Epistle of Paul

1. The 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…

2. “To the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8)
Acts 9 13 14 15 16 18 21 27 28
Fall 49
The
Council
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
1
Galatia
Spr 53-
May 57
3
Asia
Feb 60-
Mar 62
1
Rome
Aut 67-
Spr 68
2
Rome
May 57-
Aug 59
Damascus
Antioch
38
124
39-41
Spr 62-
Fall 67
4
Spain
NT Overview (Paul’s Letters)
Gal 1 Thess
2 Thess
1 Cor
2 Cor
Romans
Eph
Col
Philem
Phil
1 Tim
Titus
2 Tim
Matt Luke John
Mark
Acts
Gospels & Acts
Pauline Epistles
Pauline
Apr 50-
Sep 52
2
Aegean
Missionary
Prison
Pastora
l

3. 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”?
• Ephesians
• Colossians
• Philemon
• Philippians
Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

4. 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

5. 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)
Conclusion
• 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

6. • 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 Epistles
Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

7. • 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

8. 201
How 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

9. 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

10. • 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.

11. 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

12. The Temple
Court of
Women
Court of Israel
Court of
Gentiles
Court of Priests
Main Temple
Temple
Courtyard
Holy Place
Most Holy Place

13. 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.”

14. Message of Ephesians
Ch 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)

15. When someone is drunk…

16. Summary Statement
Paul 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

17. Don’t be drunk with
wine, because that will
ruin your life.
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.
Ephesians 5:18 NLT

18. 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.”

19. 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?

20. Colossians

21. External Evidence
Early Christian writers
attributed authorship to Paul.
1. Early support for Pauline
authorship comes from
Justin, Marcion, Irenaeus,
Tertullia, & Clement of
Alexandria.
2. Unquestioned acceptance
of 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 have
been 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

22. Ephesians & Colossians
189-190
Characteristics
These 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—position
Second half—practice
First half—position
Second half—practice
Similar passages: Similar passages:
“In Him we have redemption through His
blood, the forgiveness of sins…” (1:7)
“in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness 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)

23. Ephesians & Colossians
Characteristics
Ephesians Colossians
Similar 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)

24. 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

25. Date
Colossians 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

26.  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

27. 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?

28. Colossians
Key Verse
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity
lives in bodily form”
(Colossians 2:9).
Key Word
Deity
(Church’s Ascended Head)

29. Philemon

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

31. 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)

32. 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.”

33. 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,
to forgive his runaway but repentant slave,
Onesimus, whom Paul led to Christ and sent back to
Philemon to be received as a Christian brother and to
teach forgiveness.

34. 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

35. 3 Outstanding Debts
Onesimus’ Debt:
• He owed Philemon whatever he stole
• He owed Philemon his life
• Advice: return to owner for due punishment
Paul’s Debt:
• He owed Philemon value of each day’s work lost
• Advice: charge any debts Onesimus owed to my
account, I will pay it
Philemon’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 me
Jeremy Chew, East Asia School of Theology, Singapore

36. 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

37. 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?”

38.  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

39. Philippians
Q: What is the theme of Philippians?

40. Book Chart
181
Philippians
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
Salutation
1:1-2
Thanks
& Prayer
1:3-11
In Prison
Ministry
1:12-30
Exhorted
2:1-4
Exemplified
2:5-30
From
Legalism
3:1-16
From
Indulgence
3:17-21
With
People
4:1-3
With
God
4:4-9
Always
4:10-20 –
Greetings
4:21-23
Rome
Early Spring AD 62 (first Roman imprisonment)

41. Christ is Prominent in Philippians
Characteristics 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 4:5
Sacrificial (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 4:19
Helper 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

42. Characteristics Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4
Gives Affection for Others 1:8 2:29
Gives Righteousness (Saints) 1:1, 10-11 3:9 4:21
Gives Encouragement 2:19
Gives Knowledge of Himself 3:8, 10
Gives Glory to God 1:11
Gives Grace 1:2 4:23
Gives 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 4:13
Gives 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, 19
Gives 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 4:21-22
Gives 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

43. Key Word
Attitude
(Priority of Unity)
Key Verse
“Your attitude should be the same
as that of Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 2:5).

44. Summary Statement
Paul 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.
Application
How do you need to show a more Christ-
like attitude during difficulty?

45. 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

46. 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

47. 201a
Prison Epistle Christology
Christ as… Focus Explanation
Ephesians Head
Unity
of Christ
Christ breaks down
barriers between
believers
Philippians Example
Attitude
of Christ
Christ models how to
handle difficulty
Colossians God
Deity
of Christ
Christ is superior to
human philosophies
Philemon Reconciler
Forgiveness
of Christ
Christ reconciles
believers to God and
one another

48. 202
Applying the Prison Epistles
1st
Century
Problem
21st
Century
Problem
Solution
(Theme)
Ephesians
Jew-Gentile
Conflicts
(“We-ism”)
Chinese Only
Baptist Only
Adults Only
Realize Christian
Unity (4:3)
Philippians
Persecution
Prison
Death
Ministry
Inconvenience
- time, sleep
- recreation
Imitate Christ’s
Attitude (2:5)
Colossians
Denying
Christ’s
Deity
New Age
Cults
Proclaim His
Deity (2:9)
Philemon
Master/Slave
(“Me-ism”)
Forgive Boss /
Employee /
Others
Reconcile the
Relationship
(vv. 17-18)