1) Reconciliation: are we reconciled to God or is God reconciled to us, or both?

There is an obvious need for us to be reconciled to God. We are the part of the relationship which has gone astray. We are the part of the relationship that has to live up to a standard. I know that Scott says God must be reconciled to us, and he uses the very highly esteemed Leon Morris as a source to back his position, however, I think it is clear that the main ingredient in this issue is mankind being reconciled to God. There is a reason the New Testament never speaks of God needing to be reconciled to human beings. We are the ones who went astray. We are the part of the relationship that must brought back into a right relationship.

2) How did the Jews and Gentiles differ in their view of salvation? How should Christians view salvation?

Gentiles sought to be saved from a number of different forces in life, some being, death, purposelessness, the nameless insecurities of life, and the unseen powers. The Jews sought salvation from the penalty brought about from breaking God's law. From a Christian perspective, though, "salvation is to be delivered from sin, its guilt and punishment, from the separation and enmity it brings between God and a person, and all that it entails."

3) What is the "kerygma" and what is it made up of according to Scott? Would you agree or disagree with his position - justify your answer.

Scott borrows quite a bit from C. H. Dodd, which is very common, in his view of the content of the kerygma. The kerygma is the early teachings of the New Testament church, mainly Peter and Paul, about who Christ is and what is the foundation of beliefs that Christians are to hold. Scott lists the kerygma as follows:

A) The age of fulfillment predicted in the Old Testament has dawned, the promises have been fulfilled, the Messiah has come.
B) This has taken place in Jesus of Nazareth.
a) He was descended from the seed of David.
b) He went about teaching, doing good, and executing mighty works by the power of God through which God indicated His approval of Him.
c) He was crucified in accordance with the purpose of God.
d) He was raised by the power of God.
C) The Church is witness to these things.
D) He has been exalted into heaven at the right hand of God where He reigns as the Messianic head of the New Israel with the title Lord.
E) The Holy Spirit in the Church is now the seal of Christ's present power and glory.
F) Jesus will come again for judgment and the restoration of all things.
G) Therefore all who hear should repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.

I agree with his standpoint on the kerygma. These teachings were what the early church was teaching about who Christ was. Dodd and Scott are correct in basing their findings on the kerygma from the sermons in Acts. That is where we find the absolute foundation of Christianity from its very earliest origins.