The book of Acts supplies us with considerable information regarding Saint Paul's stay at Ephesus. He pays a short visit to Corinth, and upon his return to Ephesus writes four letters to the Corinthians, only two of which have come down to us. In his first letter after an introductory message he rebukes the spirit of sectarianism (1-3), outlines the method of procedure in case of a corrupt brother (6), writes concerning mar riage and divorce (7), on meat offered to idols (8), concerning the status of women in the church (11 and 14), the supremacy of love (13), and doctrine of the resurrection (15).

In his second letter Paul defends himself from various charges (1-3), vindicates his claim to be an apostle (11-12), gives some general advice on church affairs, and closes with the apostolic benediction.

Saint Paul now journeys from Ephesus to Corinth. Here he learns that the converts in Galatia have fallen under the influence of Judaizing sects. Not only had they become a prey to false doctrines, but they had come to discredit the apostle, against whom many se rious charges had been preferred. His Epistle to the Galatians is made up of a personal defense (1-2), a somewhat technical discussion of the relation of faith to works, and the application of the Jewish law (2-5), and practical direction for proper living (5-6). The Epistle to the Romans was written from Corinth. Paul had not yet visited Rome, but he felt a lively interest in the converts of the great capital city. From a liter ary point of view this is regarded as the apostle's mas-terpiece. No outline is presented here, but it should. be studied as a piece of theological literature which has for its central theme the method of redemption by Jesus Christ. The student should note the absence of the personal element which runs through the letters previously studied.

Paul's next epistles were written while a prisoner

in Rome (Acts 28. 30). The first of these was a short personal letter to Philemon, a Christian convert, in which he urges that Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian at Rome, should be received by This master in the spirit of Christian forbearance.

In

The letter to the Colossians was written with a purpose similar to that of the earlier epistles-to correct abuses which had come in from outside influences. this case it was necessary to controvert the Gnostic conception of God as too remote from the world to have any close connection with it. The arguments used are somewhat mystical, and the letter reaches a high degree of spirituality.

The Epistle to the Ephesians has given rise to considerable discussion regarding the Christian community to whom it was addressed. Saint Paul spent much of his time at Ephesus and one would expect more extended personal salutations if the letter was addressed to intimate friends. It appears like a pastoral letter, designed to be sent to several of the churches to which Paul had ministered. It is made up largely of doc

trinal passages.

The letter to the Philippians is in contrast with most of Paul's letters, inasmuch as it finds much to commend and little to condemn. Note the personal advice given in chapter 2, and the warnings against false doctrines in chapter 3.

Paul's last letters are personal ones addressed to two of his younger disciples, Timothy and Titus. Many critics are of the opinion that these letters were not written by Paul. They do not possess a high literary value but contain a variety of instructions relating to church government, the care of the poor, the status of women, and the duties of the various church officials. Note the famous passage in 2 Tim. 4. 7.

CHAPTER XIII

OTHER NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS

THE Epistle to the Hebrews is one of the most stately pieces of writing in the New Testament. Its authorship is uncertain, but it is frequently attributed to Saint Paul. It is a strong appeal to Jewish converts to take the life and teachings of Jesus as the culmination of the Jewish order. The superiority of Jesus is shown to the prophets, to angels, and to Moses and Aaron. The rollcall of the heroes of the faith is most impressive and should be read aloud by the student. The book of Hebrews contains but few passages commonly quoted in modern literature, but the expression "a cloud of witnesses" (12. 1) would take high rank in this regard.

The Epistle of James reminds us somewhat of the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. The great problem of the purpose of affliction discussed in Job is attacked here. The severe strictures made upon the rich are frequently used as texts by reformers with strong socialistic tendencies. The writer emphasizes the importance of good works in the scheme of salva tion. It contains no passages of especial literary sig nificance.

The two Epistles of Peter have very little in common either in content or literary style. The first letter has a certain resemblance to the letters of Paul, and the second seems to have been written very late, modeled upon the general style of Jude. The theme of both Second Peter and Jude relates chiefly to the treatment which should be accorded to apostles. Attention is called to the fact that in earlier periods of Israelitish

history there were found many who were unfaithful and who merited destruction. The three Epistles of John are addressed to Christians in general, to a certain elect lady, and to Gains. They all reach a high plane of spirituality. The first letter extols love as the chief virtue and exhorts the early Christian to sinless living. The second letter contains a warning against deceivers, and the third breathes a spirit of optimism with reference to the condition of the church.

The book of Revelation would not be properly classi fied as a book of letters, although the first part is devoted to messages to the various churches in Asia. The major part of the book is apocalyptic in form, and is said to be one of several written about this time for the comfort of the early Christians in their persécutions, It contains a series of pictures difficult of interpretation, which portrays the destruction of the forces of evil and the final triumph of the good. Throughout there runs the constant purpose to exalt Jesus Christ.

CHAPTER XIV

THE BIBLE IN POETRY

IN this chapter a number of biblical references have been selected from the major poets. The list is by no means complete and it should be the pleasant task of the student to extend it whenever he comes across an appropriate reference in his future reading. If the poem from which the selection is made is a familiar one, the student should note down the setting of the passage in the poem and in the Bible. If it is unfamiliar, the passage will take on a new meaning when the poem comes to be read.

In most cases the Scripture reference is indicated; in connection with some of the poems the student is expected to find the appropriate passages.

Cadmon's Hymn, A. D. 670

This is the most ancient specimen of English which has come down to us.

Now we shall glorify heaven-Kingdom's Warden.
Creator's might and his mood-thought

Work of the Glory-Father; as he of wonders of each
Eternal Lord, the beginning established.

He erst shaped of men for the children
Heaven to roof, holy Shaper.

Then Midgard, mankind's Warden,

Eternal Lord, after prepared,

For men the earth, Lord almighty.

Note reference to the Kingdom of heaven and the children of men.