BL1 Lesson 1: Delivering the Message of Grace—Understanding Letters

Purpose of this lesson

This course helps students understand the characteristics and purpose of Paul's letters, and to grasp the issues that need to be considered when interpreting them.

Background introduction

Of the 27 books of the New Testament, 21 are in the form of letters, and 13 of these are signed by the Apostle Paul. Therefore, understanding Paul's letters is understanding the source of the most fundamental theological concepts of Christian faith. Paul's letters address both doctrine and daily life, demonstrating that faith is not merely a set of ideas, but rather a way of life that must be practiced to create a new existence. Furthermore, although Paul did not write in the form of theological treatises, he still conveyed his understanding of Old Testament revelation between the lines, helping us to understand the consistency of biblical truth.