The Prison Epistles A Study of the Letters

The Prison Epistles A Study of the Letters Paul Wrote While Imprisoned in Rome Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon

Philippi • • • Area located in ancient (and modern) Greece. First settled in 6 th century B. C. Conquered by King Philip of Macedon 356 B. C. Gold mines served as a source of wealth. Romans invaded in 167 B. C. Roman Civil Wars, Battle of Philippi. October 42 B. C. – Mark Antony and Octavian confronted Brutus and Cassius (assassins of Julius Caesar). Antony and Octavian victorious. – After battle, Roman veterans colonized Philippi.

Philippi • Colony meant that citizens were Romans with special rights. Roman coinage, laws, etc. • Octavian became Roman Emperor in 30 B. C. , placed more Roman settlers, thought to include Praetorian Guard and other Italians. • Philippi divided into blocks and distributed to colonists, veterans and others from Italy. • Philippi had many of the same type of government, public, trade, and cultural buildings & centers that were in Rome.

Paul and Silas at Philippi • Paul’s 2 nd Missionary Journey. • Acts 16: Paul passed through Phrygia and Galatia. About A. D. 50. • Paul has a vision at Troas, Macedonian man saying “come over to Macedonia and help us”. • Paul and company sail from Troas to Samothrace to Neopolis. • Traveled from Neopolis to Philippi. • Acts 16: 12: Philippi described as leading city in Macedonia, Roman colony.

Ephesians 5: 1 -21

Photo of the Egnatian Way Overlooking Modern Kavala (site of ancient Neopolis)

Paul and Silas at Philippi • Important Events at Philippi from Acts 16: – Sabbath Day: Paul found women assembled near the river. – Lydia and household converted. – Servant girl healed from Spirit of Divination. – Her masters drag Paul and Silas before authorities. – Paul and Silas beaten and jailed. Put in stocks. – Paul and Silas pray and sing praises at midnight. – Great earthquake, prison doors open. – Jailer converted. – Magistrates order Paul and Silas released. – Paul tells them of his Roman citizenship. Mag. Beg them to leave.

The Book of Philippians • Believed to have been written while Paul was in custody in Rome. A. D. 60 -63. • Chapter 3: 15 -18 tells us that this church had sent gifts to him more than once via Epaphroditus. • Chapter 2: 19: Paul hoped to send Timothy to them shortly. • Chapter 2: 24: Paul also hoped to come. • Chapter 2: 25: Epaphroditus was being sent back. Seemingly bringing this letter.

Themes of Philippians • Major Theme: Joy in the Lord. • “Joy” found five times. “Rejoice” found eleven. • Despite being in custody awaiting trial, Paul found reason to rejoice in this good church. • Outline of Major Themes. – Chapter 1: Paul’s Present Circumstances. – Chapter 2: Have the Mind, Attitude of Christ. – Chapter 3: Have the Knowledge of Christ. – Chapter 4: Have the Peace of Christ.

Philippians 1: 1 -2 • Paul and Timothy. Bondservants of Christ. – Paul did not introduce himself as an apostle as he frequently did in other letters. – Perhaps his apostleship wasn’t disputed in Philippi. • To the saints in Christ at Philippi. – With the Overseers (Bishops) and Deacons. – Overseers, Elders, Bishops, Presbyters, Shepherds were terms used to describe the same office. – Only a decade after being established, this church was organized after the scriptural pattern.

Philippians 1: 3 -11 • Paul thanked God every time he thought of them. – Paul received terrible treatment from the authorities at Philippi, but his thoughts of the church made him happy. – He remembered them in every prayer. – Because of their fellowship (participation, sharing) in the gospel from the first day. • Paul was confident that God who began a good work in them would perfect it.

Philippians 1: 3 -11 • Paul’s special relationship with the Philippians. – They were in his heart. – They had been partakers with him. – God was a witness of how Paul yearned for them. • He wanted their love to increase more and more in real knowledge and discernment. – He wanted knowledge, discernment to increase. – So that their ability to distinguish things that are excellent. To be sincere and blameless. • Sincere: derived from latin: sin (without) cere (wax). Ancient marble and porcelain would sometimes use wax to hide flaws their products. Reputable dealers would advertise their products as “sin cere”, “without wax”. • For us this means without deception or hypocrisy.

Philippians 1: 12 -18 • Paul’s imprisonment had helped spread the Gospel. – The Whole Praetorian Guard was aware of why Paul was imprisoned. – Everyone else: Roman Public. – This had encouraged brethren to have courage to speak without fear. • Some preached for the wrong reasons and impure motives. • Others did so out of love. • Yet Paul still found reason to rejoice in the fact that Christ was being preached.