Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is remarkable, not only for its beautiful literary prose, flawless theological perspectives, skilled and articulated persuasion, but also in its uniqueness as an epistle unlike the rest, Pauline or otherwise, without claim of author-ship or attribution. While there are postulations to candidates such as Luke, Timothy or even Priscilla, the focus of the book is evidently not on the writer but the readers.

Faced with intense persecutions and excommunication from their communities, many Jewish believers were considering to abandon Christianity and go back to Judaism. With this in mind the writer of Hebrews exhort these believers to stay on course and warned them not to turn away from the faith to return to the old Judaistic system. Parallel comparisons are made to show Christ's superiority over creation, the Law, the Aaronic priesthood, and the old covenant sacrifices.

After stating the supremacy of Christ's Person, the author goes on to elaborate on the superiority of His atoning works in His role as the perfect High Priest and the Mediator of a better covenant by His sinless sacrifice. And because Christ Himself too was in all manner tempted and tested as a Man, He can sympathize with human weaknesses that these early believers and anyone who is facing the trial of faith now.

Faith is so important that without it, no one can please God. The hall of fame on faith lists the names of Old Testament saints who overcame life's trials by their faith and God in turn honored them. These cloud of witnesses should inspire a believer to put aside any besetting sin and instead look to the Author and Finisher of our faith as the greatest Example to emulate in living a life of total dependence on God, because He has given us this sure promise:

13:5 I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

OUTLINE OF HEBREWS

1. The Superiority of Christ (1:1-10:18)

In His Identity (1:1-2:18)
a. Message – Better than the Prophets (1:1-3)
b. Sonship – Better than the Angels  (1:4-14)
c. First Warning: Danger of Neglect (2:1-4)
d. Humanity – A Better Mediator (2:5-18)
In His Administration (3:1-4:13)
a. Achievement – Better than Moses (3:1-4)
b. Appointment – Better than Moses (3:5-6)
c. Second Warning: Danger of Unbelief (3:7-4:13)
In His Priesthood (4:14-7:28)
a. Office – Better than Aaron (4:14-5:10)
b. Third Warning: Danger of Stagnation (5:11-6:20)
c. Order – Better than Aaron (7:1-28)
In His Efficacy (8:1-10:18)
a. A Better Covenant (8:1-13)
b. A Better Tabernacle (9:1-5, 11)
c. A Better Sacrifice (9:6-10, 12-10:18)

2. The Superiority of the Christian Life (10:19-13:25)

Assurance of Faith (10:19-11:40)
a. Faith's Demand (10:19-25)
b. Fourth Warning: Danger of Backsliding (10:26-39)
c. Faith's Definition and Illustrations (11:1-40)
Endurance in Hope (12:1-29)
a. Example of Christ (12:1-4)
b. God's Discipline and Dealing (12:5-24)
c. Fifth Warning: Danger of Rejecting God (12:25-29)
Exhortation to Love (13:1-25)
a. Social Sphere of Life (13:1-6)
b. Ecclesiastical Sphere of Life (13:7-25)

 

The General Epistles

These epistles are a collection of eight letters written by five authors, one of which is anonymous and has been greatly debated by theologians and bible scholars. They are termed 'general' because they were not written to specific churches or individuals but to the church at large, though two of John's short letters were addressed to 'the elect lady' and a person named Gaius, both of which had no clear references as to their real identities.

Formerly these epistles were placed before Paul's writings but were subsequently arranged in the order we see today based on their late dating and recognition, thus:

  1. Hebrews (Perfect works of Christ)
  2. James (Faith)
  3. 1 and 2 Peter (Hope)
  4. 1, 2 and 3 John (Love)

  5. Jude (Perseverance of the Saints)

The fact that this group of letters formed only one-tenth of the New Testament does not negate their importance or relevance; rather, they complemented Paul's epistles by addressing daily challenges and difficulties faced by Christians in the world. Just as the early believers felt out of place living and working in the Roman empire that was aristocratically hostile to their faith, Christians today experience similar tensions when putting into practice their beliefs in a largely atheistic society with many cultures that are steeped in superstitions and traditions.

Two major principles can be observed from these letters: God can be trusted to work in our lives, and in return we too should work towards meeting the felt needs of people around us. And just as God chose to enter human history in the time of Christ and the early disciples, He continues to work out His presence through the lives of His people in different ages.

 

Philemon

Philemon is the shortest letter among Paul's epistles, much like a postcard or aerogram, yet it is also one of the most personal letters he's written. Instead of asserting his apostolic authority, Paul chose to entreat the recipient with diplomacy and tact over a sensitive situation—a runaway slave.

It is obvious that Philemon was a man of high social status and well respected within the Christian community, given his generosity and hospitality towards traveling missionaries and co-workers of the gospels. In fact, he even hosted a church gathering in his house and might have been one of its leaders, if not the one in charge.

This short but instructive letter has a number of important lessons for believers in terms of interpersonal relating:

1. The use of authority is not necessarily suited or a good thing in every controversial or sensitive situation.

1. Showing proper respect and courtesy to whom it is due can be a more amicable approach to resolve differences or problems.

1. The basis for engaging our fellow believers in any issue, great or small, must be love and humility, and always for the good of those affected or involved.

Paul showed by his example how to go about it with Philemon and Onesimus, without his being physically present due to his imprisonment, but through a simple letter that is filled with lots of brotherly love and humility.

Romans 12:10

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.

 

OUTLINE OF PHILEMON

1. Paul's Praise of Philemon (v1-7)
a. Greeting (v1-3)
b. Thanksgiving (v4-7)
2. Paul's Plea on behalf of Onesimus (v8-17)
a. The Ground for the Plea (v8-9)
b. The Object of the Plea (v10-14)
c. The Reason for the Plea (v15-16)
d. The Purpose of the Plea (v17)
3. Paul's Pledge to Philemon (v18-20)
a. Extent of the Pledge (v18)
b. Basis of the Pledge (v19-20)
4. Paul's Promise to Philemon (v21-25)
a. Confidence of Philemon's Obedience (v21)
b. Confidence of Release and Visit (v22)
c. Salutations and Benediction (v23-25)

Titus

Like Timothy, Titus was an associate of Paul in the work of the gospel. This letter was written to give practical wisdom and instructions on church administration as well as appoint elders and leaders. Titus had the challenging tasks of looking after the church in Crete and fending off false teachers, particularly those of the circumcision.

This letter is one of four personal letters Paul wrote, containing pastoral advices and insights. While it is important to uphold the truth in the church, the most effective way to protect sound doctrines, however, is to practice and live it out in our lives. That's the only way to let the world see and be convinced of the transforming power of God in a believer's life. 

On the other hand, good church organization and operation are only possible when there is a willingness on the part of every member to obey the truth. The reality of our faith is seen in the crucible of godly daily living and brotherly relationship with one another.

2:11-14 sums up the gist of this letter:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

OUTLINE OF TITUS

1. Greetings (1:1-4)
2. Appointing Spiritual Leaders (1:5-16)
a. Criteria and Qualifications (1:5-9)
b. Characteristics of the Cretians (1:10-12)
c. Command to Rebuke and Correct (1:13-16)
3. Asserting Spiritual Life Principles (2:1-15)
a. To the Elderly (2:1-5)
b. To the Young (2:6-8)
c. To the Servants (2:9-10)
d. Speak, Exhort, Rebuke (3:11-15)
4. Applying Sound Practices (3:1-11)
a. Regulating Conduct (3:1-2)
b. Recounting Salvation unto Good Works (3:3-8)
c. Refusing Vain Arguments (3:9)
d. Rejecting Heretics (3:10-11)
5. Final Instructions (3:12-15)

2 Timothy

This second letter to Timothy is Paul's last will and parting words to his spiritual son in the faith, who was facing hard challenges as a minister in Ephesus. Paul imparted his final words of encouragement and insight, stressing the importance of godly living, faithful preaching of the Word, and warned Timothy of the coming apostasy within the church in the last days.

Paul recalled Timothy's tears of parting as he left for Rome to be imprisoned again prior to his trial before Caesar, knowing his execution was inevitable as the Roman empire began to view Christianity as a threat. However, he reminded Timothy of the precious faith he inherited from his mother and grandmother, and urged him to remain strong in the Lord.

What do our children or future generation inherit from us? What do they see in our lives that they can emulate and pass on? Will it be godly values and a living faith, or worldly ideals and self-interests?

Paul's admonition is given in the light of this truth: Jesus Christ shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing in His kingdom authority (4:1). This should spur us to be faithful in the work of the gospel, as we await His soon return and to stand before Him unashamed.

Paul's anticipation as his journey came to an end, reveals a man whose life values reflected his character and convictions, and showing us that hope not only triumphs over death but transcends it with an eternal indestructible joy that is in Christ, Who promises a crown of righteousness not only to those who finishes well, but also to all who earnestly look forward to His return.

 

OUTLINE OF 2 TIMOTHY

1. Steadfastness in Present Difficulties (1:1-2:26)
a. Delight in Timothy's Faith (1:1-5)
b. Directions for Timothy's Duties (1:6-18)
c. Depiction of a Faithful Minister (2:1-26)
Good Disciple-maker
Soldier | Athlete | Farmer
Diligent Student and Workman
Useful Vessel | Meek Servant
2. Preparedness for Future Challenges (3:1-4:22)
a. Last Days Apostasy (3:1-17)
Characteristics | Confrontation
b. Last Exhortation to Preach the Gospel (4:1-5)
c. Last Words of Paul (4:6-22)
His Imminent Departure
His Immediate Situation
His Last Instructions
Salutation and Benediction

1 Timothy

The letters to Timothy and Titus are also known as pastoral epistles. Timothy was Paul's apprentice and assistant in the work of the gospel, co-laboring with him since the second missionary journey.

Timothy had his weaknesses and strengths. He was young, timid, fearful, perhaps with inferiority complex, and  physically weak; but he was faithful, spiritually alert, received good training and had sound foundation in the faith. Paul regarded him as a spiritual son and companion in his travels, and entrusted him with important tasks as a means to build up his character and confidence in the work of the Lord.

This personal letter to young Timothy pastoring the church at Ephesus can be liken to a spiritual father mentoring his son in the faith. It contains principles and sound advices for Christian workers facing the problem of false doctrines, guidelines for proper worship, a believer's duties and responsibilities, and right attitude towards riches.

In this famous ancient city with its bustling commerce and center of Grecian worship, Timothy not only had to contend with the influence of wealth and influx of religious ideas, he had to be exemplary in his conduct while taking care of the spiritual well-being of the flock Paul entrusted him. This was certainly a big challenge for an inexperienced and timid person like him. Paul, however, saw beyond Timothy's apparent age and limitations—a caring heart just like his:

Philippians 2:19-20

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

 

OUTLINE OF 1 TIMOTHY

1. Personal Exhortation (1:1-20)
a. Greeting (1:1-2)
b. Paul's Charge to Timothy (1:3-11)
c. Paul's Recount and Thanksgiving (1:12-17)
d. First Charge: Fight Well (1:6-18)
2. Pastoral Advices (2:1-6:21)
a. On Public Worship (2:1-3:16)
Prayer | Public Conduct of Women
Requirements of Leaders | Deacons
Second Charge: Behave Well (3:14-16)
b. On False Teachers (4:1-16)
Their Traits and Teachings
Countering through Godliness
Third Charge: Lead Well (4:11-16)
c. On Dealing with People (5:1-6:2)
General Principles
Handling Widows | Treating Elders
Fourth Charge: Manage Well (5:21-25)
Servant-Master Relationship
d. On Attitude towards Wealth (6:3-21)
Godliness with Contentment
Danger of Greed
Fifth Charge: Guard Well (6:20-21)

2 Thessalonians

The second letter to the Thessalonians is quite similar to the first in content, but the tone is more terse. Paul's first letter not only did not correct their misconceptions of the second coming,  but caused some to cast off their daily responsibilities and become loafers, living on other believers' expenses. At the same time, false teachers taught that the tribulation these believers were undergoing was a sign that the day of the Lord had arrived, adding more distress and confusion to the already troubled church.

Eschatology is not an easy doctrine; still it is an essential part of the Christian faith, taking up almost five percent of the NT writings. Paul realized the difficulty these young believers had on such teachings, and therefore wrote a follow-up letter to further elaborate on the details concerning the last days.

Paul pointed out that preceding Christ's return there will be rampant apostasy and lawlessness, and the revelation of the man of sin, which at present is restrained until the appointed time. So instead of loafing around and become busybodies, believers should continue to work hard, do good, pray for and support the furtherance of the gospel, and make good use of every opportunity to serve the Lord faithfully as they await His return.

2:16-17
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father who has loved us and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

OUTLINE OF 2 THESSALONIANS

1. Greetings (1:1-2)
2. Comfort in View of the Lord's Return (1:3-12)
For Discouraged Believers
a. Thanksgiving (1:3-6)
Patience in Persecutions
Faith in Tribulations
b. Supplication (1:7-12)
Vindication by God
Victory and Glory in Christ
3. Correction in View of the Lord's Return (2:1-17)
For Disillusioned Believers
a. Certainty and Signs  (2:1-12)
Apostasy | Antichrist | Anarchy–Lawlessness
Appearance of Christ
b. Consolation and Comfort (2:13-17)
Obtaining Glory | Obeying Truth
4. Conduct in View of the Lord's Return (3:1-18)
For Disobedient Believers
a. Prayer Request | Patience in Waiting (3:1-5)
b. Instructions on Work and Charity (3:6-15)
c. Benediction (3:16-18)

 

1 Thessalonians

Paul's fond memories of the Thessalonian believers are visibly expressed in the writing of this letter to the church which he founded during his second missionary trip (Acts 17:10), right after his unjust beatings, imprisonment and release at Philippi (Acts 16:19-40). 

Paul's ministry at Thessalonica was met with great opposition from the Jews there who incited a mob and created a great tumult in the city, forcing Paul to cut short his work. Despite this, a church was planted and in the face of fierce persecution and death, the new believers remained steadfast and became examples to other churches in the region.

When Paul heard of the Thessalonians' faith and testimony, he wrote this letter in part to commend and encourage them, as well as to correct some misconceptions they had on the second coming of Christ. Paul had endeared himself to these young believers, much like a mother to her children, as can be seen in his writing:

2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not only the gospel of God, but our own souls as well, because you were dear to us.

Such should be the heart of a pastor who shepherds the flock of God, just as Christ laid down His life for the sheep, and the likes of Stephen, Peter and Paul who came after, and all who would heed Christ's call to take up the cross to follow Him. 

This is agape love in action.

OUTLINE OF 1 THESSALONIANS

1. Greetings (1:1)
2. The Believer's Life Testimony (1:2-3:13)
a. Sincerity in Thanksgiving (1:2-10)
Faith | Love | Hope
b. Sincerity in Confession (2:1-20)
Pure Motive | Selfless Labour
Unforgettable Experience
c. Sincerity in Expectation (3:1-13)
Change in Plan | Joy in Persevering
Earnestness in Prayer
3. The Believer's Life Motivation (4:1-5:24)
a. Christian Living (1:1-5)
b. The Coming of the Lord 
c. The Day of the Lord 
d. Christian Conduct (1:6-18)
4. Final Words (5:25-28)
a. Prayer Request (5:25)
b. Instructions (5:26-27)
c. Benediction (5:28)

Colossians

Believers are constantly bombarded by the philosophies and religious perspectives of this world, while trying to practice the pure faith of the gospel of Christ on a daily basis. It was no different in Paul's time, especially in a small city bustling with commercial interests like Colossae, where exchange of ideas and information was common place due to trade traffic.

It seems likely that the church was founded by Epaphras as an offshoot of Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus (1:4-8; 2:1), and when Epaphroditus brought news to Paul in prison about the onslaught of heretical and cultic teachings the church was facing, Paul was stirred to write this letter.

Ephesians and Colossians are basically twin sister epistles. The former describes the Church of Christ, while the latter portrays the Christ of the Church; one focuses on the Body and the other centers on the Head. In this respect, both letters when read together, offers us a picture of the glorious Bride and that of her magnificent Bridegroom.

What sets Christ and Christianity apart from all other religions and philosophies is the sufficiency and centrality of Christ in His Person and work. No speculations, superstitions, or any supernatural visions and experiences, proposed or pursued by man in his vain attempt to circumvent the simplicity of the gospel, can ever hope to attain in any measure the knowledge and perfection that is found in Christ.

The supremacy of Christ must be matched by the submission of the Christian in order to bring out the splendor of the divine life in the believer. Paul sums up this mystery which had been hidden in ages and generations as—

1:27 Christ in you, the hope of glory.

OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS

1. Introduction (1:1-14)

        a. Greetings (1:1-2)

        b. Prayer and Thanksgiving (1:3-14)

2. The Transcendence of Christ (1:15-2:3)

        a. In His Nature over Creation (1:15-18)

        b. In His Redemptive Work (1:19-23)

        c. In His Church as the Head (1:24-2:3)

3. The Completeness of Christ (2:4-23)

        a. Secured in Christ (2:4-7)

        b. Complete in Christ (2:8-10)

        c. Renewed in Christ (2:11-17)

        d. Contrasted with Greek Worships (2:18-19)

        e. Contrasted with Jewish Beliefs (2:20-23)

4. The Preeminence of Christ (3:1-4:6)

        a. Our Position in Christ (3:1-4)

        b. Our Priorities in Christ (3:5-4:6)

        Put off the Old Man | Put on the New Man

        Conduct at Home | at Work | in the World

5. Conclusion (4:7-18)

        a. Sending Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)

        b. Greetings from the Brethren (4:10-14)

        c. Further Instructions (4:15-18)

Philippians

The church at Philippi occupied a very special place in the heart of Paul (1:8; 4:1), not only because he suffered much and was unjustly beaten and thrown into prison while ministering in that city (Acts 16:23), but also for the sacrificial love and financial support these believers shown by sending one of their very own to personally carry their love gift to the apostle while he was in Roman custody awaiting trial.

Philippians is a letter filled with joy despite the writer himself being imprisoned and in chains. It goes to show that real joy is not a product of outward circumstances or inward conditions, but the abiding peace of God that keeps our hearts and minds through Christ. Indeed, Paul was so confident of this fact that he asserted:

4:9 Those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me—do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

This prison cell epistle is perhaps the most personal of all the letters Paul ever wrote. The main topics he touched on include: his fellowship of love with the church, the mind of Christ to emulate, and the joy of the Christian. Paul could not have put it clearer what a Christian's lifelong pursuit should be when he made reference to his own personal aspiration ever since his encounter with the resurrected Christ:

3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

For Paul, Jesus Christ was everything to him.

OUTLINE OF PHILIPPIANS

1. Introduction (1:1-11)

        a. Greetings (1:1-2)

        b. Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:3-11)

2. Christ is Our Preoccupation (1:12-30)

        a. Paul's Desire for the Gospel (1:12-18)

        b. Paul's Dilemma for the Believers (1:19-30)

3. Christ is Our Example (2:1-30)

        a. Christ's Example of Humility (2:1-11)

        b. Christian's Exemplary Life (2:12-18)

        c. Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)

4. Christ is Our Treasure (3:1-21)

        a. Vanity of Glorying in the Flesh (3:1-7)

        b. Value of Prizing Christ Above All Else (3:8-21)

5. Christ is Our Sufficiency (4:1-13)

        a. Living at Peace with One Another (4:1-3)

        b. Having the Peace of God (4:4-9)

        c. Being at Peace in All Situations (4:10-13)

6. Conclusion (4:14-23)

        a. Thanking for the Gifts (4:14-19)

        b. Final Words (4:20-23)