In the gospels, four authors tell of Jesus’ life on earth. We have already seen the great good news that came with Jesus. The Acts of the Apostles tell of the spread of that good news throughout the surrounding regions. This was how the early church was established, spread by the disciples. The letters in the New Testament were written to the various churches established by the disciples, and to some individuals (like Timothy). Some address issues of theology, like Romans; particularly issues with which those churches were particularly struggling. Others, like Thessalonians, tackle the practicalities of being Christian—advice and pastoral care for Christians in the early churches, encouraging them to “keep running the race” (Hebrews).

1 Thessalonians, for example, is addressed to the new church in Thessalonica, and in it Paul seeks to encourage them in their faith and gives some wisdom for particular issues they might have been facing—how they should live now as Christians.

Since they were written to Christians, their message is often directly applicable to Christians today, and can be particularly useful when we face similar issues. Furthermore, they have helped to explain many important elements of the Christian faith and what the full implications of Christ’s death and resurrection for the life of the Christian.