Chapter 7: The Pauline Epistles

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:  

That righteousness comes through faith in Christ. 

The problems confronting the Christians in Corinth. 

The Thessalonians' confusion over the day of the Lord. 

The qualifications necessary for the church's leaders. 

AS A RESULT, you will be able to:  

Walk by faith and not by works of the Law. 

Love others with actions as well as emotions. 

Avoid deception over the time of Christ's return. 

Prepare yourself for leadership in the church.

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp.362-79.

Key Word: Righteous.

Key Verses: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith"' (Rom. 1 :16-17).

Key Chapters: Romans 6-8.

The Pauline Epistles

No one before the time of Paul had ever used a letter (epistle) to impart divine revelation. The epistle, a very personal form of communication, perfectly suits the message of the gospel. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul addresses specific problems and issues with a universal and timeless perspective. The Epistles are designed for practical application, and Paul adapts his writing style to the changing situations he faces.

Although Paul used a scribe to write most of his letters, he always wrote the concluding lines and signature with his own hand to guarantee the letter's authenticity. Paul wrote the first nine of his epistles to churches and the last four to individuals.

Paul (his Hebrew name was Saul) was a "Jew among Jews." He was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus of Cilicia. Privileged to study under Rabbi Gamaliel, his keen mind and religious fervor advanced him in Judaism far beyond his peers. As a zealous Pharisee, Paul was present at the stoning of Stephen. Then on the road to Damascus, Paul's abrupt encounter with the risen Christ changed his life. After his dramatic conversion, Paul tirelessly trudged across the Roman empire to share the gospel. Required to face death innumerable times for his Lord, Paul was finally imprisoned and executed by the depraved Nero. But it was too late -- seeds had been sown, plants watered, and the harvesting had only begun!

Key Concepts:

1. The use of the ________________ as a medium of divine revelation was unknown before Paul. [367]
2. Paul normally wrote his letters with the aid of a scribe or ________________. [367]
3. Although a Jew, Paul was born a ________________ citizen. [368]
4. Saul was educated under the teaching of the famous ________________. [368]
5. Paul spent ________________ years in Arabia and Damascus preparing for his work. [368]
6. While visiting in ________________, Paul was arrested for defiling the temple. [368]
7. Paul was executed during the reign of the emperor ________________ in A.D. 67 -68. [369]

Romans

"This epistle is the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest gospel. ...It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes," wrote Martin Luther. He is not alone in his high estimation of Romans. Many people consider it the most forceful, logical, and eloquent work ever penned.
Without a doubt, Romans is Paul's greatest work. It is also his longest and most formal epistle. The other epistles rest on the doctrinal foundation provided by it. In Romans, Paul balances practical exhortation with deep theological principles:

• Justification - The believer in Christ is declared righteous by the holy God.
• Redemption - Christ paid the price to set us free from the penalty of sin.
• Propitiation - God's holy wrath has been appeased by the sacrifice of his sinless Son.
• Reconciliation - We can be reconciled to God because of his causeless, measureless, and ceaseless love.

Probably penned at Corinth, Romans was written near the end of Paul's third missionary journey. Paul evidently gave the letter to Phoebe, who carried it to Rome. The letter was written to prepare Roman believers for Paul's long-awaited visit. Paul's aim was to build up this well-known, predominantly gentile church. He encouraged Jews and Gentiles to work as one body and also asked for prayer support for his upcoming trip to Jerusalem.

Rome, founded in 753 B.C., had over one million inhabitants by the time of Paul. A city of contrasts, Rome boasted both opulence and squalor. The now defunct gods and goddesses left a gap for the introduction of the gospel. Numerous believers in Christ were presently meeting throughout Rome.

Key Concepts:

1. Romans explores the significance of Jesus' ________________ death. [372]
2. The historian ________________ referred to the Christians persecuted under Nero as "an immense multitude." [373]
3. Paul's purpose in writing Romans was to reveal God's sovereign plan of ________________.[373]
4. The principal passage on conforming to the image of Jesus Christ is found in chapters ________________. [374]
5. The three crucial concepts in Romans are salvation, ________________, and faith. [375]
6. ________________is the judicial term that means to be declared righteous. [376]
7. ________________ means that the blood of Christ has satisfied the demands of a righteous God. [376]
8. Chapters 9-11 deal with the rejection of the nation ________________. [376- 77]
9. A changed life should be the natural outcome of saving ________________. [377]

Further Study: "Paul," NIDB, pp. 756-61; "Romans, Letter to the," NIDB, pp. 869-71.

Life Application: Have you struggled with sin in your life? Read the account of Paul's own struggle in Romans 7:7-25. What is Paul's conclusion? Chapter 8 provides the answer-to live according to the Spirit. In what areas can you set your mind "on what the Spirit desires" (v.5)?

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp.380-92.

Key Words: Correction, Authority.

Key Verses: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Key Chapters: 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 8-9.

1 Corinthians

Corinth, a commercial seaport city of 700,000, attracted travelers from all over the world. As a result of its bustling commerce and varied entertainment, Corinth became the most important city in Greece. Pleasure seekers came to spend their money and enjoy its illicit entertainment. To act like a Corinthian meant to have a lifestyle of debauchery and fornication. "Name your pleasure" was the theme of the city of Corinth.

In spite of the obstacles, Paul establishes a church in Corinth after being driven out of Macedonia on his second missionary journey. At first, Paul reasons with the Jews in the synagogue, but is forced to move to a private home where he teaches for eighteen months. After he leaves, Apollos comes to minister. While preaching in Ephesus, Paul receives a report from Chloe. Personality cults, which are causing divisions, have arisen around Paul, Apollos, and Peter.

Paul also receives a letter from the congregation regarding several problems. The church is filled with lawsuits, immorality, and questionable practices. Believers are guilty of abusing their spiritual gifts and the Lord\'s Supper. Some are even denying the fact of the resurrection of Christ. It is these problems that Paul addresses in his first letter to the Corinthians. Though simple and direct, Paul writes with profound wisdom and insight. This informal letter makes several important contributions to New Testament doctrine. One is its analogy of the church to the human body, which provides a proper model for the functioning of spiritual gifts.

Paul addresses the personality issue by directing believers back to Christ. They are to look to him and no one else. Responding to the report of incest in the church, Paul sternly tells them to remove the guilty man from the fellowship until he repents. Paul berates the Corinthians for taking their differences before pagan judges rather than resolving them in the church. Through their disunity and immorality, the Corinthians are destroying their Christian witness.

The theme of 1 Corinthians is the application of Christian principles on all individual and social levels. Chapter 13 -- on agape love -- is especially needed by the Corinthians who have come out of a culture of fleshly "free" love. Paul describes true love as an action-the kind that caused God to give his Son (John 3:16).

In turn, he responds to each problem within the church, demonstrating both correction and counsel to the Corinthian believers. With an illustration on the twin principles of liberty and the law of love, Paul concludes that believers must sometimes limit their liberty for the sake of a weaker brother. The apostle closes by giving the Corinthians a chance to redeem themselves from their selfishness by helping the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem.

Key Concepts :

1. ________________, a city known for its immorality and idolatry, was the most important city in Greece. [381 ]
2. Driven from Macedonia by persecution, Paul went to Corinth where he worked making ________________. [382]
3. Chapter 13 reveals that love is an ________________, not an emotion. [382-3]
4. First Corinthians, a very practical letter, focuses on basic social, ________________, and spiritual issues. [383]
5. Paul points out that a Christian may have to limit his or her ________________ for the sake of a weaker believer. [384]
6. Greeks struggled with the idea of a ________________, which, in turn, caused them to question the Resurrection. [384]

2 Corinthians

Paul is in Ephesus when he writes 1 Corinthians, fully expecting Timothy to visit Corinth and return to him with good news. But when Timothy returns, he sadly reports that opposition to Paul's authority has developed in the church. Therefore, it is necessary for Paul to make a brief and painful visit to Corinth. When he returns to Ephesus, Paul writes a brief letter urging the church to discipline the leader of the opposition.

This time Titus carries the letter and returns with a good report. Most of the Corinthians have repented. However, a minority still challenges Paul's authority, claiming that he is fickle, proud, dishonest, and unqualified to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. These Jewish dissenters who claim to be apostles are, in reality, deceitful workers preaching a false gospel.

As Paul writes, the reader can feel the strain he is under. His sentences are broken, and he shifts suddenly in feeling and tone. Paul's emotional stress causes frequent digression, causing this letter to be the most unsystematic of his writings. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, we see a different side of Paul. Here he reveals his heart. His character, motives, priorities, desires, and emotions are all exposed to the reader. Paul shares personal anecdotes, including persecutions and hardships not mentioned in Acts, which give us a further glimpse into his personal life. Of special interest are Paul's revelation of Paradise and his confession of a thorn in the flesh. The apostle ends his letter with a defense of his apostolic credentials, "boasting" about his knowledge, integrity, accomplishments, sufferings, visions, and miracles.

Key Concepts:

1. The letter of 2 Corinthians was written to express thanksgiving for the _________________ majority in Corinth. [388]
2. The theme of the book is Paul?s defense of his ________________ credentials. [388]
3. This autobiographical book reveals Paul?s ________________. [390]
4. Chapters 8-9 contain the longest discussion in the New Testament on the principles and practice of ________________. [391]
5. Paul's meekness does not diminish his apostolic ________________. [391]

Further Study: "Corinthians, 1 and 2," NIDB, pp. 235-36.

Life Application: The Corinthian church had many problems. Does it surprise you that these believers-filled with the Spirit-struggled with immorality and idolatry? Does your church or fellowship have similar problems and temptations? What solutions does Paul propose, and can you apply these to your own situation?

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp. 393-404.

Key Words: Freedom, Body of Christ.
 

Key Verses: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph. 2:8-10).

Key Chapters: Galatians 5, Ephesians 6.

Galatians
The "Christian's Declaration of Independence" aptly describes the book of Galatians. Paul wrote the epistle in response to a report that false teachers in Galatia were trying to place gentile Christian converts back under the Mosaic Law. (Even though Judaism was the cradle of Christianity, it very nearly became its grave.) Therefore, it was necessary for God to raise up Paul as a Moses to the Christian church to deliver it from bondage.

Galatians is the only New Testament book that is specifically addressed to a number of churches. Paul writes the letter himself without using a scribe. His words are severe as he launches into a stern rebuke, reflecting the urgency of the crisis. But he does relieve its severity by making tender appeals, using personal experience, logic, warning, rebuke, and even an allegory to get his point across.

Paul must present the gospel again because it has been distorted by false teachers among the Galatians. He uses eight lines of reasoning to develop his theological defense of justification by faith.

• You began by faith; you must continue by faith.
• Abraham was justified by faith; the same principle applies today.
• Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law.
• Abraham's promise is not nullified by the Law.
• The Law was given to drive men to faith.
• Adopted sons are not bound by the Law.
• Galatians should gain initial freedom in Christ.
• The allegory of Abraham's two sons shows the superiority of Promise (Isaac) over Law (Ishmael).

Key Concepts:

1. Paul's letter to the Galatians is a direct attack on the gospel of ________________. [394]
2. Galatians was written in response to the report that certain Judaizers who professed Jesus sought to place gentile converts under the requirements of the ________________. [395]
3. The Magna Carta of Christian liberty is Paul?s manifesto of ________________ by faith and the resulting liberty. [396]
4. Unfortunately, the apostle ________________ had to be corrected on the matter of freedom from the Law. [397]
5. Law and _________________ are two contrary principles. [397]
6. The opposite of legalism is license or ________________. [397]

Ephesians

Should a king's son live like a pauper? The logical answer is no, yet as Christians we are King's children, often living as spiritual paupers. Although our Father has placed every spiritual blessing into our heavenly bank account, we remain ignorant of our vast wealth. Paul writes Ephesians to make Christians more aware of their position in Christ, to motivate them to draw upon him in their practical daily living.

Paul uses the words "in Christ" about thirty-five times, more than any other New Testament book. Ephesians abounds with sublime thought and rich vocabulary as Paul intertwines theology with worship. As a result, this epistle is the most profound writing in the New Testament.

Ephesians is a circular letter directly addressed to the Ephesians, but written to help all the churches of Asia Minor (present day western Turkey). Paul seeks to prevent problems rather than to address particular ones. He desires to make believers more aware of their position in Christ. This results in exercising their spiritual gifts in love, living as children of light, being unified in the body of Christ, having wholesome relationships, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The book of Ephesians begins in heaven as Paul extols the triune God for the riches of redemption: the Father for choosing, the Son for redeeming, and the Spirit for sealing. Salvation by divine grace is for both Jews and Gentiles. As the "old man" is put off and the "new" put on, the transformation into the new life in Christ occurs. It is then the believers' responsibility to walk in accordance with their heavenly calling.

Key Concepts :

1. We are created in Christ Jesus for________________. [400]
2. The temple of _________________ in Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. [401]
3. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are called the "__________________ Epistles." [401]
4. The phrase "________________," which occurs nearly thirty-five times, is the theme of the book. [402]
5. Ephesians has two divisions: the position and the ________________ of the Christian. [402]
6. Every relationship must be ________________ by their new life in Christ. [403]

Further Study: "Galatians, Letter to the," NIDB, pp. 366-67; "Ephesians, Letter to the," NIDB, pp. 314-15.

Life Application: The Galatians began in faith but were now living under the Law. For this Paul sternly rebukes them. What "works" might you be doing to maintain righteousness? Are these imposed by yourself or by others? In contrast, how can you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
 

Reading:  Talk Thru the Bible, pp.405-15.  

Key Words:  Live, Preeminence.  

Key Verses:  "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  (Colossians 3:1-2)  

Key Chapters:  Philippians 2, Colossians 3.  

Philippians  

The Philippian epistle is really a thank-you note from Paul to the believers at Philippi.  He wanted to convey his love to them and his gratitude for their gift.  His letter is encouraging and joyous, for Paul was writing to his favorite church.  His warm relationship with them may have been due, in part, to their great responsiveness to Paul's own financial needs.  When the church heard of his Roman imprisonment, they sent Epaphroditus with financial aid.  On at least two other occasions, they helped Paul in this way.  

Philippi, a Roman colony, gave special privileges to its citizens.  Since it was a military city, not many Jews lived in Philippi; in fact, there were not enough Jews to form a synagogue.  Paul's Macedonian call on his second missionary journey led to his ministry in Philippi, where he and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail.  A miraculous earthquake freed the prisoners and led to the conversion of the jailer and his whole household.  As a result of the unwarranted persecution of these two citizens, the Roman magistrates found themselves in trouble.  Their embarrassment may have prevented future reprisals against Christians in Philippi.  

Even though there are no special problems in the Philippian church, Paul urges the believers to center their actions and thoughts on the person and power of Christ.  Paul exhorts them to have a spirit mutual concern by embracing the attitude of Christlike humility.  "He humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!" (2:8).   Because of his deep affection for the Philippians, Paul wants to ward off trouble before it can take hold.  He seeks to correct factionalism and prevent the opposite problems of legalism (salvation by law) and antinomianism (salvation without moral law). Judaizers affirm the value of circumcision and the necessity of keeping the Law. But Paul refutes them by telling about his own experiences in Judaism. True righteous- ness, he asserts, can only be obtained through faith as they live in Christ, not through mechanical obedience to any law. 

Key Concepts: 

1. The citizens of ________________ were given special privileges because they were Roman citizens. [406] 
2. Paul and ________________ were beaten and jailed, which resulted in the conversion of the jailer and his household. [406] 
3. The opposite problems of legalism ________________ and needed to be prevented. [408] 
4. Two predominant words are joy or ________________, which appear sixteen times. [408] 

The passage in 2:5-11 speaks of Christ's ___________________ or "emptying." [408] 

Colossians 

The preeminence and sufficiency of Christ in all things is the theme of this book. Colossians, the most Christ-centered book in the Bible, focuses on Christ as the Head of the body of believers-the exalted Creator and Redeemer. Paul's two major topics are the supremacy of Christ and submission to him. The believer's position in Christ provides the power for a transformed life in every area. For that reason, Paul urges the Colossians to become deeply rooted in Christ alone. The believers' earthly life must be built on union with Christ in his death, resurrection, and exaltation. When Christ is preeminent in a Christian's life, he or she will reflect that priority, making it utterly inconsistent to live life without Christ. 

The heresy that threatened the predominately gentile church at Colossae was the devaluing of Christ. False teachers were defrauding the believers through vain philosophies, which sprang from Greek speculation, Jewish legalism, and Oriental mysticism. Some of the manifestations of these heresies were a low view of the body, asceticism, worship of angels as intermediaries, mystical experiences to approach the spiritual realm, dietary regulations, and circumcision. Any attempt to fit Christ into such a system completely undermines his person and redemptive work. Paul contrasts every theological error with the corresponding truth about Christ. He is convinced that a proper view of Christ is the antidote for heresy. 

While Paul wanted Christians to understand the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ, he also wanted them to practice it in their daily lives. In this cause-and-effect relationship, he begins with the inward life and goes to the outward life. Because believers are risen in Christ, they are to put off the "old man" and put on the "new," which results in holiness in all their relationships. 

Key Concepts : 

1. Paul's purpose in writing Colossians was to show that Christ is _________________ -first and foremost in everything. [411] 
2. Once a populous center of commerce, _________________had been eclipsed by Laodicea and Hierapolis, its neighboring cities. [411] 
3. Paul's follower ________________ actually founded the church at Colossae. [411] 
4. Paul refuted the heresy that included Greek ________________, Jewish legalism, and Oriental mysticism. [412]   
5. Colossians is noted for being the most ________________ book in the Bible. [414] 
6. The foundation upon which an earthly life must be built is the believer's ________________ with Christ. [414] 

Further Study: "Philippians," IBC, pp. 1440-41; "Colossians," IBC, pp. 1451-52. 

Life Application: The theme chart on page 1321 of the NIVTSB lists the occurrences of "joy" in Philippians. Look up these references, and write down how you might apply your findings. For example, in 1: 4 Paul wrote, "I always pray with joy. ..." Why did Paul pray joyfully,  and how can you do likewise?

1 and 2 Thessalonians 

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp.416-25. 

Key Words: Sanctification, Day of the Lord. 

Key Verses: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever" (1 Thess. 4:16-17). 

Key Chapters: 1 Thessalonians 4, 2 Thessalonians 2.  1 Thessalonians 

First Thessalonians is a love letter from Paul. It is very personal and reveals his tenderness, affection, and great concern for the salvation and sanctification of the Thessalonian converts. Paul, as their spiritual parent, encourages them to excel in their faith and increase in their love for one another. He also expresses his thanksgiving over their complete change from heathenism to Christian faith, love, and hope. Expressing joy over their steadfastness in the face of persecution, Paul encourages the fledgling church to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. 

Certain enemies are trying to impugn Paul's character and message. Therefore, he defends himself against these slanderous attacks. Paul briefly reviews his ministry, defending his conduct and motives. 

The big question that has arisen among the Thessalonians concerns the coming Day of the Lord. Paul has already taught them about the return of Christ, but many have become distressed over the deaths of fellow believers. Paul comforts them with the revelation that Chris- tians, who are alive when Christ comes to meet them, will have no advantage over those who have already died. Both groups will meet him in the air. (See the Topical Note "Rapture" in the NIVTSB, p. 1338.) And when he returns, Christ will deliver, reward, perfect, resurrect, and sanctify all who trust him. In anticipation of that day, believers are to deal with integrity toward one another and continue to grow spiritually.   

Key Concepts : 

1. The only problematic issue in this letter concerns Christ's ____________________. [417] 
2. Thessalonian Jews raised an uproar over Paul's ministry in both Thessalonica and __________________.[417-8] 
3. The Greek word that refers to Christ's coming or return is ________________.[418] 
4. The positive report of the Thessalonians made by _________________ prompted Paul to write this warm letter. [419] 
5. Jewish believers had moral upbringing based on the ______________________, which gentile believers did not have. [420] 

2 Thessalonians 

Second Thessalonians is the sequel to Paul's first letter in which he develops the theme of the coming Day of the Lord. In his first letter Paul had comforted them with the fact that they were not destined for God's wrath on that day. However, just a few months later, the believers have fallen prey to false teachings. Paul's second letter IS to dispel the belief that the Day of the Lord has already come. The believers are confused and are questioning when they will go to be with the Lord. 

The Thessalonians had perhaps been deceived by a fraudulent letter in the name of Paul. For that reason, he writes a greeting in his own handwriting to authenticate this letter. Before he can replant the seeds of truth, however, Paul must first remove the seeds of false doctrine. 

To steady their wavering faith, Paul assures the Thessalonians that any present suffering will be repaid by future glory. God will vindicate his name and glorify all who have trusted in Christ. There will be an ultimate deliverance from persecution. But the Day of the Lord has not yet come! Paul assures them that first a great spiritual rebellion must take place in which the Antichrist is revealed. In the meantime, Christians are to keep working and going about their daily lives. (See the Topical Note "Work" in the NIVTSB, p. 1343.)   

Idleness posed a slight problem in Thessalonica in the past, but now the problem has grown to stunning proportions. People have overreacted concerning the Day of the Lord; they have quit their jobs and are idly waiting. Some are actually living off other Christians. Paul encourages them to balance their waiting and their working. Lazy believers are reproved and told, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (3:10). 

The book of 2 Thessalonians contains crucial information concerning the end times. In fact, the three major prophetic texts in the New Testament are the two Thessalonian epistles, the Olivet Discourse, and the book of Revelation. The two Thessalonian epistles refer to almost every central doctrine of the Christian faith, even though they are not doctrinal treatises like Romans or Ephesians. 

Key Concepts : 

1. Paul must remove the destructive seeds of false ________________ before he can replant the seed of truth. [422] 
2. _________________ had been a problem in Thessalonica all along, but it was getting more serious. [422] 
3. The _________________ of Christ is the most frequently mentioned doctrine in the New Testament. [423] 
4. Because of their _________________ severe and perhaps a fraudulent letter, the Thessalonians were susceptible to false doctrine. [424] 
5. The balance of waiting and working should encourage _________________, not idleness. [425] 

Further Study: "Thessalonians, Letters to the," NIDB, pp.1008-10.

Life Application: What does Christ's second coming mean to you? How should it influence the way you live as a Christian? Does it motivate you to lead others to Christ? What changes in your lifestyle do you need to make in light of our Lord's soon return?

Reading: Talk Thru the Bible, pp. 426-47.

Key Words: Leadership, Endurance, Conduct, Forgiveness.

Key Verses: "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

Key Chapters: 1 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 2, Titus 2.

1 Timothy

Paul, the aging apostle, has fought the good fight; he has run the race well. Now it is time to pass the baton to the young Timothy. Paul writes from Macedonia in A.D. 62 or 63 while Timothy is serving in Ephesus. This epistle assumes, rather than develops, doctrine and is mainly concerned with them practical outworking of Christian truth on an individual and corporate level. The three Pastoral Epistles provide the most explicit directions in the Bible for church leadership and organization.

The young pastor Timothy is to organize and oversee the Asian churches. Paul encourages him to become an example to others, to exercise his spiritual gifts, and to "fight the good fight of the faith" (6:12). In this leadership manual Paul teaches how to deal with organization discipline, proclamation of the Scriptures, poverty and wealth, the role of women and other groups, and false teaching. Positively, he is to teach the truth; negatively, he is to refute error. More than anything else, both Timothy's personal and public life are to be above reproach. He is to be a faithful minister of God.

Chapter 3 lists the qualifications for the elders and deacons in God?s church. True leadership emanates from our walk with the Lord and is, in no way, derived from achievements or vocational success. Timothy must be constantly on guard, for his youth may prove to be a liability rather than an asset. Paul challenges Timothy to fulfill the task placed before him.

Timothy is exhorted to treat all the church members as family. He especially focuses on practical instruction concerning widows and elders. Paul charges wealthy believers to lay up their treasures heaven. Again he urges Timothy, "Guard what has been entrusted to your care"(6:20).

Key Concepts:

1. This epistle was written by Paul in Macedonia to the young Timothy who had remained in ________________. [428]
2. First Timothy was written as a ________________ manual to guide Asian churches. [428]
3. The ________________ Epistles abound with principles for leadership and righteous living. [430]
4. The Greek words for "overseer"and "_________________"are used synonym in the New Testament and thus refer to the same office. [430]
5. The false doctrine that __________________ results in material blessing was being taught. [431]

2 Timothy

Timothy had a rich spiritual heritage through his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. Already possessing a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, Timothy was a convert of Paul during his first missionary journey to Lystra. On the second journey Paul took him along. He became an assistant to Paul and a diligent, trustworthy, and devoted companion. At the time of this letter, Timothy is serving in Ephesus.

Paul's situation has changed drastically since his first imprisonment. After Rome burned in A.D. 64, Emperor Nero used the unpopular Christians as scapegoats and made their faith illegal. Now Paul sits in prison for the second time. He is all alone, because the Asian believers have deserted him in the face of persecution. Paul is expecting executed at any time. The cell is drafty, and winter is approaching. Paul urges Timothy to bring his cloak along with his parchments when he comes to Rome.

Second Timothy is actually Paul's last will and testament in which he reviews his past, analyzes the present, and looks forward to deliverance into God's heavenly kingdom. Since Paul considers himself as Timothy's spiritual father, he must give any last-minute instructions that the young pastor needs for endurance in the faith. Knowing Timothy's natural timidity, Paul urges him to boldly proclaim the gospel and overcome fear in the face of possible persecution. Paul warns against becoming entangled in false speculation, foolish quarrels, and youthful lusts. He instructs Timothy on handling persecution from without, and dissension and deception from within. Paul's comfort and encouragement to Timothy have blessed Christian workers over the centuries.

Paul warns of coming apostasy when empty professions of faith and spiritual deception will be pervasive. Arrogance and godlessness will breed further deception and persecution; people will desert the truth for "ear itching"words. Therefore, believers must stand firm against it and persevere in the Word of God, their most effective weapon. Most assuredly, those who persevere will reap the rewards. This letter is Paul's testimony to the believers' victory in Christ, even in the face of death!

Key Concepts:

1. Timothy's mother and grandmother were Jewish, but his father was a _________________.[433]
2. Under suspicion for the burning of Rome in A.D. 64, ________________used the unpopular Christians as his scapegoat. [433]
3. Paul wrote Timothy to give ________________ because of the hardships the young pastor was facing. [434]
4. As Paul reviews the past, present, and future, he is actually writing his last ________________ and testament. [435]
5. Paul encourages Timothy to use the ________________ to combat doctrinal error and moral evil. [436]

Titus

Crete was not exactly where a young Christian pastor would like to be sent. In the first century the inhabitants of this island were notorious for untruthfulness and immorality. A popular slur of the day , "to act the Cretan," meant to "play the liar." Yet Paul has left Titus there on his third missionary journey. Titus' task is to set the church in order. Certainly Paul trusts him, for Titus has been a fellow worker and one of Paul's closest companions.

Now Paul writes to Titus, advising him to appoint elders to oversee the work of the church. These are to be individuals whose character is above reproach. Not only are elders to excel spiritually, but also every other believer-men and women, young and old. All have vital functions to fulfill. Throughout the letter to Titus, Paul stresses the necessary, practical outworking of salvation in the daily lives of each believer. So that the church members will accept Titus' authority, Paul writes this letter to endorse him as an official apostle with the authority that accompanies the title.

Dissenters and false teachers, who are misleading and dividing the church, must be refuted. The Cretan's natural tendency toward immoral behavior has to be overcome by godly leadership and sound doctrine. While the epistle stresses sound doctrine, it is really a conduct manual. It emphasizes the proper behavior of various groups within the churches. Paul reminds the believers that God has redeemed them from slavery to sin. Only God's Word, the source of truth, reveals the way to eternal life. After regeneration by the Holy Spirit, a believer behaves differently. Therefore, good deeds are not the basis of salvation, but the result of it.

Key Concepts:

1. Paul stresses to Titus the necessary, practical outworking of ________________ in the daily lives of believers. [438]
2. Believers in Crete had been introduced to the gospel by their own countrymen who had been in Jerusalem on the Day of ________________.[438]
3. Many false teachings, especially those advocating _________________, were misleading and dividing the churches. [439]
4. Paul stressed that proper belief (_________________) gives the basis for proper behavior (orthopraxy). [439]
5. Although God does not save by works, Paul stresses the need for good ________________to result from salvation. [441]

Philemon

Would you accept a deserter, a thief, a worthless fellow, and a runaway slave into your home? That is exactly what Paul is asking Philemon to do. Philemon is to receive the slave Onesimus in the same way he would receive Paul. The slave has wronged his master and run away from Colossae to Rome, where he would be lost in the crowd. Somehow, Onesimus has come in contact with Paul, who has led him to Christ. The former slave, in turn, has become a real asset to the apostle. (Since Onesimus means "useful," note Paul's play on words in verse 11.) Both of them know that, as a Christian, Onesimus must return to his owner Philemon.

It is not likely that Onesimus would have returned if he had not accepted Christ. Roman law decreed that runaway slaves could be severely punished or suffer a cruel death. Paul sends a companion, Tychicus, with Onesimus, hoping that he will not be picked up so easily by the slave hunters. This brief letter was written to show the life-changing effects of Christianity and its impact on social conditions. The power of the gospel overcomes social barriers. While Philemon is not a direct attack on slavery, its Christian principles would ultimately lead to the renunciation of slavery.

Philemon, also a convert of Paul and a beloved brother in Christ, holds church meetings in his home. Known for his benevolence to believers, Philemon is still a slave owner, like some other Christians of his day. This letter presents guidelines for slave-master relationships. Even though it is written to Philemon, Paul addresses it to other Christians in Philemon's circle in an attempt to impact the entire church.

The believer's forgiveness in Christ is beautifully portrayed in the letter. The slave Onesimus is guilty of a great offense, but Paul intercedes on his behalf, assuming his debts and becoming his substitute. When Philemon graciously restores Onesimus, he places him in a new relationship. As sinners we are like Onesimus, while Paul's role parallels Christ's work of mediation before the Father. Onesimus is condemned by law but saved by qrace.

Key Concepts:

1. Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his owner ________________ in Colossae. [443]
2. The analogy in Philemon beautifully portrays the forgiveness that the believer finds in _________________. [444]
3. Paul puts himself in Onesimus' place, acting as his advocate and ________________.[445]
4. Even though ___________________ is not directly attacked, the Christian principles found in Philemon would finally lead to its renunciation. [445]
5. When Paul places Onesimus' debt on himself, he reminds Philemon of the greater ________________ debt that Philemon owes. [445]

Further Study: "Pastoral Letters,"NIDB, pp. 753-55; "Philemon, Letter to,"NIDB, pp. 780-81.

Life Application: In 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1 :6-9, Paul lists the qualifications for elders and deacons. Since these are qualities all Christians should possess, how do you measure up? Leadership is a "noble task,"according to 3:1. Living By The Book should be preparing you to be a leader in your church. Ask your pastor how you might serve!