GETTING READY: Studying the Books of GEPCP
- Galatians: Written to the Christians in Galatia, a Roman province that included Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (all familiar names from the Book of Acts!) The book is primarily written in response to Jewish Christians who were trying to force Gentile Christians to convert to full-blown Judaism. It is a powerful defense of salvation by faith alone.
- Ephesians: Written to the Christians in Ephesus, a Roman colony in what today is Turkey. Ephesians is a great treatise on God's intentions for the Church, and His plan to fulfill those intentions in us. It is especially famous for teaching on Spiritual Gifts and Spirtual Warfare.
- Philippians: Written to the Christians in Philippi, a Roman colony made up of almost entirely gentiles. The book is primarily written to remind proud citizens of Rome that they are also citizens of a greater empire in the Kingdom of God. It is one of Paul's happiest letters, as the Philippians were especially active in supporting Paul's ministry.
- Colossians: Written to the Christians in Colosse, who were converts of Epaphras and not Paul himself. It was written to address a gnostic heresy that had crept into the church there which tried to mix elements of Greek thought and "secret practices" into Christianity. It is very focussed on the supremacy of Christ over all things.
- Philemon: Written to a single Christian - Philemon - who was a citizen of Colosse and owner of a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had fled his master to find freedom, and had converted to Christianity through Paul. The letter is sent to convince Philemon not to punish Onesimus (typical punishment was death) and to welcome him back as a brother.
These books present a wide diversity of Paul's thought and teaching about the gospel of Christ. Look towards this as an opportunity to see into the mind and heart of one of the greatest teacher of the Faith.