The Prison Epistles

Paul is one of the greatest apostles to have ever preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is regarded as a hero in the faith by many believers and helped to pave the way for the uprising of the New Testament church. His life has been an example to Christians through the centuries and his letters to the New Testament churches are some of the most beautiful pieces of scripture. All of the Apostle Paul’s letters are beautiful and The Prison Epistles – Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians, are no exception.

These letters, written to congregations and individuals are full of truths that are to still be taught in our pulpits and put into practice in our everyday lives. Even though He was in prison and had struggles of his own, Paul takes the time to write letters with themes to be exemplified in every congregation and every individual of faith. Themes of forgiveness and restoration and the joy of the Lord characterize The Prison Epistles and make them wonderful parts of scripture.

One particular theme found in The Prison Epistles is that of forgiveness and restoration. In Philemon, Paul writes to a slave owner who has been wronged and whose slave has run away. Although Philemon would have every right to punish his slave, Paul tells Philemon that his slave has accepted Christ and makes a plea that Philemon forgive his new brother in Christ and make restoration.

Forgiveness is something each of us will face in our lifetime especially as believers. Through the letter to Philemon, Paul challenges us all to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. He also challenges us to release to need for apologies and to make restoration when possible in our everyday lives.

Another theme found in The Prison Epistles is the theme of the joy of the Lord. What makes this theme so beautiful is that Paul himself is jail. He would seem to have every reason to complain and be discouraged. But instead, He admonishes the people in these congregations to keep their focus on Christ and to remember that Jesus is sufficient and has already provided everything we need to continue on in our life.

Through Paul’s Prison Epistles, innumerable lessons can be learned in our personal devotions and as we spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our communities and churches. May we always be grateful for every word and sentence of the word of God.