Paul’s Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon)

His Love Ministries P.O. Box 507 Middle Island, NY 11953-0507 (631) 732-3074 www.hlminc.org

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We pray that this class material will help you in your walk with our LORD Jesus. August 21, 2002 September 5,2011

2 Welcome: To 602 Paul’s Prison Epistles (Ephesians; Colossians; Philippians; Philemon –

This class has one requirement that we will be reading the same Bible translation. The New American Standard Bible. If you do not own one please purchase one with a center column reference for all the classes that are taught at His Love Ministries.

My view of God’s Word.

1. Every word in the Bible is God Breathed 2. All that it teaches is true. Revealing God, satan and men’s fallen condition 3. The very words were chosen by God to communicate clearly to us. 4. Our primary need is to study scripture in the days ahead that we can hear and discern the LORD’s voice. 5. The material that will be covering this quarter are the letters that Paul wrote when he was in prison in Rome. 6. These 4 epistles (letters) can not be placed into any order as to which letter came first, second and so on because there is no date indicated. But it is universally agreed that they were all written while Paul was in prison. So I have been seeking God as to which letter He wanted me to begin with. 7. Ephesians has been constantly impressed upon me as it presents the clearest teaching in the New Testament on our warfare.

The enemy

You are no match for him!

He has defeated man from the beginning. In the garden we see his first victory over Adam and Eve. That victory was obtained by his craftiness.

Adam was the height of God's reflection. Our first parents were not weakened by sin and a fallen nature that was given to rebellion and pride. This fact must not be passed over too quickly.

Adam and Eve had no struggle with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life. These conditions truthfully reflect our current fallen state but not theirs at creation. They were made to be in the presence of God with no fear or shame. Holiness was not a struggle to maintain for corruption was not found in them. Their natural condition was to forever be in God's presence.

We in our fallen state now, measure what we comprehend by ourselves. We so quickly forget what God has revealed to us in His word, that we see in part and as we are finite what we acquire of our past is corrupt by the fact that it comes from men who can never come into any truth apart from God. Man cannot understand himself or the universe that God has placed us in without God providing us with truth that He alone has and has imparted to us by the grace of His revelation to us.

3 The enemy knew that he could not harm man. He was beneath us. As clearly as we now stand upright above the serpents that roam the earth, we never were created beneath any part of God's creation but above all as the reflection of God to care for His garden.

Man possessed a glory that was not his own. Man could understand all of God's creation and give names to all the animals because man, who reflected God, perceived clearly their nature and purpose before the fall. The fact that Adam gave names to the animals reveals that he stood above all that God created and has the capacity to understand all that God has made. Even in our fallen state we can discover the underlying principles that God has ordained to sustain His creation.

But this is not our current condition! Since Adam we see an unbroken series of continuous defeats. The strongest and the wisest of men have all tasted defeat from our enemy. Even those who stood the closest to God have their failures recorded for us to examine.

To begin we must give up the illusion that we are a match for the enemy. We are not wiser that Solomon not stronger that Samson nor have we stood in the presence of God without food and water for forty day like Moses. Yet each person we meet in scripture has sin recorded as a result of that defeat in the garden by our enemy who did not lift a finger to defeat them. The enemy used words formulating "the lie" that brought death and separation from God to our first parents and to every generation that takes a breath.

The enemies plan to defeat us.

Because the enemy does not have death in his power, he cannot destroy us. He gains victory by tempting us to sin and rebellion. Then God must punish us.

This was the enemies plan and God knew it. God sent His Son to take the punishment of All sinful men and opened to us forgiveness and restoration to our intended place before God.

Now the enemy seeks to bring us to despair and defeat. He reminds us of our sins and continuously tells us that we are not worthy of God’s forgiveness.

God has a plan to mature His Children!

It can first be seen in a statement given to Cain.

Genesis 4:3-7 3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. 6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."

4 God was very careful of where He lead the new followers that was just leaving Egypt.

Exodus 13:17-18 17 Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, "The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." 18 Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt.

Then upon entering the Promised land.

Judges 3:1-4 NAU Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; 2 only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly). 3 These nations are: the five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath. 4 They were for testing Israel, to find out if they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers through Moses.

Then God lead David to write!

Psalm 144:1 NAU Psalm 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;

Then at the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans

Romans 16:20 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

This victory is only because there was an encounter in a wilderness and a final battle in a garden that lead to the victory over death hell and the grave in the Resurrection of Our LORD Jesus.

The Victory over our enemy was never in us.

Exodus 14:13-14 13 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. 14 "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

Then Again at Jericho With a shout on the seventh day.

Joshua 6:16 16 At the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.

There will be a final shout when God will slay the wicked with the rod of His Mouth!

5 Isaiah 11:4 And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;

1 Thessalonians 4:16 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

But we must learn from our DEFEATS!

How did enemy defeat you? Did you fail to call on God? Did you turn a deaf ear to His warning and way out of the temptation? Did you become distracted? Did you just give in to the enemies persistent onslaught? Did you stop resisting?

I ask that you would journal with God that He may show you where you are failing to master sin.

God’s word is clear, we must share from out PERSONAL VICTORIES!

Romans 15:17-19 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

We have had a clear wake up call! The earthquake on Aug 23, 2011 there was another 3.5 on September 1 at 5am. And Hurricane Irene that will cost 1.5 Billion in relief after the cost of 5.2 Billion from other recent disasters.

Here we meet Paul in prison. When a man is in prison he may focus on the reasons for being there and focus on all means of escape. The delivering of our lives from adverse conditions has in our day become an idol of pursuit for many. But not so in the life of a believer. He has the word of God to guide him in understanding the conditions that we encounter. One need only to read the first book in our Bible and we learn from what is recorded from the lips of Joseph. Genesis 50:20 20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

The imprisonment of Joseph served to bring about a larger purpose that Joseph could not see. How small is our perception of the reality that we call life! God has given us life and placed us in the world and the conditions for things that may never be revealed to us until we arrive in Glory.

6 Then there is the record of others that were imprisoned who can forget Peters’ release by the angel. And Paul had experiences in Jail that proved that God was in control of all and where ever we are in the earth His is able to use us even when men appear to be the cause of our restrictions.

As Paul turned his focus from his condition to the purpose of his life he saw that this imprisonment would further God’s will for his life.

He first had to change his perception about his being in jail. He was not the prisoner of Rome, no he was the prisoner of God!

NAU Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— NAU Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, NAU Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

As the slave who has no understanding of his master’s purpose in sending him to various locations Paul was aware that God could stop his movements and redirect them to new and exciting adventures that brought God Glory. Malta was not within God’s mind as a mission field but God knew that their time had come for Him to reveal Himself to a people who were ready to respond to God’s presence in their midst. Then Paul was stopped from reaching Rome that the epistle would be written for the entire Church to be instructed.

With Paul seeking to understand the purpose for his imprisonment his thought were directed to the believers that were struggling that God had permitted him to establish in the faith. How much would change in the life of every believer if their focus would turn to those we have been connected to in the body of Christ. How many have we thought of and felt the need to contact and sadly we failed to follow through because our lives were so absorbed with personal concerns. The letters that were never written and the visits that were never made and the contact that was needed but delayed or forgotten when the Spirit gave us the gentle prompting. If contact or immediate response could not be made how many prayers have been neglected because we trusted our own ability to remember to pray for someone and it was forgotten for days. Paul knew that delayed obedience was not the lifestyle that he sought for. He strived to finish his race well. What would the scripture be without these books of instruction.

Much of what Paul had been guided to write in the past came as a result of a problem or condition that was made visible by the Spirit. Galatians warned of being lead astray by men who wanted to place them under the Law. 1&2 Thessalonians warned of being mislead as to the time of our LORD’s return. 1 Corinthians revealed the danger of division and not dealing with sin. Romans have laid before God’s people the clearest teaching that Paul was capable of to explain how we are made righteous. As Paul sat there God showed him more that needed to be shared with the people who were seeking to love and follow God.

There was a wealth of material that was in circulation; James, and the record of Jesus in Matthew Luke and the history that was unfolding in Acts.

7 Paul did not become silent he wrote letters from prison.

Bible Verses from NT before Prison Epistles were written

James

• God has declared that friendship with the world is hostility towards God. (4:4)

• God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. (4:6)

• We are commanded to SUBMIT to God! RESIST the devil, he will flee. (4:7)

Galatians

• We were informed about the war between the flesh and the spirit. The victory was simple, WALK and continue to WALK by the Spirit and we will in no way carry out the desires of the flesh (5:16-24)

1Thessalonians

• The resurrection of the righteous and the Day of the LORD. Will come like a thief upon the wicked but we are not to be in darkness and we are not to sleep. (5:1-11)

2 Thessalonians

• The man of lawlessness will be destroyed. He will come with the activity of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders. He will convince men to believe "the lie".

1 Corinthians

• Corruption can enter the assembly of the saints. One man was having a relationship with his father's wife. We were instructed to deliver such a one over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh. (5:1-5)

• Satan would come between a husband and wife if they stopped having physical relationship without mutual agreement for the purpose of prayer. (7:5)

• God is faithful and would not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able and with the temptation He will provide a way of escape! (10:13)

2 Corinthians

• Satan deceives by craftiness, moving your mind away from the simplicity of Christ. He brings another Jesus a different gospel and a different spirit. (11:3-4)

• Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (11:14)

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Romans

• God causes All things to work together for good to those who love God and are called that He has chosen to display.

• We must be convinced that nothing shall separate us from the love of God.

• The God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. (16:20)

Matthew

• We see that the enemy sought to kill Jesus as a child, and he did not hesitate to kill children. The way of escape was to flee. (2:13-18)

• The devil personally tried to tempt Jesus to prove that He was a (no definite article in Greek) son of God. Then the devil left for a time. (4:1-11)

• The LORD's prayer provides us with clarity: • The Heavenly Father is NOT OURS EXCLUSIVELY! He is OUR FATHER. He loves all. He is beyond our limitations and not dependent nor restricted by His creation He is IN HEAVEN.

• His Name is Holy • His kingdom will come • His will WILL be done everywhere! Earth and Heaven! • He provides our daily bread • He forgives our debts in the same way we forgive the debts of outers against us. • He alone leads us from temptation and He alone delivers us from the evil one. • Foe the kingdom is His • The power is His • The glory is His. • This will NEVER change it is forever!

• Jesus cast out demons with a word!

• Jesus extended His power to those that He send. • Heal the sick • raise the dead • cleanse the lepers • cast out demons

• Satan the evil one comes to snatch away the word that has been sown in the heart.

9 • The evil one comes when we are asleep or unaware to sow tares among the wheat. The angels are the ones called to separate not us.

• Satan could quickly gain a position in a believer's heart. Peter proclaimed that Jesus was "THE CHRIST". Then he proceeds to tell Jesus that His death and Resurrection would NEVER happen.

• Even after the disciples had victory over the demonic they encountered new situations where their faith was revealed as lacking. And Jesus reveals why they could not drive out the demon from the boy. (18:14-21) "Because of the littleness of your faith..."

• False Christ’s, false prophets will come and mislead many. Showing great signs and wonders.

• Jesus told us that the thief was coming and to stay alert and be ready! (24:42-44)

• Have enough oil in your lamp to make it through the long night. You are not able to carry another only yourself!

• We have the tendency to sleep when we should be praying. • We try to fight with the sword meeting violence with violence and we must show love!

• All authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus. He is with us!

Luke

• The 70 that were sent out had authority over the demon's power and nothing would injury them. (10:17-20)

• All heaven rejoices when a sinner repents, so this is one thing that the enemy opposes with all his might.

• We are told by the LORD that we ought always to pray and not lose heart. This is also an area that the enemy seeks to destroy.

• Jesus asks us will there be "the faith" when He returns? The enemy seeks to destroy our true faith in God's faithfulness. (18:1-9)

• Jesus declares "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." The enemy wants to deceive us to think that God will not forgive you.

Acts

• Prison did not stop God • Lying from those in the gathering did not stop God (Ananias & Sapphira)

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• God could turn His enemy into a faithful servant. (Paul)

• Spreading the good news was God's business. The Ethiopian and Cornelius Vision.

• Men who wanted to kill God's servants were stopped and some set free. Herod was eaten by worms, James was put to death and Peter was set free by the angel.

• God directed where His servants were to go and in jail God reached a jailer and his family.

• Demons were stopped by Jesus and no longer able to fortune-telling.

• Demons will not respond to those who do not know Jesus. Seven sons of Sceva.

• The LORD broke the hold of the demons in peoples lives and they burned their books. A picture of the end of the demonic!

• Ship wreak nor vipers can stop God when He has a servant on His mission

• Paul now finds himself in prison but he is not silent!

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14 A. Authorship - Paul the Apostle ˆ NAU Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: ˆ NAU Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: ˆ NAU Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ˆ NAU Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker,

1. Preconversion a. Born in Tarsus (a free city - anyone born in Tarsus was a Roman citizen) b. An Orthodox Jew (Phil. 3) An elite Pharisee c. Studied under Gamaliel d. A persecutor of Christians ˆ If we didn't hear of Paul in the New Testament he would have become known. 2. Conversion (Acts 9) a. Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus b. Paul's life completely changed upon conversion ˆ His conversion experience is seen in his writings. Paul is chosen to explain salvation to the Church. ˆ Paul was a persecutor of God’s people

c. Paul's local church was in Antioch ˆ Here we see the need to be attached to a local body of believers. The calling to leadership does not stop us from being responsible to our local body. Today’s missionaries need a local body.

* Note: Paul the Apostle The Calling of an Apostle

1. Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Acts 1:21; Rev. 21:14) ˆ ACT 1:21 "It is therefore necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- ACT 1:22 beginning with the baptism of John, until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these should become a witness with us of His resurrection. " ACT 1:23 And they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. ACT 1:24 And they prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chosen ACT 1:25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas

15 turned aside to go to his own place. " ACT 1:26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. ˆ REV 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them {were} the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

2. Apostle of the Ascended Christ (Eph. 4:7-11) ˆ EPH 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. EPH 4:8 Therefore it says, #"\When He ascended on high\, \He led captive a host of captives\, \And He gave gifts to men.\"# EPH 4:9 (Now this {expression,} "He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? EPH 4:10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) EPH 4:11 And He gave some {as} apostles, and some {as} prophets, and some {as} evangelists, and some {as} pastors and teachers, ˆ 2PE 3:14 ¶ Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 2PE 3:15 and regard the patience of our Lord {to be} salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 2PE 3:16 as also in all {his} letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as {they do} also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 2PE 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, 2PE 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him {be} the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. • overview of Paul's salvation radical & complete • The city & the Times • God knew what the Church would be facing - the letters are preparation • Our problem is that we do not know these letters . The letters were given one at a time. They were learned them before moving on to another letter. We tend to focus to broad and not learn the lessons of the book before we attempt to link it. Our minds are to small to deal with the whole of Scriptures before understanding its parts. • We should always note the placement of the letter. What comes before and after them.

Our focus in this class. Ephesians - the body Colossians - the head Philippians - the heart Philemon - your brothers

We will note the commands imperatives , perfects and words pictures

• We have information on Paul's life from Acts. • Paul was in Jail • They are written for us! 1Cor 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

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17 Message of the Epistle A key term in Ephesians is the word “mystery,” the first occurrence of which is found in 1:9–10. Here Paul identifies the controlling theme of the epistle, namely, the design of God’s overall plan. God purposes the ultimate union of all things in Christ, and chief instrument which He is using during the present age to accomplish this goal is the Church. In this new community of redeemed people God has broken down the barrier between the Jew and the Gentile and united the two as one new man (2:14–15). This unification of two formerly opposing groups is but a token of the unity which is to be a reality among all who are members of the body of Christ. In this new community of saints there are no legitimate barriers of nationality, race, color, or culture. The Church is one body in Jesus Christ, and as such it is, as Francis W. Beare asserts, the “harbinger of the ultimate unity of the whole creation” (“The Epistle to the Ephesians,” IB, X, 606). From this first step in unification God will ultimately, according to His sovereign purpose, unite all things in Christ. This is the mystery of the grand design of God. The unity of the Church is represented in Ephesians under three figures: the temple (2:19–22), the body (4:11–16), and the bride (5:21–33). Furthermore, in order that this unity may be more than theoretical, Paul insists that in its interpersonal relations the Church is to preserve “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3). Outline of Ephesians I. Salutation, 1:1–2 II. Doxology, 1:3–14 A. The choice of God the Father, 1:3–6 B. The redemption wrought by Christ the Son, 1:7–12 C. The sealing of God the Holy Spirit, 1:13–14 III. Thanksgiving and Prayer, 1:15–23 IV. Doctrinal Discussion, 2:1–3:21 A. The redemption of Gentiles, 2:1–22 1. Viewed personally, 2:1–10 2. Viewed corporately, 2:11–22 B. The ministry of Gentiles, 3:1–21 1. Paul’s commission, 3:1–13 2. Paul’s prayer, 3:14–21 V. Practical Discussion, 4:1–6:20 A. Exhortation to unity, 4:1–16 B. Exhortation to consistent living, 4:17–5:20 C. Exhortations to various household groups, 5:21–6:9 1. Wives and husbands, 5:21–33 2. Children and parents, 6:1–4 3. Slaves and masters, 6:5–9 D. Exhortation to prepare for spiritual warfare, 6:10–20 VI. Conclusion, 6:21–24 1

1 1. Pfeiffer, Charles F., Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, (Chicago, IL: Moody Press) 1975.

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Tense-Perfect

The perfect tense in Greek corresponds to the perfect tense in English, and describes an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated.

Jesus' last cry from the cross, TETELESTAI ("It is finished!") is a good example of the perfect tense used in this sense, namely "It [the atonement] has been accomplished, completely, once and for all time."

Certain antiquated verb forms in Greek, such as those related to seeing (eidw) or knowing (oida) will use the perfect tense in a manner equivalent to the normal past tense. These few cases are exception to the normal rule and do not alter the normal connotation of the perfect tense stated above.

Mood-Imperative

The imperative mood corresponds to the English imperative, and expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding. Thus, Jesus’ phrase, "Repent ye, and believe the gospel" Mark 1:15 is not at all an "invitation," but an absolute command requiring full obedience on the part of all hearers. (Both Repent & Believe are commands)

Double negatives in scriptures

Emphatic denial. Showing intensity and impossibility of occurrence, 'in no way' 'assuredly not' • John 10:28 Lit. And I give eternal life to them, and they shall not perish to the age, never (2Neg)! And not anyone shall pluck them out of My hand.

19 Present Imperatives Eph. 2:11 “remember” Perfects Double Negatives Eph. 4.2 *Present Eph. 1:6 “beloved” No Double Negatives Participle Eph. 1:12 “the first to Eph. 4.3 *Present hope” Participle Eph. 1:18 *2 “may be Eph. 4:25 enlightened” “know” Eph. 4:26 *3 Eph. 2:5 “have been Eph. 4:27 saved” Eph. 4:28 *2 Eph. 2:8 “have been Eph. 4:29 saved” Eph. 4:30 Eph. 2:12 “excluded from Eph. 4:31 the commonwealth” Eph. 4:32 Eph. 3:9 “has been hidden” Eph. 5:1 Eph. 3:17 *2 “rooted” Eph. 5:2 “grounded” Eph. 5:3 Eph. 4:18 *2 “being Eph. 5:5 darkened” “excluded Eph. 5:6 from” Eph. 5:7 Eph. 4:19 “having become Eph. 5:8 callous” Eph. 5:11 *2 Eph. 5:5 “know” Eph. 5:14 *2 Eph. 6:8 “knowing” Eph. 5:15 Eph. 6:9 “knowing” Eph. 5:17 *2 Eph. 6:16 “flaming” Eph. 5:18 *2 Eph. 6:21 “know” Eph. 5:25 Eph. 5:33 Eph. 6:1 Eph. 6:2 Eph. 6:4 *2 Eph. 6:5 Eph. 6:9 Eph. 6:10 Eph. 6:11 Eph. 6:13 Eph. 6:14 Eph. 6:17 Eph. 6:18 *2 Present Participles

20 ON FAMILY LIFE. EPHESIANS 5:22-6:9. CHAPTER 25. CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE. — EPHESIANS 5:22-33. IN mutual subjection the Christian spirit has its sharpest trials and attains its finest temper. “Be subject one to another,” was the last word of the apostle’s instructions respecting the “walk” of the Asian Churches. By its order and subjection the gifts of all the members of Christ’s body are made available for the up-building of God’s temple. The inward fellowship of the Spirit becomes a constructive and organizing force, reconstituting human life and framing the world into the kingdom of Christ and God. “In fear of Christ” the loyal Christian man submits himself to the community; not from the dread of human displeasure, but knowing that he must give account to the Head of the Church and the Judge of the last day, if his self-will should weaken the Church’s strength and interrupt her holy work. “For the Lord’s sake” His freemen submit to every ordinance of men. This is such a fear as the servant has of a good master (Ephesians 6:5), or the true wife for a loving husband (ver. 33), — not that which “perfect love casts out,” but which it deepens and sanctifies. Of this subjection to Christ the relationship of marriage furnishes an example and a mirror. St. Paul passes on to the new topic without any grammatical pause, verse 22 being simply an extension of the participial clause that forms ver. 21: “Being in subjection to one another in fear of Christ — ye wives to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” The relation of the two verses is not that of the particular to the general, so much as that of image and object, of type and antitype. Submission to Christ in the Church suggests by analogy that of the wife to her husband in the house. Both have their origin in Christ, in whom all things were created, the Lord of life in its natural as well as in its spiritual and regenerate sphere (Colossians 1:15-17). The bond that links husband and wife, lying at the basis of collective human existence, has in turn its ground in the relation of Christ to humanity.

The race springs not from a unit, but from a united pair. The history of mankind began in wedlock. The family is the first institution of society, and the mother of all the rest. It is the life- basis, the primitive cell of the aggregate of cities and bodies politic. In the health and purity of household life lies the moral wealth, the vigour and durability of all civil institutions. The mighty upgrowth of nations and the great achievements of history germinated in the nursery of home and at the mother’s breast. Christian marriage is not an expedient — the last of many that have been tried — for the satisfaction of desire and the continuance of the human species. The Institutor of human life laid down its principle in the first frame of things. Its establishment was a great prophetic mystery (ver. 32). Its law stands registered in the eternal statutes. And the Almighty Father watches over its observance with an awful jealousy. Is it not written: “Fornicators and adulterers God will judge”; and again, “The Lord is an avenger concerning all these things”?

St. Paul rightly gives to this subject a conspicuous place in this epistle of Christ and the Church. The corner-stone of the new social order which the gospel was to establish in the world lies here. The entire influence of the Church upon society depends upon right views on the relationship of man and woman and on the ethics of marriage. In wedlock there are blended most completely the two principles of association amongst moral beings, — viz., authority and love, submission and self-surrender.

21 I. On the one side, submission to authority. “Wives, be in subjection, as to the Lord,” — as is fitting in the Lord (Colossians 3:18). Again, in 1 Timothy 2:11, 12, the apostle writes: “I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion,” or (as the word may rather signify) “to act independently of the man.” Were these directions temporary and occasional? Were they due, as one hears it suggested, to the uneducated and undeveloped condition of women in the apostle’s time? Or do they not affirm a law that is deeply seated in nature and in the feminine constitution? The words of 1 Corinthians 11:2-15 show that, in the apostle’s view of life, this subordination is fundamental. “The head of woman is the man,” as “the head of every man is the Christ” and “the head of Christ is God.” “The woman,” he says, “is of the man,” and “was created because of the man.” Whether these sentences square with our modern conceptions or not, there they stand, and their import is unmistakable. They teach that in the Divine order of things it is the man’s part to lead and rule, and the woman’s part to be ruled. But the Christian woman will not feel that there is any loss or hardship in this. For in the Christian order, ambition is sin. To obey is better than to rule. She remembers who has said: “I am amongst you as he that serveth.” The children of the world strive for place and power; but “it shall not be so amongst you.”

Such subordination implies no inferiority, rather the opposite. A free and sympathetic obedience — which is the true submission — can only subsist between equals. The apostle writes: “Children, obey;… Servants, obey” (Ephesians 6:1, 5); but “Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” The same word denotes submission within the Church, and within the house. It is here that Christianity, in contrast with Paganism, and notably with Mohammedanism, raises the weaker sex to honour. In soul and destiny it declares the woman to be man, endowed with all rights and powers inherent in humanity. “In Christ Jesus there is no male and female,” any more than there is “Jew and Greek” or “bond and free.” The same sentence which broke down the barriers of Jewish caste, and in course of time abolished slavery, condemned the odious assumptions of masculine pride. It is one of the glories of our faith that it has enfranchised our sisters, and raises them in spiritual calling to the full level of their brothers and husbands. Both sexes are children of God by the same birthright; both receive the same Holy Spirit, according to the prediction quoted by St. Peter on the day of Pentecost: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy… Yea, on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days will I pour out my Spirit, saith the Lord” (Acts 2:17, 18).

This one point of headship, of public authority and guidance, is reserved. It is the point on which Christ forbids emulation amongst His people. Christian courtesy treats the woman as “the glory of the man”; it surrounds her from girlhood to old age with protection and deference. This homage, duly rendered, is a full equivalent for the honour of visible command. When, as it happens not seldom in the partnership of life, the superior wisdom dwells with the weaker vessel, the golden gift of persuasion is not wanting, by which the official ruler is guided, to his own advantage, and his adviser accomplishes more than she could do by any overt leadership. The chivalry of the Middle Ages, from which the refinement of European society takes its rise, was a product of Christianity grafted on the Teutonic nature. Notwithstanding the folly and excess that were mixed with it, there was a beautiful reverence in the old knightly service and championship of women. It humanised the ferocity of barbarous times. It tamed the brute strength of warlike races and taught them honour and gentleness. Its prevalence marked a permanent advance in

22 civilisation. Shall we say that this law of St. Paul is that laid down specifically for Christian women? is it not rather a law of nature — the intrinsic propriety of sex, whose dictates are reinforced by the Christian revelation? The apostle takes us back to the creation of mankind for the basis of his principles in dealing with this subject (ver, 31). The new commandments are the old which were in the world from the beginning, though concealed and overgrown with corruption. Notwithstanding the debasement of marriage under the non-Christian systems, the instincts of natural religion taught the wife her place in the house and gave rise to many a graceful and appropriate custom expressive of the honour due from one sex to the other. So the apostle regarded the man’s bared and cropped head and the woman’s flowing tresses as symbols of their relative place in the Divine order (1 Corinthians 11:13-15), These and such distinctions — between the dignities of strength and of beauty — no artificial sentiment and no capricious revolt can set aside. while the world stands. St. Paul appeals to the common sense of mankind, to that which “nature itself teaches,” in censuring the forwardness of some Corinthian women who appeared to think that the liberty of the gospel released them from the limitations of their nature.

Some earnest promoters of women’s rights, have fallen into the error that Christianity, to which they owe all that is best in their present status, is the obstacle in the way of their further progress. It is an obstacle to claims that are against nature and against the law of God, — claims only tolerable so long as they are exceptional. But the barriers imposed by Christianity, against which these people fret, are their main protection. “The moment Christianity disappears, the law of strength revives; and under that law women can have no hope except that their slavery may be mild and pleasant.” To escape from the “bondage of Christian law” means to go back to the bondage of paganism. “As unto the Lord” gives the pattern and the principle of the Christian wife’s submission. Not that, as Meyer seems to put it, the husband in virtue of marriage “represents Christ to .the wife.”

Her relation to the Lord is as full, direct, and personal as his. Indeed, the clause inserted at the end of verse 23 seems expressly designed to guard against this exaggeration. The qualification that Christ is “Himself Saviour of the body,” thrown in between the two sentences comparing the marital headship to that which Christ holds towards the Church, has the effect of limiting the former. The subjection of the Christian wife to her husband reserves for Christ the first place in the heart and the undiminished rights of Saviourship. St. Paul indicates a real, and not unfrequent danger. The husband may eclipse Christ in the wife’s soul, and be counted as her all in all. Her absorption in him may be too complete. Hence the brief guarding clause: “He Himself [and no other] .Saviour of the body [to which all believers alike belong].” As the Saviour of the Church, Christ holds an unrivalled and unqualified lordship over every member of the same.

Nevertheless, as the Church is subject to the Christ, so also wives [should be] to their husbands in everything” (ver. 24). Again in verse 33: “Let the wife see that she fear her husband — with the reverent and confiding fear which love makes sweet. As the Christian wife obeys the Lord Christ in the spiritual sphere, in the sphere of marriage she is subject to her husband. The ties that bind her to Christ, bind her more closely to the duties of home. These duties illustrate for her the submissive love that Christ’s people, and herself as one of them, owe to their Divine Head. Her service in the Church, in turn, will send her home with a quickened sense of the sacredness of her domestic calling. It will lighten the yoke of obedience; it will check the discontent that masculine

23 exactions provoke; and will teach her to win by patience and gentleness the power within the house that is her queenly crown.

II. The apostle alludes to submission as the wife’s duty; for she might, possibly, be tempted to think this superseded by the liberty, of the children of God. Love he need not enjoin upon her, but he writes: “Husbands, love your wives, even as the Christ also loved the Church and gave up Himself for her” (comp. Colossians 3:18, 19). The danger of selfishness lies on the masculine side. The man’s nature is more exacting; and the self-forgetfulness and solicitous affection of the woman may blind him to his own want of the truest love. Full of business and with a hundred cares and attractions lying outside the domestic circle, he too readily forms habits of self- absorption and learns to make his wife and home a convenience, from which he takes as his right the comfort they have to give, imparting little of devotion and confidence in return. This lack of love denies the higher rights of marriage; it makes the wife’s submission a joyless constraint. Along with this selfishness and the uneasy conscience attending it, there supervenes sometimes an irritability of temper that chafes over domestic troubles and makes a grievance of the most trifling mishap or inadvertence, ignoring the wife’s patient affection and anxiety to please Too often in this way husbands grow insensibly into family tyrants, forgetting the days of youth and the kindness of their espousals. “There are many,” says Bengel (on this point unusually caustic), “who out of doors are civil and kind to all; when at home, toward their wives and children, whom they have no need to fear, they freely practice secret bitterness.”.” Love your wives, even as the Christ loved the Church.”

What a glory this confers upon the husband’s part in marriage! His devotion pictures as no other love can, the devotion of Christ to His Redeemed people. His love must therefore be a spiritual passion, the love of soul to soul, that partakes of God and of eternity. Of the three Greek words for love, — eros, familiar in Greek poetry and mythology, denoting the flame of sexual passion, is not named in the New Testament; philia, the love of friendship, is tolerably frequent, in its verb at least; but agape absorbs the former and transcends both. This exquisite word denotes love in its spiritual purity and depth, the love of God and of Christ, and of souls to each other in God. This is the specific Christian affection. It is the attribute of God who “loved the world and gave His Son the Only-begotten” of “the Christ” who “loved the Church and gave up Himself for her.” Self-devotion, not self-satisfaction, is its note. Its strength and authority it uses as material for sacrifice and instruments of service, not as prerogatives of pride or titles to enjoyment.

Let this mind be in you, O husband, toward your wife, which was also in Christ Jesus, who was meek and lowly in heart, counting it His honour to serve and His reward to save and bless. From verse 26 we gather that Christ is the husband’s model, not only in the rule of self-devotion, but in the end toward which that devotion is directed: “that He might sanctify the Church, — that He might present her to Himself a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle, — that she might be holy and without blemish.” The perfection of the wife’s character will be to the religious husband one of the dearest objects in life. He will desire for her that which is highest and best, as for himself. He is put in charge of a soul more precious to him than any other, over which he has an influence incomparably, great. This care he cannot delegate to any priest or father-confessor.

24 The peril of such delegation and the grievous mischiefs that arise when there is no spiritual confidence between husband and wife, when through unbelief or superstition the head of the house hands over his priesthood to another man, are painfully shown by the experience of Roman Catholic countries. The irreligion of laymen, the carelessness and unworthiness of fathers and husbands, are responsible for the baneful influences of the confessional. The apostle bade the Corinthian wives, who were eager for religious knowledge, to “ask their husbands at home” (1Corinthians 14:35). Christian husbands should take more account of their office than they do; they should not be strangers to the spiritual trials and experiences of the heart so near to them. It might lead them to walk more worthily and to seek higher religious attainments, if they considered that the shepherding of at least one soul devolves upon themselves, that they are unworthy of the name of husband without such care for the welfare of the soul linked to their own as Christ bears toward “His bride the Church. Those who have no father or husband to look to, or who look in vain to this quarter for spiritual help, St. Paul refers, beside the light and comfort of Scripture and the public ministry and fellowship of the Church, to the “aged women” who are the natural guides and exemplars of the younger in their own sex (Titus 2:3-5).

The selfishness of the stronger sex, supported by the force of habit and social usage, was hard to subdue in the Greek Christian Churches. Through some eight verses St. Paul labours this one point. In verse 28 he adduces another reason, added to the example of Christ, for the love enjoined. “So ought men indeed to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” The “So” gathers its force from the previous example. In loving us Christ does not love something foreign and, as -it were, outside of Himself. “We are members of His body” (ver. 30). It is the love of the Head to the members, of the Son of man to the sons of men, whose race-life is founded in Him. Jesus Christ laid it down as the highest law, under that of love to God: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” His love to us followed this rule. His life was wrapped up in ours. By such community of life self-love is transfigured, and exalted into the purest self-forgetting.

Thus it is with true marriage. The wedding of a human pair makes each the other’s property. They are “one flesh” (ver. 31); and ,so long as the flesh endures there remains this consciousness of union, whose violation is deadly sin. As the Church is not her own, nor Christ His own since He became man with men, so the husband and wife are no longer independent and self-complete personalities, but incorporated into a new existence common to both. Their love must correspond to this fact. “If the man loves himself, if he values his own limbs and tends and guards from injury his bodily frame (ver. 29), he must do the same equally by his wife; for her life and limbs are as a part of his own. This the apostle lays down as an obvious duty. Nature teaches the obligation, by every manly instinct.

The saying the apostle quotes in verse 31 dates from the origin of the human family; it is taken from the lips of the first husband and father of the race, while as yet unstained by sin (Genesis 2:23, 24). Christ infers from it the singleness and indelibility of the marriage covenant. But this doctrine, natural as it is, was not inferred by natural religion. The cultivated Greek took a wife for the production of children. Her rights put no restriction upon his appetite. Love was not in the marriage contract. If she received the maintenance due to her rank and the mistress-ship of the

25 house, and was the mother of his lawful children, she had all that a free-born woman could demand. The slave-woman had no rights. Her body was at her owner’s disposal. Nothing in Christianity appeared more novel and more severe, in comparison with the dissolute morals of the time, than the Christian view of marriage. Even Christ’s Jewish disciples seemed to think the state of wedlock intolerable under the condition He imposed. This want of reverence and constancy between the sexes was the main cause of the degeneracy of the age. All virtues disappear with this one. Roman manliness and uprightness, Greek courtesy and courage, filial piety, civic worth, loyalty in friendship — the qualities that once in a high degree adorned the classic nations, were now rare amongst men. In the most exalted ranks infamous vices flourished; and purity of life was a cause for odium and suspicion.

Amidst this seething mass of corruption the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus created new hearts and new homes. It kindled a pure fire on the desecrated hearth. It taught man and woman a chaste love; and their alliances were formed “in sanctification and honour, not in the passion of lust as it is with the Gentiles who know not God”: (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6). Every Christian house, thus! based on an honourable and religious union, became the centre of a leaven that wrought upon the corrupt society around. It held forth an example of wedded loyalty and domestic joy beautiful and strange in that loveless Pagan world. Children grew up trained in pure and gentle manners. From that hour the hope of a better day began. The influence of the new ideal,! filtrating everywhere into the surrounding heathenism and assimilating even before it converted the hostile world, raised society, though gradually and with many relapses, from the extreme debasement of the age of the Caesars. Never subsequently have the morals of civilized mankind sunk to a level quite so low. The Christian conception of love and marriage opened a new era for mankind.

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45 Present Imperatives Col. 1:16 Col. 2:6 Col. 1:17 Col. 2:8 Col. 1:21 Col. 2:16 Col. 1:23 Col. 2:18 Col. 1:26 Col. 3:1 Col. 2:1 *2 Col. 3:2 Col. 2:7 Col. 3:5 Col. 2:10 Col. 3:8 Col. 2:14 Col. 3:9 Col. 2:18 Col. 3:12 Col. 3:3 Col. 3:15 *2 Col. 3:12 Col. 3:16 Col. 3:24 Col. 3:18 Col. 4:1 Col. 3:19 *2 Col. 4:3 Col. 3:20 Col. 4:6 *2 Col. 3:21 Col. 4:12 Col. 3:22 Col. 3:23 Col. 3:24 Col. 4:1 Col. 4:2 Col. 4:5 Col. 4:10 Col. 4:15 Col. 4:16 Col. 4:17 *2 Col. 4:18

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50 Present Imperatives Perfects Phil. 1:27 Phil. 2:2 Phil. 1:6 Double Negatives Phil. 2:5 Phil. 1:11 Phil. 2:12 Phil. 1:12 Phil. 2:14 Phil. 1:14 Phil. 2:15 Phil. 1:16 Phil. 2:18 *2 Phil. 1:19 Phil. 2:29 *2 Phil. 1:25 *2 Phil. 3:1 Phil. 2:15 Phil. 3:2 *3 Phil. 2:24 Phil. 3:17 *2 Phil. 3:3 Phil. 4:1 Phil. 3:4 Phil. 4:3 Phil. 3:7 Phil. 4:4 *2 Phil. 3:12 Phil. 4:5 Phil. 3:13 Phil. 4:6 *2 Phil. 4:12 *3 Phil. 4:8 Phil. 4:15 Phil. 4:9 Phil. 4:18 Phil. 4:21

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NAU Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by (lit. through) the will of God, To the saints (holy ones always plural) who are at Ephesus (on earth in a location) and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: (this is their 2 character that is maintained in relationship) Grace to you and peace (no one will enter peace apart from God and His Grace) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 (Nothing is missing in Christ!) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, (we are not an accident – we are chosen long ago!) that we would be holy and blameless before Him. (Here is the end of the sentence)

5 In love(agape) He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely

bestowed on us in the Beloved. (perfect passive) 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us.

In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His 12 purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we (Jews) who were

the first to hope (Perfect) in (Greek “the Christ”) Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him, you (Emphatic i.e. Gentiles) also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and 16 your (Greek is “the love”) love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge (this is a true knowledge that is seen in the 18 life) of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, (Perfect passive) so that you will know (Perfect) what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in 19 the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power (dunamis) toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly 21 places, far above all rule and authority and power (dunamis) and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

NAU 2 Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead (Present passive) in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked (Passive) according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the 3 power (exousia) of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among

66 them we (emphatic) too all formerly lived (Aorist passive) in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive (Perfect Passive) together with Christ (by grace you 6 have been saved (Perfect Passive)), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved 9 (Perfect Passive) through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 11

Therefore remember (Present Imperative) that formerly you, (Emphatic Plural “you’all”) the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision " by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth (Perfect Passive “alienated completely”) of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of 13 promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now (Emphatic) in Christ Jesus you (Emphatic Plural “you’all”) who formerly were far off have been brought near (Aorist Passive) by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new 16 man, thus establishing (Present Participle) peace, and might reconcile (reunite completely) them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO 18 WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.(The Trinity is 19 seen here)

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are 20 of God's household, having been built (passive) on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (the 21 order is important!), Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being 22 fitted together, (passive) is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you (emphatic) also are being built together (passive) into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

NAU Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I (Emphatic), Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of 2 you Gentiles-- if indeed you have heard of the stewardship (oversight over another’s possessions) of God's 3 grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known (passive) to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden 10 (Perfect Passive) in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be

67 made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted (Perfect Passive) and grounded (Perfect Passive) in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

NAU Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, (Emphatic) the prisoner of (Greek “in”) the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and 3 gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance (Present Participle) for one another in love, being 4 diligent (Present Participle) to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." 9 (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except 2 10 that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? (See Psalm 139:13-15 ) He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,3 12 for the equipping4 of the saints

13 2 Psalm 139:13-15 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; 3 These are all PLURALS therefore they cannot refer to the same person holding two positions. There are 5 positions examples are provided in the N.T.: Apostles – Paul; Prophets – Agabus; Evangelists – Philip; Pastors – Timothy; Teachers - Apollos

68 for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge (experiential knowledge) of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children,5 tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. 17 So this I say, and affirm6 together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles 18 also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened (Perfect Passive) in their understanding, excluded from (Perfect Passive) the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the 19 hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous(Perfect Passive – incapable of having feeling), have given themselves over to sensuality7 for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 21 But you (emphatic) did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted (passive present participle) in accordance with the lusts of 23 24 deceit, and that you be renewed (present passive) in the spirit of your mind, and put on (having put on – Aorist Infinitive middle) the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

25 Therefore, laying aside (participle Aorist middle) falsehood (Lit. Greek “the lie”), SPEAK (present Imperative) TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members 26 of one another. BE ANGRY (permissive Imperative), AND yet DO NOT SIN (present Imperative + Negative); 27 do not let the sun go down (present Imperative + Negative) on your anger, and do not give (present Imperative + 28 Negative) the devil an opportunity (Lit. Greek “a place”) . He who steals must steal no longer (present Imperative + Negative); but rather he must labor (present Imperative), performing with his own hands what is 29 good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome (Lit. Greek “rotten”) word proceed (present Imperative + Negative) from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who 30 hear. Do not grieve (present Imperative + Negative) the Holy Spirit of God, by (Lit.”in”) whom you were NAU sealed (passive) for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and

4 Equipping - a process of adjustment that results in a complete preparedness 5 Children – 1. We also find it on burial inscriptions for small children aged 1 to 10. It may also be used for orphans (denoting their helplessness), and then comes into use for legal minors. 2. A person is nḗpios who is immature in conduct, who shows a foolish confidence in fortune, who does not take account of reality, or who does not heed the advice of philosophers. 3. The term expresses the childlike innocence of the wilderness age prior to the apostasy of later times. 6 Martyr -to summon as witness, one who will give up their life testifying to the truth 7 Debauchery - (depravity, licentiousness, what characterizes Sodom and Gomorrah and the pagan world without God!)

69 anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

NAU 2 Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be (present Imperative ) imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk (present Imperative) in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 But immorality8 or any impurity or greed must not even be 4 named (present Imperative + Negative) among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For 9 this you know (perfect “Oida”) with certainty(Present Participle “ginosko” ), that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6 Let no one deceive (present Imperative + Negative) you with empty words, for because of these things the 7 wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers (present Imperative 8 + Negative) with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk 9 (present Imperative) as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and 10 11 righteousness and truth), trying to learn (present participle) what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate (present Imperative + Negative) in the unfruitful deeds of darkness,

8 Porneia illicit sexual intercourse in general (this meaning must be adopted in these passages. No one who has learned from 1 Cor. 6:12ff how leniently converts from among the heathen regarded this vice and how lightly they indulged in it; accordingly, all other interpretations of the term, such as of marriages within the prohibited degrees and the like, are to be rejected) 9 Robinson’s Word Pictures “You know recognizing by your own experiences”

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but instead even expose10 them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for 14 everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake (present Imperative - Lit. “rise up, 15 stand up”), sleeper, And arise (Aorist Imperative) from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

Therefore be careful (present Imperative – Lit. “Look carefully”) how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 17 making(present Imperative – Lit. “redeeming the time”) the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be (present Imperative + Negative) foolish, but understand (present Imperative – Lit. set together”) what the will of the Lord is.

10 Eph 5:11 "expose" It means "to show someone his sin and to summon him to repentance." This may be a private matter between two people, as in Mt. 18:15 ; Eph. 5:11 . But it may also be a congregational affair under the leader, as in the Pastorals: 1 Tm. 5:20 ; 2 Tm. 4:2 ; Tt. 1:9 , 13 ; 2:15 .

The word does not mean only "to blame" or "to reprove," nor "to convince" in the sense of proof, nor "to reveal" or "expose," but "to set right," namely, "to point away from sin to repentance." It implies educative discipline.

The term is again used in 4:13

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18 11 And do not get drunk (present PASSIVE Imperative + Negative) with wine, for that is dissipation , but be 19 filled (present PASSIVE Imperative) with the Spirit, speaking (present Participle) to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing (present Participle) and making melody (present Participle) with your 20 heart to the Lord; always giving thanks (present Participle) for all things in the name of our Lord 21 Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject (present Participle passive) to one another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love (present imperative) your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water 27 with the word (Rhema), that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery 33 is great; but I (Emphatic) am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you (Emphatic) also is to love (present imperative) his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. NAU 2 Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey (present imperative) your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR (present imperative)YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE 4 LONG ON THE EARTH. Fathers, do not provoke (present imperative + Neg) your children to anger, but bring them up (present imperative) in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, be obedient (present imperative) to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-

11 Hodge Commentary on Ephesians V. 18. And (especially) be not drunk with wine. This is an asotia, a want of sense, especially inconsistent with the intelligence of the true believer. The man who has a right discernment will not seek refreshment or excitement from wine, but from the Holy Spirit. Therefore the apostle adds, but be filled with the Spirit. In drunkenness, he says, there is asotia revelry, debauchery, riot, whatever tends to destruction; for the word is derived from asotov, which means, what cannot be saved, one given up to a destructive course of life. Compare Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 4:4. Men are said to be filled with wine when completely under its influence; so they are said to be filled with the Spirit, when he controls all their thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. The expression is a common one in Scripture. Of our Lord himself it was said, “He was full of the Holy Ghost,” Luke 4:1; so of Stephen that “he was full of faith and of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 6:5; and of Barnabas, Acts 11:35, etc. To the Christian, therefore, the source of strength and joy is not wine, but the blessed Spirit of God. And as drunkenness produces rioting and debauchery, so the Holy Spirit produces a joy which expresses itself in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs.

72 7 pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing (present participle) the will of God from the heart. With good 8 will render (present participle) service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing (perfect “Oida”) that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or 9 free. And masters, do (present imperative) the same things to them, and give up (present participle) threatening, knowing (perfect “Oida”) that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

10 11 Finally, be strong (present PASSIVE imperative) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on (Aorist Middle imperative) the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of 13 wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up (Aorist active imperative) the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm (Aorist imperative) therefore, HAVING (middle voice) GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, 15 and HAVING (middle voice) PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having 16 (middle voice) shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up (middle voice) the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish 17 all the flaming (perfect passive participle) arrows of the evil one. And take (Aorist Middle imperative) THE 18 HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (Rhema) of God. With all prayer and petition pray (Present Participle) at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be 19 on the alert (Present Participle) with all perseverance (to give constant attention) and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that you also may know (Perfect “Oida”) about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

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NAU Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren12 in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood13 the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. 9

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge14 of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding15, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge16 of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness17 and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to 13 share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain (exousia – 14 authority) of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created 17 (perfect passive) through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold 18 together. (perfect active) He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, 21 I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven (Lit. plural “the heavens). And although you were 22 formerly alienated (perfect passive participle) and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has 18 now (emphatic) reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach19-- 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established (Perfect passive participle) and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I (emphatic), Paul, was made a minister.

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. 25 Of this church I

12 This is the same group of people, the term “faithful” is the condition of true “Saints” 13 Epiginosko- (verb)Meaning: to know exactly, experientially know 14 Epiginosis- (Noun) – the true experiential knowledge 15 Coming together, union 16 Epiginosis- (Noun) – the true experiential knowledge 17 Hupomone – enduring, to stay firm against the world confidently waiting on God 18 To making you stand in place 19 Void of offence!

74 (emphatic) was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden (perfect passive participle) from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing20 every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every 29 man complete (perfect, mature) in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power (dunamis), which mightily works within me.

NAU Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know (perfect “Oida”) how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen (perfect 2 “Oida”) my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge 21of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 6

7 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk (present imperative) in Him, having been firmly rooted (perfect passive participle) and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

8 See (present imperative) to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him 11 you have been made complete(perfect passive), and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised (passive aorist) with a circumcision made without hands, in the 12 removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried (passive aorist)with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up (passive aorist) with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way (perfect) , having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge (present Imperative + neg) in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what 18 is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one keep defrauding you (present Imperative + neg) of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand 19 on visions he has seen (perfect), inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

20 The basic idea is that of the well-meaning earnestness with which one seeks to influence the mind and disposition by appropriate instruction, exhortation, warning and correction. 21 Epiginosis- (Noun) – the true experiential knowledge

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20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were 21 living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, "Do not handle, (aorist Imperative) do 22 not taste(aorist Imperative), do not touch! (aorist Imperative)" (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)-- in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

NAU Colossians 3:1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking (present Imperative) 2 the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind (present Imperative) on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is 4 hidden (perfect passive) with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you

(emphatic) also will be revealed with Him in glory.

5 Therefore consider22 the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality23, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that 7 the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you (emphatic) also once 8 walked, when you were living in them. But now (emphatic) you (emphatic) also, put them all aside (one 9 word Aorist Imperative): anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie 10 (present Imperative + neg) to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge24 according to the image of the One who created him-- 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on (Aorist imperative) a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so 14 also should you (emphatic). Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of 15 unity. Let the peace of Christ rule (present imperative) in your hearts, to which indeed you were 16 called in one body; and be (present imperative) thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell (present imperative) within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

18 19 Wives, be subject (present passive imperative) to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, 20 love (present imperative) your wives and do not be embittered (present imperative + neg) against them. Children, be obedient (present imperative) to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the 21 Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate (present imperative + neg) your children, so that they will not lose 22 heart. Slaves, in all things obey (present imperative) those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work (present imperative) heartily(Lit “from the soul), as for the Lord rather than

22 Lit. Aorist Imperative “Put to death” 23 Porneia illicit sexual intercourse in general 24 Epiginosis- (Noun) – the true experiential knowledge

76 24 for men, knowing (perfect “oida”) that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. 25 It is the Lord Christ whom you serve (present imperative). For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

NAU Colossians 4:1 Masters, grant (present imperative) to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing 2 (perfect “oida”) that you (emphatic) too have a Master in heaven. Devote (present imperative) yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of 4 Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned(perfect passive); that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

5 Conduct (present imperative) yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the 6 opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned (perfect passive)with salt, so

that you will know (perfect “oida”) how you should respond to each person.

7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. 8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark 11 (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome (aorist imperative) him); and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave(doulos) of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand (stand firm) perfect (complete and mature) and 13 fully assured (perfect passive) in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends 15 you his greetings, and also Demas. Greet (imperative) the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it (imperative) also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, (emphatic) for your part read my letter 17 that is coming from Laodicea. Say (imperative) to Archippus, "Take heed (present imperative) to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember (present imperative) my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

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NAU Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants (doulos) of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers 25and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in 6 the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident (perfect participle) of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge 26and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and 11 blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled (perfect passive) with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out (perfect) for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian27 guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting (perfect participle) in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy 16 and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing (perfect “oida”) that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

19 Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know (perfect “oida”) that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet 25 to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced (perfect participle) of this, I know (perfect “oida”) that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the

25 Bishop, an overseer. In apostolic times, it is quite manifest that there was no difference as to order between bishops and elders or presbyters Ac 20:17-28 1Pe 5:1,2 Php 1:1 1Ti 3:1 ... The term bishop is never once used to denote a different office from that of elder or presbyter. These different names are simply titles of the same office, "bishop" designating the function, namely, that of oversight, and "presbyter" the dignity appertaining to the office. Christ is figuratively called "the bishop episcopos of souls" 1Pe 2:25 26 Epiginosis- (Noun) – the true experiential knowledge

27 In Phil 1:13, there is now a general consensus of opinion that "Praetorium" here means, not a place, but the imperial praetorian guard, ten thousand in number, which was instituted by Augustus. Paul was allowed to reside in his private house in the custody of a praetorian soldier. As these were doubtless constantly changed, it must have become "manifest" to the whole guard that his bonds were for the sake of Christ.

78 faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

27 Only conduct (present imperative) yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents-- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from 29 God. For to you it has been granted (passive) for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

NAU Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation 2 of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make (one word - imperative) my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own 5 personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude (present imperative “keep 6 thinking”) in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the 8 form of a bond-servant, (doulos) and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now 13 much more in my absence, work out (present middle imperative) your salvation with fear and trembling; 14 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do (present 15 imperative) all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse 16 (perfect passive participle) generation, among whom you appear (shine) as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice 18 and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You (emphatic) too, I urge you,

rejoice (present imperative) in the same way and share your joy (present imperative) with me.

19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I (emphatic) also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. 23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as 24 I see how things go with me; and I trust (Perfect) in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly. 25 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker 26 and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger (Lit. Greek “apostle”) and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27

79 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I (emphatic) may be less 29 concerned about you. Receive (present imperative) him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold (present 30 imperative) men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

NAU Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice (present imperative) in the Lord. To write the same 2 things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Beware (present imperative) of the dogs, 3 beware (present imperative) of the evil workers, beware (present imperative) of the false circumcision; for we (emphatic) are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and 4 put no confidence (perfect participle) in the flesh, although I (emphatic) myself might have confidence

even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence (perfect infinitive) in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those 8 things I have counted (perfect middle) as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing (Lit. Greek [ginosis]“the knowledge of”) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish28 so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on 10 the basis of faith (Lit. Greek “the faith”), that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and 11 the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed (passive participle) to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect (perfect passive), but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I (emphatic) do not regard myself as having laid hold (perfect infinitive) of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect29, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brethren, join (present imperative Lit. Greek “be”) in following my example, and observe (present imperative 18 [mark & follow]) those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite30, and whose glory is in their shame, who

28 Skubalon – any refuse, dung, garbage; as excrement of animals. Josephus tells how the inhabitants of Jerusalem, during the famine when the city was besieged by Titus, had to search sewers and dung for something to eat. Paul uses this term to point to his complete turning away from something worthless and abhorrent, striving for self- righteousness by one’s own achievement is unmasked as “dung”. 29 Mature, complete, nothing missing 30 RWP Phi 3:19 - Whose god is the belly - one who makes a god of his belly; Then and now, sensuality in food, drink, sex have mastered some men. These men posed as Christians and gloried in their shame.

80 20 set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship (Lit. Greek “commonwealth”) is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

NAU Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in 2 this way stand firm (present imperative) in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to 3 live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help (present imperative) these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 5 Rejoice (present imperative) in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice(present imperative )! Let your 6 gentle spirit be known (aorist passive imperative) to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing (present imperative + neg.), but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your 31 7 requests be made known (present passive imperative) to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy 9 of praise, dwell (present middle imperative) on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice (present imperative) these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, 12 for I (emphatic) have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know (perfect “oida”) how to get along with humble means, and I also know (perfect “oida”) how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret (perfect passive) of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You (emphatic) yourselves also know (perfect “oida”), Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you 16 17 (emphatic) alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied (perfect passive Lit. Greek “made full”), having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 22 Greet (aorist middle imperative) every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

31 Romans 8:26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

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NAU Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia32 our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; 6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge33 of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. 7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed (perfect 8 passive) through you, brother. Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-- since I am such a person as 10 Paul, the aged, and now (emphatic) also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but 12 now (emphatic) is useful both to you and to me. I have sent him back to you in person, that is, 13 sending my very heart, whom I (emphatic) wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he 14 might minister to me in my imprisonment (Lit. “bonds”) for the gospel; but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. 15 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then you 18 regard me a partner, accept (aorist imperative) him as you would me. But if he has wronged you in 19 any way or owes you anything, charge (present imperative) that to my account; I, (emphatic) Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I (emphatic) will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me 20 even your own self as well). Yes, brother, let me (emphatic “I” is here in Greek) benefit from you in the 21 Lord; refresh (aorist imperative) my heart in Christ. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. 22 At the same time also prepare 23 (present imperative) me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

32 In the Greek Church, November 22 is sacred to her memory. It has been supposed, since this epistle concerns one household exclusively, that Apphia was Philemon's wife and the mother or sister of Archippus (which see). She was stoned to death with Philemon, Onesimus, and Archippus in the reign of Nero. 33 Epiginosis- (Noun) – the true experiential knowledge

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