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Chapter 18Continuing the Pauline Tradition:

2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, The Pastoral Epistles, 1 Clement,

and the Epistle of Barnabas

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Key Topics/Themes

Letters written in Paul’s name after his death

2 Thessalonians: reinterpretation of Pauline eschatology

Colossians: Jesus Christ as cosmic power living within the believer

Ephesians: Jew and Gentile united in one church

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Key Topics (continued)

Pastorals: warnings against heresy; importance of adhering to established church tradition

1 Clement and Barnabas: methods of church organization; interpreting the Hebrew Bible

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Six Disputed Pauline Letters

2 Thessalonians Colossians Ephesians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus

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The Problem of Pseudonymity The disputed Pauline letters not “forgeries” Common for disciples to compose works

perpetuating their masters’ thoughts Practice known as pseudonymity Common in Hellenistic Judaism and in early

Christianity

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Second Letter to the Thessalonians A different eschatology from 1

Thessalonians Eschatology at the core of disputes about

authenticity of 2 Thessalonians Persecutors of Thessalonian Christians will

soon taste God’s wrath Punishment of the wicked may not be

imminent

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Placing the Second Coming in Perspective The apocalyptic signs that will precede the

Parousia of Christ The final rebellion against God’s rule Appearance of the “wicked man” Withdrawal of the “Restrainer”

Traditional (non-Pauline?) signs of the end

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Letter to the Colossians

A small town Church founded by Paul’s associate Epaphras Purpose and organization

Christ is superior to all other cosmic powers Receiving Christ’s indwelling Spirit initiates Christians

into Christ’s mystery cult

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Christ, Source of Cosmic Unity

Jesus as the mediator of creation Mystical initiation into Christ Obligations of initiation: living a pure and

upright life

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Letter to the Ephesians

The case of Ephesians as pseudonymous Date and organization God’s plan of salvation through the united

body of Christ (1:3-3:21) Instructions for living in the world (4:1-6:20)

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The Pastorals: Letters to Timothy and Titus

Most scholars: these letters post-Pauline Author called the “Pastor” because he gives

pastoral advice to ostensible recipients, Timothy and Titus

Stresses teaching as the norm for Christian ministry

Stresses firm opposition to false teaching

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1 Timothy

Attacking false teachings (heresies) Qualifications for church offices Rankings within the church membership

reflect social order of secular Hellenistic culture

Role of women

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2 Timothy

The Pastoral Epistle most closely resembling Paul’s undisputed letters

2 Timothy 4:6-22 has best claim for Pauline authorship

Majority of scholars still see all of book as pseudonymous

Appearance of false teachings as sign of the last days

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2 Timothy (continued)

The Hebrew Bible as the standard for religious orthodoxy

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Letter to Titus

Historical Titus: Greek missionary associate of Paul

Organization of book Qualifications for Christian ministry (1:4-2:15) Christian behavior in an ungodly world (3:1-

11)

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The Pastor’s Contribution

Attempts to promote continuity of authority in the church

De-emphasis on charismatic, Spirit-led religion found in Paul’s letters

Emphasis instead on correct doctrine and ecclesiastical authority

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1 Clement

Does not claim to be by Paul Explicitly appeals to authority of Paul’s

memory Written to church at Corinth

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Teachings of 1 Clement

Warns Corinthians against removing church presbyters (“elders”)

Principle of apostolic succession means these church leaders inherited their authority from Christ and then from his apostles

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The Epistle of Barnabas

Widely read and considered canonical by some early Christians

Written in name of Barnabas, Paul’s early missionary companion

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Teachings of Barnabas

Hebrew scriptures to be understood symbolically as pointing to Christ

Jewish dietary laws not to be taken literally Contrasts the “Two Ways” of living life

Way of Light Way of Darkness

Recalls similar language in the Didache

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Summary

Post-Pauline Christians contended for Pauline legacy

2 Thessalonians and Colossians closer to genuine Pauline thought than Ephesians and the Pastorals

Epistle of Barnabas develops allegorical mode of scriptural interpretation in Galatians