Paul makes clear a couple of the “mysteries” – secrets – that the Lord had kept hidden in previous times: 1) Christ Jesus Himself and 2) Christ in Us, the Hope of Glory. We also begin to discuss the non Christ-focused teaching that is threatening the Colossians.

We discuss Worldview elements as a review. We also discuss what Paul means when he says, “I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions…. ” – one of the more difficult statements in his letters.

We focus on the “Christ Hymn” in Colossians 1:15-20. This passage is a real “high point” in New Testament theology. Here, Paul records his best, highest theology of Jesus – The Beloved Son – who is FIRST in all things.

We begin to work our way through the sections of the letter. In this section we focus on the Hope we hear about in the Gospel and also Paul’s prayer for the Church.

We read through the Letter to the Colossians together. We also discuss the “why” of the letter – WHY did Paul write to the church at this time. The is easy to discern: the church was being threatened by false teaching that could lead them away from Christ.

We set the context for reading and understanding Paul’s Prison Letters – Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians.

In our last session for the course, we look at the last chapters of Acts. On the way to Rome, Paul faces storms at sea, shipwreck, and snake bites. Yet in all of the this, the Lord delivers Paul. Paul arrives in Rome and addresses the Jewish leaders. Yet it becomes clear that as they…

We take a closer look at Paul’s defense before Festus and Herod Agrippa II. In this final speech by Paul, many of the themes originating in Luke’s Gospel are brought full circle. We also have several great summaries of key theological ideas.

Governor Festus inherits Paul’s case after Felix is removed from office. When Paul realizes that Festus may not be on his side, he appeals to have his case go before Caesar in Rome. In the meantime, Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice arrive to welcome Festus which gives them opportunity to hear Paul. Paul…

After his defense before the Jewish crowd outside the Temple fails, Claudius Lysias takes Paul in to be “examined by the scourge.” Once Paul reveals that he is a Roman citizen and a plot to have him murdered is revealed, Lysias transports him to Caesarea to Governor Felix. Paul turns his accuser’s case on their…