LETTERS TO CHRISTIANS IN CRISIS
Paul spread the Christian gospel to Gentiles all over the Roman Empire. In local synagogues, he preached that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. Some Jews believed Paul’s message. Others became his bitter enemies, pursuing him from city to city. Many Gentiles— called “God-fearers”—regularly attended these synagogues, heard and accepted the gospel message, and led their pagan friends to
Christ. New congregations included believing Jews, God-fearers, and ex-pagans. Paul hoped to stay long enough to instruct these young churches in the faith, but was often hauled to court, slapped with trumped-up charges, and forced to leave town. He left concerned about these new congregations. Would the church members be persecuted? Would they be led astray or revert to paganism? He kept in contact with them through letters. Aides like Timothy took Paul’s letters to the churches, returning to
him with news and any questions from his spiritual children.