PAUL THE APOSTLE 8
PAUL THE APOSTLE 8
Ephesians. The theme of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians is the relationship between Christ and His church. It declares the eternal purpose of God in Christ wrought out in the church and the practical consequences of that purpose. Paul opens the epistle with a greeting and then praises God for all the spiritual blessings with which He has blessed believers in Christ in Heavenly places. He thanks the Ephesians for their faith, and informs them that he prays for them to know God's will for their lives, and experience His power. He explains how God raises men to life from the death of sin to new life in Christ. God's purpose is to reconcile both Jews and Gentiles not only to Himself, but to one another; to make them into one body - the church - by the cross of Christ. Paul portrays the Christian as a holy temple unto the Lord, built as a habitation of God through the Holy Spirit. Paul prays for the church to know the nature of God's love through Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God. He exhorts Christians to walk worthily and build up the one body of Christ.
Paul outlines the ministries Christ gave to the church. He admonishes Christians to put off their old evil nature and put on the new nature of God created in righteousness and true holiness. He lists the sins in which Christians are to no longer be involved then sets out responsibilities at home and at work - the mutual duties of both wives and husbands based on the analogy of the relationship between Christ and the church; the mutual duties of both children and their parents, and servants and masters. Paul then instructs Christians generally on preparing themselves for the spiritual conflict of life by being clothed with the full armour of God and praying for boldness. He concludes the epistle with a benediction (CP 1:1 - 6:24).
Philippians. Paul's purpose in writing this epistle was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent to him while he was under house-arrest in Rome, and their care for him. After his salutation, Paul offered up a prayer for them. He tells them that his being in bonds has advanced the gospel in Rome, albeit some preach insincerely, hoping to add to his afflictions. The others however, do it in love. Paul does not care though whether insincerely or in love, providing Christ is preached. Death was obviously a possibility for Paul in his situation and although he had a desire to die and be with the Lord, he was confident that he would be free to continue his ministry. He exhorts the Philippians to stand true in suffering for Christ, and appeals to them to live like Christ in true humility and selfless service, without murmurings and disputes. Paul commends Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians, and urges them to rejoice in the Lord. He warns them to beware of Judaizers, but to do all things to be found in Christ.
Paul admonishes the Philippians - and by extension every Christian throughout the church age - to show a forbearing attitude for all to see. They are not to be anxious for anything. They merely let God know what they want and His peace settles their hearts and minds in Christ. Christians should think only on things that harmonise with eternal truth and they will experience the peace of God. Paul then shares how he has learned to be content in whatever his circumstances are; he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. He commends the Philippians for their care for him and their financial support of his ministry, and promises in return that God will meet all their needs. He concludes the epistle with greetings to the church and a benediction (CP 1:1 - 4:23).
Colossians. This epistle focuses on the Person and the Work of Jesus Christ. It reminds Christians in every age of His all-sufficiency. Following his salutation, Paul expresses his thankfulness for the Colossians' deep faith and their propagation of the gospel. He prays that they might receive all the fullness of spiritual understanding and increase in their knowledge of God. Paul declares the pre-eminence of Christ in creation, in redemption, and in the church. He denounces philosophies which involve the observance of legalistic rituals and traditions and the worship of angels, none of which could save anyone. Only Jesus can do that. Paul admonishes the Colossians to "put to death" their old vices and "put on" the character of Christ. He then sets out responsibilities here too as he did in Ephesians - the mutual duties of both husbands and wives, children and their parents, and servants and their masters. Paul exhorts the Colossians to always speak wholesome words preserved from corruption, to always act wisely before unbelievers, and to redeem the time. This means that by the sweetness and courtesy of their conversation Christians are to favourably impress unbelievers, and make the most of every evangelistic opportunity. Paul closes the epistle with greetings and commendations for his co-workers including Onesimus, the subject of his epistle to Philemon, which we will look at shortly (CP 1:1 - 4:18).
1 Thessalonians. Paul wrote this epistle to address some ethical problems among the Thessalonians, and to allay their fears that those who have died in Christ will not take part in the first resurrection - when Christ comes again to take all the saints of God back to Heaven with Him. That is the main theme of the epistle. Paul begins the letter on behalf of Silas, Timothy and himself by thanking God for the faith, hope and love of the Thessalonians, their dedication to God, and propagation of the gospel. He recalls his own and their suffering for the cause of Christ, he reminds them that in sexual matters believers must conduct themselves differently from unbelievers. He gently urges them to be diligent in their work to gain the respect of unbelievers. After allaying their fears that those who have died in Christ will be left behind, Paul describes the fact and manner of the first resurrection. The dead in Christ will rise first, and the living will then be caught up with them to meet Christ in the air, who will then take them all to Heaven with Him. Paul explains that although Christ's coming for the saints might be likened to how a thief comes at night, it will not overtake believers like that. They live in anticipation of it and thus can comfort and build each other up in that knowledge. In closing, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to respect and honour those in ministry over them, to be at peace with each other, to warn idlers, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with all, see that none takes revenge on another, and be kind to everyone. He then admonishes them to rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything, not to quench the Spirit, not to despise prophecies, to prove all things, and lastly to abstain from all appearance of evil. Paul concludes the epistle with final greetings and a benediction (CP 1:1 - 5:28).