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 …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
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 …
38724 Overview: Philemon
Paul helps his friend Philemon to reconcile with his escaped former slave Onesimus, and shows that they are equals because of Jesus. One of Paul’s shortest and the most explosive letters, the book of Philemon demonstrates the gospel through action. It’s written to Philemon whose slave Onesimus ran away and became a believer under Paul’s teaching. Paul gets personal Paul urges Philemon to …
38725 Overview: Hebrews
The author shows how Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and mercy and is worthy of our devotion. The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Old Testament. Through these comparisons, we see His superiority. He is greater than angels, the Torah, Moses, the Promised Land, priests, …
38726 Overview: James
James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God. Written by Jesus’ half-brother Jacob, the book of James shares sage wisdom for all the churches and followers of Jesus. It’s influenced by Proverbs and frequently quotes Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. James’ best hits The …
38727 Overview: 1 Peter
Peter offers hope to persecuted Christians and guides them with practical instruction on living life consistent with following Jesus. 1 Peter gives persecuted Christians a powerful reminder that they have hope in the midst of their suffering. From the time of Abraham, God’s people were a misunderstood minority and should expect to face hostility because they …
38728 Overview: 2 Peter
Peter calls for faithfulness and confronts corrupt teachers who distorted the message about Jesus and lead others astray. 2 Peter is an intense, passionate farewell speech addressed to the same Messianic church communities as 1 Peter. In the book, Peter challenges Jesus’ followers to continue growing in their faith, love and service to God. Be vigilant of …