Letters to the Church

Copyright 2016 by Bible Gateway

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CONTENTS
Introduction

Paul's Letter to the Romans

Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians

Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians

Paul's Letter to the Galatians

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians

Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Paul's Letter to the Colossians

Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians

Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Paul's First Letter to Timothy

Paul's Second Letter to Timothy

Paul's Letter to Titus

Paul's Letter to Philemon

Afterword

Copyright
Introduction

Did you know that many of the books of the New Testament are actually letters? The most famous of these letters are
the "Pauline epistles"letters written by the missionary and apostle Paul to the scattered, newborn communities of
Christ-followers that were sprouting up throughout the ancient Roman world in the years following Jesus' death and
resurrection.

These "letters to the church" are absolutely central to both Christian history and to our understanding of the Christian
faith today. They were written to explain the basics of Christian belief and life to new believers who were eager, but
young in the faith and surrounded by temptations and threats from a hostile cultural environment. Each letter is written
to a specific Christian community to address the unique issues facing that congregationbut from those words of
encouragement, rebuke, teaching, and correction, we learn much about what it means to follow Jesus in any time or
place.

This short guide to Paul's epistles will help you experience these remarkable letters for yourself. Reading Paul's letters
to the church is a particularly rewarding devotional experience. For one thing, they're very accessible to modern readers;
we're all familiar with the format of a written letter. They're also short; most of Paul's letters can be read in a single
sittingsome of them in just a few minutes! And while these letters were written nearly two thousand years ago, you'll
be surprised at how relevant they are to the struggles and triumphs that Christians experience today in their churches,
families, and personal lives.

This book presents a short introduction to each of Paul's epistles to give you some cultural and historical background
that will help you appreciate the letter. We recommend that you read through the introduction first and then take time to
read through the letter itself in the Bible. (You can find these letters in any print Bible, or follow the links in this book to
read them online at Bible Gateway.) Once you've read the letter, return to the overview in this book. Each overview
highlights key verses from the letter (very suitable for memorizing!) and asks you to consider a few reflection questions.
Don't rush your way through the lettersread them one at a time and take as long as you need to think through each
one. We've found that a pace of one epistle every day is manageable, although you may want to allow yourself a few
extras days for the longer ones.

We hope you find this guide to Paul's letters both instructive and encouraging. Christians believe that the Bible is a holy
work written by God to humans. Never is this more obviously true than in these literal letters to the church. May God
bless you as you explore this fascinating part of the Bible!

The Bible Gateway Team

Paul's Letter to the Romans

Start reading it here: Romans 1

When was it written? Probably around A.D. 55-57, about 25 years after Jesus' death and resurrection.

To whom was it written? "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people"that is, members
of the church in the city of Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire.

Why was it written? Paul longed to visit the Christian community in Rome, but his travels and responsibilities toward
other churches in the Empire made that difficult. In his letter, Paul mentions a plan to visit the Roman church on his way
to Spain.

This letter was written with a number of purposes in mind. Foremost among them was a simple explanation of the
gospel of grace; but Paul also wanted to address growing tensions between Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians
in the church.

What does it say? Much of Romans consists of what might be called a "Gospel presentation," making it an excellent
letter with which to begin an exploration of Paul's epistles. Setting a model that Christians continue to follow today,
Paul outlines the basics of the Christian gospel, hitting all of the key points: God's holiness, mankind's sin, and the
saving grace offered by Jesus Christ. He then moves on to talk about how believers, once they've been justified by faith,
should respond to that gift of grace. Paul's approach is logical and thoroughhe clearly and thoughtfully lays out his
case, anticipating questions and taking time to explain the more challenging elements. He is careful to ground his
message of the Gospel against the backdrop of the Old Testament.

The letter also spends a good deal of time addressing a troublesome rift that was dividing Jewish and Gentile believers
in Rome. Early Christians were faced with some important questions about the roots of their faith: what was
Christianity's relationship to the Jewish faith? Was is necessary for Christians to observe Jewish laws and behavioral
restrictions? Was it wrong for Jewish believers to adhere to Jewish traditions? Paul's message to both factions was a plea
for unity in Christ: although following the Jewish law could not bring salvation outside of Jesus Christ, Paul challenged
everyone in the Roman church to show grace and tolerance to fellow believers who, for reasons of conscience, followed
different rules about diets, holidays, and other religious practices.

Noteworthy passages: Given the centrality of the book of Romans to Christian theology, there are far too many key
passages to note all of them here. However, some that especially stand out include:

Romans 1: Paul introduces himself with beautiful, graceful words that communicate both his passion for Christ
and his love for the church.
Romans 7:14ff: The classic description of the "dual nature" that plagues every Christian. Paul perfectly describes
the believer's struggle to live for Christ while continually resisting the temptations of sin.
Romans 12: How then shall we live? Paul describes what a Christian life looks like.
Romans 14-15: How to approach "matters of conscience"tensions that arise when some Christians feel
compelled to observe practices or restrictions that others consider unnecessary. In brief: be gracious, humble, and
generous at all times, and this won't be a problem.

What can we learn from Romans? The book of Romans is a powerful, important letter than can be appreciated by
believers in any time or place. Its clear outline of the Gospel speaks for itself. And even the issues that were specific to
the 1st-century Roman churchthe tension between Jews and Gentileshave clear relevance to the diverse, worldwide
Christian church today. It's probably simpler to just encourage you to read the book of Romans instead of trying to sum
up its many key points. Consider these questions as you read:

1. Why do you think Paul took the time to lay out the Gospel so clearly, rather than dive straight into the church-
specific issues that needed addressing?
2. What picture of the Roman church do you gather by reading Paul's letter?
3. Your church probably isn't divided over the Gentile/Jew question. What issue might Paul have addressed instead
if he were writing to your church today?
4. Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians

Start reading it here: 1 Corinthians 1

When was it written? Around A.D. 55, approximately 20-25 years after Jesus' death and resurrection.

To whom was it written? The Christian church in the city of Corinth. Corinth was a bustling center of trade and
commerce, known for its art and philosophyand less pleasantly, for its vice and immorality.

Why was it written? The recipients of this letter were debaucherous and immoral. Infighting was common, and they
were quick to sue each other. They entertained false teachings and lacked spiritual maturity.

Harsh words! Paul must have been writing to the pagans who lived in the city of Corinth, right?

Waitwhat? He was writing to the Christians?

Word had reached the apostle Paul that the Christian community in Corinth had fallen into a variety of serious moral
errors. The vibrantly pagan culture that Corinth was famous for had crept into the church thereto the point where
there was alarmingly little that distinguished the Christians from the non-Christians.

But Paul's letter to the spiritually struggling Corinthian church was not intended just to harangue them for their failings.
Paul challenged his Corinthian brothers and sisters not just to step back from error, but to actively cultivate holy lives in
emulation of Jesus Christ.

What does it say? In his characteristic style, Paul opens his letter by getting straight to the heart of the Corinthians'
problem: misplaced priorities. He contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, asking the Corinthians
proud of their philosophical knowledgewhich type of wisdom they ought to pursue.

From there, Paul moves on to address the specific moral problems in the Corinthian church, including divisiveness,
sexual immorality, and litigiousness. His words, however harsh, are always accompanied by positive encouragement to
strive for holiness; and throughout the letter his genuine concern is evident: "I am writing this not to shame you but to
warn you as my dear children."

Paul's letter wraps up with some of the most well-known passages in the entire Bible, notably the famous "love chapter"
and an eloquent explanation of the great hope around which Christanity revolves: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Noteworthy passages:

1 Corinthians 6:12: The answer to that commonly-asked question: "Is it acceptable for Christians to...?"
1 Corinthians 9: If Christians are free from the judgment of the law, does that mean they can do anything they
want? And if we have the "right" to do something, does that mean we should always do it?
1 Corinthians 12: Paul's classic explanation of spiritual giftsand of the important role that every Christian, no
matter how great or obscure, plays in the grand scheme of God's Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 13: Even if you've never read even a single sentence from the Bible, chances are you've heard this
beautiful description of love recited at weddings.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2: "Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which
you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the
word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain."

What can we learn from 1 Corinthians? It's not too difficult to see the ongoing relevance of 1 Corinthians: the
Christian church today is riven by the same moral faults that plagued the Corinthian believers. Although the specifics
might (or might not!) be different in your church, Paul's exhortation to pursue holiness and godliness instead of
attractive but ultimately empty philosophies speaks plainly to us today. This letter richly answers the question "As a
follower of Christ, how should I live?"
Consider these questions as you read 1 Corinthians today:

1. The moral problems in the Corinthian church were very severeto an outside observer, they could well have
appeared fatal. Why do think Paul took the time to write to a church so mired in error?
2. Is Paul's tone in this letter negative or positive? How does he balance criticism with encouragement, and can you
apply his approach to your own relationships?
3. How do you think the Corinthian church reached its grim state? What could happen to cause a Bible-believing,
Christ-following church today to slip in this same manner?
4. Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians

Start Reading it Here: 2 Corinthians 1

When was it written? Around A.D. 56, probably not long after Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was penned.

To whom was it written? The Christian community in the important city of Corinth. Corinth was renowned for its
commercial power, its artistic and philosophic traditions, and for its culture of vice.

Why was it written? This letter is a continuation of a lengthy, highly personal, and sometimes tense conversation
between Paul and the Christian community in Corinth. Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church contained stern rebukes
concerning immoral practices that had crept into the community. Since then, the Corinthian church had responded
positively to some of Paul's concerns, but new challenges had cropped up. Paul wrote this letter to congratulate the
Corinthian church for its reforms and to offer advice for handling difficult situationsbut also to defend his own
credibility as a Christian minister in the face of criticism from rivals within the congregation.

2 Corinthians can present a challenge for modern readers who can't know the full context of Paul's relationship with the
Corinthian church. Given the wide range of topics addressed and the changes in tone throughout this letter, some Bible
scholars have suggested that this is a compilation of several different letters. Whatever its original form, this letter is a
picture of the earnest but somewhat messy process by which a Christian community makes mistakes, deals with internal
problems, and works, despite its imperfections, to imitate Christ more closely.

What does it say? Paul has a lot to say in this letter. Some of it is of obvious relevance to all Christian believers
through the ages, and some of it very specific to the situation in Corinth.

Paul begins by congratulating the Corinthians: they had correctly disciplined a member of the community for serious
sin, and now that the period of discipline had taken its course, Paul urged them to forgive the offender and welcome him
back. Paul never minces words when confronting people with sin, but his desire is always restoration, not punishment
or guilt for their own sake.

Paul also takes time to focus on an oft-neglected characteristic of a healthy church: generosity. When they heard about
the desperate financial needs of another Christian community, the Corinthians responded generously, and Paul both
thanks them for their selfless giving and encourages them to keep it up: "Last year you were the first not only to give but
also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your
completion of it, according to your means." Along with this bit of encouragement, Paul takes time to remind his readers
of the core components of the Christian faith.

Of course, 2 Corinthians is not all cheer and congratulations. It's clear from this letter that Paul's integrity and authority
were being challenged by critics in the Corinthian communityperhaps people who resented Paul's earlier words of
challenge and rebuke. A group of people Paul calls "false apostles" were spreading rumors that Paul was dishonest and
insincere. To this, Paul devotes the final section of this letter to a defense of his ministry. Paul wasn't looking to boast
about his "super spirituality," but to put to rest any thoughts that he was getting rich off of his ministry. From this self-
defense, we learn what it meant to be a minister of Christ in the Roman empire: beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and the
constant threat of death.

Noteworthy passages:

2 Corinthians 4:1-2: The high standard expected of a minister of Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8: A timeless call to generosityand the origin of a famous adage about cheerful giving.
2 Corinthians 11:16-33: Paul describes the harrowing trials he's suffered for the sake of his ministry.

What can we learn from 2 Corinthians? From Paul's specific advice about important, everyday church functions like
discipline and charitable giving, we can extract useful guidelines to apply to our churches today. But just as importantly,
2 Corinthians shows us how a real, live, messy Christian community follows up on its successes... and how it repents
and reforms after its failures. 2 Corinthians provides an occasionally unflattering but nonetheless optimistic depiction of
a Christian community as it really isand it reminds us of what we ought to be striving for.

Consider these questions as you read 2 Corinthians today:

How would you describe the mood of this letter? Is it upbeat? Disappointed? How does it compare to Paul's first
letter to this church?
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians contained some unflinching criticism of serious problems in the church. How
do the Corinthians seem to have responded to that criticism?
What kind of person do you think Paul is referring to with the phrase "super-apostles"? What would a "super-
apostle" look like in today's church... and is that a flattering term, or a sarcastic one?
Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Letter to the Galatians

Start Reading it Here: Galatians 1

When was it written? Uncertain, but likely around A.D. 50. It might be one of Paul's earliest known letters.

To whom was it written? "Galatians" could refer to people living in at least two different parts of the Roman empire,
so we don't know for certainbut this letter was probably written to the network of early Christian churches in the
Roman province of Galatia (modern-day central Turkey).

Why was it written? As is often the case with Paul's letters, the epistle to the Galatians was written to address a specific
problem in the recipients' communities. In this case, the problem was caused by "Judaizers:" Jewish Christians who
insisted that Gentile (non-Jewish) converts to Christianity must abide by Jewish traditions (notably circumcision). In the
early years of the Christian church, as the Gospel message spread far beyond its geographic roots in Palestine and out
into the wide Gentile world, the question "What must I do to be saved?" needed a clear and decisive answer. Paul
composed this letter to settle the matter once and for all.

What does it say? Unlike some of Paul's other letters, which cover a wide range of themes and topics, the epistle to the
Galatians is short and focused. Threats to the early church's spiritual health usually came from the hostile pagan world,
in the form of sinful vice, un-Christian philosophies, or the temptation to backslide. But the threat facing the Galatian
churches came from within, and it probably had good intentions: it came from Christians who couldn't accept that the
Gospel of Jesus Christ was truly free.

Today, Christians are quite familiar with the idea of salvation as a free gift of Godno strings attached. But many early
Christians, particularly those from Jewish backgrounds, struggled to believe that something as momentous as salvation
didn't come with a few rules and requirements. If the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the culmination of God's covenant with
Israel, it made sense to them that the behavioral rules of that old covenant still applied.

But a Gospel that came with rules wasn't truly free. Paul insists that any gospel which requires humans to jump through
behavioral hoops is no longer the gospel of Jesus Christ; it's an entirely different, false gospel; a "gospel contrary to the
one you received." The price of redemption was paid by Jesus Christ alone; it can't be earned by observing rituals or
carrying out the "right" behaviors.

Noteworthy passages:

Galatians 3:1-14: Belief in Jesus Christ, not adherence to laws and rituals, is the core of the Gospel.
Galatians 4:8-11: Paul is exasperated that the Galatians, having found freedom, are lapsing back into spiritual
slavery.
Galatians 5:1: The Gospel offers freedom, not slavery to a new set of rules and laws.

What can we learn from Galatians? The book of Galatians outlines the important concept of Christian libertythe
idea that belief in Christ frees people from the impossible burden of being perfect and following all the rules. This is a
more difficult concept to accept than you might initially assume: although few Christians today insist on adherence to
Jewish traditions, a look at church history through the centuries (and today!) makes it clear that humans just can't resist
adding rules and restrictions to the simple message of Jesus Christ. Those rules might be well-intentioned, and it might
be wise to follow them... but the instant we imagine that following those rules is necessary for salvation, we've bought
into the false gospel about which Paul warned the Galatians.

Consider these questions as you read Galatians today:

Does your experience with Christianity cause you to associate it with freedom, or with a list of rules to follow?
What has shaped your perspective?
If extra rules encourage good behavior and don't hurt anyone, why do you think Paul saw them as such a threat?
Throughout his letters, Paul urges Christians to behave righteously and in a God-honoring fashion. Does that
contradict his message here about freedom from rules?
Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Letter to the Ephesians

Start reading it here: Ephesians 1

When was it written? Around 60 A.D. Some sources say that it was written around the same time as Paul's letter to the
Colossians, since it's similar in style and purpose.

Where was it written? Possibly from the prison cell where Paul was being held in Rome.

To whom was it written? Ephesians is primarily written to Gentile (non-Jewish) followers of Christmost likely the
church in Ephesus. (Unlike some of Paul's other letters, it doesn't begin with individual greetings. For this reason, there
is debate about whether it was specifically intended for the church in Ephesus, or if it was meant to be circulated more
widely.)

Why was it written? Paul wrote this letter to encourage Gentile believers, and to make it clear that Jews and Gentiles
have been brought together as part of one body in Christ. Paul is also concerned that his audience be made aware of the
moral laws they may have been lax in following (or that they were unaware of).

What does it say? Ephesians is first and foremost an encouraging letter. Because of Christianity's strong roots in
Jewish history and religion, it was natural for early Christians to wonder if Christ's gospel was limited to Jews, or if
Jewish Christians held a special status because of their ethnic heritage. Paul clearly wants his Gentile brothers and
sisters to know that in God's kingdom, they are first-class citizens alongside their Jewish brethren. To get this point
across, he uses a number of phrases and metaphors that imply unity: the "body of Christ" as a description of God's
kingdom on earth, and marriage as a mirror of Jesus' relationship with the church.

Paul also reminds his audience that since they now belong to Christ, they must start living their lives differently. They
need to distance themselves from immorality and strive for spiritual purity. It's in the context of this discussion that he
uses the famous metaphor of the "armor of God."

Noteworthy passages:

Ephesians 2:11-13: Paul states that through Jesus, Gentiles are part of the body of Christ.
Ephesians 3:16-21: A prayer that the Holy Spirit will help us understand the extent of God's love.
Ephesians 4:2-5: A call for humility and gentleness to guide Christians toward unity.
Ephesians 4:20-5:2: Words of guidance for living a moral life.
Ephesians 5:21-33: Why marriage can be seen as a reflection of Christ's relationship with his church.
Ephesians 5:5-9: A tricky and much-discussed passage that explains how slaves should conduct themselves in
relation to their masters. (Slavery was common in the ancient Roman world, and the early Christian church
included many believers who were slaves.)
Ephesians 6:10-17: Paul's memorable description of the "armor of God." Girding ourselves with all the bits and
pieces of this spiritual armor will protect us from the "powers of this dark world."

What can we learn from Ephesians? This letter would have been tremendously encouraging to the non-Jewish
believers who received itand its message that Christianity is not bound by ethnicity is important for readers today, no
matter our nationality or ethnic heritage. Paul's letter to the Ephesians is filled with reminders that God's kingdom is
open to all those who put their faith and trust in Him.

Consider these questions as you read Ephesians today:

1. How do you imagine the Jews and Gentiles reacted to Paul stating that Gentiles were part of the church?
2. How have you experienced Christ "[dwelling] in your heart through faith"?
3. Ephesians contains several passages that are full of exhortation. As you read through this letter, notice how many
of these exhortations are related to how we interact with each other. Do you find any of them personally
challenging or convicting?
4. Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Start reading it here: Philippians 1

When was it written? We know that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote this letter. Identifying which imprisonment this
was (Paul was jailed on numerous occasions) would make it possible to identify a more specific date. As it is, he may
have been imprisoned in Caesarea (A.D. 57-59), Rome (A.D. 59-61), or Ephesus (A.D. 53-55) while he wrote it.

To whom was it written? The Christian church in the city of Philippi, one of the leading cities in the district of
Macedonia. Placed strategically on a major trade route, Philippi enjoyed important privileges within the Roman empire:
autonomous government and immunity from tribute.

Why was it written? The Philippian church had sent the imprisoned Paul a gift by a messenger named Epaphroditus.
When Epaphroditus fell ill while performing his duties, Paul decided to send him back to Philippi and asked that the
church receive him with joy and hold him in high regard.

This letter stands out as one of the most personal that Paul wrote. It is joyful in nature and doesn't harshly rebuke the
congregation. Paul shows his immense gratitude to the church by thanking them for their generous gifts.

What does it say? The overarching themes of this letter are suffering and joy. Though the letter may seem to emphasize
the suffering endured by Paul, his co-workers, and the Philippians, it also resonates with tones of joy.

Ancient Roman attitudes toward life and death were bleak. Death was the inevitable end of life, and suffering in life was
just a prelude to that grim fate. Capricious and cruel gods exacted inconsistent divine "justice" with impunity. Humans
had no option other than to simply accept the ultimate futility of their aspirations and wishes.

In writing his letter from a place of exceptional suffering, Paul actually reflects that cultural background... with one
crucial difference: he offers joy from that place. He writes to the Philippians to show them that his imprisonment had not
impeded the spread of the gospel, but had actually hastened its expansion. Paul draws attention to the significance of
suffering in the growth of God's kingdom, and offers the Philippians that same joy-in-spite-of-suffering if they will
embrace that gospel message.

Noteworthy passages:

Philippians 1:18b-26: Faced with the choice to either die and be with Christ or live and suffer, Paul chooses the
latter for the good of the church.
Philippians 2:5-11: Through the example of Jesus Christ, Paul shows that there is no shame in suffering.
Philippians 3:17-20: Beaufitully, Paul calls the Philippians to follow his example. Though earthly suffering may
be the consequence, their "citizenship is in heaven."
1 Corinthians 13: Paul's famous call for Christians to rejoice!

What can we learn from Philippians? The book of Philippians is a beautifully crafted and very intimate letter to one
of Pauls most beloved churches. He addresses them with a clear sense of fellowship and affection. It's forthright in
calling us not only to accept our suffering, but to rejoice in it. As Christians, we are not exempt from the suffering that's
inherent to human existencebut our faith gives us a different, and hopeful, perspective on suffering that other religions
and philosophies cannot. Furthermore, persecution on account of the Christian faith is a powerful testament to our God
and the suffering that Jesus Christ himself endured.

Consider these questions as you read Philippians:

1. What does this letter suggest about the church of Philippi?

2. How do you think you would have fared in Paul's position? Would you have turned your suffering into joy? How?
3. Have you ever found yourself in a position to suffer for Jesus Christ?
4. Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Letter to the Colossians

Start reading it here: Colossians 1

When and where was it written? It's widely believed that Paul's letter to the Colossians was written in 62 A.D., during
Paul's imprisonment in Rome (around the same time he wrote his epistles to the Ephesians and Philippians).

To whom was it written? The house church in Colosse. Colosse had once been a city of considerable significance, but
its importance was on the wane when Paul wrote his letter. The inhabitants of the area were mostly Gentiles (non-Jews),
though there was a considerable colony of Jews among them as well.

Paul had never visited Colosse, but he had spent a considerable amount of time in Ephesus, located about one hundred
miles to the eastso it was very likely that Paul and Epaphras (founder of the Colossian church) had been in contact
with one another.

Why was it written? When Epaphras arrived in Rome, he brought with him disturbing news from the Christian
community in Colosse: non-Christian teachings were circulating within the Colossian church. The problem was
syncretism: Jewish and Gentile beliefs and practices were being combined, creating a sort of hybrid religion that no
longer resembled true Christianity.

More specifically, the heresy taking root in Colosse was a form of gnosticism, which taught (among other things) that
humans could transcend evil and the corruptions of the world through asceticism and their own strength of will.
Gnostics believed that they could essentially ignore the world and follow their own desires and impulses. Paul wrote to
the Colossian church to warn them away from error and reiterate the importance of the Christian ethic.

What does it say? This letter challenges the believers in Colosse to look solely to the divinity of Jesus Christ, through
whom we are all saved. In it, Paul refutes the gnostic heresy spreading throughout the Colossian church and presents
Jesus as God, creator of the universe. He emphasizes the importance of the cross: Jesus is Savior, and only by his blood
we are saved.

Noteworthy passages:

Colossians 1:15-18: Paul asserts the supremacy and divinity of Jesus Christ as the head of the church.
Colossians 2:8-9: Paul warns to people of Colosse not to allow themselves to be led astray by false teachings.
Colossians 3:15-17: In this beautiful passage, Paul calls the Christians in Colosse to accept Christ and receive his
peace.

What can we learn from Colossians? Although you might not feel tempted by gnosticism or the specific heresies
described here, this letter is remarkably relevant to us today. Its central premise is that humans cannot achieve salvation
through their own works, ideas, or accomplishments; we can't "improve" Christianity by adding to it ideas or
philosophies from other sources, no matter how well-intentioned they are. Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds us that
there is absolute truth in Christianity. There's no need to look elsewhere for salvation.

Consider these questions as you read Colossians today:

1. How do you keep an eye out for heretical teachings?

2. Have you ever tried, perhaps unwittingly, to "complicate" the message of salvation? How soand what helped
you recognize your efforts for what they were?
3. Why do you think it was so easy for churches to fall prey to false teachings in Paul's day? Do you think it's still a
problem in today's church?
4. Imagine that this letter was written to you. How would you respond?
Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians

Start reading it here: 1 Thessalonians 1

When was it written? Around A.D. 51, making it one of Paul's earliest letters.

To whom was it written? The new Christian community in the important Macedonian city of Thessalonica.
Thessalonica was a major center of trade and military power situated on the sprawling Egnatian Way road.

Why was it written? After helping to establish the young Christian church in Thessalonica, Paul had been driven out of
the city ("torn away," as he describes it). But the Thessalonians remained in his thoughts and prayers, and after an
encouraging report from his fellow evangelist Timothy about the enthusiasm of the Thessalonian church, Paul wrote this
letter to encourage the community to continue to stand strong despite the pressures and persecution they faced.

What does it say? The upbeat tone of this letter is evident from its very first sentences: "We always thank God for all of
you," Paul tells his readers, "mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your
work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
How encouraging it must have been for the Thessalonians to read those words!

First Thessalonians is a short letter, and much of it is comprised of Paul's personal words of encouragement. When the
letter takes a turn into doctrine and instruction, it is to briefly address two major issues. First, Paul urges the
Thessalonians to continually pursue righteous lives despite persecution; and specifically to resist the sexual immorality
that would have been an everpresent temptation in a cosmopolitan city like Thessalonica.

Secondly, Paul devotes time to a question that we still grapple with today: how are Christians to understand death? The
Thessalonians may have been confused when members of their community passed away before Christ's promised return.
Paul's words of hope in the face of sorrow and tragedy are commonly read at funerals and memorial services even
today: "Brothers, we do not want you to... grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and
rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

Noteworthy passages:

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6,11-12: Christ-followers are urged to exercise self-control with their bodies and impulses,
and to earn the respect of others through their honest lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:1: Paul famously describes the return of Jesus Christ as something that will come
unexpectedly, "like a thief in the night."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: What is God's will for your life? It's beautifully summarized here.

What can we learn from 1 Thessalonians? 1 Thessalonians is not a long or complex letter, but in just a few pages,
Paul outlines for us a Christian philosophy of life and death. A Christian's life is to be characterized by prayer, gratitude,
self-control, and honorable behavior; and not even the reality of death and sorrow can bring despair to someone whose
hope is in the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Consider these questions as you read 1 Thessalonians today:

What does Paul suggest is the appropriate response to persecution?

What do you think Paul means when he says that Christians do not "grieve like the rest of men, who have no
hope"?
Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Start reading it here: 2 Thessalonians 1

When was it written? Around A.D. 51, not long after Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians.

To whom was it written? Like 1 Thessalonians, this letter was written to the new Christian community in
Thessalonica, a major trade city in Greece.

Why was it written? This short letter expands on one of the subjects Paul addressed in his first letter to this
community. The Thessalonians may have responded to his first letter with questions that needed further answers; Paul
also mentions hearing reports of problematic behavior by some in the church, which he felt obligated to correct.

What does it say? It's clear from this letter that the Thessalonians were very concerned with the question of Christ's
promised return to Earth. In Paul's first letter, he assured them that the death of Christ-followers did not cast doubt on
Christ's promise. This letter suggests that the regular persecution they faced was adding a great urgency to the question
"When will Christ return and usher in his kingdom?"

In addressing these fears and concerns, Paul does not lay out an exact timeline or set of dates for Christ's return. Instead,
he assures the Thessalonians that the frightening things they're seeing and experiencing should not surprise themand
that they could expect more trials in the future. Paul urges them not to panic in the face of alarming claims and
prophecies about the "end times," but to endure in the knowledge that Jesus Christ's victory is already assured.

Noteworthy passages:

2 Thessalonians 1:4: Paul boasts of the Thessalonians' perseverance in the face of persecution.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-6: Christians aren't to obsess or panic about the "end times," but wait patiently for God's
plan to unfold "at the proper time."
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15: Straying brothers and sisters in Christ are to be rebuked, but still loved and encouraged
to repent.

What can we learn from 2 Thessalonians? It's natural that Christians have long wondered when to expect the return of
Jesus Christ. We watch today for Christ's return just as the Thessalonian believers did. But Paul's words in this letter are
an important reminder that a natural interest in the "end times" shouldn't become an obsession, or a source of fear and
panic. We can rest assured that no historical event or spate of persecution will stop God's Kingdom from unfolding
according to his perfect plan.

Consider these questions as you read 2 Thessalonians today:

Can you understand the Thessalonians' panicky obsession with Christ's return? Do you ever feel frustrated or
upset at the thought of Christ's return, or at the fact that he hasn't yet returned?
What do you think Paul means when he mentions a "powerful delusion" that people will believe?
Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's First Letter to Timothy

Start reading it here: 1 Timothy 1

When was it written? Most likely between AD 62 and 66. It's likely that Paul was in Macedonia when he wrote this
letter (see 1 Timothy 1:3).

To whom was it written? 1 Timothy is one of Paul's "pastoral" letters. These letters were addressed to church leaders
and outlined their pastoral duties. This one was written to Timothy, a believer in Ephesus who had worked and traveled
extensively with Paul. Throughout the letter, Paul uses the tone of a father instructing a son, even calling Timothy his
"true child of the faith."

Why was it written? The Christian church in Ephesus was falling into serious error: a form of gnosticism was
corrupting church teachings. Paul urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus to put a stop to these falsehoods and maintain
spiritual discipline within the church. Both to protect the Ephesian church from further error and to encourage the
formation of a Christlike community, Paul includes many instructions about the administration of the church.

What does it say? Like Paul's letter to the Colossians, 1 Timothy confronts the danger of pagan, syncretistic theology
within the church. Influential people within the church were promoting practices and ideologies that didn't cohere with
Christian doctrine. The Greek goddess Artemis was the city's favored deitythe Temple of Artemis, located in
Ephesus, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Worldand pagan beliefs were seeping into the young
Christian church. Timothy's charge was to urge the Church to stay true to the Christian faith in spite of this ever-present
temptation (see 1 Timothy 2:5-6 and 4).

This letter also functions as an administrative guide for the church. Paul outlines the procedure of public worship, the
qualifications of church leaders, the treatment of elders and widows, gender roles within the community, and even
instructions for slaves. These passages are heavily discussed to this day, as modern Christians try to understand Paul's
specific and practical guidelines within the cultural context of the ancient Roman world.

Noteworthy passages:

1 Timothy 2:5: Paul asserts the oneness of God and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, in contrast to polytheistic
pagan beliefs.
1 Timothy 3: Paul's list of qualifications for church leaders is also an excellent guide for godly living in general.
1 Timothy 6:7: The origin of the saying "you can't take it with you!"
1 Timothy 6:10: Paul's famous warning that "the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil."

What can we learn from 1 Timothy? As we've seen in some of Paul's other letters, false teaching has been a threat to
the church from its earliest days. While it's unlikely that the specific heresies described in 1 Timothy are taking root in
your church, our modern age has its own fair share of appealing but false philosophies; we can certainly benefit from
Paul's emphasis on refuting erroneous beliefs and remaining true to the teachings of Christ. Paul's message is simple and
exquisitely clear: one God; salvation by Jesus Christ.

Paul's instructions regarding church leadership and responsibilities are very relevant today, and churches around the
world use 1 Timothy as a guide for choosing leaders and understanding their duties.

Consider these questions as you read 1 Timothy:

1. Why do you think Paul focuses so much on interpersonal guidance in this letter?
2. Reading 1 Timothy, what picture do you get of the church in Ephesus?
3. Does your church use 1 Timothy's guidelines for leaders and church administration as the basis for its everyday
work? How does your church approach some of the more controversial guidelines in 1 Timothy, such as Paul's
instructions for women and slaves?
4. Your church probably isn't tempted by Artemis worship. But what non-Christian beliefs could you see threatening
your church, if you were to let your guard down?
Paul's Second Letter to Timothy

Start reading it here: 2 Timothy 1

When was it written? In the late 60s A.D., probably not long before Paul's death. Paul was imprisoned in Rome at the
time when he wrote this; it's believed to have been his last known letter.

To whom was it written? Paul's longtime friend and associate Timothy, who had worked alongside Paul in evangelism
and ministry for many years. Timothy was in the city of Ephesus, where he had been sent by Paul several years earlier.

Why was it written? Aware that he didn't have much longer to live, Paul wrote to Timothy as a mentor dispensing final
words of advice to his protege. In addition to encouraging Timothy in his ministry, Paul was concerned that false
teachings were still threatening the young but quickly growing Christian church.

What does it say? 2 Timothy opens with moving words of encouragement to the young missionary Timothy. Paul
dispenses a string of advice, some of it quite specific (even naming individuals in the church who needed to be
confronted for sinful behavior). Paul expected that a time of renewed persecution was about to descend on the church,
and there's an urgency in his exhortations to Timothy to stand strong in the faith.

Paul mentions that most of his friends had abandoned him in prison; combined with the specter of Paul's impending
execution, that casts a shadow of sadness over this letter. Nonetheless, Paul doesn't write out of a sense of gloom or
despair; he is reaching the end of a long life lived in service to Jesus Christ, and Paul does not regret his suffering on
account of his Savior. His concern as the end nears is not for himself, but for a Christian church that, while enthusiastic
and growing, is still vulnerable to false preachers and heresies.

Noteworthy passages:

2 Timothy 1:7-8: What kind of spirit does God give to His children?
2 Timothy 3:1-5: Paul's sobering description of the trials the Christian church must face before Christ's return.
2 Timothy 4:6-8: A moving account of Paul's mindset as he nears the end of his life.

What can we learn from 2 Timothy? This letter paints a moving picture of a Christian nearing the end of both his
ministry and his life. Any Christian would want to emulate Paul's attitude: no self-pity, no bitterness, but only a strong
desire to use what time remains to share as much insight as possible. That selfless attitude is one that Christians of all
ages and at any stage of life can adopt.

Consider these questions as you read 2 Timothy today:

Do you have a Christian mentoran older Christian who has helped shape your faith? Could you be a mentor to
somebody else?
Why do you think the early church, even under the leadership of respected ministers like Paul and Timothy, had
so much trouble keeping false teachers and ideas out of their communities?
If you were to write a letter of "final advice" to your children or somebody else, what would it say?
Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Letter to Titus

Start reading it here: Titus 1

When was it written? In the mid-to-late 60s A.D.

To whom was it written? Titus, a Gentile convert to Christianity who was organizing the Christian community on
Crete.

Why was it written? This letter bears strong thematic similarities to Paul's letters to Timothy: it consists largely of
instructions for organizing the leadership and structure of Christian churches. Paul wanted Titus to finish organizing the
local churches and then join Paul as soon as replacements (also sent by Paul) arrived on Crete.

What does it say? Paul's letter to Titus is filled with instructions regarding church leadership and organization that will
be familiar to anyone who's read Paul's similar instructions to Timothy. However, the Christian community in Crete
appears to have been especially immature and vulnerable to straying, which undoubtedly posed a special challenge to
Titus' leadership efforts. Paul mentions the corrupting influence of "Jewish myths," which may suggest that Cretan
Christians were mixing their faith with ideas from other religions and traditions. Paul also cautions Titus to show no
patience for pointless debates and controversies, or for people who insist on spreading them.

Paul's advice to Titus is to continue to teach "sound doctrine" and to make sure that the leaders of the Cretan church met
the high moral standards that Paul expected of all Christian leaders. The concept of "self-control" as a key part of
Christian moral character is reiterated in several different places. Paul clearly considered it a defining trait of mature
Christianity.

Noteworthy passages:

Titus 2:3-5: Titus is encouraged to empower the older women of the church to mentor the younger women.
Titus 2:11-14: An encouraging reminder of the effect that God's salvation has on His people and the way they
live.
Titus 3:9-10: Paul's warning against useless debates and arguments in the church.

What can we learn from Titus? Like Paul's letters to Timothy, we can learn much about the structure of a healthy
church from Paul's instructions to Titus. The importance of godly leadership in the churchboth formal leadership by
deacons and elders, and less formal mentoring by wise members of the congregationare emphasized here, and
churches today can apply the same standards of righteousness to our leaders that Paul expected of the Cretan church.
Paul's emphasis on self-control is profoundly relevant to the church today, surrounded as it is by a shallow culture where
indulgence in all manner of sin is easy and encouraged.

Consider these questions as you read Titus today:

Do the older or more spiritually mature members of your church mentor the young people of the community?
Why do you think Paul places such a strong emphasis on self-control in this and other letters? What problems are
avoided when you have self-control?
Imagine that you've received this letter from Paul. What might you write back to him in response?
Paul's Letter to Philemon

Start reading it here: Philemon 1

When was it written? Around A.D. 60, during one of Paul's stretches of imprisonment in Rome.

To whom was it written? Philemon and Apphia (possibly husband and wife), members of the Colossian Christian
church.

Why was it written? Like many people who lived in the Roman empire, Philemon was a slave owner. One of his
slaves, Onesimus, had escaped and converted to Christianityand Paul wrote an impassioned plea to Philemon to
welcome Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, and to release him from slavery.

What does it say? This very short letter (just a few hundred words in length) packs quite a punch, dealing as it does
with an incredibly sensitive topic: slavery. Paul had befriended the escaped slave Onesimus, but was now sending him
back to his owner... with a strong request that Onesimus be freed.

This letter evokes many different reactions in modern readers and raises difficult questions about how Christians should
respond to social evils like slavery. Paul does not challenge Philemon's legal right to own slaves, or to punish them for
escapingbut he also challenges Philemon to rise above his legal rights and treat Onesimus as a free man and fellow
Christian. Some readers may be disappointed that Paul does not more directly challenge the injustice of the institution of
slavery (which was a widespread practice at the time). Other readers are struck by Paul's insistence that the gospel of
grace takes precedence over human laws and privileges.

We don't know how Philemon and Apphia responded to this unusual letter, but the tone of Paul's letter (and his
confidence in sending Onesimus back to his master) suggest that Paul expected his request to be granted.

Noteworthy passages:

Philemon 1:8: Paul knows he could simply order Philemon to free Onesimus, but instead he chooses to challenge
Philemon to do the right thing of his own volition.
Philemon 1:15-16: Philemon might have considered Onesimus' escape to be a great injustice done to him, but
Paul has a different perspective.
Philemon 1:17-21: Offering to pay any of Onesimus' debts, Paul removes any last excuse Philemon might use to
reject Paul's request.

What can we learn from Philemon? Philemon is a picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in a corrupt and unjust
world: the brutal and often inhumane Roman empire. Paul's letter might not be exactly what we expect, but in the
context of Paul's world, it's a message of revolutionary grace. In Christ's kingdom, all stand equal as human beings
loved by God. What unjust rights or privileges do we enjoy today, that God calls us to renounce with acts of grace?

Consider these questions as you read Philemon today:

Why do you think Paul didn't simply use his authority as an apostle to order Philemon to do the right thing?
Why do you think Paul restricted his request to the case of Onesimus, rather than more generally challenging the
morality of slave ownership?
How does this letter inform our reaction to legally-endorsed social evils?
Afterword

We hope you've enjoyed reading through Paul's letters to the church! By reading through these letters, you've gotten a
very thorough look at the state of the early Christian church, and a comprehensive tour of the spiritual priorities that
should dominate a Christian's everyday life.

If you're ready for a new Bible reading experience, where should you turn next? Here are a few recommendations:

Read Paul's backstory in the book of Acts. Paul's letters provide us all kinds of tantalizing glimpses into his lifehe
traveled all across the ancient Roman world, was threatened and imprisoned regularly... and did we mention that he
started his career as an avowed enemy of Jesus Christ and a zealous persecutor of the Christian church? Now that you've
read Paul's letters, read his remarkable backstoryit is told (along with other accounts of the early Christian church and
its leaders) in the book of Acts.

Read the rest of the New Testament epistles. Paul didn't write every letter that has been preserved as a New Testament
bookthere are seven other epistles (often called the "general epistles"). In order, they are the books of James, 1 and 2
Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. Like Paul's letters, they are short and accessible, and now that you're an experienced
epistle-reader, you should find them rewarding to read.

Try a change of pace by reading a different type of Bible book. The Bible is comprised of individual books from
many different genres, of which the epistles are only one example. A natural next step after reading Paul's epistles is to
return to the four GospelsMatthew, Mark, Luke, and Johnand read them through. They're not written in the same
format as Paul's letters, and were written with different purposes in mind than Paul had. They're foundational to
understanding Jesus Christ. While they're individually longer than any of Paul's epistles, they're extremely readable and
are filled with many famous stories and scenes.

Start following a Bible reading plan. While you can certainly read any parts of the Bible in whatever order you like,
many Bible readers find it extremely helpful to follow a reading plan to pace them through God's Word. Reading plans
range from the relatively short (there are reading plans that walk you through the Gospels, for example) to the much
more ambitious (read the entire Bible in a year!). The plan that works best for you will depend on what your personal
Bible-reading goals are, as well as what you can work into your daily schedule. You can find a wide variety of reading
plans on Bible Gateway; you can subscribe to one of our reading plans to have daily email reminders sent to you,
customize a start date, and pause or restart a plan that you've already begun.

Wherever your Bible reading journey takes you next, we pray that God will bless your exploration of His Word.

The Bible Gateway Team