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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 6

"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!