I Timothy
The main purpose of I Timothy was to provide Timothy with advice and guidance on the right way to organize the Church in Ephesus and determine the responsibilities of certain leaders. The key verses here 1:6-9 which contain Paul’s message about false teachers and their misunderstanding of the law of Moses (King James Bible, 2021). He notes that the commandments were not intended as the rules by which righteous believers had to abide but had to serve as a reminder to sinful unbelievers that they are separated from God.
These verses demonstrate one of the main themes of the book. Paul also discusses the significance of leadership in the Church and the qualities of a person who wants to become a bishop. The book was written by Paul in the 60s AD when he went to Macedonia (“Intro to 1 Timothy,” n.d.). The letter was addressed to Timothy. The primary issues discussed in the book are the threat of false teachers and their doctrines, which are incorrect.
II Timothy
The primary purpose of II Timothy was once again to provide advice to Timothy when Paul was in prison and expecting to be killed. The key verses of the book are 1:7-8, which contain Paul’s words about the importance of not being ashamed of spreading the gospel since God gave his people the spirit of power and love (King James Bible, 2021). One of the main themes of II Timothy is suffering, which Paul considers a normal part of the life of every Christian and which must be endured. Another vital theme explored in the letter is the significance of truth, which is necessary for Christians in order to survive persecutions in the future.
The author of the book is Paul, and it was written in 66-67 AD during his time in Rome and was addressed to Timothy (“Intro to 2 Timothy,” n.d.). In the letter, Paul writes bout the danger of corrupt teachers, and that can be silenced by the truth of righteous people. He also admonishes worthless discussions which do not have any point.
Titus
The main purpose of Titus was to instruct Titus, a man with whom Paul worked during his time Crete, about the importance of overseeing the truth and righteous conduct of believers in Crete. The major theme here concerns obedience, which is essential for living in a world full of evil. This message is reflected in the key verses 2:11-14, which reflect the idea that believers have to discard any sinful lusts which are essentially against God and embrace devotion and self-control (King James Bible, 2021).
Another significant theme explored in the book is a recurrent topic of church leadership, which, according to Paul, must be given to bishops, elder men, who are blameless. The letter was written by Paul in approximately 63-65 AD when he was in Macedonia and was addressed to Titus (“Intro to Titus,” n.d.). Paul once again raises the issue of false teachers, namely Jews who claimed that circumcision was necessary for salvation.
Philemon
The main purpose of Philemon was to appeal to Philemon, a slave owner who converted to Christianity, to welcome back his servant Onesimus who, after meeting Paul, discovered faith and wants to return to his master. The primary themes of the book are love and forgiveness, which are a necessary aspect of the life of every believer and which, according to Paul, Philemon must show to Onesimus.
The verses 1:16-17 convey the major message of the letter, namely Paul asks Philemon to accept Onesimus not as his salve but as his brother in faith and receive him as he would receive Paul (King James Bible, 2021). It was written by Paul during his time in Rome in 60 AD and addressed directly to Philemon (“Intro to Philemon,” n.d.). The particular issue covered in the letter concerns the problem of slavery in a Christian community, which according to Paul, should not exist among fellow believers.
Hebrews
The primary purpose of Hebrews was to persuade Jews who were considering returning to Judaism to stay within their Christian faith by showing them that Jesus is superior to others. Thus, the major themes of the book are Christ’s superiority and the importance of faith. The main verses of the book are 3:1-3, which convey the idea that Jesus is superior to Moses, a highly-respected figure among Jews, because he offered salvation to all people (King James Bible, 2021). It is not clear who was the author of the book is still unknown, but some claim that it was Apollos (“Intro to Hebrews,” n.d.). The book was written before 70 AD, yet the setting has not been identified. It addresses the issue of apostasy, leaving the Church, and the potential repercussions which such an act entails.
References
Intro to 1 Timothy. (n.d.). The International Bible Society. Web.
Intro to 2 Timothy. (n.d.). The International Bible Society. Web.
Intro to Hebrews. (n.d.). The International Bible Society. Web.
Intro to Philemon. (n.d.). The International Bible Society. Web.
Intro to Titus. (n.d.). The International Bible Society. Web.
King James Bible. (2021). King James Bible Online. Web.