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Introduction To The Letters

The next division in the New Testament are the letters, also known as the Epistles. They include the following books:

Romans : A presentation of the Gospel which stresses salvation by faith alone.

I Corinthians : Written to correct errors of Christian conduct in the local church.

II Corinthians : Speaks of the true ministry of the Gospel, stewardship, and Paul's apostolic

authority.

Galatians : Deals with the error of mixing law and faith. The theme is justification by faith alone.

Ephesians : Encourages believers everywhere who share a heavenly position with Jesus as

members of the Church.

Philippians : Emphasizes the joy of the Christian experience.

Colossians : Deals with the error of "Gnosticism,” a false teaching which denied Jesus was truly Son of God and Son of Man. The book also emphasizes Jesus as head of the Church.

I Thessalonians : Counsel in Christian living and emphasis on the return of Jesus.

II Thessalonians : Further instruction on the Lord's return and how knowledge of this should

affect everyday life.

I Timothy : Stresses sound doctrine, orderly church government, and principles to guide the church in the years to come.

II Timothy : Describes the true servant of Jesus Christ. Warns of the apostasy (spiritual decline)

which had already started and presents the Word of God as the remedy to correct all error.

Titus : Paul's letter to a young minister named Titus who was serving God on the island of Crete. Doctrine and a godly life are stressed.

Philemon : Paul's intercession for a runaway slave of a wealthy Colossian Christian. It illustrates the intercession of Jesus on the behalf of believers who were once slaves to sin.

Hebrews : Explains the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. Presents Jesus as the Great High Priest and the one mediator between God and sinful man.

James : Teaches that true faith is evidenced by works, although salvation is by faith alone.

I Peter : A letter of comfort and encouragement to believers, especially those suffering from spiritual attacks from without through unbelievers.

II Peter : A warning against spiritual attacks from within. For example, false teachers who had already gained position in the church.

I John : Written to combat Gnosticism which denied Christ's position as Son of God and Son of Man. Emphasizes fellowship and love among believers and assures true believers of eternal life.

II John : Warns against any compromise with doctrinal error and emphasizes that truth be guarded in love.

III John : Warns of the sin of refusing fellowship with those who are true believers.

Jude : Another warning against apostasy and false doctrine. The theme is similar to that of II Peter.

EPISTLE GROUPS

These can also be grouped by...

Books Concerning Christ's Return : I and II Thessalonians

Books Emphasizing The Gospel : Romans, Galatians, I and II Corinthians

Books Written By Paul In Prison : Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon

Pastoral Letters : These Books focus on practical matters of church leadership and organization: I and II Timothy and Titus.

General Epistles : The remaining Epistles

APOSTASY

"Apostasy" is a term with which you should be familiar as you survey the epistles. This word means "to depart from the faith." In several of the epistles the writers deal with the problem of apostasy in the church.