=Athalie.= By Robert W. Chambers.
  =At the Mercy of Tiberius.= By Augusta Evans Wilson.
  =Auction Block, The.= By Rex Beach.
  =Aunt Jane.= By Jeanette Lee.
  =Aunt Jane of Kentucky.= By Eliza C. Hall.
  =Awakening of Helena Richie.= By Margaret Deland.

  =Bambi.= By Marjorie Benton Cooke.
  =Bandbox, The.= By Louis Joseph Vance.
  =Barbara of the Snows.= By Harry Irving Green.
  =Bar 20.= By Clarence E. Mulford.
  =Bar 20 Days.= By Clarence E. Mulford.
  =Barrier, The.= By Rex Beach.
  =Beasts of Tarzan, The.= By Edgar Rice Burroughs.
  =Beechy.= By Bettina Von Hutten.
  =Bella Donna.= By Robert Hichens.
  =Beloved Vagabond, The.= By Wm. J. Locke.
  =Beltane the Smith.= By Jeffery Farnol.
  =Ben Blair.= By Will Lillibridge.
  =Betrayal, The.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Better Man, The.= By Cyrus Townsend Brady.
  =Beulah.= (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.
  =Beyond the Frontier.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Black Is White.= By George Barr McCutcheon.
  =Blind Man's Eyes, The.= By Wm. MacHarg & Edwin Balmer.
  =Bob Hampton of Placer.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Bob, Son of Battle.= By Alfred Ollivant.
  =Britton of the Seventh.= By Cyrus Townsend Brady.
  =Broad Highway, The.= By Jeffery Farnol.
  =Bronze Bell, The.= By Louis Joseph Vance.
  =Bronze Eagle, The.= By Baroness Orczy.
  =Buck Peters, Ranchman.= By Clarence E. Mulford.
  =Business of Life, The.= By Robert W. Chambers.
  =By Right of Purchase.= By Harold Bindloss.

  =Cabbages and Kings.= By O. Henry.
  =Calling of Dan Matthews, The.= By Harold Bell Wright.
  =Cape Cod Stories.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Cap'n Dan's Daughter.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Cap'n Eri.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Cap'n Warren's Wards.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Cardigan.= By Robert W. Chambers.
  =Carpet From Bagdad, The.= By Harold MacGrath.
  =Cease Firing.= By Mary Johnson.
  =Chain of Evidence, A.= By Carolyn Wells.
  =Chief Legatee, The.= By Anna Katharine Green.
  =Cleek of Scotland Yard.= By T. W. Hanshew.
  =Clipped Wings.= By Rupert Hughes.
  =Coast of Adventure, The.= By Harold Bindloss.
  =Colonial Free Lance, A.= By Chauncey C. Hotchkiss.
  =Coming of Cassidy, The.= By Clarence E. Mulford.
  =Coming of the Law, The.= By Chas. A. Seltzer.
  =Conquest of Canaan, The.= By Booth Tarkington.
  =Conspirators, The.= By Robt. W. Chambers.
  =Counsel for the Defense.= By Leroy Scott.
  =Court of Inquiry, A.= By Grace S. Richmond.
  =Crime Doctor, The.= By E. W. Hornung.
  =Crimson Gardenia, The, and Other Tales of Adventure.= By Rex Beach.
  =Cross Currents.= By Eleanor H. Porter.
  =Cry in the Wilderness, A.= By Mary E. Waller.
  =Cynthia of the Minute.= By Louis Jos. Vance.

  =Dark Hollow, The.= By Anna Katharine Green.
  =Dave's Daughter.= By Patience Bevier Cole.
  =Day of Days, The.= By Louis Joseph Vance.
  =Day of the Dog, The.= By George Barr McCutcheon.
  =Depot Master, The.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Desired Woman, The.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Destroying Angel, The.= By Louis Joseph Vance.
  =Dixie Hart.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Double Traitor, The.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Drusilla With a Million.= By Elizabeth Cooper.

  =Eagle of the Empire, The.= By Cyrus Townsend Brady.
  =El Dorado.= By Baroness Orczy.
  =Elusive Isabel.= By Jacques Futrelle.
  =Empty Pockets.= By Rupert Hughes.
  =Enchanted Hat, The.= By Harold McGrath.
  =Eye of Dread, The.= By Payne Erskine.
  =Eyes of the World, The.= By Harold Bell Wright.

  =Felix O'Day.= By F. Hopkinson Smith.
  =50-40 or Fight.= By Emerson Hough.
  =Fighting Chance, The.= By Robert W. Chambers.
  =Financier, The.= By Theodore Dreiser.
  =Flamsted Quarries.= By Mary E. Waller.
  =Flying Mercury, The.= By Eleanor M. Ingram.
  =For a Maiden Brave.= By Chauncey C. Hotchkiss.
  =Four Million, The.= By O. Henry.
  =Four Pool's Mystery, The.= By Jean Webster.
  =Fruitful Vine, The.= By Robert Hichens.

  =Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford.= By George Randolph Chester.
  =Gilbert Neal.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Girl from His Town, The.= By Marie Van Vorst.
  =Girl of the Blue Ridge, A.= By Payne Erskine.
  =Girl Who Lived in the Woods, The.= By Marjorie Benton Cooke.
  =Girl Who Won, The.= By Beth Ellis.
  =Glory of Clementina, The.= By William J. Locke.
  =Glory of the Conquered, The.= By Susan Glaspell.
  =God's Country and the Woman.= By James Oliver Curwood.
  =God's Good Man.= By Marie Corelli.
  =Going Some.= By Rex Beach.
  =Gold Bag, The.= By Carolyn Wells.
  =Golden Slipper, The.= By Anna Katharine Green.
  =Golden Web, The.= By Anthony Partridge.
  =Gordon Craig.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Greater Love Hath No Man.= By Frank L. Packard.
  =Greyfriars Bobby.= By Eleanor Atkinson.
  =Guests of Hercules, The.= By C. N. & A. M. Williamson.

  =Halcyone.= By Elinor Glyn.
  =Happy Island= (Sequel to Uncle William). By Jeannette Lee.
  =Havoc.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Heart of Philura, The.= By Florence Kingsley.
  =Heart of the Desert, The.= By Honoré Willsie.
  =Heart of the Hills, The.= By John Fox, Jr.
  =Heart of the Sunset.= By Rex Beach.
  =Heart of Thunder Mountain, The.= By Elfrid A. Bingham.
  =Heather-Moon, The.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =Her Weight in Gold.= By Geo. B. McCutcheon.
  =Hidden Children, The.= By Robert W. Chambers.
  =Hoosier Volunteer, The.= By Kate and Virgil D. Boyles.
  =Hopalong Cassidy.= By Clarence E. Mulford.
  =How Leslie Loved.= By Anne Warner.
  =Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker.= By S. Weir Mitchell, M.D.
  =Husbands of Edith, The.= By George Barr McCutcheon.

  =I Conquered.= By Harold Titus.
  =Illustrious Prince, The.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Idols.= By William J. Locke.
  =Indifference of Juliet, The.= By Grace S. Richmond.
  =Inez.= (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.
  =Infelice.= By Augusta Evans Wilson.
  =In Her Own Right.= By John Reed Scott.
  =Initials Only.= By Anna Katharine Green.
  =In Another Girl's Shoes.= By Berta Ruck.
  =Inner Law, The.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Innocent.= By Marie Corelli.
  =Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu, The.= By Sax Rohmes.
  =In the Brooding Wild.= By Ridgwell Cullum.
  =Intrigues, The.= By Harold Bindloss.
  =Iron Trail, The.= By Rex Beach.
  =Iron Woman, The.= By Margaret Deland.
  =Ishmael.= (Ill.) By Mrs. Southworth.
  =Island of Regeneration, The.= By Cyrus Townsend Brady.
  =Island of Surprise, The.= By Cyrus Townsend Brady.

  =Japonette.= By Robert W. Chandlers.
  =Jean of the Lazy A.= By B. M. Bower.
  =Joanne of the Marshes.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Jennie Gerhardt.= By Theodore Dreiser.
  =Joyful Heatherby.= By Payne Erskine.
  =Jude the Obscure.= By Thomas Hardy.
  =Judgment House, The.= By Gilbert Parker.

  =Keeper of the Door, The.= By Ethel M. Dell.
  =Keith of the Border.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Kent Knowles: Quahang.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =King Spruce.= By Holman Day.
  =Kingdom of Earth, The.= By Anthony Partridge.
  =Knave of Diamonds, The.= By Ethel M. Dell.
  =Lady and the Pirate, The.= By Emerson Hough.
  =Lady Merton, Colonist.= By Mrs. Humphrey Ward.

  =Landloper, The.= By Holman Day.
  =Land of Long Ago, The.= By Eliza Calvert Hall.
  =Last Try, The.= By John Reed Scott.
  =Last Shot, The.= By Frederick N. Palmer.
  =Last Trail, The.= By Zane Grey.
  =Laughing Cavalier, The.= By Baroness Orczy.
  =Law Breakers, The.= By Ridgwell Cullum.
  =Lighted Way, The.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Lighting Conductor Discovers America, The.= By C. N. and A. N.
    Williamson.
  =Lin McLean.= By Owen Wister.
  =Little Brown Jug at Kildare, The.= By Meredith Nicholson.
  =Lone Wolf, The.= By Louis Joseph Vance.
  =Long Roll, The.= By Mary Johnson.
  =Lonesome Land.= By B. M. Bower.
  =Lord Loveland Discovers America.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =Lost Ambassador.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Lost Prince, The.= By Frances Hodgson Burnett.
  =Lost Road, The.= By Richard Harding Davis.
  =Love Under Fire.= By Randall Parrish.

  =Macaria.= (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.
  =Maids of Paradise, The.= By Robert W. Chambers.
  =Maid of the Forest, The.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Maid of the Whispering Hills, The.= By Vingie E. Roe.
  =Making of Bobby Burnit, The.= By Randolph Chester.
  =Making Money.= By Owen Johnson.
  =Mam' Linda.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Man Outside, The.= By Wyndham Martya.
  =Man Trail, The.= By Henry Oyen.
  =Marriage.= By H. G. Wells.
  =Marriage of Theodora, The.= By Mollie Elliott Seawell.
  =Mary Moreland.= By Marie Van Vorst.
  =Master Mummer, The.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Max.= By Katherine Cecil Thurston.
  =Maxwell Mystery, The.= By Caroline Wells.
  =Mediator, The.= By Roy Norton.
  =Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.= By A. Conan Doyle.
  =Mischief Maker, The.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Miss Gibbie Gault.= By Kate Langley Bosher.
  =Miss Philura's Wedding Gown.= By Florence Morse Kingsley.
  =Molly McDonald.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Money Master, The.= By Gilbert Parker.
  =Money Moon, The.= By Jeffery Farnol.
  =Motor Maid, The.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =Moth, The.= By William Dana Orcutt.
  =Mountain Girl, The.= By Payne Erskine.
  =Mr. Bingle.= By George Barr McCutcheon.
  =Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Mr. Pratt.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Mr. Pratt's Patients.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Mrs. Balfame.= By Gertrude Atherton.
  =Mrs. Red Pepper.= By Grace S. Richmond.
  =My Demon Motor Boat.= By George Fitch.
  =My Friend the Chauffeur.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =My Lady Caprice.= By Jeffery Farnol.
  =My Lady of Doubt.= By Randall Parrish.
  =My Lady of the North.= By Randall Parrish.
  =My Lady of the South.= By Randall Parrish.

  =Ne'er-Do-Well, The.= By Rex Beach.
  =Net, The.= By Rex Beach.
  =New Clarion.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Night Riders, The.= By Ridgwell Cullum.
  =Night Watches.= By W. W. Jacobs.
  =Nobody.= By Louis Joseph Vance.

  =Once Upon a Time.= By Richard Harding Davis.
  =One Braver Thing.= By Richard Dehan.
  =One Way Trail, The.= By Ridgwell Cullum.
  =Otherwise Phyllis.= By Meredith Nicholson.

  =Pardners.= By Rex Beach.
  =Parrott & Co.= By Harold MacGrath.
  =Partners of the Tide.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Passionate Friends, The.= By H. G. Wells.
  =Patrol of the Sun Dance Trail, The.= By Ralph Connor.
  =Paul Anthony, Christian.= By Hiram W. Hayes.
  =Perch of the Devil.= By Gertrude Atherton.
  =Peter Ruff.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =People's Man, A.= By E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Phillip Steele.= By James Oliver Curwood.
  =Pidgin Island.= By Harold MacGrath.
  =Place of Honeymoon, The.= By Harold MacGrath.
  =Plunderer, The.= By Roy Norton.
  =Pole Baker.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Pool of Flame, The.= By Louis Joseph Vance.
  =Port of Adventure, The.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =Postmaster, The.= By Joseph C. Lincoln.
  =Power and the Glory, The.= By Grace McGowan Cooke.
  =Prairie Wife, The.= By Arthur Stringer.
  =Price of Love, The.= By Arnold Bennett.
  =Price of the Prairie, The.= By Margaret Hill McCarter.
  =Prince of Sinners.= By A. E. Phillips Oppenheim.
  =Princes Passes, The.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =Princess Virginia, The.= By C. N. and A. N. Williamson.
  =Promise, The.= By J. B. Hendryx.
  =Purple Parasol, The.= By Geo. B. McCutcheon.

  =Ranch at the Wolverine, The.= By B. M. Bower.
  =Ranching for Sylvia.= By Harold Bindloss.
  =Real Man, The.= By Francis Lynde.
  =Reason Why, The.= By Elinor Glyn.
  =Red Cross Girl, The.= By Richard Harding Davis.
  =Red Mist, The.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Redemption of Kenneth Galt, The.= By Will N. Harben.
  =Red Lane, The.= By Holman Day.
  =Red Mouse, The.= By Wm. Hamilton Osborne.
  =Red Pepper Burns.= By Grace S. Richmond.
  =Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary, The.= By Anne Warner.
  =Return of Tarzan, The.= By Edgar Rice Burroughs.
  =Riddle of Night, The.= By Thomas W. Hanshew.
  =Rim of the Desert, The.= By Ada Woodruff Anderson.
  =Rise of Roscoe Paine, The.= By J. C. Lincoln.
  =Road to Providence, The.= By Maria Thompson Daviess.
  =Robinetta.= By Kate Douglas Wiggin.
  =Rocks of Valpré, The.= By Ethel M. Dell.
  =Rogue by Compulsion, A.= By Victor Bridges.
  =Rose in the Ring, The.= By George Barr McCutcheon.
  =Rose of the World.= By Agnes and Egerton Castle.
  =Rose of Old Harpeth, The.= By Maria Thompson Daviess.
  =Round the Corner in Gay Street.= By Grace S. Richmond.
  =Routledge Rides Alone.= By Will L. Comfort.

  =St. Elmo.= (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.
  =Salamander, The.= By Owen Johnson.
  =Scientific Sprague.= By Francis Lynde.
  =Second Violin, The.= By Grace S. Richmond.
  =Secret of the Reef, The.= By Harold Bindloss.
  =Secret History.= By C. N. & A. M. Williamson.
  =Self-Raised.= (Ill.) By Mrs. Southworth.
  =Septimus.= By William J. Locke.
  =Set in Silver.= By C. N. and A. M. Williamson.
  =Seven Darlings, The.= By Gouverneur Morris.
  =Shea of the Irish Brigade.= By Randall Parrish.
  =Shepherd of the Hills, The.= By Harold Bell Wright.
  =Sheriff of Dyke Hole, The.= By Ridgwell Cullum.
  =Sign at Six, The.= By Stewart Edw. White.
  =Silver Horde, The.= By Rex Beach.
  =Simon the Jester.= By William J. Locke.
  =Siren of the Snows, A.= By Stanley Shaw.
  =Sir Richard Calmady.= By Lucas Malet.
  =Sixty-First Second, The.= By Owen Johnson.
  =Slim Princess, The.= By George Ade.


pressure of heathen customs and practices should be very great
upon this young church.  It was also to be expected that
parties and divisions would arise.  The immediate cause
of this Epistle was that strifes and divisions had arisen in
the church.  It was the reporting of these matters to
Paul by those "of the house of Chloe" (1 Cor. 1:11)
that led him to write in the way in which he did.  To
settle the strifes of this church and to define the relations
which Christians should assume towards the political,
religious, and domestic institutions of the heathen was a
matter of no little delicacy and difficulty.  The mastery
of Paul is shown in the laying down of principles, in
accordance with the gospel of Christ, that were effective
not only for the Corinthian church but which are applicable
to-day to all such church difficulties and the conduct
of Christians towards non-Christians.

+A Former Epistle.+--Previous to the one now called
"The First," had been written to the Corinthians (1
Cor. 5:9) and "it appears that the church had replied and
requested further explanation and instruction on certain
points" (5:11; 7:1; 8:1; 12:1; 16:12).

+Place and Time.+--This Epistle was written during
Paul's long stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:10; 1 Cor. 16:19)
and the date is in all probability 57 A.D.

+The Supremacy of Christ+ over all parties, His love as
the touchstone of all service, and His resurrection are
the great subjects of this Epistle.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Salutation and thanksgiving (1:1-9).

2.  Correction of divisions of party spirit (1:10-4:21).
It having been reported to Paul that four parties
were striving for mastery in the church and there was
great contention; he rebukes the party spirit, sets forth
the principles of his teaching, and declares that Christ
alone is the center of the Christian system.  Faith stands
not in the wisdom of men.  The only foundation is in
Christ.

3.  Correction of moral disorders (ch. 5-7).  In
consequence of the close contact of the church with
heathendom grave moral evils found their way into the
fold.  (a) The case of an incestuous person, Paul writes
that such a person is to be expelled because the leaven of
evil separates men from Christ.  (b) The sin of going to
law in heathen courts.  Christians ought to settle their
own disputes.  (c) Sins of the body.  No man should
commit a sin as his body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

(d) Advice concerning marriage.  The purpose of the
gospel is not to antagonize but to Christianize the natural
relations between society and the believer.

4.  Correction of social and ecclesiastical misconceptions
(ch. 8-14).  (a) The question of eating of meats
offered in idol worship is decided on the ground of love
rather than knowledge.  (b) The preacher of the gospel
has the right to be supported by the church.  (c) The
true Christian liberty to be observed in the matters of
eating and drinking.  The proper celebration of the
Lord's Supper.  (d) The use and abuse of spiritual gifts.

(e) The greatness of love (ch. 13) The touchstone
of all is love.  (f) The end to be sought in every spiritual
gift is the edification and upbuilding of the church.

5.  The true doctrine of the resurrection (ch. 15),
Paul lays great stress upon this doctrine.  "If Christ be
not risen from the dead, then is our preaching vain and
your faith is also vain."

6.  Parting directions, exhortations, and salutations
(ch. 16).

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS

+Occasion and Purpose.+--Paul was quite anxious about
the reception of his first letter by the Corinthian church.
Not long after its dispatch he sent Titus (2 Cor. 2:13) to
see how it was received and to note whether the strife of
parties had ceased, the incestuous person had been dealt
with, and other matters properly adjusted.  While Titus
was absent on this mission Paul left Ephesus on account
of the riot made by Demetrius and his fellows (Acts
19:23-41; 20:1) and went over into Macedonia (Acts
20:1).  On the way, at Troas, he expected to meet Titus
and was greatly disappointed in not seeing him (2
Cor. 2:12-13).  It is evident that he met Titus in Macedonia
and received from him the report of the condition of the
Corinthian church and the manner in which his first letter
had been received and acted upon (2 Cor. 7:5-16).
Again it is evident, from the Epistle, that Titus brought
back the encouraging news to the Apostle that the
incestuous person had been dealt with and had repented, and
that, as a whole, the church stood loyally by him, but still
there were some who were making trouble.  It was this
report that was the occasion of the Second Epistle.
Prof. G. B. Stevens says in regard to this letter, It reflects
the mingled joy and grief of the Apostle.  The earlier
chapters are predominately cheerful and commendatory,
the latter mainly sorrowful and severe.  In the light of
these facts the letter may be described as threefold: First,
to encourage and instruct the church (1-7).  Second,
to induce the Corinthians to make a collection for the
poor Judean churches (8-9).  Third, to defend the
writer's apostolic authority against the calumnies of his
enemies (10-13).

+Place and Time.+--There are a number of references
by the Apostle which show that this Epistle was written
in Macedonia (1:15, 16; 2:12, 13; 8:1; 9:2) and shortly
after Paul came out of Asia (1:8, compare Acts 20:1,
2).  The time probably 57 A.D., the same year in which
the First Epistle was written.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Salutation (1:1, 2)

2.  Paul's principles and ways of working (1:3-7:16).
In these chapters the Apostle endeavors to
remove any feeling of bitterness which may have been
produced in the Corinthian church by his dealing with a
certain evil in the previous Epistle.  He also vindicates
his spiritual ministry.  He declares his love for the church
and its spiritual advancement.  He also declares that he
has put off his visit to Corinth that he might not come in
sorrow.  He rejoices in the good news brought by Titus.
While he is weak in body, the power is of God and the
ministry is a communication of the Spirit.  He asserts
that he is sustained by the hope of the future life.  He
earnestly exhorts the church to receive and live the gospel
which he preached to them, for separation from the world
and unity with God.  In chapter seven he rejoices that
they have received his words so well.

3.  The collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem
(8-9).  Paul here speaks of the liberality of the
Macedonian churches and the work of Titus who is sent to
forward the contributions.

4.  Paul's vindication of his authority as an apostle
(10:1-13:10).  He has been attacked in his person,
character, and teaching by parties in the Corinthian church
who would overthrow his authority and ruin the church.
These four chapters are a magnificent setting forth of his
apostolic claims.  (a) His power and glory are not in his
bodily presence or his letters but in the spiritual might of
God.  (b) His preaching is the pure gospel of Christ.
In bodily labor, trials, and persecutions he has excelled
them all (ch. 11).  (c) He has the highest qualifications
(in visions and revelations) but he will glory only in
his infirmities.  His object is not to boast but to put an
end to the disorders in the church.  (d) The Apostle
declares his intention to visit the church.  By the power
of Christ he will not spare the evil.  His desire is only
for righteousness.

5.  Farewell greetings and messages (13:11-14).

THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS

+The Church at Rome.+--When and by whom this
church was founded it is not known.  It is thought that
the "strangers of Rome" (Acts 2:10), who were present
at the day of Pentecost when the great manifestation of
the Holy Spirit took place, carried back the good news
and that this was the beginning of the church.  It was
composed of both Jews and Gentiles for Paul addresses
both classes (Rom. 1:13; 9:24; 11:13; 2:17; 4:1;
9:13; 7:1; 9:1-5).  This church seems to have made
rapid progress (1:8).  Paul was evidently acquainted
with some of the Roman Christians (16:3-15).

+Occasion and Purpose.+--This Epistle grew out of a
desire on the part of Paul to see Rome (Acts 19:21;
Rom. 1:11; 15:24-28).  As this would be his first visit
it was no more than a courteous act that he should write
to the church of this intention.  Again as the Christians
in Rome might have heard false and distorted reports of
the gospel which he preached, Paul takes care to clearly
and logically set forth the principles and doctrines which
he was teaching.  This letter then becomes very
important as the summing up of the experience and teaching of
many years of service in the cause of Jesus Christ.

+Place and Time+.--This Epistle was in all probability
written from Corinth during Paul's stay there in the
course of his third missionary journey 58 A.D. (compare
Acts 19:21; 20:1-3; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 2 Tim. 4:20).

+Central Thought.+--The theme is justification by faith
and not by works.  There are four main positions.  First,
All are guilty before God.  Second, All need a Savior.
Third, Christ died for all.  Fourth, We are all (through
faith) one body in Him.  The thought may be put in
other ways, but all to the same purpose.  The doctrine
of sin, and the doctrine of grace; or the universality of
sin and the universality of grace.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+--There are
two great sections, Doctrinal (ch. 1-11), and Practical,
(ch. 12-16).

1.  Introduction (1:1-15).  Paul's salutation to and
thanksgiving for (the faith of) the Roman church.

2.  Doctrinal (1:16-11:36).  (a) The great theme
stated, Justification by Faith.  (b) All have sinned and
all are guilty, Gentiles without the law and Jews with the
law have failed to attain righteousness.  (c) Righteousness
for all comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not
by law or works; the universality of grace.  Abraham
was justified by faith (ch. 4).  The blessedness of
justification by faith in Jesus Christ (ch. 5).  (d)
Objections against free grace that it will multiply sin or
discredit the law are taken up and answered.  Thorough
union with Christ on the part of the believer annihilates
sin and the law has no more any power.  The believer
justified by his faith in Christ is dead to the law while
quickened to a new and holy life by the Spirit.  (e) The
apparent rejection of Israel is the problem considered in
chapters 9-11.  The nation sought righteousness through
the law and not by faith.  (f) Christ is the end of the law
for righteousness.  (g) The restoration of Israel.

3.  Practical (12-16).  (a) Advice and exhortation.
The Christian's duty to the church and his conduct outside
of it; duty to the state and society; duty of toleration and
supreme trust in Christ.  (b) Salutations.  Paul's
apology and explanation for addressing the Roman church.
Greetings to various persons and farewell words.

QUESTIONS

What can be said of the old faiths and the new?  What was
the great question?  The Jewish faith; how fulfilled in Christ?
What can be said of the heathen faith?  What of the new faith in
Christ?  What is the practical bearing of this group of Epistles
upon every day life?  When written?  Give some account of the
Galatians.  When was the Epistle to the Galatians written?
What was the occasion and purpose?  Give the principal divisions
and chief points.  What can be said of the Epistles to the
Corinthians?  When was the church founded?  Give some account
of the city.  What was the occasion and purpose of writing the
first Epistle to the Corinthians?  What was the place and time?
What the thought of Christ.  Give the principal divisions and
chief points.  What was the occasion and purpose of writing the
Second Epistle?  Place and time?  Give the principal divisions
and chief points.  When was the church at Rome founded?
What was the occasion and purpose of writing the Epistle to the
Romans?  Time and Place?  Central thought?  Give the principal
divisions and chief points.

III.  PAUL'S WRITINGS

STUDY IX

THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST

THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES

COLOSSIANS.  PHILEMON.  EPHESIANS.  PHILIPPIANS.

ANALYSIS

+The Question at Issue+--The Supremacy of Christ.  Reason for
Raising this Question.  The Answer to the Question.
Present Day Attention.

+The Writing of the Epistles+--The Interest.  The Sending of the
Epistles.

+The Epistle to the Colossians+--The Church at Colossæ.  The
Occasion.  Central Thought.  Time and Place of Writing.
Principal Divisions and Chief Points.

+The Epistle to Philemon+--Occasion.  Principal Divisions and
Chief Points.

+The Epistle to the Ephesians+--The City and the Church.  Title
and Time of Writing.  Subject.  Principal Divisions and
Chief Points.

+The Epistle to the Philippians+--The City and the Church.
Occasion.  Objects.  Time of Writing.  Principal Divisions and
Chief Points.

III.  PAUL'S WRITINGS

STUDY IX

THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST

THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES

COLOSSIANS.  PHILEMON.  EPHESIANS.  PHILIPPIANS.

THE QUESTION AT ISSUE

+The Supremacy of Christ.+--These Epistles mark a
new stage in the writings of Paul.  The great question
discussed in the second group of Epistles was in regard
to the terms of salvation.  The question now at issue
(in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians) is: What is the
nature, the rank, the dignity of the Mediator of salvation?
Is He one of a series of Saviors?  Does He belong to
some angelic order (Col. 2:18), or, does He stand supreme
(Col. 2:8, 9, 19) and solitary?  Is He the Head and Chief
of all creation (Col. 2:19; 1:16).  Other matters are
discussed in these Epistles, but this is the great doctrinal
question and burden of the Apostle's thought.

+The Reason for the Raising of this Question+ was the
development of certain false religious beliefs among which
were, "asceticism, the worship of angels, revelings in
supposed visions and belief in emanations."  These "degraded
the object of faith and so destroyed its meaning and
power."

+The Answer to the Question.+--Paul is in no doubt as
to the supremacy of Christ.  All his argument is to show
the Deity of Christ.  He holds "aloft the true object of
faith namely, the supreme Divine Savior Himself, in
opposition to speculation which would degrade and deny
to Him the eminence which belongs to Him" (Col. 1:15-20;
Eph. 1:10, 20-23; 3-9; Philippians 2:5-11).

+Present Day Attention+ has been focused upon this
matter of the supremacy of Christ.  Was he human or
divine?  The arguments of Paul still hold good for a stout
belief in the Divine Christ.  The writings of the Great
Apostle are all characterized by his grasp of fundamental
things; they serve their purpose for the modern church
in bringing it back to Jesus Christ as the only Savior, as
they also in times past corrected the errors of the early
church.

THE WRITING OF THE EPISTLES

+The Interest+ in these Epistles is heightened by the
fact that they were written during Paul's first Roman
imprisonment of which Luke gives all too brief an account
(Acts 28:30,31).  They have been called from this fact,
"The Epistles of the First Imprisonment."  It is a
marvel that Paul with his surroundings could have written in
such a masterly way and handled such lofty themes in a
manner which has commanded the attention of the
thinking world ever since his day and age.

+The Sending of the Epistles+--Colossians, Philemon,
and Ephesians were evidently dispatched from Rome by
the same messenger, Tychicus (Col. 4:7, 9; Eph. 6:21).
Philippians was sent by the hand of Epaphroditus
(Phil. 2:25; 4:18).

THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS

The Church at Colossæ--The city of Colossæ was
situated about 110 miles east of Ephesus where Paul
spent so long a time during his third missionary journey
(Acts 19:10).  We have no record of any visit of Paul to
this city or how the church was founded (Col. 2:1).
It is supposed that Ephaphras might have organized this
church (Col. 1:7).

+The Occasion+ (and purpose) of this Epistle was
evidently the coming of Epaphras to Rome to consult Paul
about the affairs of this church (1:7, 8).

In chapter 2:8-23 we have some account of the things
which were troubling this Christian community and
drawing them away from faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
False teachers had appeared at Colossæ who were
confusing the minds of the Christian converts.  The
starting point of the error of teaching was the old oriental
dogma that matter is evil and the source of evil (2:8),
that as God is good the world could not have come directly
from God.  To bridge the chasm between God and the
matter of the world a long chain of intermediate beings
was conceived to exist.  This doctrine played havoc with
the simplest moral conceptions for if matter is evil, and
its source, then man's sin is not in his will, but in his
body.  Redemption from sin can come only through
asceticism and the mortification of the flesh.

The result of all this was a lowering of the dignity of
Christ, taking away His saving power and the "substitution
of various ascetic abstinences and ritualistic practices
(2:20) for trust in Him, the worship of angels (2:18),
and a reveling in dreams and visions."  "This was kindred
to a type of speculation which later became rife under
the name of Gnosticism."

To these ideas Paul opposed the true doctrine of the
Headship of Christ (2:19) and that He is the only link
between God and the universe (1:15-17).  "By Him
were all things created (1:16) that are in heaven and that
are in earth."  Christ is the only Mediator (1:13, 14).
In this faith there is no place for ascetic mortification.
Evil is in our unwillingness to live the life in Christ.  In
Christ we are dead to sin and risen with Him to a life
of holiness (2:20-23; 3:1-4).  Christ is not only our
Redeemer (1:14) and the Head of the church, but the
source of creation and its Lord (1:16, 17).  We have
a similar error (against which Paul warns) taught to-day
by the speculative thinker, who fills the world with forces
which leave no room for the working of a personal will.

+Central Thought+--Jesus Christ the sole Savior of
men and Mediator between God and men (1:13-14), the
Creator (1:16; 2:9) and Head of the church (1:18).
Exhortation to follow Christ (3:1-4).

+Time and Place.+--This Epistle was written at Rome
and sent by the messenger, Tychicus, (4:7, 8, 18) to the
church at Colossæ about 63 A.D.

Paul also directed that it be read to the church at
Laodicea (4:16).

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Introduction (1:1-12) Salutation.  Thanksgiving
for their faith and prayer for their increase and knowledge
of the will of God.

2.  Doctrinal.  "The sole Headship of Christ"
(1:13-3:4).  (a) Christ the Mediator.  There is redemption
for us through His blood.  (b) Christ, the image of
the invisible God, Creator and Preserver of all things.
(c) He is the Head of the church, reconciliation is only
through Him.  The Colossians were reconciled to God
through the mediation of Christ.  It is the earnest desire
of Paul that the church at Colossæ should remain rooted
in the faith which it had been taught.  (d) Warning
against wrong speculation; lest any man "through
philosophy or vain deceit" obscure or cause the Colossians
to deny the true Godhead of Christ (2:8-15).  (e)
Renewed warnings against errors in worship; Jewish
observances, ordinances and asceticisms, and the
adoration of angels.  (f) In Christ we are dead to the
rudiments of the world and risen into communion with God
in Christ.

3.  Practical (3:5-4:6).  (a) Exhortations to cast
out all sins of the unregenerate nature and to put on the
new man in Christ.  Then Christ will be all and in all.
(b) All family and social duties are to be performed as in
the sight of Christ.  (c) Renewed exhortations to prayer
and watchfulness.

4.  Conclusion (4:7-18).  (a) The mission of
Tychicus and Onesimus, the greetings of the companions of
Paul and his expressed desire that the churches of Colossæ
and Laodicea exchange Epistles.  (b) The Salutation.

THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON

+Occasion.+--This is the only purely personal letter of
Paul that we possess.  It is placed in this group because
it was sent with the Epistle to the Colossians and by the
same messenger, Tychicus (Col. 4:7-9).  Philemon was
a member (with his wife Apphia) of the church at
Colossæ (Philemon 2).  Onesimus was a runaway slave,
belonging to Philemon, who had found his way to Rome
and been converted by Paul (Philemon 10), who returned
him, with this letter, to his master (Col. 4:9; Philemon
10-12).

In this letter we have a picture of the Apostle's
kindness of heart and a carrying out of the principles which
Paul had advocated in his First Epistle to the Corinthians
(7:20-24), "Let every man abide in the same calling
wherein he was called."  We find also this same principle
set forth, in another way, in his letter to the Colossians
upon the "Supremacy of Christ."  These principles will
make all men brethren in Christ and every man will strive
to serve Christ in his own place, whatever that place is.
Paul exhorts Philemon, along this very line, to receive
Onesimus not as a servant but as a brother beloved
(Philemon 16).

The practical teaching of this letter upon the relations
between masters and servants and employers and employees
is very pertinent to the present times.  The true
solution of all labor troubles is that men should regard
each other as brethren under the leadership of Jesus Christ.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Salutation and Thanksgiving (1-7).

2.  Statement of the object of the letter (8-21).  As
a favor for love's sake Philemon is asked to receive back
Onesimus no longer a runaway slave but Paul's spiritual
child.  Emphasis is laid upon the fact that he is now a
Christian brother and should be received as such.

3.  Conclusion (22-25).  (a) In expectation of a
speedy release from imprisonment the Apostle asks that
a lodging be secured for him (22 v.).  (b) Salutation
and benediction (23-25).

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS

+The City of Ephesus and the Church.+--This city
was, next to Rome, the most important visited by Paul.
It was the capital of Asia Minor and a great commercial
center.  It was the seat of the worship of the goddess
Diana.

Paul first visited the city when he was returning from
his second missionary tour, but, while asked to prolong
his stay, he remained only for a short time (Acts 18:19-21).
During his third missionary journey he again visited
the city and remained for three years (Acts 20:31,
compare 19:10, 22).  His success in Ephesus was very great
(Acts 19:18-20, 26) and extended beyond the city.  The
letters to the churches at Colossæ (Col. 1:2) and Laodicea
(this letter is lost) (Col. 4:16) show his care for the
churches that were adjacent to Ephesus and of which we
have no account of his visiting.

+Title and Time of Writing.+--Many scholars think
that this Epistle was a circular letter written for the
edification of the churches of Asia Minor and sent to the
church of the capital city.  This opinion is strengthened
by the lack of local allusions and the naming of friends,
as in other epistles.  The inscription "at Ephesus" is
wanting in two of the more important manuscripts.  "On
this view it may be supposed that a space was left in the
salutation in which could be inserted the name of the
particular place where the letter was being read, that the letter
finally fell wholly into the keeping of the Ephesian church,
and that the space was at length permanently filled by the
phrase 'at Ephesus.'"

The time and place of writing was at Rome about 63
A.D.  This Epistle was sent by the messenger, Tychicus,
(Eph. 6:21) who also carried the letters to the church at
Colossæ and to Philemon (Col. 4:7-9).

+Subject.+--As in Colossians, the subject is the
Headship of Christ (3:9-11); His person and work.  God's
eternal purpose is disclosed.  Christ is given sway over
all things "both which are in heaven and which are on
earth" (1:10, 2l).  The unity of the church in Christ
is set forth; the unity of the Gentile and Jewish branches
in Him; the unity of all the individual members in Him.
This union is spiritual and not mechanical; it is holy and
pure; therefore sin is excluded.  Paul looks upon this as
the mystery of the ages, now revealed to him.  There is
one great kingdom, the risen and glorified Christ is the
Head of this kingdom (1:19-23).  Redemption and
reception into this kingdom is through Jesus Christ (1-7).

Paul in this epistle rises above the controversies of the
hour and sees in clear vision the eternal realities and the
great plan of God for the saving of men.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Introduction (1:1-23).  (a) Salutation.  (b)
Thanksgiving and Thesis (1:3-14).  Unity in Christ.
He who is the Head of the church is the Center of the
universe (1:10).  The eternal purpose of God in
Salvation is now made known.  Before the foundation of the
world, man and the redeemed church of Christ were in
the thought of God.  Christ in whom we have redemption
looked forward to His mission from eternity.  "Creation,
nature, and redemption are all parts of one system"; in
the reconciliation of the cross all orders of beings are
concerned.  "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times
He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both
which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in
Him" (1:10).  (c) Prayer.  A petition that the
understanding of believers may be illuminated; that they may
know the hope of their calling and the riches of their
heritage, which comes through unity with their risen and
ascended Lord.

2.  Doctrinal.  Unity in Christ (ch. 2-3).  (a) The
calling of the Gentiles out of "trespasses and sins" into
a new life in Christ.  (b) Jews and Gentiles are
reconciled and brought together in one body by the cross; "no
more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the
saints, and of the household of God."  All built upon
the foundation of Jesus Christ, through the Spirit.  (c)
The mystery of the universal call was made known to
Paul by a new revelation.  Prayer for a more full
comprehension of this unity.

3.  Practical.  The new life in unity with Christ
(4:1-6:17).  (a) Exhortation to walk worthy of this new
life.  (b) Exhortation to gain the victory over sin "in
virtue of the sense of unity with man in Christ."  (c)
Social duties.  The regeneration and consecration in this
new life of the relations of husbands and wives, children
and parents, and slaves and masters, (d) Final entreaty,
in the battle against the powers of evil, to put "on the
whole armour of God."

4.  Conclusion (6:18-24).  (a) Personal.  Paul requests
special prayer for himself in captivity.  Tychicus
is commended.  (b) Farewell and blessing.

THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS

The City of Philippi and the Church.--This city is
notable from the fact that it was the first, in Europe, in
which the gospel tidings were made known.  Accounts
of how Paul came to visit Macedonia and to begin the
work in Philippi are given in Acts (16:10, 12-40).
Going out of the city as he did by the river side, where
prayer was wont to be made, and talking to a number of
women about the "New Way" would not seem to be a
very favorable beginning for a movement which was to
produce such exceedingly large results.  But Paul was so
full of zeal for Christ that he seized every opportunity,
no matter how small, to make Him known.  This church
afterwards was a great comfort to the Apostle.  This
letter shows how he loved it and how he exhorted them to
rejoice in the Lord (4:4).

+Occasion.+--Paul was in prison in Rome.  The
Philippian converts were greatly concerned about him,
therefore they sent Epaphroditus with gifts and offerings to
him (4:18).  This was not the first time that they had
taken thought of and remembered their founder, in a
similar way (4:15, 16).  The Apostle was very grateful for
their care (4:10-14).  While in Rome, Epaphroditus
was taken very sick and came near death (2:25-28).
As soon as he had recovered from his sickness Paul sent
him back to Philippi (2:28), with this letter.  The
reference to Cæsar's household shows how strong a hold
Christianity was getting in Rome (4:22; 1:12-14), and
that there was great boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

+Objects.+--It is an Epistle of thanks to the Philippians
for their kindness (4:10-18) in remembering the Apostle
with substantial gifts in his work and for their fellowship
(1:5) in the gospel.

Another object is to give them friendly advices and
warnings (2:12-24; 3:2-3, 17-21).  Paul does not
forget, in this connection, to remind them of Him to
whom they owe a whole-hearted allegiance, their Lord
and Master, Jesus Christ (4:1).

The great doctrinal object, the Supremacy of Christ,
is also set forth as is markedly manifest in the Epistles of
Colossians and Ephesians.  The whole Christian creed,
"the incarnation, passion, and exaltation of Christ" is
expressed in the second chapter (2:5-11), "That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth and things under the earth; and that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to
the glory of God the Father."  The great end to be
attained is likeness to Christ (2:5).

+Time of Writing.+--This epistle is generally regarded
as the latest of the letters written during the first
imprisonment in Rome, and in the same year with those to the
churches at Colossæ, and Ephesus.  It was probably sent
to Philippi shortly after the other Epistles (Colossians,
Philemon, and Ephesians) had been dispatched to Asia
Minor.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+--This epistle
is divided into two parts.

First part (1:1-3:1).

I.  Introduction (1:1-2:4).  (a) Greeting.  (b) Paul's
thanksgiving, joy in the fellowship, and prayer for the
Philippians.  (c) An account of the rapid spread of the
gospel in Rome and the apostle's rejoicing that Christ is
preached.  (d) Exhortation to unity in Christ.

2.  Doctrinal (2:5-12).  In this short passage we
have the Christian creed in brief form.  "The Godhead
of Christ and His Manhood--His Pre-existence and His
Incarnation--His Passion and His Exaltation."

3.  Conclusion of the first part (2:13-3:1).  (a)
Renewed exhortation to an upright and blameless Christian
life.  (b) The return of Epaphroditus.  (c) Farewell
message.

Second part (3:2-4:23).  This section seems to
have been added after the letter had been finished.

1.  Warnings (3:2-21).  (a) Against Judaic errors.
Paul could boast that he had been a good Jew and
scrupulously kept the law, yet he renounced all that he might
win Christ.  True righteousness can come only through
faith in Christ.  (b) Against a false idea of the liberty of
the gospel; whereby men, claiming to be Christians,
walked in evil ways.

2.  Final exhortations (4:1-9) to steadfastness, unity,
joy, and the following of all good in Christ.  Acknowledgment
of gifts and benedictions (4:10-23).

QUESTIONS

What is the question at issue in this group of Epistles?  What
the reason for raising this question?  What answer is given?
What attention is now paid to this question?  When were these
Epistles written?  How were they sent?  What can be said of the
Epistles to the Colossians?  The church at Colossæ, how was it
organized?  What was the occasion of this Epistle?  What the
central thought?  What the time and place of writing?  Give the
principal divisions and chief points.  What was the occasion of
the Epistle to Philemon?  Give the principal divisions and chief
points.  What can be said of the Epistle to the Ephesians?  Give
an account of the founding of this church.  What can be said of
the title and time of writing?  What is the subject?  Give the
principal divisions and chief points.  What can be said of the
Epistle to the Philippians?  How was this church organized?
What was the occasion of the Epistle?  What the objects?  Give
the time of writing.  Give the principal divisions and chief points.

III.  PAUL'S WRITINGS

STUDY X

PASTORAL AND PERSONAL

FOURTH GROUP OF EPISTLES

FIRST TIMOTHY.  TITUS.  SECOND TIMOTHY.

ANALYSIS

+The Place of the Epistles+--When Written.

+Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey+--Notices and Time.  The First Trip
Eastward.  The Trip Westward to Spain.  The Second Trip Eastward.  The
Second Imprisonment of Paul.

+The Questions Discussed+--The Personal Element.  The Doctrinal Part.
The Practical Teaching.  The Special Theme.

+Paul's Last Declaration of His Faith.+

+The First Epistle to Timothy+--Timothy.  Time and Place.  Purpose.
Principal Divisions and Chief Points.

+The Epistle to Titus+--Titus.  Purpose.  Time and Place.  Principal
Divisions and Chief Points.

+The Second Epistle to Timothy+--The Last Words of Paul.  Time and
Place of Writing.  Purpose.  Principal Divisions and Chief Points.

III.  PAUL'S WRITINGS

STUDY X

PASTORAL AND PERSONAL

FOURTH GROUP OF EPISTLES

FIRST TIMOTHY.  TITUS.  SECOND TIMOTHY.

THE PLACE OF THE EPISTLES

+When Written.+--It is generally agreed among scholars that no place
can be found for the writing of First Timothy, Titus, and Second
Timothy in the period covered by Luke in his narrative in Acts.

Agreeing with the tradition of the church, however, the opinion of many
eminent scholars is that Paul was released from the first Roman
imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30), that he again took up his missionary
work, and at the end of a few years of such work, he was a second time
imprisoned and suffered martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Nero.

It was during this period between the first and second imprisonments
that First Timothy and Titus were written.  Second Timothy was written
during the second imprisonment at Rome, and at the time when Paul was
expecting his sentence of death.  Eusebius (H. E. 2:22-2) says, that
"at the end of the two years of imprisonment, according to tradition,
Paul went forth again upon the ministry of preaching; and in a second
visit to the city ended his life by martyrdom under Nero, and that
during his imprisonment he wrote the Second Epistle to Timothy."

PAUL'S FOURTH MISSIONARY JOURNEY

+Notices and Time.+--From the notices given in the Epistles and other
sources the probable course of the missionary travels of Paul from
63-67 A.D. has been reconstructed.

+The First Trip Eastward.+--When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi
(2:24) and to Philemon at Colossæ (22 v.) he evidently expected to be
released from his imprisonment very soon and to see his beloved
Philippian church and Philemon.  He was so sure of speedily visiting
Colossæ that he asked that a lodging be prepared for him.  With Paul to
plan was to act and it is quite possible that he undertook this trip
immediately upon his release from prison.  He probably also visited
Ephesus and a number of other cities.

+The Trip Westward to Spain.+--In the Epistle to the Romans Paul
declared his intention to visit Spain (Rom. 15:24, 28).  It is probable
that he, upon his return from the visit to Asia Minor, remained for a
very short time in Rome and then made a voyage to Spain.

The tradition of the early church is very pronounced upon this voyage
to Spain.  Clement of Rome (Cor. 5) speaks of Paul "having reached the
furtherest bound of the west."  This could hardly mean anything but
Spain.  The Muratorian Fragment names "the departure of Paul from the
city to Spain."

+The Second Trip Eastward.+--We can now, from notices in First and
Second Timothy and Titus, quite closely follow Paul in his travels.
From Spain he probably went by various stages to Ephesus, where as he
tells us (1 Tim. 1:3) he left Timothy in charge when he went into
Macedonia.  From Macedonia he probably wrote his first letter to
Timothy (1:3).  From Macedonia he went to Troas and from Troas to
Miletus (2 Tim. 4:13).  On account of sickness Trophimus was left at
Miletus (2 Tim. 4:20).  He next probably visited Crete, where he left
Titus (Titus 1:5).  From Crete it is thought that Paul went to Corinth
(2 Tim. 4:20) where he left Erastus and in all probability wrote to
Titus (1:5).  In the letter to Titus Paul speaks of being at Nicopolis
and of his intention to spend the winter in that city (Titus 3:12).
But these notices of places are by no means exhaustive.  They show,
however, how wide were Paul's last travels.

+The Second Imprisonment of Paul.+--It is by no means unlikely that the
enemies of Paul, of whom we hear so much in the first three missionary
journeys, were stirred to renewed activity by again seeing him at
liberty and conducting an active missionary campaign.  But with a
prisoner on parole from the Imperial Court the local magistrates could
do nothing.  But a new element came in.  The great fire, which
destroyed so large a part of the city of Rome on the 18th of July, 64
A.D., was used by the Emperor Nero as an excuse for starting a great
persecution against the Christians.  This was done to divert the odium
of the starting of the fire from himself, for he had sung and danced
the "Mime of the Burning of Troy" from a turret of his palace during
this great conflagration.  It was some time before this persecution was
extended to the provinces and Paul's enemies saw their opportunity to
accuse him to the Imperial Court, where under the circumstances they
would then find a ready hearing.  Paul was probably rearrested at
Nicopolis where he intended to winter (Titus 3:12) and hurried off to
Rome.  This time he endured no light imprisonment.  Onesiphorus had
difficulty in finding him (2 Tim. 1:16, 17) and he was closely confined
in a common criminal dungeon (2 Tim. 2:9).  From this dungeon he wrote
the Second Epistle to Timothy and from thence he went to his death.

THE QUESTIONS DISCUSSED

+The Personal Element+ in these epistles is quite large both in respect
to Timothy and Titus and Paul himself, but it is quite evident that
this element is not the chief cause for the writing.

+The Doctrinal Part.+--Paul is here as strenuous for the need of
repentance, the atonement through Jesus Christ and His sole sufficiency
as Mediator, Savior, and Lord of all (1 Tim. 1:15-17; Titus 2:13;
3:4-7), as in his other Epistles.  There are also enemies of the truth
who are to be opposed (2 Tim. 3).  It is quite evident from what Paul
says in the second chapter and elsewhere in Titus and Second Timothy
that the Colossian heresy is already bearing its evil fruit and is
likely in the future to do great injury to the churches.

+The Practical Teaching+ about the necessity of developing and
conserving the Church's system of government occupies, however, the
chief place.  "The two notes which are struck again and again are:
First, 'Hold fast the tradition, the deposit of faith.'  Second,
'Preserve order in the church.'  In short this group of Epistles
constitutes Paul's last will and testament in which he gives his final
instructions for the maintenance and continuity of the faith."

The church of Jesus Christ must have form and order.  The truth must
have a proper shelter.  Churches must have and observe certain
regulations.  There must be proper officers.

The gospel is applied to outward conduct.  Great stress is laid upon
the character of church officers (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-7).  Pastors
are directed how they should bear themselves toward church members and
what they should teach (1 Tim. 5; Titus 2).  The conduct of the Church
in the presence of the heathen world and its magistrates is set forth
(Titus 3).  Instruction is given in regard to public worship (1 Tim.
2).  The most effective barrier against all forms of evil, it is
declared, is a diligent study of the Scriptures and a fervent preaching
of the word (2 Tim. 3:13-4:5).

+The Special Theme+ then is, "The constitution, methods, and conduct of
the early churches."  (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, 8, 9-12; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-14;
2:1-10; 3:1, 2, 8-11, 13, 14; 2 Tim. 2:2, 14-18; 3:6-9).

PAUL'S LAST DECLARATION OF HIS FAITH

The famous passage in 2 Timothy (4:6-8) shows how the Great Apostle
went triumphantly to his death.  It is a declaration of the sustaining
power of his faith in the Savior whom he had everywhere proclaimed.

"I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."

THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY

+Timothy+ was one of the close companions of Paul.  His father was a
Greek and his mother a Jewess, by the name of Eunice, (2 Tim. 1:5; Acts
16:1).  He was a native of Lystra, Paul took him as his companion in
travel and addressed two Epistles to him; he was sent on a number of
important missions.  Timothy is mentioned twenty-four times by name in
the Acts and Epistles; from these notices we can construct his
itinerary with Paul and see how beloved and how trusted he was by the
Great Apostle.  During Paul's last journey he left him in charge of the
affairs of the church at Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3).  When Paul was
apprehended a second time and lying in a dungeon at Rome, in
expectation of death, he wrote Timothy the last letter (2 Timothy) he
ever penned, and besought him to come to him as speedily as possible (2
Tim. 4:9).

+Time and Place of Writing.+--Paul in all probability wrote the First
Epistle to Timothy from Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:3) in the year 66 A.D.

+The Purpose+ "involved is through the instruction and exhortation of
Timothy, to purify, strengthen, and elevate the Christian life of the
church in Ephesus."  This teaching is put in such a way that it is
applicable to every Christian minister and church.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Greeting (1:1, 2).

2.  The True teaching of the gospel (ch. 1).  Timothy is warned against
false teachers and reminded of the aim and end of life in Christ.

3.  The order and regulation of public worship (ch. 2).  (a) Prayer,
for those in authority and for all men.  (b) Instruction.  There is one
God and one Mediator (Christ) between God and man.  (c) Conduct of men
and women in the church assemblies.

4.  Qualifications of the church officers (ch. 3).  (a) The ideal
minister.  (b) The ideal deacon and the ministering women.  (c)
Conclusion of chapter.  Paul declares his intention to visit Timothy.
An ascription of praise.

5.  The government of the Christian church and community (ch. 4-6).  In
these three chapters Timothy is charged by Paul to keep before him a
high view of the church and its grand destiny.  (a) Timothy, as a
teacher, is reminded of his commission to put the church on guard
against errors of doctrine and life (ch. 4).  (b) Timothy is shown how
he should bear rule and conduct himself towards the elders and women of
his congregation.  Paul adds instructions in regard to a man's care for
his family, support of the ministry, discipline of offenders, etc. (ch.
5).  (c) Relations of masters and servants.  Right attitude of
believers in Christ toward riches.  The chief thing is to follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, and to fight
the good fight of faith (6:1-19).  (d) Closing charge to Timothy with
benediction (6:20, 21).

THE EPISTLE TO TITUS

+Titus+ was a beloved disciple of Paul.  He was a Gentile and was taken
by Paul to Jerusalem and was made a test case of the freedom of the
gospel and was not compelled to be circumcised (Gal. 2:1-5).  He is
mentioned by name, by Paul, twelve times in four of the Epistles (2
Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:10;
Titus 1:4).  The early church tradition is that Titus was descended
from the royal family of Crete.  He was an able and capable missionary.
We have no account of his conversion.  He might have come first in
contact with Paul and been converted when the Great Apostle visited
Crete on his way to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:7-13).  Some time was
spent at this island by Paul's company (Acts 27:9).  Paul again visited
Crete after his first Roman imprisonment and when he went away he left
Titus in charge of affairs (Titus 1:5), "To set in order things that
are wanting and to ordain elders in every city."  This message of Paul
to Titus not only shows the confidence which Paul reposed in him, but
also how widespread Christianity was in Crete.  After Titus had
completed his special work in Crete he was to rejoin Paul at Nicopolis
(Titus 3:12).

+The Purpose+ of this letter is to show Titus what he is to do, in his
work with the churches, and how to do it.

+Time and Place of Writing.+--It is thought that this Epistle was
written from Corinth in 66 A.D.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Greeting and subject of the Epistle (1:1-5).  Titus is left in
Crete to accomplish certain things (1:5) after which he is to rejoin
Paul (3:12).

2.  The kind of officers to be appointed in the Cretan churches
(1:5-16).  Special moral and spiritual fitness is set forth as
necessary in view of the peculiar character of the Cretans and certain
forms of doctrinal error.

3.  The instruction to be given to the Cretans (2:1-3:11).  (a) "The
things which become sound doctrine."  (b) Practical teaching for the
proper regulation of the conduct of all classes.  (c) The foundation of
the instruction rests upon Christ.  (d) Proper attitude of the
Christian community toward the Pagan world; magistrates and those who
have not yet believed in Christ.  Kindness and gentleness and the
avoidance of foolish questions best reveal the spirit of Christ by
those who profess His name.  (e) Parting requests and benediction
(3:12-15).

THE SECOND EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY

+The Last Words of Paul.+--This Epistle is of special interest as it
contains the last recorded words of Paul to his faithful disciple,
Timothy.  The Great Apostle is writing from a strict prison confinement
(1:16, 17; 2:9).  He has had a first preliminary trial (4:16) and this
was of such a dread nature that none of his friends dare to stand with
him, yet he rejoices in his Lord that He stood by him and strengthened
him.  He feels however that his end is near and gives a magnificent
testimony of his faith (4:6-8).  He urges Timothy to come to him in
Rome and bring Mark with him (4:9, 11).

+Time and Place of Writing.+--It was written by Paul in prison at Rome
67 A.D.

+The Purpose.+--Paul shows here his care for the churches, their
upbuilding in the faith and their proper regulation of the things that
pertain to worship and organization.  Timothy, as a preacher of the
Word, has his personal responsibility, for the upbuilding of the
churches, presented to him.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1.  Greeting and thanksgiving (1:1-5).

2.  The Christian conduct of Timothy (1:6-2:14).  Paul exhorts Timothy
not to allow himself to be daunted by fear of opposition or suffering
in doing his work for Christ.  He encourages him by, (a) The great
revelation and power of the gospel.  (b) His own work.  (c) The sure
hope of a great reward.

3.  Timothy as a preacher of the Word (2:15-4:5).  Paul exhorts
Timothy, (a) To study to show himself a workman.  (b) In the perilous
times that are coming to feed on the Word of God and preach it in
season and out of season.

4.  Last words of Paul (4:6-22).  The Apostle now turns to himself and
speaks of his coming martyrdom.  He is ready to be offered, he has
fought a good fight.  He beseeches Timothy to come and see him and
bring Mark.  He refers to his first hearing when every friend left him
alone and only the Lord stood by him.  He, after various messages,
closes with the usual benediction.

QUESTIONS

What is the place of these Epistles in Paul's life?  What can be said
of Paul's fourth missionary journey; the first trip eastward, the trip
westward to Spain, and the second trip eastward?  How did Paul come to
be imprisoned a second time?  What are the questions discussed in these
Epistles; the personal element, the doctrinal part, the practical
teaching, and the special theme?  What is Paul's last declaration of
faith?  What can be said of the First Epistle to Timothy; Timothy's
life, time, and place of writing, the purpose, and the principal
divisions and chief points?  What can be said of the Epistle to Titus;
the life of Titus, the purpose, time, and place of writing, and the
principal divisions and chief points?  What can be said of the Second
Epistle to Timothy; the last words of Paul, time and place of writing,
and the principal divisions and chief points?

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