Important Lessons and Verses from Paul’s Prison Letters

Paul made contact with Ephesus for the first time on his second missionary, between 49 and 52 AD. On his third trip, he started the Christian community there, which became the church that received his epistle during his first time imprisoned in Rome. Paul spent two years in Rome under house arrest from 60-62 AD.

The Ephesian church was a predominantly gentile church, though there were some Jewish Christians. The major topics in the book of Ephesians include the blessings of the gospel, such as salvation and spiritual freedom, spiritual growth, the place of the gentiles in the church, Paul’s role as an apostle to the gentiles, guidance on Christian relationships, and spiritual warfare.

The phrase “in Christ” occurs 30 times in this epistle. Chapter 4 contains a passage called, “the seven ones” – unifying elements that comes from Jesus Christ and the church: One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, and One God.

Key Verses from Ephesians

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility” (Ephesians 2:15b-16).

“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. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:2-6).

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-23).

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 5:10-12).

Photo credit: ©SparrowStock

The letter to the church at Colossae was probably written around the same time as the letters to the Ephesians and to Philemon. Unlike the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul had not visited Colossae before he wrote the letter, and in all likelihood he never did.

This church was probably entirely made up of gentiles. The themes for this text are centered almost exclusively on who Jesus is, most likely because this church would have come from a pagan background, with no understanding of the Law and the Prophets, and would have been disconnected from the events surrounding the crucifixion. They believed in the stories of the Savior, but wanted a better understanding, so they reached out to the Apostle Paul.

Other topics addressed include: freedom in Christ, warning against false doctrine, heresy, the new person in Christ, and instructions for Christian living.

Key Verses from Colossians

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

“If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations — ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ (referring to things that all perish as they are used) — according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2:20-23).

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14).

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Allkindza

Philemon was most likely written around 60-62 AD; this letter is unique because it was not written to a church or another missionary. Paul addressed all his other letters either to other laborers such as Timothy and Titus, or to a church.

In this letter, Paul asks a fellow Roman citizen, Philemon, who became a brother in Christ, to release Onesimus from slavery. The latter individual was enslaved, but became a Christian. This letter upholds the idea expressed in his letter to the Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). It also establishes that, under the New Covenant, slavery is not to be embraced or upheld. Many abolitionists pointed to this book to support their cause.

Key Verses from Philemon

“I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment” (Philemon 1:10).

“But I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother — especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (Philemon 1:14-16).

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/aradaphotography

Based on the tone of the letter and statements Paul makes, he is near the end of his imprisonment. “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ” (Philippians 1:12).

Paul visited Philippi at least twice, possibly three or four times. This letter was not focused on clarifying doctrine, but more on encouraging the church to keep the faith. Other themes include living humbly, obedience to the Lord, the hope of God’s promises and eternity, keeping the mind focused on good things, and God’s grace.

Key Verses from Philippians

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account” (Philippians 1:21-24).

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:8-11).

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock

This letter to his close partner in the ministry, Timothy, is considered the last known letter from Paul. It was most likely was written from a very different situation than the other prison epistles. He was probably no longer under house arrest, but in less comfortable conditions, facing his looming execution.

Like Philippians, this book is about encouragement. It is very personal. Paul encouraged Timothy to stay strong, and to be bold in the faith. It is notable for containing a hymn in chapter 2. Other topics include dealing with heresy and anticipating hope through suffering.

Key Verses from 2 Timothy

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling…which is why I suffer as I do” (2 Timothy 1:8-12a).

“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13).

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self…Avoid such people” (2 Timothy 3:1, 5).

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

The Pauline epistles make up most of the New Testament and have a great deal of wisdom for readers today. More importantly, they demonstrate that anyone can serve God, no matter where they are or what limitations they believe they have.

Paul was under the thumb of the Roman Empire. Knowing that many wanted him dead, he still wrote to hundreds of people. He shared the gospel, encouraged new believers, clarified doctrine, and so much more.

Serving God doesn’t necessarily mean doing what you see other Christians doing. Instead, it means asking God what He wants you to do in the circumstances He’s given you, and serving with all your heart.

Sources
Allen, Stuart. Letters from Prison. Berean Publishing Trust, 1976.
Duncan, Ken. In the Footsteps of Paul. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2009.
Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Old Testament and New Testament. United States of America: Victor Books, 1987.
Wilmington, H.L. Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981.

Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock