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Biblical Theology - Lesson 3

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Use of the Term "Latter Days" in Paul's Letters

In this lesson, you explore the foundational role of inaugurated eschatology in New Testament theology, focusing on key eschatological phrases and integrating Old Testament concepts to enhance the understanding of biblical doctrines. You learn that eschatology is not just about the future but also encompasses present realities, providing a richer comprehension of the New Testament.

Greg Beale
Greg Beale
Biblical Theology
Lesson 3
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Use of the Term "Latter Days" in Paul's Letters

IV. Use of the Term “Latter Days” in Paul’s Letters

A. 1 Corinthians 10:11

B. Galatians 4:4-7

C. Ephesians 1:9-10, 20

D. 1 Timothy 4:1

V. Conclusion

A. The NT uses end time phraseology to connote the following:

1. The promised Messiah has come at last.

2. The promised reign of God, together with a Davidic king, has begun. The Enemy has been defeated.

3. The time of tribulation with deception, false teaching, and persecution has begun.

4. The time of Israel’s restoration has begun, evidenced by the resurrection of Jesus and the pouring out of the Spirit.

5. The end-time coming of the Spirit, the Temple, and the resurrection.

B. NT theology is essentially end-time theology.

1. The better we understand that the end times have begun and that they’re going on, the better we’re going to understand other doctrines.

C. Most of the inaugurated references to the “latter days” are in the plural, while the singular references tend to refer to the consummated form of the latter days.

The “Great Tribulation” and the Eschatological Character of Suffering: the Inaugurated End-Time Tribulation as an Ironic Aspect of the Beginning Kingdom

I. Daniel 2:28 and 10:14 Refer to the Latter Days

II. The Use of “Hour” in Daniel 8-12 and 1 John 2:18

A. See Jesus’ statements in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21

B. Daniel 8-12 as background for “last hour” in 1 John

1. The time of the enemy’s deception

2. The time of the enemy’s persecution of the saints

3. Opposition to God (covenantal disloyalty)/p>

4. Judgment of the enemy

5. Resurrection of the saints


Lessons
Resources
  • 1. Already and Not Yet Eschatology
    Explore New Testament theology, its relationship with Old Testament themes, and its distinctiveness from systematic theology and exegesis, while examining key theological concepts like the kingdom, inaugurated eschatology, and new creation, supported by essential literature and readings.
  • 2. Use of the Term "Latter Days" in the NT
    Learn how New Testament writers, especially Peter, interpret "latter days" to include first-century events, fulfilling end-time prophecies, and how the Antichrist's influence began then through false teachers.
  • 3. Use of the Term "Latter Days" in Paul's Letters
    Paul uses the term "latter days" to refer to "end-time" events. The prophet Daniel also has references to "latter days" which are referred to in the New Testament.
  • 4. The Link Between 2 Thess and 1 John
    Learn about the connection between 2 Thessalonians 2 and 1 John regarding Daniel's prophecies of an end-time opponent, the concept of lawlessness, and the importance of maintaining covenant loyalty to God against false teachings and the spirit of the Antichrist.
  • 5. Biblical Theology of Jesus in the Gospels
    Gain understanding of the Great Tribulation, the Son of Man's role in Daniel and the Gospels, and how Jesus unexpectedly fulfills this prophecy through suffering and establishing the kingdom amidst trials, making him the true Israel and highlighting the church's ongoing tribulation.
  • 6. The Significance of Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
    Explore John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3, understanding "fulfilling all righteousness," its link to water ordeals, and Jesus' role as the new Adam overcoming temptation, proving his mission to restore Israel and bring light to the nations.
  • 7. Jesus as the Son of God
    This lesson provides an in-depth understanding of the inaugurated Kingdom and Jesus’ teachings, focusing on his role in biblical creation events, the restoration of Israel through his miracles, and the presence of the kingdom of God during his ministry.
  • 8. The Significance of Jesus' Healings
    Explore the church's faithful witness, trials of discipleship, Jesus' fulfillment of prophecies, His miracles as parables, redefinition of family, restoration of creation, and His role in redemptive history.
  • 9. The Parables and the Eschatological Kingdom

    The parables indicate how the eschatological kingdom is beginning in the ministry of Jesus. 

  • 10. The Inaugurated Kingdom
    Learn that Jesus is the true seed of Abraham and the ultimate remnant of Israel, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, and how attributing his works to Satan constitutes the unforgivable sin.
  • 11. A Redemptive-Historical Perspective on the Temple
    Learn how idolatry is a central issue in Israel's history, how Jesus used parables to reveal and conceal spiritual truths, and how Israel's adherence to tradition over God's word is a form of idolatry, making them spiritually blind and deaf like the idols they revered.
  • 12. Paul Experienced the New Creational Kingdom
    Learn about the temple's redemptive historical perspective, linking the Old Testament temple to Jesus, examining John's vision in Revelation 21, and understanding Jesus as the ultimate temple, with Christ and His followers embodying the temple in the new creation.
  • 13. The Damascus Road Christophany
    Learn about the "in-breaking new creation" as the central theme of biblical theology, exploring various proposed centers for the Old and New Testaments, and how Paul's Damascus Road experience shapes his theological framework around resurrection and new creation.
  • 14. The Eschatological Character of Paul's Anthropology
    Understand the resurrection's pivotal role in Paul's theology, its portrayal as a new creation, and the significant influence of the Damascus Road experience on Paul's self-conception and mission, supported by Old Testament references and motifs of light and new creation.
  • 15. The Image of God
    This lesson explains how the theology of the image of God is represented in Christ as described in Hebrews, how Christ fulfills what Adam could not, and how believers can reflect this image through faith, suffering, and perseverance.
  • 16. Reconciliation
    This lesson reveals how Paul's transformation on the Damascus Road symbolizes reconciliation and new creation, examining key biblical texts to show that reconciliation with God leads to a life of peace and unity among believers, reflecting their new creation status.
  • 17. Sanctification
    Learn about reconciliation and the law, differing evangelical views on its applicability, Paul's justification in eschatology, the concept of sanctification, the indicative and imperative in Christian life, and the practical implications of God's sovereignty in sanctification.
  • 18. Justification (Part 1/2)
    Learn about Christ's role in initiating a new creation, which transforms understanding of the law, explains Paul's views, and emphasizes unity and moral obedience, excluding ethnic distinctions.
  • 19. Justification (Part 2/2)
    Learn about justification, focusing on God's wrath, Christ's propitiation, the dual aspects of justification, biblical support, and the progressive nature of sanctification.
  • 20. The Community of the New Creation
    Discover how Daniel 7:27 connects God's kingdom to the Son of Man, interpreted as both Israel and an individual king, linking Abraham's seed to Jesus and believers, emphasizing the church as true Israel fulfilling Israel's mission.
  • 21. The Eschatological Role of the Spirit
    Notice that in Ephesians 3, Paul reveals that Gentiles are now fellow heirs and members of Christ’s body through faith, a mystery previously unknown but now made clear, emphasizing the inclusivity and transformative power of the gospel.
  • 22. The Eschatological Dimension of Marriage
    Gain insight into how Galatians emphasizes living by the Spirit, contrasting it with fleshly desires, and how the fruits of the Spirit fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the new creation, supported by passages from Isaiah and explained further in the context of Second Corinthians and Ephesians.

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