The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, authored numerous epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament. These letters, addressed to various churches and individuals, contain a wealth of doctrinal teachings and practical instructions. Paul's precepts, whether explicitly stated or implied, provide guidance for Christian living and church governance. Below are key commandments and principles derived from Paul's didactic epistles.

1. Love and Unity

Paul emphasizes the centrality of love as a guiding principle for Christian conduct. In Romans 13:8, he writes, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This commandment underscores love as the fulfillment of the law, urging believers to prioritize love in their interactions.

Unity within the body of Christ is another critical theme. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul exhorts believers to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." This call to unity is further reinforced by the metaphor of the church as one body with many members, each contributing to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

2. Moral and Ethical Conduct

Paul provides explicit instructions on moral behavior, urging believers to live lives worthy of their calling. In Galatians 5:19-21, he lists the "works of the flesh," warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Conversely, he presents the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22-23, encouraging believers to cultivate these virtues.

Sexual purity is a recurring theme in Paul's letters. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, he instructs, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." This commandment reflects the high standard of personal holiness expected of Christians.

3. Faith and Doctrine

Paul's epistles are rich in doctrinal content, emphasizing the importance of sound teaching. In 2 Timothy 1:13, he advises, "Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." This directive underscores the necessity of adhering to apostolic doctrine.

Faith is central to Paul's theology. In Romans 1:17, he declares, "The righteous will live by faith." This principle of justification by faith is foundational to Paul's teaching, highlighting the believer's reliance on Christ's righteousness rather than personal merit.

4. Church Order and Leadership

Paul provides guidance on church order and leadership, emphasizing the qualifications and responsibilities of church leaders. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, he outlines the qualifications for overseers, stressing the importance of character and ability to teach. Similarly, in Titus 1:5-9, he instructs Titus to appoint elders who are "blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe."

The role of spiritual gifts in the church is another area of instruction. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul explains the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit for the common good, encouraging believers to use their gifts to edify the church.

5. Perseverance and Suffering

Paul frequently addresses the theme of perseverance in the face of trials. In Romans 5:3-4, he writes, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This perspective on suffering as a means of spiritual growth is a recurring motif in his letters.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflects on his own perseverance, stating, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This personal testimony serves as an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith journey.

Paul's epistles, rich in theological insight and practical wisdom, continue to serve as a vital resource for understanding Christian doctrine and ethics. His commandments, both explicit and implied, provide a framework for living a life that honors God and reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.Romans 12:1-3,6-21
I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
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Romans 13:8-14
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
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Romans 14:19-21
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another.
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Romans 15:1,2
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
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1 Corinthians 8:1,7-13
Now as touching things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies.
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1 Corinthians 10:7-10,24,28,29,31,32
Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
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1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, be not children in understanding: however, in malice be you children, but in understanding be men.
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1 Corinthians 16:13,14
Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
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2 Corinthians 13:7
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
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Galatians 5:1,16
Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
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Galatians 6:1,2
Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
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Ephesians 4:1-3,26-32
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called,
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Ephesians 5:1-6,11,15,17-21
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
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Ephesians 6:10,11,13-18
Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
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Philippians 1:27,28
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
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Philippians 2:2-8,12-16
Fulfill you my joy, that you be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
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Philippians 4:6,8,9
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
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Colossians 2:6,16,20-23
As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him:
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Colossians 3:1,2,5,8,9,12-17,23
If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
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1 Thessalonians 3:12
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
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1 Thessalonians 4:1,3,5,6,9-12
Furthermore then we beseech you, brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.
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1 Thessalonians 5:6,8,12-22
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
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2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brothers, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our letter.
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2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
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1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
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1 Timothy 2:1,2,8-12
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
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1 Timothy 3:2-13
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
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1 Timothy 4:1-7,12-16
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
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1 Timothy 5:1-14,16-21
Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers;
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1 Timothy 6:11-14,17-20
But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
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2 Timothy 1:13,14
Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
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2 Timothy 2:19,22-25
Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
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2 Timothy 3:2-5
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
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Titus 1:5-14
For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you:
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Titus 2:2-5,9-12
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
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Titus 3:1,2,8
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
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Hebrews 6:1,11,12
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
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Hebrews 10:22-25
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
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Hebrews 13:1-3,5,7,9,15-17
Let brotherly love continue.
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