(8) 2 Corinthians
Date
Written: 56 - 57 AD
Theme:
Believers are first and foremost followers of CHRIST, not of dynamic
speakers, great teachers, or charismatic leaders. Paul stresses that
we should give proper attention and honor to the teachings of those
whose credentials as solid leaders within the church are well
established (Paul himself is the example here), so long as those
teachings always point us toward Christ, and help us to serve Christ
more effectively. Serving Christ, not following certain leaders, must
always be paramount.
Key
People: Paul, Timothy, Titus, false teachers
Interesting
Facts: Written from Macedonia. This is actually Paul's third letter
to the Corinthians. Less doctrinal and more personal than Paul's
other letters (except Philemon). Contains quite a bit of
autobiographical information about Paul (his authority as an apostle
was under attack in Corinth, so he was forced to defend his position).
(9) Galatians
Date
Written: 60 AD
Theme: A
strong rebuke against and refutation of the legalism being spread by
those emphasizing Old Testament laws. Emphasis that salvation is by
grace through faith and NOTHING else.
Key
People: Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Titus, Abraham, false teachers
Interesting
Facts: Early Christians believed this was written from Rome, likely
while Paul was in prison. This is a "sister letter" to
Romans (covers similar issues). Believed to have been the first part
of a two part letter (Hebrews was the second part). Some modern
scholars believe it was actually written from Antioch in 49 AD, prior
to the Jerusalem council.
(10) Ephesians
Date
Written: 60 AD
Theme:
Emphasis on Christians as the body of Christ under Jesus as our head.
About half of the letter addresses doctrine, while half addresses
practical Christian duty. One of the few letters from Paul that was
not to counter heresy nor deal with any particular problem.
Key
People: Paul, Tychicus
Interesting
Facts: Written while Paul was in prison in Rome, and sent out at
about the same time as the letter to the Colossians.
(11) Philippians
Date
Written: 61 AD
Theme:
Paul emphasizes the all-sufficiency of Christ in every situation, and
thus, our lives should be filled with joy in all circumstances. A
letter of thanks and encouragement for the believers in Philippi.
Key
People: Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche
Interesting
Facts: It is worth noting that this joyful letter, full of praises
to God, was written while Paul was in prison in Rome. Paul lived what
he taught. The fellowship in Philippi was the first Christian
congregation established on the European continent.
(12) Colossians
Date
Written: 60 AD
Theme:
Similar topic to Ephesians with the emphasis reversed (where
Ephesians focuses on the church as the body of Christ, Colossians
focuses on Christ as the head of the church). As John is compared to
the other gospels, Colossians is more clearly directed toward
refuting the dominant Gentile philosophy of the day (Gnosticism) than
other letters.
Key
People: Paul, Timothy, Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras
Interesting
Facts: Written while Paul was in prison in Rome. It is also revealed
that Paul wrote a letter to the Laodiceans as well (it no longer
exists). This was a "sister letter" to Ephesians (covers
similar issues, both letters were written at the same time, and sent
via the same messenger).
(13) 1 Thessalonians
Date
Written: 51 AD
Theme: A
letter of encouragement and instruction to a young congregation with
many new converts. Paul emphasizes that Christ could come at any
time, so stand ready and don't lose hope.
Key
People: Paul, Timothy, Silas
Interesting
Facts: Written from Corinth. Paul had established this congregation
only about two years before.
(14) 2 Thessalonians
Date Written: 51 or 52 AD
Theme: Ironically, this
letter was to correct some misinterpretations of Paul's comments in
the first letter, where some young believers, in anticipation of
Christ's return at any moment, had stopped everything and just sat
around and waited (leaving the burden of work on other people). One
of the things he does to head that off is to list a number of things
that must occur BEFORE Christ returns, as well as rebuke and warn
those who are being idle ("if a man does not work, he shall not
eat" - 3:10).
Key People: Paul, Silas, Timothy
Interesting Facts:
Written from Corinth just a few months after 1 Thessalonians. These
two letters may be the earliest letters still in existence that he sent.
(15)
1 Timothy
Date Written: 64 AD
Theme: Called the
"first pastoral letter," Paul focuses primarily on
practical advice about leadership and ministry, including
qualifications for overseers and deacons.
Key People: Paul, Timothy
Interesting Facts:
Written from Macedonia or Philippi about two years after being
released from prison, and just prior to his second arrest. Timothy
was serving in leadership at Ephesus at the time of this letter.
(16) 2 Timothy
Date Written: 65 or 66 AD
Theme: Called the
"third pastoral letter," Paul gave final instructions to
his beloved Timothy concerning leadership and ministry, warning about
false teachings, and encouragement to persevere.
Key People: Paul,
Timothy, Luke, Mark
Interesting Facts: Paul
had just been arrested for a second time, but this time, he had been
sentenced to death. This is his last letter, and he knows it. Only
Luke is with him. It is a very intimate, personal letter that reveals
Paul's ultimate priorities: sound doctrine, steadfast faith,
confident perseverance, and enduring love.
(17) Titus
Date
Written: 64 AD
Theme:
Called the "second pastoral letter," this one is similar in
emphasis and theme to 1 Timothy.
Key
People: Paul, Titus
Interesting
Facts: Written from Philippi or Macedonia, (about the same time as 1
Timothy) to Titus, who was organizing and overseeing churches on the
Island of Crete. Titus was, like Timothy, a very close friend and
traveling companion of Paul's. He had accompanied Paul to Jerusalem
to be presented to the Jewish Christians there as an example of how
Christ could bring about genuine change in the gentiles.
(18) Philemon
Date
Written: 60 AD
Theme:
This is a very personal letter to a believer named Philemon (who had
become a Christian due to Paul's ministry) about his slave, Onesimus,
who had robbed Philemon and run away, only to meet Paul and also
become a Christian. Very revealing of Paul's heart and character
(Paul is merciful and kind to the run-away slave, yet honest and fair
to his legal master, even taking on all of Onesimus' debts to
Philemon personally so that Onesimus can be freed, yet Philemon will
not suffer loss). Onesimus voluntarily returned to Philemon carrying
Paul's letter.
Key
People: Paul, Philemon, Onesimus
Interesting
Facts: Written while Paul was in prison in Rome. Written and sent at
about the same time as the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians
(Philemon lived in Colossae). History records that Philemon received
this letter very well, forgave Onesimus, and set him free.
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