Comparative Overview of Paul's Epistles

Comparative Overview of Paul's Epistles

This comparative list of Paul's epistles highlights key aspects such as the date of writing, growth stage, type, format, progress, realm, key words, and the intended audience for each letter. By presenting these details in a structured manner, this list serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to analyse and compare Paul's teachings across different communities and contexts. It enables readers to discern patterns, similarities, and differences in Paul's doctrine, offering a comprehensive perspective on his apostolic mission and the mystery doctrine he penned by inspiration. By examining Paul's epistles in sequence, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual growth and knowledge of God gained by the early believers.

Romans (Rom)

• Date Written: AD 57
• Growth: Foundation
• Type: Doctrinal
• Format: Milk, Meat
• Progress: Work of faith
• Realm: Sight/Carnal, Faith/Spirit
• Key Words: Salvation, Spirit, Israel, Appeal to Transform/Walk
• Audience: Christians in Rome

1 Corinthians (1Cor)

• Date Written: AD 56
• Growth: Babes
• Type: Reproof
• Format: Milk
• Progress: Work of faith
• Realm: Sight/Carnal
• Key Words: Carnal: Envy, strife, division, self glory, physical, +guidance
• Audience: Church in Corinth

2 Corinthians (2Cor)

• Date Written: AD 56
• Growth: Reconciliation
• Type: Correction
• Format: Milk
• Progress: Work of faith
• Realm: Sight/Carnal
• Key Words: Restoration, Self examination (reprobates), pastoral
• Audience: Church in Corinth

Galatians (Gal)

• Date Written: AD 49-50
• Growth: Little children
• Type: Reproof/Correction
• Format: Milk
• Progress: Work of faith
• Realm: Sight/Carnal
• Key Words: Law, foolish, flesh, Christ formed
• Audience: Churches in Galatia

Ephesians (Eph)

• Date Written: AD 60-62
• Growth: Be not child
• Type: Doctrinal
• Format: Meat
• Progress: Faith/Love
• Realm: Faith/Spirit
• Key Words: Unity, body, knowledge, stable faith
• Audience: Christians in Ephesus

Philippians (Phil)

• Date Written: AD 60-62
• Growth: Sons of God
• Type: Instruction in Righteousness
• Format: Meat
• Progress: Labor of love
• Realm: Faith/Spirit
• Key Words: Responsibility, love, joy, giving
• Audience: Christians in Philippi

Colossians (Col)

• Date Written: AD 60-62
• Growth: Walk worthy
• Type: Doctrine/Correction
• Format: Meat
• Progress: Love/Hope
• Realm: Faith/Spirit
• Key Words: Christ-Head, Bear fruit, deception (Gnosticism)
• Audience: Church in Colossae

1 Thessalonians (1Thes)

• Date Written: AD 50-52
• Growth: Examples
• Type: Instruction in Righteousness
• Format: Meat
• Progress: All three (Faith, Love, Hope)
• Realm: Faith/Spirit
• Key Words: Examples, affliction, joy
• Audience: Church in Thessalonica

2 Thessalonians (2Thes)

• Date Written: AD 50-52
• Growth: Perseverance
• Type: Instruction in Righteousness
• Format: Meat
• Progress: All three (Faith, Love, Hope)
• Realm: Faith/Spirit
• Key Words: Hope, counted worthy, suffer, endure
• Audience: Church in Thessalonica

The above is a brief comparative overview. I will be attempting to overview each epistle individually adding more detail to each in the coming weeks.