Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus."
Text: Ephesians 1:1
THE POSTAL SERVICE IN THE DAYS OF PAUL
What was the postal system like in the days of the apostle Paul? How did his letters get sent to its desired destination? Here are some interesting facts:-
1. Trusted Friends who are traveling
This was about the most common way of sending letters.
a) Sometimes the bearers of the letters were Paul’s protégés like Timothy or Titus.
b) Sometimes they were delivered by friends or fellow-workers.
c) There was no official postal service. The Romans had their own courier service. Military mail was carried by soldiers
2. Overland route
Some destinations required travelers to cover long distances before arriving at their destination.
3. Sea Route
At other times, the sea route was chosen. Much depended on where the cities were located.
THE USUAL FORM OF LETTER WRITING
What we read in the opening lines of the letter to the Ephesians would be the usual way in which a letter would commence.
1. The announcement of the name of the writer
This is done to ascertain the authenticity of the letter. The writer usually discloses his name at the beginning of the letter. (Our style of letter writing calls for us to pen our name at the end of the missive we write.)
2. The use of an amanuensis
It is not uncommon to use an “amanuensis”. This person functions like a scribe or secretary. The writer would then dictate his letter.
Did Paul use an amanuensis? We actually have the name of one of his amanuenses at the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans.
“I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.”
ROMANS 16:22
3. The addressees
It is also quite usual for the writer to mention his addressees at the beginning of his letter.
4. Circular letters
It was not uncommon for Paul’s letters to be circulated to other churches. The epistle to the Ephesians was one such circular letter!