Paul S Letters From Prison Ephesians Philippians Colossians Philemon

The letters Paul wrote to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, have one feature in common that distinguishes them from the other letters he wrote: in them, Paul calls himself a prisoner. This thought-provoking study examines closely the metaphorical and literal meaning of Paul's "bonds and chains". Through analysis of the letters themselves, Caird considers whether Paul was actually behind bars when he wrote them (and if so, in which prison or prisons), whether he may have been referring to himself figuratively as a "prisoner of Jesus Christ," and whether he was the actual author of all four letters. In assessing these issues, Caird outlines each letter's intended audience, vocabulary, style, historical setting, literary references, and theology.

Modern translations have made it clearer than ever that many of Paul's assumptions and ideas are utterly foreign to us. This commentary guides the reader into a new understanding of Paul's letters and a new appreciation of his theology and ethics as having meaning for us in today's world. Paul is important at two levels. At the level of events, it was he who brought the Church out of its Jewish cocoon. At the level of doctrine, it was Paul who first provided a way of formulating the significance of Jesus which made it possible to universalize his mission. Paul also brought simplicity and directness into the relationship of the individual with God. Finally, Paul, the Hellenistic Jew, was able to go far in expressing the Christian gospel in terms congenial to Greeks to launch the Church's teaching safely on non-semitic waters. - Jacket flap.

Making use of his scholar's understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright captures the verve and sparkle of these letters. Paul wrote the letters while in prison facing possible death, but their passion and energy are undimmed. They reveal Paul's longing to see young churches grow in faith and understanding, rooted in Jesus himself, and to see this faith worked out in practice. Wright's stimulating comments are combined with his own fresh and inviting translation of the text. Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

The book of Acts closes with Paul languishing under house arrest, being guarded by Roman soldiers while awaiting Caesar's decision about his life. What could he do but greet visitors and write letters? We have the following four letters he wrote during this time. EPHESIANS: He explained believers are seated with Christ in the heavens, far above all governments, authorities or powers. Regardless of our condition or status on earth, we are present and exalted in the spiritual realm with Christ. He further instructed Christ's followers how to stand against the wiles of spiritual forces of wickedness. PHILIPPIANS: Paul highlighted Christ's submission to the will of God to set forth the ideals of Christian maturity. Paul described the guiding force of his life; namely, to know Christ, to experience the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering, and ultimately, to run with meaning and purpose to attain the rewards that Christ provides. He urged his readers to pursue these same attitudes and maturity to maximize their fruitfulness for the kingdom of God. COLOSSIANS: He warned of false teachers who were teaching empty philosophies instead of Christ. He strongly and explicitly spoke of the preeminence of Jesus Christ. He urged believers to keep their attention and focus on Christ and Him alone. He richly expressed the centrality of Jesus' person, work and all He provides believers. In Him, all things were created and all things hold together. In Him, dwells the sum total of divine perfection. Through Christ comes peace from the blood of His cross and ensures believers will be presented to God holy, blameless and beyond reproach. PHILEMON: Paul pleads with a slave owner to take back a run-away slave. This personal letter is a model of the grace of Jesus Christ as Paul tactfully appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus without punishment. Paul generously assumes all the debts and obligations Onesimus incurred in running away. At the same time, he subtly reminds Philemon that Paul was responsible for bringing the message of salvation to him and his family. Paul's letter is a healing balm for Onesimus. who could have been severely punished or even put to death for his actions. These letters have been extremely influential for the Church of Jesus Christ. For centuries, they have profoundly edified, encouraged and exhorted believers since Paul wrote them. Their influence to the Church and even to our western culture has been inestimable and profound. As you use this Study Guide for LIFE you will be helped by three specific tools: 1) explanatory notes which offer insight into difficult or controversial passages; 2) searching questions which direct you back to the text for answers, and 3) probing questions that expand the context and challenge you to apply the truths in these letters to your own life and culture. Our goal is that you will know what the text says, what it means and will be able to apply it appropriately. Through these tools, you will discover and understand the purpose, power and passion that invigorated Paul during this dark time of his life. It is our hope that you will be able to use these discoveries to experience the same closeness and intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, who was his ever constant, always present, Lord and Savior. These Study Guides are appropriate for the study efforts of individuals, small groups or teachers preparing to explain this book. Whether you are a curious seeker or a professional minister, "A Study Guide for LIFE" will direct your studies deeply into the Word of God and ultimately into the life and intimacy of Jesus Christ. May it also stir your own heart to expand the influence of Christ in yourself, your circle of friends and into the uttermost parts of the earth. For in this day, Jesus is purifying the church and drawing to Himself the last of the lost in anticipation of His soon return to establish His Kingdom on earth.