2023
Epistles of the Apostle Paul
August 2023


“Epistles of the Apostle Paul, Part 1,” Liahona, Aug. 2023.

Epistles of the Apostle Paul

Part 1

What did Paul teach in his first four epistles?

Image
parchment with ink bowl and writing tool

Illustration by Elspeth Young

Romans

  • To Church members in Rome

  • Written from Corinth in about AD 55–56

  • Purpose: To encourage unity, clarify doctrine, and prepare for Paul’s visit to Rome

  • Key teachings: Faith, salvation, and becoming more Christlike in spite of our fallen nature

1 Corinthians

  • To Church members in Corinth

  • Written from Ephesus in about AD 55–56

  • Purpose: To strengthen the Saints against division and immorality

  • Key teachings: Unity, spiritual gifts, charity, and building a foundation on Jesus Christ

2 Corinthians

  • To Church members in Corinth

  • Written from Macedonia in about AD 55–57

  • Purpose: To express thanks to those who heeded his previous epistle and to give warning about false teachers

  • Key teachings: The spirit of the law, overcoming trials, and the authority to preach the gospel

Galatians

  • To Church members in Galatia

  • Written from Macedonia in about AD 55–57

  • Purpose: To teach God’s higher law while Saints were reverting to the law of Moses

  • Key teachings: The Atonement of Jesus Christ, the fruit of the Spirit, and the saving power of faith in Jesus Christ