New Testament themes in Acts, Hebrews, and Ephesians

¶ … Hebrews, Etc.

Acts

The Acts of the Apostles, traditionally believed to have been penned by St. Luke around 63 AD, is a written in the narrative genre. It relates the events that occurred from the time of Jesus' last instructions to the Apostles before Ascending into Heaven. Then it follows the missions of Sts. Peter and Paul and the founding and spreading of the Church. One of the key themes of Acts is the emphasis placed upon delivering the Gospel to the Gentiles -- a major factor in the spread of Christianity. Another key theme is the persecution the early Church faced from the very outset. The major characters are Peter and Paul. Some key events include miracles worked by Peter, the arrests of Peter and John, the martyrdom of St. Stephen, Saul's persecution of the Christians, Saul's conversion and baptism; Paul's missions, trials and tribulations, arrests, journeys and escapes.

Hebrews

The Epistle to the Hebrews is a composition in the epistolary genre and is traditionally held to be of Pauline authorship (63 AD), despite the fact that the letter has a more literary flair to it the than other epistles written by St. Paul. However, the thoughts and ideas are distinctly Pauline, as seen in the key theme of expressing the superiority of the New Law, which is Jesus Christ, over the Old. Hebrews identifies the new dispensation as the final revelation of God and the fulfillment of the old covenant established between God and Moses. Written to the Jews, it uses extensive references to the Old Testament, showing the relationship between Jesus as the High Priest, and His sacrifice as truly efficacious. Paul also encourages the Hebrew Christians to bear their sufferings like Christ. Perseverance is the message. The epistle centers on the character of Jesus as the Son of God, and the major events recorded are the tracing of kings and priests to Christ, the necessity of doctrine, and the faith of the Old Testament ancients like Abel, Noe, Abraham and Sara.

Galatians

St. Paul's letter to the Galatians, written some time after their conversion in 52 AD was threatened by the arrival and influence of some Jewish teachers, is composed in the epistolary genre: its major theme is the defense of Paul's person and his doctrine against the false instruction of the Jews. The key events that Paul speaks of are the divine origin of his mission and authority, the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law through Jesus Christ -- who is permanent (unlike the Mosaic Law). The characters covered by Paul are those referenced in his pronouncement of doctrine, from Abraham, who sets the example of faith, to Ishmael (son of the slave-girl) and Isaac (son of promise). Paul equates Christians with Isaac. A discourse on how Christians should live follows.

Colossians

The letter to the Colossians is an epistolary narrative, written around 63 AD by St. Paul, that deals with some of the subtle dangers in the self-appointed teachings of the Christian converts in Colossae. The letter deals with specific doctrine concerning Christ the Redeemer and Head of the Mystical Body. Paul sets forth specific rules concerning Christian living, and also condemns false doctrine. The major event of Colossians is the emphasis with which Paul places on the Divinity of Christ -- now considered to be of great doctrinal value. Since, like the letter to the Ephesians, Colossians is written for a Jewish audience, it emphasizes Christian charity and looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ. No key characters figure in the letter other than Christ Himself and the recipients themselves: husbands, wives, children, parents. Paul's famous exhortation on marriage is found here: "Wives, be subject to your husbands…Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter towards them."