Week Four: Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy

We are closing in on the halfway point of our Community experience!  What are your feelings towards this version of the New Testament?  Do you feel like you are more engaged, as though the book is relating to your emotions and sensibilities?  Does the drama of early Christian life stand out in a way you hadn't noticed in your traditional Bible?  In your discussion groups, do you find that you are talking about the Bible and Its characters in ways you never had before?

This week, we plant ourselves firmly in Paul's letters to various people and churches throughout the early Christian world.  We begin the week by completing Romans.  We learned last week that part of Paul's reason for writing was to ask for support as he continued his mission westward.  The church in Rome was very focused on ministering to Jews, so they weren't exactly inclined to help the apostle whose mission was clearly to the Gentiles.  Because of this, Paul had to delve deep into theology to show the Romans that God's plan for salvation of the world always included the Gentiles, and He even revealed as much to Abraham.  Paul had to prove that God is so much bigger than the law, and that only His mercy has the power to bring about grace and salvation.  Paul continued in the letter to give instructions on how to live in the culture of the day as a people who stand apart, but not reclusive in nature.  It is all too tempting for a body of believers to fold in upon themselves, avoiding the very people to whom they should be bringing the Gospel.  

While Paul's letters to Corinth and Galatia were full of criticism and rebuke, the letters called Colossians and Ephesians were gentle and encouraging.  We learn in Paul's greetings that he never met the people of these churches, so his tone had to reflect the credibility he had only by reputation.  This contrast brings to light that Paul's harshness with the Corinthians was only possible because of his intimate relationship with them.  From this perspective, it is clear that Paul held those for whom he took personal responsibility to a higher standard.  We know now that Ephesians was most likely not written to the church at Ephesus, but was probably a general letter to churches all over Asia Minor.  Colossians and Ephesians, while including many of the same instructions as Paul's other letters, had a special focus on the relationships within a church body.  In these letters, God's long established guidance on how believers should relate to and treat one another was reinforced.

Philemon stands out as a case study for life changing repentance and Christian forgiveness.  Onesimus and Philemon are both universal characters in whose shoes we may each find ourselves regularly.  Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, and he drew on the parallels of his physical chains and their public struggle to bring joy and encouragement to their work.  In some of his most dire circumstances, he rejoiced that his suffering was serving to further the Gospel message, and he encouraged the Philippians to abide in patience for the same purpose.

We will finish our week, and Paul's writings, with letters to Paul's dearest co-workers.  Although these letters were addressed to Timothy and Titus, there were indications that they were also meant to be read aloud to larger groups.  These letters focused heavily on the practical matters of church building and administration.  Churches have relied on Paul's model throughout history, and pastors are continually encouraged by Paul's words to his closest friends.  The words given to us by God, through Paul, are as essential and relevant today as they ever were.  Where are they leading you right now?

Continue to think about our five book club questions:
1. What's something you noticed for the first time?
2. What questions did you have?
3. Was there anything that bothered you?
4. What did you learn about loving God?
5. What did you learn about loving others?