Finding Your Way Around the Bible, Part 6

Last week we began the New Testament. This week we continue with the last of Paul's epistles.
Paul's General Epistles: (Letters written to congregations)

Colossians

Paul wrote the church in Colosse while imprisoned in Rome. In this letter, he writes a good deal about Christ, and His role. He speaks of what Christ did for man, how to live for Christ, and of course, of who Christ is.

1 Thessalonians

Paul writes this letter, acknowledging the good that the church in Thessalonia had been doing, even to the point of saying they serve as a model. Unlike some of Paul's other letters, there is relatively little condemnation of a congregation's sins in this book. Instead, the church is encouraged, and offered hope. Paul also takes time to answer questions about the day of the Lord.

2 Thessalonians

The occasion for this letter appears to be confusion and distress about the day of the Lord. Paul once again explains to the church in Thessalonia about it (at least, as much as is given to man to know).

Paul's Personal Epistles: (Sometimes called the pastoral epistles)

1 Timothy

Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him in the work of an evangelist. In it, Paul speaks to Timothy of how to admonish and rebuke, and of how to edify and encourage. The role and work of a preacher are wonderfully explained. Also in this book are qualifications of elders and deacons.

2 Timothy

Probably the last book written by Paul (chronologically), this letter to Timothy provides hope, encouragement, and warnings about what is to come. There is a marked contrast in this book between the faithful servant of God and those who will turn against the Lord.

Titus

Paul writes to Titus in much the same way as he wrote to Timothy. He encourages Titus in his work in preaching and teaching. Paul offers guidance to Titus on how to teach different groups of people, as well as what to teach them. Also in this book are the qualifications of elders.

Philemon

The shortest of Paul's letters, the book is written regarding a slave (Onesimus) who ran away from his master (Philemon), and who was converted to Christ by Paul. This letter serves to teach us how to regard our brethren, how we should act as Christians, and that we need to do what we can to make things right when we have sinned against someone.

Other Epistles: (Letters by men other than Paul)

Hebrews

Alone of the New Testament books, we do not know who wrote Hebrews. Many believe it is Paul, but as it is not stated in the book, we do not know for sure. This book serves as an explanation of Christianity to Jewish converts. It is an in depth examination of Christ as the Messiah and of how He fulfilled the Old Testament. Also in this book is the “hall of faith,” in which faithful individuals of the Old Testament are put forward as examples to us.

James

The author of this book appears to be James the brother of Jesus. It is a letter to which great pains are taken to explain the practical nature of following Christ. It is full of works that need to be done, works to be avoided, and explanation of the necessity of both faith and obedient action.