Bruce Nicholls explores the challenges of cross-cultural communication in missionary work, emphasizing the need for contextualizing the gospel. He addresses the complexities of understanding multiple cultures—biblical, Western, personal, and local—and offers insights on maintaining clarity and biblical integrity in future missions.
Focusing on the challenges faced by early Christians, the epistle to the Colossians addresses the struggle of reconciling faith in Christ with lingering Jewish and pagan traditions. Paul offers guidance on embracing a new identity through faith. In his letter to Philemon, he confronts the societal norm of slavery, illustrating the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of both slaves and their masters. Together, these epistles emphasize the importance of faith in reshaping cultural and personal identities.