Titus and Philemon

Titus and Philemon are both short letters written by Paul.

The intent of each, however, is not the same.

Titus received his letter to encourage and instruct, much like the letters to Timothy. Much of the letter is almost identical to the letter to Timothy—how to pick qualified elders and deacons, rebuking those who preach their own myths or human commands, and reminding people todo good, always.

Philemon hosts a home church, along with others. Paul thanks them and then asks that they welcome Onesimus (who, I think, was a former slave) and to treat him as they would treat Paul himself.

1 & 2 Timothy

Paul writes to Timothy, who appears to be young and in need of instruction and encouragement.

I don’t always like what Paul has to say. I wonder how much is reflecting his own prejudices and how much is truly from God. Times have changed; how does this affect the truth of what was written. Especially in terms of slaves, women and homosexuals. I have seen too many people use these (and similar) verses to persecute their fellow humans.

Slave owners pulled out All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect but ignored the parts that said masters should treat their slaves fairly and well. How does owning another human reconcile with love your neighbor? Paul clearly states slave traders are lawbreakers. How does homosexuality become equal to slave traders, murderers, and liars? What about mercy? What about love? Paul says I do not permit a woman to teach or hold authority over a man… (notice the “I”).  But from the beginning there were women prophets, women whom Jesus held in high regard (the resurrected Jesus first appeared to a woman, for goodness sake!) and women who are apostles of the new church (Pricilla had a home church and spread the good news). This doesn’t make sense to me.

But, Paul also has some instruction that truly comes from love—take care of the elderly and widows. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels… be kind to everyone… 

Paul knows the end is near.

1 and 2 Thessalonians

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…

Paul appears to have actually spent time with the Thessalonians. He thanks them for their hospitality and for their belief in Christ’s message. They are faithful even in the light of bad news, news of believers who have died because of their faith. 

He reminds them to be pure of body and mind. To love and care for each other. To be prepared for the second coming.

He warns them not to listen to the man of lawlessness (or sin) who will try to make them believe he is God. He is not. They should not be fooled, but remain firm in their belief and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Love one another; help one another; work for the good of all; never tire of doing what is good.

Colossians

Paul keeps encouraging new believers, even those he has never met. And from prison, no less!

The letters are shorter. 

Other apostles are recognized and mentioned by nam.

Paul asks this letter be shared - is his time coming to an end?

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Paul is definitely growing on me.

This is a letter of thanks. Thanks to God for the people of Philippi. Thanks for their concern. Thanks for their assistance and provisions. Thanks for their steadfast love and continuing faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul thanks specific people who have helped him and helped lead by example, men and women alike.

And Paul writes all of this while in prison.

Ephesians

I just realized that Paul probably wrote this letter while he was in prison. He makes reference to being a prisoner in Christ Jesus several times. I am guessing this means he is an actual prisoner?

If that is the case, Paul’s words of love and grace are even more powerful.

He has never met the Ephesians. He is in prison and yet he never stops encouraging, praising and teaching.   Paul sets out rules, but somehow seems gentler in this letter than some of his previous letters. He seems to have a true love for the Ephesians.

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Galatians

I am beginning to feel for Paul.

He leaves an area inspired, full of hope for the new Christians, only to have the reality of their fragile belief come crashing down around him.

So Paul writes letters of encouragement, letters of rebuke, letters of re-education.

The Galatians have started listening to “apostles” who are starting to add their own rules, their own fears and prejudices to the teachings of Jesus. Paul has his work cut out for him and this letter is to the point. No fluff.  Don’t listen to these so called apostles, listen to me. Live by faith and love of your fellow mankind. Do good to all.

It is hard to be inspired when the people fall so easily. But Paul never loses faith.

2 Corinthians

This is Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, on the eve of his third visit.

Paul seems to spend much of the letter defending himself to the Corinthians. It seems like he is worried about how he first came across to them…as timid when face to face but bold in his letters. He seems worried that he frightened the people. 

He keeps saying he bragged about them and their generosity, but then worries the Corinthians won’t live up to his bragging. He brags about all he has been through, but then seems to dismiss its importance.

Paul seems worried throughout most of this…

1 Corinthians

This is the book of the Bible with the love verses we all know from weddings. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… Great reminders, and Paul seems very passionate about relaying the message of love.

But I feel like some of Paul’s personal prejudices also sneak into this book.

He says that he wishes everyone would be single like him, for that is the best. But, grudgingly, acknowledges that some may want to marry. He talks about sexual immorality, marriage, adultery - problems that must have been on the rise in this community.

Paul addresses many of the things the people of Corinth are arguing about…the basics of their new and fragile church. I think that is the main purpose of the book, to stop the arguments and the wandering from the truth of Jesus and his resurrection.