Biblical Distant Learning?

“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”. – Col 4:16

Was Paul a distance learning teacher?

Before the days of television, cell phones, internet and social media people used paper.  I know it is hard to realize, but there was a time where conversations happened by letter only or in person.  The Apostle Paul often wrote letters to leaders and churches.  The letters were for different reasons but Paul used almost every opportunity given to teach.

In the letter to the Colossian church Paul requested that they pass on the letter to the church in Laodicea.  It appears that Paul’s letters were instructing multiple churches.  This specific letter even though Colossians is addressed to specific circumstances in that church, Paul believes it will be useful to the Laodiceans as well, demonstrating that his instructions had a significance that transcended local circumstances. This is not surprising because Paul believed his instructions in the letters were authoritative.  His letters were not merely good advice but were part of the gospel (Schreiner, 2011).

The Word of God is as accessible today as online learning.  As you log on to your classes remember to spend at least a few minutes to study the Bible beforehand. 

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

Reference:

Schreiner, T. (2011). Interpreting the Pauline Epistles. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.