Question 1

Witherington argues that Paul most likely wrote the Captivity Epistles in Ephesus.

Accepted Answer

Witherington, among other scholars, typically argues that Paul wrote the Captivity Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) during his imprisonment in Rome, not Ephesus.

Question 2

Most scholars think that Colossians is earlier and that Ephesians draws upon it and Witherington agrees.

Accepted Answer

Most scholars, including Ben Witherington III, believe that the Epistle to the Colossians predates the Epistle to the Ephesians and that the latter draws upon themes and content from the former.

Question 3

Colossians and Ephesians are Paul's only letters that employ Asiatic rhetoric.

Accepted Answer

Colossians and Ephesians are both considered to be part of Paul's "prison epistles," and they both employ Asiatic rhetoric, which is characterized by its use of long, complex sentences, rhetorical questions, and vivid imagery.

Question 4

Ephesians is a sermon while Colossians is a situation-specific discourse written according to the conventions of deliberative rhetoric

Accepted Answer

Ephesians is a letter written to multiple churches in the region of Ephesus, while Colossians is a letter written to a specific church in the city of Colossae. Ephesians is more of a general letter that discusses theological issues, while Colossians is more of a specific letter that addresses specific issues that the church in Colossae was facing.

Question 5

How does Witherington interpret Paul's status of "in chains"?

Accepted Answer

Witherington interprets Paul's status of "in chains" as being under house arrest at his own expense, indicating a form of detention where Paul was not in a traditional jail but was restricted in his movements, having to pay for his own upkeep during this period.

Question 6

Which of the following are characteristics of Asiatic rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

Asiatic rhetoric is known for its long, ornate sentences and fanciful style, making all of the provided options characteristics of this rhetorical tradition.

Question 7

Which epistle does Witherington argue is first-order moral discourse?

Accepted Answer

Colossians is considered first-order moral discourse because it focuses on the ethical implications of the gospel and provides specific instructions for Christian living.

Question 8

Which epistle does Witherington argue is second-order moral discourse?

Accepted Answer

Witherington argues that Ephesians is second-order moral discourse because it builds upon and further develops the ethical teachings found in earlier Christian texts, rather than introducing entirely new moral principles.

Question 9

Which epistle does Witherington argue is third-order moral discourse?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which epistle does Witherington argue is third-order...

Question 10

In Ephesians 5:21-24 Paul argues for . . .

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 5:21-24 includes a call for mutual submission among Christians, starting with the verse "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ," before discussing the specific relationship between wives and husbands. This passage emphasizes a reciprocal relationship of respect and submission within the Christian community, not just a one-sided submission.

Question 11

The thesis statement of Colossians is about . . .

Accepted Answer

The thesis statement of Colossians focuses on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, which is central to understanding the true Gospel. This letter emphasizes that believers are complete in Christ and warns against false teachings that detract from the Gospel's truth.

Question 12

How were Paul's household codes different than typical ancient Greco-Roman household codes?

Accepted Answer

Paul's household codes, as found in his letters in the New Testament, were distinct from typical ancient Greco-Roman household codes in several ways. They included restrictions on the head of the household, emphasized mutual submission between male and female, and advocated for the humane treatment of slaves, recognizing their personhood rather than merely viewing them as property. These aspects collectively highlight the transformative ethic Paul introduced into the domestic sphere, which contrasted with the prevailing cultural norms of his time.

Question 13

Ephesians is a . . .

Accepted Answer

Ephesians is often considered a sermon or a general letter that summarizes key elements of Paul's theological and ethical teachings, rather than addressing a specific situation or community issue.

Question 14

Which epistle is known to be Paul's most winsome and joyous epistle?

Accepted Answer

Philippians is known as Paul's most winsome and joyous epistle, often referred to as the "Epistle of Joy," because it emphasizes joy and rejoicing despite Paul's circumstances.

Question 15

What is the name of the slave that Paul wishes Philemon to manumit?

Accepted Answer

Onesimus is the slave whom Paul discusses in his letter to Philemon, urging Philemon to manumit (free) him and accept him as a brother in Christ.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The authorship of Philemon is not heavily debated; in fact, it is widely accepted among scholars as genuinely written by Paul.

Question 17

Which document is likely Paul's last letter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which document is likely Paul's last letter?
...

Question 18

Which letter involves Paul's heavy handed use of pathos or what Witherington calls "emotional arm twisting"?

Accepted Answer

In the letter to Philemon, Paul uses a strong appeal to emotion (pathos) to persuade Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This approach is often described as "emotional arm twisting" because Paul leverages his personal relationship with Philemon and his emotional appeal to achieve his aim.

Question 19

What key issues does Paul address in Philippians?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What key issues does Paul address in...

Question 20

Tradition about Onesimus states that he . . . was martyred.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Tradition about Onesimus states that he ....

Quiz 12: Paul the Letter Writer Part Three: The Captivity Epistles