(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.

OT-1[1] 2[2] 3[3]
NT-1[4] 2 3[5]