Thursday, 29 September 2011

Paul's Letters summarized


Letter
Date of writing
Place of writing
Purpose
Message
Romans
A.D 56
Corinth
Paul to introduce himself and set forth principles of the gospel he preaches.
Righteousness with God is given freely to all who believe in Christ for salvation according to God’s eternal plan.
1 Corinthians
A.D 56
Ephesus
Pastoral letter to resolve doctrinal and practical problems in the local church but includes apostolic application.
Doctrinal and practical problems are solved by the church submitting properly to the Lordship of Christ and learning to love one another genuinely.
2 Corinthians
A.D 55-56
Macedonia
Paul expresses relief at the success of his first letter and the mission of Titus, ask for money for poor saints in Jerusalem, and defend his ministry as an apostle.
True Christian ministry is commissioned by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Galatians
A.D 55-56
Macedonia or Corinth
Defend his authority as an apostle of Jesus, argue the doctrinal case of salvation by faith alone, and to show that Christian living is based on freedom from the law in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sinners are justified by trusting in Jesus Christ alone, not by keeping the law or by good works.
Ephesians
A.D 60,61
Rome (Prison)
To develop sound doctrine and to instruct believers about the importance of holy conduct especially in Christian family relationships. The church is the focal point of displaying God’s glory.
In God’s great plan the church is now manifest in which Christ is united with believers, whether Jew or Gentile and is displayed through Christian relationships.
Philippians
A.D 61
Rome (Prison)
Thanks for the financial gift to Epaphroditus as well as to give doctrinal teaching about Christ and offer practical advice about living the Christian life joyfully.
Knowing Jesus is much more important than anything else as God has exalted Him with the name above every other name.
Colossians
A.D 61
Rome (Prison)
To combat the Colossian heresy by way of exalting Christ and encouraging believers to give up anything that denied Jesus as Lord.
Jesus Christ is supreme Lord of the universe and head of the church, the only One who can offer salvation thus making legal obligations or philosophies irrelevant in matters of salvation.
1 Thessalonians
A.D 50
Corinth
To correct understanding of the coming of Christ and related events as well as to encourage new converts in basic doctrine and holy living.
Despite difficulties and suffering in this life, the coming of Christ is the true hope of the Christian.
2 Thessalonians
A.D 50
Corinth
To correct understanding of the coming of Christ and related events and also to correct the problem that some people had stopped working in light of their belief that the day of the Lord had come.
Whatever difficulties believers face, they should stand firm and keep living useful lives as Christ’s return may be in the distant future.
1 Timothy
A.D 64
Macedonia
To encourage Timothy in his Christian growth, to offer advice on being a better leader, and to give instruction about church organization.
Despite the challenges Christian leaders face in life and ministry, they are to progress in godliness and maintain order in congregational life.
2 Timothy
A.D 66/67
Rome (Prison)
Pauls last will and testament to remind Timothy of what mattered most to him and urged Timothy and Mark to come to him in haste to be with him in his last days.
Christian leaders must be unashamed of the gospel and carry on faithfully with the message of Christ entrusted to them.
Titus
A.D 64
Enroute to Nicopolis of Greece
To encourage Titus in his Christian growth, to offer instructions about church organization especially with various age groups, and to invite Titus to Nicopolis.
Whatever challenges they face in life, Christian leaders are to maintain order in the congregation, but only according to sound doctrine.
Philemon
A.D 60-61
Rome (Prison)
To urge Philemon for gentle treatment and forgiveness of a runaway slave and to ask Philemon for hospitality when he visited.
Everyone who has come to Christ should be welcomed as a brother, treated gently and forgiven by other believers.