River Valley Church New Testament Soap Sprint Sample

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy, a young protégé whom he had mentored. Timothy has become a main leader in a church and Paul is encouraging him to continue growing personally, and offering advice regarding his role as spiritual shepherd of the church community. Paul's second letter to Timothy is actually his final and most personal epistle. 

Titus had been Paul's companion on missionary journeys; during one of these trips, Paul asked Titus to stay in Crete (an island in the Aegean Sea that was known for its immoral culture) in order to establish a strong church there. Paul's and Titus' relationship began with Paul’s early ministry in Galatia, and they had worked together to found the thriving church in Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter between 63-65 A.D. in order to encourage Titus in his pastoral ministry. 

Paul wrote the book of Philemon in 60 A.D., addressing a believer who lived in Colossae and was a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, ran away and later became a follower of Christ. Now, after being mentored by Paul and growing in his faith, Onesimus was returning to his master Philemon. Paul encouraged Philemon to accept and renew a relationship with Onesimus as a brother in Christ, and not to hold a grudge against him.