Paul's letters of the NT

The Structure of Ancient Letters

Typically consists of Opening/Salutation, Body, and Closing.

Opening/Salutation

Includes Sender, Recipient, Greeting, Thanksgiving/Prayer, and often introduces themes of the letter.

Pauline Epistles

Letters written by Paul the Apostle.

General (Catholic) Epistles

Letters written to broader audiences, such as James, Peter, John, and Jude.

Prison Epistles

Letters written by Paul while he was imprisoned.

Pastoral Epistles

Letters written by Paul to church leaders, like Timothy and Titus.

Role of Secretaries (Amanuenses)

Helped Paul write, edit, and add personal notes to letters.

Galatians

Likely the earliest of Paul’s letters, written around AD 48–49.

Audience of Galatians

Churches in Galatia, likely Gentile believers struggling with Judaizers.

Parousia

The coming or arrival of Christ.

Justification

Being declared righteous before God by faith.

Imitation as Discipleship

The concept that believers imitate Paul and the Lord, becoming examples to others.

Four Methods for Unity (1 Corinthians)

Focus on Christ, understand true wisdom, practice love, and the proper use of spiritual gifts.

The 'Lost Letter'

A letter referenced in 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 that instructed against associating with immoral people; it is no longer preserved.

The 'Tearful Letter'

A severe letter written between 1 and 2 Corinthians, probably lost.

Unique Opening of 2 Corinthians

Begins with a blessing and emphasizes comfort in suffering instead of a standard thanksgiving.

Cultural Characteristics of Corinth

Wealthy, commercial, highly immoral, religiously diverse, and status-driven.

'Sandwich' Approach in 1 Corinthians

Structure that brackets issues of sexual immorality with moral purity concerns.

Three Aspects of Worship (1 Corinthians)

Head coverings/authority, Lord’s Supper, and Spiritual gifts.

Divisions of 2 Corinthians

Chapters 1-9 focus on reconciliation and collection; Chapters 10-13 focus on defense of apostleship.

The Day of the Lord

The time of judgment associated with the return of Christ.

Role of Apostolic Teaching

Relates to the authority and teaching of the apostles.

Man of Lawlessness

A figure opposing God before Christ’s return.

Key Definitions

Justification, Apostolic, and Paradox.