Prison Epistles Introduction

(Paul in Prison, by Rembrandt)

This week we’ll begin reading the Prison Epistles in our New Testament Challenge.  The Prison Epistles refer to four letters in the New Testament written by the apostle Paul during his time under house arrest in Rome between approximately 60—62 AD. They include Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  (We’ll be reading the first three this week)  The first three of these epistles were written to specific local groups of Christians in the cities for which the books were named.

Ephesians

The city of Ephesus was the capitol of the Roman province of Asia which is modern day Turkey. Located at the intersection of several major trade routes, it was a major commercial center in the Roman empire. Paul used the city as a center for his missionary work in the region. Ephesians was written to the believers at Ephesus and covers areas of doctrine (chapters 1—3) and application (chapters 4—6). Of great importance is this letter's emphasis on salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), church unity (Ephesians 4), and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Philippians

Philippi was a culturally diverse Roman city on the main highway from the eastern provinces to Rome, and the church at Philippi had a very diverse group of believers. Paul wrote this letter to thank the Philippians for their financial support of Paul’s missionary work.  (4:10-19) Again, despite this letter was written while Paul was in prison, it is one of the most joyful books in the whole New Testament.  It's most prominent theme is joy, specifically the joy of serving Jesus. Paul also wanted to address his circumstances at the time of his writing as well as his hope to see them again. (1:19-26)  Also, it’s important to note women played an important role in life and ministry of the church Paul founded in the city of Philippi.  (cf. Acts 16:11-15, 40)  He mentions two in chapter four, Euodia and Syntyche.  Paul describes Euodia and Syntyche as "women who contended at my side in the cause of the gospel" (4:3). From this we infer that they were leading members and co-workers of Paul in this congregation, making the contention between them all the more harmful.  Paul encouraged them to seek harmony with one another.  Paul was concerned that they "be of the same mind in the Lord."

Colossians

The city of Colossae was about a hundred miles east of Ephesus. At one time it was a large and strategic city but by the time of this writing it had declined into the shadows of nearby cities.

The Colossian church was experiencing the same sorts of problems that other early churches had encountered. Certain members were teaching that the observance of Jewish rulers about food, the Sabbath, and special festivals needed to be added to the Christian faith.  Paul was very concerned for the spiritual condition of these Christians.  He did not want them to be swayed by the teachings of  others that would pull them away from the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ. 

Colossians 1:15-18 has been called "The Great Christology", because it sets forth Paul's inspired conviction and understanding of just who Jesus Christ.  His point:  Jesus is sufficient for salvation and is all that we need. 

Despite Paul's situation during the writing of the Prison Epistles, he was not hindered from sharing the Gospel message with others or writing letters to encourage individuals and churches. Acts 28:30-31 tells us, "He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." Even in this difficult context, God was at work to empower Paul to change the lives of many during his time and ours through these works now known as the Prison Epistles.

We too as Christians, whatever trials we face, can always seek to advance Christ’s kingdom and God’s glory.  We too can be triumphant, and can learn to be content in whatever circumstances and say as Paul, ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:13)

Robert Prater