Get ready for a long post: Paul's Epistles

Paul’s Life

What was Paul’s definition of a Christian Life?

Paul believed that true salvation only came through faith in Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is our works that will prove this faith, but not by works that we are saved. So be set apart! Do not live how the others live. 

Paul urged his readers to be holy! Run from sin, be one in unity with each other, take care of one another. Use your spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. Approach one another in conviction of sin when necessary, but above all us, love one another! Stand firm in who you are in the Lord Jesus Christ and do not let those who tell you otherwise sway you to not believe. For we were bought with a price, saved by grace through faith that way no one can boast of our own way to be with God.

How did he live it out?

Paul was perhaps the most confident apostle as presented in scripture. He dealt with false teachers, accusations, and controversy after controversy that he had to dissolve. He was beaten, put in prison, hated by many. Yet Paul never swayed from his convictions of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew that he was saved through grace, for he considered himself the worst of sinners. Yet even under house arrest, Paul’s join overflows into every letter of his epistle to the Philippians. Above all else, Paul knew where he stood with the Lord and nothing could take this away from him. He knew that he did not ultimately belong here. This is not where his citizenship lies and he lived his life accordingly. Likewise, Paul knew that his strength comes only for Christ made strong through his weaknesses.

 How did he explain it in his letters?

• Ephesians 5:1-2 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do because you are his children. Live a life filled with Love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
• Ephesians 4:21-24 - “Since you have heard about Jesus and learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God- truly righteous and holy.”
• Ephesians 4:1 “I beg you to live a life worthy of your calling for you have been called by God. 
• 2 Corinthians 11:30- “ If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show how weak I am. 
• 1 Corinthians 6:18- “Run from sexual sin!”
• 1 Corinthians 5:12- “It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.”

What was Paul’s understanding of missions?

Paul considered it the greatest blessing a privilege to carry the news of the gospel for his Lord. It brought every kind of persecution, yet he rejoiced in it. He counted each new believer as his crown. But Paul recognized that on his journey’s he was not simply converting, but making disciples. He kept in close contact with the churches he planted. He visited when he could and he kept letters when he couldn’t be there himself. 

Paul always conformed to the ways of the people that he was ministering to culturally. He fit into who they were instead of causing them to change for him. He allowed them to be who they were, but encouraged them that their identity was found only in Christ. He never compromised what he knew to be true of Christ and his gospel. 

Spreading the Gospel message was something that Paul was not only willing to give his life for, but even thought he would rather be taken home to Christ, he was willing to survive in order to benefit and train his spiritual children around the world. 

How did he live it out?

Paul was beaten, thrown in prison, stoned, almost killed, ran out of town. This was his way of life. Yet through it all, Paul proclaims joy and discipleship among his churches and encourages them to do the same. It is seeing the gospel spread to the gentiles that gives him his hope and encourages him in his walk. 

How did he explain it in his letters?

• I Thess 2:19 - “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy. 
• 1 Cor 9:19-21 - “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring Jews to Christ... When I am with the gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from the law so I can bring them to Christ.”
• Acts 17 - The story of the unknown god
• Philippians 4:12- “I have learned the secret of of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

How do Paul’s definitions challenge or affirm your life?

Paul’s confidence in who he is in the Lord is simply inspiring. Through all beatings and slander on his missionary journeys, Paul never strayed from the knowledge that the one true God, the one who has the ultimate victory, is living within him and directing his steps. He spoke in confidence to his churches, consistently encouraging them to test what he said, but knowing that his own conscience was clear with God. And he wasn’t afraid to go where God said and say what God told him to say.

This is a confidence that I want for myself. I want to be able to say yes, and to take rebuke and slander from the enemy while knowing that I can stand on the truth of Christ alone. I’m a people pleaser and sometimes I wonder if that makes me more prone to “accepting” other people’s ideals and even sin, simply because I want to avoid controversy and offending others. Paul was harsh with the believers in the church. He held a very high standard.

Yet when it came to unbelievers, he spoke of love above all else. It is Christ’s love that compels us. My prayer is that I can learn the balance between loving people as Christ loves them, yet to be willing to stand firm against the sin in this world that so easily corrupts. Paul knew this balance and it’s what I admire and want for myself. 

Romans Homework

Why was this book written?

Paul was writing to the church in Rome after hearing of dissension between the Jews and the Gentiles. After the Jews were kicked out of Rome for about 7 years, the church continued to grow and became almost fully Gentile. But when the Jews came back a found a growing church, this brought forth many questions as to whether or not God shows favoritism towards Jews over gentiles, as well as whether some ritualistic hebrew traditions should still be upheld. Paul was writing in order to paint a clear picture of the Gospel of Christ as it relates to everyone with no favoritism. 

What is the main idea of this book?

Paul wrote to the Romans in order to form a new perspective on what it looks like to lead a Christian life. He focused solely on the idea that grace comes through faith and not through keeping to law (1:17, . He uses many examples form the old testament to prove this, including Abraham himself. Abraham’s faith came before the law to be circumcised, therefore, how can we assume that circumcision was what granted him grace and favor with God? (4:1-10) It was merely a sign. In this way, we see that there is nothing that is done on our own to receive salvation and because of the blood of Jesus Christ, it is made available to both jews and gentiles alike (11:11-21). 

1 Corinthians Homework

Why was this book written?

Paul wrote this very tough letter to the church in Corinth after hearing many rumors of the people sliding back into sin. In fact, there was division in the church, as well as arrogant leaders, sexual immorality, and abuse of spiritual gifts and understanding. This was distressing news for Paul, as these were people that he loved dearly. For this reason, Paul was writing to clear up many of this issues and encourage them in the ways of the Lord. However, Paul is not light within the subject matter. He takes their sin very seriously and deals with it according to God’s heart. 

What is the main idea of this book?

Paul must deal with many issues that, although “controversial”, have no place among believers. He speaks of arrogant leadership saying “stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this worlds standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God.” (3:18) He addresses their tolerance of sin among the church when he passionately tells them “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers... You would have to leave the world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not supposed to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin... It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” (5:9-12). He also encourages them that their spiritual gifts are not for themselves, but are given for the benefit of the church and should be used accordingly. (12:7-11)

2 Corinthians Homework

Why was this book written?

The 2nd letter to the Corinthians was written once again to the church in Corinth in order to address some issues of sin and disunity that take place among them. However, this letter as compared to his first seems to portray Paul’s heart for compassion for his people. Many of them have accused Paul of not having the authority of an apostle and should not be listened to. He wrote to defend not only himself in this, but the message of Jesus Christ. 

What is the main idea of this book?

Throughout his second letter, the reader can certainly sense his heart break for his people. You get a feel that his other letters were not taken well. Perhaps they perceived Paul to be angry and harsh. But Paul is explains to them that no matter how harsh he has been, it’s because he loves them so dearly that he only wishes for them to be holy in the way they live. He speaks of his own experiences in spreading the Gospel and the glory of the Lord that comes with it. It is never easy. But nothing is worth more than proclaiming the glory of God. Likewise, Paul is forced to stand up for himself. However, possibly his most powerful message throughout this argument is that if we must boast, we will not boast in ourselves. Paul himself who has much to boast about, boasts only on his weaknesses. “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:8)

Galatians Homework

Why was this book written?

There was a rather large debate among the believers in Galatia as to whether or not the regulations of the law (circumcision) but still be observed among both jews and gentiles. This was perhaps Paul’s first response to these ideas. In fact, Paul is having to end his first missionary journey in order to return to Jerusalem to discuss this issue with the apostles. This was a response to this ideas which, at its roots, suggest that human work is necessary for the gospel message to be accomplished. 

What is the main idea of this book?

Through Galatians, Paul is wanting to define the grace of Christ’s sacrifice as enough. The gospel of Christ needs no additives, no human work that is needed in order for it to be complete in redemption. (3:2-4) Christ is enough. Through Christ there is true freedom from the bondage of sin. Paul pleads with the people “ to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like the Gentiles- free from those laws.” (4:12) Yet this freedom does not give precedent to live a life of sin and say that you are covered by grace. It is a freedom to no longer hold the responsibility of redemption by human effort. It has been done for us. “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.” (5:13)

Ephesians Homework

Why was this book written?

Ephesus was known as a town of great wealth due to being a popular seaport with a dominate trade route. The people of Ephesus had anything they would want at the tip of their fingers. This buried itself deep into their mindset and outlook on life. They had many different religions in which the people thought that they must appease these gods who did not desire good for them. They felt like they were obligated to perform rituals. Likewise, there was a lot of disunity between the jews and gentiles of the church. 

Paul was writing in order to give the church in Ephesus an identity founded in Christ alone who bought them with a price and has given them an inheritance. Because of this, we are one in unity with him through faith. 

What is the main idea of this book?

Paul wanted the people of Ephesus to know that their identity in Christ brings unity and spiritual power (4:4-6). He wanted them to live out who they were in Christ, building a foundation and deep roots into the love of Christ (3:17-19). They were called to live a life worshipping one true God among those who worship many gods, as well as worshipping and pleasing themselves. This must be done through unity with each other, because this would set them apart as an example among the pagan worshippers and religious philosophers in Ephesus at the time. 

Philippians Homework

 Why was this book written?

As one of the first churches that Paul founded, the Philippians held a special place in Paul’s heart. They were also one of the only churches to support him in his ministry at the beginning when no one else would. Paul took great pride in them, but he had heard of some false teachers that were coming in to pull them astray as well as some disunity. Paul was writing to encourage them in the ways of the Lord, even while he was in prison in Rome. Paul had to leave quickly after being released from prison and was upset to leave them the way that he did. He wanted to encourage them and set some people to look at as examples of what it looks like to walk in the Holy Spirit. He Himself was our perfect example of being humble.

What is the main idea of this book?

Philippians, written while under house arrest, is a book of Joy! Paul speaks of joy among suffering, even when it seems hardest. “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ, but also the privilege of suffering for him.” Paul counted it as a blessing to suffer the Lord and spoke of his longing to simple depart and be with Christ. (1:20-24) He also speaks to the Philippians about the grace that is found in Christ Jesus, explaining that all other laws and rituals are rubbish to him. This was to offset some false teaching about the necessity of circumcision and other practices. “For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” (3:9) Finally he reminds them that they do not have citizenship on this world, but in heaven with Christ Jesus. What hope to stand on! It is for this reason that “Whatever happens my dear brothers and sister, rejoice in the Lord!” (3:1)

Colossians Homework

Why was this book written?

The book of Colossians was written to the church in Colossi, where Paul was never actually able to visit. It was meant to be a circular letter that was passed around to many people, including the church in Laodicia. There were many false teachers during this time that were preaching that Christ was not enough, that there was “secret” knowledge that they needed in order to have salvation, as well as many hybrid religions that mixed Christianity with other pagan ideals. Paul was writing to counteract these ideas and to speak the truth of the gospel of Christ.

What is the main idea of this book?

Through Colossians, Paul wanted to present Jesus as the all supreme, true Savior in and of himself. Grace and salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ with no add ons. The purpose of Colossians was to exalt the person of Jesus Christ as the way true way to the Father. He wanted to encourage them that they had everything they needed. In this same way, it is in Christ that they were unified as one, no longer Jew or Gentile. It’s all found in Christ. “In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.” (3:11)

1 Thessalonians Homework

Why was this book written?

The church in Thessalonica was dealing with a society that cherished their freedom to live life how they wanted. Paul had heard some good things about the church, which was encouraging because of being forced to leave during his last visit. Knowing that they were doing well, Paul wanted to encourage them to continue trusting the Lord and allowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit alone to be their transformation. 

What is the main idea of this book?

Paul was writing in order to encourage the church in their growth with the Lord. “Finally dear brothers, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already and we encourage you to do so even more.” (4:1). Through this, Paul writes about the second coming of Christ in order to fill the people with great hope and encourage them to stand through current troubles. This is our hope and where we stand, so live holy and pleasing lives and love one another. 

2 Thessalonians Homework

Why was this book written?

Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church is extremely direct. They were still undergoing hardships and false teaching, and much persecution. Paul was writing to give them hope and encouragement in the coming of Christ, as well as assurance of who they are in God through the Holy Spirit. 

What is the main idea of this book?

 Paul was encouraging the people to stick with it! Hope is coming, because ultimately Jesus wins. So stay strong and have hope. He loving told them “ WIth all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, (these things being that the Holy Spirit has called us and enabled us to share in the glory of God which will be exalted at the end of time) stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and in spirit.” (2:15)