3. The Prison Epistles refer to four
letters in the New Testament
written by the apostle Paul during
his time under house arrest in
Rome, approximately 60—62 AD.
They are Ephesians, Philippians,
Colossians, and Philemon.
Together they comprise four of
the New Testament's 27 books
and 15 of its 260 chapters.
4. From prison, Paul wrote words of
encouragement and instruction in a
series of letters to communities
throughout the Roman Empire. The
first three of these epistles was
written to specific local groups of
Christians in the cities for which the
books were named. The last letter
was a personal one to an individual,
which is named after the intended
recipient.
5. EPHESIANS
Ephesians was written to the
believers at Ephesus and
covers areas of doctrine.
Perhaps the greatest value of
this letter for the church today,
is its emphasis on salvation by
grace through faith alone.
6. PHILIPPIANS
Philippians was the most
positive letter of all the Prison
Epistle. It was written mainly
to thank the Christians in
Philippi for their financial
support of Paul's missionary
work.
7. COLOSSIANS
Colossians is addressed to the
Christians in Colossae. It
focuses on the deity of Jesus.
Jewish influence had infiltrated
the church and some of the
saints had attempted to add
Jewish rituals to the Christian
faith.
8. PHILEMON
Philemon, was a short, but very
personal letter Paul wrote
concerning a runaway slave of
Philemon named Onesimus. Paul
had led Onesimus to Christ and
was encouraging Philemon to
treat Onesimus as a brother; not
as a slave.
9. WHAT CAN WE LEARN
Despite Paul's imprisonment, he was
not hindered from sharing the Gospel
message with others by writing letters
to encourage individuals and churches.
Even during these difficult situations
and circumstances, God was still at
work to empower Paul to change lives.
Likewise, the difficulties we face in life
should not hinder us. We have been
empowered to work, worship & serve.
