Major Themes in Paul’s Writings
The task of detailing and organizing the themes in Paul’s writings is one which can be daunting and overwhelming. For centuries commentators and preachers have written and spoken on this subject. There is no defining list – but there is much consensus. This week to week activity will be an exploration of Paul’s themes as you encounter them within his letters. The goal is to give you a “big picture” of what Paul considers important in the realm of Christian life.
To begin, we must recognize – as most scholars do – thatJesus Christ is the main theme of Paul. The further you delve into Paul’s thinking, the more you will appreciate that everything he writes about is seen through the filter of Jesus Christ. He is the center of Paul’s thoughts, and from that center springs a full vision of life: from the beginning of creation to the end of all time and on into eternity.
In reality, when we begin to study the themes of Paul’s writings, we are studying the interaction of God with His creation through Jesus. It will help us to consider the fourfold contour of Christian Worldview teaching (Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation) and see how Paul views Christ operating within this very structure. This fourfold structure is just a beginning of the larger framework that you will be constructing.
The themes listed below are only a fraction of Paul’s thematic considerations. These themes are recurring in his letters and might be considered “major” themes. You are encouraged to build upon this list to create a full-orbed source for future reference. Along with these, add “minor” themes that are not quite as prevalent, including those that might only be found in one particular letter. The verses listed below are representative, not exhaustive, and you should add to them as you uncover them in your study.
Christ and Creation
Theme: The Goodness of Creation
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Romans 1:20
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Ephesians 3:14-15Theme: Christ’s activity in Creation
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Ephesians 1:4
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Colossians 1:15-17
Christ and the Fall of Man
Theme: Sin and its effects
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Romans 1:18-32; 3:9-20; 5:12-14; 8:18-22
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2 Corinthians 5:21Theme: Law and Gospel / Law and Grace / Flesh and Spirit
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Galatians 2:11-21; 5:16-25
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Philippians 3:2-7
Christ and Redemption
Theme: The Incarnation
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Philippians 2:6-8
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Colossians 1:19Theme: The Cross / Atonement
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Colossians 1:20
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1 Timothy 2:5-6Theme: Faith / Salvation
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Romans 10:9-10
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Ephesians 2:8-10Theme: Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
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Romans 8:26-29
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1 Corinthians 2:6-16Theme: Spiritual Gifts and Diversity
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1 Corinthians 12-14
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Ephesians 4:11-16Theme: The Church, the Body of Christ
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Ephesians 2:11-22
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1 Timothy 3:1-16Theme: Unity of Believers
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Colossians 3:12-17
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1 Timothy 1:5Theme: The Christian Life / Living a Worthy Life
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Philippians 1:9-11
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1 Timothy 6:11-16
Christ and Consummation
Theme: Christ as Lord of All
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Philippians 2:9-11
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Colossians 3:1-4Theme: The Future of the Believer (Hope)
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1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
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2 Timothy 4:7-8
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