Week Twenty-one
Paul was a spiritual father to countless believers. He planted more churches than we have letters from him, and yet through his writings, we glimpse the depth of his care and commitment to each community. This week, as you finish Ephesians and begin reading Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians, you’ll encounter four letters that reflect Paul’s unique relationship with each church.
Though there are common themes woven throughout all his letters, each one is personal—tailored to the specific needs and challenges of its recipients. Despite relying on slow and informal methods of communication, Paul remained deeply connected to the churches he founded. His words carried encouragement, correction, instruction, and prayer—anchoring these young communities in Christ.
As you read this week, pay attention to the consistent themes Paul emphasizes: the centrality of Christ, unity in the Church, love for one another, and perseverance in the face of opposition. Notice how Paul prays specifically for each church. These prayers, though written centuries ago, still resonate powerfully today. They are rich resources for both personal and corporate prayer. As you pray them, imagine joining a great cloud of witnesses throughout history who have lifted the same words to God.
One of Paul’s most persistent messages is the call to unity in Christ—especially between Jews and Gentiles, a radical idea at the time. He consistently underscores the value of brotherly love within the Body of Christ. He also urges believers to stand firm against the inevitable resistance to the gospel. His letters remind us to cling to the Truth that sets people free, to live lives marked by righteousness, and to always be ready to share the message of peace in a world marked by chaos.
Paul encouraged a bold, unwavering faith in God’s ability to do more than we could ask or imagine. He wrote often of the sacrifice of Jesus—our salvation—and the confidence we can have in His power to cleanse and transform us.
And above all, Paul called the Church to prayer. Pray together often. Pray for open doors to share the gospel. Pray for the message to be received. Pray for your fellow disciples across the globe—that their witness would bear fruit.
These letters were written to specific people in a particular time and culture, yet they remain profoundly relevant today. What a gift. What a legacy. What a heritage we share in Christ!
And now, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
You can write a comment below, or reach me, Melissa, at mrightmire@crnaz.com . Thank you for traveling with me on this journey through the New Testament.
Below are the readings for week 21:
May 22, 2025 Eph 5:21–6:24 NIV, Ps 116 NIV
May 24, 2025 Phil 3–4 NIV, Ps 118:1–15 NIV
May 25, 2025 Col 1–2 NIV, Ps 118:16–29 NIV
May 27, 2025 1 Thess 1–3 NIV, Ps 119:25–40 NIV
May 28, 2025 1 Thess 4–5 NIV, Ps 119:41–48 NIV
