Sunday, October 4th

Gayle taught the first session on Paul. She gave us an overview of his letters: (They are not chronological. They are ordered longest to shortest.)

Romans: most influential, weightiest; closest to a full explanation of Paul's beliefs
1st Corinthians: considered to be one of the most valuable. It sheds light on Paul's character and vigorously presents the gospel.
2nd Corinthians: Paul's relationship with the church was deteriorating.
Galatians: Magna Carta of Christian liberty. Time of Gentiles vs. Jews.
Ephesians: Hymns that celebrate the life of the church
Phillipians: First church started by Paul on European soil. He had a close relationship with it. He writes about issues they dealt with
Collosians: Believers are faithful; this letter was probably written by one of his students.
1st Thessolonians: Church was located in the capital of a Roman Province. It was a devoted congregation that was set apart from their community by their values.
2nd Thessolonians: This letter is an extension of the first one. It gives instruction on how to act. They believed the return of Christs was eminent.
1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philemon: These letters were all written to inviduals from Paul. these are the Pastoral letters.