New Testament

Pauline Epistles

Letters written by the Apostle Paul to various churches and individuals.

The Pauline Epistles are a collection of thirteen letters in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul to churches and individuals. These letters, composed between approximately AD 50-67, represent the earliest Christian writings and provide crucial insights into early Christian theology, church organization, and practical discipleship. Paul's letters address specific situations and challenges facing the early church, while developing profound theological concepts such as justification by faith, the nature of the church as Christ's body, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the future return of Christ. Each letter reflects Paul's pastoral heart, his rabbinical training, and his deep commitment to seeing Gentiles and Jews united in Christ. The letters can be grouped into several categories: the early letters (1-2 Thessalonians, Galatians), the major letters (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians), the prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and the pastoral epistles (1-2 Timothy, Titus). Together, they reveal how the early church understood and applied the implications of Christ's life, death, and resurrection to various cultural and ethical contexts.

Books in Pauline Epistles

Romans

Paul's comprehensive explanation of the gospel, addressing righteousness, salvation, sin, grace, and Christian living.

16 chapters

Key Events:

  • Explanation of Justification
  • Israel's Future
  • Christian Ethics
  • Unity in Diversity

1 Corinthians

A letter addressing problems in the Corinthian church, including division, immorality, worship, and spiritual gifts.

16 chapters

Key Events:

  • Church Divisions
  • Case of Immorality
  • Marriage Counsel
  • Spiritual Gifts
  • Love Chapter
  • Resurrection Defense

2 Corinthians

Paul's defense of his apostleship and ministry, emphasizing reconciliation, generosity, and spiritual warfare.

13 chapters

Key Events:

  • Ministry of Reconciliation
  • Collection for Jerusalem
  • Defense of Apostleship
  • Thorn in the Flesh

Galatians

A passionate defense of justification by faith alone against those requiring Gentile Christians to observe Jewish law.

6 chapters

Key Events:

  • Faith vs. Works
  • Peter Confronted
  • Freedom in Christ
  • Fruit of the Spirit

Ephesians

A treatise on the nature of the church as Christ's body, exploring unity, spiritual gifts, and practical Christian living.

6 chapters

Key Events:

  • Position in Christ
  • Unity of Believers
  • Mystery of the Church
  • Household Code
  • Armor of God

Philippians

A warm letter of friendship emphasizing joy in Christ despite suffering and the imitation of Christ's humility.

4 chapters

Key Events:

  • Christ Hymn
  • Timothy and Epaphroditus
  • Warnings against Judaizers
  • Rejoicing in the Lord

Colossians

A defense of Christ's supremacy against early forms of Gnosticism, emphasizing Christ's deity and sufficiency.

4 chapters

Key Events:

  • Supremacy of Christ
  • Warning against False Philosophy
  • New Life in Christ
  • Household Code

1 Thessalonians

Encouragement to a young church, addressing issues of faith, love, hope, and the return of Christ.

5 chapters

Key Events:

  • Conversion of Thessalonians
  • Paul's Ministry Defense
  • Living to Please God
  • The Lord's Return

2 Thessalonians

Correction of misunderstandings about Christ's return and instructions on dealing with idleness.

3 chapters

Key Events:

  • Judgment at Christ's Coming
  • The Man of Lawlessness
  • Warning against Idleness

1 Timothy

Pastoral guidance to Timothy regarding church leadership, false teaching, worship, and personal conduct.

6 chapters

Key Events:

  • Qualifications for Leaders
  • Instructions for Worship
  • Treatment of Various Groups
  • False Teachers
  • Love of Money

2 Timothy

Paul's final letter, urging Timothy to remain faithful to the gospel amid opposition and personal hardship.

4 chapters

Key Events:

  • Guard the Gospel
  • Endure Hardship
  • Dealing with False Teachers
  • Scripture's Inspiration
  • Paul's Farewell

Titus

Instructions to Titus about organizing the Cretan church, appointing leaders, and promoting godly living.

3 chapters

Key Events:

  • Elder Qualifications
  • Rebuking False Teachers
  • Christian Character
  • Good Works

Philemon

A personal appeal to Philemon to receive his runaway slave Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.

1 chapters

Key Events:

  • Appeal for Onesimus
  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation
  • New Relationship in Christ

Key Information

Alternative Names

Epistles of Paul, Pauline Letters

Author

The Apostle Paul

Time Period Written

c. AD 50-67

Events Covered

Post-resurrection church development

Total Chapters

87 chapters across thirteen letters

Key Themes

Justification by Faith

Union with Christ

The Church as Christ's Body

Christian Ethics and Conduct

Pastoral Leadership

Eschatology (End Times)

Gospel and Culture