1. Letters

2. to assist the early Christians
The Point
to assist the early Christians
organized/instructed the 1st churches
challenged the community/individual to love, forgive, and remain faithful to the mission of JC

3. An Overview of the 21 Letters
the authors:
Paul…13
John…3
Peter…2
James…1
Jude…1
…then there’s Hebrews
was believed to be a Pauline Letter
followers of these men would write the letters under their mentor’s name
pseudonymity
custom way to thank the mentor for their acquired knowledge
gave writing more creditability
Catholic Letters

4. ANY QUESTIONS?

5. PAULINE

6. ultimate message in ALL of the letters Jesus was the Christ
Missionary Journey Letters
written during his missionary journeys (duh!)
2nd Journey
1 & 2 Thessalonians
3rd Journey
Galatians
1 & 2 Corinthians
Romans
Captivity Letters
written while he was in prison
Philippians
Philemon
Colossians
Ephesians
?2 Timothy?
Pastoral Letters
not sure what part of his life
describe the ministry of care for all Christians
1 Timothy
Titus
ultimate message in ALL of the letters Jesus was the Christ

7. ANY QUESTIONS?

8. The Letter to the Hebrews
The Who, The When, & The How
The What: The Themes
author
maybe Paul?
most likely anonymous
an educated Jewish Christian man
audience
Jewish Christians (Jewish Converts) who had endured persecution as Christians
written between AD
composed as a homily
Christ as high priest, the model of our faith
similar
priest: offers sacrifices
JC: was the sacrifice
difference
priest: human
JC: “holy innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens”
JC understands us
because
he was human.

9. The Paradox of the Cross
Themes
The Trinity &
The Paradox of the Cross
The Church:
The Body of Christ
the cross doesn’t make sense
God COULD’VE saved us by simply saying so
power is apparent weakness & wisdom is apparent foolishness
The Romans
The Sanhedrin
God CHOSE to show us the true meaning in life
God’s ways aren’t always our ways
We must commit ourselves in faith to God’s destiny WE
are the Body of Christ
share good news
help build God’s kingdom on Earth
build community
care for the needs of ALL of humanity
serve one another
live in  (peace)

10. Themes The Sacraments & Grace Justification
grace: a relationship with the Big Guy
God’s own life & love
a gift of God to the children of God
helps us make good choices
helps us grow in holiness
Justification
justification: being made right in God’s eyes
synonyms: righteousness & salvation
not achieved by ourselves, but through grace
having faith is more important than living the Law
should do both

11. ANY QUESTIONS?