View an in-depth discussion of Persecuted but Not Forsaken in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.
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Daily Lesson for Wednesday 31st of December 2025

We have no record of Paul ever visiting Colossae, which again tells us something about the effectiveness of his evangelistic strategy. First, it was Epaphras, a resident of Colossae (Colossians 4:12), who brought the gospel to that city (Colossians 1:7). But how was he converted? Most likely, it was in the mid-50s, when Paul was in nearby Ephesus and “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:10; compare Acts 20:31).

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The book of Revelation witnesses to how widely the gospel spread throughout this area (Revelation 1:4). The most plausible explanation for this success, including its spread to Colossae, is as a result of the work of Paul’s converts, who first heard the message in Ephesus, the most important city in Asia Minor and a major port. Epaphras heard Paul’s preaching in Ephesus and, becoming one of his coworkers, he took the gospel back to his hometown of Colossae.

The city itself, about nine miles (15 kilometers) southeast of Laodicea, is only now being excavated, so we know less about it compared to more prominent cities of the region. We do know it had a sizable Jewish population with “as many as ten thousand Jews living in that area of Phrygia.”—Arthur G. Patzia, New International Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1990), vol. 10, p. 3. Coins minted at Colossae indicate the people there, as in many Roman cities, worshiped a variety of gods. The pagan practices and strong cultural influences obviously presented Christians there with tremendous challenges, not only in evangelizing the city but also just remaining faithful to the pure faith of the gospel. Another prominent Christian in Colossae was Philemon, who may have been converted about the same time as Epaphras.

Although Roman law required Paul to return Onesimus to Philemon, Paul appeals to Philemon’s heart and conscience as a fellow believer and urges him to treat Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother (Philemon 1:16).

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-01-paul-and-colossae/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-01-paul-and-colossae

Key Thought: Paul faced many circumstances, but he saw a large purpose for what happened to him. And we can learn from him when we face our own trials.
January 3, 2026

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 3:1.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What is the significance of how Paul characterises his imprisonment?
3. Personal Application: How do we learn to make the best of whatever tough situation we find ourselves in? Why is that not always easy to do? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: How do you respond when unjustly treated? What Bible promises can you suggest during these times? How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 6:3-7.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How was Paul able to endure the trials he faced? What was the focus of his life?
3. Personal Application: What spiritual resources did Paul have available to help him face these difficulties? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How, as clergy or laity, can you as ministers of God, commend yourselves? What does that mean?” How would you respond to your relative?

3. Have a volunteer read Philemon 15,16 and Colossians 4:

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What course did Paul gently urge Philemon to pursue with Onesimus?
3. Personal Application: However much we detest slavery in any form, how do we come to terms with what Paul says here? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What are some ways we can support those who suffer persecution for their faith?.” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read Philippians 1:1-3, Colossians 1:1,2

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How are the churches described and what significance does the depictions have?
3. Personal Application: What does Paul mean when he says “rejoive always”? How are we supposed to do that in physical pain, emotional distress, or in adversity? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/1-persecuted-but-not-forsaken-teaching-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=1-persecuted-but-not-forsaken-teaching-plan