Letters
188 study questions and answers, quoted from the Revised Version (1885/1895).
How many letters are traditionally attributed to Paul?
Thirteen, from Romans to Philemon (fourteen if Hebrews is counted).
Rom-Phlm
What is the theme of Romans, stated in chapter 1?
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation; "the just shall live by faith."
Rom 1:16-17
What verdict does Romans 3 give on all humanity?
"All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God."
Rom 3:23
What is propitiation, per Romans 3:25?
Christ set forth as the sacrifice that turns away wrath and satisfies God's justice.
Rom 3:25
What contrast does Romans 5 draw between Adam and Christ?
Through one man's disobedience many were made sinners; through one man's obedience many are made righteous.
Rom 5:18-19
What are the wages of sin, and the free gift of God?
Death — and eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom 6:23
What is Romans 8's opening assurance?
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus."
Rom 8:1
From what can nothing separate believers?
The love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom 8:38-39
What does Romans 10 name as the way of salvation?
Confessing with the mouth Jesus as Lord and believing in the heart that God raised him.
Rom 10:9
How does faith come, per Romans 10?
By hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Rom 10:17
What is the "living sacrifice" of Romans 12?
Presenting your bodies to God — reasonable service, with a mind renewed rather than conformed to the world.
Rom 12:1-2
What was the leading problem in the Corinthian church?
Divisions and party spirit — "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos."
1 Cor 1:11-12
What did Paul determine to know among the Corinthians?
Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Cor 2:2
What foundation can no man lay other than the one laid?
Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 3:11
What is the body of the believer called in 1 Corinthians?
A temple of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price.
1 Cor 6:19-20
What warning accompanies the Lord's Supper?
Not to eat and drink unworthily, but to examine oneself.
1 Cor 11:27-28
What is 1 Corinthians 13 called, and what does it rank highest?
The love chapter; faith, hope and love abide, but the greatest is love.
1 Cor 13:13
What does Paul call Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:20?
The firstfruits of them that are asleep — the guarantee of the believers' resurrection.
1 Cor 15:20
What happens if Christ has not been raised?
Preaching is vain, faith is vain, and believers are yet in their sins.
1 Cor 15:14, 17
What does 2 Corinthians say about a believer in Christ?
"If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away."
2 Cor 5:17
What is the ministry of reconciliation?
God reconciling the world to himself in Christ and committing the message to believers as ambassadors.
2 Cor 5:18-20
What answer did Paul receive about his thorn in the flesh?
"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Cor 12:9
What crisis prompted Galatians?
Judaizers insisting Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the Law.
Gal 1:6-7; 5:2-4
What does Galatians 2:20 confess?
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me."
Gal 2:20
What was the Law's purpose, per Galatians 3?
A tutor (schoolmaster) to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:24
List the ninefold fruit of the Spirit.
Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance.
Gal 5:22-23
When did God choose believers, according to Ephesians?
Before the foundation of the world, that they should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 1:4
What is the classic Ephesians statement on salvation?
"By grace have ye been saved through faith... not of works, that no man should glory."
Eph 2:8-9
What did Christ break down between Jew and Gentile?
The middle wall of partition, making both one in himself.
Eph 2:14
Name the pieces of the whole armour of God.
Girdle of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit — with prayer.
Eph 6:13-18
What is the theme of Philippians?
Joy in Christ regardless of circumstance — written from prison.
Phil 4:4
What does the Philippians 2 "kenosis" hymn teach?
Christ, being in the form of God, emptied himself, took the form of a servant, and was obedient unto death — therefore highly exalted.
Phil 2:5-11
What is Paul's summary of life and death in Philippians?
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Phil 1:21
What does Colossians say about Christ and creation?
He is the image of the invisible God, firstborn of all creation; all things were created through him and unto him.
Col 1:15-17
What dwells bodily in Christ, per Colossians?
All the fulness of the Godhead.
Col 2:9
What does 1 Thessalonians 4 teach about the Lord's coming?
The dead in Christ shall rise first, then the living shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.
1 Thess 4:16-17
What threefold command closes 1 Thessalonians 5?
Rejoice alway; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks.
1 Thess 5:16-18
What qualification lists does 1 Timothy give?
Qualifications for overseers (bishops) and for deacons.
1 Tim 3:1-13
What does 1 Timothy 2:5 affirm?
"There is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus."
1 Tim 2:5
What does 2 Timothy say about the origin and use of Scripture?
Every scripture is inspired of God ("God-breathed") and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.
2 Tim 3:16-17
What was Paul's final testimony in 2 Timothy?
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
2 Tim 4:7
What is the occasion of Philemon?
Paul appeals for Onesimus, a runaway slave, to be received back "no longer as a servant, but... a brother beloved."
Phlm 16
How does Hebrews open its argument?
God, who spoke in the prophets, has in these last days spoken in his Son — the effulgence of his glory.
Heb 1:1-3
How does Hebrews define faith?
"The assurance of things hoped for, the proving of things not seen."
Heb 11:1
What does Hebrews call Jesus regarding faith?
The author and perfecter of our faith.
Heb 12:2
What test does James apply to faith?
Faith without works is dead — genuine faith shows itself in action.
Jas 2:17
What does James say about the tongue?
A small member that boasts great things — a fire, which no man can tame.
Jas 3:5-8
What does James call pure religion?
Visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keeping oneself unspotted from the world.
Jas 1:27
What does 1 Peter call believers corporately?
An elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession.
1 Pet 2:9
What does 2 Peter say about the origin of prophecy?
No prophecy came by the will of man; holy men spake being moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Pet 1:21
Why does 2 Peter say the Lord delays his coming?
He is longsuffering, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Pet 3:9
What twin tests of genuine faith does 1 John apply?
Right belief about Christ come in the flesh, and love of the brethren.
1 John 4:2-3, 7-8
What promise does 1 John 1:9 give?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
What twofold definition of God does 1 John give?
God is light, and God is love.
1 John 1:5; 4:8
What does Jude urge believers to do?
To contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints.
Jude 3
What is God's invisible nature known by, per Romans 1?
The things that are made, so that men are without excuse.
Rom 1:20
What threefold 'God gave them up' appears in Romans 1?
To uncleanness, to vile affections, and to a reprobate mind.
Rom 1:24,26,28
What is the law written in the hearts of Gentiles?
The work of the law, their conscience also bearing witness.
Rom 2:15
How does Romans 4 show justification is not by works?
Abraham was counted righteous before circumcision, so the promise is by faith to all who believe.
Rom 4:10-11
What does Romans 6 say about grace and continuing in sin?
'God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?'
Rom 6:1-2
What does baptism picture in Romans 6?
Burial with Christ into death, and rising to walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:4
What conflict does Romans 7 describe?
'The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.'
Rom 7:19
What does the Spirit do in our infirmities?
He maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:26
What is the golden chain of Romans 8:29-30?
Foreknew, predestinated, called, justified, glorified.
Rom 8:29-30
What does Romans 11 say about God's gifts and calling?
They are 'without repentance' — irrevocable.
Rom 11:29
What does Romans 13 teach about governing authorities?
They are ordained of God, ministers for good, to whom tribute and honour are due.
Rom 13:1-7
What is the fulfilling of the law, per Romans 13?
Love, which worketh no ill to his neighbour.
Rom 13:10
What does Romans 14 say about doubtful things?
'Whatsoever is not of faith is sin'; let no man put a stumblingblock before his brother.
Rom 14:13,23
What does 1 Corinthians say the preaching of the cross is?
Foolishness to them that perish, but the power of God to us who are saved.
1 Cor 1:18
What two things do Jews and Greeks seek, per 1 Corinthians 1?
Jews require a sign, Greeks seek after wisdom; Paul preaches Christ crucified.
1 Cor 1:22-23
Who can receive the things of the Spirit of God?
Not the natural man, for they are spiritually discerned.
1 Cor 2:14
What materials are tested by fire in 1 Corinthians 3?
Gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble.
1 Cor 3:12-15
What does 1 Corinthians say about temptation?
God is faithful and will with the temptation make a way to escape.
1 Cor 10:13
What are the nine gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12?
Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation.
1 Cor 12:8-10
What image describes the church in 1 Corinthians 12?
One body with many members, none able to say to another, 'I have no need of thee.'
1 Cor 12:12-21
What order does Paul require for tongues in the assembly?
By two or at most three, in course, and let one interpret; all things decently and in order.
1 Cor 14:27,40
What is the gospel Paul defines in 1 Corinthians 15?
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day.
1 Cor 15:3-4
What is the last enemy to be destroyed?
Death.
1 Cor 15:26
What kind of body is raised, per 1 Corinthians 15?
Sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body; incorruption and immortality put on.
1 Cor 15:44,53
What comfort does 2 Corinthians 1 give about affliction?
God comforts us so we may comfort others with the comfort we ourselves received.
2 Cor 1:4
What does 2 Corinthians say about the treasure and the vessel?
'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God.'
2 Cor 4:7
What do we walk by, and not by?
'We walk by faith, not by sight.'
2 Cor 5:7
What great exchange does 2 Corinthians 5:21 state?
He made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Cor 5:21
What kind of giver does God love?
'A cheerful giver.'
2 Cor 9:7
What are the weapons of our warfare?
Not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
2 Cor 10:4
What curse does Paul pronounce on another gospel?
'Let him be accursed' — even were it an angel from heaven.
Gal 1:8
Whom did Paul withstand to the face at Antioch?
Peter (Cephas), because he was to be blamed over table fellowship with Gentiles.
Gal 2:11
What does Galatians say about distinctions in Christ?
'There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.'
Gal 3:28
How does Paul describe our adoption cry?
The Spirit of his Son in our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father.'
Gal 4:6
What law does Galatians 6 say fulfils Christ's?
'Bear ye one another's burdens.'
Gal 6:2
What principle of sowing does Galatians state?
'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.'
Gal 6:7
What is the believer sealed with, per Ephesians 1?
'That holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance.'
Eph 1:13-14
What were we by nature before grace?
'Dead in trespasses and sins,' children of wrath even as others.
Eph 2:1-3
On what foundation is the church built?
The apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
Eph 2:20
What sevenfold unity does Ephesians 4 list?
One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father.
Eph 4:4-6
What fivefold ministry gifts does Ephesians 4 name?
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Eph 4:11
What does Ephesians say about anger and the sun?
'Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.'
Eph 4:26
What model does Ephesians 5 give for husbands?
'Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.'
Eph 5:25
Against whom do we wrestle, per Ephesians 6?
'Not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers.'
Eph 6:12
What confidence does Philippians 1:6 give?
That he who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil 1:6
What does Philippians say every knee will do?
Bow at the name of Jesus, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Phil 2:10-11
What did Paul count all things but loss for?
'The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.'
Phil 3:8
What had Paul learned in whatsoever state he was?
To be content — 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.'
Phil 4:11-13
What are believers told to think on in Philippians 4:8?
Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.
Phil 4:8
What is Christ called in Colossians 1:15?
'The image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.'
Col 1:15
What mystery does Colossians reveal?
'Christ in you, the hope of glory.'
Col 1:27
What does Colossians say to set our affection on?
Things above, not on things on the earth, since we are risen with Christ.
Col 3:1-2
What does Colossians say about doing all things?
'Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.'
Col 3:23
What does 1 Thessalonians say about grieving for the dead?
Not to sorrow as others which have no hope, for God will bring them with Jesus.
1 Thess 4:13-14
How does the day of the Lord come?
'As a thief in the night.'
1 Thess 5:2
What rule of work does 2 Thessalonians give?
'If any would not work, neither should he eat.'
2 Thess 3:10
What does 1 Timothy call the love of money?
'The root of all evil.'
1 Tim 6:10
What did Paul charge Timothy about his youth?
'Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers.'
1 Tim 4:12
What spirit has God not given us?
'The spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.'
2 Tim 1:7
How is a workman to handle the word?
'Rightly dividing the word of truth,' study to shew thyself approved unto God.
2 Tim 2:15
What does Titus say grace teaches?
To deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.
Titus 2:11-12
What does Hebrews 4 say about the word of God?
It is quick and powerful, sharper than any twoedged sword, a discerner of thoughts and intents.
Heb 4:12
Why can our High Priest be touched with our infirmities?
He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:15
What does Hebrews say is appointed unto men?
'Once to die, but after this the judgment.'
Heb 9:27
What does Hebrews say about forsaking the assembling?
Do not forsake it, as the manner of some is, but exhort one another.
Heb 10:25
What is the 'cloud of witnesses' exhortation?
Lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience.
Heb 12:1
Whom does the Lord chasten?
'Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.'
Heb 12:6
Without what shall no man see the Lord?
Holiness, followed with peace with all men.
Heb 12:14
What is Jesus Christ said to be in Hebrews 13:8?
'The same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.'
Heb 13:8
What does James say about trials?
Count it all joy; the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Jas 1:2-3
What must the hearer also be?
'Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.'
Jas 1:22
What does James say about wisdom lacking?
Ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.
Jas 1:5
How does James describe the prayer of a righteous man?
'The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,' citing Elias.
Jas 5:16-17
What does 1 Peter say about our inheritance?
It is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away, reserved in heaven.
1 Pet 5:4; 1:4
What are believers to be ready to give?
'A reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.'
1 Pet 3:15
What covers a multitude of sins, per 1 Peter?
'Fervent charity among yourselves.'
1 Pet 4:8
What should believers do with their care?
'Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.'
1 Pet 5:7
How does 1 Peter describe the adversary?
'As a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.'
1 Pet 5:8
What sevenfold ladder of virtue does 2 Peter give?
To faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.
2 Pet 1:5-7
What does 2 Peter say a day is with the Lord?
'One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.'
2 Pet 3:8
What does 1 John say about claiming sinlessness?
'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.'
1 John 1:8
Who is our advocate with the Father?
'Jesus Christ the righteous,' the propitiation for our sins and for the whole world's.
1 John 2:1-2
What test does 1 John give for the spirits?
Every spirit that confesseth Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
1 John 4:2
What casts out fear?
'Perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.'
1 John 4:18
Why were the things of 1 John 5:13 written?
'That ye may know that ye have eternal life.'
1 John 5:13
What is Paul's usual letter structure?
Greeting, thanksgiving, doctrinal exposition, ethical exhortation, personal greetings.
Rom 1:1-7; 12:1
What does Paul mean by 'the righteousness of God' in Romans?
Both God's own covenant faithfulness and the righteous standing he gives to believers.
Rom 1:17; 3:21-22
What does Romans 2 say about the Gentile who keeps the law?
That circumcision of the heart, in the spirit, is what counts before God.
Rom 2:28-29
How does Paul use Habakkuk 2:4?
'The just shall live by faith' anchors his thesis statement in Romans 1:17.
Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38
What is the significance of Romans 3:23-24 being one sentence?
All have sinned and are justified freely by grace, without a break in the clause.
Rom 3:23-24
What does 'redemption' mean in Paul's vocabulary?
Purchase out of slavery by payment of a price.
Rom 3:24; 1 Cor 6:20
What role does baptism play in Romans 6?
It unites the believer to Christ's death and resurrection, breaking sin's dominion.
Rom 6:3-7
What is the 'law of the Spirit of life'?
The liberating principle in Christ that frees from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:2
What does Romans 8:28 actually promise?
That all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:28
What is Paul's anguish in Romans 9?
He could wish himself accursed from Christ for his kinsmen's sake.
Rom 9:3
What does Romans 11 say about the olive tree?
Gentile branches are grafted in and must not boast against the natural branches.
Rom 11:17-21
What are the marks of genuine love in Romans 12?
Love without dissimulation, abhorring evil, preferring one another, blessing persecutors.
Rom 12:9-14
How does Paul handle disputes over food and days?
By requiring each to be fully persuaded and neither to despise nor judge the other.
Rom 14:1-6
What was the Corinthian party spirit?
Factions claiming Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ.
1 Cor 1:12
What does Paul say about servants of the church?
Ministers by whom you believed — one plants, one waters, God gives the increase.
1 Cor 3:5-7
How does Paul handle the incestuous man?
By requiring the church to remove him, that his spirit may be saved.
1 Cor 5:5
What is Paul's argument about lawsuits between believers?
That it is better to be defrauded than to sue a brother before unbelievers.
1 Cor 6:7
What is Paul's principle of becoming all things to all men?
Voluntary accommodation in matters indifferent, for the sake of the gospel.
1 Cor 9:19-23
What warning does Paul draw from the wilderness generation?
That they were baptized and ate spiritual food, yet were overthrown; let him that thinketh he standeth take heed.
1 Cor 10:1-12
What is the 'more excellent way' of 1 Corinthians?
Love, without which tongues, prophecy, knowledge and sacrifice profit nothing.
1 Cor 12:31-13:3
What order of resurrection does Paul give?
Christ the firstfruits, afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
1 Cor 15:23
What does Paul call the last enemy, and how is it destroyed?
Death, swallowed up in victory when this mortal puts on immortality.
1 Cor 15:26,54
What is Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' teaching?
That God's strength is perfected in weakness, so he glories in infirmities.
2 Cor 12:7-10
What is the 'letter and spirit' contrast in 2 Corinthians 3?
The letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
2 Cor 3:6
How does Paul describe apostolic ministry in 2 Corinthians?
Troubled but not distressed, perplexed but not in despair, cast down but not destroyed.
2 Cor 4:8-9
What does Galatians say about the Judaizers' motive?
That they desired to make a fair show in the flesh and avoid persecution for the cross.
Gal 6:12
What allegory does Paul draw from Hagar and Sarah?
Two covenants — bondage from Sinai and freedom from the Jerusalem above.
Gal 4:24-26
What is the works of the flesh list in Galatians?
Adultery, idolatry, hatred, variance, wrath, strife, envyings, drunkenness and more.
Gal 5:19-21
What are the three great blessings of Ephesians 1?
Chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, sealed by the Spirit.
Eph 1:3-14
What is 'the mystery' Paul says was hidden and now revealed?
That Gentiles are fellow heirs and of the same body with Israel.
Eph 3:3-6
What is the purpose of the ministry gifts in Ephesians 4?
To perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, edifying the body of Christ.
Eph 4:12
What is the Philippian 'mind of Christ'?
Esteeming others better than oneself, as Christ emptied himself and became obedient to death.
Phil 2:3-8
What does Colossians say about philosophy and vain deceit?
To beware of being spoiled by tradition of men and rudiments of the world, not after Christ.
Col 2:8
What is the Colossian answer to asceticism?
Such rules have a show of wisdom but no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Col 2:23
How does 1 Thessalonians describe the church's reputation?
Their faith to God-ward spread abroad so Paul needed to say nothing.
1 Thess 1:8
What does 2 Thessalonians say must come before the day of the Lord?
A falling away first, and the man of sin revealed.
2 Thess 2:3
What is the pastoral epistles' recurring concern?
Sound doctrine, qualified leaders, and orderly household conduct.
1 Tim 3; Titus 1
What does 1 Timothy say God desires?
That all men be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1 Tim 2:4
What does Hebrews mean by Christ being 'better'?
Better than angels, Moses, Aaron, the covenant, the sacrifices and the tabernacle.
Heb 1-10
What are the warning passages of Hebrews?
Five solemn warnings against drifting, hardening, falling away, refusing and turning back.
Heb 2:1-4; 3:7-19; 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 12:25-29
What is the argument of Hebrews 7 about Melchizedek?
That a greater priesthood than Aaron's existed, and Levi paid tithes in Abraham's loins.
Heb 7:9-10
What does Hebrews say about repeated sacrifice?
That a priest standing daily proves the work is unfinished, while Christ sat down.
Heb 10:11-12
What is the theme of James in one line?
That genuine faith is visible in conduct, speech, and treatment of the poor.
Jas 2:18
What does James say about partiality?
That favouring the rich over the poor in the assembly is sin and breaks the royal law.
Jas 2:1-9
What is 1 Peter's central pastoral strategy?
To reframe suffering as participation in Christ's, and believers as strangers and pilgrims.
1 Pet 2:11; 4:13
What does 1 Peter say about submission and witness?
That conduct may win others without a word, and that we honour all men, even the emperor.
1 Pet 2:12-17; 3:1
What is the theme of Jude and 2 Peter's overlap?
Both confront false teachers with parallel Old Testament examples of judgment.
Jude 5-7; 2 Pet 2:4-8
How does 1 John test the claim to know God?
By obedience, love of the brethren, and confession of Christ come in the flesh.
1 John 2:3-4; 3:14; 4:2