Epistles Overview

Romans

• All the epistles were composed during the first century by individuals who had personal connections to Christ or his close companions, which adds authenticity and credibility to their teachings.

• The book of Romans has had a profound impact on early Christian theology and expression, shaping the thoughts of significant figures across history, including Augustine in the early church, Luther during the Reformation, and Wesley in the 18th-century revival in England.

• Authored by Paul around AD 57-58 during a three-month stay in Greece, Romans articulates foundational Christian beliefs clearly and methodically.

• Purpose: To prepare the Roman congregation for his upcoming visit prior to his intended missionary expedition to Spain.

• Theme: Centers on the good news of Jesus Christ, underscoring that salvation is offered to sinful humanity through grace by faith alone, highlighting the essence of Christian doctrine.

• It is crucial to understand that sharing the faith of Abraham does not require a shared ethnicity, thus allowing Gentiles to partake in the family of God.

• Paul's guidelines for Christian living:

  • Worship: Advocating for authentic worship that acknowledges God's authority.

  • Use of gifts: Encouraging spiritual gifts to be utilized for the edification of the church body.

  • Acts of service and hospitality: Motivating believers to serve and welcome others selflessly.

  • Role of government: Advising respect for civil authorities while remaining accountable to God’s higher moral laws.

  • Loving one’s neighbor: Stressing the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law.

  • Living in the day: Encouraging righteous living while awaiting Christ’s return.

  • Pursuing peace: Highlighting the value of fostering peace within the community and beyond.

Corinthians and Galatians

1 Corinthians

• Known for its divisions and moral challenges, the Corinthian church faced significant issues which make this epistle a valuable guide for contemporary church struggles.

• Paul established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey; it was a city marked by excess and immorality, leading to various disputes within the church.

• The central problems involved quarrels and a misunderstanding of fundamental Christian truths; hence, Paul began his letter by asserting core beliefs centered on the cross before addressing specific concerns.

• Written in the early AD 50s.

• Topics covered:

  • Sexual misconduct: Guidance on maintaining sexual integrity.

  • Marriage: Instruction on the responsibilities and sanctity of marriage.

  • Celibacy: Discussing the merits and challenges of remaining single.

  • Idolatry: Warned against involvement in pagan practices.

  • Personal Christian freedom: Encouraging balance between freedom in Christ and accountability to others.

  • Worship: Established orderly practices for communal worship.

  • Spiritual gifts: Clarified the importance and purpose of spiritual gifts.

  • Congregational order: Recommendations for fostering a respectful church environment.

  • Resurrection and future hope: Affirmation of resurrection as essential to Christian faith.

2 Corinthians

• Written to commend the church for its progress while cautioning against emerging threats and gearing up for Paul’s return visit.

• The primary theme emphasizes that true glory is found along the path of the cross, revealing the strength found in weakness and suffering.

Galatians

• Addressed to several churches in regions such as Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, this letter confronts serious theological challenges present in these communities.

• Purpose: To steer churches back to the original gospel Paul preached, countering erroneous teachings that had arisen.

• Paul vigorously defends the nature of the gospel centered on Christ's sacrificial death, linking it to Old Testament prophecies.

• The main assertion is that salvation is a free gift from God, affirming that self-justification cannot be achieved through adherence to cultural or ceremonial laws.

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon

Ephesians

• Ephesus was notorious for emperor worship, diverse occult practices, and idolatry.

• The epistle comprises theological affirmations about God, Christ, and salvation, followed by practical exhortations reflecting these truths in everyday life.

• Key issues surrounding the letter included debates about authorship, the intended audience, parallels with Colossians, and discussions about Gnostic ideas and doctrinal emphasis.

• Ministry in Ephesus is found in Acts 19.

Philippians

• Founded by Paul and Silas during their second missionary journey, the church in Philippi faced its own set of challenges.

• The letter's purpose was to convey pastoral concern, update the church on Paul’s circumstances, and prepare them for a visit from Timothy.

• Paul identifies and addresses obstacles to the gospel, including internal conflicts, false preachers, and self-centered behavior among the believers.

Colossians

• Written to assure the church of Paul’s continued interest and to warn against misleading teachers.

• The central message exalts the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ, countering both legalism and ascetic practices that opposed the true gospel.

Philemon

• A personal letter addressing Onesimus, a runaway slave, highlighting the ethical implications of slavery in the early church context.

• Paul encourages Philemon to rise above legalistic systems and to consider the transformative power of divine grace and love.

Thessalonians, Timothy, and Titus

Thessalonians

• The church in Thessalonica was established during Paul’s second missionary journey in the face of significant opposition.

• 1 Thessalonians: A letter of encouragement to new believers, affirming that trials are part of God’s plan, commending their faith, and providing insights into eschatological matters.

• Emphasizes God’s sovereignty over personal circumstances.

• 1 and 2 Thessalonians are found in Acts 17.

2 Thessalonians

• A continuation of encouragement, addressing misconceptions and misleading teachings, giving instructions for dealing with those deviating from the faith, and assuring the church of God’s eventual triumph over injustice.

Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy and Titus)

• Labeled 'Pastoral Epistles' due to their focus on church leadership and care.

• 1 Timothy: An encouragement to stay steadfast amidst adversity, emphasizing worship, prayer, maintaining church standards, and addressing issues like false teaching and the love of money.

• 2 Timothy: Stresses the importance of enduring hardship and remaining faithful as a servant of God.

• Titus: Provides practical guidance for church leadership in Crete, including specific instructions for various group dynamics: older men, older and younger women, young men, and slaves.