In Lesson 6, we studied the “Travel Epistles”—the letters Paul wrote during his missionary journeys. These letters showed us some of the difficulties experienced by new believers in areas that had been recently evangelized. They also showed the personal struggles Paul had in maintaining his authority as an apostle in the face of strong opposition from false brothers and sisters.

In this lesson, we will study the “Prison Epistles”—the letters of Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. These are the letters Paul wrote during his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:17–31). They help us see what the church was like during this period of its history, and they also reveal more about Paul’s character.

Ephesians and Colossians, for example, were written to believers who were ready for more teaching about the person of Christ and the nature of the church. On the personal side, Philemon is an expression of Paul’s understanding of Christian brotherhood and forgiveness, and Philippians is his own spiritual self-portrait. As we study these letters, we will see how the church continued to grow and we will learn more about Paul himself and his total dedication to Jesus Christ.

In all four prison epistles, Paul referred to his imprisonment or bonds (Philemon 1; Ephesians 3:1, 4:1; Colossians 1:24, 4:10; Philippians 1:12–13). Through these letters, Paul continued to minister to the churches that had been established in Colosse, Philippi, and the area of Ephesus, even though he was unable to visit them personally.

Paul’s Imprisonment

Paul arrived in Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey and met with the leaders there (Acts 21:17–19). He agreed to sponsor four men in a vow of purification and make a vow himself to show that he was not teaching Jews to completely disregard the Law of Moses (Acts 21:20–26). A few days after he had agreed to do this, he was attacked by a mob while he was in the temple in fulfillment of his vow. Some Jews from Asia had stirred up the crowd against him, saying that he had desecrated the temple by taking Gentiles into areas that were forbidden to them (Acts 21:27–29).

The uproar was so great that the Roman commander sent his soldiers to take Paul into their protection until he could find out what Paul had done to anger the crowd. In an effort to determine what had happened, the commander permitted Paul to defend himself, but Paul’s defense before the crowd and the Sanhedrin only served to further infuriate them. When the commander proceeded to examine Paul by scourging, he appealed to his rights as a Roman citizen. Thus, the commander sent him to Caesarea to appear before the governor, Felix. Felix heard his case but delayed in making a decision, and Paul remained in prison in Caesarea for two years. Festus, a new governor, came into office at that time, and Paul’s case was reviewed again. At this time, he asked to be tried before Caesar, and he was sent to Rome.

Luke gave a full description of the voyage Paul made to Rome. During this voyage, several notable things happened, including a storm, a shipwreck, Paul’s miraculous deliverance from a poisonous snake on the Island of Malta, and the healing of many people there (Acts 27:13–28:10). These incidents reveal additional aspects of Paul’s character and show his calm resolution and trust in God in the midst of dangerous and life threatening situations.

After Paul arrived in Rome, he was placed under house arrest (Acts 28:16). But though he was unable to travel, he had complete freedom to teach and preach about Christ (28:30–31). Acts does not tell us the outcome of Paul’s trial before Caesar. Luke probably had no more information available to him about it at the time he wrote. However, from the evidence we have, it appears that the four prison epistles were written during the time Paul was imprisoned in Rome. We will study the specific historical background and content of each one in the remaining part of this lesson.

Philemon: Practical Christian Forgiveness

While Paul was in prison, he became acquainted with Onesimus and led him to the Lord (Philemon 10). Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master, Philemon, a man whom Paul knew. Philemon may have become a Christian while Paul was in Ephesus. It appears that his home was in Colosse (or possibly in nearby Laodicea) and that he was a member of the church where he lived (Philemon 1–2; Colossians 4:17). Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter—our New Testament book of Philemon—in which he called upon Philemon to forgive Onesimus.

Philemon gives us a glimpse into the society in which many of the first Christians lived. Slavery was a common practice. Some historians have estimated that there may have been up to six million slaves in the Roman Empire during New Testament times. According to Roman law, a master could treat his slave however he wished. If the slave offended him, he could punish him with any degree of cruelty or even put him to death. In some of his other letters, Paul gave instructions to slaves and masters regarding their relationships (see Ephesians 6:5–9), but the gospel actually introduced life-changing principles of love and brotherhood that would eventually cause Christians to stop the practice of slavery altogether. No doubt Paul realized this. As 1 Corinthians 7:21–23 shows us, he had a high regard for freedom and encouraged others to obtain freedom if they could. There is a hint in his letter to Philemon that he expected Philemon to give Onesimus his freedom (see vv. 14 and 21). Nevertheless, Paul’s immediate aim in all his letters, including Philemon, was not to dictate outward social change. It was to instruct believers to live out the gospel in their present situation, regardless of what it was.

The letter to Philemon gives a beautiful and practical example of how Christian forgiveness can be applied to a real situation in which a serious offense has been committed. It also affords us further insight into the character of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Because of Christ’s love in him, he reached out to a runaway slave, a person whom most of society would despise and consider worthless. He led him to the Lord and interceded for him with tact and eloquence, offering to pay his debts himself. Read the letter and complete the following exercise.

PHILEMON: PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN FORGIVENESS

I. Paul’s Greeting. Read verses 1–3.

II. Paul’s Thanks for Philemon. Read verses 4–7.

III. Paul’s Plea for Onesimus. Read verses 8–21.

IV. Paul’s Request and Conclusion. Read verses 22–25.

Paul sent his personal appeal to Philemon and his letters to the church at Colosse and the churches in the area of Ephesus by way of a believer named Tychicus. Onesimus accompanied Tychicus as far as the home of his master Philemon (Colossians 4:7–9; Ephesians 6:21–22).

Ephesians: The Glorious Church

As we have stated, Tychicus took with him the letter to the Ephesians when he went to Asia accompanied by Onesimus. This letter shows the kind of teaching Paul gave to believers who were past the beginning stages of their Christian walk and reaching out for greater maturity in their spiritual lives.

Distinctive Form

Several facts indicate that Ephesians was a letter originally designed by Paul for circulation among all the churches in the area of Ephesus. The practice of circulating letters among the churches was not unusual. In his earlier letter to the Corinthians, Paul addressed not only them but “all the saints throughout Achaia” (2 Corinthians 1:1). This implies that other churches near Corinth would read the letter as well.

Paul had spent three years in Ephesus, an important center of trade and the location of a famous temple to the goddess Artemis (Acts 19:8–10, 35; 20:31). As a result, many churches were started in the surrounding cities. While he was imprisoned, Paul responded to the needs of these churches by composing a letter that would be suitable for all of them as well as for the believers in Ephesus. His letter showed them that they were not separate, individual groups but parts of one living organism—the universal body of Christ whose existence was planned by God before the world began.

Some of the ancient copies of Ephesians do not contain the words “in Ephesus” at the beginning. Thus, the letter we have probably represents the copy that was preserved by the congregation in Ephesus. These facts explain why it bears the name of the city of Ephesus but contains no personal greetings to individuals in the church there, as was Paul’s custom. It may be that Paul had Ephesians in mind when he told the Colossians to “read the letter from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16). This phrase would refer to his circular letter, then on its way from Laodicea to Colosse.

Content and Outline

Ephesians is similar to Romans in that it is not a response to specific church problems but a presentation of a certain doctrinal truth. But whereas in Romans the theme is God’s righteousness (or salvation), the theme in Ephesians is the universal church. Thus, the teaching of Romans is particularly suitable for new Christians and the teaching of Ephesians for those who are more mature in their faith.

In Ephesians, Paul explained the origin of the church, stated the nature of its final destiny, described the behavior of its members, and outlined the character of its warfare. The truths that he expressed concerning the church are profound and farreaching. Its members were chosen “before the creation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Their position is “in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (2:6). Their goal is to grow up into “him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (4:15). God’s purpose in all of this is that He might show the riches of His grace and that all will contribute to the praise of His glory (1:6, 12, 14; 2:7).

After expressing these truths, Paul described how believers should live as a result of the spiritual position they have in Christ. His description is specific, practical, and inclusive. He addressed individuals (Ephesians 4:1–5:21), wives and husbands (5:22–33), children and parents (6:1–4), and slaves and masters (6:5–9). He concluded by revealing the true nature of the church’s conflict and the secret of its victory (6:10–18).

Read through the epistle, using the following outline to guide you.

EPHESIANS: THE GLORIOUS CHURCH

I. The Church in God’s Plan. Read 1:1–14.

II. The Church and God’s Power. Read 1:15–2:10.

III. The Church as God’s Dwelling. Read 2:11–22.

IV. The Church as God’s Revelation. Read 3:1–21.

V. The Gifts to the Church. Read 4:1–16.

VI. The Standards of the Church. Read 4:17–5:21.

VII. The Conduct of the Church. Read 5:22–6:9.

VIII. The Warfare of the Church. Read 6:10–24.

The teachings of Ephesians help believers understand how they fit into God’s eternal plan that all things in heaven and on earth will be brought together under one head—Christ (Ephesians 1:10). What a privilege to be included in God’s plan as part of the church, the body of Christ! Paul challenged his readers to live worthy of the calling they had received (4:1). May we accept the same challenge.

Colossians: The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians was written at the same time as Ephesians. It has similar content but the emphasis is different, for in it Paul responded to certain doctrinal errors that had found their way into the church at Colosse. Tychicus took this letter with him, along with the letters to Philemon and the Ephesians.

Historical Background

Colosse was a city located to the east of Ephesus. Paul received news of the Colossian church from Epaphras, who ministered there and in the cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians 1:7–8; 4:12–13). Although Paul had never visited the Colossian church, he considered himself responsible for its spiritual welfare since it was in the area that was evangelized while he ministered in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).

It appears that Epaphras told Paul of certain errors that the Colossians were adopting. Specifically, they had begun to follow a teaching that promised that they could have a special knowledge of God. This knowledge could be obtained by those who would observe legalistic practices (Colossians 2:9–16), embrace a philosophy that included false humility and the worship of angels (2:8, 18–19), and obey certain ascetic rules (2:20–23). No doubt those who promoted this false doctrine made it sound very Christian.

The legalistic aspect of this teaching had a Jewish source similar to that which Paul had already opposed in his letter to the Galatians. The other aspects were beliefs held by some of the pagan religions of the day. In effect, the whole teaching denied Christ His rightful place as supreme in the universe and head over the church. It substituted an artificial system of human regulations and false humility for the life of true spirituality that is found in Christ.

Content and Outline

Paul responded to the situation in Colosse. He began his letter by reminding the Colossians that they had heard the true gospel from Epaphras (Colossians 1:7). He continued by asserting the full deity of Christ and His total sufficiency as God’s complete revelation (1:15–20; 2:2–10). He then exposed the false teaching they had adopted (2:16–19) and explained how their relationship to Christ was the key to godly living (2:20–4:6).

In all of his writing, Paul sought to help the Colossians understand the supremacy of Christ, the creator of all things (1:16, 18). He made clear the great contrast between the empty philosophy that they were following and the fullness that is in Christ, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge were hidden (2:3). Paul intended for his letter to be read by the church in nearby Laodicea as well (4:16). This would help prevent the believers there from following the same error.

Read the epistle, using the following outline to guide you.

COLOSSIANS: THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST

I. Introductory Greeting. Read 1:1–2.

II. Christ Supreme in the Universe. Read 1:3–2:3.

III. Christ Supreme over Human Religion. Read 2:4–23.

IV. Christ Supreme in Christian Living. Read 3:1–4:6.

V. Closing Remarks. Read 4:7–18.

Paul’s strategy in helping the Colossians see their error was to present the glories of Christ and declare His deity and supremacy. This in itself revealed the poverty of the false teaching they had been following. He reminded them that they had been given “fullness in Christ” (2:10). Those who read his letter and accepted its message would find it impossible to continue in their mistaken beliefs. Its message, however, is just as important for us today as it was for its original readers. Like them, we must be careful that our spiritual lives are centered on Christ. We, too, need to worship Him as the one who alone has total authority over the universe and is the supreme head of the church.

Philippians: The Testimony of Paul

Philippians is an inspiring expression of Paul’s personal feelings and ambitions. It shows us the values and ideals that formed the basis of his ministry. This letter is evidence of the special fellowship between Paul and the believers to whom it was directed. They were loyal to him from the beginning.

Historical Background

It appears that Philippians was written somewhat later than Philemon, Ephesians, and Colossians—probably toward the close of Paul’s two-year period of house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31). He told the Philippians that he hoped to visit them again, which indicated that he expected to be released after his case was heard (Philippians 1:23–26). His expectation shows that his case was probably coming up for trial in the near future.

Philippi was the first city Paul visited when he went to Europe on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6–40). It was a Roman colony and the leading city of the area. He gained several converts there, including Lydia and the Philippian jailer and their households (Acts 16:14–15, 31–34). The city apparently had very few Jews, for Luke made no mention of their being a synagogue. He did not describe any Jewish opposition, either, which Paul usually experienced in the cities where he preached. When Paul left, Luke stayed behind, probably to oversee the new group of believers. He rejoined Paul later. (Note Luke’s use of “we” and “they” in Acts 16:11–12, 40. The “we” does not appear again until Acts 20:5–6.)

Content and Outline

Philippians allows us to see into Paul’s mind and heart in a special way. It reveals the attitude he had toward his circumstances (Philippians 1:12–18), the example he followed (2:1–12), the goals he pursued (3:7–14), and the confidence he maintained (4:12–13, 19).

In addition to these personal subjects, two other themes appear throughout the letter—that of the gospel and that of joy and rejoicing. Though Paul was in a difficult and depressing situation, his heart was full of joy (Philippians 2:17; 4:10). Several times, he encouraged the Philippians to rejoice (2:18; 3:1; 4:4). He did not dwell on the fact that he was imprisoned but focused his attention on the progress of the gospel (1:12–18). He told his readers to live worthy of the gospel (1:27) and named several who were fellow workers in the cause of the gospel (4:3).

Philippians 2:5–11 is an important passage in the letter as well. Along with John 1, Hebrews 1–2, and Colossians 1, it asserts the deity of Christ and helps us understand what took place when Christ became a man. As we read the verses immediately before this passage, however, we discover that Paul had a particular reason for including it.

Read through the epistle to the Philippians using the following outline as a guide.

PHILIPPIANS: THE TESTIMONY OF PAUL

I. Paul’s Prayer. Read 1:1–11.

II. Paul’s Circumstances. Read 1:12–26.

III. Paul’s Exhortation. Read 1:27–2:18.

IV. Paul’s Plans. Read 2:19–30.

V. Paul’s Warnings. Read 3:1–4:1.

VI. Paul’s Appeal. Read 4:2–3.

VII. Paul’s Example. Read 4:4–9.

VIII. Paul’s Thanks. Read 4:10–23.

For Paul, his life and his teachings were in complete

harmony. Without reservation, he could tell the Philippians to

follow his example and practice whatever they had learned from

or seen in him (Philippians 3:17, 4:9). Can we do the same?

Truly, for Paul to live was Christ (Philippians 1:21). His testimony shows how much God’s grace can do in a life that is completely given to Him.