Bible Seminar

Bridge Course

September 2010

James

Galatians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

James G. McCarthy

Lesson 1

Bible Seminar Bridge Course

Introduction

The Bible Seminar curriculum is currently under development. When completed, there will be twelve courses in the series. Each course will have fourteen classes. Students will be able to study the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, one book at a time, in approximately chronological order. Materials for each book will include an introduction, an outline, a key verse to memorize, a series of study questions, and instruction in Bible study techniques. In the Old Testament, students will read approximately eleven chapters each week and answer ten to twelve questions. Psalms will be studied in five sections, corresponding to its five books. In the New Testament, students will read four chapters each week and answer sixteen to twenty questions. Homework assignments will require a minimum of three hours.

Recent changes in the structure of the material require that we offer a course to bridge students from old curriculum to new curriculum. In this bridge course, students will study six books of the New Testament.

James—Probably the first book of the New Testament to have been written, the purpose of this book was to exhort Jewish Christians living outside Israel to demonstrate their faith through good works and righteous living.
Galatians—Paul’s sternest letter, he wrote this book to rebuke the Christians in Galatia for embracing a false gospel of justification by faith plus works.
1 Thessalonians—Paul wrote this letter to the fledgling church in Thessalonica to exhort them to live godly lives and to explain events associated with the Lord’s return for His church and the judgments on earth to follow.
2 Thessalonians—Paul wrote this letter to correct confusion about the timing of the Day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians—In this letter, Paul rebukes the Corinthians for bad behavior in four areas and answers six questions with which they had been struggling.
2 Corinthians—In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul defends himself against a growing number of critics.

Students who successfully complete this bridge course and who have completed the two courses offered at Grace Bible Chapel in the fall of 2009 and spring of 2010 will be given credit for Bible Seminar courses VIII, IX, and X.

Bible Seminar

Course Overview

Course
Number / Bible Seminar Course Curriculum
I / Genesis 1-11; Job; Genesis 12-50; Exodus
II / Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy; Joshua
III / Judges; Ruth; 1 Samuel; 2 Samuel; Psalms I
IV / 1 Chronicles; Psalms II; 1 Kings 1-11; Ecclesiastes; 2 Chronicles 1-9; Proverbs; Psalms III
V / Psalms IV; Song of Solomon; 1 Kings 12-22; Joel; 2 Kings; Jonah; 2 Chronicles 10-36; Psalms V
VI / Amos; Micah; Hosea; Isaiah; Nahum; Zephaniah; Habakkuk; Jeremiah 1-33
VII / Jeremiah 34-52; Lamentations; Obadiah; Ezekiel; Daniel; Ezra; Haggai; Zechariah; Esther; Nehemiah; Malachi
VIII / Gospel of Luke; Acts 1:1-14:28; James; Galatians; Acts 15:1-35
IX / Acts 15:36-18:22; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians; Acts18:23-20:3; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Romans
X / Matthew; Acts 20:3-28:31; Ephesians; Colossians;Philippians; Philemon
XI / Mark; First Timothy; First Peter; Titus; Second Timothy; Second Peter; Hebrews; Jude
XII / John; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Revelation

Course Requirements

When completed, each Bible Seminar course will be fourteen weeks long. This bridge course, however, will meet for only thirteen weeks. A table listing the classes and dates is below. In preparation for each lesson, students should read the assigned chapters and answer the assigned questions. A Microsoft Word file of the course is available for students who would prefer to complete homework assignments on a computer. There is no written homework for Lesson 1.

Bible Seminar Bridge Course

Schedule

Lesson / Date / Topic
1 / September 8 / Introduction—No Homework Due
2 / September 15 / James 1-5
3 / September 22 / Galatians 1-3
4 / September 29 / Galatians 4-6
5 / October 6 / 1 Thessalonians 1-5
6 / October 13 / 2 Thessalonians 1-3
7 / October 20 / 1 Corinthians 1-4—Midterm Review
8 / October 27 / 1 Corinthians 5-10
9 / November 3 / 1 Corinthians 11-13
10 / November 10 / 1 Corinthians 14-16
11 / November 17 / 2 Corinthians 1-7
12 / December 1 / 2 Corinthians 8-13
13 / December 8 / Course Review—No Homework Due

ClassFormats

The class will meet weekly for ninety minutes each week. This time will be divided between lecture and discussion. Instructors usually choose one of the following two formats.

Typical Class Formats
Format A / Format B
7:00 p.m. Lecture 1
7:25 p.m. Discussion Groups
7:50 p.m. Break & Refreshments
8:10 p.m. Lecture 2
8:30 p.m. End / 7:00 p.m. Lecture 1
7:30 p.m. Discussion Groups & Refreshments
8:00 p.m. Lecture 2
8:30 p.m. End

Lesson Seven will include a review. The format for that class will be slightly different.

Review Class Format
7:00 p.m.Lecture
7:30 p.m.Class Discussion
7:50 p.m.Midcourse Review
8:30 p.m.End

It is important that students arrive early for class, so that instruction can begin on time.

Graduation Requirements

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

complete all reading assignments
complete and turn in all homework assignments, performing them at the students personal ability level
attend class each week, not missing more than three classes

Lesson 2

Bible Seminar Bridge Course

James 1-5

James is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob. It was a popular name among the Jews, because of its association with Jacob of the book of Genesis, also known as Israel, the father of the Jewish nation. As such, it is not surprising to find several men named James in the New Testament. It mentions four.

“James the son of Zebedee” (Matthew 4:21), one of the twelve apostles and brother of the apostle John. He was the first apostle to die. Herod put him to death by the sword in about 44 ad (Acts 12:1-2).

“James the son of Alphaeus” (Matthew 10:3), also one of the Twelve, known as “James the Less” (Mark 15:40).
The father of “Judas the son of James” (Luke 6:16). James’ son was one of the twelve apostles, not Judas Iscariot, but the other Judas.
“James, the Lord’s brother” (Matthew 13:55; Galatians 1:19), or more precisely, His half-brother

Acts 1:13-14 refers to all four of these men named James.

The author of the Letter of James is most likely the Lord’s half-brother. Though initially skeptical about Jesus’ claims to be the Christ (Mark 3:21; John 7:5), James later came to faith in Him, possibly as a result of the Lord’s appearance to him soon after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7, assuming that the “James” referred to in this verse is the Lord’s brother). Following the Lord’s ascension, we find James in the upper room in prayer with the apostles (Acts 1:13-14). He later became a leader in the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15:13; Galatians 1:19; 2:9; 2:12).

James addresses his letter to Jewish Christians living in regions outside Israel, mainly the result of earlier conquests, some by the Assyrians (722 bc), more by the Babylonians (586 bc), others during the Greek period (332-134 bc), yet others following Roman conquest (63 bc). Jews living outside the Jewish homeland are sometimes referred to as the Diaspora, from the Greek word for scattering or sowing. James begins his letter, writing, “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings” (James 1:1). The phrase translated here “who are dispersed abroad,” reads in the Greek,“in the diaspora.”This word occurs in two other places in the New Testament. The first is in the Gospel of John: “The Jews therefore said to one another, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we shall not find Him? He is not intending to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks, is He?’” (John 7:35). The second is in the opening verse of Peter’s first letter: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, . . .” (1 Peter 1:1).

James was aware that his Jewish readers were experiencing “various trials” (James 1:2), the “testing” (James 1:3) of their faith. This probably involved ostracism from the Jewish community. James exhorts his readers to demonstrate their faith through godly conduct and good works. He states this in what is generally considered to be the key verse of the book: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

It is generally held that James wrote his letter sometime before 49 ad. Several reasons support the view that his letter may be the earliest New Testament book to be written, possibly before 40 ad.

James’ Use of the Word “Synagogue”—When James refers to the Christian “assembly” (James 2:2), he uses the Greek word synagogue, a word found elsewhere in the New Testament with reference only to Jewish assemblies or gathering places. The other New Testament writers use the word ekkleesia, usually translated church, to refer to the assembly of Christian believers. James does this also later in his letter, writing, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church (ekkleesia). . . .” (James 5:14).
No Mention of the Gentile Question—James makes no reference to Gentile Christians, indicating that the church at that time was all or mainly Jewish. Neither does he make reference to the tension that resulted when Gentiles began professing faith in Christ in significant numbers and entering the church. He does, however, exhort his Jewish readers not to show “personal favoritism” (James 2:1) toward rich Christians, thus making “distinctions among yourselves” (James 2:4). This may prophetically anticipate the challenge his Jewish readers would face in accepting Gentile believers into the church a short time later. James initially learned of God’s work among the Gentiles when Peter returned from Caesarea and told the leaders of the church in Jerusalem about the conversion of Cornelius and his household (Acts 11:1-18). This occurred in about 40 ad. Soon after a great number of Gentiles came to faith in Christ in Antioch (Acts 11:20-21). When the leaders of the church in Jerusalem learned about it, they sent Barnabas there to minister to them (Acts 11:22-24). Since James’ letter appears to predate any knowledge on his part of Gentiles coming into the church, his letter was probably written between Pentecost in 30 ad—when in Jerusalem three thousand Jews, many of whom were pilgrims from far away places confessed faith in Jesus(Acts 2:8-11; 41)—and Cornelius’ conversion in 40 ad. After 40 ad, James would have been aware of the Gentile question and its importance to Jewish Christians. The conversion of Cornelius and his household created significant controversy (Acts 11:1-3). Paul visited Jerusalem and spoke to James and others about the Gentile question in 46 ad (Galatians 2:1-10). By 49 ad the Gentile question had become the most important issue in the church in Judea. At the council in Jerusalem that year, James was among the first to grasp the proper relationship of Gentiles to the law of Moses. After much discussion among the elders and apostles, James said, “It is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:19). By this he meant that they should not ask Gentile Christians to obey Jewish law.
James’ Lack of References to the Revelation Received by Paul—James writes with a prophetic voice, exhorting his readers to act on their faith, but he makes no reference to truths revealed to the apostle Paul, such as the mystery of the church, the rapture of the church, or other details of Christ’s second coming.
The Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 ad—The Romans razed Jerusalem in 70 ad. In that James makes no reference to this event, it is unlikely that he wrote his letter after that date.
The Death of James in 62 ad—Josephus states that James was martyred in 62 ad., so if James the Lord’s brother is indeed the author of the book, it would have had to have been written by that date.

1. Review the table on the next page and answer the following questions.

A. Which two books were written before the Council of Jerusalem in 49 ad?

B. Which books were written after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem?

C. Over what span of years did Paul write?

D. Over what span of years did John write?

2. Though one of the shorter New Testament books, James is a difficult letter to outline because the topic changes many times. One indication of the divisions that the author may have had in his mind are his use of direct address. James uses direct address seventeen times in his one hundred and eight verse letter (James 1:2; 1:16; 1:19; 2:1; 2:5; 2:14; 2:20; 3:1: 3:10; 3:12; 4:4; 4:11; 5:7; 5:9; 5:10; 5:12; 5:19). Usually he addresses his reader as “brethren” (fifteen times), sometimes as “my brethren” (eleven times), and sometimes as “my beloved brethren” (three times). Twice he addresses them in harsher tones: “you foolish fellow” (James 2:20); “you adulteresses” (James 4:4). He introduces one section with, “Come now, you who say. . . .” (James 4:13), and another, “Come now, you rich. . . .” (James 5:1). He starts one section with two rhetorical questions: “Is anyone among you suffering? . . . Is anyone among you sick?” (James 5:13-14).

The thirteen-point outline of James on the next page relies heavily the author’s use of direct address. Examine it carefully. Can any of the sections immediately next to each be combined so that the number of main points can be reduced? Explain your conclusions.

The Letter of James

Theme: “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers” (James 1:22)

Purpose: To exhort Jewish Christians to demonstrate their faith through godly conduct and good works.

I.Salutation 1:1

II.Brethren, Consider Your Trials to be Joy 1:2-27

A.Stated 1:2

B. Trials produce endurance 1:3-4

C.Ask God for wisdom to understand your trials 1:5-8

D.Poor or rich, glory in your circumstances 1:9-11

E.He who perseveres under trial will receive the crown of life 1:12

F.Evil temptations are not from God 1:13-15

G.Every good gift is from the Father 1:16-19a

H.Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger 1:19b-21

I.Prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers 1:22-27

III.Brethren, Do not Practice Your Faith with Personal Favoritism 2:1-13

IV.Brethren, Faith Devoid of Works is Dead and Cannot Save 2:14-26

A.Question: Can faith without works save? 2:14

B.Answer 2:15-26

1.faith without works is dead 2:15-17

2.faith without works cannot be shown 2:18

3.even demons believe that God is one 2:19

4.faith without works is useless 2:20

5.Abraham was justified by works 2:21-24

6.Rahab was justified by works 2:25

7.As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead 2:26

V.Brethren, Let Not Many Become Teachers 3:1-18

A. Stated 3:1a

B. We shall incur a stricter judgment 3:1b

C. We all stumble in what we say 3:2-12

1. only a perfect man does not stumble in what he says 3:2

2. the tongue is small but has great power 3:3-5

3. the tongue is a wild member inciting evil 3:6-8

4. the tongue produces good and evil 3:9-12

D. Who is wise and understanding? 3:13-18

VI.You Adulteresses, Evil Passions are the Source of Your Quarrels and Conflicts 4:1-10

VII.Brethren, Do not Speak against One Another 4:11-12

VIII.You Boastful, Do not be Arrogant 4:13-17

IX.You Rich, Weep and Howl 5:1-6

X.Brethren, Be Patient until the Coming of the Lord 5:7-11

XI. Brethren, Do Not Make Oaths 5:12

XII. You Suffering and Sick, Pray and Confess Your Sins 5:13-18

XIII. Brethren, Turn Back the Sinner from the Error of His Way 5:19-20

Approximate Dates of the Writing of the New Testament Books (ad) / 81-95 / John’s Imprisonment / First John
(90 ad) / Second John
(90 ad) / Third John
(90 ad) / Revelation
(95 ad) / Gospel of John
(85-90 ad)
70-80 / Destruction of the Temple in 70 ad / Jude
(70-80 ad)
66-69 / Paul’s Second Imprisonment & Death / Second Timothy
(66 ad) / Second Peter
(66 ad) / Hebrews
(64-68 ad) / Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke
(50’s to 60’s ad)
63-65 / Paul’s Two-Year Freedom / First Timothy
(63 ad) / First Peter
(63 ad) / Titus
(65 ad)
60-62 / Paul’s First Imprisonment
(Acts 28:17-31) / Acts
(61 ad) / Ephesians
(61 ad) / Philippians
(61 ad) / Colossians
(61 ad) / Philemon
(61 ad)
58-59 / Paul’s First Imprisonment
(Acts 28:17-31)
55-58 / Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
(Acts 18:23-21:26) / First Corinthians
(56 ad) / Second Corinthians
(57 ad) / Romans
(58 ad)
50-54 / Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
(Acts 15:36-18:22) / First Thessalonians
(51 ad) / Second Thessalonians
(51 ad)
40-49 / Gentiles Saved, Paul’s First Missionary Journey, and the Jerusalem Council in 49 ad
(Acts 9:32-15:35) / James
(30-49 ad) / Galatians
(49 ad)
30-39 / First Years of
the Church and Paul’s Conversion
(Acts 1:1-9:31)

3. James writes, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). What reasons does James give for this statement in the following verses?

A. James 1:3-4

B. James 1:12

4. Trials are part of the normal Christian life. We all encounter them. The Lord said, “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). Evaluate how you are responding to your current trial, or, if you’re presently not experiencing trial, your last trial. Are you considering it “all joy” (James 1:2)? What has God been teaching you through it?

5. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). What does this statement have to do with the context of James, chapter one?

6. James writes, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). Apply this verse to your life. Are there any areas in your life where you have become a hearer, but not a doer?

7. What activities does James list as representative of the essence of true religion (James 1:26-27)?

8. In James 2:1-13, Scripture reminds us that we should not fall into the sinful practice of showing favoritism in the church, treating some people better than others. What reasons does James give us for not treating poor people poorly in the following verses?

A. James 2:5

B. James 2:6

C. James 2:7

D. James 2:8-9

9. What question is James asking in James 2:14? State it in your own words.

10. Summarize James’ answer to this question. Does he answer it yes or no?

11. What reasons does James give for his answer to the question of James 2:14 in the following verses?

A. James 2:15-17

B. James 2:18

C. James 2:19

D. James 2:20

E. James 2:21-24

F. James 2:25