Pauline Epistles

THE PAULINE EPISTLES.

Since Paul wrote 13 epistles (14 if we count Hebrews, though its authorship is debated), We’ll treat them in four groups:

  1. Foundational Epistles – Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians
  2. Prison Epistles – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
  3. Eschatological Epistles – 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  4. Pastoral Epistles – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
Author : Kenneth Malenge 

1. Romans

  • Author: Paul
  • Date: A.D. 56–57 (from Corinth)
  • Theme: The righteousness of God revealed in the gospel.
  • Purpose: To explain salvation by faith, uniting Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
  • Outline:
    1. Sin: The Need for Righteousness (1:18–3:20)
    2. Salvation: The Gift of Righteousness (3:21–5:21)
    3. Sanctification: The Power of Righteousness (6–8)
    4. Sovereignty: God’s Righteous Plan (9–11)
    5. Service: The Practice of Righteousness (12–16)
  • Key Verse: Rom. 1:16–17
  • Relevance: Foundational for Christian doctrine; emphasizes justification by faith.

2. 1 Corinthians

  • Date: A.D. 55 (from Ephesus)
  • Theme: Christ, the solution to church problems.
  • Outline:
    1. Divisions in the Church (1–4)
    2. Moral Disorders (5–7)
    3. Worship Disorders (8–14)
    4. The Resurrection (15)
    5. Closing Instructions (16)
  • Key Verse: 1 Cor. 1:30
  • Relevance: Provides practical teaching on unity, holiness, spiritual gifts, and resurrection.

3. 2 Corinthians

  • Date: A.D. 56
  • Theme: The ministry of reconciliation and true Christian service.
  • Outline:
    1. Paul’s Defense of His Ministry (1–7)
    2. Collection for the Saints (8–9)
    3. Paul’s Apostolic Authority (10–13)
  • Key Verse: 2 Cor. 5:18–19
  • Relevance: Teaches integrity, suffering in ministry, and reconciliation.

4. Galatians

  • Date: A.D. 49–50
  • Theme: Freedom in Christ – Justification by Faith Alone.
  • Outline:
    1. Defense of Paul’s Apostleship (1–2)
    2. Defense of Justification by Faith (3–4)
    3. Defense of Christian Liberty (5–6)
  • Key Verse: Gal. 2:16
  • Relevance: Refutes legalism, emphasizes salvation by grace.

5. Ephesians (Prison Epistle)

  • Date: A.D. 60–62 (from Rome)
  • Theme: The Church – the Body of Christ.
  • Outline:
    1. Spiritual Blessings in Christ (1–3)
    2. Christian Walk in Unity and Holiness (4–6)
  • Key Verse: Eph. 1:3
  • Relevance: Teaches the believer’s identity in Christ and unity of the church.

6. Philippians (Prison Epistle)

  • Theme: Joy in Christ.
  • Outline:
    1. Christ our Life (1)
    2. Christ our Example (2)
    3. Christ our Goal (3)
    4. Christ our Strength (4)
  • Key Verse: Phil. 4:4
  • Relevance: Encourages joy and humility in Christian living.

7. Colossians (Prison Epistle)

  • Theme: Christ – the Preeminent Lord.
  • Outline:
    1. Supremacy of Christ (1–2)
    2. Submission to Christ (3–4)
  • Key Verse: Col. 1:18
  • Relevance: Warns against false teachings; affirms Christ’s sufficiency.

8. Philemon (Prison Epistle)

  • Theme: Christian forgiveness and brotherhood.
  • Outline:
    • Paul’s appeal for Onesimus (vv. 1–25)
  • Key Verse: Philem. 16
  • Relevance: Models reconciliation and love within the body of Christ.

9. 1 Thessalonians

  • Date: A.D. 50–51
  • Theme: The return of Christ and holy living.
  • Outline:
    1. Paul’s Ministry and Thanksgiving (1–3)
    2. Instructions on Holiness and Hope (4–5)
  • Key Verse: 1 Thess. 4:16–17
  • Relevance: Encourages perseverance and hope in Christ’s coming.

10. 2 Thessalonians

  • Theme: Clarification on the Day of the Lord.
  • Outline:
    1. Encouragement in Persecution (1)
    2. Teaching on the Second Coming (2)
    3. Exhortation to Discipline (3)
  • Key Verse: 2 Thess. 2:2–3
  • Relevance: Warns against false teachings and idleness.

11. 1 Timothy (Pastoral Epistle)

  • Theme: Order in the local church.
  • Outline:
    1. Doctrine and Prayer (1–2)
    2. Church Leadership (3)
    3. Pastoral Duties (4–6)
  • Key Verse: 1 Tim. 3:15
  • Relevance: Provides guidance for pastors and church leadership.

12. 2 Timothy (Pastoral Epistle)

  • Theme: Faithfulness in ministry despite suffering.
  • Outline:
    1. Encouragement to Persevere (1–2)
    2. Warning of Apostasy (3)
    3. Final Exhortation (4)
  • Key Verse: 2 Tim. 4:2
  • Relevance: Paul’s last letter; calls for endurance and faithfulness.

13. Titus (Pastoral Epistle)

  • Theme: Sound doctrine and good works.
  • Outline:
    1. Qualifications of Elders (1)
    2. Sound Doctrine and Godly Living (2–3)
  • Key Verse: Titus 2:11–12
  • Relevance: Stresses balance of right belief and right practice.

📖 Summary of Pauline Epistles:

  • Romans–Galatians → The foundation of the gospel.
  • Ephesians–Philemon → The church and Christian life.
  • Thessalonians → Hope in Christ’s return.
  • Timothy & Titus → Pastoral leadership.
Name of the Book Author Date of Authorship Name Meaning Recipient Theme of the Book Purpose Key Verse Key Chapter Key Characters Doctrines
Romans Paul c. A.D. 57 “Of Rome” Church at Rome The righteousness of God revealed in the gospel To present the doctrine of salvation clearly Romans 1:16–17 Ch. 8 (Life in the Spirit) Paul, believers in Rome Justification, Sanctification, Election, Universal Sin
1 Corinthians Paul c. A.D. 55 “Of Corinth” Church at Corinth Christ our sanctification in a corrupt world To correct divisions and immoral practices 1 Corinthians 1:30 Ch. 13 (Love) Paul, Apollos, Cephas, believers Sanctification, Resurrection, Spiritual Gifts
2 Corinthians Paul c. A.D. 56 “Second to Corinth” Church at Corinth Strength in weakness through Christ To defend his apostleship and encourage generosity 2 Corinthians 12:9 Ch. 4 (Treasure in Earthen Vessels) Paul, Titus, believers Comfort, Ministry, Giving, Weakness in Christ
Galatians Paul c. A.D. 48–49 “Of Galatia” Churches of Galatia Freedom in Christ, not the law To refute Judaizers and defend justification by faith Galatians 2:16 Ch. 5 (Fruit of the Spirit) Paul, Peter, Barnabas Justification by Faith, Grace vs. Law, Christian Liberty
Ephesians Paul c. A.D. 60–62 “Of Ephesus” Church at Ephesus The church as the body of Christ To show believers their spiritual blessings in Christ Ephesians 2:8–9 Ch. 6 (Armor of God) Paul, believers Union with Christ, Grace, Church, Spiritual Warfare
Philippians Paul c. A.D. 61 “Of Philippi” Church at Philippi Joy in Christ regardless of circumstances To thank believers and encourage steadfastness Philippians 4:4 Ch. 2 (Mind of Christ) Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus Joy, Humility, Christian Unity, Perseverance
Colossians Paul c. A.D. 60–62 “Of Colossae” Church at Colossae Christ is the preeminent Head of the church To refute false teaching and exalt Christ Colossians 1:18 Ch. 3 (Christian Living) Paul, Epaphras, believers Deity of Christ, New Life in Christ, Christian Ethics
1 Thessalonians Paul c. A.D. 51 “Of Thessalonica” Church at Thessalonica Hope in Christ’s return To encourage steadfastness and clarify eschatology 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 Ch. 4 (Rapture of the Church) Paul, Timothy, Silas Second Coming, Holiness, Comfort in Hope
2 Thessalonians Paul c. A.D. 51–52 “Second to Thessalonica” Church at Thessalonica Encouragement in persecution and correction about the Day of the Lord To strengthen persecuted believers and correct false teaching 2 Thessalonians 2:2–3 Ch. 2 (Man of Sin) Paul, believers Eschatology, Endurance, Faithfulness
1 Timothy Paul c. A.D. 63 “Honoring God” Timothy (at Ephesus) Instructions for church leadership and doctrine To guide Timothy in organizing and teaching the church 1 Timothy 3:15 Ch. 3 (Qualifications for Leaders) Paul, Timothy, elders, deacons Church Order, Sound Doctrine, Leadership
2 Timothy Paul c. A.D. 67 “Honoring God” Timothy Faithfulness in ministry until the end To exhort Timothy to endure hardship and guard the truth 2 Timothy 4:7–8 Ch. 2 (Endurance in Ministry) Paul, Timothy Perseverance, Scripture, Ministry, Discipleship
Titus Paul c. A.D. 63 “Honorable” Titus (in Crete) Sound doctrine and godly living in the church To instruct Titus in establishing elders and teaching sound doctrine Titus 2:11–12 Ch. 2 (Christian Conduct) Paul, Titus Grace, Good Works, Church Leadership
Philemon Paul c. A.D. 60–62 “Affectionate” Philemon (at Colossae) Christian forgiveness and brotherhood To plead for Onesimus’ acceptance as a brother in Christ Philemon 16 Entire book Paul, Philemon, Onesimus Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Christian Brotherhood

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