Intro
When do we read the Pauline epistle in the liturgy?
It is the first reading (before the Catholic epistle).
Relative to the history of Christianity, when were the ecclesiastical epistles written? (early on/late)
They were written early (in St. Paul's second and third trip)
Where did St. Paul write the prison epistles? And how was this reflected in his style of writing?
Prison duhh!!! More blunt fashion and urgent tone
When were the pastoral epistles written? (early, late, or throughout St. Paul's ministry)
throughout St. Paul's ministry
Prior to reading the Pauline epistle, what does the deacon say?
"Paul, the servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle appointed to the Gospel of God"
Why were these epistles labeled the "major epistles?" (hint - it has to do with when they were written)
Christianity was still a new term to meddle with and required much exhortation (establishment of new churches)
There was an easy way to memorize the four prison epistles. What is it?
They all have "ph" in them except one
What is the overarching question being addressed in the pastoral epistles? (hint - it is related to the word "pastoral")
"How are the clergy meant to live?"
How many Pauline epistles are there?
14
What is meant by Ecclesiastical Epistles? (In other words, what is the overarching question being addressed?)
"How are faithful believers meant to live?"
What is the overarching question being addressed in the prison epistles?
"How is Christ made manifest in the church?"
The pastoral epistles are unique in that they are written to what kind of audience?
Specific individuals rather than groups or churches
Unlike the four gospels, the Pauline epistle is not made up of ...
Narratives or collections of parables
There are obviously many exhortations (teachings) in the ecclesiastical epistles. I gave each a phrase during the lesson. Name three.
1. Belief in Jesus Christ and His Gospel is the foundation
2. Koinonia (unity)
3. Holy life = eternal life
4. The 2nd coming
I spent a significant amount of time discussing an important concept that St. Paul talked about in his prison epistles (especially Colossians and Ephesians). Could you explain it to us?
St. Paul makes an analogy comparing the human body to Christ and the church. In this analogy, St. Paul says that Christ is the head of the church, and we, the church of believers, are the body.
"Season and out of Season." We talked briefly about this phrase that St. Paul mentioned in his 2nd epistle to Timothy. What is the context of this phrase?
St. Paul was telling Timothy that preaching the Word of God should never be limited by time. We preach (perhaps by being examples) all the time even during times of suffering.
What are the five general parts that make up St. Paul's individual epistles?
1. Greeting
2. Prayer
3. Theoretical and doctrinal exhortations (teachings)
4. Practical applications
5. Farewell
Name all 6 ecclesiastical epistles.
1st Thessalonians, 2nd Thessalonians, 1st Corinthians, 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans
Name all four prison epistles.
Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon
Name two individuals that were specifically addressed in these pastoral epistles and their position in the church.
Timothy, Bishop of Ephesus, Titus, Bishop of Crete