant (Luke 22:50,51 );ag. the second great draught of fishes (John 21:1-14 )

13. His Poverty . Jesus never owned any of the good of this world-- Not even a place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20; 2 Corinthians 8:19 )

14. His Unselfishness . Jesus came not to be ministered unto, but to Help the needy (Matthew 18:11; Matthew 21:28 )

15. His Glorious Invitation . He invites all the suffering and Sorrowing sons and daughters of earth to come to Him for life and Rest (Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:10; Hebrews 2:9; Revelation 22:17 )

16. The Holy Spirit Promised . Jesus promised the Apostles the Holy Spirit, assuring them that He would,a. comfort them;b. dwell in them (John 14:16,17 );c. teach them all things;d. bring all his teachings to their remembrance (John 14:26 );e. testify of Jesus (John 15:26,27 );f. convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-11 );g. and speak through them (Matthew 10:15-20 )

17. The Last Supper . On the night of his betrayal, Jesus instituted A supper to be kept in memory of him--his death and sufferings (Matthew 26:26-30 ). It was designed,a. to keep Him enshrined in the hearts of His disciples to the end of time;b. to proclaim His death until he comes again (1 Corinthians 11:23-29 )

18. Agony in the Garden . After the supper Jesus went to the garden Of Gethsemane where, under the mighty weight of the world's sins, He Cried to His Father to let the cup of sorrow and suffering pass, but Expressed his willingness to submit to the terrible ordeal (Luke 22:39-46 )

19. Betrayal . Jesus was betrayed by one of His Apostles, Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:47,48 )

20. His Trial . The trial of Jesus was the most consummate farce in The annals of the world. He was carried from court to court (Matthew 26:5-75; Luke 23:1-12 ), and finally condemned to die without the establishment of a single charge against Him (Luke 23:13-26 )

21. Crucifixion . Jesus was crucified between two malefactors, Forsaken of God and man (Luke 23:27-48 )

22. Sayings on the Cross . The utterances of Jesus on the cross Were,a. His prayer to God in behalf of His tormentors (Matthew 23:34 );b. His reply to the dying thief (Luke 23:39-43 );c. He requested the disciple whom He loved to take care of His mother (John 19:25-27 );d. He prayed to God, asking why He had been forsaken (Matthew 27:45-47 );e. He said that He was thirsty (John 19:28 );f. He declared that it was finished (John 19:30 );g. He commended His Spirit into the hands of His Father (Luke 23:46 )

23. His Death . Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures (Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:24,25 )

24. Burial and Resurrection . He was buried in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea (Mark 15:43-47 ), and raised again for our justification (Mark 16:1-8; Romans 4:25 )

25. His Incredulous Apostles . The apostles of Jesus received the News of the resurrection with incredulity--as idle tales (Luke 24:10,11 )

26. Appearances After the Resurrection . After Jesus arose again He Spent forty days on earth, demonstrating His identity by infallible Proofs, and He instructed His apostles in the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:1-3 ). He was seen by,a. Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:11 );b. the other women who were returning from the tomb (Matthew 28:1-10 );c. Peter, the apostle (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5 );d. the two disciples going to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32 );e. the eleven apostles as they sat at meat (Mark 16:14 );f. the apostles the second time (John 20:26-29 );g. seven disciples at the sea of Tiberias (John 21:1 );h. the eleven disciples in a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16 );i. five hundred brethren at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6 );j. James (1 Corinthians 15:7 );k. and all the apostles at the ascension (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:1-12 )

27. The Ascension . After Jesus had committed the words of Reconciliation to the apostles (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ). He led them out as far as Bethany, blessed them and ascended to His Father's right hand (Luke 24:49-53; Acts 1:9-11 )

28. His Character . In contemplating the character we should note that He isa. the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45 );b. Advocate (1 John 2:1 );c. the ancient of days (Daniel 7:22 );d. Apostle (Hebrews 3:1 );e. Author and Finisher of the faith (Hebrews 12:2 );f. Beginning of the creation of God (Revelation 3:14 );g. Only begotten of the Father (John 1:14 );h. Beginning and End (Revelation 1:8 );i. Shepherd and Bishop (1 Peter 2:25 );j. Bread of Life (John 6:48-51 );k. Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15 );l. Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16 );m. Brightness of the Father's glory (Hebrews 1:3 );n. Brother (Hebrews 2:11 );o. Captain (Revelation 2:10 );p. The Chosen (Matthew 12:18 );q. Christ (Matthew 1:16 );r. Consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25 );s. Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20 );t. Counselor (Isaiah 9:6 );u. Day Star (2 Peter 1:19 );v. Deliverer (Romans 11:26 );w. Desire of all nations (Haggai 2:7 );x. Door of the sheep (John 10:7 );y. Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23 );z. Friend (John 11:1-44 );aa. Eternal Life (1 John 5:20 );ab. Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6 );ac. Express image of the Father (Hebrews 1:3 );ad. Faithful Witness (Revelation 1:5 );ae. First fruits from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:23 );af. Fountain (Zechariah 13:1 );ag. Governor (Matthew 2:6 );ah. Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18 );ai. High Priest (Hebrews 3:1 );aj. Holy One of God (Mark 1:24 );ak. Heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2 );al. Judge (Acts 17:31 );am. King (Acts 2:34-36; Revelation 19:11-16 );an. Light of the world (John 9:5 );ao. Life (John 14:6 );ap. Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:1-5 );aq. Master (Matthew 8:19 );ar. Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5 );as. Messiah (Daniel 9:25 );at. Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7 );au. Potentate (1 Timothy 6:15 );av. Prince of life (Acts 3:15 );aw. Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6 );ax. Prophet (Luke 13:33; John 7:40 );ay. Propitiation (1 John 2:2 );az. Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24 );ba. Physician (Matthew 9:12 );bb. Ransom (1 Timothy 2:6 );bc. Refiner and Purifier (Malachi 1:13 );bd. Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2 );be. Salvation (Luke 2:25-30 );bf. Son of God (Matthew 4:3 );bg. Son of Man (Matthew 8:20 );bh. Son of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2 );bi. Surety (Hebrews 7:22 );bj. Teacher (John 3:2 );bk. Testator (Hebrews 9:14-17 );bl. Truth (John 14:6 );bm. The Way (John 14:6 );bn. Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:12 );bo. Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24 );bp. Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6 );bq. Word of God (Revelation 19:10-13 )
.29. Under the Law . Jesus lived and died under the law (Matthew 27:51; Romans 7:4; Ephesians 2:13-15 ).

( sources : biblical encyclopedia)

Resurrection

Introduction:

            The Resurrection of Jesus is of primary important to the Christian faith. “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless …we are of all to be pitied”

            Frank Morrision, an English advocate of the 20th Century wanted to write a book on the last phase of Jesus in order to strip it of its overgrows and primitive beliefs and dogmatic suppositious! At the end of the ten years study he wrote a completely different book titled “who moved the stone”. The first chapter in that book is titled “The book that refused to be written”