New Study Geneva Bible: New Testament. Epistle to Titus by the Apostle Paul Epistle to Titus by the Apostle Paul

Epistle to Titus The Apostle Titus, like the Apostle Timothy, was the closest disciple of the Apostle Paul. His homeland was the flourishing island of Crete, where he was appointed bishop of the Christian community at the command of Paul. Christian society in Crete was very heterogeneous in its

The Epistle to Titus of the Holy Apostle Paul Chapter 1 1 Paul, a servant of God, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth pertaining to godliness,2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, unchanging in the word, promised before the time of the ages,3 but in showed his time

Bishop Alexander (Mileant)

The Epistles of the Apostle Paul

Introduction

The life and works of St. apostle

Overview of the teachings of the apostle Paul

Selected texts from his epistles

Introduction

And Of all the New Testament sacred writers, St. Paul, who wrote as many as 14 epistles. By the importance of their content, they are rightly called the "second Gospel" and have always attracted the attention of both thinkers-philosophers and ordinary believers. The apostles themselves did not disregard these edifying creations of their "beloved brother," younger in time of conversion to Christ, but equal to them in the spirit of teaching and gifts of grace (2 Pet. 3:15-16).

Composing a necessary and important addition to the gospel teaching, the epistles of St. Paul should be the subject of the most careful and diligent study of every person who seeks to gain a deeper knowledge of the Christian faith. These epistles are distinguished by a special height of religious thought, reflecting the extensive scholarship and knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures of St. Paul, as well as his deep understanding of the New Testament teaching of Christ. Sometimes not finding the necessary words in the modern Greek language, ap. Paul was sometimes forced to create his own word combinations to express his thoughts, which later came into wide use among Christian writers. Such phrases include: "resurrected," "be buried with Christ," "put on Christ," "put off the old man," "be saved by the bath of resurrection," "the law of the spirit of life," "another law in my members, warring against the law of the mind," and etc.

The connection between the teachings of the apostle Paul and his life

P deposition of Ap. Paul are the fruits of his apostolic zeal in revealing the teachings of Christ. They are remarkable in that the apostle reveals in them the Christian teaching not in the abstract, but in close connection with the development of the churches he founded, his apostolic labors and personal experiences. Since the teaching set forth in the epistles of St. Paul, is closely intertwined with his personality, then acquaintance with his life and personality contributes to their understanding. Therefore, here we will acquaint the reader with those facts of the life of ap. Paul, which, at the direction of the apostle himself, served for him as a source for solving questions of the Christian doctrine of faith and morality . "I am the least of the apostles and I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace in me was not in vain"(1 Cor. 15:9-10) - this is how the great "Apostle of tongues" characterizes himself (of the Gentiles - the name under which the Apostle Paul entered the history of the Christian Church).

Endowed by nature with rich mental abilities, he was brought up and trained in strict pharisaic rules and, in his own words, he excelled in Judaism more than many of his peers, being in his youth an immoderate adherent of his fatherly traditions (Gal. 1:14). When the Lord, who had chosen him from his mother's womb, called him to apostolic service, he devoted all his energy, all the strength of his great spirit to preaching the name of Christ among the pagans. While doing this, he endured many sorrows from his fellow tribesmen, blinded by unbelief and hardened against Christ.

Studying the life and works of St. Paul according to the Acts of St. apostles, it is truly impossible not to be amazed at the unusual unbreakable energy this great "apostle of tongues." It is hard to imagine how this man, who did not have good health and physical strength (Gal. 4; 13-14), could endure as many incredible difficulties and dangers as St. Paul, for the glory of the name of Christ. And what is especially remarkable: as these difficulties and dangers multiplied, his ardent zeal and energy not only did not weaken, but flared up and strengthened even more.

Forced to remember for the edification of the Corinthians about his exploits, he writes about them like this:

“I was much more in labor, immeasurably in wounds, more in dungeons and many times at death. From the Jews five times I was given forty blows without one; three times they beat me with sticks, once they stoned me, three times I suffered shipwreck, and he spent a day in the depths of the sea; he was many times in travels, in peril on the rivers, in peril from robbers, in peril from fellow tribesmen, in peril from the Gentiles, in peril in the city, in peril in the wilderness, in peril at sea, in peril among false brethren, in labor and exhaustion, often in watchfulness, in hunger and thirst, often in fasting, in cold and nakedness" (2 Cor. 11:23-27).

Comparing himself with the other apostles and out of humility calling himself "the least" of them, St. Paul, however, could rightly say: "but I have labored more than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God, which is with me"(1 Corinthians 15:10).

And indeed, without grace of God an ordinary person could not lift such labors and accomplish so many feats. Just as courageous, direct and unshakable in his convictions Paul showed himself before kings and rulers, he was just as resolute and sincere in his relations with his fellow apostles. So one day he did not stop even at the denunciation of the Apostle Peter himself, when this apostle gave cause for reproach in the Asia Minor capital of paganism, Antioch (Gal. 2:11-14). This fact is important, among other things, because it clearly speaks against the false assertion of the Roman Catholics that St. Peter was appointed by the Lord "prince over the other apostles" and, as it were, the deputy of the Lord Himself (from which the Popes of Rome appropriate the title of "vicars of the Son of God"). Would you dare St. Paul, a former persecutor of the Church of Christ and later than others who came to the apostolic ministry, to denounce the "substitute" of the Lord Jesus Christ? It's absolutely incredible. The Apostle Paul denounced St. Ap. Peter, as an equal to an equal, as a brother to a brother.

The Life and Works of the Apostle Paul

FROM in. Paul, originally a Hebrew name Saul belonged to the tribe of Veniamin and was born in the Cilician city of Tarsus (in Asia Minor), which was then famous for its Greek academy and the education of its inhabitants. As a native of this city, and as descended from Jews freed from the slavery of the Romans, Paul had the right Roman citizen. It was in Tarsus that Paul received his first upbringing and probably also got acquainted with pagan culture there, for traces of acquaintance with pagan writers are clearly visible in his speeches and letters (Acts 17:28; 1 ​​Cor. 15:33; Tit. 1:12). ). He received his final education in Jerusalem at the then famous rabbinical academy, from the famous teacher Gamaliel(Acts 22:3), who was considered an expert in the Law and, despite belonging to the party of the Pharisees, was a free-thinking person (Acts 5:34) and a lover of Greek wisdom. Here, according to the custom of the Jews, the young Saul learned the art of making tents, which later helped him earn money for food. own labor(Acts 18:3; 2 Cor. 11:8; 2 Thess. 3:8).

Young Saul, apparently, was preparing for the position of a rabbi, therefore, immediately after the end of his upbringing and education, he showed himself to be a strong zealot for the Pharisees' traditions and a persecutor of the faith of Christ. Perhaps, by appointment of the Sanhedrin, he was a witness to death First Martyr Stephen, (Acts 7:58; 8:1), and then received power officially persecute christians even outside of Palestine in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2).

The Lord, seeing in him "a vessel chosen by Himself," miraculously called him to the apostolic service on the way to Damascus. During the journey, Saul was illuminated by the brightest light, from which he fell blind to the ground. From the light came a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" To Saul's question: "Who are you?"- The Lord answered: "I am the Jesus you are persecuting." The Lord told Saul to go to Damascus so that he would be instructed what to do next. Saul's companions heard the voice of Christ, but did not see the light. Brought under the arms to Damascus, the blinded Saul was taught the faith and on the third day was baptized by Ananias. At the moment of immersion in the water, Saul received his sight. From that time on, he became an ardent preacher of the doctrine he had previously persecuted. He went to Arabia for a while, and then returned to Damascus again to preach about Christ.

The fury of the Jews, outraged by his conversion to Christ, forced him to flee to Jerusalem (Acts 9:23 in 38 AD). where he joined the community of believers and became acquainted with the apostles. Because of the Hellenistic attempt on the life of Saul, he went to his native city of Tarsus. From here, about 43 AD, he was called by Barnabas to Antioch to preach, and then traveled with him to Jerusalem, where he brought help to the needy (Acts 11:30).

Shortly after returning from Jerusalem - by the command of the Holy Spirit - Saul, along with Barnabas, went to his first apostolic journey, which lasted from 45 to 51 years. The apostles went through the whole island of Cyprus, and from that time Saul, when he converted the proconsul Sergius Paul to the faith, is already called Pavel. During the missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, Christian communities were founded in the Asia Minor cities of Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (the cities of Asia Minor). In 51 St. Paul took part in the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem, where he passionately rebelled against the need for Gentile Christians to observe the rites of the Mosaic Law.

Returning to Antioch, St. Paul, accompanied by Silas, undertook second apostolic journey. He first visited the churches he had founded in Asia Minor, and then moved to Macedonia, where he founded communities in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. In Lystra, St. Paul acquired his beloved disciple Timothy, and from Troas he continued his journey with the ap. Luca. From Macedonia, St. Paul moved to Greece, where he preached in Athens and Corinth, staying in the latter for a year and a half. From there he sent two letters to Thessalonica. The second journey lasted from 51 to 54 years. In 55 St. Paul went to Jerusalem, visiting Ephesus and Caesarea along the way, and from Jerusalem he arrived at Antioch (Acts 17 and 18).

After a short stay in Antioch, St. Pavel undertook third apostolic journey (56-58), visiting first, according to his custom, the previously founded churches of Asia Minor, and then stopped in Ephesus, where for two years he was engaged in daily preaching at the school of Tyrannus. From here he wrote his epistle to the Galatians (in regard to the strengthening of the Jewish party there) and the first letter to the Corinthians (in connection with the riots that had arisen there and in response to a letter from the Corinthians to him). A popular uprising, raised against Paul by the silversmith Demetrius, forced the apostle to leave Ephesus, and he went to Macedonia (Acts 1:9 ch.). On the way, he received news from Titus about the state of the Corinthian church and about the favorable effect of his message. So he sent with Titus from Macedonia a second letter to the Corinthians. Soon he himself arrived in Corinth, from where he wrote an epistle to the Romans, intending after Jerusalem to go to Rome and further west.

After saying goodbye to the Ephesian presbyters in Melita, he arrived in Jerusalem, where, due to a popular uprising against him, he was taken into custody by the Roman authorities and ended up in prison, first under the proconsul Felix, and then under the proconsul Festus who replaced him. This happened in 59, and in 61 Paul, as a Roman citizen, was sent to Rome to the judgment of Caesar. Shipwrecked at Fr. Malta, the apostle reached Rome only in the summer of 62, where he enjoyed the great indulgence of the Roman authorities and preached freely. This concludes the account of his life found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles (chapters 27 and 28). From Rome, St. Paul wrote his epistles to the Philippians (with gratitude for the monetary allowance sent to him with Epaphroditus), to the Colossians, to the Ephesians, and to Philemon, a resident of Colossae (about the slave Onesimus who fled from him). All three of these letters were written in 63 and sent with Tychicus. From Rome, in the year 64, an epistle to the Palestinian Jews was also written.

The further fate of Paul is not exactly known. Some believe that he remained in Rome and, at the behest of Nero, was martyred in the year 64. But there is reason to believe that after two years of imprisonment, Paul was given freedom, and he undertook fourth apostolic journey, which is indicated by his so-called "pastoral epistles" - to Timothy and Titus. After defending his case before the Senate and the Emperor, St. Paul was released from his bonds and again traveled to the East. After spending a long time on the island of Crete, he left his disciple Titus there for the ordination of presbyters in all cities (Titus 1:5), which testifies to his ordination of Titus as a bishop of the Cretan church. Later in his letter to Titus, St. Paul instructs him how to carry out the duties of a bishop. From the same message it is clear that he intended to spend that winter of 64 in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), near his native Tarsus.

In the spring of 65, he visited the rest of the churches of Asia Minor and in Miletus left the sick Trophimus, because of which there was an indignation against the apostle in Jerusalem, which entailed his first bonds (2 Tim. 4:20). Paul through Ephesus is not known, since he said that the elders of Ephesus would no longer see his face (Acts 20:25), but he, apparently, at that time ordained Timothy as a bishop for Ephesus. Further, the apostle passed through Troas, where he left his phelonion (liturgical outerwear) and books (probably also liturgical ones, 2 Tim. 4:13) with a certain Carp, and then went to Macedonia. There he heard about the rise of false teachings in Ephesus and wrote his first letter to Timothy. After spending some time in Corinth (2 Tim. 4:20) and meeting on the way with ap. Peter, Paul continued his journey with him through Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10) and Italy, reached Rome, where he left ap. Peter, and already in 66 he went further west, probably reaching Spain.

After returning to Rome, he was again imprisoned (for the second time), in which he remained until his death. There is a legend that upon his return to Rome, he even preached at the court of the emperor Nero and converted to faith in Christ his beloved concubine. For this he was put on trial, and although by the grace of God he was delivered, in his own words, from the jaws of a lion, that is, from being eaten by wild beasts in the circus (1 Tim. 4:16-17), he was nevertheless put in chains. From these second ties he wrote a second epistle to Timothy in Ephesus, inviting him to Rome for a last rendezvous, in anticipation of his imminent death. Tradition does not say whether Timothy managed to catch his teacher alive, but it tells that the apostle himself had not long been waiting for his martyr's crown. After nine months' imprisonment, he was truncated by the sword as a Roman citizen, not far from Rome. This was in A.D. 67, in the twelfth year of the reign of Nero.

With a general view of life, ap. Paul, it can be seen that it is sharply divided into two halves. Before his conversion to Christ, St. Paul, then Saul, was a strict Pharisee, a executor of the law of Moses and fatherly traditions, who thought to be justified by the works of the law and zeal for the faith of the fathers, reaching fanaticism. After his conversion, he became an apostle of Christ, wholly devoted to the cause of the gospel, happy in his calling, but conscious of his own impotence in the performance of this lofty ministry and attributing all his deeds and merits to the grace of God. The whole life of the apostle before his conversion, according to his deep conviction, was a delusion, a sin, and led him not to justification, but to condemnation, and only the grace of God pulled him out of this destructive delusion. From that time on, St. Paul is only trying to be worthy of this grace of God and don't shy away from your calling. Therefore, there is no and cannot be any question of any merits - all the work of God.

Being a complete reflection of the life of the apostle, all the teachings of St. Paul, revealed in his epistles, carries out precisely this basic idea: a person justified by faith apart from the works of the law (Rom. 3:28). But from this it is impossible to conclude that St. Paul denies any value of good works (see eg Gal. 6:4; Eph. 2:10 or 1 Tim. 2:10 and others). Under " works of law"in his messages, of course, not "good deeds" in general, but ritual works of the law of Moses. It must be remembered that App. Paul, during his preaching work, had to endure hard fight with opposition from Jews and Judaizing Christians.

Many of the Jews, even after the adoption of Christianity, held the view that for Christians it was also necessary to carefully fulfill all the ritual prescriptions of the Mosaic Law. They deceived themselves with the proud thought that Christ came to earth for salvation. only Jews wherefore, Gentiles who wish to be saved must be circumcised and perform all the Jewish rites. This error so greatly interfered with the spread of Christianity among the pagans that the apostles had to convene in 51 in Jerusalem Cathedral, which the canceled obligatory ceremonial decrees of the Law of Moses for Christians. But even after this Council, many Judaizing Christians continued to stubbornly hold on to their former views and subsequently completely separated from the Church, forming their own heretical society. These heretics, personally opposing St. Paul, brought confusion into church life, taking advantage of the absence of Paul in one or another church. Therefore, St. Paul in his epistles was and was forced to constantly emphasize that Christ is the Savior Total humanity,- both Jews and Gentiles, and that a person is saved not by the fulfillment of the ritual works of the law, but only faith in Christ. Unfortunately, this idea Paul was perverted by Luther and his Protestant followers in the sense that St. Paul denies the value of any good works in general for salvation. If that were the case, then St. Paul in the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, in the 13th chapter, that "if I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, but do not have love, then I am nothing," for love just manifests itself in good affairs.

List of Epistles of the Apostle Paul

H on the basis of credible evidence, common voice Church assigns ap. Paul is the author of fourteen epistles, which are placed in the Bible in the following order:

1) Epistle to the Romans,

2) First Epistle to the Corinthians,

3) Second Epistle to the Corinthians,

4) Epistle to the Galatians,

5) Epistle to the Ephesians,

6) Epistle to the Philippians,

7) Epistle to the Colossians,

8) First Epistle to the Thessalonica,

9) Second Epistle to Thessalunians,

10) First Epistle to Timothy,

11) Second Epistle to Timothy,

12) Epistle to Titus,

13) Epistle to Philemon,

14) Epistle to the Hebrews.

This order is not chronological, but arranged according to the importance and breadth of the epistles, and according to the comparative importance of the churches and persons to whom the epistles are addressed. The epistles to the seven churches are followed by the epistle to three persons, and the epistle to the Hebrews is placed behind all, because its authenticity is recognized last of all. App. Paul are usually divided into two unequal groups: 1) Epistles common Christian and 2) Messages pastoral. These latter include the two epistles to Timothy and the epistle to Titus, because they indicate the principles and rules of good shepherding.

Some passages in the letters of St. Paul, such as 1 Cor. 5:9, also Col. 4:16 - gave reason to think that there were other Pauline letters that have not come down to us. Assigned app. To Paul, the correspondence with the unknown philosopher Seneca, brother of the proconsul Gallio mentioned in Acts (18:12), did not deserve to be recognized as authentic.

Overview of the teachings of the apostle Paul

P dedication of St. app. Paul are of great importance in the composition of the New Testament, for in them we find a deep and comprehensive disclosure and clarification of the truths of the gospel teaching. In addition to individual, especially beloved app. Paul the truths of Christ's faith, such as: about the meaning of the Old Testament law in relation to the New Testament, about the corruption and corruption of human nature, and about the only means of justification before God through faith in Jesus Christ - there is, one might say, not a single particular point in all Christian dogma , which would not find its justification and reinforcement in the Pauline epistles. Most of the messages are built according to the same plan. They begin with a greeting to the readers and gratitude to God for His providential actions about the place where the message is addressed. Further, the message is usually divided into two parts - doctrinal (dogmatic) and moral. In conclusion, St. the apostle deals with private affairs, makes assignments, speaks of his personal situation, expresses his good wishes and sends greetings of peace and love. His language is lively and bright, reminiscent of the language of the Old Testament prophets and testifies to a deep knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures.

Selected Texts from the Epistles of the Apostle Paul

H not having the opportunity to more thoroughly illuminate the various aspects of the Christian teaching of St. Paul, we will confine ourselves here to quotations from his epistles, which have mainly moral character. In them, as we shall see, St. the apostle explains what the true spiritual life is and what a Christian should strive for. For convenience, we present these quotations in alphabetical order by topic so that the reader can easily find the instruction he needs. Paul.

Grace of God and spiritual gifts: "All who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God, because you did not receive the spirit of bondage to live in fear again, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry: "Abba, Father!" This same Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are the children of God" (Rom. 8:14-16). "The gifts are different, but the Spirit is the same... To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the benefit. To one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit; faith to another, by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; prophecy to another, discernment of spirits to another, different languages, a different interpretation of tongues. Yet the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He pleases" (1 Cor. 12:4-11). "The grace of God has appeared, saving for all people, teaching us that we, rejecting ungodliness and worldly lusts have lived chastely, righteously, and piously in this present age, looking forward to the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13).

See also: Rom. 5:2; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; 2 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 4:7; 2 Cor. 6:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 3:5; Eph. 4:7-12; Phil. 2:13; Ev. 4:16; Ev. 12:15.

About attitude to wealth: "Have a non-money-loving disposition, being content with what you have. For Himself (God) said: I will not leave you and will not leave you" (Heb. 13:5). See also: 1 Tim. 6:9-11.

Life - spiritual war: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having overcome all things, stand firm. Stand therefore, girding your loins with truth, and put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having your feet shod in readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace; and above all, take the shield of faith, with which You will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one, and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:11-17). See also: 1 Thess. 5:4-8; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Qty. 2:14-15.

faith and its meaning: "By faith (in Jesus) we have access to that grace in which we stand" (Rom. 5:2). "With the heart they believe unto righteousness, but with the mouth they confess unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10). "We walk by faith and not by knowledge" (2 Cor. 5:7). "In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has power, but faith working through love" (Gal. 5:6). "By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). See also Rom:3:28-30, Rom. 14:23, 2 Cor. 13:5, Gal. 2:16 Gal. 3:26, Eph. 6:16, Heb. 11:1.

About the Resurrection dead:1 Cor. 15:12-57; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Phil. 3:10-11; Phil. 3:20-21; Ev. 2:14-15; Ev. 4:1-11.

About the Second Coming of Christ:1 Thess. 5:1-3; 2 Thess. 1:6-10.

On Virginity and Marriage:1 Cor. 7:1-17

About good deeds: "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap, if we do not faint. Therefore, while there is time, let us do good to all, but especially to our own by faith" (Gal. 6:9-10). whether you drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph. 2:10). See also: Eph. 6:8; Phil. 2:4; Qty. 3:23; Qty. 4:17; 1 Thess. 5:15; Tit. 3:14; Ev. 13:1-3.

On Thanksgiving to God: "It is a great acquisition to be pious and contented. For we have brought nothing into the world; it is obvious that we cannot take anything out of it. Having food and clothing, we will be content with that. And those who want to get rich fall into temptation and into a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts that plunge people into disaster and destruction" (1 Tim. 6:6-10). “Exhort those who are rich in this present age not to think highly of themselves and trust not in unfaithful wealth, but in the living God, who gives us everything abundantly for enjoyment; that they do good, become rich in good deeds, be generous and sociable, laying up treasure for themselves a good foundation for the future, in order to attain eternal life" (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

Spiritual renewal and the Christian life: "Whoever is in Christ is a new creation. The old things have passed away, now everything is new" (2 Cor. 5:17). there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise... Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Gal. 3:27-29, 5:16). "If you have risen with Christ, then seek things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God; set your mind on things above, and not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God, and when Christ, your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Therefore put to death your members on the earth: fornication, impurity, passion, evil lust, and covetousness, which is idolatry, for which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you once were converted when you lived among them, but now lay aside everything: anger, wrath, malice, slander, foul language of your mouth; friend, having put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, who is renewed in knowledge in the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but everything in all Christ. Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on mercy, goodness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, condescending to one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a complaint against anyone: as Christ forgave you, so you too. Above all, clothe yourself in love, which is the totality of perfection - and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body, and be friendly. May the Word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, with all wisdom; teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing in grace to the Lord in your hearts. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father through him" (Col. 3:1-17).

"Rejoice always in the Lord, and again I say: rejoice. Let your meekness be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but always in prayer and petition with thanksgiving, open your desires before God - and the peace of God, which is above every mind, he will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, my brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is glorious, whatever is virtue and praise, consider these things. what you have received and heard and seen in me, do it, and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil. 4:4-9).

“We also implore you, brethren, to admonish the unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be long-suffering towards everyone. See that no one repays evil for evil; but always seek good, both for each other and for everyone. Always rejoice. Pray unceasingly. For everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Do not despise prophecy. Try everything;

Baptism is death to sin: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:1-2). "For those who live in the flesh mind the fleshly things, but those who live in the Spirit, the spiritual things. Carnal thoughts are death, but spiritual thoughts are life and peace. Because carnal thoughts are enmity against God; for they do not obey the law of God, nor can they. Therefore, those who live in the flesh cannot please God. But you do not live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, if only the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. But if Christ is in you, then the body is dead. for sin, but the spirit lives for righteousness" (Rom. 8:5-10). See also: Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 5:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:27-29; Gal. 5:16-26; Gal. 6:8; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:1-6; Eph. 2:14-15; Eph. 3:16-17; Eph. 4:22 - 5:11; Eph. 5:14; Qty. 3:1-17; Qty. 3:23-24; Phil. 2:14-15; Phil. 3:8-15; Phil 3:17; 3:20-21; Phil. 4:4-9; Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Thess. 5:14-22. On death to sin and baptism, see also Rom. 6:1-7; Rome. 8:1-17 and 8:32-34; Gal. 2:19-20 and Gal. 3:27; Qty. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:11-13.

Unity of believers: "I beseech you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak one thing and that there be no division between you, but that you be united in one spirit and in one mind (1 Cor. 1:1-10). "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the spirit, if there is any mercy and compassion, then complete my joy: have the same thoughts, have the same love, be of one mind and of one mind; do nothing out of stubbornness or out of vanity, but out of humility of mind consider one another superior to yourself. Not only take care of each one, but each one of others as well. For you must have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:1-5). "If you bite and eat one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another" (Gal. 5:15). "If it is possible for you, be at peace with all people" (Rom. 12:18) See also Eph. 4:1-5; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 1:27.

The works of the law do not justify a man: Rome. 3:19 - 5:2 and Galatians.

Life and death: Phil. 1:21-24.

Redemption by Christ and the Cross:1 Cor. 1:18-24; 1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:14; Phil. 3:18-19.

Rome. 5:10; Qty. 1:20-23; Ev. 5:1-9; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Gal. 3:13-14; Eph. 1:7; Eph. 2:16; Tit. 2:14; Ev. 9:11-28; Ev. 10:5. Heb. 10:14-22.

Qualities and Duties of God's Servants: bishop (1 Tim. 3:1-7), presbyter (Tit. 1:5-9) and deacon (1 Tim. 3:8-13).

Meekness and Forgiveness: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath of God... If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:19- 21). "Let your meekness be known to all people" Phil. 4:5). (See also Gal. 6:1, Col. 3:12, 2 Tim. 2:25.

Love for God: "Who will separate us from the love of God: tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? As it is written: for you they kill us every day; they consider us to be sheep doomed to the slaughter (Psalm. 43:23) But we overcome all these things by the power of Him who loved us, for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities or powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:35-39).

Love for Neighbours:“If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, then I am a ringing copper, or a sounding cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all the secrets, and have all knowledge and all faith, so that I can rearrange mountains, and If I have no love, then I am nothing. Love is long-suffering, merciful, love does not envy, love does not exalt itself, does not pride itself, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not irritated, does not think evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, covers everything, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ceases, though prophecy will cease, and tongues will be silent, and knowledge will be abolished" (1 Cor. 13:1-8). The whole law in one word is: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Gal. 5:14). See also: 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Tim. 1:5-6.

Prayer: "Be persistent in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). See also: Rom. 8:26-27; Eph. 5:19-20; Eph. 6:18; 1 Tim. 2:1-3; 2:8; Ev. 13:15.

God's Wisdom in Man's Salvation:1 Cor. 2:4-16; 1 Cor. 3:18-21; Eph. 1:17-19; Eph. 3:18-19; Eph. 5:15-17; Qty. 1:9; Qty. 2:3; Qty. 3:16.

Courage: "Do not be afraid of your opponents: this is for them a sign of destruction, but for you salvation. And this is from God" (Phil. 1:28). See also: 1 Cor. 16:13.

About the worthlessness of those who live lazily: Ev. 6:4-8; Ev. 10:26-31.

Reward for virtue: Rom. 2:6-17.

Justification Faith and Grace: Gal. 2:16-21; Gal. 3:18-26; Tit. 3:4-7.

A responsibility: Rome. 2:6-17.

Christ and His Two Natures: Qty. 1:15-20; Qty. 2:9; Phil. 2:5-11; Ev. 1:1-4; Ev. 2:7-11.

end times and Antichrist: 2 Thess. 2:1-12; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

feat, post and the mortification of sinful flesh: "I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God for your reasonable service, and do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what the will is. God's good, acceptable, and perfect" (Rom. 12:1-2). "Don't you know that those who run in the raceway all run, but one receives the reward? So run to receive. All ascetics abstain from everything: they a crown of perishability, but we of incorruptibility. Wherefore, I do not run so as only to beat the air, but I subdue and bring my body into subjection, lest, having preached to others, I myself should not be unworthy" (1 Cor. 9:24-27). "Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts" (Gal. 5:24).

sacred Scripture is inspired:2 Tim. 3:15-16; Ev. four; 12.

Knowing God: Rome. 1:19-32.

Help for the needy: "At the same time, I will say: whoever sows sparingly (donates sparingly), he will reap sparingly; and whoever sows generously, he will reap generously. Everyone give according to the disposition of the heart, not with chagrin and not with compulsion: for God loves a cheerful giver. God but he is able to enrich you with all grace, so that you, always and in everything, having all sufficiency, be rich for every good work, as it is written: He squandered, gave to the poor: his righteousness endures forever (Psalm 112: 9). and bread for food will give abundance to what you have sown and multiply the fruits of your righteousness, so that you are rich in everything for all generosity, which through you produces thanksgiving to God. (2 Cor. 9:6-12). See also: 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:11-15.

Examples of Faith former righteous: Ev. 11:1 - 12:3.

communion Body and Blood of Christ: 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 1 Cor. 11:23-32.

About joy: "The kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 14:17). "The fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace" (Gal. 5:22). "Rejoice always in the Lord, and again I say, rejoice" (Phil. 3:1, 4:4, 1 Thess. 5:16).

Christian freedom: "Stand in the freedom that Christ has given us, and do not again be subjected to the yoke of slavery ... You are called to freedom, brothers, if only your freedom is not an occasion to please the flesh" (Gal. 5:1, Gal. 5:13 ). "Take heed that your freedom is not a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Cor. 8:9-13). See also: Rom. 14:13.

Holiness:“What is the compatibility of the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people (Leviticus 26:12). Therefore, you will come out of the midst them and separate yourself, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you (Isaiah 52:11), and I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty (Jeremiah 3:19, Hosea 1:10 ). Therefore, beloved, having such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God "(2 Cor. 6:16-7:1)." The will of God is your sanctification, that you refrain from fornication so that each of you knows how to keep his own vessel in holiness and honor" (1 Thess. 4:3-4). See also: 1 Cor. 6:15-20; 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1; Eph. 1:4; Qty. 1:22-23; 1 Thess. 4:3-4; Ev. 10:10; Ev. 10:14; Ev. 12:14-15.

The family and the responsibilities of its members: Eph. 5:22-33; Eph. 6:1-4; Qty. 3:18-21; 1 Tim. 2:9-15.

Sorrows and temptations: "Through (Christ) by faith, we have gained access to that grace in which we stand and boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also boast in sorrows, knowing that patience comes from sorrow, experience from patience, hope from experience" ( Romans 5:2-4). “Think of Him Who endured such reproach from sinners over Himself, so that you do not become exhausted and weaken in your souls. You have not yet fought to the blood, striving against sin, and have forgotten the consolation that is offered to you, as to sons: my son! Do not neglect the punishment of the Lord and do not be discouraged when He reproves you, for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, but he strikes every son whom he receives (Proverbs 3:11-12). "For is there any son whom the father does not punish? But if you remain without punishment, which is common to all, then you are illegitimate children, and not sons. Moreover, if we, being punished by our carnal parents, were afraid of them, then not much must we submit to the Father of spirits more in order to live? Those punished us according to their will for a few days, but this one for our benefit, so that we may have a share in his holiness. Every punishment at the present time seems to us not joy, but sorrow; but after being taught through it delivers peaceful p boat of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen your drooping hands and feeble knees, and walk straight with your feet, so that the lame person does not turn aside, but rather is corrected "(Heb. 12:3-13). See also: Rom. 5:2-4; 2 Cor. 4:8 -18; 2 Corinthians 1:3-6; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 2 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:12 Heb 2:18 Heb 4:15 Heb 12:3-13 Heb 13:12-14

Humility: "Do nothing for the love of contention or vanity, but in humility of mind consider one another superior to yourself" (Phil. 2:3). See also: Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:26-31, Col. 3:12.

Condescension and help to each other: "Brethren! Even if a person falls into any sin, you spiritual ones correct such a one in the spirit of meekness, watching each one of yourselves so as not to be tempted. Carry one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:1- 2).

Conscience: "I give you, my son Timothy, in accordance with the prophecies that were about you, such a testament that you fight according to them, like a good soldier, having faith and a good conscience, which some, having rejected, suffered shipwreck in faith" (1 Tim. 1 :18-19). See also: Ev. 9:14; Ev. 10:22.

It is forbidden sue and quarrel: 1 Cor. 6:1-7.

Christians are sons of God: Gal. 4:7; Eph. 2:18.

Patience: "But you, brethren, do not lose heart in doing good" (2 Thess. 3:13). "But thou, man of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (1 Tim. 6:11). "You need patience, that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb. 10:36; Heb. 12:1; Rom. 5:3).

industriousness: "He who does not want to work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thess. 3:8-12). See also: 1 Thess. 4:10-12; 1 Tim. 5:8.

The meaning of the letters of the apostle Paul

And so, the messages of ap. Paul are the richest source of spiritual wisdom and inspiration. There seems to be no such religious truth that would not be illuminated and explained in his works. Moreover, these truths are presented by the apostle not as abstract theological concepts, but as facts of faith that inspire a person to a righteous life. Responding to specific problems faced by first-century Christians, St. Paul are a valuable addition to the Gospels. They explain how to actually overcome the inevitable trials in life, how to realize high Christian ideals, what is the essence of Christian achievement. They describe in a living language the life and deeds of the first Christians, the formation of Christian communities, they give an integral image of the Church of Christ of the apostolic time.

App. Paul are no less valuable for their autobiographical notes. They show how the apostle applied in his personal life the high Christian principles that he preached - which contributed to his spiritual growth, which helped his missionary work, where he drew spiritual strength. The first factor in the success of the missionary activity of the apostle was his ability to concentrate all his great talents, mental and physical strength on one goal - on service to Christ. The second factor was total surrender to the guidance grace of Christ, which gave him inspiration and strength to overcome all external obstacles and his own infirmities. The grace of God helped him convert a significant part of the Roman Empire to Christ.

Through the prayers of the Apostle Paul, may the Lord enlighten and have mercy on us!