The Prison Epistles—What are they?

Quick answer

The apostle Paul wrote four letters from prison while relatively free under house arrest. Three letters give advice and instructions to three churches, while one is a personal letter concerning slavery and forgiveness.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The prison epistles refer to four letters in the New Testament written by the apostle Paul during his time under house arrest in Rome between approximately AD 60 and62. They include Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Together, they comprise four of the New Testament's 27 books and 15 of its 260 chapters. The first three of these epistles were written to specific local groups of Christians in the cities for which the books were named, and the fourth was a personal letter written to a man named Philemon. The prison epistles remind us that God can work powerfully through difficult circumstances to impact lives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

The prison epistles are not found in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Ephesians was written to the believers at Ephesus and covers areas of doctrine (chapters 1–3) and application (chapters 4–6). Of great importance is this letter's emphasis on salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), church unity (Ephesians 4), and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10–18).

Philippians was a mostly positive letter authored to thank the Christians in Philippi for their financial support of Paul's missionary work. Philippians 1:19–26 addressed Paul's circumstances at the time of his writing, as well as his hope to see them again. Interestingly, this letter was written with the help of Timothy, indicating Timothy was with Paul some during his imprisonment. This same Timothy would later receive two personal letters from Paul that are also included in the New Testament (1 and 2 Timothy).

Colossians, also written with the help of Timothy, was addressed to the Christians in Colossae. It speaks to the deity of Jesus, Jewish rituals that some had attempted to add to the Christian faith, as well as Paul's request for prayer to advance the gospel message (Colossians 4).

Philemon, in contrast, was a short, personal letter penned regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. He had apparently run away from Philemon, his owner who had become a Christian under Paul's ministry. During Paul's time in Rome, he came into contact with Onesimus and led him to faith in Christ. To address his situation properly, Paul wrote to Philemon about these events, asking him to release Onesimus. Though a brief letter, Philemon offers perhaps the strongest apologetic in the New Testament regarding how early Christians viewed slavery in their world and the implications for Christians who desire to help in the freedom of slaves today.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Despite Paul's situation during the writing of the prison epistles, he was not hindered from sharing the gospel message with others or writing letters to encourage individuals and churches. Acts 28:30–31 tells us, "He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." Even in this difficult context, God was at work to empower Paul to change the lives of many both during his time and ours through these works now known as the prison epistles.

UNDERSTAND

Paul wrote four letters—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—while under house arrest, which are called the prison epistles.

Three letters of the prison epistles address churches; Philemon is a personal letter about forgiveness and slavery.

Paul’s imprisonment didn’t stop him from spreading the gospel and encouraging believers.

REFLECT

How do you respond when difficult circumstances limit your freedom or opportunities—how do you find ways to still serve and encourage others like Paul did?

How can Paul’s example of faithfulness from prison inspire you to trust and serve God during your own challenges?

How might the themes found in the prison epistles apply to relationships in your life today?

ENGAGE

How do the prison epistles show that God’s work isn’t limited by our circumstances, and how can we apply that truth?

What lessons about church unity and spiritual growth from Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians stand out as most relevant for the church today?

How does Paul’s letter to Philemon challenge or shape our understanding of forgiveness, reconciliation, and social justice today?