university of oregon, spring 2015
The deutero-Pauline author advocated for men in leadership roles and women in subservient positions. He explicitly states, “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent” (1 Tim 2:12). This is representative of the domestic order of Roman times. He alludes to Genesis 2-3 and links… Continue reading The Pastoral Letters (and Paul) on Patriarchal Christianity
Acts 2 begins with the day of Pentecost, the celebration of the spring barley harvest. When the twelve apostles gathered in a house, the Holy Spirit rushed in like a wind and tongues of fire rested on them; as a result, they were given the ability to speak other languages. By acquiring this ability, they… Continue reading Apostles on a Mission: Invitation to People of All Nations
Matthew 16:13-20 revised Mark 8:27-30 by increasing the amount of messianic imagery and overtones and inserting a few verses where Jesus instructs Peter on the founding of his church (he will be the “rock” of the church). He endows Peter with the authority (“keys”) to regulate what is allowed and prohibited in the church, in… Continue reading Matthew’s Views on Community Life and Opposition to the Pharisees