There’s a lot packed in to this episode on Paul’s letters (minus Romans and Galatians, which we’ve already covered). Rick and Elliot focus on what scholars generally agree that Paul actually wrote and the questions these letters raise for us today. We go through each letter in the order we find themin our Bibles today, reviewing the context in which Paul was writing—his communities were diverse, facing internal conflicts, and navigating life as early Christians in a complicated world.
We spend time unpacking some of the themes in specific letters, including his thoughts on community, love, and practical guidance for daily life. We hear about how Paul’s thoughts on Christ’s return shift from earlier letters to later ones – and how this impacts his advice to the churches. Elliot and Rick discuss examples from the letters where Paul addresses disagreements between believers, how he encourages mutual respect, and his advice on living faithfully amid challenges.
Key Discussion Points:Context of Paul’s letters: The communities he wrote to were diverse, sometimes conflicted, and navigating life as early Christians. Rick and Elliot explore how this context shapes Paul’s advice in each letter.
Themes in the letters:
Role of church leaders: The letters outline expectations for leaders, including guidance for elders, deacons, and other ministry figures, emphasizing character, teaching ability, and moral integrity. Rick and Elliot begin to discuss how leadership structures emerge in Paul’s letters, but we’ll talk about that more in our next episode.
Problematic content: Some letters reflect cultural assumptions of Paul’s time that are challenging today, including gender roles, slavery, and social hierarchies. The hosts unpack these passages carefully, discussing historical context without excusing them. They also review again the sections that are Paul and the sections that are the “opposition voice,” as we discussed in our episode on Romans.
Relevance today: The hosts reflect on how the letters’ guidance on community, conflict resolution, and faithfulness can still speak to modern listeners.
Throughout the episode, Rick and Elliot unpack phrases and passages to reveal both practical advice and theological insights. They invite listeners to consider how these centuries-old letters might inform their own sense of community, leadership, and faith.
Want to hear Rick’s sermon on Philemon? You can find it here:https://youtu.be/3aDcu9FTYvo?si=OYR8ihwsAIjsYI_q
Cross Connections is a ministry of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA. Season two, Cover to Cover is hosted by the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill.
A full copy list of readings for 2025 may be found on ourwebsite at https://stdavidschurch.org/crossconnectionsIf you have questions for us, you can call us at 484.588.5656 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your question or comment. Please note, we may use your recorded voice in an upcoming episode of Cross Connections. You can also email us at crossconnections@stdavidschurch.org.
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