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Reading Guide
December 8-14
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
Ephesians
Background: The Ephesian church was founded by Paul as described in Acts 19. Ephesus was a major center for worship of various Greek and Roman gods and the manufacture of idols was a major business.
Chapters 1-3 This is the gospel (the good news)
Some think chapter 1:3-14 is a poem describing the gospel in a nutshell. Look for the phrase “in him” or “in Christ” in these verses. Note verse 10: “to bring together all things in Christ - the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth.”
Chapter 1:15-23 - Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers - the power of the gospel
Chapter 2:1-10 - God’s grace saved them. Chapter 2:11-22 - Jews and Gentiles living in peace in God’s family.
Chapter 3 - Paul’s role as the messenger to non-Jews, concluding with a prayer (vs.14-21)
THEREFORE, “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (4:1)
Chapters 4-6 - This is how you should live
Look for these themes: “one”, diversity, symbolism of a body, holiness, love, light, wisdom; the household under Christ; spiritual warfare.
Philippians
Background: Paul founded the church in Philippi (Acts 16). Philippi was a Roman colony where many former soldiers lived and patriotic nationalism was a big deal. Thus, coming in and announcing a king other than Caesar would be a problem. The Philippians sent one of their members, Epaphroditus, to Rome with a gift of support for Paul. Paul sent this letter back to Philippi with Epaphroditus.
Chapter 2:6-11 - The center of the letter is the “Messiah Poem”. Everything else revolves around this poem. Themes: humility, sacrifice, exaltation. Compare Phil. 2:10-11 to Isaiah 10:23.
Chapter 1:1-11 - Paul’s prayer for the Philippians
Chapter 1:12-26 - Paul’s imprisonment looks bad on the surface but it is actually good.
Chapters 1:27 - 2:18 - Follow Jesus’ example as you live out your life
Chapter 2:19-30 - Two examples of living for Jesus
Timothy (vs. 19-24) Concerned for the wellbeing of others more than his own.
Epaphroditus (vs. 25-30) Came close to death to server the Messiah.
Paul’s example (3:1-4:1) He gave up all his status and privilege as a Pharisee to serve Jesus. “I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus...Be imitators of me.”
You Philippians be examples (4:2-9)
Euodia and Syntyche - Work out your differences and agree in the Lord.
All of you - Think and act in a Godly way leading to peace in the Lord.
Chapter 4:10-23 Contentment in all circumstances; thanks for the gifts.
Colossians
Background: Paul did not start this church and had never been there. It was probably started by Epaphras (Colossians 1:7-8; 4:12-13). He had visited Paul in prison and this letter is a response to that visit. The letter was delivered by Tychicus and he was accompanied by Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9)
NOTE: The mention of the churches in two nearby cities - Laodicea and Hierapolis
NOTE: Philemon lived in Colosse and and the two letters were delivered at the same time.
Chapter 1:1-23 - The exalted Messiah
Vs. 3-5 - Prayer: We thank God for your faith, love, and hope.
Vs. 9-10 - Prayer: We pray for wisdom and spiritual understanding.
The Messiah Poem (1:15-20)
Jesus is the true image of God through whom all things were created
Jesus brings the NEW Creation symbolized by the body of which he is the head
Our response to the exalted messiah
Chapter 1:24-2:5 - Paul’s own experience with the truth of this poem
His suffering is not a defeat. It represents his participation in the suffering of the Messiah.
His hardships are a cause for joy - he is in prison for preaching the good news about Jesus.
Just as the divine glory dwelt in Jesus, so Jesus dwells in and among his international family.
“Christ in you - the hope of glory” (1:27)
Chapter 2:6-23 The pressure to turn away
Two influences to resist:
Mystical polytheism - worshipping multiple gods and idols
Pressure to observe the laws of the torah: eating kosher foods, observing sacred days, and circumcision.
Don’t compromise - Jesus has dealt with both of these:
Jesus has triumphed over all spiritual powers (gods and idols) (2:15).
Jesus fulfilled for us all of the laws of the Torah.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provides everything we need.
Chapters 3-4 - The Resurrection Life
Chapter 3:1-17 - The new humanity - “Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is.”
This is not talking about going to heaven when we die. It is talking about living in and through Jesus now. Live in unity and love (vs.12-17).
Chapters 3:18-4:1 - The Christ transformed household (love and mutual respect)
Chapter 4:2-6 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”
Chapter 4:7-18 - greetings and instructions
Philemon
Background: Philemon lived in Colosse. Philemon had a slave named Onesimus who for some reason, unknown to us, left Philemon’s household and ended up in Rome with Paul. The letter to Philemon was delivered by Tychicus at the same time as the Colossian letter. Onesimus accompanied Tychicus on the trip from Rome to Colosse.
What does Paul say about his relationship to Onesimus?
What is Paul asking of Philemon?
What can we conclude about Onesimus’ spiritual condition?
What does Paul suggest about his (Paul’s) possible future travels?