Galatians reads like a dramatic court trial. On one side of the courtroom stand Paul's accusers. Persuasive and pwerful, these "Judaizers" have followed Paul from town to town, spreading rumors and contradicting his version of the Christian faith.
On the other side sits the jury, the Galatian Christians. They have enjoyed warm friednship with Paul inthe past, but some of the charges against him are serious. Did he invent parts of the gospel that he preached to them? Has God really given hima special insight? Is it true that his message of "freedom" will lead him to a weak, immoral church? Should they turn their backs on their Jewish heritage?
Paul, acting in his own self-defense, paces the courtroom. He uses a variety of debating style: tight logic, historical reviews, and personal outrage. His integrity, and ultimately Jesus Christ's integrity, is at stake.
In topical content, Galatians covers much the same ground as Romans. But in style, it crackles with a fighting spirit. As you read it, try to visualize that courtroon scene, and judge for yourself Paul's effectiveness as a defendant.
EPHESIANS
In many ways, Ephesians is Paul's "summing-up" book. The same subjects appear in greater detail in books like Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Thessalonians. But in Ephesians, Paul gives an overall view of the grand scheme of the gospel. Only now, Paul says, has God's hidden plan for all of history come to light.
Because it compresses such large thoughts into such a short space, Ephesians deserves very careful study. Read the first three chapters slowly, digesting one paragraph at a time. Such study will prove rewarding: Ephesians gives exuberant good news about the nature of the universe and God's plan for believers.
Like other letters from Paul, Ephesians divides fairly neatly between doctrine (chapters 1-3) and practical advice (4-6). The last half details how our lives should change as a result of the great things described in the first part.
Because it compresses such large thoughts into such a short space, Ephesians deserves very careful study. Read the first three chapters slowly, digesting one paragraph at a time. Such study will prove rewarding: Ephesians gives exuberant good news about the nature of the universe and God's plan for believers.
Like other letters from Paul, Ephesians divides fairly neatly between doctrine (chapters 1-3) and practical advice (4-6). The last half details how our lives should change as a result of the great things described in the first part.
PHILIPPIANS
Philippians is simple and straightforward. It's not a formal treatise, but a warm letter to friends. Read it like you would read any personal letter. From the clues Paul gives, try to imagine the relationship between him and the Philippians. What did he like about them? Why were they so important to him?
In Philippians there is a common use of the words joy and rejoice. Check out each of these, noticing how Paul can find joy in any circumstances. Use Philippians like a devotional book, first reflecting on what it says, then applying it to your own life.
In Philippians there is a common use of the words joy and rejoice. Check out each of these, noticing how Paul can find joy in any circumstances. Use Philippians like a devotional book, first reflecting on what it says, then applying it to your own life.
COLOSSIANS
Although this letter was written to counter specific problems in the church at Colosse, it includes some of Paul's most eloquent writing about Jesus Christ. Chapter i contains a soaring paragraph (1:15-20) that may have been used as a hymn by the early church. Note in this book how Paul concludes all his arguments by referring to Christ.
Chapters 2 and 3 deal with dangerous tendencies in Colosse. Paul argues a "mystery" religion by firmly asserting that Christ is the complete expression of the mystery of God. As you read these two chapters, try to imagine what kind of behavior at Colosse troubled Paul.
Chapters 2 and 3 deal with dangerous tendencies in Colosse. Paul argues a "mystery" religion by firmly asserting that Christ is the complete expression of the mystery of God. As you read these two chapters, try to imagine what kind of behavior at Colosse troubled Paul.
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