Colossae was a city of Phrygia, in the Roman province of Asia. It was about 90 miles east of Ephesus. Colossae was in the Lycus Valley along with Laodicea and Hierapolis. The population of Colossae was mostly Gentile but had a large number of Jewish population.
The church at Colossae began during Paul's three-year ministry at Ephesus (Acts Chapter 19). Paul didn't start the church in Colossae, but he spent three years in Ephesus. And you can see why. There was a tremendous amount of ministry going on there. During this three-year period, a man by the name of Epaphras was saved while visiting Ephesus.
The Church at Colossae was established by Epaphras, not Paul ( Colossians 1:5-7). So Epaphras came from Colossae into Ephesus, met Paul, heard him preach, and received Christ. Epaphras goes back to Colossae, and he establishes the church there, not Paul.
Several years after the Colossians church was founded, dangerous heresies began to circulate in it. Epaphras was so concerned about these heresies that he made the long journey from Colossae to Rome were Paul was a prisoner ( Colossians 4:12-13).
IV. THE THEME OF PHILEMON:
The portrayal of the Gospel expressed between Paul and Philemon over Philemon's slave Onesimus.
V. DELIVERED BY:
Philemon was delivered with Colossians and Ephesians by Tychicus who was accompanied by Onesimus ( Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8). Epaphras remained behind in Rome ( Philemon 23). So Epaphras was there with Paul. He didn't go back with the letters. He stayed with Paul. Very interesting!
Paul and Timothy. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written to the Colossians. Colossians was written for the Christians in the city of Colossae. Colossians was also supposed to be read in the church of Laodicea ( Colossians 4:16). Colossians was written at the same time as Philemon. Both were written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome. ( Colossians 4:3, 10, 18 and Philemon 9, 10, 13, 23)
Timothy, Aristarchus, Archippus, Mark, Ephaphras, Luke, Onesimus, and Demas all appear in both letters demonstrating Colossians and Philemon were written by the same author at the same time.
III. THE HISTORY OF COLOSSAE:
Colossae was a city of Phrygia, in the Roman province of Asia About 90 miles east of Ephesus. Colossae was in the Lycus Valley along with Laodicea and Hierapolis. The population of Colossae was mostly Gentile but had a large number of Jewish population.
The church at Colossae began during Paul's three-year ministry at Ephesus (Acts Chapter 19). During this three-year period, Epaphras was saved while visiting Ephesus. The Church at Colossae was established by Epaphras, not Paul ( Colossians 1:5-7).
Several years after the Colossians church was founded, dangerous heresies began to circulate in it. Epaphras was so concerned about these heresies that he made the long journey from Colossae to Rome were Paul was a prisoner ( Colossians 4:12-13).
It was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was in prison in Rome ( Acts 28:16-31). Paul was in house arrest for two years. This was his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment is when he was in the Mamertine prison. But this first time, he was under house arrest for about two years.
Ephesians is one of the prison letters. That is, one of the four written by Paul while he was imprisoned at this time. The others were Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. So, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are known as the prison epistles or prison letters because they were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
It was delivered by Tychicus. Ephesians 6:21-22 and Colossians 4:7-8 tell us that Tychicus brought both letters. So, it is believed that Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, because Philemon is a man that lived in Colosse, so his letter accompanied the letter to Colosse, and Tychicus took all three and delivered them.
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-3 - The Doctrine of the New Life in Christ.
CHAPTERS 4-6 - The Details of the New Life in Christ.
In other words, he takes the doctrine of the first three chapters, and he goes into detail and in depth of those doctrines, the function and performance of the church. He's going to present to us the armor of God all in those last three chapters.
That covers the introduction to Ephesians. Lord willing, I will share my introduction to Philippians soon.
The book of Acts is the last book of the history section. Matthew through Acts is the historical accounts of the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ and His Spirit's work through the early church. The book of Acts covers approximately 30 years. So that's the historical section. Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke, also wrote the book of Acts.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR LUKE:
He's only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Colossians 4:14 tells us that He is a physician. Historical accounts tell us that he was schooled in Alexandria Egypt. So, we look at that and we see that God chose an educated man to do a very detailed investigation. Luke is a Greek name and therefore many believe that he was a Gentile.
From Acts Chapter 1 Verse 1 through Chapter 16 Verse 9, Luke uses "they," third person plural in his writings. Starting with Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10 all the way to the end, he changes it to "we." So, at Acts 16:9, this is where Luke joined up with Paul.
He joined up with Paul in Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul. He becomes Paul's personal physician. In Acts Chapter 27, he's right there in the shipwreck with Paul, right before Paul reaches Rome, which will be his last destination before he dies.
Luke is a Greek name, not Jewish. Many believe that he was a Gentile. In fact, we can be pretty certain that he was. Luke was the only Gentile to be used to write a book of the bible. The best evidence of him being a Gentile is in Colossians 4:11-14. This is where Paul is listing the groups of people, and in Verse 11, he lists those of the circumcision. And so those would be the Jews. But when it gets down to Verse 14, he mentions the Gentiles, and Luke is mentioned in amongst the Gentiles. So that is pretty good proof that Luke was a Gentile.
In Luke's writings, all the way through the gospel of Luke, and all the way up through Acts Chapter 16 Verse 9, he uses the Third Person Plural "they" in his writings. But starting at Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10, he then changes it to "we" (First Person Plural). So, at Acts 16:10, he joins up with Paul at that point and becomes a constant companion with Paul.
Luke joined Paul at Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul, and he becomes Paul's personal physician. What is interesting is that in Acts Chapter 27, in that famous shipwreck that we read about and study and hear about, Luke also was on board that ship.
And it is interesting because you can't have guests accompany you, especially when you're a prisoner on your way to Rome. So, it is believed that Luke went along as a slave. You can have your slave, but you can't have your friends. But Luke was with him all the way. He joined up with him in Troas, doctored him, and was with him during a lot of the things that happened in Paul's ministry and life.
Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. They originally traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And Luke goes as far back as you can go in the beginning of the Lord's life and ministry. And he'll take us all the way up to, or right at the death of Paul. That is a lot of space. Luke is our historian. Luke was a very educated man, and he likes to deal in detail because he wants the Gentile world, that is you and I, to have the facts of the details about the life and ministry of Christ.
Luke, along with Acts, was written to the Gentiles. It was written to present Jesus as the Son of Man and ends with the promise of the Holy Spirit. And you will notice that both with Luke and John, they end off with the event that introduces their sequel that comes secondly. For Luke it will be the book of Acts. He ends Luke with the promise of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts starts out with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I. AUTHOR
Luke is the author. Luke is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. None of his letters contain his name. Luke wrote both Luke and Acts. And as mentioned before, Luke and Acts traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And I will share with you in a moment some pretty good evidence as to why it happened that way.
Colossians 4:14 says that Luke was a physician. Paul called him a physician, a doctor. He was a doctor from Antioch of Syria. We know from historical records that Luke was schooled in Alexandria, Egypt. He became very proficient in the Greek language, as the Greek language was spoken there.
This is the same city where they made the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). Luke became an expert in Greek. God chose an educated man to do a very, very detailed investigation. Keep in mind that Luke is an investigator, not an eyewitness.
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
Thanks Yasser72 for the clarification. And yes, you make a good point about a letter (whether personal or general to the Church(es); should that letter be sent out for further distribution? I had never considered any of the apostolic letters in such a way.
You gave the example of a postmaster opening & reading your letter to others. That normally would be a valid point because no one expects, or is lawful, to open up private mail & share the contents with others. The only thing with your example is that the letter in question is still current, the sender is alive & the recipients would also be hurt by knowing that others were privy to the contents. What if your personal letter was sent, intending that other believers in that city or country would gain benefit from it (e.g. through the media), but especially to the ones addressed? Or, if your letter was left in someone's drawer, was found 100 years after you died & indeed, the recipients also died, would it really matter to you or anyone else that your letter was found & read?
I think we have many examples of personal letters that exist today written by people of old that have been archived or published in newspapers/books. I really don't see a problem in this scenario, and I'm quite sure that Paul & the others wouldn't have minded that the contents of their letters receive a wider readership (see 1 Thessalonians 5:27 (could have included others that the Thessalonian Church had contact with) & Colossians 4:15,16). Even the Letter by John given by the Jesus Christ, was intended to be 'revealed unto his servants (all of us) things which must shortly come to pass...' ( Revelation 1:1). So I do believe that what we have in the Bible today, has been appointed by God & intended for the widest distribution so that all people might come to know the LORD & His Christ, made conscious of their sin, & run into the Arms of a Loving Savior. These letters have helped us greatly, causing us to understand & act upon this Truth.
Hi Timothy. Just looking at the Scriptures on Luke, I note that he was a close friend of the Apostle Paul, who referred to him as 'the beloved physician' ( Colossians 4:14). He is also spoken of as a "fellow labourer" ( Philemon 1:24).
During Paul's second missionary journey, Luke connected with Paul in Asia Minor ( Acts 16:6-11. Verse 10 particularly indicates this: "WE endeavoured to go into Macedonia"). Luke was then left in Philippi ( Acts 17:1: "THEY", Luke excluded) and then re-connected with Paul to travel with him on the third missionary journey ( Acts 20:5: "US").
Luke also accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem & then to Rome and was with Paul during his imprisonment there ( 2 Timothy 4:11: which you had quoted). So, you can see that Luke, with many others (in the Church & on the 'mission field'), played a vital role in Paul's ministry & provided him with fellowship & encouragement. And of course Luke's medical knowledge, no doubt would have been useful to both Paul & maybe those in such need in their travels.
My understanding is that Paul wrote this letter to the Laodiceans and it was delivered to them. But it either was not preserved by this church or it somehow went out of print. The church does not have any original nor copied documents of this letter preserved.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Here is what I can share with you and any others interested in an outline of the book of Acts:
Part 1:
Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke also wrote the book of Acts. He's only mentioned three times in the New Testament.
Colossians 4:14 tells us that He is a physician. Historical accounts tell us that he was schooled in Alexandria Egypt.
So we look at that and we see that God chose an educated man to do a very detailed investigation. Luke is a Greek name and therefore many believe that he was a Gentile.
From Acts Chapter 1 Verse 1 through Chapter 16 Verse 9, Luke uses "they," third person plural in his writings.
Starting with Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10 all the way to the end, he changes it to "we." So at Acts Chapter 16 Verse 9 is where Luke joined up with Paul.
He joined up with Paul in Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul. He becomes Paul's personal physician. In Acts Chapter 27, he's right there in the shipwreck with Paul, right before Paul reaches Rome, which will be his last destination before he dies.
Here is a general statement for you. The record of the Lord's ministry, from Luke Chapter 1, all the way through to the end of Acts Chapter 28, if you put those two books together, it is the most detailed account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Again, Luke is an educated man. Luke Chapter 1 Verses 1 to 4 tells us that he gathered in manuscripts. He gathered in all the writings that he could find about Jesus Christ. He interviewed eyewitnesses.
And being an educated man, he used a lot of detailed words. He wanted to be accurate and detailed about his presentation.
Do you believe what the Bible says about there being lost/missing Scripture?
The book of Nathan the prophet, the book of Gad the seer. ( 1 Chronicles 29:29)
The epistle from Laodicea ( Colossians 4:16)
And of the things which Jesus did, John said if they should be written every one, I suppose even the world could not contain the books that should be written. ( John 21:25)
Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, ( Numbers 21:14)
And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. ( Joshua 10:13)
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? ( 1 Kings 11:41)
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? ( 2 Chronicles 9:29)
Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. ( 2 Chronicles 12:15)
If there is lost/missing Scripture, than there must be more knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on this planet.
I believe the Bible and the Book of Mormon because the doctrines therein are the same, nothing waving.
Otherwise, I would not believe the Book of Mormon.
The Bible is my main source for truth.
I there are other writings claiming to be of the God of Israel, I will certainly take that into consideration and compare the doctrines to what the Bible says and if there is a contradiction, I will know the doctrines are not of the God of Israel.
Certainly, the Bible talks about lost/missing Scripture.
The book of Nathan the prophet, the book of Gad the seer. ( 1 Chronicles 29:29)
The epistle from Laodicea ( Colossians 4:16)
And of the things which Jesus did, John said if they should be written every one, I suppose even the world could not contain the books that should be written. ( John 21:25)
Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, ( Numbers 21:14)
And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. ( Joshua 10:13)
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? ( 1 Kings 11:41)
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? ( 2 Chronicles 9:29)
Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. ( 2 Chronicles 12:15)
Philip Christian Parks on Colossians 4 - 1 year ago
RE. Col. 4:16
Laodicea and Colossae were geographically very close communities with only a very short distance separating the two. Paul refers to the Laodicean Church four times in this epistle (2:1; 4:13, 15, & 16). Due to their very close proximity, both churches surely faced the same theological and doctrinal heresies Paul addressed in this epistle such as the beguiling and "enticing words" (2:4) of "philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after CHRIST" (2:8). For this reason, Paul intended the Laodicean Church to read his epistle to the Colossian Church (4:16): "when this epistle is read among you (the Colossian Church), cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans." The warnings, exhortations, and imperatives also apply to churches throughout the New Testament era until The LORD returns.
Paul seems to have written an epistle to the Laodicean Church, of which he also instructed the Colossian Church to read as well (4:16b): " and that ye (the Colossian Church) likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." Paul's epistle to the Laodicean Church is now undiscovered.
Scriptures record Laodicean Church references for the last time in Revelation 1:11 and in 3:14-22 wherein Glorified LORD JESUS CHRIST addressed and rebuked the Laodicean Church for her lukewarmness. Whether Epaphras ( Col. 1:7; 4:12), Nymphas (4:15), and Archippus (4:17) were still ministers of the LORD when CHRIST addressed the Laodicean Church in The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST is conjecture.
Hello, no it doesn't. Slavery was a world problem and still is today. Today slaves- sometimes children- are even allowed to be trafficked into the US and the administration actually removed part of the border wall to make this easier for criminals to enter.
Some assume the Bible condones it because it has verses addressing slaves to be respectful of others. Colossians 4:1. This applies to everyone of course.
There is another angle on this: in the Bible days some voluntarily became "slaves" in order to pay off debt. Voluntarily doing work is closer to a job than slavery in my opinion, but I believe some call it that. If its 100% against someone's will then I think its slavery, but if someone voluntarily chooses something even if they perceive to not have many choices, then it it's a job. Some worked years for men in order to gain rights to marry a man's daughter, for instance.
This verse suggests that is someone is caught trafficking slaves to put them to death: Exodus 21:16. Other Bible verses like love your neighbor as yourself refute the myth that the Bible supports slavery. The message of Christianity is freedom, not slavery. The truth is true, regardless of what the evil world claims or thinks. Some will prefer the lie, because its more attractive to them. Lots of myths would be cleared up if people just read through the Bible.
Because Paul literally was a prisoner. Ephesians 3,
Philemon 1:9,10,22,23, Philippians 1:7,12,13,14,15, here Paul encourages others while in "bonds" , even saying it gives others boldness & confidence to speak the gospel without fear, resulting from Paul's example. Note: Philippians 1:18,20,21,28,29,30, 2Timothy 2:1,2,3,9,10,11,12,
Ephesians 6:10-24, Colossians 4:18,
Acts 20:22-25, Acts 20:37-38,
Please read the following chapters: Acts 24, Paul is accused of sedition Acts 24:5, Acts 26, Acts 27, Acts 28,
I've understood it to be similar to Simon called Peter: Matthew 4:18, Matthew 10:2, different than Acts 8:9, & Luke, Acts 10:18, Acts 13:1, Acts 13:9, Acts 14:2, notice in Acts, the same book, there are multiple names referenced even a wind, Acts 27:14, Acts 27:8, Hebrews 11:18,
Matthew 1:6 Jesus called Christ, John 4:25, Luke 6:15, John 1:42, John 11:16, not Colossians 4:11,
Romans 2:17, Romans 7:3, same supposed writer as Acts , also Romans 9:26
Matthew 26:14, Luke 23:33, John 19:13, John 19:17, Acts 6:9, Revelation 11:8,
Revelation 12:9,
Luke 2:4, Luke 8:2, John 21:2, different than Acts 9:11,
Hello Dora. We do see the Book of Jasher mentioned a couple of times in the Bible ( 2 Samuel 1:18 & Joshua 10:13), but as far as I can gather, the original writings have long been lost. Now, there have been several productions/translations made, & especially a false one in the 1700s AD, but all these have been highly suspect.
Reasons given: since the original manuscripts/copies aren't available, those who included certain books in the Bible were hesitant to include a book that only found proof in spurious writings. From the productions that are available, certain errors were found, being incompatible with the rest of Scripture (just as the OT & NT apocryphal writings were treated): chronological errors (i.e. matters of dates of writing or events) & suspect events (e.g. snow falling pre-Flood).
Some new NT writers also took quotes from extra-biblical sources (e.g. Paul quoted from a Cretian prophet (Epimenidus) in Titus 1:9-14; & also in Acts 17:28 (a Grecian poet); Colossians 4:16 (epistle from Laodicea - not found); 2 Timothy 3:8 and Jude 9 (from the Assumption of Moses - not included); and many more. So we see that references were made to certain 'other' books (whether true of false in content), but done so to strengthen the argument & to also gain a 'listening ear' from those opposed to the Gospel. I've often quoted from the Qur'an when speaking to Muslims, not to give support to their book, but to help gain their 'ear' to the declaration of Christ who is perfectly understood only in the Bible. Some may disagree with this, but it is an acceptable method (as seen in the Bible) when sharing across religions & cross culture.
So, the Book of Jasher was not intentionally hidden from us, but it was deemed unworthy to be included in the Bible, since the original production was not available, & the only ones available were spurious. But if deemed necessary, one could quote from it (& others) prudently to assist & strengthen the discussion.
First, we must establish the readers to know who is the church. Church is not a building. Church is the people that believes in the blood shed by Jesus Christ to save us. Church is the Body of Christ. Church is the people that walk in the Spirit of God and the people who are in the Kingdom of God. Are you one of us?
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18 KJV
"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:" Colossians 1:24 KJV
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house." Colossians 4:15 KJV
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 KJV
"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 9:33 KJV
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV
"And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:" Galatians 1:22 KJV
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Ephesians 5:23 KJV
"That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:27 KJV
"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" Ephesians 5:29 KJV
"For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Ephesians 5:30 KJV
"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:32 KJV
Beautifully put. I believe some misunderstand, the "Coming of The LORD, Return of The LORD, THE Day of The LORD " as I did also, as dearly loved fellowship of Believers would pray for it. Maybe by Philippians 3:20, eagerly awaiting, & Colossians 4:2, That misinterpreted.
Then one day I read: Amos 5:18-24,
People long for Mercy, Justice, correct judgement that may be the root of the plea, prayer.
However Jesus instruction was pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven " Matthew 6:9-13,
Daniel 7:27, Psalms 145:13, John 17, note John 17:15-16, Luke 17:20-21,
Hi Nsemeke. I share the following to help you understand this Book of Philemon when you read it, rather than do a verse-by-verse exposition. I hope the following will help you.
This Book is the most personal of all of Apostle Paul's letters. Like the other Prison letters that we have in the Bible, this too was written by Paul when he was confined in a Roman prison at the first. Onesimus is one of millions of slaves that were used & often badly treated in the Roman Empire, but sadly Onesimus did great wrong & stole from his master, Philemon, & to make matters worse, he ran away knowing what could happen to him. Eventually he made his way to Rome where he crossed paths with Paul & Paul led him to faith in Christ (v10).
Now, as a Christian, Onesimus had a new problem: he had to do his Christian duty & return to his master. And since death was mandatory for such a crime (don't know whether Christian masters carried this out), Paul took the initiative to write this deeply personal letter, interceding on Onesimus' behalf. And this is also an important letter to other Christians who had slaves (more like bond-servants) concerning their relationship to their slave-brothers in Christ, if they had any. In Colossians 4:1 we see another instance of employing slaves by Christians.
Paul didn't want to deny Philemon's rights over Onesimus, but wanted him to deal with him as a brother in Christ (v16). So sincere was Paul, that he even offered to pay back what Onesimus had stolen (vv18,19). We don't know the outcome, but it's possible that Philemon did give Onesimus his freedom & sent him back to Paul (v14 is how this verse is translated). Ignatius of Antioch, in his letter to the Ephesians, mentions that Onesimus later became a minister & then a bishop (a leading elder) of the Church at Ephesus. He was an outstanding example to them in his love & Christian qualities. All this showing us, how wonderfully God can change even the vilest of us into mighty tools in His Hands.
The entire Nation of Israel did I mean that the whole beginning of Israel and why they are God's chosen people. Have you read the Bible? sure you can read about how travelers could join Israel but they must follow the law and customs of Israel, hey has no one told you as a believer that you need to read the Bible and like a 1000 times. What if i was a doctor and I ask you hey does blood flow thru our veins, see what I'm saying. As a christian you are called to be a witness of Jesus so how if you don't know His word. 2corinthians 13:12 Study to show thyself approved you can go read the rest of it.
Colossians 4:6
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Romans 15:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
2Timothy3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
My favorite scriptures are: And the word became flesh and dwelt among us and Low, i come in a volume of a book it is written of me. Read a KJV bible it's Jesus get to know Jesus.
Hi Gregg. The Greek word used there is 'sapros', which means, 'rotten, worthless, corrupt'. So yes, I would think that anything insulting or malicious remarks said to another person, or of another person, could come under that meaning. And that would have an underlying emotion of not only the type of words used, but also the use of expletives & the tone & force of delivery of those remarks. Not only of our words, but also of the Spirit's Grace to our hearers ( Colossians 4:6).
III. THE HISTORY OF COLOSSAE:
Colossae was a city of Phrygia, in the Roman province of Asia. It was about 90 miles east of Ephesus. Colossae was in the Lycus Valley along with Laodicea and Hierapolis. The population of Colossae was mostly Gentile but had a large number of Jewish population.
The church at Colossae began during Paul's three-year ministry at Ephesus (Acts Chapter 19). Paul didn't start the church in Colossae, but he spent three years in Ephesus. And you can see why. There was a tremendous amount of ministry going on there. During this three-year period, a man by the name of Epaphras was saved while visiting Ephesus.
The Church at Colossae was established by Epaphras, not Paul ( Colossians 1:5-7). So Epaphras came from Colossae into Ephesus, met Paul, heard him preach, and received Christ. Epaphras goes back to Colossae, and he establishes the church there, not Paul.
Several years after the Colossians church was founded, dangerous heresies began to circulate in it. Epaphras was so concerned about these heresies that he made the long journey from Colossae to Rome were Paul was a prisoner ( Colossians 4:12-13).
IV. THE THEME OF PHILEMON:
The portrayal of the Gospel expressed between Paul and Philemon over Philemon's slave Onesimus.
V. DELIVERED BY:
Philemon was delivered with Colossians and Ephesians by Tychicus who was accompanied by Onesimus ( Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8). Epaphras remained behind in Rome ( Philemon 23). So Epaphras was there with Paul. He didn't go back with the letters. He stayed with Paul. Very interesting!
IV. THE THEME OF COLOSSIANS:
The Believer's Perfection in Christ. The focus of the book is the completeness of a person who is in Christ.
Colossians was written to combat the many heresies of Jewish Gnosticism.
GNOSTICISM BELIEVED:
God is good.
Physical matter is evil.
Jesus Christ is less than God because He was one of many emanations coming out from God.
A certain secret knowledge beyond Scripture was necessary for enlightenment and salvation.
In the worship of angels.
THE JEWISH LEGALISTS BELIEVED:
The necessity of circumcision for salvation.
Jews and Gentiles must observe the dietary laws of the Old Testament as well as festivals and the Sabbath.
V. DATE/BACKGROUND:
Written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years ( Acts 28:16-31).
One of four prison epistles or letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
Colossians was delivered with Ephesians and Philemon by Tychicus who was accompanied by Onesimus ( Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8).
Epaphras remained behind in Rome ( Philemon 23).
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-2: The Doctrine of Completeness in Christ
CHAPTERS 3-4: The Duty of Those Complete in Christ
I will share my introduction to 1 Thessalonians soon.
God Bless!!!
I. ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Paul and Timothy. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written to the Colossians. Colossians was written for the Christians in the city of Colossae. Colossians was also supposed to be read in the church of Laodicea ( Colossians 4:16). Colossians was written at the same time as Philemon. Both were written while Paul was a prisoner in Rome. ( Colossians 4:3, 10, 18 and Philemon 9, 10, 13, 23)
Timothy, Aristarchus, Archippus, Mark, Ephaphras, Luke, Onesimus, and Demas all appear in both letters demonstrating Colossians and Philemon were written by the same author at the same time.
III. THE HISTORY OF COLOSSAE:
Colossae was a city of Phrygia, in the Roman province of Asia About 90 miles east of Ephesus. Colossae was in the Lycus Valley along with Laodicea and Hierapolis. The population of Colossae was mostly Gentile but had a large number of Jewish population.
The church at Colossae began during Paul's three-year ministry at Ephesus (Acts Chapter 19). During this three-year period, Epaphras was saved while visiting Ephesus. The Church at Colossae was established by Epaphras, not Paul ( Colossians 1:5-7).
Several years after the Colossians church was founded, dangerous heresies began to circulate in it. Epaphras was so concerned about these heresies that he made the long journey from Colossae to Rome were Paul was a prisoner ( Colossians 4:12-13).
V. DATE / BACKGROUND:
It was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was in prison in Rome ( Acts 28:16-31). Paul was in house arrest for two years. This was his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment is when he was in the Mamertine prison. But this first time, he was under house arrest for about two years.
Ephesians is one of the prison letters. That is, one of the four written by Paul while he was imprisoned at this time. The others were Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. So, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are known as the prison epistles or prison letters because they were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
It was delivered by Tychicus. Ephesians 6:21-22 and Colossians 4:7-8 tell us that Tychicus brought both letters. So, it is believed that Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, because Philemon is a man that lived in Colosse, so his letter accompanied the letter to Colosse, and Tychicus took all three and delivered them.
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-3 - The Doctrine of the New Life in Christ.
CHAPTERS 4-6 - The Details of the New Life in Christ.
In other words, he takes the doctrine of the first three chapters, and he goes into detail and in depth of those doctrines, the function and performance of the church. He's going to present to us the armor of God all in those last three chapters.
That covers the introduction to Ephesians. Lord willing, I will share my introduction to Philippians soon.
God Bless!!!
The book of Acts is the last book of the history section. Matthew through Acts is the historical accounts of the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ and His Spirit's work through the early church. The book of Acts covers approximately 30 years. So that's the historical section. Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke, also wrote the book of Acts.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR LUKE:
He's only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Colossians 4:14 tells us that He is a physician. Historical accounts tell us that he was schooled in Alexandria Egypt. So, we look at that and we see that God chose an educated man to do a very detailed investigation. Luke is a Greek name and therefore many believe that he was a Gentile.
From Acts Chapter 1 Verse 1 through Chapter 16 Verse 9, Luke uses "they," third person plural in his writings. Starting with Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10 all the way to the end, he changes it to "we." So, at Acts 16:9, this is where Luke joined up with Paul.
He joined up with Paul in Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul. He becomes Paul's personal physician. In Acts Chapter 27, he's right there in the shipwreck with Paul, right before Paul reaches Rome, which will be his last destination before he dies.
Luke is a Greek name, not Jewish. Many believe that he was a Gentile. In fact, we can be pretty certain that he was. Luke was the only Gentile to be used to write a book of the bible. The best evidence of him being a Gentile is in Colossians 4:11-14. This is where Paul is listing the groups of people, and in Verse 11, he lists those of the circumcision. And so those would be the Jews. But when it gets down to Verse 14, he mentions the Gentiles, and Luke is mentioned in amongst the Gentiles. So that is pretty good proof that Luke was a Gentile.
In Luke's writings, all the way through the gospel of Luke, and all the way up through Acts Chapter 16 Verse 9, he uses the Third Person Plural "they" in his writings. But starting at Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10, he then changes it to "we" (First Person Plural). So, at Acts 16:10, he joins up with Paul at that point and becomes a constant companion with Paul.
Luke joined Paul at Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul, and he becomes Paul's personal physician. What is interesting is that in Acts Chapter 27, in that famous shipwreck that we read about and study and hear about, Luke also was on board that ship.
And it is interesting because you can't have guests accompany you, especially when you're a prisoner on your way to Rome. So, it is believed that Luke went along as a slave. You can have your slave, but you can't have your friends. But Luke was with him all the way. He joined up with him in Troas, doctored him, and was with him during a lot of the things that happened in Paul's ministry and life.
Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. They originally traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And Luke goes as far back as you can go in the beginning of the Lord's life and ministry. And he'll take us all the way up to, or right at the death of Paul. That is a lot of space. Luke is our historian. Luke was a very educated man, and he likes to deal in detail because he wants the Gentile world, that is you and I, to have the facts of the details about the life and ministry of Christ.
Luke, along with Acts, was written to the Gentiles. It was written to present Jesus as the Son of Man and ends with the promise of the Holy Spirit. And you will notice that both with Luke and John, they end off with the event that introduces their sequel that comes secondly. For Luke it will be the book of Acts. He ends Luke with the promise of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts starts out with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I. AUTHOR
Luke is the author. Luke is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. None of his letters contain his name. Luke wrote both Luke and Acts. And as mentioned before, Luke and Acts traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And I will share with you in a moment some pretty good evidence as to why it happened that way.
Colossians 4:14 says that Luke was a physician. Paul called him a physician, a doctor. He was a doctor from Antioch of Syria. We know from historical records that Luke was schooled in Alexandria, Egypt. He became very proficient in the Greek language, as the Greek language was spoken there.
This is the same city where they made the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). Luke became an expert in Greek. God chose an educated man to do a very, very detailed investigation. Keep in mind that Luke is an investigator, not an eyewitness.
II. KEY RELATIONSHIP:
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
You gave the example of a postmaster opening & reading your letter to others. That normally would be a valid point because no one expects, or is lawful, to open up private mail & share the contents with others. The only thing with your example is that the letter in question is still current, the sender is alive & the recipients would also be hurt by knowing that others were privy to the contents. What if your personal letter was sent, intending that other believers in that city or country would gain benefit from it (e.g. through the media), but especially to the ones addressed? Or, if your letter was left in someone's drawer, was found 100 years after you died & indeed, the recipients also died, would it really matter to you or anyone else that your letter was found & read?
I think we have many examples of personal letters that exist today written by people of old that have been archived or published in newspapers/books. I really don't see a problem in this scenario, and I'm quite sure that Paul & the others wouldn't have minded that the contents of their letters receive a wider readership (see 1 Thessalonians 5:27 (could have included others that the Thessalonian Church had contact with) & Colossians 4:15,16). Even the Letter by John given by the Jesus Christ, was intended to be 'revealed unto his servants (all of us) things which must shortly come to pass...' ( Revelation 1:1). So I do believe that what we have in the Bible today, has been appointed by God & intended for the widest distribution so that all people might come to know the LORD & His Christ, made conscious of their sin, & run into the Arms of a Loving Savior. These letters have helped us greatly, causing us to understand & act upon this Truth.
During Paul's second missionary journey, Luke connected with Paul in Asia Minor ( Acts 16:6-11. Verse 10 particularly indicates this: "WE endeavoured to go into Macedonia"). Luke was then left in Philippi ( Acts 17:1: "THEY", Luke excluded) and then re-connected with Paul to travel with him on the third missionary journey ( Acts 20:5: "US").
Luke also accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem & then to Rome and was with Paul during his imprisonment there ( 2 Timothy 4:11: which you had quoted). So, you can see that Luke, with many others (in the Church & on the 'mission field'), played a vital role in Paul's ministry & provided him with fellowship & encouragement. And of course Luke's medical knowledge, no doubt would have been useful to both Paul & maybe those in such need in their travels.
My understanding is that Paul wrote this letter to the Laodiceans and it was delivered to them. But it either was not preserved by this church or it somehow went out of print. The church does not have any original nor copied documents of this letter preserved.
Romans 15:30-31
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
GBU
Here is what I can share with you and any others interested in an outline of the book of Acts:
Part 1:
Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Luke also wrote the book of Acts. He's only mentioned three times in the New Testament.
Colossians 4:14 tells us that He is a physician. Historical accounts tell us that he was schooled in Alexandria Egypt.
So we look at that and we see that God chose an educated man to do a very detailed investigation. Luke is a Greek name and therefore many believe that he was a Gentile.
From Acts Chapter 1 Verse 1 through Chapter 16 Verse 9, Luke uses "they," third person plural in his writings.
Starting with Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10 all the way to the end, he changes it to "we." So at Acts Chapter 16 Verse 9 is where Luke joined up with Paul.
He joined up with Paul in Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul. He becomes Paul's personal physician. In Acts Chapter 27, he's right there in the shipwreck with Paul, right before Paul reaches Rome, which will be his last destination before he dies.
Here is a general statement for you. The record of the Lord's ministry, from Luke Chapter 1, all the way through to the end of Acts Chapter 28, if you put those two books together, it is the most detailed account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Again, Luke is an educated man. Luke Chapter 1 Verses 1 to 4 tells us that he gathered in manuscripts. He gathered in all the writings that he could find about Jesus Christ. He interviewed eyewitnesses.
And being an educated man, he used a lot of detailed words. He wanted to be accurate and detailed about his presentation.
Hebrews 13:12-15 kjv.
Psalm 92 kjv.
Do you believe what the Bible says about there being lost/missing Scripture?
The book of Nathan the prophet, the book of Gad the seer. ( 1 Chronicles 29:29)
The epistle from Laodicea ( Colossians 4:16)
And of the things which Jesus did, John said if they should be written every one, I suppose even the world could not contain the books that should be written. ( John 21:25)
Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, ( Numbers 21:14)
And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. ( Joshua 10:13)
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? ( 1 Kings 11:41)
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? ( 2 Chronicles 9:29)
Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. ( 2 Chronicles 12:15)
If there is lost/missing Scripture, than there must be more knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on this planet.
I believe the Bible and the Book of Mormon because the doctrines therein are the same, nothing waving.
Otherwise, I would not believe the Book of Mormon.
The Bible is my main source for truth.
I there are other writings claiming to be of the God of Israel, I will certainly take that into consideration and compare the doctrines to what the Bible says and if there is a contradiction, I will know the doctrines are not of the God of Israel.
I can find no contradictions.
The book of Nathan the prophet, the book of Gad the seer. ( 1 Chronicles 29:29)
The epistle from Laodicea ( Colossians 4:16)
And of the things which Jesus did, John said if they should be written every one, I suppose even the world could not contain the books that should be written. ( John 21:25)
Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, ( Numbers 21:14)
And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. ( Joshua 10:13)
And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? ( 1 Kings 11:41)
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? ( 2 Chronicles 9:29)
Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. ( 2 Chronicles 12:15)
You can find biographical information on Marcus, mentioned in 1 Peter by asking the question, "Who was Marcus in the Bible?"
I suggest you read from the Christian sites that explain who he was.
Laodicea and Colossae were geographically very close communities with only a very short distance separating the two. Paul refers to the Laodicean Church four times in this epistle (2:1; 4:13, 15, & 16). Due to their very close proximity, both churches surely faced the same theological and doctrinal heresies Paul addressed in this epistle such as the beguiling and "enticing words" (2:4) of "philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after CHRIST" (2:8). For this reason, Paul intended the Laodicean Church to read his epistle to the Colossian Church (4:16): "when this epistle is read among you (the Colossian Church), cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans." The warnings, exhortations, and imperatives also apply to churches throughout the New Testament era until The LORD returns.
Paul seems to have written an epistle to the Laodicean Church, of which he also instructed the Colossian Church to read as well (4:16b): " and that ye (the Colossian Church) likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." Paul's epistle to the Laodicean Church is now undiscovered.
Scriptures record Laodicean Church references for the last time in Revelation 1:11 and in 3:14-22 wherein Glorified LORD JESUS CHRIST addressed and rebuked the Laodicean Church for her lukewarmness. Whether Epaphras ( Col. 1:7; 4:12), Nymphas (4:15), and Archippus (4:17) were still ministers of the LORD when CHRIST addressed the Laodicean Church in The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST is conjecture.
Some assume the Bible condones it because it has verses addressing slaves to be respectful of others. Colossians 4:1. This applies to everyone of course.
There is another angle on this: in the Bible days some voluntarily became "slaves" in order to pay off debt. Voluntarily doing work is closer to a job than slavery in my opinion, but I believe some call it that. If its 100% against someone's will then I think its slavery, but if someone voluntarily chooses something even if they perceive to not have many choices, then it it's a job. Some worked years for men in order to gain rights to marry a man's daughter, for instance.
This verse suggests that is someone is caught trafficking slaves to put them to death: Exodus 21:16. Other Bible verses like love your neighbor as yourself refute the myth that the Bible supports slavery. The message of Christianity is freedom, not slavery. The truth is true, regardless of what the evil world claims or thinks. Some will prefer the lie, because its more attractive to them. Lots of myths would be cleared up if people just read through the Bible.
Philemon 1:9,10,22,23, Philippians 1:7,12,13,14,15, here Paul encourages others while in "bonds" , even saying it gives others boldness & confidence to speak the gospel without fear, resulting from Paul's example. Note: Philippians 1:18,20,21,28,29,30, 2Timothy 2:1,2,3,9,10,11,12,
Ephesians 6:10-24, Colossians 4:18,
Acts 20:22-25, Acts 20:37-38,
Please read the following chapters: Acts 24, Paul is accused of sedition Acts 24:5, Acts 26, Acts 27, Acts 28,
Matthew 1:6 Jesus called Christ, John 4:25, Luke 6:15, John 1:42, John 11:16, not Colossians 4:11,
Romans 2:17, Romans 7:3, same supposed writer as Acts , also Romans 9:26
Matthew 26:14, Luke 23:33, John 19:13, John 19:17, Acts 6:9, Revelation 11:8,
Revelation 12:9,
Luke 2:4, Luke 8:2, John 21:2, different than Acts 9:11,
Acts 1:23, Acts 9:36,
Colossians 3:15, 1John 3:1,
Hopefully these are all helpful in your study
Reasons given: since the original manuscripts/copies aren't available, those who included certain books in the Bible were hesitant to include a book that only found proof in spurious writings. From the productions that are available, certain errors were found, being incompatible with the rest of Scripture (just as the OT & NT apocryphal writings were treated): chronological errors (i.e. matters of dates of writing or events) & suspect events (e.g. snow falling pre-Flood).
Some new NT writers also took quotes from extra-biblical sources (e.g. Paul quoted from a Cretian prophet (Epimenidus) in Titus 1:9-14; & also in Acts 17:28 (a Grecian poet); Colossians 4:16 (epistle from Laodicea - not found); 2 Timothy 3:8 and Jude 9 (from the Assumption of Moses - not included); and many more. So we see that references were made to certain 'other' books (whether true of false in content), but done so to strengthen the argument & to also gain a 'listening ear' from those opposed to the Gospel. I've often quoted from the Qur'an when speaking to Muslims, not to give support to their book, but to help gain their 'ear' to the declaration of Christ who is perfectly understood only in the Bible. Some may disagree with this, but it is an acceptable method (as seen in the Bible) when sharing across religions & cross culture.
So, the Book of Jasher was not intentionally hidden from us, but it was deemed unworthy to be included in the Bible, since the original production was not available, & the only ones available were spurious. But if deemed necessary, one could quote from it (& others) prudently to assist & strengthen the discussion.
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18 KJV
"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:" Colossians 1:24 KJV
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house." Colossians 4:15 KJV
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 KJV
"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 9:33 KJV
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV
"And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:" Galatians 1:22 KJV
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Ephesians 5:23 KJV
"That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:27 KJV
"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" Ephesians 5:29 KJV
"For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Ephesians 5:30 KJV
"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:32 KJV
Then one day I read: Amos 5:18-24,
People long for Mercy, Justice, correct judgement that may be the root of the plea, prayer.
However Jesus instruction was pray "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven " Matthew 6:9-13,
Daniel 7:27, Psalms 145:13, John 17, note John 17:15-16, Luke 17:20-21,
Proverbs 21:3, Isaiah 56:1, Psalms 82:3, Isaiah 59:4, (context Isaiah 59), Jeremiah 22:15, * Isaiah 58,
2Samuel 8:15, 1Kings 10:9, Ezekiel 45:9, Micah 6:8,
We even as 1 person can bring justice, mercy, truth, hope, deliverance, through faith, endurance, prayer, action & being a living example
Romans 1:17, James 2, Hebrews 11, 2Corinthians 5:7, Mark 11:22-26,
We are called to bring Justice, Judgement, Mercy.
Ecclesiastes 5:8, Jeremiah 23:5, Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:5-37, Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 6,
Psalms 102:17, * James 5,
Hopefully these are helpful, please share these scriptures with those whom you feel led as a tool
Colossians 4:2, Ephesians 3:20-21, Romans 8:26-28,
Psalm 57 kjv.
This Book is the most personal of all of Apostle Paul's letters. Like the other Prison letters that we have in the Bible, this too was written by Paul when he was confined in a Roman prison at the first. Onesimus is one of millions of slaves that were used & often badly treated in the Roman Empire, but sadly Onesimus did great wrong & stole from his master, Philemon, & to make matters worse, he ran away knowing what could happen to him. Eventually he made his way to Rome where he crossed paths with Paul & Paul led him to faith in Christ (v10).
Now, as a Christian, Onesimus had a new problem: he had to do his Christian duty & return to his master. And since death was mandatory for such a crime (don't know whether Christian masters carried this out), Paul took the initiative to write this deeply personal letter, interceding on Onesimus' behalf. And this is also an important letter to other Christians who had slaves (more like bond-servants) concerning their relationship to their slave-brothers in Christ, if they had any. In Colossians 4:1 we see another instance of employing slaves by Christians.
Paul didn't want to deny Philemon's rights over Onesimus, but wanted him to deal with him as a brother in Christ (v16). So sincere was Paul, that he even offered to pay back what Onesimus had stolen (vv18,19). We don't know the outcome, but it's possible that Philemon did give Onesimus his freedom & sent him back to Paul (v14 is how this verse is translated). Ignatius of Antioch, in his letter to the Ephesians, mentions that Onesimus later became a minister & then a bishop (a leading elder) of the Church at Ephesus. He was an outstanding example to them in his love & Christian qualities. All this showing us, how wonderfully God can change even the vilest of us into mighty tools in His Hands.
Colossians 4:6
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Romans 15:4
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
2Timothy3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
My favorite scriptures are: And the word became flesh and dwelt among us and Low, i come in a volume of a book it is written of me. Read a KJV bible it's Jesus get to know Jesus.