Paul's second letter to the Corinthians explores the meaning of the cross in terms of personal suffering—his own, and that of all the Messiah's people. If in Galatians he is angry, if in Philippians he is joyful, in this letter his deep sorrow and the raw wounds of his own recent suffering are very apparent. Yet he is determined to view all of his suffering and all of the troubles of the world through the lens of the gospel. These studies by Tom Wright on this powerful epistle point us toward the strange comfort to be found in the suffering, death and resurrection-life of Jesus, the Lord of the world.

First impressions stick with us. Paul's first impression of the Thessalonian Christians was an especially powerful The gospel message he preached grasped their hearts and minds, and transformed their lives. That memory moves Paul to write to the young church that's bubbling with a sense of the power of the living God. These studies seek to open our lives to that God who leaves a lasting impression also on us. This guide by Tom Wright can be used on its own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you or a group more deeply into God's Word. Discover how you can participate more fully in God's kingdom.

How does a Christian behave when surrounded by a hostile world that doesn't understand who we are or why we do what we do? In three letters, Peter and Jude provide some Abandon the old pagan ways. Learn the new habit of love. Put on the mental armor that will make you strong to face suffering that may come. These nine studies from Tom Wright show you the wisdom of their words for us today and remind you, in the midst of hardship, that the God who deserves all praise is still "the one who is able to keep you standing upright."