PAUL'S LETTERS TO GROUPS (continued)

Ephesians - This letter was sent to the "saints who are at Ephesus". Paul had been there on both his first and third missionary journeys. He wrote this letter to them from his first Roman imprisonment in the early 60's AD. Paul described the believers' spiritual wealth ... chosen, sealed, saved by grace, and united in one Body of believers. Then he exhorted them to walk worthy of the heavenly calling and position given to them in the Body. He described how to follow God in life, against sin, in the Spirit, at home, at work, and in the warfare.

Philippians - Paul wrote to "all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi". He had been to Philippi during his second missionary journey. He wrote to them from his second Roman imprisonment in the mid-60's AD. Paul expressed his thankfulness for their consistent testimony ... and for their support of his ministry. He encouraged them to be at peace ... to be humble like Christ ... to be on guard ... and to rejoice.

Colossians - Paul wrote to "the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae". Epaphras, a convert during Paul's ministry in Ephesus, brought Christianity to Colossae. Philemon was part of their church. This letter was written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment in the early 60's AD. He stressed the deity and supremacy of Christ to correct the hybridizing effect of false teaching ... which had brought the bad influences of legalism, philosophy, and mysticism into the church. Paul wrote that Christ is supreme (chapters 1-2), and therefore believers should seek the things above and live accordingly (chapters 3-4).

1 Thessalonians - Paul wrote to "the church of the Thessalonians", founded during his second missionary journey. He had been forced to leave them, Acts 17:1-10. He wrote from Corinth in the early 50's AD. Paul's personal comments about their ministry (and about his own ministry) gave examples of a walk worthy of the God who calls each believer. He exhorted them to withstand sexual temptation ... to lead quiet lives ... to work ... to be at peace about the return of Christ ... and to fulfill their duties toward spiritual leaders, in conduct, and in worship.

2 Thessalonians - Paul wrote this second letter to "the church of the Thessalonians" shortly after his first letter ... from Corinth in the early 50's AD. He encouraged them in growth and in endurance under persecution. Some had misunderstood his teaching on the return of Christ and had ceased their work, thinking the Day of the Lord had come. Paul wrote about the coming events of the last days. He commanded them to work if they expected to eat ... working and waiting as they lived holy lives.

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THE NEW TESTAMENT 11    PAGES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
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