Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon: A Guide for Reflection and Prayer (Daily Bible Commentary)

The letters to the Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon are called the "captivity epistles" because they were written while the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Apart from that, however, they are all very different. Philippians is a friendly letter to a church in which Paul has great confidence. He calls for unity among the believers in Philippi and for continued growth in faith and godly knowledge. In Colossians, Paul counters a serious threat from false teaching by stressing Christ's supremacy. Philemon is a personal letter about a runaway slave. And Ephesians offers general encouragement and exhortation to a number of churches--and to the church at large. While these four letters are different, one theme runs throughout. No matter what our status, situation, or life circumstances, Christ may be served.

The Daily Bible Commentary
A mere reading of the Bible fails to fulfill its ultimate purpose. The Bible's message is meant to transform. The Daily Bible Commentary series distills the best of current scholarship into the straightforward language of a devotional. It skillfully opens each New Testament book and helps readers respond to the eternal truths within. General editors Richard A. Burridge, Dom Henry Wansbrough, and David Winter, together with other renowned scholars from an array of Christian traditions, provide helpful introduction, accessible explanation, and fresh meditations on individual passages. Balancing profound reflection with penetrating insight, the two-page daily readings engage the mind while never failing to touch the heart.