How do you assess Paul’s work as a pastor, mediating disputes, encouraging and offering gratitude for reasonable support, expressing solidarity with his congregation? What examples from chapter 4, and this letter generally, to support your claim?
Paul refers to joy a number of times in this letter, which is somewhat unusual. What is Paul’s theology of joy? Can joy be understood not only as a reactive emotion, but also a stance or virtue to be cultivated?
Applying the Text:
Can we learn anything about living a Christian life from Paul’s attention to “peace” as well as joy? How can we make rejoicing a more prominent part of our ministries?
Paul names other associates in his ministry and implies that he needs more assistance. How can we take inspiration from Paul and remember that we all need to rely on each other for assistance? What ways can you practice this today? Evangelism is a team sport!