Romans through Philemon — The Apostle Paul's Letters to the Churches
📖 About the Pauline Epistles
The thirteen Pauline Epistles form the theological backbone of the New Testament, comprising nearly half of its books. Written between approximately AD 49–67, these letters were penned by the Apostle Paul to various churches and individuals, addressing doctrinal questions, correcting errors, encouraging believers, and establishing church order.
They can be categorized into: Early Epistles (1-2 Thessalonians), Major Doctrinal Epistles (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians), Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy, Titus).
⏳ Timeline of Paul's Epistles
Early
Major Doctrinal
Prison
Pastoral
AD 49–51AD 55–57AD 60–62AD 63–67
📜
Major Doctrinal Epistles
AD 55–57
Romans
Ῥωμαίους16 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Tertius as scribe, 16:22)
AD 56–57 (from Corinth)
The church at Rome (mixed Jewish and Gentile believers)
Paul's planned visit to Rome and Spain; addressing doctrinal questions
📌 Purpose & Theme
Romans is Paul's masterpiece of systematic theology, presenting the gospel of God's righteousness. Paul writes to explain how sinners—both Jew and Gentile—are justified by faith alone in Christ alone, and how this justification leads to sanctification and ultimate glorification. It is the most comprehensive explanation of salvation in Scripture.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1:1-17Introduction: The Gospel Announced
Ch 1:18-3:20Condemnation: All Humanity Under Sin
Ch 3:21-5:21Justification: Righteousness by Faith
Ch 6-8Sanctification: Freedom from Sin's Power
Ch 9-11Vindication: God's Righteousness in Israel's History
Ch 12-15:13Application: Righteousness Lived Out
Ch 15:14-16:27Conclusion: Personal Plans and Greetings
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to every one believing, both to Jew first, and to Greek."
Romans 3:23
"For all sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates His love to us in that we being yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to the ones in Christ Jesus, not walking according to flesh, but according to Spirit."
Romans 8:28
"But we know that to the ones loving God all things work together for good, to the ones being called out ones according to purpose."
Romans 8:38-39
"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord."
Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore, brothers, I call on you through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, in order to prove by you what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God."
🎯 Major Themes
Justification by Faith
God's Righteousness
Universal Sinfulness
Grace
Sanctification
Israel's Future
✝️ Christ in Romans
Christ is presented as the propitiation for our sins (3:25), the one who died and rose for our justification (4:25), the second Adam who brings life where the first brought death (5:12-21), and the one in whom there is no condemnation (8:1). He is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (10:4).
1 Corinthians
Κορινθίους Α´16 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Sosthenes)
AD 55 (from Ephesus)
The church at Corinth (a morally corrupt Greek city)
Reports of divisions, immorality, and questions from the church
📌 Purpose & Theme
Paul writes to correct serious problems in the Corinthian church: divisions, immorality, lawsuits, abuses of spiritual gifts, and doctrinal errors about the resurrection. The letter emphasizes that the gospel must transform not just beliefs but behavior. Christian conduct should reflect the reality of Christ's lordship in all areas of life.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1-4Divisions in the Church: The Wisdom of the Cross
Ch 5-6Moral Disorders: Immorality and Lawsuits
Ch 7Marriage and Singleness
Ch 8-10Christian Liberty and Idol Feasts
Ch 11Worship Order: Head Coverings and the Lord's Supper
Ch 12-14Spiritual Gifts and Love
Ch 15The Resurrection of the Dead
Ch 16Conclusion: Collection and Final Greetings
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
1 Corinthians 1:18
"For the Word of the cross is foolishness to the ones perishing, but to us being saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, which you have from God, and you are not of yourselves? You were bought with a price; then glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are of God."
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has taken you if not a human one; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able. But with the temptation, He will also make the way out, so as for you to be able to bear it."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
"Love patiently endures, is kind; love is not envious; love boasts not itself, is not puffed up; does not behave unbecomingly, does not seek the things of itself, is not easily provoked, does not impute evil; does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth. Love quietly covers all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"For I gave over to you among the first things what I also received, that Christ died in behalf of our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He has been raised the third day, according to the Scriptures."
1 Corinthians 15:55, 57
"O death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?... but thanks be to God, the One giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
🎯 Major Themes
Church Unity
Wisdom of the Cross
Sexual Purity
Spiritual Gifts
Love (Agape)
Resurrection
✝️ Christ in 1 Corinthians
Christ is the power and wisdom of God (1:24), our Passover Lamb sacrificed for us (5:7), the spiritual Rock who followed Israel (10:4), the Head of the church body (12:12-27), the firstfruits of the resurrection (15:20-23), and the one who will put all enemies under His feet (15:25-28).
2 Corinthians
Κορινθίους Β´13 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Timothy)
AD 55–56 (from Macedonia)
The church at Corinth and all saints in Achaia
Defense of Paul's apostleship; encouraging reconciliation
📌 Purpose & Theme
This is Paul's most personal and emotional letter. He defends his apostolic authority against false teachers, explains his ministry philosophy, urges completion of the collection for Jerusalem, and reveals his own weaknesses and sufferings. The central theme is that God's power is perfected in human weakness—ministers are merely clay jars holding divine treasure.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1-2Paul's Ministry Explained: Comfort and Forgiveness
Ch 3-5The Ministry of the New Covenant
Ch 6-7Appeals for Reconciliation and Holiness
Ch 8-9The Collection for the Jerusalem Saints
Ch 10-13Paul's Defense of His Apostleship
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
"For the lightness of our present affliction works out for us an eternal weight of glory, surpassing moment by surpassing moment; we not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen; for the things being seen are not lasting, but the things not being seen are everlasting."
2 Corinthians 5:17
"So then if anyone is in Christ, that one is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have come to be new!"
2 Corinthians 5:21
"For He made the One who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will rather gladly boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ might dwell on me. Therefore I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in calamities, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For whenever I may be weak, then I am powerful."
🎯 Major Themes
Comfort in Suffering
New Covenant Ministry
Reconciliation
Power in Weakness
Generous Giving
Authentic Apostleship
✝️ Christ in 2 Corinthians
Christ is the image of God (4:4), the one who became poor that we might become rich (8:9), and the one who was made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God (5:21). His grace is sufficient for every weakness (12:9).
Galatians
Γαλάτας6 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul
AD 49 or AD 55 (debated)
Churches in the region of Galatia (southern or northern)
Judaizers requiring circumcision and law-keeping for salvation
📌 Purpose & Theme
Galatians is the Magna Carta of Christian liberty. Paul writes urgently to combat the Judaizers who taught that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the law to be saved. He argues passionately that justification is by faith alone, not by works of the law. Adding anything to Christ's finished work is a "different gospel" which is no gospel at all.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1-2Personal: Paul's Gospel and Apostleship Defended
Ch 3-4Doctrinal: Justification by Faith Alone
Ch 5-6Practical: Freedom in the Spirit
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live in faith in the Son of God, the One loving me and giving Himself over on my behalf."
Galatians 5:1
"Therefore stand firm in the freedom with which Christ made us free and do not be held again with a yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. Against such things there is not a law."
Galatians 6:7, 9
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man may sow, that he also will reap... But let us not be wearied in doing good; for in its own time we shall reap, not growing faint-hearted."
🎯 Major Themes
Justification by Faith
Christian Liberty
Law vs. Grace
Fruit of the Spirit
New Creation
True Gospel
✝️ Christ in Galatians
Christ is the one who gave Himself for our sins (1:4), who lives in us (2:20), who redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (3:13), the seed of Abraham in whom all promises are fulfilled (3:16), and the one in whom there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female (3:28).
⛓️
Prison Epistles
AD 60–62 (First Roman Imprisonment)
Ephesians
Ἐφεσίους6 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (from prison)
AD 60–61 (from Rome)
The church at Ephesus (likely a circular letter)
Instruction on the church's identity and calling
📌 Purpose & Theme
Ephesians presents the highest view of the church in the New Testament. Paul explains God's eternal purpose to unite all things in Christ, including Jews and Gentiles in one body. The letter unfolds the believer's spiritual blessings "in Christ" (used 36 times) and shows how the church is to walk worthy of this calling in practical daily life.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Ch 2Salvation by Grace and Unity in Christ
Ch 3The Mystery of the Church Revealed
Ch 4:1-16Unity and Maturity in the Body
Ch 4:17-5:21Walking in Holiness and Love
Ch 5:22-6:9Christian Household Relationships
Ch 6:10-24The Armor of God and Spiritual Warfare
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Ephesians 2:8-10
"For by grace you are saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, that not anyone should boast; for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God before prepared that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 4:32
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, having forgiven one another, even as also God forgave you in Christ."
Ephesians 6:10-12
"For the rest, my brothers, be made powerful in the Lord and in the might of His strength. Put on the full armor of God, for you to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, because our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the worldrulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenlies."
🎯 Major Themes
In Christ
Salvation by Grace
Church as Body
Jew-Gentile Unity
Spiritual Warfare
Walking Worthy
✝️ Christ in Ephesians
Christ is exalted far above all rule and authority (1:20-21), the cornerstone of God's temple (2:20), the one who fills all in all (1:23), the Head of the church which is His body (5:23), and the bridegroom who loved the church and gave Himself for her (5:25-27).
Philippians
Φιλιππησίους4 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Timothy, from prison)
AD 61–62 (from Rome)
The church at Philippi (Paul's first European church)
Thanking them for their gift; addressing disunity
📌 Purpose & Theme
Philippians is the epistle of joy—the word "joy" or "rejoice" appears 16 times. Writing from prison, Paul demonstrates that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but on Christ. He thanks the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel and exhorts them to unity, humility, and the pursuit of knowing Christ above all else.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1Joy in Living for Christ
Ch 2Joy in the Mind of Christ (Humility)
Ch 3Joy in Knowing Christ (Pressing On)
Ch 4Joy in Christ's Provision (Contentment)
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Philippians 1:21
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Philippians 2:5-11
"For think this within you, which mind was also in Christ Jesus... Because of this also God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus 'every knee should bow,' of heavenly beings, and earthly beings, and under the earth beings, and 'every tongue should confess' that Jesus Christ is 'Lord,' to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 3:13-14
"Brothers, I do not count myself to have laid hold, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind, and stretching out for the things before, I am pursuing a goal for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and by petition with thanksgivings, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things in Christ, the One strengthening me."
Philippians 4:19
"And my God will fill your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
🎯 Major Themes
Joy
Christ's Humility
Gospel Partnership
Pressing On
Contentment
Unity
✝️ Christ in Philippians
Philippians 2:5-11 contains the great "kenosis" passage describing Christ's self-emptying—existing in the form of God yet taking the form of a servant, humbling Himself to death on a cross, and being exalted by God with the name above every name. Christ is Paul's very life (1:21) and the one in whom all things can be done (4:13).
Colossians
Κολοσσαεῖς4 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Timothy, from prison)
AD 60–61 (from Rome)
The church at Colossae (in the Lycus Valley)
Combating the "Colossian heresy" (proto-Gnosticism, legalism)
📌 Purpose & Theme
Colossians presents the supreme sufficiency of Christ. Paul counters a false teaching that mixed Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mysticism by exalting Christ as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the Head of the church. In Him dwells all the fullness of deity bodily—He alone is sufficient for salvation and sanctification.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1:1-14Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Colossians
Ch 1:15-23The Supremacy of Christ
Ch 1:24-2:5Paul's Ministry of the Mystery
Ch 2:6-23Warning Against False Teaching
Ch 3:1-17The New Life in Christ
Ch 3:18-4:1Christian Household Rules
Ch 4:2-18Final Instructions and Greetings
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Colossians 1:15-17
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the First-begotten of all creation. For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible; whether thrones, or lordships, or rulers, or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and all things have subsisted in Him."
Colossians 2:9-10
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and having been filled, you are in Him, who is the Head of all rule and authority."
Colossians 3:1-2
"Therefore if you were raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right of God; Be mindful of the things above, not the things on the earth."
Colossians 3:23-24
"And every thing, whatever you may do, work from the soul as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ."
🎯 Major Themes
Christ's Supremacy
Fullness in Christ
False Philosophy Refuted
New Life Above
Christian Virtues
Christ the Mystery
✝️ Christ in Colossians
Colossians presents the highest Christology in Paul's letters. Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, the Creator of all things, the one holding all things together, the head of the church, the one in whom all fullness dwells, and through whom reconciliation was accomplished by His blood on the cross (1:15-20).
Philemon
Φιλήμονα1 Chapter▼
The Apostle Paul (with Timothy, from prison)
AD 60–61 (from Rome)
Philemon (a wealthy Christian in Colossae), Apphia, and Archippus
Onesimus, a runaway slave, converted by Paul, returning to his master
📌 Purpose & Theme
This brief personal letter demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel in social relationships. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive back Onesimus—no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. The letter is a masterpiece of tact and persuasion, showing how the gospel undermines the institution of slavery from within by creating spiritual equality in Christ.
📋 Book Outline
v. 1-3Greeting
v. 4-7Thanksgiving for Philemon's Faith and Love
v. 8-16Paul's Appeal for Onesimus
v. 17-22Paul's Pledge and Personal Plans
v. 23-25Final Greetings and Benediction
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Philemon 6
"So that the fellowship of your faith may be effective in a full knowledge of every good thing in you for Jesus Christ."
Philemon 15-16
"For perhaps for this he was separated for an hour, that you might receive him eternally; no longer as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, and how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord."
🎯 Major Themes
Forgiveness
Reconciliation
Brotherhood in Christ
Gospel Transformation
Intercession
Grace over Law
✝️ Christ in Philemon
Paul's appeal on behalf of Onesimus pictures Christ's intercession for us. As Paul credits his own account to cover Onesimus's debt (v. 18-19), so Christ credits His righteousness to our account and bears our debt of sin. The transformation of Onesimus from "useless" to "useful" (a play on his name) illustrates the gospel's power to make new creatures.
⏳
Early Epistles (Eschatological)
AD 49–51
1 Thessalonians
Θεσσαλονικεῖς Α´5 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Silvanus and Timothy)
AD 50–51 (from Corinth)
The church at Thessalonica (Macedonia)
Timothy's encouraging report; concerns about Christ's return
📌 Purpose & Theme
Likely Paul's earliest letter, 1 Thessalonians encourages a young church facing persecution. Paul defends his ministry against slander, expresses deep affection for the believers, and addresses their concerns about believers who have died before Christ's return. Every chapter ends with a reference to Christ's second coming.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1Thanksgiving for Their Faith
Ch 2Paul's Ministry Among Them
Ch 3Timothy's Encouraging Report
Ch 4:1-12Instructions for Holy Living
Ch 4:13-5:11The Lord's Return (Rapture and Day of the Lord)
Ch 5:12-28Final Exhortations
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
"Because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel's voice, and with God's trumpet. And the dead ones in Christ will rise again first. Then we who remain alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to a meeting with the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. So, then, comfort each other with these words."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you."
🎯 Major Themes
Second Coming
Rapture
Sanctification
Comfort in Grief
Thankfulness
Watchfulness
✝️ Christ in 1 Thessalonians
Christ is presented as the coming Lord who will descend from heaven with a shout (4:16), the deliverer from the wrath to come (1:10), and the one who died and rose again so that whether we wake or sleep, we will live together with Him (5:10).
2 Thessalonians
Θεσσαλονικεῖς Β´3 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (with Silvanus and Timothy)
AD 51 (from Corinth)
The church at Thessalonica
False teaching that the Day of the Lord had come; some had quit working
📌 Purpose & Theme
Written shortly after 1 Thessalonians, this letter corrects a misunderstanding about Christ's return. Some believed the Day of the Lord had already come, causing panic and idleness. Paul clarifies that certain events must occur first (the apostasy and man of lawlessness) and exhorts believers to continue working and living faithfully while waiting for the Lord.
Ch 2The Day of the Lord and the Man of Lawlessness
Ch 3Exhortation to Faithful Work and Discipline
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
2 Thessalonians 3:3
"But the Lord is faithful who will establish and will guard you from the evil."
🎯 Major Themes
Day of the Lord
Man of Lawlessness
God's Judgment
Perseverance
Faithful Work
Church Discipline
✝️ Christ in 2 Thessalonians
Christ is the righteous Judge who will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire (1:7-8), the one who will destroy the lawless one with the breath of His mouth (2:8), and the faithful Lord who guards and establishes believers (3:3).
🏛️
Pastoral Epistles
AD 63–67
1 Timothy
Τιμόθεον Α´6 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul
AD 63–65 (from Macedonia)
Timothy (Paul's spiritual son, pastoring in Ephesus)
Instructions for church order and combating false teaching
📌 Purpose & Theme
The first of the "Pastoral Epistles," 1 Timothy instructs a young pastor on how to conduct the church. Paul provides guidance on worship, leadership qualifications (elders and deacons), handling false teachers, caring for various groups in the church, and the personal conduct of a minister. It is a manual for church order and pastoral ministry.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1Charge to Combat False Teaching
Ch 2Instructions for Public Worship
Ch 3Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
Ch 4Personal Godliness and Ministry
Ch 5Relations with Different Groups (widows, elders)
Ch 6Final Charges: Contentment and Fighting the Good Fight
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
1 Timothy 2:5
"For God is one, also there is one Mediator of God and of men, the Man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 6:6
"But godliness with contentment is great gain."
1 Timothy 6:10
"For the love of money is a root of all evils, by means of which some stretching toward it were led astray from the faith, and they themselves pierced through by many pains."
1 Timothy 6:12
"Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and confessed the good confession before many witnesses."
🎯 Major Themes
Sound Doctrine
Church Order
Leadership Qualifications
Godliness
Contentment
Good Fight
✝️ Christ in 1 Timothy
Christ is the one Mediator between God and men (2:5), the one who gave Himself as a ransom for all (2:6), the mystery of godliness—God manifested in flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among nations, believed on in the world, received up in glory (3:16).
2 Timothy
Τιμόθεον Β´4 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul (from prison, facing death)
AD 66–67 (from Rome)
Timothy
Paul's final letter before martyrdom; passing the torch
📌 Purpose & Theme
Paul's last letter is his swan song—a deeply personal charge to Timothy as he faces execution under Nero. Paul urges his spiritual son to be faithful, to guard the gospel, to endure suffering, and to preach the Word in all seasons. The letter breathes urgency as Paul passes the baton to the next generation, having himself fought the good fight and finished the course.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1Encouragement to Faithful Ministry
Ch 2Endurance and Approved Workmanship
Ch 3Warning of Difficult Times; Continue in Scripture
Ch 4Final Charge: Preach the Word; Paul's Departure
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give a spirit of cowardice to us, but of power and of love and of self-control."
2 Timothy 2:15
"Be eager, study to present yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, having been fully equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 4:7
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith."
🎯 Major Themes
Faithful Endurance
Scripture's Authority
Preach the Word
Approved Workman
Last Days
Crown of Righteousness
✝️ Christ in 2 Timothy
Christ is the risen Lord, descended from David according to Paul's gospel (2:8), the one who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (1:10), and the righteous Judge who will award the crown of righteousness to all who love His appearing (4:8).
Titus
Τίτον3 Chapters▼
The Apostle Paul
AD 63–65
Titus (a Greek convert, organizing churches in Crete)
Instructions for appointing elders and promoting good works
📌 Purpose & Theme
Similar to 1 Timothy but addressed to Titus on the island of Crete. Paul instructs Titus on appointing qualified elders, combating the false teachers and rebellious Cretans, and teaching sound doctrine that produces godly living. The epistle emphasizes that saving grace teaches us to live "self-controlled, upright, and godly" lives as we await Christ's return.
📋 Book Outline
Ch 1Elder Qualifications and Rebuking False Teachers
Ch 2Sound Doctrine for Various Groups; Grace that Teaches
Ch 3Good Works and Final Instructions
📖 Key Verses (KJ3)
Titus 2:11-12
"For the saving grace of God has appeared to all men, instructing us that having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live prudently and righteously and godly in the now age."
Titus 3:5
"Not out of works in righteousness which we had done, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the bathing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."
🎯 Major Themes
Sound Doctrine
Good Works
Elder Qualifications
Grace that Teaches
Blessed Hope
Godly Living
✝️ Christ in Titus
Christ is our great God and Savior whose appearing we await (2:13), the one who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works (2:14), and our Savior through whom the Holy Spirit was poured out richly upon us (3:6).