Page 1052 - The MacArthur Daily Bible

TN_10_MacArthur_Bible_Oct.qxd 8/8/03 16:58 Page 1033

OCTOBER 13
13 You pushed me violently, that I might always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that
fall, you may know how you ought to answer each
But the LORD helped me. one.
14 7
The LORD is my strength and song, Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minis-
And He has become my salvation. ter, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you
all the news about me. I am sending him to
8
Proverbs 27:8
you for this very purpose, that he may know
8 your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
Like a bird that wanders from its nest
Is a man who wanders from his place. 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved broth-
er, who is one of you. They will make known to
Colossians 4:1–18
you all things which are happening here.
Masters, give your bondservants what is 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you,
4 just and fair, knowing that you also have with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about
a Master in heaven. whom you received instructions: if he comes
2 11
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called
in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying Justus. These are my only fellow workers for
3
also for us, that God would open to us a door the kingdom of God who are of the circumci-
for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, sion; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
4
for which I am also in chains, that I may make 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant
it manifest, as I ought to speak. of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently
5
Walk in wisdom toward those who are out- for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect
6
side, redeeming the time. Let your speech and complete in all the will of God. For I bear
13
him witness that he has a great zeal for you,
and those who are in Laodicea, and those in
14
Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and
15
Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are
4:2 Continue earnestly. The Greek word in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that
means “to be courageously persistent” or “to is in his house.
hold fast and not let go”and refers here to per- 16 Now when this epistle is read among you,
sistent prayer (Acts 1:14; Rom.12:12; Eph.6:18; see that it is read also in the church of the
1 Thess.5:17;Luke 11:5–10;18:1–8).being vig- Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epis-
ilant. In its most general sense this means to tle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus,
17
stay awake while praying.But Paul has in mind “Take heed to the ministry which you have
the broader implication of staying alert for received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
specific needs about which to pray rather than 18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Re-
being vague and unfocused.
member my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
4:6 with grace. To speak what is spiritual,
wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful,
complimentary, gentle, truthful, loving, and
thoughtful. seasoned with salt. Just as salt 4:18 by my own hand. Paul usually dictated
not only flavors but prevents corruption, the his letters to an amanuensis (recording secre-
Christian’s speech should act not only as a tary),but would often add his own greeting in
blessing to others but as a purifying influence his own writing at the end of his letters (1 Cor.
within the decaying society of the world. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; 2 Thess. 3:17; Philem. 19).
DAY 13:What were the Prison Epistles, and what prison was Paul in when he wrote them?
Four of Paul’s letters are grouped as the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians,
and Philemon.Each of them includes clear internal references to the writer’s prison surroundings
(Eph. 3:1; 4:1; 6:20; Phil. 1:7,13,14,17; Col. 4:3,10,18; Philem. 1,9,10,13,23). The similarities between
the details of Paul’s imprisonment given in Acts and in the Prison Epistles support the traditional
position that the letters were written from Rome. Among these details are: 1) Paul was guarded
by soldiers (Acts 28:16; Phil. 1:13,14); 2) Paul was permitted to receive visitors (Acts 28:30; Phil.
4:18); and 3) Paul had the opportunity to preach the gospel (Acts 28:31; Eph. 6:18–20; Phil.
1:12–14; Col.4:2-4).
Caesarea and Ephesus have also been suggested as Paul’s possible location when he wrote at
least some of these letters. Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27), but his

1033