The Church Epistles

Usually identified with the Christian sect of Hyper-dispensationalism-which recognizes a clear distinction between the Church and Israel and claims that the Church began with the ministry of the Apostle Paul-E.W. Bullinger focuses here on Paul's epistles to the churches, defending them as God's unique revelation and expounding on the great truth of the Mystery, or Body of Christ. This passionate attempt to "bring back vital truths to their proper place" is a must-read for Bible scholars and believers alike. British clergyman ETHELBERT WILLIAM BULLINGER (1837-1913) was one of the most respected Bible scholars of the 19th century. He is author of numerous works including Commentary on Revelation, Great Cloud of Witnesses, and How to Enjoy the Bible.

Respected New Testament scholar Karen Jobes explores the cultural and theological background of Hebrews and the general epistles (James through Jude) in this rich commentary. Writing from an evangelical perspective, Jobes addresses issues of historical relevance as well as how these ancient books connect with Christian faith and practice today. Letters to the Church includes:-Historical background for each book focusing on authorship, genre, date, and content-An exploration of the major themes in each book and detailed commentary on key passages-Boxes with chapter goals, outlines, challenges, and significant verses-Sidebars addressing difficult passages or ideas-Maps, photographs, charts, and definitions-Questions for discussion, reflection, and testing-A comparison of the teachings about Christ in each of the lettersPastors, professors, students, and laypeople interested in deeper biblical study will find this an invaluable resource that offers well-researched commentary in an accessible, spiritually meaningful form.

Paul's influence on the history of Christian life and theology is as profound as it is pervasive. A brief survey of almost twenty centuries of Christian thought and practice will confirm the enduring importance of Paul for the life of the church in the Roman and Protestant traditions of the West as well as the Orthodox traditions of the East. Even as Christianity, at the dawn of its third millennium, has become increasingly global and traditions have come to develop and intersect in new and complex ways, Paul's place in the story of Christianity remains deeply rooted in the church's theology, worship, and pastoral life. In both past and present, Paul's influence on the Christian church can hardly be overestimated. Among the many intriguing issues generated by the historical Paul, his New Testament letters, and early church history is the question, what happened to Paul after Paul? Whether we think in terms of the reception of Paul's theology, or the ongoing legacy of Paul, or early Christian reinterpretation of his letters, the questions persist: what did the early church do with Paul's memory? How did it reshape his theology? And what role did his letters come to play in the life of the church? The focus of the present discussion is in the early decades and centuries of Christianity, a time when the memory and legacy of Paul came to serve varied and often competing interests in the emerging church. It was a time when Paul's reputation and importance to the church were being reinforced and when his epistles were gaining the authority that would ensure their place in the sacred library of Christianity. It was also the time when the Jesus movement forged itself into Christianity, a process in which Paul played a pivotal role and eventually also became an object of revision and transformation himself. What is virtually indisputable in this process is that Paul, during his lifetime and after, played a critical role in making Christianity what it was to become.

What is a Love Letter? Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines love as an unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1): the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2): brotherly concern for others b: a person’s adoration of God. Love Letters; Paul’s Epistles and Ministry to the Early Church is the epitome of this type of love. For Paul’s letters to the early church illuminated his love for God manifested in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as his true affection for the Jews and Gentiles who were establishing the early Bodies of Christ—the church. This book chronicles the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys through the Roman Empire teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both Jewish Christians and Gentiles. The epistles, letters, written to the early churches served several purposes. They contained heartfelt greetings, praise, thanksgiving, words of encouragement, and when necessary, chastisements. But more importantly, the Love Letters conveyed the unconditional love of Jesus Christ for the believer. The epistles to the early churches also helped to form doctrine, church order, conduct and traditions plus accepted leadership qualities along with responsibilities. The tone of the letters was infused with Paul’s genuine benevolent concern for and loyalty to the early Christians establishing churches in a hostile environment. Love Letters; Paul’s Epistles and Ministry to the Early Church while serving as an examination of the early church and its formation, it also can be a template for the church today as it meets the challenges of the contemporary world.

Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James

An essential course of study on the pastoral epistles for church leaders and candidates for Christian ministry ‘Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching’ (1 Tim. 4:16) This course is a study of the three New Testament Epistles traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul — The ‘Pastoral Epistles’ — 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. This course-book will make the student aware of the issues surrounding the authorship, date and purpose of these epistles; and discuss of the principles of early church theology, practice and governance described within them. This course is meant to help the student discover how we can apply these principles to the 21st century Church, and so equip the student for Christian ministry as they lead the church of God in a modern context.