When we think of Christ we dont always reflect on the stunning power that comes from the perfect unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but it is picture of unity Christ desires for his church. Again as indicated in the opening salutation, Paul is the author of this letter. A third purpose is related to the questions that naturally arose among the Jewish and the Gentile Christians at Rome like what does the gospel do to the Law and such Old Testament rites like circumcision? The average letter of Paul, however, was 2,495 words long! 11, 18), is motivated by Pauls love to intercede on his behalf (vv. The purpose and burden of the apostle in writing to the Thessalonians can be summarized as follows: to express his thankfulness for what God was doing in the lives of the Thessalonians (1:2-3), to defend himself against a campaign to slander his ministry (2:1-12), to encourage them to stand fast against persecution and pressure to revert to their former pagan lifestyles (3:2-3; 4:1-12), to answer a doctrinal question pertaining to the fate of Christians who had died (4:1-13), to answer questions regarding the Day of the Lord (5:1-11), and to deal with certain problems that had developed in their corporate life as a church (5:12-13; 19-20). The Propagation of His Work (1:24-2:3), II. WebThe canon of the books of the New Testament includes, along with the Pauline corpus (the thirteen letters of St. Paul and the letter of Hebrews), a group of seven others which Tradition usually calls the "Catholic Letters" - that written by St. James, two by St. Peter, three by St. John and one by St. Jude. The Format of the Pauline Letters | Saint Mary's Press WebThe Format of the Pauline Letters. 5; 6:9-20), and a number of questions regarding marriage and divorce, food, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. Paul was a prolific and lengthy writer. The Proof and Reason for Our Walk (5:8-13), 5. In this the apostle shows how God saves the sinner. Personal Messages and Benediction (15:1416:27), C. Pauls Conclusion and Benediction (16:17-27). (See Colossians 4:16. No passage is clearer and more declarative regarding the nature, fact, and purpose of the incarnation of Christ as is found in this book, the great kenosis passage (2:5f.). Further, in view of all Christ was, is, has and will accomplish, Paul declares Christ as the believers life, for to me to live is Christ (1:21), that He is the perfect model of humility and sacrificing love (2:4-5), that He is the one who will transform our humble bodies into the likeness of His glorious body at the resurrection (3:21), and He is our means of enablement in any and all circumstances of life (4:12). Because of their close relationship in thought and focus, the attestation and authorship of all three pastoral epistles will be dealt with here. Third, focus on Thus, Paul writes about the believers wealth, walk, and warfare. At the time of writing, Paul had not visited there, the letter says (Col 1:4; 2:1).The community had apparently been established by Epaphras of Colossae (Col 1:7; 4:12; Phlm 23).Problems, however, had The three modes of argumentation were forensic or judicial, often meant to defend a position; deliberative or hortatory, intended to persuade an audience to make practical decisions; and demonstrative or epideictic, which sought to inspire, praise, affirm common beliefs, and gain support. Eventually, he was invited by Barnabas to come to the church at Antioch and assist in the work being done there. Those who hold to the Pauline authorship reply: (1) there is no compelling reason to believe that Acts contains the complete history of the life of Paul. Because of this, 1 Timothy must be dated after his first release, around the spring of A.D. 63, but before the outbreak of the Neronian persecutions in A.D. 64. 2:2). They taught, among other things, that a number of the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were still binding on the church. . The frequent personal greetings often appended to the end of Pauls letterssuch as the list of twenty-six individuals and five groups in Romans 16:316remind us that these were actual letters written to real people in the first century AD. 1:1-8; 4:9-22; Titus 1:5; 3:12-13).64 Those who question Pauls authorship usually do so on the following grounds: that (1) Pauls travels described in the pastorals do not fit anywhere into the historical account of the book of Acts, (2) the church organization described in them is that of the second century, and (3) the vocabulary and style are significantly different from that of the other Pauline letters. [16] Brown, Introduction to the New Testament, 6001, 62627, 63133. When we try to run an organization based on tradition or background, we end up with an organization that is not only not biblical, but which will lack the spiritual fervor and capacity to function as God intends. gives the impression that some person might have forged a letter purporting to come from Paul, which gave faulty information to the Thessalonians and caused them to be shaken in mind and considerably troubled. [41] Brown, Introduction to the New Testament, 412. As a Roman citizen, he died by the sword (beheaded) rather than by crucifixion as did Peter. Further, due to the large portion of these epistles that deal with church order and discipline, the term pastoral is accurate. Personal: The Private Plans and Affairs of the Apostle (4:7-18). To understand the contents of these letters, it is necessary to know something about the man who wrote them, as well as about the particular circumstances under which they were written. The Comfort of a Faithful Servant (4:6-18), Since the Pastoral Letters have been treated previously on the matter of authorship, see 1 Timothy. The Hellenistic Letter-Formula and the Pauline Letter Originally, they were regarded as mere personal letters and were classified with Philemon, but because of their strong bearing on the life of the church, they began to be called the Pastoral Epistles. Though addressed to individuals, these books are not only not limited to personal and private communications, but they are more official in character. A collage of Brooke Lim and a screenshot from the TikTok account that exposed her for plagiarism. Whereas the average ancient letter was 87 words long, the literary letters of the Roman authors Cicero and Seneca averaged 295 and 995 words respectively. Paul did not deny the rights of Philemon over his slave, but he asked Philemon to relate the principle of Christian brotherhood to the situation with Onesimus (v. 16). A careful study of Acts and the Epistles reveals the following summary of Pauls involvement with the Corinthian church: (1) there was the first visit to Corinth followed by, (2) the first letter to Corinth (now lost). Further, it is because sound teaching and spirituality are what ultimately produce ministries that are effective according to Gods standards and that manifest the spirit and character of Christ in ministry and outreach. However, by considering the original context of the letters and Pauls original reasons for writing them, the types of writing that these letters represent, and how he actually composed and formatted them, the modern student of the Pauline epistles can better interpret the letters and understand both their original and current applications, thereby avoiding wresting them improperly. Paul wrote: 1. The Rapture of Living Saints (4:17-18), B. In essence, then, their case was lost by default, and Paul was freed. WebThree of the seven letters are anonymous. Unger writes, No trace of doubt as to the authority, integrity, or apostolic genuineness of the epistle comes from ancient times.49. Out of this, two great purposes emerge in the epistle. [40] The classical point of discussion begins with Aristotle, Ars rhetorica, 1.3 (1358b) and includes Quintillian, Institutio oratorio, 3.4.1215. Dubbed the art of persuasion, Classical rhetoric involved both the pleasing use of languagewhich was meant to help it be both understood and rememberedand appropriate use of argumentation. Friday, May 12, 2023 at 4:00 a.m. (PDT) * Starting time is subject to change. The apostle then visited Ephesus, where he left Timothy to supervise the church, and went on to Macedonia. This letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae in the Lycus Valley in Asia Minor, east of Ephesus. In Relation to the New Creation (1:18), 3. Most of these came from the humbler ranks, although there appear to have been some of the nobler class also (1:26-31). Fortunately for us, considerable information along these lines is available within the letters themselves and can be supplemented by biographical accounts written by Luke, who was a companion of Paul, and included in the Book of Acts. 62 NIV Study Bible Notes, Zondervan, 1985, electronic media. But the authorship of this epistle has been doubted by some on the grounds of the vocabulary and the nature of the heresy refuted in this epistle. The Call to Remember Timothys Responsibilities (1:8-18), IV. 1:27; 2:2; 4:1f.). [19] H. E. Dana, Jewish Christianity: An Expository Survey of Acts I to XII, James, I and II Peter, Jude and Hebrews (New Orleans: Bible Institute Memorial, 1937), 201. What is so significant about that? Phil. Since, in reality, all believers are called to full-time ministry in one way or another, this chapter would be more than beneficial for all Christians. Everton lost 4-1 to Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Thursday and are second bottom in the Premier League ahead of Mondays visit to fellow strugglers Leicester City.. It shows how we may be chained and hindered, but that the Word of God is not imprisoned (see also 2 Tim. 4. The Pauline Epistles | Bible.org One can certainly see, then, how the immoral and religious conditions of Corinth had negatively impacted the life of the church spiritually and morally. 1:5f.). Add an RSC shortcut to this device's Homescreen, In the menu, scroll past any icons and tap. In this sense, chapter 5 is a key chapter. The date when Paul penned this letter depends on the destination of the letter. It is because organization and administration are not primary. The 3-Minute Cheat Sheet for Understanding Pauls Letters [22] Murphy-OConnor, Paul the Letter-Writer, 1619; Richards, Paul and First-Century Letter Writing, 3336. Pauls advocacy before Philemon is parallel to Christs work of mediation before the Father. 276.69, I. Salutation and Opening Greetings (1:1-4), II. The key word, occurring in one form or the other some 16 times, is joy or rejoice. Unity or oneness is another key idea of the book. As such, this epistle is a fitting illustration of Christ who took our place as our substitute (see v. 18). During the interim from the time of the apostles to the more complete transition to elders and deacons, these men were sent by Paul as his apostolic representatives to repel and deal with certain conditions and people who were threatening to hurt the work and ministries of these churches. If you or I were doing this (especially today) we would probably first try to get the administrative organization in order, the structure, and then worry about the doctrine. In this analogy, we are as Onesimus. WebThe Pauline Letters; Galatians; 1 and 2 Thessalonians; 1 and 2 Corinthians; Romans; Letters Written in Captivity; The Synoptic Gospels and Acts; The Gospel of Mark; The These congregations also consisted largely of Gentile converts, but in Pauls absence a subsequent group of missionaries had disturbed the new converts by teaching them a different gospel (see Galatians 1:610). II. Some areas of ecclesiology are more difficult to determine than others. 22), and following his release he made several trips, wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, was rearrested, wrote 2 Timothy, and was martyred (see the Introduction to Titus, Titus 1:1 book note). Ancient letters began with an opening formula, identifying the sender (which we saw above could include coauthors) and the recipient (which could be a local congregation, specific members of a branch, or an individual). This singularly christological book is centered on the cosmic Christthe head of all principality and power (2:10), the Lord of creation (1:16-17), the Author of reconciliation (1:20-22; 2:13-15). Within a few months the form reports superseded the narrative reports, although the informational content remained similar. Because of the riot caused by silversmiths (Acts 19:23-41) Paul departed from Ephesus for Macedonia (Acts 20:1) in the spring of A.D. 56. While there he lived and worked with Aquila and Priscilla who were of the same trade, tent-makers (Acts 18:3). Prayer o Most often provides a thanksgiving for the efforts and successes Then he went back to his home territory and for a period of eight to ten years little is known of his activities.37, Before the overview of each of Pauls epistles, it would be well to note in a nutshell the distinctive emphasis and contributions of each of Pauls epistles.38. The Resurrection of Sleeping Saints (4:13-16), 2. Do they show similar dependence on Jewish categories and principles? The fact that believers are not under the Law in no way means the freedom to do as one pleases, but the power to do what we should by Gods grace through the Spirit. The theme of the epistle is the righteousness of God (1:16-17). Concerning the Day of Christ: The Comfort of His Coming (4:13-18), 1. The entire process of composition, dictation, writing, revision, review, and approval was not only time-consuming but also expensive. 15:19). 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. He was born of Jewish parentage in the city of Tarsus of Cilicia. Onesimus was to return to his master and Philemon was to receive him with forgiveness as a Christian brother. Letter A number of basic Christian doctrines are discussed: natural revelation (Rom 1:19-20), universality of sin (Rom 3:9-20), justification (Rom 3:24), propitiation (Rom 3:25), faith (Rom 4:1), original sin (Rom 5:12), union with Christ (Rom 6:1), the election and rejection of Israel (Rom 9-11), spiritual gifts (Rom 12:3-8), and respect for government (Rom 13:1-7).41. Tradition has it that Titus later returned to Crete and there served out the rest of his life. Later, he returned to Tarsus and probably attended the Greek university located in that city, although we have no direct information about this. 1-7); (2) he sought to remind the believers of their commitment to the offering for the Christians in Judea (chaps. Paul first preached the gospel in Corinth while on his second missionary journey, about A.D. 50. Pauls letter to the Philippians begins by following standard Hellenistic letter-writing conventions of sender, addressee, salutation, and thanksgiving, but with distinctive glosses (in Christ, grace and peace, God our Father, Lord Jesus Christ). Thus, the Epistles answer these questions, give the interpretation of the person and work of Christ, and apply the truth of the gospel to believers. Accordingly, Paul explained in his first letter that the dead in Christ shall rise first to be followed by those who were alive at His coming who would be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:1617). Since there is such a divergence of opinion does this mean we should give up on matters of church government? A second purpose was to present a complete and detailed statement of the gospel message God had called him to proclaim. Early church fathers support Pauls authorship beginning as early as A.D. 140 (Marcion). [28] Such postscripts that are actual parts of the preserved text differ from the postbiblical subscriptions that copyists began to add in the fourth century to note assumed facts about a letter but which are often wrong. 56 The NIV Study Bible Notes, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, electronic media. In favor of this is the fact that Luke seems to use Galatia only to describe North Galatia (Acts 16:6; 18:23). The Exhortation Against False Teaching (2:4-8), 1. faith, gospel, word of God, reconciliation, salvation, human resurrection and glorification, the Church as the Body of Christ, Minister, Saints of God. Pauls theme or seed plot in Romans is clearly stated in 1:16-17. Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy had come to Thessalonica early in the Second Missionary Journey, about AD 50, and had spent only a few weeks in the city where they had established a largely Gentile congregation. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 19-19). The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Question: May a Christian Eat Food Consecrated to a Pagan God? Pauls epistles are part of Gods inspired word. In harmony with one of the basic doctrines of Judaism, he believed that salvation could be obtained only by obedience to all of the laws that God had given to his people. The Example of Abraham: He was Justified by Faith, Not by Works (3:6-9), C. Justification Is by Faith, Not by the Law (3:104:11), D. The Galatians Received Their Blessings by Faith, Not by Law (4:12-20), E. Law and Grace Are Mutually Exclusive (4:21-31), III. Nevertheless, these are still considered real letters because they were written to specific individuals or communities and addressed practical and theological issues relevant to their recipients. And, of course, the letters themselves claim to have been written by Paul.65, The Greek titles for 1 and 2 Timothy are Pros Timotheon A and Pros Timotheon B, First to Timothy and Second to Timothy. Timothys name means, honoring God.. Instructions Concerning Men and Women (2:8-15), IV. Summary and Analysis Some good Greek mss. Chapter 13, the great chapter on agape love, undoubtedly stands out as the pinnacle chapter of this book. Second, assess and advocate for the science-based measures needed to resume in-person schooling safely because of the vital importance of in-person schooling. ( A.D. 60, 62) Titus, 1 and 2 Tim. All we need for life is found in Him. We should carefully study these issues and seek biblical answers so we might come to conclusions based on our study of the facts of Scripture. A popular theory claims that chaps. Philippians guards against the failure to practice Christ-provided unity and against the failure of believers to rejoice in their blessings and position in Christ (Phil. Onesimus had made his way to Rome, where, in the providence of God, he came in contact with the apostle Paul, who led him to trust in Christ (v. 10). The writer calls himself Paul in several places (cf. This belief was still being used as a basis for shirking their vocational responsibilities. Since these books deal with church order, ministry, and organization, why were they not first? [8] While this part of Pauls teaching is best preserved in 1 Thessalonians 4:1318, this same passage also makes clear that it caused some confusion among the Thessalonians that Pauls letter sought to resolve: because the Thessalonians, and possibly Paul himself, expected the Lord to return soon, they were concerned when the Parousia did not happen immediately and, furthermore, when members of the congregation began to die before Jesus return. Twice, the writer calls himself Paul (1:1; 3:1). omit the words at Ephesus in 1:1. bookmarked pages associated with this title. As was his custom, Paul first preached in the synagogue but was eventually forced out by Jewish opposition. But as Paul pursued his studies, he became conscious of the fact that a mere knowledge concerning what one ought to do does not produce the desire to do it. [32] The letter was then dispatched, sometimes being carried by a friend or associate traveling to the recipients destination but sometimes just sent with some traveler who was found going to the intended destination. [23] The case of Sostheneswho may well be the same individual mentioned in Acts 18:17 as the former ruler of the synagogue, as well as an opponent of Paul, in Corinthis intriguing. Paul calls them his co-workers (Rom 16:3), a term he also uses of four other women who have worked hard in the Lord: Mary (Rom 16:6), Tryphaena, Tryphosa and Persis (Rom 16:12). This is, of course, fitting, for sound doctrine should lead to godly conduct. In August of 2001 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and on August 29th, 2002 he went home to be with the Lord. Notably absent are qualities of worldly success and position. The Structure and Format of Pauls Letters. [18] 12 Peter, 23 John, and Jude do not divide the body of the letter into the two usual sections of instruction and admonition. [7] Lacking Pauls later focus on righteousness by faith rather than by the works of the law, much of these letters consist of ethical exhortations as Paul endeavors to teach these new Christians how to live as Saints (see 1 Thessalonians 4:112; 5:1222; 2 Thessalonians 3:615).