What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "When Paul wrote the letters to the Colossians, he was under house arrest. The Letter to the Colossians was written during his first imprisonment. He was probably released afterwards and many years later taken captive again, but this time thrown into prison. This was the second imprisonment. During this he was also presented before Nero, where shortly before Nero's death Paul was executed. Nero died in AD 68 and the last Paul letter was to brother Timothy 2 4 6-8. This means Paul takes his farewell in the Timothy letter, because at that moment he knows he will be presented to the emperor and he expects his imminent death, unlike the Colossian letters."
Answer
The present quotations confirm the user's depiction in essential points. The Letter to the Colossians was written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, where he was allowed to live in a rented house. After his release he continued his work until he was arrested again – this time under Nero's persecution. In this second imprisonment he was thrown into a gloomy dungeon and presented before Emperor Nero. The second Letter to Timothy was composed during this period, as Paul anticipated his imminent death and dictated his \"final testimony\".
The Letter to the Colossians during the first imprisonment
»Paul's letter to the Philippians, like the one to the Colossians, was written while he was a prisoner in Rome.«
Conditions during the first imprisonment
»In Rome, Captain Julius handed his prisoners over to the captain of the imperial guard. [...] Instead of being thrown into prison, he was allowed to live in his own rented house. Although constantly chained to a soldier, he had the freedom to receive his friends and to work for the advancement of Christ's cause.«
Release and re-arrest
»Paul's work among the churches after his release in Rome could not escape the attention of his enemies. [...] Through their efforts Paul was arrested again and taken away to his final imprisonment.«
The second imprisonment – a gloomy dungeon
»Upon his arrival in Rome Paul was placed in a gloomy dungeon to remain there until his course was completed. Accused of having incited one of the most vile and terrible crimes against the city and the nation, he was the object of general contempt.«
The second Letter to Timothy as a farewell
»Paul knew that his life was uncertain, and he feared that Timothy might arrive too late to see him. [...] While urging him to come without delay, he dictated the dying testimony, in case he would no longer be able to speak it himself.«
Paul before Emperor Nero
»When Paul had to appear before Emperor Nero for trial, it was with the imminent prospect of certain death. The serious nature of the crime charged against him and the general hostility toward Christians left little hope for a favorable outcome.«
- Paul's first and second imprisonment in Rome difference
- Date of composition of the Colossian letter and Timothy letter
- Paul's execution under Nero Ellen White
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
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