Letter to the Colossians

“During these two years of house arrest, Paul writes four letters which have come to be known as the Prison Epistles.  Although Paul has never visited Colossae, one of his companions, Epaphras, had evidently informed Paul of the pagan secularism which threatens the churches in that region.

In paganism, virtue is not associated with religion.  Religious practice is for the purpose of warding off demons and evil ancestors — not for the purpose of becoming a better person.  To Paul, the Christian life is more than simply giving up bad habits.  It is acquiring a newness of mind which comes from setting your heart and mind on Christ Jesus.  Only a person with the mind of Christ can truly overcome the sins of the flesh and live according to the Spirit.”

Read:  Colossians 1, 2, 3 & 4

Letter to Philemon

“Before coming to Rome and being converted by Paul, Onesimus had been a slave of a Christian named Philemon.  Onesimus  had run away from Philemon and had evidently taken some money or property belonging to his master.  Paul now writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus and asks that Philemon accept Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.  The letter is an insightful study in personal relationships among Christians and contrasts the freedoms that come when one is under bondage to Christ.”

Read:  Philemon

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.