Participants of this course will explore Paul’s letters. This examination will include their historical context, his views of grace and current scholarly approaches to them.

They will also investigate ethical questions raised within these letters, such as Paul’s approach to sexual morality issues as well as questions surrounding marriage and celibacy.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans

Paul had few opportunities to visit his churches directly; therefore he sought to keep them informed with his teaching and resolve any disputes via letter. Paul displayed a profound dedication to his mission as well as an extensive knowledge of Christ’s Gospel.

As someone who had experienced the perils of church politics first-hand, Paul was keen to prevent division between Jewish and Gentile believers. In his letter to Romans he warns against division and encourages right living and worship practices, encouraging those with firm grasp of doctrine to accept those less certain about faith, as he does in an extensive section on Christian freedom that includes an eschatological theme.

Paul’s Letter to the Galatians

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is an impressive defense of both his apostolic authority and of Christianity’s correct doctrines. This letter marks a distinct departure from Judaism by asserting that salvation comes through Jesus alone.

Paul wrote this letter to the churches of Galatia, an area in central Asia Minor settled by immigrant Celts with Gaulish features of language and culture. At that time, Paul’s opponents were pressuring Galatian believers to observe certain precepts of Jewish law (circumcision in particular) alongside their faith in Christ; therefore Paul vigorously defended grace-based gospel preaching while providing essential biographical details in response.

Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

Paul wrote several letters during his first Roman imprisonment (AD 60-61) as part of what have become known collectively as Prison Epistles. These included Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.

Paul’s writing here expands believers’ horizons by detailing God’s grace and His high goals for His Church, while encouraging them to put on Christ’s full armor (6:10-20).

On his third missionary journey, Paul visited Ephesus. This society was preoccupied with power; lucky socks, magical words written on cards or spoken aloud to cast away evil spirits, and special charms for protection were popular forms of control and comfort there.

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Paul wrote the Letter to the Philippians under difficult conditions, not in peace but as he lay imprisoned, facing either execution or release from custody. But even under these difficult conditions he remained optimistic, knowing that death would mean being with Christ while release would allow him to continue his ministry work.

This letter from Paul stands out amongst other New Testament letters for its intimacy and affectionate tone, reflecting his close friendship and trust of this church community. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful warning against those seeking happiness outside Jesus.

Paul’s Letter to the Colossians

After spending several years pastoring churches in the Lycus Valley, Epaphras travelled to Rome to update Paul on the condition of Colossae church and seek his advice regarding any false doctrine that had entered their congregation. After returning, he delivered this letter directly through Tychicus who also carried Paul’s letters for Philemon and Onesimus.

Paul wrote this letter to address an error within Christianity that encouraged worship of cosmic and spiritual powers as gods, and lifestyle choices to appease these deities. Paul asserted Christ as superior over both creation and humanity and insisted that no other beliefs or practices offer true reconciliation with Him.

Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians

Paul and his helpers had been forced out of Thessalonica because of vehement opposition; Paul commends their faithfulness while assuring them that God will judge those responsible fairly. Additionally, Paul advises against becoming idle by insisting Christians work to support themselves – just as Paul had done himself and with his assistants.

Additionally, Paul addressed some of their problems and provided exhortations concerning Christian morality (such as abstaining from sensuality) and an understanding of Christ’s return. Finally, the letter concluded with an encouraging prayer for all its recipients.