Titus through James

Titus through James

As we continue to look at the books of the New Testament, this week we will think about Titus through James.

Titus

Author: Paul  (1:1).

Audience:  “to Titus” (1:4).

Purpose of Book: Paul writes this letter to Titus to help and encourage him in his ministry to Crete. Paul gives him instruction such as to preach sound doctrine, and what the qualifications of elders are.

Philemon                                                                                                                      

Author: Paul, and Timothy ( 1:1).

Audience: Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church that met in their house. (1:2).

Purpose of Book: The purpose of this book is to write concerning Onesimus, who was a runaway slave of Philemon that had become a child of God. Paul is writing to ask them to take him back as a brother in Christ and not a slave. Paul is also making sure that he would not be punished for running away.

Hebrews

Author: Unknown, the only thing we do know is that it is not Paul because Paul signs his name to letters (2 Thessalonians 3:17).

Audience: Hebrews

Purpose of Book: The book of Hebrews was written to Hebrews telling the Hebrews to stop acting like Hebrews and instead to follow Christ, as his way is better than the way of the old law.

James

Author: James (1:1), the brother of Jesus and Elder of the church in Jerusalem.

Audience: It was written to the 12 tribes scattered abroad (1:1).

Purpose of Book: James writes this book to encourage, and instruct Christian in order that they might live their lives by faith. James is extremely practical in the way he writes his book, and many times the book is referred to as a book of Christian living.