“The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.” Throughout his various travels and exploits, the Apostle Paul wrote several letters to different regions, cities, churches, and individuals. Thirteen of these are contained in the canon of Scripture. It is fundamental that we read them in chronological order to gain a clear understanding of his complete message:
- GALATIANS– written from Antioch on his first missionary journey (Jerusalem Council included). Emphasis on FAITH…a pure gospel.
- I, II THESSALONIANS-written from Corinth on the second missionary journey. Emphasis on the FUTURE…a future hope.
- I CORINTHIANS- Written from Ephesus on the third missionary journey. Emphasis on FOUNDATION (MORALITY)…the mind of Christ.
- II CORINTHIANS- written from Macedonia on the third missionary journey. Emphasis on FOUNDATION (MINISTRY)…ministry is service.
- ROMANS- written from Corinth on the third missionary journey. Emphasis on FOUNDATION (SALVATION)…the righteousness of God.
- EPHESIANS- written from Rome during imprisonment. Emphasis on FREEDOM…mystery of community.
- COLOSSIANS- written from Rome during imprisonment. Emphasis on FREEDOM…the supremacy of Christ.
- PHILEMON- written from Rome during imprisonment. Emphasis on FREEDOM…influence of obedience.
- PHILIPPIANS-written from Rome during imprisonment. Emphasis on FREEDOM…propagating the gospel.
- I TIMOTHY-written from Macedonia after release from prison. Emphasis on FIDELITY…responsibility of calling.
- TITUS- written from Macedonia after release from prison. Emphasis on FIDELITY…devotion to good.
- II TIMOTHY-written from Rome during final imprisonment, then martyred. Emphasis on FAITHFULNESS…relay of truth.
Jim Elliot, martyred missionary said, “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” We will unpack Paul’s final thoughts in our next post, “Only Aperture…Paul’s Ministry.”