Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

As my wife and I near the finish line in our quest to read the entire Bible in a year, we have been focusing lately on Paul’s letters, a key part of the New Testament.

I wrote earlier about Paul’s missionary journeys, which made him the first of many missionaries.

This time, I summarize the content and direction of what have been called “Paul’s Epistles.”

Overall, they were written to early Christian communities and individuals to address specific needs in those communities or in those lives.  They provided theological instruction, corrected heresy, and offered pastoral encouragement.  They were designed to define foundational Christian beliefs, offer practical ethical guidance, and strengthen local congregations or individuals as they faced internal or external challenges. 

So, in addition to folks to whom they were written in 50-60 A.D., they contain important principles for us today.

Here is a brief summary of the letters, as informed by what I remember from my youth, as well as information on Google:

Ephesians:  To Christians in Ephesus, Paul says God’s eternal purpose to unite all things in heaven and on earth under the lordship of Jesus Christ, creating a new, holy, and multiethnic humanity through His grace.  The letter emphasizes the believer’s new identity “in Christ” and instructs the church to live out this unity, love, and holiness in practical daily life.

Galatians:  To Christians in Galatia, Paul defends the gospel of justification by grace through faith alone, rather than by works of the Mosaic Law.

Philippians:  To Christians in Phillipi, Paul encourages finding joy, unity, and strength in Jesus Christ, regardless of circumstances. Written from prison, Paul emphasizes a lifestyle of humility, selflessness, and service, encouraging believers to imitate Christ’s humble sacrifice and to live with a perspective shaped by the gospel.

Colossians:  To Christians in Colosse, Paul affirms the supreme authority and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, warning believers against false teachings.  From prison, Paul encourages Colossians, challenging them toward maturity in Christ and emphasizing that believers possess full spiritual life through Him alone, requiring no additional spiritual supplements.

Thessalonians:  To Christians in Thessalonica, Paul encouraged a young church facing persecution to affirm their faith and clarify misunderstood teachings regarding the second coming of Christ.  He wrote to strengthen their commitment to holy living, address concerns about believers who had already died, and solidify their hope in Jesus’ return. 

Paul also wrote letters to individuals with whom he had worked.

1 and 2 Timothy:  Paul mentored Timothy as he, Timothy, led the church at Ephesus, focusing on combating false doctrine, ensuring sound teaching, and establishing orderly church administration. 1 Timothy focuses on church order, qualifications for leaders, and managing church ministry, while 2 Timothy is a final, passionate charge to endure persecution, guard the gospel, and continue preaching.

Titus:  Paul instructed his trusted co-worker, Titus, to organize and encourage stability in the young, vulnerable churches on the island of Crete.  The primary purposes were to establish qualified church leadership, combat false teaching, and promote godly, disciplined living that reflected the grace of God in a notoriously immoral culture.

Philemon:  Paul asks his friend Philemon to appeal for reconciliation, forgiveness, and the restoration of a runaway slave named Onesimus, who became a Christian under Paul’s guidance.  Paul urges Philemon to accept Onesimus, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ, thus showcasing the gospel’s power to transform relationships.

So, in conclusion, early Christians benefitted from Paul’s guidance, which he provided both in person as a missionary and in writing.

The same is true for us today.  All Paul’s letters are worth reading.