Paul resolves his conflict with the Corinthians by showing how the scandal of the crucifixion turns our value systems upside-down. Paul addressed problems in the Corinth church in 1 Corinthians, but many rejected his advice. This grieved Paul as he had spent a great deal of time with the Corinthian church. Life through The Cross He …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
38715 Overview: Galatians
Paul challenges the Galatian Christians to stop allowing controversial Torah observances to divide their church’s congregation. The Book of Galatians reminds the Church to embrace and follow the gospel message of the crucified Messiah. The requirement for non-Jewish Christians to become Torah observers and be circumcised or eat kosher misses the point. Jesus alone fulfills the laws …
38716 Overview: Ephesians
Paul shows how the good news should create ethnically diverse communities that are unified by devotion to Jesus and to each other. In the book of Ephesians, we see how the gospel story affects believers’ everyday lives. God the Father planned throughout history for Jesus to create a multi-ethnic community of followers. Comprised of Jews and …
38717 Overview: Philippians
Paul thanks the Philippian Christians for their generosity and shares how they are all called to imitate Jesus’ self-giving love. In the book of Philippians, we read a series of short vignettes revolving around the Messiah Poem in Chapter 2. The poem retells the gospel story and references Adam’s rebellion from Genesis and the suffering servant in Isaiah. The gospel …
38718 Overview: Colossians
Paul encourages the Colossian Christians to see Jesus as the center of all reality, so they don’t give in to pressure from other religions. In the book of Colossians, Paul addresses problems the Church faces and encourages believers to remain devoted to the exalted Jesus. Creation reconciled Because of Jesus’ position as the firstborn and head …
38719 Overview: 1 Thessalonians
Paul directs the persecuted Thessalonian Christians to hope in the future of king Jesus’ return who will make all things right. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians celebrates a flourishing Church. Despite persecution and suffering, believers stand strong in their commitment to Jesus. Love is stronger than persecution From the very beginning, following Jesus as King …
38720 Overview: 2 Thessalonians
Paul clarified his earlier teachings about Jesus’ future return and rebukes the Christians who were disrupting the community. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses ongoing problems in the Church. Despite intense persecution, Paul encourages them to show victory over the world by imitating Jesus’ non-violent and patient endurance. Maintain hope While they also worried they had missed …
38721 Overview: 1 Timothy
Paul shows Timothy how to restore order and purpose to the church in Ephesus which has been disrupted by false teachers. In 1 Timothy, we read a holistic vision of the nature and mission of the church. Many bad teachers shared false theology that confused believers. The church models Jesus Paul instructs Timothy on how to …
38722 Overview: 2 Timothy
Paul is near execution and offers a personal challenge to Timothy to keep following Jesus no matter the sacrifice and risk. Paul’s final and most personal letter, 2 Timothy encourages church planter Timothy to accept his calling and deal with corrupt teachers. The church needs faithful leaders The letter also reminds Timothy to maintain faith …
38723 Overview: Titus
Paul commissions Titus to show how the good news of Jesus and the power of the Spirit can transform Cretan culture from within. Paul wrote the book of Titus for his companion. Titus was to visit Crete, infamous for its sin, and restore order to house churches there. Part of his job was to replace corrupt teachers in the churches with …