PAUL'S EPISTLES
After Paul’s conversion in AD 37, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, commissioned him to take
the gospel to the Gentiles. The apostle Paul established churches
in Greece and Asia Minor (present day Turkey). In his three
missionary journeys and two imprisonments, Paul wrote thirteen letters
to churches and individuals for guidance and encouragement. Paul wrote
nine letters to churches, three letters to pastors (Pastoral Epistles)
and one letter to a friend. Four of these letters were written while in
prison (Prison Epistles).
Romans
– To the Gentile Christians in Rome: the saving gospel of
Christ, the just shall live by faith
Corinthians 1
– To the Gentile church in Corinth: false apostolic
leadership, confronting immorality
Corinthians 2
– To the Gentile church in Corinth: Paul’s apostolic
credentials, confronting false leaders
Galatians
– To the Gentile church in Galatia: Paul confronts the
Mosaic Law, salvation through grace
Ephesians
– To the Gentile church in Ephesus: salvation by faith in
Christ, believers’ position in Christ
Philippians
– To the Gentile church in Philippi: selfish ambitions,
singleness of mind with Christ
Colossians
– To the Gentile church in Colossae: Paul confronts
heresy, the preeminence of Christ
Thessalonians 1
– To the Gentile church in Thessalonica: the return
of Christ, righteous living
Thessalonians 2
– To the Gentile church in Thessalonica: the Day of
the Lord (Christ’s return)
Timothy 1
– To the pastor, Timothy, in Ephesus: false doctrines,
church leadership and conduct
Timothy 2
– To the pastor, Timothy, in Ephesus: the coming
apostasy,
remaining steadfast in Christ
Titus
– To the pastor, Titus, in Crete: sound doctrine, church
leadership, maintaining good works
Philemon
– To Paul’s friend in Colossae: forgiveness and restoration
of a slave, Christ’s forgiveness