Ephesians, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus and 2 Timothy
While Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the first time, he wrote four letters. (Philemon and Colossians were covered in the study, “Paul’s Journey to Rome.”) Paul also wrote to his churches in Ephesus and Philippi. Dr. Luke ended his book of “Acts” with Paul still in prison, but Paul was eventually released. During his Roman imprisonment, Paul had left his disciple Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete to carry on the work. After his release, Paul wrote letters to Timothy and Titus to explain church order.
It is unknow where Paul went after his release, but within two years he imprisoned a second time, along with Peter. This time Paul knew there would be no release. His final letter was to Timothy just before his execution. In 66 or 67 AD, Paul and Peter were executed in Rome by Emperor Nero.
- Ephesians – While Paul was imprisoned, many Gentiles had come to faith. This letter was to help the teach the new believers how to grow up in their faith in Christ and what it meant to be the church.
- Philippians – A note to thank the church at Philippi for their support of him and his ministry. This is book about the joy they have in Christ.
- 1 Timothy and Titus – Letters to explain church order
- 2 Timothy – A letter of encouragement to Timothy to carry on and to guard the truth of the Gospel