Kurt McDowell Eisele
Chapter Nine Journal
What is the one key idea of this chapter?
The key idea of chapter nine was the Epistles and their authors. The chapter explained that some people wrote epistles, but attributed them to others, usually more renowned authors, so that more people would read them. The letters themselves encouraged communities to keep their faith alive, and kept people informed of what was going on in Christianity around the Roman Empire. Paul and the other Epistle authors successfully communicated to many people by writing their letters.
Write about two major ideas you want to remember.
One idea that I thought was important in chapter nine was Paul’s perseverance. After his conversion, he began a life of preaching and spreading the Good News. He traveled all around the Roman Empire converting communities to “the Way”. After converting a group of people, he would keep checking up on them through his letters, or Epistles. All along his journeys, he was beaten, stoned, and harassed. He worked through all of this, trusting God, and kept spreading the faith. He ended up being martyred for his faith, which took a lot of guts. He could have just given in and renounced his faith, but he died for it instead. Often times I wonder what I would have done in that situation, whether or not I would have Paul’s gifts of courage and perseverance.
Another major idea from chapter nine that I would like to remember would be keeping an “I can do” attitude. Paul’s letter to the Philippians says that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13). If I continue to have this attitude in all aspects of my life, I will be motivated to do great things. It will help me persevere in my trials, and see that from suffering comes hope, and from bad can come good. If I put my trust in God, all things are possible.
One image that captures the chapter for you.
The above image features Saint Paul writing an Epistle.
One significant question you have from this chapter.
Why did people, especially the Galatians, convert to Christianity? What good did they see in it? Why would “the Way” appeal to Galatians more than their polytheistic religion?
What is your most favorite passage from an epistle?
My favorite passage from an epistle is “the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.” (Galatians 5:17). This passage means to me that I must keep my priorities in order, and develop my conscience to know the difference between right and wrong. Often times, I give in to desires of “the flesh” when I should use my time more wisely. I hope that I continue to develop the self control to do what is right, not what I want to do.
"All you Need is Love" by The Beatles