Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon

New Testament For Everyone #14

by Tom Wright

Making use of his true scholar’s understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright captures the verve and sparkle of these letters. Paul wrote the letters while in prison facing possible death, but their passion and energy are undimmed. They reveal Paul’s longing to see young churches grow in faith and understanding, rooted in Jesus himself, and to see this faith worked out in practice – in one case, through the rehabilitation of a runaway slave. Wright’s stimulating comments are combined with his own translation of the Bible text.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Reference, Christianity, New Testament, Faith

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

He also publishes under N.T. Wright.

Reviews

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

July 2021. I've now read or reread the whole book. Always good insights from N. T. Wright!

August 2018. Last night we finished working through Ephesians in our evening Bible study, and as usual, Wright's notes were really great. I particularly appreciated his comments in chapter 5, helping to bring context and understanding to passages that tend to be rather contentious.

February 2018. As usual, N. T. Wright's commentary is very helpful. I have just finished leading an evening Bible study group through Philippians, using this volume by Wright as my primary resource. His insights about the culture of Paul's time, and details about Paul's particular situation as he wrote Philippians, are excellent, and very appropriate for the group I was leading--that is, not so academic that it's beyond the reach of people seeking practical assistance in understanding the text itself.

I'm grateful for Wright, one of the few people in the world I truly look up to and respect. I recommend his "New Testament for Everyone" series to anyone who would like to know a little more about the historical context of the Bible and its applicability to our context today.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bishop Wright takes the reader through 4 Pauline letters section by section with accessible reflections. I did not like the translation of the Bible he chose to use. His insights were not earth shattering, but they offered good food for thought.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began Wright on Paul's prison epistles I feared this setup (Wright's translation, followed by brief devotional commentary introduced by a contemporary story) would not be as effective for the dense writing of Paul as for the more narrative driven Luke (having read Luke for Everyone last year). But that wore off as I got into the three epistles covered here. I think I know them well, but Wright knows them better, and he provides keen insights for such brief comments.

[Jeremy Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've consistently used this commentary to follow along with the Bible study group as we walked through Philippians, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Whether you're an average churchgoer who's new to deeper Bible study or even a seasoned preacher/teacher in ministry, there really is something for everyone in John Goldingay & NT Wright's wonderful "For Everyone" series.

This commentary series expounds on the Bible passage-by-passage, often accompanied by a short paragraph of a contemporary story to help the readers get a sense of what the actual commentary will touch on. Admittedly, I sometimes skip them to "get to the meat" right away, but they're always relevant and helpful whenever I do read them. Think of this commentary as a collection of written sermons.

Despite its target audience, Dr Wright is thorough in his expositions. I scarcely reached for more than 1 other commentary after using this one in my studies; once I've done my own exegesis, I'd check what Dr Wright has to say and we're often on the same page (far be it from me to say that I'm as well-read as him, but you get the point — we're reading the same thing and coming to same conclusions! As other commentaries do as well). Perhaps it also says a lot about good Bible study habits; once you have done your own careful reading and interpretation, Bible commentaries are only there to confirm and correct your conclusions.

But for those who want to dig deep into the Scriptures but have little time and resources to spare, the way Paul for Everyone is written makes it very easy to use as a daily devotional material as well. In fact, I'd say that if you are looking for a devotional book to read, you probably won't find one that's as Bible-centred as the For Everyone series. Dr Wright often includes questions at the end of his expositions for us to mull over, and consider how we may respond to the text as followers of Jesus; aka "practical application questions", if you like.

I have at least another 2 commentaries on Philippians in my Bible software ranging from pastoral to technical, but this will still be my first recommendation to anyone. wanting to learn more about the Pauline prison letters.

As for me, I'll happily return to this commentary again when I study the other letters.

[Evan Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another excellent NT Wright for everyone book. I am starting his Hebrews next, and have the last few of the series on my wishlist for this Christmas since they are coming out this fall.

I especially appreciated how he highlighted Paul's theme of unity in Phillipians and how he highlighted Paul's emphasis on the oneness of the Trinity in Colossians.

Thinking back, the Colossians stuff blew my mind. Sometimes I fall into the wrong thinking that the Trinity was something not clearly formulated until the councils several hundred years after Christ. Paul states things quite clearly (and beautifully) in Colossians and stresses that this is always the way that things have been and how the Old Testament should be read.

Good theology for me is when things just click: when things are described in a beautiful and not overly formulaic way and also when things are said in a way that you don't have to just shut your brain off and believe. The truth is always bigger than I could have created myself, and that is what NT Wright helps us see in Paul's letters.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great commentary from NT Wright. True to the rest of the NT For Everyone books I've read, he provides a readable commentary of these books, breaking it down pericope by pericope with his own translation of the text followed by a story to make aspects of the text more relatable to modern readers followed by any historical background needed (though this is usually brief), and application for today. I continue to appreciate this series for the way it brings out depth and greater understanding for the Biblical passages, but does so in a way that is approachable and readable for anyone from teens to Bible scholars.

[Радостин Марчев · Rating 4 out of 5]

Оценката ми се отнася само до посланието към Ефесяните. коментарът е много кратък (едва 80 стр.) но може да бъде полезен дори за хора, които са свикнали с по-сериозни разглеждания.

[Guyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

N.T. Wright's New Testament commentaries are consistently helpful. The phrase "For Everyone" is appropriate. The sections are brief (most can be read in about 10 minutes), and the tone is direct and pastoral (rather than technical). His translation of the biblical text itself is often useful, and I can see it being a good segue into understanding more literal translations. But perhaps the strength that sets Wright apart from many other commentaries of this nature is that he is able to explain the historical context behind the scriptures simply and clearly, along with their message within the context of the letter itself, without getting bogged down in interpretive debates.

It is this unveiling of the history behind the text that first appealed to me. What holds me is Wright's genuine wisdom and the life application he is able to make from these letters by the apostle Paul. He opens up the WORLD of the original text. But it is the original text, with Paul's perseverance and joy in the face of imprisonment and persecution; with his insight into the stumbling blocks of human nature and our tendency towards division, hatred, and abuse; his counter-cultural wisdom and devotion to overcoming such inherited divisions within the early church; and the freeing, vivifying light of the Gospel, which holds the true transformative power of this book.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking at the Biblical books Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon, Mr. Wright explores Paul's topics and messages by including more modern anecdotes to help readers empathize and increase their understanding of these letters.

If you wondered while reading the Bible "What in the world is going on?", find the N.T. Wright book that includes your problematic text in it's discussions and you will get at least a good basic understanding to shed a little more light on your travel through the Bible. For instance with this book, Mr. Wright grouped these books of the Bible together to explore because they were all written by the same author, Paul, while he was in the same circumstance, imprisoned. Though they are all to different groups, Paul intended for the letters to be read by multiple groups/churches, so though he addresses specific issues each group is struggling with, he also brings out principles of living that can be applied to more general situations and be edifying for everyone.

No content issues. Many lifestyle and relationship issues are discussed but never graphically.

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Wright has become one of my favourite spiritual writers. His historical research base, combined with pastoral care, provides a basis for wisdom that makes him worth listening to, particularly since he manages to have an edginess in some of his views which challenges much of the simplistic popular perspective on Christianity. He is radical but in an orthodox way, resulting in a historical perspective that exposes some of the weaknesses in more recent theological trends.

This is one of his devotional, non academic books. He works through the prison letters of Paul by taking large chunks of each chapter, allowing a broad context to unfold - a contrast to, say, Barclay, where commentary on smaller sections means broader connections can be lost. It's not full of his more controversial ideas, but it is steady, readable and warm-hearted stuff, making it worth reading.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that helps interpret Paul's messages in his "prison letters" I used this as a reference and for additional information to share with my weekly Bible study group. We chose to really slow it down while studying Ephesians and to delve into the deep meanings supplied. I would recommend this to anyone who wants depth of understanding and how you can apply it to your life as a follower of Christ.

[John Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Over the last 2 years I have read N.T. Wright everyday in my devotionals. He has interpreted the scripture that brings integrity of the text and honors God’s holiness and the centrality of the Kingdom and Jesus as King. The “for everyone” series is truly a gift. Take this gift and be blessed!

[David Campton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given that this is relatvely short commentary on 4 Epistles it is hardly surprising that it is relatively shallow, although the somewhat tangential stories and allusions that Wright uses in nearly every section don't add massively to my understanding and don't strike me as being very likely to be used by other preachers.

[Mark D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long stories followed by too brief overviews of a passage. Nothing particularly bad, but not enough depth for me to be drawn to other titles in the series.

I enjoy reading devotional commentaries in my daily reading, but these reflections didn’t add much to my reading. Someone unfamiliar with Paul’s letters might find this more valuable.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accesable for everyone (hence the title) and a good resource for these New Testament books. I didn't always love the anecdotes he shared, but I really appreciated his perspective, and he asks great questions.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate The New Testament for everyone series. Each of these books breaks down the scriptures with commentary that explain concepts and historical significance. Highly recommend this series!

[Seth Mcdevitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely used. Liked Large Print.

[Paul Hypki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but certainly expected more from Wright. Lots of personal stories, but not enough depth in exegeting the passages.

[David Van der stoep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! Great to get a small explanation of context and also ideas on how to preach on these bible books.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile Ephesians commentary, used weekly for our Ladies Bible study.

[Dr Ian M Newington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Tom Wright with his own translation and an easy to grasp style. really getting to the nuts and bolts of Paul's theology.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wright's approachable and wise commentaries. They're a great starting place for a deeper study, or just for pleasurable exposition.

[Damon Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author lists his own translation of the biblical texts and then adds his commentary. His commentary was very insightful and entertaining.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource!

[Kyle McFerren · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

One of my favorites so far in this series.

[J Grimsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the varied books and explanations.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only finished his commentary on Ephesians. Really love this series as a companion for Bible study though.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another solid commentary from biblical scholar N.T. Wright that is useful for believers at any level from the newly saved to the veteran saint. This is also the second of three grouped commentaries, this one dealing with the Prison epistles, the letters Paul wrote when he was imprisoned. Paul makes mention of this in his epistles, but Mr. Wright's gift is to bring out Paul's dedication to the Word even while in chains and his near desperation to see that certain churches are on a sound footing before he dies. Mr. Wright brings this out well and adds to Paul's message that emphasis that many may have forgotten. The only problem I had with this book is that, like his first grouping of Galatians and Thessalonians, because I am reading through the Bible book-by-book, I had to put this commentary down after Colossians and not pick it up again until Philemon much later. While I understand why he grouped them this way, it is still difficult to recall Mr. Wright's main themes after having put this book down for so long. Still, this is a fine addition to the series.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wright's 'for Everyone' commentaries are great resources for bridging the gap between the text and the contemporary (Western) context. As a commentary, it falls a little flat. It is oscillates between being insightful and aggravatingly overly simple. But it is N.T. Wright, so most of the substance is brilliant, even if he doesn't have his scholar hat on for it. He draws out the meaning of the text through personal anecdotes. You get the sense here of how he might preach these texts to a church.

In the end, I appreciate his scholarship more, but this series should not be overlooked for devotional use. If you are seriously studying the prison letters, you will find this an insufficient resource for understanding the culture and the text, but it can be worth a glance.

[Sagely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up from the church library a few days before leading a Bible study on Philemon. I respect NT Wright's scholarship greatly, so I thought this volume of the PfE/NTfE series would offer a safety rail to keep my reading of Philemon from rolling into the gutter of bad scholarship.

PfE does provide a bit of a scholarly safety rail, though you wouldn't know the depth of Wright's scholarship from a quick read. PfE reads almost like a devotional commentary, with plenty of introductory illustrations and even a couple of sentimental moments (though never in an over-the-top way).

I'd recommend this (and other books in the series) to any person wanting a Cliff's Notes guide to Paul's letters.