Acts and Epistles
I'm so glad the New Testament contains accounts of the lives of the disciples and apostles after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The letters (epistles) from Paul, Peter, John, James all serve as fantastic sources of exhortation and encouragement to those of us who follow in their footsteps in seeking God, learning about His ways, striving to please Him in all that we do, and walking in a manner worthy of the calling we have received. There are inherent difficulties in reading someone else's mail, but the overall message of hope and admonition to persevere is unmistakeable! Perhaps the following devotions will be helpful to you as well as together we seek the Lord. In the colloquial, you've got mail.
Some background on the epistles:
Acts: This epistle was written by Luke as a continuation of the gospel of Luke. Acts traces the birth and growth of the Christian church from the resurrection of Jesus through the early ministry in Jerusalem and then the ever-widening circle of missionary influence in Asia Minor, Europe, and Rome.
Romans: This book was written by Paul to the Christians at Rome. Some of the most well-known verses are Romans 1:20; 3:23; 5:8; 7:24-25; 8:28; 8:38-39; 12:1-2. This book takes us through the evidence of God's power, our need for a Savior from sin, God's love in sending His Son to redeem while we were still sinners, His incredible love, His providence, and the transformation that takes place within every true Christian.
First Corinthians: This epistle was written by Paul to a struggling church. The first letter is for correction and contains beautiful passages like 1 Corinthians 13: the Love chapter, and 1 Corinthians 15, the Resurrection chapter.
Second Corinthians: The second epistle relates the repentance of the church after receiving the first letter and goes on to instruct the church. Well-known verses include 4:16-17; 7:1; 10:5; 12:9-10. These verses highlight our journey towards holiness, the accompanying suffering and the hope which lies before us.
Galatians: Paul's letter to the church at Galatia contains wonderful verses like 2:16 (We are justified only through Christ); 3:29 (We are Abraham's seed according to the promise); and the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-24).
Ephesians: Written by Paul to the believers in Ephesus, probably while he was under arrest in Rome, this epistle has wonderful verses of encouragment: 1:3 (We've been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ); 3:18 (that you may know the width, length, height, and depth of God's love); 6:10-17 (Put on the full armor of God).
Philippians: Written by Paul while in prison to the church at Philippi, this book is full of thanksgiving and joy: 1:3 (I thank my God upon every remembrance of you); 1:6 (being confident that He who began a new work in you will complete it); 3:14 (I press on toward the goal); 4:4-9 (rejoice - and think on Godly things); 4:12 (I've learned the secret of being content); 4:13 (I can do all things through Him who strengthens me).
Colossians: This is a letter from Paul to the believers in Colosse, probably while he was under arrest in Rome. Instructions include focusing on the goal and living holy lives here. Well-known scriptures include 1:16 (Jesus as Creator); 3:2 (Set your mind on things above); and 3:12-17 (Clothe yourselves with godly virtues).
First Thessalonians: This epistle was written by Paul to the Thessalonians. He tells of his thankfulness for them, Timothy's report, and his longing to see them. He tells them to live godly lives and be watchful for the return of Jesus Christ.
Second Thessalonians: This second letter to the church at Thessalonica has a more serious tone, warning against the man of lawlessness and admonishing them to stand firm.
First Timothy: This first letter from Paul to Timothy is full of instructions for the young man who is shepherding a church. It gives instructions on church worship, overseers and deacons, widows, elders, and slaves. It warns against false teaching and exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith.
Second Timothy: The second letter from Paul to Timothy was likely written near the end of Paul's life. Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful, to guard against the godlessness of the last days, and to recognize the Scriptures as God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
Titus: This letter from Paul is specifically to Titus, who was left on Crete to continue the unfinished work there. Paul outlined the kind of character people in authority roles should exhibit. He gives advice to older women and younger women, young men, and salves. He continues with directions for godly living.
Philemon: This is Paul's letter to Philemon, asking him to receive and forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become a believer in Christ. Written as a chiasm, this letter is incredibly persuasive!
Hebrews: This epistle is attributed by many scholars to Paul, but it does not have Paul's name anywhere in the text. The book shows Jesus as the Son of God superior to all prophets and angels, an eternal Priest far superior to all priest, and the only provider of true salvation. Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter and is followed by an exhortation to press on towards the goal despite difficulties and opposition.
James: This book was probably written by Jesus' half-brother. The book really focuses on exhibiting your faith in God through your actions.
1 Peter: This book written by Peter is full of hope. It talks of us being a chosen people, a royal priesthood (2:9). We are encouraged to live godly lives among the pagans so that God gets the glory (2:12). We are exhorted to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have (3:15). And we are instructed to humble ourselves before God (5:6-7).
2 Peter: This second letter written by Peter was also to the Christians in Asia Minor. It is much more solemn, exhorting the Christian to make his election sure, to beware of false teachers, and to be prepared for the Day of the Lord,.
1 John: The author of this book is the apostle John, the son of Zebedee. In it, he expresses the fellowship we have with God because of His great love for us.
2 John: This second book by John is an exhortation to love, to hold firm to the faith, and to be on guard against those who would deter us from following Christ.
3 John: This third letter written by John is addressed to Gaius and is similar to the first two in that it commends the faithfulness of the believer, exhorts him to continue in love and faithfulness, and to be on guard against what is evil.
Jude: This book was written by Jude, the brother of James, and probably also the half-brother of Jesus. It warns against the godless men who can influence us and exhorts us to persevere in our walk with Christ.
I'm so glad the New Testament contains accounts of the lives of the disciples and apostles after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The letters (epistles) from Paul, Peter, John, James all serve as fantastic sources of exhortation and encouragement to those of us who follow in their footsteps in seeking God, learning about His ways, striving to please Him in all that we do, and walking in a manner worthy of the calling we have received. There are inherent difficulties in reading someone else's mail, but the overall message of hope and admonition to persevere is unmistakeable! Perhaps the following devotions will be helpful to you as well as together we seek the Lord. In the colloquial, you've got mail.
Some background on the epistles:
Acts: This epistle was written by Luke as a continuation of the gospel of Luke. Acts traces the birth and growth of the Christian church from the resurrection of Jesus through the early ministry in Jerusalem and then the ever-widening circle of missionary influence in Asia Minor, Europe, and Rome.
Romans: This book was written by Paul to the Christians at Rome. Some of the most well-known verses are Romans 1:20; 3:23; 5:8; 7:24-25; 8:28; 8:38-39; 12:1-2. This book takes us through the evidence of God's power, our need for a Savior from sin, God's love in sending His Son to redeem while we were still sinners, His incredible love, His providence, and the transformation that takes place within every true Christian.
First Corinthians: This epistle was written by Paul to a struggling church. The first letter is for correction and contains beautiful passages like 1 Corinthians 13: the Love chapter, and 1 Corinthians 15, the Resurrection chapter.
Second Corinthians: The second epistle relates the repentance of the church after receiving the first letter and goes on to instruct the church. Well-known verses include 4:16-17; 7:1; 10:5; 12:9-10. These verses highlight our journey towards holiness, the accompanying suffering and the hope which lies before us.
Galatians: Paul's letter to the church at Galatia contains wonderful verses like 2:16 (We are justified only through Christ); 3:29 (We are Abraham's seed according to the promise); and the fruit of the Spirit (5:22-24).
Ephesians: Written by Paul to the believers in Ephesus, probably while he was under arrest in Rome, this epistle has wonderful verses of encouragment: 1:3 (We've been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ); 3:18 (that you may know the width, length, height, and depth of God's love); 6:10-17 (Put on the full armor of God).
Philippians: Written by Paul while in prison to the church at Philippi, this book is full of thanksgiving and joy: 1:3 (I thank my God upon every remembrance of you); 1:6 (being confident that He who began a new work in you will complete it); 3:14 (I press on toward the goal); 4:4-9 (rejoice - and think on Godly things); 4:12 (I've learned the secret of being content); 4:13 (I can do all things through Him who strengthens me).
Colossians: This is a letter from Paul to the believers in Colosse, probably while he was under arrest in Rome. Instructions include focusing on the goal and living holy lives here. Well-known scriptures include 1:16 (Jesus as Creator); 3:2 (Set your mind on things above); and 3:12-17 (Clothe yourselves with godly virtues).
First Thessalonians: This epistle was written by Paul to the Thessalonians. He tells of his thankfulness for them, Timothy's report, and his longing to see them. He tells them to live godly lives and be watchful for the return of Jesus Christ.
Second Thessalonians: This second letter to the church at Thessalonica has a more serious tone, warning against the man of lawlessness and admonishing them to stand firm.
First Timothy: This first letter from Paul to Timothy is full of instructions for the young man who is shepherding a church. It gives instructions on church worship, overseers and deacons, widows, elders, and slaves. It warns against false teaching and exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith.
Second Timothy: The second letter from Paul to Timothy was likely written near the end of Paul's life. Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful, to guard against the godlessness of the last days, and to recognize the Scriptures as God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
Titus: This letter from Paul is specifically to Titus, who was left on Crete to continue the unfinished work there. Paul outlined the kind of character people in authority roles should exhibit. He gives advice to older women and younger women, young men, and salves. He continues with directions for godly living.
Philemon: This is Paul's letter to Philemon, asking him to receive and forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become a believer in Christ. Written as a chiasm, this letter is incredibly persuasive!
Hebrews: This epistle is attributed by many scholars to Paul, but it does not have Paul's name anywhere in the text. The book shows Jesus as the Son of God superior to all prophets and angels, an eternal Priest far superior to all priest, and the only provider of true salvation. Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter and is followed by an exhortation to press on towards the goal despite difficulties and opposition.
James: This book was probably written by Jesus' half-brother. The book really focuses on exhibiting your faith in God through your actions.
1 Peter: This book written by Peter is full of hope. It talks of us being a chosen people, a royal priesthood (2:9). We are encouraged to live godly lives among the pagans so that God gets the glory (2:12). We are exhorted to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have (3:15). And we are instructed to humble ourselves before God (5:6-7).
2 Peter: This second letter written by Peter was also to the Christians in Asia Minor. It is much more solemn, exhorting the Christian to make his election sure, to beware of false teachers, and to be prepared for the Day of the Lord,.
1 John: The author of this book is the apostle John, the son of Zebedee. In it, he expresses the fellowship we have with God because of His great love for us.
2 John: This second book by John is an exhortation to love, to hold firm to the faith, and to be on guard against those who would deter us from following Christ.
3 John: This third letter written by John is addressed to Gaius and is similar to the first two in that it commends the faithfulness of the believer, exhorts him to continue in love and faithfulness, and to be on guard against what is evil.
Jude: This book was written by Jude, the brother of James, and probably also the half-brother of Jesus. It warns against the godless men who can influence us and exhorts us to persevere in our walk with Christ.