Jon Gary Williams
Articles / Resources

Subscribe to this page via e-mail here - Subscribe

Article 63 - N.T. Survey: The Epistles

A. Largest and most important city in the ancient world

B. Mostly Gentile, but had a sizable Jewish population

C. The church was made up of both Jews and Gentiles

A. Written by Paul to the church at Rome (1:1,7)

B. Written about 57 AD, probably from Corinth. Christians at Corinth are associated with

the letter - Phoebe (16:1); Erastus (16:23)

C. Romans is a treatise on the justification of man through the grace of God in Christ.

A. The gospel and salvation (1:1-17)

B. Practical aspects of salvation (1:18-32)

A. Introduction (1:1-17)

B. The Gentiles need salvation (1:18-32)

C. The Jews need salvation (2:1 - 3:20)

D. Salvation through Christ (3:21 - 5:21)

E. A change in whom the Christian serves (6:1-23)

F. Being joined with Christ enables one to bring forth fruit unto God (7:1-6)

G. The nature of the law of Moses (7:7-14)

H. The struggle between the spirit and flesh (7:15-25)

I. The things which sustain the Christian (8:1-39)

J. Israel's rejection of Christ does not prove that Jesus is not Christ (9:1 - 11:36)

K. A return to the question of the Christian's obligations in Christ (12:1 - 15:33)

L. Paul's concluding exhortations (16:17,18)

A. Like the church in Rome, Corinth had a large and diverse membership, both Jews and

Gentiles (1:22,23)

B. Established by Paul (4:15) (cf. Acts 18:1ff)

C. Corinth was a city notorious for its sinfulness which had an effect on the church (5:1,2;

10:6)

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 57-58 AD, probably from Ephesus

C. Contains 437 verses, divided into 16 chapters making it the longest of the epistles

D. A true "letter" - logically written and easily followed

A. Written largely in response to information about questions from members at Corinth

B. It is a letter of instructions on issues that were troubling the church

C. While covering a variety of issues, Paul broadly deals with the problem of pride and arrogance (1:29; 2:5; 3:18; 4:6,18)

I. Introduction (1:1-9)

II. Problems

A. Divisions (1:10 - 4:21)

B. Incest (5:1-13)

C. Sinful litigations (6:1-8)

D. Immorality and fornication (6:9-20)

III. Questions

A. Marriage (ch. 7)

B. Things sacrificed to idols (8:1 - 10:33)

C. Praying and prophesying (11:1-16)

D. The Lord's supper (11:17-34)

E. Spiritual gifts (12 - 14)

F. The resurrection (15)

G. The contribution (16:1-4)

IV. Conclusion - personal remarks (5:2,6; 6:5 8:2; 10:12)

A. Written by Paul (II Cor. 1:1)

B. Written a few years after I Corinthians

C. Contains 257 verses, divided into 13 chapters

A. It is not simply a continuation of I Corinthians - it has its own unique content.

B. New problems were troubling the church - false teachers had caused great turmoil.

C. This is Paul's most intense personal letter in which he defends his ministry.

A. Galatia was located in the central part of Asia Minor (now Turkey).

B. Churches in this region were located at Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.

C. These churches were made up of both Jews and Gentiles.

A. Written by Paul to a plurality of congregations in Galatia

B. Written about 56 - 58 AD, probably from Corinth

C. Contains 149 verses, divided into 6 chapters

D. Deals principally with false, Judaising teachers

A. A defense of Paul's apostleship

B. To show the gospel was not secondary to the law of Moses
C. To prevent the erosion of the Galatians' faith

D. To restore those who had succumbed to false teachers

A. Introduction (1:1-5)

B. Reason for writing the letter (1:6-10)

C. Paul's apostolic defense (1:11 - 2:21)

D. Paul's treatment of false doctrine (3:1 - 5:12)

E. Practical exhortation and prohibitions (5:13 - 6:18)

A. The capital city of Asia Minor located on the eastern coast of the Aegean Sea
B. The center of worship to the goddess Diana whose temple made the city famous

C. Ephesus has a prominent place in the history of the New Testament (Acts 19:8-10, 18-20; I Cor. 15:32; Rev. 2:1-7)

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 62-63 AD, probably from Rome

C. Contains 155 verses, divided into 6 chapters

D. Ephesians has much in common with Colossians - many verses are quite similar - (cf. Eph. 5:18,19 and Col. 3:16)

A. The central message is that the Lord's church is of great importance - "the fullness of him"

(1:23)

B. The church is discussed under different forms: a body (1:22,23); a temple (2:20-22); a pure bride (5:25-28)

C. The church is the one exclusive body through which man is saved (5:23)

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. The church - God's eternal plan

1. The church is the absolute fullness of Christ (1:3-23)
2. The church is the living body of Christ (2:1-18)

3. The church is the holy temple of Christ (2:19-22)

4. The church is God's eternal purpose (3:1-20)

5. The church is God's glory on earth (3:21)

C. The church - the Christian's life

1. Work for unity (4:1-16)

2. Put off the old man and put on the new man (4:17-32)
3. Walk in love (5:1,2)

4. Avoid all uncleanness (5:3-18)

5. Sing, give thanks and be submissive (5:19-21)

6. Husband and wife relationship (5:22-33)

7. Parent and child relationship (6:1-4)

8. Servant and master relationship (6:5-9)

9. Be strong and courageous in God's army (6:10-20)

D. Conclusion (6:21-24)

A. Located at the upper end of the Aegean Sea in Macedonia

B. A "chief city" on the main trade route from Rome to Asia

C. The city of Paul's first work in Europe (Acts 16:12-40)

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 62 AD, probably from Rome

C. Contains 104 verses, divided into 4 chapters

A. Philippians is a general letter exhorting its readers to be consistent in Christian living.

B. It is warm in expression and personal affection - three times its readers are addressed as "beloved" (2:12 4:1)

C. The words "joy" or "rejoice" appear 16 times

D. It treats the important theme of Christ's divine nature (2:5-9)

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. Paul's relation to the Philippians (1:3-11)

C. Paul's account of his circumstances (1:12-26)

D. Practical appeal to the Philippians (1:27 - 2:18)

E. Paul's plans for his companions (2:19-30)

F. Warnings against errors (3:1 - 4:1)

G. Exhortations (4:2-9)

H. Paul's thanksgiving to the Philippians (4:10-21)

I. Conclusion (4:21-23)

A. An important city of Phrygia in the region of Asia Minor

B. Near Laodicea - also mentioned in the book (2:1; 4:16)

C. The church there was made up especially of Gentiles but had a number of Jews

A. Written by Paul (1:1) and signed by him (4:18)

B. Written about 61 AD,  probably from Rome

C. Contains 95 verses, divided into 4 chapters

D. Colossians has much in common with Ephesians (cf. Col. 4:18-22 and Eph. 5:22,23)

A. Colossians deals with both doctrinal error and practical exhortations

B. The thrust of the book is a warning against being led away from Christ by human wisdom and philosophy and false religion

C. The Colossians were warned against such things as being:

1. Moved away from the gospel (1:23)

2. Beguiled with enticing words (2:4)

3. Made spoil of through philosophy and vain deceit (2:8)
4. Judged in ceremonial matters of Judaism (2:16)

5. Robbed of their reward (2:18)

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. Paul's thanksgiving (1:3-8)

C. Paul's prayer for them (1:9-12)

D. Doctrinal matters (1:13 - 2:3)

E. Warnings and obligations (2:4-23)

F. Practical matters (3:1 - 4:6)

G. Personal messages and greetings (4:7-18)

A. A coastal city of macedonia located at the upper end of the Aegean Sea, about 100 miles southwest of Philippi

B. It was on the Great Road ("Egnatia") which connected Rome with the whole region north of the Aegean Sea

C. The church there was established by Paul (Acts 17:1-4)

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 52-54 AD and likely the first book of the New Testament to be penned

C. Contains 80 verses, divided into 5 chapters

A. Conveys Paul's thoughts to the Thessalonian church after Timothy brought him word of their condition (3:1-7)

B. Written to urge Christians to worthwhile conduct and work

C. Written to correct misgivings about the second coming of Christ and to give comfort concerning those who had died in the Lord

A. Thanksgiving and defense

1. Paul's gratitude for the Thessalonians (1:2-4)

2. How they received the gospel and their affect of others (1:5-10)

3. Paul's life and labors among them (2:1-12)

4. His concern for their loyalty to Christ and his continued interest in them (2:13-20)

5. The mission of Timothy to Thessalonica and his joy over the news Timothy brought to him (3:1-10)

6. Paul's prayer for their spiritual growth (3:11-13)

B. Instruction and exhortation

1. Exhortation to holy living and love (4:1-12)

2. Comfort regarding their Christian dead (4:13-18)

3. Instructions regarding the time of Christ's coming and the need for readiness (5:1-11)
4. Proper attitude toward church leaders (5:12,13)

5. A series of Christian responsibilities (5:14-22)

C. Conclusion (5:23-28)

A. Written by Pau (1:1)

B. Written about 52-53 AD and likely the second book of the New Testament to be penned

C. Contains 47 verses, divided into 3 chapters

D. Was the second letter Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica

A. Paul deals with several issues that were troubling the Thessalonian church - their persecution, the misrepresentation of Paul's teaching about the return of Christ, the disorderly nature of some members

B. This letter gives special emphasis to the second coming of Christ - in view of false ideas which had been spread among the Christians of Thessalonica

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. Thanksgiving for their growth and steadfastness (1:3,4)

C. Encouragement in view of Christ's return

1. The indication and revelation of God's righteous judgment (1:5-8)

2. The consequence of God's righteous judgment (1:9,10)

D. Paul's prayer for them in their affliction (1:11,12)

E. Instruction concerning the coming of Christ

1. Exhortation to calmness in regard to the coming of Christ (2:1-3)
2. Instruction about the "man of sin" (2:1-4)

3. Thanksgiving, exhortation and prayer (2:13-17)

F. Request for their prayers (3:1,2)

G. His confidence concerning their progress (3:3-5)

H. The command to discipline the disorderly

1. The apostolic example behind the command (3:6-10)
2. Specific command to the disorderly (3:11,12)

3. Exhortation to faithful members (3:13)

I. Admonition to those who peresist in disobedience (3:14,5)

J. Conclusion (3:16-18)

A. Was from Lycaonia in Asia Minor - he mother was Jewish and his father was Greek (Acts 16:1)

B. Probably converted by Paul - "mine of son" (I Tim. 1:2)

C. Of good report and became a companion of Paul (Acts 16:2,3)

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 64 AD

C. Contain 113 verses, divided into 6 chapters

D. First of two letters Paul wrote to Timothy and longest of Paul's three letters to preachers

A. Congregation Paul had established in Asia Minor were in need of continued teaching and

encouragement - Timothy had been assigned to help in this work (1:3)

B. A variety of issues are addressed - sound doctrine, public worship, church leadership,

personal discipline, concern for the needy

A. Chapter one

1. Introduction (1:1,2)

2. Timothy left at Ephesus and false teachers (1:3-11)
3. Paul's sinful past and call to apostleship (1:12-19)
4. False teachers identified (1:20)

B. Chapter two

1. Prayer for rulers (2:1-3, 8)

2. God's will for all men (2:4-7)

3. Women's dress and place in the church (2:9-15)

C. Chapter three

1. Qualifications for elders and deacons (3:1-13)
2. Paul's purpose in writing Timothy (3:14-16)

D. Chapter four

1. The coming apostasy (4:1-3)

2. Things Timothy is to do in view of the apostasy (4:4-11)
3. General advice and guidance (4:12-16)

E. Chapter five

1. The proper respect for other people (5:1,2)
2. Instruction concerning widows (5:3-16)

3. Instruction regarding elders (5:17-20)

4. General instructions (5:21-23)

5. The works of men follow them (5:24,25)

F. Chapter six

1. Relationship of slaves and masters (6:1,2)

2. Those who teach contrary to Christ (6:3-5)

3. The lesson of contentment and the danger of worldly gain (6:6-10)
4. A charge to the "man of God" (6:11-16)

5. A reminder to the rich (6:17-19)

6. Conclusion (6:20,21)

I. The man Timothy - see I Timothy

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 66 AD

C. Contains 83 verses, divided into 4 chapters

D. Second letter which Paul wrote to Timothy

A. When Paul wrote this letter he knew the time of his death was near and wanted to see

Timothy again (4:7-9)

B. He speaks with passion about Timothy and reminds him that he was grounded in the truth (1:4-6)

C. He emphasizes the need to remain sound in the faith and to give attention to the word (1:5-6)

D. He mentions be name some who are evil or unfaithful (1:15; 2:17; 3:8; 4:10,14)

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. Encouragement to Timothy

1. To rekindle the gift (1:3-7)

2. To share in suffering (1:8-14)

3. To heed examples, bad and good (1:15-18)

C. Directions to Timothy

1. A call to endurance (2:1-13)

2. A call to concentrate on essentials (2:14-26)

D. The last days

1. Their characteristics (3:1-9)
2. The safeguards (3:10-17)

E. Final instructions

1. A solemn charge (4:1-5)

2. Paul's circumstances and the future (4:6-18)

F. Conclusion (4:19-22)

A. Was prominent during the growth of the early church

B. A "fellow helper" of the apostles Paul (II Cor. 8:23)

C. Probably a convert of Paul - "mine own son" (1:4)

D. Apart from the book of Titus he is mentioned 12 times in II Corinthians, Galatians and II Timothy

A. Written by Paul (1:1)

B. Written about 65 AD

C. Contains 46 verses, divided into 3 chapters

D. Titus contains several remarkable similarities with I Timothy:

I Tim. 1:2,4 and Tit. 1:4,5

I Tim. 4 and Tit. 1:14; 3:9
I Tim. 4:12 and Tit. 2:7,15
I Tim. 3:2-4 and Tit. 1:6-8

A. To reaffirm instructions to Titus which Paul had already given him orally (1:5)

B. Emphasis is given to the preservation of "sound doctrine" and "speech" (1:9; 2:1,8)

C. Emphasis is also given to maintaining purity in living the Christian life

A. Introduction (1:1-4)

B. Basic twofold charge (1:5)

C. The appointment of elders

1. The qualifications of elders (1:6-8)

2. The duty of elders (1:9:-16)

D. Admonition concerning various groups of Christians

1. Older men and women (2:1-4a)

2. Younger men and women (2:4b-8)
3. Servants (2:9,10)

E. Morality is based on the grace of God's salvation (2:11-14)

F. A personal charge to Titus (2:15)

G. Seven rules for all to keep (3:1,2)

H. Seven marks of their bad conduct before they had become Christians (3:3)

I. Good deeds - an obedient response to the grace and love of God (3:4-8)

J. Evil things and people to be avoided (3:9-11)

K. Last requests (3:12-14)

L. Conclusion (3:15)

A. A member of the church at Colosse (Onesimus, the central figure of the epistle, was from Colossae (Colossians 4:9)

B. His home was the meeting place of the church (v. 2)

C. He was probably a convert of Paul (v. 19)

A. Written by Paul (v. 1)

B. Written about 62 AD

C. Has only one chapter, containing 25 verses

D. Was one of Paul's prison epistles (9,10)

A. Paul pleads with Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon

B. Paul commends Philemon's faith, love, benevolence and his sympathizing, forgiving spirit

C. Paul uses tactfulness and politeness - it is sometimes called "the polite epistle"

A. Greeting (1-3)

B. Thanksgiving (4-7)

C. The request

1. The basis if the request (8,9)

2. The value of Onesimus, the brother in question (10,11)

3. Paul's plea for Philemon to "receive him" (12)

4. Paul's honesty in dealing with the matter (13,14)

5. The suggestion that God's providence was working in this (15,16)

6. Paul appeals to his friendship with Philemon (17)

7. Paul gives assurance that he will stand good for any debt of Onesimus (18,19)
8. Paul's joy and confidence in Philemon (20,21)

9. Paul's desire to visit Philemon (22)

D. Conclusion (23-25)

A. Its content shows it was written to Jews - probably the Jews in Palestine

B. Not explicitly stated, but probably written by Paul - 13:23 (Named as author by most early church historians)

C. Written about 63 AD (Likely another of Paul's "prison" epistles)

D. Contains 303 verses, divided into 13 chapters

A. The writer calls it a "word of exhortation" (13:22)

B. The primary aim is to show the superiority of Christianity over Judaism - to encourage

the Jewish Christians to find the fulfillment of their hopes in Christ and to renounce the shadows of the old law

C. The key word in this book is "better" - found twelve times

D. The message of Hebrews is forceful - fore example, readers are admonished to avoid apostasy, to know that judgment follows death, to be faithful in assembling and to fear God

A. Christ is superior to prophets and angels (1:1 - 2:4)

B. The humiliation and humanity of Christ (2:5-18)

C. Christ is greater than Moses (3:1-6)

D. A warning based on Israel's history (3:7-15)

E. The relation of disobedience to unbelief (3:16-19)

F. The "rest" remaining to the people of God (4:1-10)

G. Further warnings and exhortations (4:11-13)

H. The perfection of Christ's priesthood (4:14 - 5:10)

I. Admonition and warning (5:11 - 6:20)

J. Superiority of Christ's priesthood (7:1 - 8:5)

K. Superior qualities of the new covenant

1. Christ's ministry and covenant is superior (8:6-9)

2. Greater benefits enjoyed in the new covenant (8:10-13)

L. Superior offerings of the new covenant (9:1 - 10:18)

M. Exhortations, warnings and encouragements (10:19-39)

N. The sustaining power of faith (11:1-40)

O. Exhortations to perseverance (12:1-29)

P. Practical exhortations (13:1-19)

Q. Conclusion (13:20-25)

A. Eldest brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55). This was not James the son of Alphaeus (Matt. 10:3) because the James under consideration did not call himself an "apostle." Also, not James the brother of John because that James was dead (Acts 12:2).

B. Prominent leader and elder at the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13ff; Gal. 1:18,19; 2:9)

A. Written by James (1:1)

B. Written about 61 AD

C. Contains 108 verses, divided into 5 chapters

D. Is the first of seven "General Epistles" (James through Jude)

E. Contains numerous references pertaining to Judaism: "twelve tribes" (1:1); "assembly" (or synagogue) (2:2); "Abraham our father" (2:21); "Lord of sabbaoth" (5:4)

A. Addressed to Jewish Christians - "twelve tribes" (1:1)

B. Written to encourage Christians to live godly lives

C. Deals with practical matters: trials and temptations; faith and works; worldliness; use of the tongue; treatment of others; concern for the erring; prayer

A. Introduction (1:1)

B. Gifts of God manifested in trials (1:2-18)

C. Attitude toward the world (1:19-27)

D. The sin of respect of persons (2:1-13)

E. The relation of faith and works (2:14-26)

F. Admonition to teachers (3:1-18)

G. Worldliness in the church (4:1-12)

H. Direct address to the rich (4:13 - 5:6)

I. Proper attitude toward being mistreated (5:7-12)

J. The Christian in illness and sin (5:13-20)

A. Called Simon Bar-jona or son of Jonas (Matt. 16:17; John 1:42) (His Hebrew name was Cephas - John 1:42; I Cor. 9:5)

B. Had been a fisherman (Matt. 4:18-20)

C. One of the first apostles to be called (John 1:1:40-42)

D. Was called a "pillar" of the church at Jerusalem and the apostle to the circumcision (Gal. 2:8,9)

E. Was a married man (which refutes the idea of him being a "pope) (Matt. 8:14; I Cor.9:5)

A. Written by Peter (1:1)

B. Written about 64-67 AD

C. Contains 105 verses, divided into 5 chapters

D. Is one of the "General Epistles"

E. Written from "Babylon" - possibly a reference to the city of Rome (5:3)

F. Addressed to the "strangers scattered" - referring to persecuted Christians in the region of Asia Minor (1:1)

A. To encourage Christians who had suffered persecution and were expecting to suffer further persecution (1:7; 4:12)

B. Discusses a number of basic doctrines - the Messiah has appeared and died; Christ's resurrection and ascension; the return of Christ and the judgment

C. A letter designed to cover a wide area of practical needs in Christian living: humility, works that glorify God, earnest love, subjection to governments, the master/slave relation and the husband/wife relation

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. Blessings of Christians and exhortations

1. The future inheritance of Christians (1:3-12)

2. Exhortations based on blessings (1:13-12)

C. Obligations of Christians and exhortations

1. General and civic obligations (2:11-17)

2. Obligations of servants (2:18-25)

3. Obligations of wives and husbands (3:1-7)
4. General exhortations (3:8-12)

D. Trials of Christians and exhortations

1. Exhortations to endurance in trials (3:13-22)

2. Exhortations to purity of life (4:1-6)

3. Exhortations to proper ethics (4:7-11)

4. Explanation of trials (4:12-19)

5. Explanations to proper attitude and conduct in trials (5:1-11)

E. Conclusion (5:12-14)

A. Written by Peter (1:1)

B. Written about 64-67 AD

C. Contains 61 verses, divided into 3 chapters

D. Is one of the "General Epistles"

E. Probably written shortly after I Peter and likely written from "Babylon" - possibly a reference to the city of Rome

F. Addressed to those of "like precious faith" no doubt referring to the "strangers scattered" (cf. I Pet. 1:11)

A. A source of strength to help resist the "corruption that is in the world" (1:4ff)

B. Warnings about false teachers (2:1ff)

C. An emphasis on the last things - "entrance...into the everlasting kingdom" (1:11); "judgment" (2:9; 3:7); "second coming" - 3:3,4,10; destruction of the world (3:10-12); "new heavens and earth" (3:13)

D. Has much in common with the book of Jude: false teachers (II Pet. 2:11ff & Jude 4ff);

"scoffers"/"mockers" (II Pet. 3:3 & Jude 18); angels that sinned (II Pet. 2:4 & Jude 6)

A. Introduction (1:1,2)

B. The true knowledge of Christ

1. Fruit of true knowledge (1:3,4)

2. Growth according to true knowledge (1:5-11)
3. Grounds of true knowledge (1:12-21)

C. False teachers

1. Punishment of false teachers (2:1-9)

2. Doctrine and conduct of false teachers (2:10-16)
3. Evil influence of false teachers (2:17-22)

D. The second coming of Christ

1. Certainty of the second coming (3:1-7)

2. Time and circumstances of the second coming (3:8-13)

3. Exhortations based on the fact of the second coming (3:14-18)

A. An apostle of Christ, son of Zebedee, brother of James (Mk. 1:19)

B. Is thought to be the disciple Jesus loved (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20)

C. Was eyewitness to recorded events (John 1:14; 19:35; 21:24)

D. Writer of the gospel of John

A. Written by John (although not identified by name)

B. Written sometime prior to 70 AD

C. Contains 105 verses, divided into 5 chapters

D. One of the "General Epistles" (James - Jude)

E. The first of John's three epistles

F. Probably written from Ephesus to churches in Asia Minor (cf. Rev. 2 and 3)

A. To reassure Christians in their faith and counter false doctrines

B. One of the primary false doctrines - that of the "antichrists" (2:18,22; 4;3) (cf. II John 7)

C. Is a book of contrasts: light vs darkness; new commandment vs old commandment; loving God vs loving the world; truth vs lies; eternal life vs eternal death; love vs hatred; love vs fear

D. John gives the following reasons for his writing: that their joy may be full (1:4); That

they may not sin (2:26); that they be warned against error (2:26); that they may know they have eternal life (5:13)

A. Prologue (1:1-4)

B. God is light

1. Walking in the light (1:5-7)

2. Avoiding sin (1:8 - 2:2)

3. Keeping the commandments (2:3-11)
4. Resisting the world (2:12-17)

5. Christ and the antichrist (2:18-29)

C. God is love

1. Children of God (3:1-3)

2. Avoiding sin (3:4-12)

3. Love and hate contrasted (3:13-24)

4. Spirit of truth and spirit of error (4:1-6)
5. Brotherly love commanded (4:7-21)

6. Tests of faith and love (5:1-12)

D. Conclusion

1. Assurance - 5:13--15
2. The sins unto death - 5:16,17
3. Final warning against idols - 5:21

                  


Print