Why Study Paul’s Epistles?

As women who want to be used of God and be ambassadors (II Cor. 5:20) it is profoundly wise to understand the importance to rightly divide the Word (II Tim. 2:15) and know about Paul’s distinctive apostleship to the Gentiles. “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” (Rom. 11:13) This office was given to him by our Lord: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknow-ledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” (I Corinthians 14:37)

Paul wrote Romans through Philemon, as specific instruction to us, the Body. Other writings through the Bible were focused upon Isreal and God’s dealing with them, prophecies, fulfilling earthly promises to them (Gen. 12:1-3), and preparing Israel for God’s Kingdom to come on earth. (Rev. 21:1-3)

We are encouraged to study and learn from all Scripture: Genesis to Revela-tion: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (II Timothy 3:16) Yet we are definitely to view Paul’s teaching differently than the rest of the Bible. It is our specific instructions to live in this time of grace. God set Paul to be our apostle, and his writings have been given specifically ‘to’ the Body of Christ as our doctrine to live by.

To Do: Read Ephesians 3:1-13 to realize the importance of knowing the mystery and his teachings to the Church in the dispensation of grace.