Paul's primary theme in this book is presenting the Gospel (the "good news"), God's plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jews and non-Jews.

Paul states his confidence in the Gospel and its reasons. Most of this epistle is devoted to explaining why and how the Gospel of Christ is God's power to save those who believe.

Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church deals with issues that continue to affect Christians today.

In this epistle, the Apostle addresses problems such as division in the church, sexual immorality, the proper use of spiritual gifts, the role of women in ministry, and the importance of maintaining the authentic gospel message.

Unlike First Corinthians, Second Corinthians is a subjective book. First Corinthians teaches the church how to do things and how Christians conduct themselves in various situations. Second Corinthians reveals what it is like to be an Apostle.

It seems that the Corinthians resolved most of the problems Paul mentioned in his first letter. After a time, certain Jews came into the church and began to stir up trouble

One of the first attacks against Christianity came directly against the gospel itself from people within the church. The attack came from Jewish Christians who began to insist that Gentiles (non-Jews) who wanted to become Christians had to become Jews first before becoming Christians. This meant that for a Gentile to become a Christian, he first had to be circumcised, and then he would be baptized.

Paul seeks to expose the error of the Judaizers' gospel and their impure motives (6:12, 13). His ultimate goal is to prevent the readers from embracing a false gospel and to encourage them to retain their spiritual freedom in Christ (5:1). The apostle does not want his dear converts to be tied up with all the now abolished rules and regulations of the Mosaic Law, which will lead them into legalism.

The theme of this book is “The unity of believers in Christ.” Paul summarizes his gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone and describes the nature and role of the church in God's eternal plan.

The letter was likely intended to be circulated to other churches in the region. This may explain the absence of personal greetings. Paul's purpose in writing the letter was to prevent the church from falling into false teachings.

The book of Philippians focuses on the proper Christian attitude during times of suffering. Specifically, this is an attitude of rejoicing. Paul encourages believers to rejoice despite suffering (Philippians 1), rejoice through humble service (Philippians 2), focus on Christ during hard times (Philippians 3), and depend on Christ's strength when struggling (Philippians 4).

Paul writes to demonstrate that Christ is supreme over every human philosophy and accomplishment.

The church in COLOSSE was founded by a believer named Epaphras (see 1:7), who had probably heard the Good News in EPHESUS, either during or after Paul’s ministry there (see Acts 19:1–20:1). Paul sent this letter by the hand of Epaphras, who was visiting Paul in prison.

The Setting of 1–2 Thessalonians, about AD 50. During his second missionary journey (shown), Paul established the church in THESSALONICA as he made his way through MACEDONIA, but he was forced to leave the city very quickly (see Acts 17:1–9). He probably wrote 1 Thessalonians from CORINTH after being encouraged by Timothy's report (3:1–8). Not long after, Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to address further issues that had arisen.

Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians is a follow-up to the first epistle. Written about six months after Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, this second letter echoes many themes in the first letter. Paul also warns believers not to be idle because everyone must be prepared for Christ's return.

In this letter, Paul gives instructions to Timothy, a young pastor dealing with false teachings within the church in Ephesus. This epistle’s purpose was to remove false doctrine and give proper church leadership.

1 Timothy is the first in a group of epistles (I & II Timothy and Titus) written by Paul the Apostle and addressed to ministers, unlike his other letters that were directed toward churches (i.e., Ephesians, Corinthians) or to specific members (i.e., Philemon).

Second Timothy is the latest of the Pauline letters. As such, it is of special interest because of what it reveals concerning the last days of Paul's life and what it reveals about its recipient.

Written from prison in Rome, this second letter to Timothy is perhaps Paul's last letter. Paul encourages the young pastor to persevere in preaching the gospel through hardship, hold fast to Scripture, and guard the gospel against false teachings. 

Instructions for church leadership and upright living:

Titus was a Gentile convert who traveled with Paul to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1–5). Paul left Titus in charge of the churches on the island of Crete. This letter provides instructions about responsible church leadership, correct doctrine, and godly living.

  The Setting of Philemon. Onesimus, a slave, had run away from his master, Philemon, a believer in COLOSSE. Paul, who was in prison, was now sending Onesimus back to Philemon with this personal note. Onesimus traveled with Tychicus, who carried Paul’s letter to the Colossians (see Col 4:7–9).