On July 15 we being reading the book of the Epistle of Paul to Titus, usually referred to simply as Titus. It is one of the three Pastoral Epistles (with 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy), traditionally attributed to Saint Paul. It is addressed to Titus and describes the requirements and duties of elders and bishops. [wikipedia entry]*

On July 19 we begin reading the Epistle of Paul to Philemon, usually referred to simply as Philemon being a prison letter to Philemon from Paul of Tarsus. Philemon was a leader in the Colossian church. This letter deals with forgiveness.

It is now generally regarded as one of the undisputed works of Paul. It is the shortest of Paul’s extant letters, consisting of only 335 words in the original Greek text and 25 verses in modern English translations. [wikipedia entry]*

The following day, on July 20, we begin reading the Epistle to the Hebrews (known typically as Hebrews). The primary purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews is to exhort Jews and Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. The central thought of the entire Epistle is the doctrine of the Person of Christ and his role as mediator between God and humanity. [wikipedia entry]*

* as with all things web, take what you find on wikipedia with a grain of salt. Most people adding to and editing wikipedia mean well, but a project of such scope is bound to have a few flaws, and it is not uncommon to find people wishing to present certain views to skew wikipedia entries to further their own (organization, denomination, political party) ends.

If anyone knows of a better resource for brief introductions to these books, please share.

It is one of the shortest books in the Bible, consisting of only 117 verses. According to Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, it is read on Shabbat that falls during the intermediate days of Passover. In the Sephardi community it is recited every Friday night.

More information about the Song of Songs can be found at the Wikipedia entry.

A great portion of the book concerns itself with death. Qohelet (the titular name of the main voice) emphatically affirms human mortality, going so far as to say that the dead in sheol know nothing. He mentions no resurrection, which, some may argue, is to be expected seeing that it predates this theology. (This view has been disputed, as Solomon’s father, David, expressed a belief in the afterlife upon the death of Solomon’s older brother, claiming with certainty that he would see his deceased son again.) In fact, it is the lack of consequences after death that lead Qohelet to advocate enjoying life while you can. Martin Luther quoted these verses in defense of the doctrine that the soul sleeps between death and resurrection… Read more at the Wikipedia entry.

(For real this time)