A Guide to Understanding & Applying Epistles

JG Notes

Introduction:

Review of the Hand & A Look at Various Biblical Genres

OT – Narratives, Hebew Poetry, Prophecy - (39 Books)

NT – Narratives (Gospel & Acts); Epistles (21 books); & Revelation – (27 Books)

This week, We will look the NT Epistles.

 A Biblical Genre (form of writing) that covers major portion of the NT.

 NT Epistles appear to be so easy to interpret. After all, who needs special

help to understand that:

o “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23)

o “that the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)

o “by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Eph 2:8)

o “But God demonstrated His love toward us that while we were yet
sinners, He died for us” (Romans 5:8)

o or the imperatives: “live by the Spirit” (Gal 5:16); and “live a life of
love” (Eph 5:2).

 On the other hand, the “ease” of interpreting the Epistles can be quite
deceptive. This is so at the level of Hermeneutics. One might try leading a
group of Christians through 1 Corinthians, for example, and see how
many are the difficulties.

o “How is Paul’s opinion (7:25) to be taken as God’s word? Some will

ask, especially when they personally dislike some of the
implications of that opinion. And the questions continue.

o How does the excommunication of the brother in chapter 5 relate

to the contemporary church, especially when he can simply go
down the street to another church?

o What is the point of chapters 12-14 if one is in a local church

where charismatic gifts are not accepted as valid for the twentieth
century?

o How do we get around the clear implications in 11:2-16 that

women should wear a head covering when praying and
prophesying?

 It becomes clear that the Epistles are not as easy to interpret as often
thought. Thus because of their importance to the Christian faith and
 because so many important hermeneutical issues are raised here, we are
going to let them serve as models for the exegetical and hermeneutical
questions we want to raise throughout the study.

The Nature of Epistles

It’s General Form

A Mixed Form. The NT epistle are a combination of private correspondence and

public address. (Leland Ryken: How to Read the Bible as Literature)

The epistles themselves are not a homogenous lot, meaning technically they do
not follow the same form or structure.

 Some are “personal letters to individuals” (Titus, 1 & 2 Timothy,

Philemon, etc) and have personal messages and concerns

 Some letters were addressed to local churches (Philippians, 1 & 2

Corinthians, etc.)

 Content wise: Some are detailed instructions about Christian doctrines

(Romans); where some are rebuke, instructions & warnings relevant to
some local issues in some local churches (Galatians, Philippine, 1 & 2
Corinthians, etc.)

It’s Structure

Just as there is a standard form to our letters (date, salutation, body, closing,
signature), so there was for theirs. Thousand of ancient letters have been found,
and most of them have a form exactly like those in the NT (cf. the letter of the
council in Acts 15:23-29).

The form consists of 6 (formal) parts:

1. name of the writer (e.g. Paul)

2. name of the recipient (e.g., to the church of God in Corinth)

3. greeting (e.g., Grace and peace to you from God our father…)

4. prayer wish or thanksgiving (e.g., I always thank God for you….)

5. body

6. final greeting and farewell (e.g., the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with
you….)

The one variable element in this form is number 4, which in most of the ancient
letters takes the form of a prayer wish (almost exactly like 3 John 2), or else is
missing altogether (as in Galatians, 1 Tim, Titus).

Special Forms:
 A. Hebrew – 3 parts tract; 1 part letter (as evidenced to be sent to specific
group of people, 10:32-34 and 13:1-25 make clear). Note especially the
letter form of 10:22-25.

a. Yet chapter 1-10 are little like a letter and in fact an eloquents
sermon in which the argument as to Christ’s total superiority to all
that has preceded is interspersed with urgent words of
exhortation that the readers hold fast to their faith in Christ (2:1-4;
3:7-19; 5:11-6:20; 10:19-25).

B. 1 John – is similar in some ways, except that it has none of the formal
elements of a letter. Nonetheless, it was clearly written for a specific
group of people (see e.g., 2:7; 12-14, 19, 26) and looks very much like the
body of letter with all the formal elements taken off. The point is, it is not
simply a theological treatise for the church at large.

Despite this variety of kinds, however, there is one thing that all epistles have in
common, and this is the crucial thing to note in reading and interpreting them:
They are all what we are technically called the occasional documents (i.e., arising
out of and intended for specific occasion), and they are from the first century.

Although inspired by the Holy Spirit and thus belonging to all time, they were
first written out of the context of the author and to the context of the original
recipients. It is precisely these factors that they are occasional and that they
belong to the first century – that makes their interpretation difficult at times.

Above all else, their occasional nature must be taken seriously. This means that
they were occasioned, or called forth, by some special circumstances, either from
the reader’s side or the author’s side. Almost all of the New Testament letters
were occasioned from the reader’s side (Philemon and perhaps James and
Romans are exceptions). Usually the occasion was some kind of behavior that
needed correcting, or doctrinal error that needed setting right, or a
misunderstanding that needed further light.

Most of our problems in interpreting the epistles are due to this fact of their
being occasional.

 We don’t always know what the questions or problems were, or if there

was a problem.

 Like listening to one end of a telephone conversation and trying to figure

out who is on the other end and what the unseen party is saying.

 Yet in many cases it is important for us to hear “the other end” so that we
know what our passage is an answer to.

One further point here. The occasional nature of the epistles also means that they
are not first of all theological treatises; they are not compendia (compilation) of
Paul’s or Peter’s theology.

There is theology implied, but it is always “task theology”, theology being written
for or brought to bear at the task at hand.
  These is true even of Romans, which is fuller and more systematic
statement of Paul’s theology that one finds elsewhere.

 But it is only some of his theology, in his case it is theology born out of his
own special task as apostle to the gentiles

It is his special struggle for Gentile rights to God’s grace and how this is related to
the whole problem of the law that causes the discussion to take the special form
it does in Romans and that causes justification to be used there as the primary
metaphor for salvation.

The Historical Context

The first thing one must try to do with any of the Epistles is to form a tentative
but informed reconstruction of the situation that the author is speaking to.

 What was going on in Corinth that caused Paul to write 1 Corinthians?

 How did he come to learn of their situation?

 What kind of relationship and former contacts has he had with them?

 What attitudes do they and he reflect in this letter?

 These are the kinds of questions you want answers to. So what do you do?

First, you need to consult your Bible Dictionary or the introduction to your
commentary to find out as much as possible about Corinth and its people.

 Note that by ancient standards it was a relatively young city, only ninety-
four years old when Paul first visited it.

 Yet because of its strategic location for commerce, it was cosmopolitan,

wealthy, a patron of arts, religious (at least twenty-six temples and
shrines), and well known for its sensuality.

 Therefore, it will hardly be a letter to the community church in Purok

Guinamos, Candau-ay, Dumaguete City.

 All of this will need to be kept in mind as you read in order to note how it
will affect your understanding on nearly every page.

Second, and now especially for study purposes, you need to develop the habit of
reading the whole letter through in one sitting.

 Depending on the size of your text, you will need to block out a certain
period of time to do this, but nothing can ever substitute for this exercise.

 It is the way one reads every other letter. A Letter in the Bible should be
no different.
  There are some things you should be looking for as you read, but you are
not now trying to grasp the meaning of every word or sentence. It is the
big view that counts first. (Use a Telescope; ride a sports car).

We cannot stress enough the importance of reading and rereading. Once you
Read and reread; and keep your eyes open!

As you read the whole letter through, it would be helpful to jot down a few, very
brief, notes with references.

What things should you note as you read for the big picture? Remember, the
purpose here is first of all to reconstruct the problem. Thus we suggest four
kinds of notes:

1. What you notice about the recipients themselves; e.g., whether Jew or
Greek, wealthy or slave, their problems, attitudes, etc.

2. Paul’s attitudes;

3. Any specific things mentioned as to the specific occasion of the letter;

4. The letter’s natural, logical divisions (Outlining).

Assignment (On Historical Context)

Philemon Study:

Historical Context Study (A Reconstruction…)

 Who is the writer?

o Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s letters, written about six years

earlier than his last epistle, 2 Timothy.

o Recall that Paul wrote to Philemon from his first imprisonment,

when the apostle also wrote Ephesians, Philippines, and
Colossians.

o The letter is a masterpiece of graceful, tactful, and delicate

pleading for a forgiving spirit. This very personal correspondence
of Paul had been described as a “model letter written by a master
of letter writing.

 Recipient? Names in the letter.

o Philemon was a well to do Christian friend of Paul, living in or

near Colossae. He was probably the husband of Apphia and father
of Archippus, two persons mentioned in Philemon 2.

o The name Philemon means “loving”.

 o Onesimus was a household servant of Philemon, who, after his
conversion at Rome, probably came to know Paul intimately. His
name means “useful” or “profitable”, a common nickname for
slaves.

 What was going on in ____________________ that cause Paul to write this

letter? (Occasion?)

o Onesimus had apparently stolen money or goods from his master

Philemon (v.18) and fled to Rome like so many other runaway
slaves.

o Through circumstances unknown to us, he became acquainted

with Paul, who led him to the Lord (v.10).

 What was Paul’s attitude? Immediate concern?

o Paul’s immediate concern was for Onesimus’s restoration and

reconciliation with Philemon. Hence the apostle’s tender and
moving intercessory letter to his close friend Philemon on behalf of
Onesimus.

 What kind of relationship and former contacts has he had with them?

o See “Onesimus” under names…

 What attitudes do they and he reflect in this letter?

o Tenderness and desire for reconciliation.

 Outline the Letter of Philemon?

The Literal Context…Analyzing the content.

The next step in studying the Epistles is to learn to trace the writer’s (Paul, Peter,
etc.) argument as an answer to the problem tentatively set out. For this step,
your main source is the text itself. This is something you can do without any
dependence on scholars or commentaries.

Assignment Instructions:

Trace the argument of ___________________(name of letter), paragraph by paragraph

(or segment by segment), and in a sentence or two explain the point of each
paragraph (segment) for the argument as a whole. Or explain how it functions as a
part of Paul’s answer to the problem of _____________________.

We simply cannot stress enough he importance of your learning to “think

Paragraphs” and not just as natural units of thought, but as the absolutely
necessary key to understanding the argument in the various epistles.
You will recall that the one question you need to learn to ask over and over again
is, “What’s the point?”. Therefore, you want to be able to do two things:

1. In a compact way state the content of each paragraph (segment). What

does (Paul) say in this paragraph (segment)?

2. In another sentence or two try to explain why you think (Paul) says this
right at this point. How does this content contribute to the argument.

Epistle Outline Form: (show as an example of Epistle outlining)

Introduction

 Writer’s & Recipient’s names (v.1-2)

 Greetings and/or Prayer of thanksgiving (v.3-7)

Statement of Purpose (v.8-9a)

Body

a. Paul’s plea or Appeal for Onesimus (v.10-11)

b. Better than a slave (v.12-16)

c. Refresh my heart (v.17-21)

Closing (v.22-25)

Assignment:

1. In a compact way state the content of each paragraph (segment). What

does (Paul) say in this paragraph (segment)?

2. In another sentence or two try to explain why you think (Paul) says this
right at this point. How does this content contribute to the argument.

Worksheet: Philemon

Introduction:

Writer’s & Recipient’s names (v.1-2)

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to
Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:

 Paul introduces himself as a prisoner. He mentions the names of recipient

and describes the relationship he has with them.
  This is a common greeting and introduction in an ancient letter.

 Though the letter was personal, the reference to the church (v.2), also
indicates that the letter is to be read in the church too!

Greetings and/or Prayer of thanksgiving (v.3-7)

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear

about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that
you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding
of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and
encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

 Greetings expresses Paul’s appreciation for Philemon’s faith and his love
for all believers. Paul has personally benefited and was encouraged by
Philemon’s ministry as expressed in his thanksgiving to God.

 It lay’s the basis and confidence of Paul’s appeal as referred to in the next
segment.

Statement of Purpose (v.8-11): “The Appeal”

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you
ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul — an old
man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus — 10 I appeal to you for my son
Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless
to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

 Paul has the apostolic authority to be bold in demanding from Philemon,

yet he choose to appeal on the basis of love. Why? He doesn’t want a
forced response, but one that is willingly and from the heart.

 He describes Onesimus as one who has been “useful” in the ministry not
only for Paul but also for Philemon. How? Onesimus help to Paul was
viewed by Paul as coming from Philemon in his absence (see v. 7 & 11).
E.g. in what way was Onesimus useful to Philemon? Note: past tense of
“but now he has become useful both to you and to me”

Body: “Why Philemon Need to Respond Positively”

Better than a slave (v.12-16)

12 I am sending him — who is my very heart — back to you. 13 I would have

liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I
am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your
consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15 Perhaps
the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have
him back for good— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear
brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a
brother in the Lord.

 How does Paul describe Onesimus? (This is the first basis on Paul’s appeal
to Philemon).

o “My very heart”

o he could take your place in helping me

o you might have him back for good…

o better than a slave…even dearer to you…

 Paul’s description of Onesimus is important & critical in Philemon’s

decision to either receive or reject Onesimus.

 How would you respond if you were Philemon? Do you think he accepted
and forgave Onesimus?

Refresh Paul’s heart (v.17-21)

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If

he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am
writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back — not to mention that you owe
me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in
the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to
you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

 This covers the 2nd basis for Paul’s appeal…his personal relationship with
Philemon and his confidence that Philemon will refresh the heart of Paul
by positively responding to the appeal.

 What does the phrase: “…not to mention that you owe me your very self”
mean? Was Paul forcing the arm of Philemon and giving him no choice?

 Knowing Philemon, Paul was simply expressing his confidence that

Philemon will make the right decision.

Closing (v.22-25):

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be
restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so

do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Conclusion:

Notice as we summarize this analysis:

1. The exegesis (contrast with eisegesis) is self contained; that is, we have
not had to go outside the text once to understand the point;

2. There is nothing in the text that does not fit into the argument; and

3. All of this makes perfectly good sense of everything. This , then, is what
exegesis is all about. This was God’s word to them. You may have further
questions about specific points of content, for which you can consult other
reference books. But all of what we have done here, you can do. It may
take practice – in some cases even some hard work of thinking; but you
can do it, and the rewards are great.