A Survey of the Pauline Epistles

This survey of the Pauline epistles provides a brief summary of each letter and the main purpose for its existence.

The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential people in Scripture.  There were many things that factored into shaping who Paul was, as Calvin Roetzel puts it:

“It is important, therefore, while reading the letters to remember that Paul was many things at once—a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a Pharisee, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hellenistic Jew, an apostle of Christ, and a missionary to the Gentiles.  Though these aspects of his life did not all hold equal places in Paul’s theology, each of them contributed something.”[1] 

Paul wrote the majority of what we know as the New Testament and his writings shaped the truths of Christian doctrine.  The Pauline epistles present a broad spectrum Christian thought and address a wide range of issues.  “The landscape is as broad as Paul’s theological understanding and as diverse as the needs of the churches.”[2]

Because there are so many topics that could be addressed within each epistle I hope to narrow the focus of the letters by providing a brief summary of each one that includes the main purpose for its existence.

Romans
Romans was written by Paul.[3]  Paul’s purpose for writing was to prepare those in Rome for his arrival to preach the gospel.  Even though it is a true letter, the content is considered by many to provide the most practical teachings about God.

“Although its depth of insight is great–some would say unsurpassed—it nevertheless has the structure of a letter, breathes the warmth of a letter, deals with a real situation, and functions like a letter as a substitute for absence.”^[4]

The central theme is the righteousness of God.  Those who receive God’s gift become His righteousness on the earth.[5]

1 Corinthians
The apostle Paul wrote the letters to the Corinthians[6].  It is a wide-ranged colorful book being that he was writing to a very colorful society.  The tone is authoritative and the purpose is to create a bridge between Christian standard and the moral decay of the society in Corinth.  A key verse that reflects this theme is found in chapter ten.  “Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive.  Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”[7]

2 Corinthians
The second letter to the Corinthians reveals the deep concern and care that Paul has for the people and for the church.  It is more personal and less instructional.  His love for the church is conveyed both by his warning and encouragement.  “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view, though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.”[8]  While it’s evident that Paul was frustrated with the actions of the Corinthian church it is still clear in the above verse that he maintained perspective in his dealings with them, thus further proofing his passion for them.

Galatians
Paul wrote the letter to Galatia insisting that the redeeming work of God was a matter of grace and not human works of the law.  The sternness of Paul’s letter is evident in this verse: “You foolish Galatians!  Who has bewitched you?  Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.”[9]  Paul stressed the importance of the work of Christ.  Any fruitful work of humanity would only take place through life in the Spirit.[10]   Diminishing the work of Christ is an offense to God and to the honor of His Son Jesus.

Ephesians
This letter was written by Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome.[11]  The book addresses deeper issues of the faith, expounding upon Gods eternal purposes and goals that He has for His church.

“Ephesians presents the church as a sphere for the activity of the cosmic Christ, who exponentially expands the boundaries of the church.  Now the church universal rather than the church local receives emphasis.  The great Christ mystery is no longer God’s gracious work through an ignominious cross but the embrace of both Jew and Gentile by the church universal.”^[12]

Paul when speaking about the “church” in this letter is addressing not just a sect or group but rather the body as a whole, as a living organism.[13]

Philippians
Paul’s letter to the Philippians conveys his sincere appreciation for their commitment not only to Christ but also to him.  It is considered to be his most personal letter…[14] “there is a genuine warmth and human tenderness in Philippians that is refreshing…”[15]  The book highlights a total devotion to Christ and to his call.  To “press” forward all for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. [16]

Colossians
The letter to the Colossians written by Paul was written to combat false teaching.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”^[17] 

The city of Colosse was a part of the trading route between oriental cities and Rome[18]  making the city an accessible entry point for human thought and philosophy.  Paul set out to dismantle the idea that through human wisdom and intellect one could attain right-standing with God.

1 Thessalonians
Paul addresses a big issue in this letter but does so from a practical standpoint.  Paul emphasizes that even though the Lord is returning[19] believers should be motivated to live righteously by modeling a lifestyle that others could follow. [20]

2 Thessalonians
Paul again addresses the issue of the Lords second coming, further detailing the manner in which believers should live and prepare for that time by avoiding the lawless one[21] and idlesness.[22]

1 Timothy
The letter is part of a group of letters that is commonly called the Pastoral Epistles[23] for their specific instruction concerning church management. In this letter Paul instructs Timothy to appoint overseers[24], protect the flock[25], and continue to fight the good fight[26].

2 Timothy
This letter is included with the “Pastoral Epistles”.  The purpose of this letter was to 1) request a visit from Timothy[27] and 2) to encourage Timothy in his role and to warn against false teachers[28].

Titus
The letter to Titus is the third letter included in the Pastoral Epistles.  The purpose of this letter is similar to 1 Timothy in that Paul was encouraging and counseling Titus in the difficult task of pastoring, especially within a city like Crete. “Paul found him well qualified to handle difficult situations, such as representing him in the Corinthian church (2 Cor 2:3-4, 13; 7:6-16; 8:16-24).  When he received this letter, his situation was similar, for he had been deployed by Paul to establish and strengthen the church in Crete.”[29]

Titus, like Timothy, was someone that Paul had personally invested in and could be trusted to leave in charge of responsibilities such as, appointing elders[30], and teaching sound doctrine[31].

Philemon
The letter written to Philemon provides an excellent example of displaying grace and forgiveness, especially with those in the faith.  Paul writes Philemon, a businessman, requesting his forgiveness on behalf of Onesimus, a former slave of Philemon who has now become a close associate and co-laborer of Paul.  Paul even offers to cover the offense by paying for any charges that it cost Philemon.

 CONCLUSION

In the provided summaries there is a mixture of teaching and instruction that has and will continue to be used to shape Christian doctrine.  Paul’s letters address issues that all believers face making them relevant for all times.  “The labors on his letters and the place they have assumed seem wholly justified, for he raised hard questions that the church had to face.  And he dealt with real issues, most of which still lie near the heart of humankind.”[32]

For Paul, his purpose was to exalt Christ and lead others to Him, “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.”^[33]  He acknowledged that he was only a vessel doing God’s work, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”[34]