Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, sent Tychicus and Onesimus to Colossae. He wrote a letter to the Colossian church and sent it by them. He also wrote a personal letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon’s run-away slave who was converted to Christianity in Rome. These men were going to be very close to Ephesus. Paul spent about three years in Ephesus. Two of those years were spent teaching in the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:1-10). Paul knew the Ephesians would be worried about him. He wanted them to know that he was doing well and still preaching Jesus! Paul wrote a letter to them and asked Tychichus to deliver it (Ephesians 6:21).
Since Paul wrote the Colossian letter at the same time he wrote the Ephesian letter it’s not surprising that they are very similar. In some places Paul uses the exact same words, phrases, themes, and content. He wrote about the basic doctrines of Christianity. He talked about the authority of Christ and the fact that we can only have salvation through Him.
Paul was also concerned that the Ephesians would turn away from true doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). He encouraged them not to let anyone deceive them and cause them to follow man’s doctrine. Paul encouraged them to “put off” the evil ways of their former lifestyle and “put on” their new life (Ephesians 4:22-24) regardless of their social status. He used a wonderful analogy of the armor of a soldier comparing it to the spiritual armor a Christian should wear. It makes you wonder if he was looking across the room at the Roman soldier that was assigned to guard him as he was inspired to write this letter!
Since Paul wrote the Colossian letter at the same time he wrote the Ephesian letter it’s not surprising that they are very similar. In some places Paul uses the exact same words, phrases, themes, and content. He wrote about the basic doctrines of Christianity. He talked about the authority of Christ and the fact that we can only have salvation through Him.
Paul was also concerned that the Ephesians would turn away from true doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). He encouraged them not to let anyone deceive them and cause them to follow man’s doctrine. Paul encouraged them to “put off” the evil ways of their former lifestyle and “put on” their new life (Ephesians 4:22-24) regardless of their social status. He used a wonderful analogy of the armor of a soldier comparing it to the spiritual armor a Christian should wear. It makes you wonder if he was looking across the room at the Roman soldier that was assigned to guard him as he was inspired to write this letter!