Soli Deo Gloria January/February 2016 Department of Bible and Theology Newsletter Term Paper Edition NT Canon New or Renewed? Espresso Yourself Church Clothes 3 NT Gateway Calendar Puzzle

additions to the books in his in the Hebrew Scriptures. them with power. Within Every semester the Bible & proposed canon, which In other words, “the the NT, the apostles Theology faculty reads included the Gospel of theological matrix of first- repeatedly confirm that some amazing term papers Luke and ten of Paul’s century Christianity created divine authority is innate to in our courses. The epistles. The fact that a favorable environment for their role (Acts 10:41-42; 1 following articles by Claire editing was necessary the growth of a new written John 1:1-4; 2 Peter 3:2; Gal Bonin and Christian indicates the previous revelational deposit.” 1:1; 1 Cor 14:37-38; 1 Sanchez are two such existence of a standard and Thess 2:13, 4:8, 5:27). papers. They have been norm concerning those One aspect of that edited from their original texts that make up the NT. “theological matrix” was Here lies the key aspect of fifteen pages down to one If this were not the case, the recognition of the OT as the inherent authority of the page each. For brevity, their then the energy and a written narrative that was NT writings: it is divinely extensive footnotes have vehemence with which the incomplete. The basic conferred on the authors, also been deleted. Contact church leaders of the time tenets of the Christian faith the apostles, and flows the original authors to read rejected Marcion’s work declare the story of the directly from Jesus Christ, their papers in full. would make no sense. Jewish faith to be God the Son. Thus, any completed and fulfilled in letter, history, or Gospel In view of the response he Jesus Christ. How natural, that bore the apostolic seal received, it is only logical then, for the first believers “bore the highest possible Claire Bonin to suppose that in his (who were part of the authority that any document There is significant “creation” of a new canon, Jewish people) to assume could bear.” Given this fact, evidence to suggest that the Marcion was tampering that the continuation and there is significant support NT as it exists today was with writings that were ending of the old, sacred for the assertion that not the result of arbitrary already regarded as story would likewise be put recognition of the NT decisions on the part of a authoritative and thus part in written form. The canon was not a by-product select few solely as a of an accepted (though assertions of the earliest of heresy but the result of reaction to heresy. On the perhaps not yet formalized) believers that Jesus was the the regard in which the contrary, the probability of standard. long-awaited Messiah and apostolic writings would the natural and early the fulfillment of the have been held. recognition of the concept Clearly, even within Hebrew Law and Prophets of a NT canon is indicated Marcion’s era there are clearly called for new, Apostolic by the theological and indications that the concept authoritative accounts to be Acknowledgement historical roots of of the new canon should written and preserved. The authority of the Christianity, the nature of not be laid only at the apostles and, through them, the NT writings, and the heretic’s door. What The NT Writings: Self- of the NT writings, is also testimony of the Apostolic evidence for an early Proclaimed Authority upheld in the works of the Fathers. Before examining canonical concept exists In addition to Christianity’s Apostolic Fathers. Clement these three areas, it would before Marcion? First, there roots in Judaism, the NT of Rome references the be helpful to first clarify the is the substantiation that writings themselves argue divine origin of the evidence surrounding comes from Christianity’s for a ready acceptance of apostles’ authority when he Marcion himself. innate characteristics. their uniquely sacred reminds his readers that the quality. Within the Gospels, message declared by the Marcion the Mastermind? Christianity: A Religion Jesus himself establishes original disciples was the In A.D. 144, Marcion was with a Past the authority of the message first declared by excommunicated by the The faith of the original apostles, (the authors or at Jesus; he then further church in Rome for his disciples and all orthodox least sources of all the emphasizes this principle of heretical teachings. In order believers who followed canonical book), when he continuing commission: to uphold his own gnostic them was grounded in the chooses them, designates “Christ...was sent forth by beliefs, Marcion removed beliefs and history recorded them apostles, and imbues God, and the apostles by portions and made Jan/Feb 2016 Soli Deo Gloria Page 2

Christ.” Polycarp and substantiation of a known In the end, von Harnack’s doing this, Jeremiah Ignatius echo such Pauline collection. Papias “creative act” was God’s contrasts the old Mosaic prestigious assessments in recognized at least the alone. As with everything covenant to a new covenant their own writings. Gospels of Matthew and else He has done, this that is to come, Although several of these Mark and was likely aware creative act of God calls for characterized by a law that early Christian writers were of a collection of Gospels worship and thanks. will be be written “on their of that last generation who as early as A.D. 110. Other hearts” so they will all had personal contact with NT works he acknowledged know God, “from the least Paul and the original include 1 John, 1 Peter, of them to the greatest.” disciples, not one of them Rev, and several Pauline חָדָׁש ,claims for himself the same epistles.,which were clearly Christian Sanchez In 31:31 the term new level of authority. A clear regarded by Polycarp as “The time is coming,” (ḥā·ḏāš), can be translated a distinction exists between Scripture. declares the LORD, “when few different ways, the age of the apostles and I will make a new covenant including both new and all the leaders and written Conclusion with the house of Israel and renewed. E. P. Sanders works that came after. One There is a difference with the house of Judah.” points out the difficulties can only imagine, then, between publication of a (Jer 31:31) with interpreting this word their surprise if they were canon and the “fundamental as “new” when he asks, confronted with the popular idea of canonicity.” Historical Context “has God denied or modern theory that Marcion may have The prophet Jeremiah replaced the mosaic individuals like themselves achieved the former, but speaks of events during one covenant?” Werner Lemke possessed the authority to Christianity’s background of the most tragic eras of describes the translation independently determine in Judaism, the claims of Israel’s history, the options thusly, “We might the canon of the NT. the NT books, and the Babylonian exile. This exile call this new in the sense of witness of the Apostolic involved the “destruction of ‘brand new’ or ‘novel.’ On Apostolic Acceptance Fathers all point to the the Temple, the dwelling the other hand, ‘new’ may The significant catalogue of latter. The most that can be place of the Lord of Israel, also be used to refer to NT books cited by the said for Marcion is that he and the exile of God’s something which was Apostolic Fathers indicates aided the Church’s clarity people.” Jeremiah’s known previously but a certain level of canonical of expression concerning prophetic career lasted from which has received practice related to the NT what it already 627 - 586 BC, which ‘renewed’ vitality or texts, even if the word acknowledged in regards to included the end of validity, as for instance in “canon” was not used. the NT texts. Assyrian reign and the Lamentations 3:22-23, Clement (A.D. 95) appears beginning of Babylonian where the poet asserts that to be aware of a tradition The topic of the NT canon rule. Yahweh's gracious mercy concerning the Synoptic is indisputably complex, and compassion are ‘new’ Gospels, a collection of and it is not the purpose The main audience of (hâdàshim) every Pauline Epistles, and the here to suggest otherwise. Jeremiah 29 is the exilic morning.” book of Hebrews. Irenaeus’ Nevertheless, this community in Babylon. letters (c. A.D. 110) suggest understanding of the natural Jeremiah sends the exiles a Though translators have he was in possession of a progression of the canon’s letter of encouragement and argued for both new and collection of Paul’s letters recognition highlights later transitions to rebuking renewed, it seems that the that included 1 Cor, Eph, 1 God’s sovereign plan. Only a false prophet, Shemaiah. majority of modern & 2 Tim, Rom, Phil & Gal. He, with His absolute Jeremiah 31:31-34 is an scholarship has leaned on The Gospels of Matthew, knowledge and wisdom, oracle of salvation, and the side of renewed. Mark, and Luke also appear could have so skillfully more specifically, a to have been within paved the way through promise of deliverance. Walter Kaiser Jr. argues for Ignatius’ experience. history, the filters of human Jeremiah 31:31-34 is the a mediated position, “The authors, and the confusion climax of both 31:23-34 Hebrew word, however, It is generally accepted that of heresies for the new and of the whole oracle of must serve both ideas: new Polycarp, (c. A.D. 110- revelation of His Word to hope in Jeremiah 30-31. in time and renewed in 135), was aware of Rom, 1 be written and preserved. nature. Thus for Jeremiah Cor, 1 & 2 Tim, Phil, Eph, New or Renewed? 31, the context, content and and Gal, further Jeremiah 31:31 employs a New Testament vocabulary theme of new covenant. In Jan/Feb 2016 Soli Deo Gloria Page 3 distinction decides in favor fulfillment in Jesus. As J.A. addicted to one solution: black coffee and the flavors of a ‘renewed covenant’.” Thompson summarizes, coffee. Coffee tends to be a and caffeine content are The repetitive theme of “The sectarians of Qumran staple in the diet of most much more concentrated. Jeremiah 31:31-34 is this understood themselves to students, but how much do This means the serving size idea of a new and renewed be the men of the New they actually know about is also generally covenant. Covenant. But the New it? There are so many terms significantly smaller than Covenant for them was people throw around and it traditional coffee, normally There is something else in nothing more than the can get pretty confusing. referred to as a shot. this oracle that is easy for mosaic covenant with Below I have taken some of Feeling slightly the modern eye to miss. strong legalistic tendencies. the most common drinks adventurous? Try a shot of “This remarkable verse, The other group was the and broken them down in a espresso and then drink often (mis)appropriated by Christians, who saw the quick guide for the new (or sparkling water right after Christian commentators to fulfillment of Jeremiah’s even not so new) to coffee for a delightful, yet intense, provide support for New words in the emergence of so you can understand experience! Testament ideas of the Christian church, which what’s really going into “knowing God,” is all the was comprised of those your cup. Americano: This is another more remarkable when who confessed Jesus as strong drink and is considered in its proper Lord (Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. Drip Coffee: Drip coffee is considered an acquired context—a prophetic 11:15; Heb. 8:8-9:28).” coffee in its most basic taste. Like most specialty imagining of a post exilic form. It is brewed by drinks, this also builds off community where Others have spoken of the placing roasted, ground the regular espresso. It is knowledge of God (through prophecy in Jer 31 being coffee in a paper filter and made by adding a shot of the ‘internalized’ Torah) is fulfilled in the process of pouring hot water over it. espresso to extremely hot shared by all without any regeneration and rebirth of As the water passes water. This tends to be intermediary teaching salvation. However one through, it absorbs all the similar to drip coffee in authority.” This was a characterizes it, for oils and flavors and drips strength of caffeine but has significant shift in ancient believers today this into a cup or pot. a stronger flavor. Judaism. No longer would prophecy foreshadowed the they have to experience freedom we have now. Seems simple, right? Well, Latte: Lattes are noted for God through select Because of Christ, any coffee can vary in many being one of the easiest and individuals of religious Christian can have access to ways such as the bean’s most popular drinks to authority, (i.e. Moses, the father and is not held to country of origin, the create. It’s a shot of priests, prophets), but they the Mosaic Law for a roasting method, the espresso with steamed milk, would experience Him means of salvation. It is roasting type (light, usually at a 2:1 ratio of individually. The concept through Christ that medium, dark), brewing milk to espresso with just a would have been believers can experience method, body, mouthfeel, little foam to top it off. unprecedented, raising the God and salvation. brightness, etc. As When prepared hot, a question, “what will that interesting as some may trained barista can create look like?” The answer find all this, for the sake of beautiful artwork in the would come in the 1st brevity all these things will foam of the steamed milk. century. not be discussed here. A latte is the platform for almost every flavored drink Jer 31:31 in the NT Robin Taylor Espresso: This little drink and is most commonly The NT affirms fulfillment packs quite a punch and is served iced, which makes it @WreckitRobin of Jeremiah’s prophecy in the foundation of almost the most popular espresso- multiple passages. There “A coffee a day keeps the every other specialty drink based drink. are echoes of Jeremiah doctor away” discussed below. Espresso 31:31-34 throughout College is a time of is brewed by forcing a Cappuccino: This drink is Romans. 2 Corinthians 3 studying, fun, and sleep small stream of extremely extremely similar to the more overtly echoes deprivation. With as much hot water through finely latte, but still has its own Jeremiah’s New Covenant as most of us have going ground beans. The uniqueness. It is made with motif. Hebrews 8 quotes on, it’s hard to find times consistency of plain one- third milk, one-third the Jeremiah passage where we can get a full 8 espresso is generally espresso, and one-third directly and connects it to hours of sleep. This means thicker than traditional foam. The extra foam is the most students become Jan/Feb 2016 Soli Deo Gloria Page 4 biggest difference from the Nevertheless, Lecrae’s pursuit of God despite other with SWCRS, ASOR, latte and acts as an insulator album went to #1 on the people’s opinions. The ASSR, and AAR-SW. For to help keep the actual Billboard Rap/Hip-Hop album is deep, and will more information go to drink warmer, longer. Album chart, #1 on the leave the listener swcrs-online.org. Billboard Top Christian challenged, informed, and The Evangelical Albums chart, #1 on the encouraged in the faith. Theological Society (ETS) iTunes hip-hop music chart, regional meeting will be at #3 on the Digital Albums Dallas Theological Tiree Dean chart, and #12 on the Seminary, April 1-2. The “For I am not ashamed of mainstream Billboard 200. theme is “Exegesis and the gospel, for it is the Church Clothes 3 is a 10 Dr. Terance Espinoza Hermeneutics.” Douglas power of God for salvation song LP with a modern hip- NTGateway.com is one of Moo and W. Edward to everyone who believes, hop sound, hints of bay area the premier websites for the Glenny are the plenary to the Jew first and also to music, and classic boom academic study of the New speakers. For more the Greek” (Rom 1:16). If bap rhythms. Testament. It began in information, go to anyone is a Christian and a 1997 as a “useful links” etsjets.org and look for the hip-hop lover then they are The Church Clothes series section on Dr. Mark “Southeast Region” under very familiar with this is a musical anomaly with Goodacre’s homepage. The the “regions” button. verse. It is the mantra of the its theme of Christianity next year he spun this 116 Clique Movement, a and American taboos. At rapidly-growing section off into its own website and movement well known by first listen, one might What is the book, chapter, called it NT Gateway.. those of urban backgrounds assume that the Texas and verse reference for each Logos sponsored the site in or who have an affinity rapper is criticizing his faith of the following biblical 2009 and brought in more towards hip hop culture. for its inconsistencies. On passages? Where can you resources and design ideas. closer examination it see the opening lines of One may not agree with The pioneer of this becomes clear that Lecrae’s both on display in the every link that is connected Christian hip-hop intentions are to raise Schaeffer Center? Post your to the site, but if you are movement is none other awareness of important answer to both questions on looking for a reputable, than Lecrae Moore, a Texas issues that society and the Twitter or Facebook, tag us academic website for any native born in Houston and Church tend to ignore. The @SAGUBibTheo, and the sort of NT study, currently living in Dallas. album series is fearless first correct answer on each NTGateway.com is one of Initially Lecrae was not a about speaking out on platform will win a $5 the first places you should Christian, but after issues that are traditionally Starbucks or Chick-Fil-A go. conversion he began to unpopular within the gift card. An individual flesh out his faith as raps mainstream music may only win on one over rhythmic beats. He community. Despite his platform per month. started his career as a unorthodox methods, The Society for rapper on the Christian- Lecrae’s voice has proven Pentecostal Studies (SPS) ְבּ ֵרא ִׁ֖שית ָבָָּ֣רא ֱאֹל ִ֑הים owned record label, Cross to be effective and popular will hold its annual meeting ֵֵ֥את ַה ָשּׁ ִַ֖מי ם ְו ֵֵ֥את ָה ֽאָ ֶרץ׃ Movement. After his debut in both mainstream and at Life Pacific College in album Lecrae broke off Christian hip-hop. San Dimas, CA, March 10- from the Cross Movement 12. The theme is “Worship, and started his own label, Lecrae’s latest album the Arts, and the Spirit.” Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ Reach Records. Alongside completes the Church For more information, go to λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος his business partner Ben Clothes trilogy, reinforcing sps-usa.org. Washer, Lecrae rapped, its sonic style and lyrical ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, signed other artists, and focus. It features hip-hop The Society of Biblical καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ went on national tour. legend E-40 and a host of Literature (SBL) regional other Christian hip-hop meeting will be at the λόγος. Lecrae’s most recent artists such as Propaganda, Marriott Hotel, DFW project, Church Clothes 3, Jackie Hill-Perry, JGivens Airport North, Irving, TX, was released on January 15, and John Gives. The album March 11-13. The theme is sagu.edu/BibTheo 2016. This album surprised continues to address racism, “Engaging Diversity.” SBL @SAGUBibTheo the 116 Clique fan base. governmental injustice, and will co-host the meeting @SAGUBibTheo