The Prison EpistlesThe Prison Epistles

•Ephesians•Colossians•Philemon•Philippians

Paul typically had a scribe write for him Paul was under house arrest (Acts 28:30-31)

Critique this picture…

“To the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8)Acts 9 13 14 15 16 18 21 27 28

Fall 49

TheCouncil

May 57-Aug 59

Trials

Spring 68

Expansion of Church

35 48 49 50 52 53 57 60 62 67 68 95

Apr 48-Sep 49

1Galatia

Spr 53-May 57

3Asia

Feb 60-Mar 62

1Rome

Aut 67-Spr 68

2Rome

May 57-Aug 59

DamascusAntioch

38124

39-41

Spr 62-Fall 67

4Spain

NT Overview (Paul’s Letters)NT Overview (Paul’s Letters)

GalGal 1 Thess1 Thess

2 Thess2 Thess

1 Cor1 Cor

2 Cor2 Cor

RomansRomans

EphEph

ColCol

PhilemPhilem

PhilPhil

1 Tim1 Tim

TitusTitus

2 Tim2 Tim

MattMatt LukeLuke JohnJohnMarkMarkActsActs

Gospels & ActsGospels & Acts

Pauline EpistlesPauline Epistles

Pauline

Apr 50-Sep 52

2Aegean

Missionary

Prison

Pastoral

Why “Prison Epistles”?Why “Prison Epistles”?They refer to Paul’s bonds

• Eph 3:1; 4:1; 6:20• Col 4:3, 18• Philem 1, 9, 10• Phil 1:12-13

What are the “Prison Epistles”?What are the “Prison Epistles”?• Ephesians• Colossians• Philemon• Philippians

Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

Who carried these letters?Who carried these letters?1. Tychicus

• He carried the Ephesian and Colossian epistles (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7)

• He was accompanied by Onesimus (Col 4:9)

2. Onesimus• A slave to Philemon from Colossae• He probably carried the Epistle to Philemon when he

returned to his master, though it is not specifically mentioned (Phlm 12)

3. Epaphroditus• A man from Philippi, he carried the Philippian Epistle

back to his people (Phil 2:25, 28)

Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

What was Paul’s attitude?What was Paul’s attitude?• In Philemon, Paul was hopeful (evlpi,zw = hope)

that he would be released (Phlm 22)• In Philippians, Paul was confident (oi=da =

know) that he would be released (Phil 1:25; 2:24)

ConclusionConclusion• Written on 2-3 separate occasions• Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon are written

around the same time (probably AD 60-61)• Philippians is written later (probably AD 62)

Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

• Paul was imprisoned in Rome and Epaphras was with him

• They were joined by Onesimus, a runaway slave• Paul received news of a crisis in the Colossian

church (heresy)• He wrote in response to the Colossian problems

and sent Tychicus as the letter bearer• He also sent Onesimus with Tychicus with a letter

to Philemon• He also wrote a general circular letter for several

Gentile communities in Asia Minor (e.g. Ephesus)

Occasion for Prison EpistlesOccasion for Prison Epistles

Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

• Paul was still in prison• The Philippian church sent Epaphroditus to

minister to Paul• Paul found out from him problems in

Philippian church: external opposition (3:17f.) and internal disunity (4:2)

• Epaphroditus became very sick (Phil 2:26)• Paul sent him back with a letter to address

problems of Philippian church

Some months later (AD 62)…

Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

201How Do You Respond to Trials?

 You say… Strategy Temperament Epistle

 “I’m right!”   Push through   Choleric  Ephesians

  “Why me?”  Depression Melancholy  Philippians

“I’ll just get through”

Compromise   Sanguine  Colossians 

“It’ll pass”   Ignore it   Phlegmatic   Philemon

Ephesians

• Paul identified as the author in 1:1 and 3:1. • The style and content is consistent with Pauline

authorship.

Internal Evidence:

External Evidence:• The early church unanimously agreed with

Pauline authorship. • Dispute from Erasmus (16th cent.) and radical

German schools (19th cent.) make it the most disputed Pauline epistle today.

Authorship

• Written to Gentile believers• Makes no reference to any specific crisis or problem• Presents a positive Pauline gospel

General Observations

Ephesians 1:1• “From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus”• “In Ephesus” not found in the oldest and best manuscripts• No direct knowledge of recipients• No personal greetings

Recipient

The most general and non-situation specific epistle. Probably a circular letter for churches in

Asia Minor.

Date

Paul wrote this Ephesians during his first imprisonment in Rome, AD 60-61.

Special Characteristics

• Ephesians has the longest sentences of any NT writing and 8 lengthy sentences total (1:3-14, 15-23; 2:1-7; 3:1-13, 14-19; 4:1-7, 11-16; 6:17-18)

• Of all NT writings, Ephesians gives the fullest explanation of the unity between Jews and Gentiles

The Temple

Court of Women

Court of Israel

Court of Gentiles

Court of Priests

Main Temple

Temple Courtyard

Holy PlaceMost Holy Place

Warning Text for Gentiles

“Let no foreigner enter within the partition and enclosure surrounding the temple. Whoever is arrested

will be responsible for his death which will follow.”

Ephesians 2:14

“For He Himself is our peace, who

made both groups into one and

broke down the barrier of the

dividing wall”

Message of EphesiansCh 1–3 The unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church who are

equal positionally.

• Blessings in Christ as equal to predestined Jews (1:3-23)• Experience of salvation and reconciliation with Jews in the

body of Christ (Eph. 2)• Growing knowledge and strength (Eph. 3)

Ch 4–6 The walk of the Christians that shows their Jew-Gentile unity through love as a testimony to the world.

• Unity (4:1-16)• Holiness (4:17—5:20)• Submission/ headship (5:21—6:9)• Reliance upon God (6:10-20)• Love (6:21-24)

When someone is drunk…When someone is drunk…

Summary StatementPaul instructs the Colossian church in the

supremacy and deity of Christ and exhorts practical outworking of this doctrine in order to fight a

syncretistic heresy threatening the life and ministry of the church.

Applications• Do you mix Christian belief with other worldviews? • Avoid legalism & asceticism

Summary & Applications

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.

Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

19singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

19singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:18 NLTEphesians 5:18 NLT

Key Word

Unity(Exaltation in Christ)

Key Verse

Ephesians 4:1-3

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be

completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the

unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Summary Statement

Paul explains God’s mystery—the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the Church who are equal positionally—to exhort these two groups at Ephesus to live worthy of

this calling through a unified love for one another as a testimony to the world.

Application

Do you really believe you are equal with other members of the body of Christ?

How do you express your unity with believers who are different from you?

Colossians

External EvidenceEarly Christian writers attributed authorship to Paul. 1. Early support for Pauline authorship comes from Justin, Marcion, Irenaeus, Tertullia, & Clement of Alexandria. 2. Unquestioned acceptanceof Pauline authorship prevailed until the 19th century German scholars denied it based upon internal factors.

Internal Evidence Many factors support Pauline authorship: 1. The letter claims to havebeen written by Paul. 2. The similarity of Colossians to Ephesians argues for Pauline authorship as they were written at about the same time. 3. Colossians has many affinities to Paul's letter to Philemon, of which the authenticity is impeccable.

Author

Ephesians & Colossians

189-190CharacteristicsThese twin epistles can be compared and contrasted in many ways:

Ephesians Colossians

Similarities:

Written in prison, carried by Tychicus Written in prison, carried by Tychicus

Stresses wisdom, knowledge, fullness, & mystery

Stresses wisdom, knowledge, fullness, & mystery

First half—positionSecond half—practice

First half—positionSecond half—practice

Similar passages: Similar passages:

“In Him we have redemption through Hisblood, the forgiveness of sins…” (1:7)

“in whom we have redemption, theforgiveness of sins” (1:14)

“to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in

heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (1:10)

“and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the

cross” (1:20)

Ephesians & ColossiansCharacteristics

Ephesians ColossiansSimilar passages Similar passages

1:15-17 1:3-4

1:18 1:27

1:19-20 2:12

1:21-23 1:16-19

5:22-24 (wives) 3:18 (wives)

5:25-33 (husbands) 3:19 (husbands)

6:1-3 (children) 3:20 (children)

6:4 (fathers) 3:21 (fathers)

6:5-8 (slaves) 3:22-25 (slaves)

6:9 (masters) 4:1 (masters)

Ephesians Colossians

Differences

Emphasizes the Church as the Body of Christ

Emphasizes Christ as the Head of the body

General, universal Specific, local

Peaceful, calm Polemic, concern

Reflective, quiet Spiritual conflict

Ephesians v. Colossians

DateColossians was written during

Paul's first imprisonment in

Rome (Acts 28:30). The best evidence

suggests a specific date of autumn 61.

Origin/Recipients The epistle mentions Paul's

many associates, especially Tychicus, who carried the Colossian and Ephesian letters accompanied by Onesimus with the letter to Philemon.

This provides evidence that the Ephesian, Colossian, and Philemon letters all had the same origin.

Therefore, Colossians must have been written to Colosse from Rome.

Circumstances

Paul writes the Colossian epistle to deliver the church from a serious heresy threatening its very life since it is attacking the deity of Christ.

His response to this cult takes a two-pronged approach. He first establishes the supremacy of Christ as God in order to deal with the theological basis of the false teaching (chs. 1–2).

He then provides practical instruction in light of the deity of Christ which, when followed, will put the enemies of Christ to shame as they see holy living in the church (chs. 3–4).

Argument

Asia Minor was the seedbed for what developed into 2nd century Gnosticism. Paul’s counterattack tells us this about the heresy:

1. Jewish—legalism of following OT laws and ceremonies (2:16-17)

2. Greek philosophy—followed a so-called “deeper knowledge” revealed only to a special “elite” (2:2b-4, 8-10)

3. Worshipped angels as mediators between man and God (2:18)

4. Denied the deity of Christ (1:15; 2:9), & thus His supremacy (1:15b, 17a) & ability to create (1:16) & sustain the world (1:17)

5. Ascetic nature had a low view of the body (2:20-23)

What was the Colossian heresy? The above shows it was a syncretistic Jewish-Greek-Ascetic-Pagan cult. Paul's method to fight the heresy is to emphasize the deity & supremacy of Christ.

What was the Colossian Heresy?

Colossians

Key Verse“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity

lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).

Key WordDeity

(Church’s Ascended Head)

Philemon

Philemon

Paul refers to himself three times as author (vv. 1, 9, 19)

Authorship

RecipientPhilemon, a wealthy Christian slave owner in Colosse, is the primary addressee, but others in his church are included as well (v. 2)

During Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, AD 61. Date

Philemon

• Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, probably stole some money and ran away (18)

• He became Paul’s convert (10)• Paul wanted to return him to Philemon (12)

Occasion

Purpose• Appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation (17)• Appeal indirectly for the services of Onesimus

(13-14, 20-21)• Request for a guest room (22)

Key Word

Forgiveness(Pardon of Onesimus)

Key Verse

Philemon 17-18

“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or

owes you anything, charge it to me.”

Summary Statement

Application

Whom do you need to forgive a wrong done to you?

Whose forgiveness do you need to request?

Paul requests the Christian slave owner, Philemon, Paul requests the Christian slave owner, Philemon, to forgive his runaway but repentant slave, to forgive his runaway but repentant slave,

Onesimus, whom Paul led to Christ and sent back to Onesimus, whom Paul led to Christ and sent back to Philemon to be received as a Christian brother and to Philemon to be received as a Christian brother and to

teach forgiveness.teach forgiveness.

True Koinonia (Fellowship)

• “Fellowship of your faith” (v. 6)• Fellowship involves participation• Participation in Christ involves sharing and involvement

with each other• True fellowship means mutually participating in Christ

forgiveness and reconciliation• True fellowship promotes the good of everyone• It involves changing perceptions and acting accordingly

This letter has a good example:

• 3 outstanding debts• Powerful reversals• Outcome Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

3 Outstanding DebtsOnesimus’ Debt:

• He owed Philemon whatever he stole• He owed Philemon his life• Advice: return to owner for due punishmentPaul’s Debt:

• He owed Philemon value of each day’s work lost• Advice: charge any debts Onesimus owed to my

account, I will pay itPhilemon’s Debt:

• He owed Paul his new life in Christ (19)• Advice: welcome the runaway slave as a brother; but

do better than that—return him to meJeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

Powerful Reversals

• Property beloved brother

• Inferior equal

• Useless “useful” (Onesimus, v. 11)

Fellowship in Christ overturns all distinctions created by social structures

Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

1. Philemon preserved this epistle & allowed it to be circulated & copied—this would be highly unlikely if he did not forgive Onesimus!

 2. Paul expressed great confidence that Philemon would do more than even forgive Onesimus (v. 21)—perhaps free him?

3. Ignatius addressed the bishop in the nearby church in Ephesus about AD 115—and his name was Onesimus!

“Did Philemon Forgive Onesimus?”

Paul's short letter to Philemon demonstrates both the importance of forgiving offenders & also being forgiven as necessary decisions for walking with God.

This views the letter from the perspective of both

Onesimus and Philemon.

The letter was not simply a personal correspondence to Philemon alone. It addresses others in the church and the uses the plural “you” in verse 25.

Perspectives

PhilippiansQ: What is the theme of Philippians?

Book Chart181Philippians

 Results of Imitating Christ’s Attitude

Joy  Humility  Protection  Peace

 Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4

 Joy (5x)  Joy (7x)  Joy (1x)  Joy (4x)

 Attitude (1x)  Attitude (7x)  Attitude (8x)  Attitude (4x)

 Suffering  Submission  Salvation  Sanctification

Salutation1:1-2

Thanks & Prayer1:3-11

In Prison Ministry1:12-30

 Exhorted2:1-4

 Exemplified2:5-30

 From Legalism

3:1-16

 From Indulgence

3:17-21

 With People4:1-3

With God4:4-9

Always4:10-20 –Greetings4:21-23

 Rome

 Early Spring AD 62 (first Roman imprisonment)

Christ is Prominent in PhilippiansCharacteristics Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Deity (God) 

2:6   

Pre-eminent (Lord) 1:2, 20 2:9-11 3:20-21 

Returning in Power 1:6, 10 2:10, 16 3:20-21 4:5Sacrificial (Cross) 1:29 2:8 3:18

 

Savior 

3:20 

Glorified Body (Resurrected)   

3:10, 21 

Incarnation (man) 

2:6-8   

Humble 

2:6-8   

Obedient 

2:8   

Selfless Interests (Servant) 

2:6, 21   

Has a Ministry Plan 

2:21, 30   

Provider of Needs     

4:19Helper via the Spirit 1:19

     

Answers Prayer 1:19     

Gives Faith to Believe 1:29     

Gives Privilege of Service 1:1, 14-18, 22      

Gives Ability to Glorify Him   

3:3 

Characteristics Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4Gives Affection for Others 1:8 2:29

   

Gives Righteousness (Saints) 1:1, 10-11 

3:9 4:21Gives Encouragement

 2:19

   

Gives Knowledge of Himself   

3:8, 10 

Gives Glory to God 1:11     

Gives Grace 1:2   

4:23Gives Comfort to Us

 2:1

   

Gives Comfort for Others 

2:1   

Gives Purpose for Ministry 

2:16   

Gives Life 1:21     

Gives Ability to Do Everything     

4:13Gives Joy (Contentment) 1:18, 26 2:29 3:1 4:4, 10-13

Gives Confidence (Ability to Stand) 1:13-14 2:19, 24 

4:1, 19Gives Peace 1:2

 4:2, 7

Gives Suffering 1:13, 29 

3:10 

Gives Rewards 1:21, 23  3:7-8, 14  

Gives Humility 

2:5   

Gives Unity 1:15-17 2:1-2 

4:21-22Gives New Bodies (Resurrection)    

3:11, 21 

Gives Christlikeness (Exalts Himself in Us) 1:20, 27 2:5 3:10-14 

Christ is Prominent in Philippians

Key WordAttitude

(Priority of Unity)

Key Verse“Your attitude should be the same

as that of Christ Jesus”(Philippians 2:5).

Theme

Imitating the Attitude of Christ

Summary StatementPaul exhorts the Philippian believers to imitate Christ’s attitude that they may

experience joy, humility, and peace to be protected from false teachers and disunity in

the church.

ApplicationHow do you need to show a more Christ-

like attitude during difficulty?

Philippians 2:6-11

—decided to relinquish hold on divine rights —always existed in the form of God

—emptied Himself of these equal rights —took the form of a servant by becoming man

—obeyed to the point of death —died by crucifixion

Christ

Glory Glory

2:6-8 Humiliation

2:9-11 Exaltation

Lordship will be Acknowledged

What is the attitude of Christ?

Humility

Other examples of Christ-like humility

1. Paul served with humility (2:16-18)

• Paul spent his life for the Philippians (“poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice”)

2. Timothy served with humility (2:19-24)

• Timothy showed genuine interest in their welfare, not his own interest

3. Epaphroditus served with humility (2:25-30)

• Epaphroditus risked his life to serve Paul

201aPrison Epistle Christology

  Christ as…Christ as… FocusFocus ExplanationExplanation

EphesiansEphesians HeadHead   Unity Unity of Christof Christ

Christ breaks down Christ breaks down barriers between barriers between

believersbelievers

  PhilippiansPhilippians ExampleExample Attitude Attitude of Christof Christ

Christ models how to Christ models how to handle difficultyhandle difficulty

ColossiansColossians GodGod   Deity Deity of Christof Christ

  Christ is superior to Christ is superior to human philosophieshuman philosophies

PhilemonPhilemon   ReconcilerReconciler   Forgiveness Forgiveness of Christof Christ

  Christ reconciles Christ reconciles believers to God and believers to God and

one anotherone another

202Applying the Prison Epistles

    1st1stCenturyCenturyProblemProblem

 21stCenturyProblem

 Solution(Theme)

EphesiansEphesians Jew-Gentile

Conflicts(“We-ism”)

   Chinese OnlyBaptist OnlyAdults Only

 Realize ChristianUnity (4:3)

  PhilippiansPhilippians Persecution

PrisonDeath

MinistryInconvenience

- time, sleep- recreation

 Imitate Christ’s Attitude (2:5)

ColossiansColossiansDenying Christ’s

Deity

   New AgeCults

 Proclaim HisDeity (2:9)  

PhilemonPhilemon    Master/Slave(“Me-ism”)

   Forgive Boss /Employee /

Others

   Reconcile the Relationship(vv. 17-18)