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Topic 13 Prison Letters: Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians

Topic 13 Prison Letters: Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians. Philippians: Paul’s letter of joy Church in Philippi Founded on 2 nd journey (Acts 16:12-40). Warm, friendly relationship with Paul. Authenticity – undisputed Date and place – written from prison

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Topic 13 Prison Letters: Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians

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  1. Topic 13 Prison Letters:Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians • Philippians: Paul’s letter of joy • Church in Philippi • Founded on 2nd journey (Acts 16:12-40). • Warm, friendly relationship with Paul. • Authenticity – undisputed • Date and place – written from prison Three theories of origin of prison letters: • Rome (Ac. 28) – c. 58-64 – traditional view • Caesarea (Ac. 23-26) – c. 56-58 • Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32; 2 Cor. 1:8) – c. 54-55 • Occasion • To assure his friends that he is ok (1:12-26). • To thank them for a financial contribution (4:15-18). • To explain early return of Epaphroditus (2:25-30). • To deal with a false teaching (3:2-21).

  2. Philippians – cont. • Highlights of Philippians • 1:12-26 – Paul rejoices in midst of troubles • Sees prison as mission opportunity (v. 12-13). • Evaluates prospects of life and death (v. 21-24). • 2:6-11 – The “Philippians Hymn” • Pre-existence (v. 6a) – eternal heavenly glory • Incarnation (v. 6b-7) – took on human flesh • Humility and obedience (v. 8) – all the way to the Cross • Exaltation (v. 9-11) – back to heavenly glory • 3:2-21 – Warning against false teachers • Boasting of Jewish credentials (v. 2-9) – Paul discounts such credentials in light of what he has gained in Christ. • Claims of spiritual perfection (v. 10-21) – Paul insists he is not yet perfect but presses on towards the goal.

  3. Philemon • Destination • Only undisputed letter addressed to individual. • Philemon probably lived in Colossae (cf. Col. 4:9, 17). • Authenticity – undisputed • Date and place • Written from prison • Rome, Caesarea, or Ephesus • Occasion • Runaway slave named Onesimus (“useful”). • Returning; asking clemency (v. 15-19); hints at release (v. 10-14, 20). • Does Paul advocate or condemn slavery? • Neither one – he presupposes it as part of his culture. • While he does not denounce it, he does sow seeds of its ultimate demise.

  4. Colossians: the All-Sufficient Christ • Authenticity – debated • Differences in language and style. • Differences in theology. • Church in Colossae • Founded by Paul’s co-worker Epaphras (1:7). • Paul has not visited personally (2:1). • Date and place • If authentic, written from prison (Rome, Caesarea, Ephesus). • If inauthentic, probably 65-80. • Occasion • Warns against a Gnostic syncretism. • Involves ascetic practices designed to appease hostile angelic powers.

  5. Colossians – cont. • Highlights of Colossians • 1:15-20 – Hymn on universal lordship of Christ • Christ is Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of “all things.” • As universal Lord, faith in him is sufficient for salvation. • 2:15 – Cross of Christ has defeated all hostile powers. • 2:16-23 – Ascetic practices are not necessary. • ch. 3-4 – Authentic Christian discipline • “Put off…put on” (3:5-14). • Domestic Code (3:18-4:1) – Christian duties within the household; addresses 3 paired relationships: • Husbands – wives • Fathers – children • Masters – slaves

  6. Ephesians: Unity in Christ • Authenticity – debated • Differences in language and style. • Differences in theology. • Verbal similarities to Col. and other letters. • Impersonal tone. • Destination – uncertain (regardless of authorship) • Oldest Greek mss. lack a place name in salutation (1:1). • May be “circular letter.” • Date and place • If authentic –from prison (Rome; Caesarea; Ephesus). • If inauthentic – probably 80-100. • Occasion – unclear; possibilities include: • Tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians. • E. J. Goodspeed theory: cover letter composed by collector of Paul’s letters to introduce published collection.

  7. Highlights of Ephesians • ch. 1-3 – Theology • Salvation by grace through faith (2:1-10, esp. v. 8-10). • Union of Jews and Gentiles in Christ (2:11-22, esp. v. 13-16). • ch. 4-6 – Ethics • “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32). • Domestic Code (5:21-6:9). • Similar to code in Col.: • Husbands/wives; • Fathers/children; • Masters/slaves. • Not imposing “patriarchal hierarchy” on the church. • Presupposes that structure and modifies it in Christian ways: • “Dominant” role also has obligation to “subordinate” role. • Whole code is put under rubric of “mutual submission” (v. 21).

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