Mail from the early church
Real letters to real congregations: arguing, encouraging, and sorting out how to live together.
RomansPaul's masterwork. A systematic argument about sin, grace, faith, and freedom. The most influential letter in Christian history.1 CorinthiansA messy church in a wild city. Paul addresses divisions, lawsuits, sex, marriage, and the famous chapter on love.2 CorinthiansPaul defends his authority. The most personal and emotional of his letters. Weakness as strength.GalatiansFreedom vs rules. Paul argues that faith, not law-keeping, is what matters. A short, angry, important letter.EphesiansUnity and identity. What does it mean to be part of the church? One of the most quoted letters.PhilippiansJoy from prison. Paul writes to his favorite church from a jail cell. Warm, personal, and hopeful.ColossiansWho Jesus really is. A short letter about the supremacy of Christ over every power and philosophy.1 ThessaloniansWhat happens to people who die before Jesus returns? Paul's earliest letter, written to a worried church.2 ThessaloniansWaiting for the end. People quit their jobs because they thought Jesus was coming back immediately.1 TimothyAdvice to a young pastor. How to lead a church, handle false teaching, and live with integrity.2 TimothyPaul's last letter. Written from prison, expecting execution. His final words to his closest student.TitusChurch leadership on the island of Crete. Practical instructions for building a healthy community.PhilemonA runaway slave meets Paul in prison. Paul sends him back with this letter asking his owner to free him.HebrewsOld covenant vs new. A theological argument that Jesus fulfills and replaces the temple system. Author unknown.JamesFaith without action is dead. Practical, blunt, and focused on how you actually live, not just what you believe.1 PeterSuffering with hope. Written to persecuted Christians scattered across the Roman Empire.2 PeterWarnings about false teachers and the end of the world. Peter's last word to the churches.1 JohnGod is love. A letter about truth, love, and how to tell real faith from false faith.2 JohnA short note about truth and love. Thirteen verses. One page.3 JohnA personal note about hospitality and a church leader who refuses to welcome visitors.JudeHold on to your faith. A short, fierce warning against people who distort the gospel.