After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Summary: Considering the scope of Paul’s letters helps us understand why God chose some and not others to be included in the Bible.
Apparently, Paul wrote a lot of letters.
Do you ever wonder how many of them didn’t make it into the Bible?
Let’s ask another question.
Do you ever wonder why God preserved the letters that did make it into the Bible?
I hadn’t until now. Now, I’m curious. What was in the letter to Laodicea?
As we examine Paul’s letters in the New Testament, a theme emerges that highlights why these letters were included in Scripture, each offering unique theological and practical contributions.
For example, Paul’s letter to the Romans provides a systematic treatise on the gospel, unmatched in the Bible. Galatians emphasizes the primacy of faith over legalism. Colossians affirms Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency against false teachings.
Ephesians presents God’s vision for the church as the body of Christ, uniting Jews and Gentiles.
Paul wrote extensively about the practical life of the church. His letters to Timothy and Titus guide church leadership and sound doctrine. The Corinthian letters address divisions, worship practices (1 Corinthians), and Paul’s apostolic defense and reconciliation (2 Corinthians). The Thessalonian letters encourage perseverance, clarify the second coming, and urge believers to mind their own business by living quietly and working diligently (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, 2 Thessalonians 3:11–12).
Philippians and Philemon offer glimpses into Paul’s faith and life, with Philippians radiating joy and Philemon applying the gospel to social reconciliation.
Whatever was in the letter to Laodicea may have, to some extent, repeated themes already covered in the letters God included in the Bible. Regardless of what was included, God has made certain to include what we need in the Bible.
Application: When we read the Bible we don’t master it, we swim in it.
Food for Thought: How has Paul’s letter to the Colossians impacted you?
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