Question 1

Discuss the development of clergy, creed, and canon in the proto-orthodox church. Why were these instituted, and how did they help proto-orthodoxy become more successful?

Accepted Answer

The Pastorals exhibit three elements that helped proto-orthodoxy gain supremacy. First, they show the development of clergy (they are addressed to individuals rather than to a church or community). Second, they show the development of a set of doctrines that outline orthodox belief (the &#34;teachings&#34;). Finally, they show the movement toward a canon. Even though Christians did not claim a particular group of books as authoritative until the end of the second century, the words of Jesus and the apostles were deemed authoritative much earlier (1 Timothy 5:18 places Jesus' words on a par with Jewish Scripture). These three elements helped the proto-orthodox put boundaries around belief and established authorities for interpretation.

Question 2

Most scholars believe the same person wrote 2 Thessalonians and Colossians.

Accepted Answer

Most scholars believe that Paul the Apostle wrote 2 Thessalonians, but there is significant scholarly debate about the authorship of Colossians, with many scholars suggesting it may have been written by a follower of Paul rather than Paul himself.

Question 3

The Pastoral epistles and the Acts of Paul and Thecla take similar positions on the role of women.

Accepted Answer

The Pastoral Epistles generally advocate for more traditional roles for women, emphasizing quietness and submissiveness, while the Acts of Paul and Thecla present a more progressive view, with Thecla taking on active roles in teaching and baptism, challenging traditional gender roles of the time.

Question 4

Most scholars believe the same person wrote all three Pastoral epistles.

Accepted Answer

While there is some scholarly debate about the authorship of the Pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus), the majority of scholars believe that the same person wrote all three letters. The style and content of the letters are similar and they were written to address similar issues in the early Christian church.

Question 5

The structure of the church looks different in the Pastoral epistles and Ignatius than it does in the authentic Pauline letters.

Accepted Answer

The Pastoral epistles and Ignatius present a more hierarchical and organized structure of the church, with bishops, deacons, and presbyters playing specific roles, while the authentic Pauline letters emphasize a more egalitarian and charismatic approach.

Question 6

The language and structure of 2 Thessalonians is very similar to that of 1 Thessalonians.

Accepted Answer

2 Thessalonians follows a similar structure and uses many of the same phrases and language as 1 Thessalonians, indicating that it was likely written by the same author, the apostle Paul.

Question 7

Which of the following is pseudonymous?&#10;A) First Corinthians&#10;B) Second Corinthians&#10;C) Third Corinthians&#10;D) First Thessalonians

Accepted Answer

Third Corinthians is considered pseudonymous because it is not included in the Bible and is believed to be a forged letter attributed to the apostle Paul. First and Second Corinthians, as well as First Thessalonians, are accepted as authentic letters written by Paul.

Question 8

The term &#34;parousia&#34; refers to:&#10;A) Christ's return from heaven&#10;B) A forged document&#10;C) The Pastoral epistles&#10;D) The Deutero-Pauline epistles

Accepted Answer

Parousia is a Greek word used in the New Testament to refer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It is also sometimes translated as "arrival" or "presence." Therefore, option A is the correct choice.

Question 9

The definition of &#34;works&#34; found in Ephesians is most similar to that found in:&#10;A) Romans&#10;B) First Corinthians&#10;C) James&#10;D) The Gospel of Thomas

Accepted Answer

The definition of "works" in Ephesians is most similar to that found in James, as both books emphasize the importance of works as evidence of faith. Ephesians discusses the role of works in the life of a believer, particularly in relation to salvation and grace, while James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, highlighting the necessity of demonstrating one's faith through actions.

Question 10

Proto-orthodox Christians edged out their competition by all of the following means except:&#10;A) Establishing clergy&#10;B) Establishing a canon&#10;C) Establishing a creedal set of beliefs&#10;D) Establishing codes of conduct that were morally superior to other Christian groups

Accepted Answer

While the proto-orthodox Christians did establish clergy, a canon, and a creedal set of beliefs to distinguish themselves from other Christian groups, they did not necessarily have morally superior codes of conduct. In fact, some of these other Christian groups may have had their own codes of conduct that they believed to be superior. The proto-orthodox Christians were able to edge out their competition primarily through the establishment of standardized beliefs and practices, which allowed for greater unity and cohesion among their followers.

Question 11

Many Pauline churches probably developed a hierarchy of leadership:&#10;A) In response to internal disarray and disorder&#10;B) Because Jesus ordained the clergy.&#10;C) In response to heretical groups that had leaders.&#10;D) Because Paul established a hierarchy when he founded each church.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many Pauline churches probably developed a hierarchy...

Question 12

Apostolic succession means that:&#10;A) The apostles were in charge.&#10;B) Churches could allegedly trace their clergy back to an apostle.&#10;C) The apostles were successful at bringing converts into the Church.&#10;D) The apostles came after Jesus.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Apostolic succession means that:&#10;A) The apostles were...

Question 13

A formulaic statement of beliefs is called:&#10;A) A creed&#10;B) A history&#10;C) Apostolic succession&#10;D) Charismatic

Accepted Answer

The answer of A formulaic statement of beliefs is called:&#10;A)...

Question 14

First Timothy makes Jesus' words authoritative by:&#10;A) Setting them next to Paul's teachings&#10;B) Setting them next to Jewish Scripture&#10;C) Setting them next to Gospel teachings&#10;D) Referring to them as divinely inspired

Accepted Answer

The answer of First Timothy makes Jesus' words authoritative by:&#10;A)...

Question 15

Ignatius of Antioch taught that&#10;A) Christians should follow Jesus as Jesus follows the Father&#10;B) Christians should follow the Spirit as the Jesus follows the Father&#10;C) Christians should follow their bishop as Jesus follows the Father&#10;D) Christians should study the scriptures as though penned by Jesus' own hand

Accepted Answer

The answer of Ignatius of Antioch taught that&#10;A) Christians should...

Question 16

Which Roman figure wrote a book explaining how to identify forgeries written in his name?&#10;A) Seneca&#10;B) Galen&#10;C) Paul&#10;D) Pythagoras

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which Roman figure wrote a book explaining...

Deck 23: In the Wake of the Apostle: the Deutero-Pauline and Pastoral Epistles