The General Epistles and the Antilegomena

After considering the epistles of Paul, with some of the introductory and theological issues they present, we come to hte so-called "general" epistles and Revelation.  Several of these books have been called "antilegomena" since at one point or another someone has spoken against their authenticity and/or canonicity.  Sometimes the issue is uncertainty regarding authorship (e.g. Hebrews) or supposed "stylistic" or theological differences with accepted books (e.g. I Peter and 2 Peter on style, James and Paul on theology).  A couple of the books were little letters with limited circulation and so were questioned as well (2 and 3rd John).  All in all, the church came to a clear consensus and recognized the canonicity of these books among the collection we know as the New Testament.  As you read and ponder the message of these books I encourage you to hear afresh the message the Divine Author has for you in each of them.
Dr. Nash

The Letters to the Thessalonians and the Pastoral Epistles

The arrangement of our New Testament has us looking today at what might be the first, and the last, of the letters of the apostle Paul.  The second missionary journey was a major step, as Paul and Silas crossed over to Macedonia and traveled down the Grecian peninsula preaching Jesus and planting churches. The persecution did not discourage them from their mission. The distances involved however, may have been the impetus for beginning a ministry of writing letters and sending messengers to the churches.  We see in the Thessalonian letters encouragement and teaching that is appropriate to a young church and to believers in every age.

We also know that Paul realized he could not maintain personal supervision over all the churches that would be established.  Beginning on the first journey, once churches were planted, elders were appointed in every church.  The pastoral epistles are gems of apostolic instruction, admonition and encouragement to churches and to those called to pastoral ministry. What characteristics are important for the pastors or elders of a church to have?  Read I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and see how these lists look in comparison to the "job profile" or "position description" that many search committees or nominating committees have today.  Why do you think there is so much emphasis on the character and heart of leaders in these letters?
Dr. Nash

The Prison Epistles

Today we will have an overview of the so-called "Prison Epistles," Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  There is some discussion among scholars with respect to which imprisonment of Paul provides the context in which one of more of these letters were written. The traditional view is that they were written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, reported at the end of the Book of Acts.  The main point is that in each of these letters Paul is clearly more concerned about the challenges being faced by the churches than he is about his own well being. Each of these letters is a gem that contributes to or deepens our understanding of some aspect of theology or the Christian life.  Which of these great highlights stood out for you as you read this? The depths of our great salvation spoken of in Ephesians 1 or 2? The humbling "kenosis" passage in Philippians 2? The mystery of the Godhead, incarnate in Christ, alluded to in Colossians 1? The Christian response to a social evil in Philemon? Share your impressions in the "comments" below!
Dr. Nash