The Epistles cover the theology of the New Testament church and comprise 21 letters, most of which were written by Paul – making him the most influential person to us apart from Jesus Christ.

The Book of Romans is about the “Righteousness of God”. The Apostle Paul affirms that through Jesus the Messiah and Lord, God demonstrates His saving and transforming power to all His faithful followers; the Jews and the Gentiles alike.

Corinthians was written as a response to doctrinal questions, and directed to the church of Corinth. The theme is seeing life in its entirety through the lens of the gospel, beginning with the Crucifixion and ending with the Resurrection.

2 Corinthians gives us a glimpse into the life of Paul, revealing the paradox in this upside-down world and the Cross of Jesus. In following Jesus, we acknowledge our utter dependence on His unmerited mercy and grace.

Paul’s letter to the Galatians defends the authenticity of his message and his authority as an apostle, commissioned by the risen Jesus himself. It reveals the subversive betrayal of the Gospel – a justification by faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross versus a justification by Law.

Ephesians presents God’s purpose, power and plan for living a holy life in Christ. It contains the doctrine that salvation comes by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.

Philippians is a record of Paul’s letters to express his appreciation and affection for the Philippian believers during his Roman imprisonment. Beyond thanking the Philippian church for their material support for his ministry, Paul encouraged them to live out their faith in joy and unity.

Colossians was Paul’s letter to the Church of Colossae, which was under attack by doctrinal heresy due to the city’s multicultural population. He had to remind them to understand God’s truth rather than being misled by the esoteric nature of false teachings.

Thessalonians covers two books on Paul’s letters to the church of Thessalonica, a persecuted church strong in the faith. 1 Thessalonians covers a glimpse of future events to come, and encourages Christians to grow in godliness. The second part continues the theme by reminding the Christians that Christ’s return should motivate them to live a life honouring God.

1 Timothy contains practical principles for the organisation and leadership of the church, and touches on how our Christian lives should be modelled after Christ’s perfect example of purity and service. It records warnings against false teachings, the proper order of church discipline and explores various roles and positions in church.

Paul in 2 Timothy draws parallels on the sacrificial love of God demonstrated through His Son and the expectant cross His believers are called to bear. Following Jesus involves sacrifices and inviting sufferings; embracing difficult and uncomfortable situations.

Paul writes to Titus to help with the issues being faced by the church on the island of Crete. The apostle had left Titus to bring the church into order by addressing the issues of false teachings and hypocrisy and to appoint appropriate church leaders.

Philemon was a rich Roman citizen, whose slave Onesimus had run away, met Paul and received Jesus. Paul then asks Philemon to receive him back as a beloved brother, not a slave.

Hebrews was written for Christian Jews who were tempted to renounce Christ under persecution. The book also reveals that Jesus Christ is superior as a sacrifice, bringing on a new and superior covenant.

James expounds on the general principles of living a Perfect Christian life – living a completely integrated life in which your actions are consistent and aligned to the values and teachings that you have received from Christ.

Peter wrote two letters to encourage Christians undergoing persecution in Turkey. 1 Peter is about suffering amidst persecution; while the world threatens to overwhelm us, we have a living hope in Christ and we rejoice in this hope.

2 Peter was written to remind the church of the importance of knowing and living their Christian identity during a time of an increase of false teachers in their midst who were driven by greed and lust.

1 John reiterates that the children of God are partakers of this divine love; we are born again in the Spirit, we abide in Christ, we resist sin and demonstrate His agape love through our dealings with others.

2 and 3 John were letters addressed to individuals and centred on Christian hospitality; 2 John was to a lady elder while 3 John is written for a man named Gaius. These letters show us that fruitful actions are direct representation of our truthful walk with God.

The penultimate book of the New Testament, Jude challenges believers to contend for the faith. The ungodly men in the Christian community who reject the authority of Jesus Christ and lead others to sin will be judged by God.

Revelation unveils the future, revealing how this world will end and what the new world will be like. It provides us with the right view of history, one where Christ reigns in eternity. It also gives us the right perspective of Jesus – not as a weak, sacrificial lamb, but as a conquering king. It ends the Bible on a victorious note, an expectation of the Return of the King.