A Coptic Orthodox Journey through the Bible

The major theme of the entire epistle is joy. It is a joy that comes from God through difficult circumstances. It demonstrates to us a portrait of the believer as a saint, who, despite suffering in difficult situations, is always rejoicing in the Lord. The world cannot deprive us of the comfort in Jesus Christ, or of experiencing the spiritual victory over difficult circumstances.

Chapter 1 focuses on joy amid suffering. After greeting them, St. Paul explains to the Philippians that they are a source of joy to St. Paul. He explains why he loves them and what he prays for, then he explains his situation in Rome because they were concerned for him.

In the first 3 chapters of this epistle St. Paul presented theological arguments. In chapter 4, he begins discussing the practical application of how to live as a Christian. He begins broadly and with each chapter goes deeper and more personal. Here he explains how we all live together in unity, in one family, one Body. To meet this divine love practically, we have to be widening our hearts to one another to carry the unity of the spirit. St. Paul does not suggest that we walk in unity, he pleads with us to do so.

In chapter 5 we are shown that our life in Christ should be manifested in our individual life, worship and behavior. All of our actions should reflect "a sacrifice to God." When we live like this our worship is not separated from our behavior. By the end of the chapter, St. Paul narrows the focus until we reach the household and how a husband and wife should interact with, and treat each other. 

This brings us to the current chapter. Here he explains the responsibility of the children towards their parents and the responsibility of the parents towards their children. Then he addresses the issue of slavery and the responsibilities of slaves towards masters and masters towards slaves. After that he encourages believers to walk in the might of God, which we do by putting on the whole armor of God. Thus after going through practical steps for these last few chapters, the armor of God is an overall piece of practical advice to protect us from Satan. 

In Ch 4 we were instructed to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We should walk in unity and purity.

In this chapter we are urged to walk in love, light and wisdom. Additionally, the church is to accept God's call to enjoy the new life in Christ. And this new life is manifested in our individual life, worship and behavior. All of our actions should reflect "a sacrifice to God." When we live like this our worship is not separated from our behavior. In this chapter, St. Paul continues from the last chapter to show practically how to live this life. As we go through this chapter, St. Paul narrows the focus until we reach the household and how a husband and wife should interact with each other. Beginning from v22 of this chapter through the beginning of Chapter 6 is the portion of the Pauline Epistle read at weddings in the Coptic Orthodox tradition.

In this chapter - St. Paul covers 2 points: 1) to understand the mystery that was hidden for so long but now, in the NT is revealed to the Church and through the Church; and 2) this chapter is concluded by a beautiful prayer; 2nd prayer in letter to Ephesians (see 1:17+)

Regarding this chapter, St. Paul speaks about "the mystery of Christ," which is discovered through a revelation of God. The mystery of Christ is the call of the Gentiles to partake of the inheritance and to obtain the promises in Christ through the Gospel. It is the fulfillment of the universal church, which extends to both Gentiles and Jews to embrace every believer to be in Christ and Christ to be in each person’s heart. While Christ always existed, He is hidden in the OT and revealed in the NT.

In this chapter, St. Paul explains the transition we make when joining the Church of God: 1) from death to life - before joining the Church of God, we were dead, after becoming members of the body of God we became alive (1st 10 verses of chapter) 2); and 2) from strangers to citizens - after joining God’s family we became citizens (verses 11-22).

St. Augustine offers a way to look at this, which may sound familiar to some of you, when he relates that the cross is made of two pieces of wood, one horizontal and the other vertical. The vertical one represents the reconciliation of man with God and His heavenly creatures (from death to life). The horizontal one represents man's reconciliation with his brethren (from strangers to citizens). This cross, with its complete work, is achieved in the church.

This episode includes an introduction and verse-by-verse review of chapter 1. The introduction includes a brief look at the City of Ephesus itself, St. Paul's time in Ephesus during his 3rd missionary journey, an overview of the epistle.

Additionally, this chapter implies two lines of thought, which are: "in Christ" and “the knowledge of the mystery of God." We are the church of God, His holy people for we are in Christ. The goal of our faith is the divine knowledge, not to be argumentative, but according to the level of accepting God's manifestation of Himself and His mysteries.

In ch 5, St Paul spoke about the concept of freedom and liberty in Christ. He explained what it means to be free in Christ and highlighted that 1) liberty means freedom from the dead works of the Law; 2) through this freedom we will choose by our free will to enslave ourselves to one another, to serve one another in love; and 3) to be free in Christ means to walk in the Spirit and to live by the Spirit.

In this chapter he continues discussing this idea and explains that liberty in Christ involves responsibility. Being free in Christ does not mean we can do whatever we want to do; it means we need to be responsible and there is accountability. We are responsible in at least 4 different ways: 1) those who follow God and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit have a responsibility to bring back those who have fallen away in sin; 2) all Christians are to bear one another’s burdens - support each other; 3) as a Christian we must examine ourselves and not ignore our own spiritual life; 4) and we should share in the material blessings with those who are teaching us and not grow weary in supporting others, especially other believers.

St. Paul concluded chapter 4 by affirming that we are the children of the freewoman, Sarah married to Abraham as opposed to the children of Hagar the slave. St. Paul explains in this chapter the concept of freedom and liberty in Christ. Since we are free we are not required to keep the dead works of the law. But with this freedom we will be able to fulfill the law of Christ. Also we will be led by the Spirit.

He starts elaborating more about the concept of freedom and liberty in Christ, because some people might think that to be free in Christ means to live as we want and indulge in anything, all the works of the flesh. So he explains here what it means to be free in Christ. He highlights at least 3 points: 1) liberty means freedom from the dead works of the Law, the works of the law that avail nothing; 2) through this freedom we will choose by our free will to enslave ourselves to one another, to serve one another in love; and 3) to be free in Christ means to walk in the Spirit and to live by the Spirit - that is true liberty.

Additionally this is the chapter where we learn about works of the flesh that we need to avoid and the fruits of the Spirit which we need to pursue.

In the previous chapter St. Paul discussed the purpose of the law and what it was not for, which in part includes the concept that the law does not provide salvation. In this chapter St. Paul continues and concludes his defense that faith in Christ saves us while following the law does not. 

• In verses 1-7, St. Paul explains that when Christ came, He redeemed those under the Law and made it possible for them to receive the adoption as "sons."

• In verses 8-20, he offers an analogy to a woman going through labor again since he already gave birth to them as Christians but now he has to give birth to them again and all the pain associated with that as he seeks to ensure that Christ is formed in them. What I think we can learn from this is St. Paul continually looks for ways to connect with his audience. So he takes things easier to understand and then attaches his points to those ideas. This is an approach that still works today.

• In verses 21-31, he concludes his defense by proclaiming that those in Christ are not of the bondwoman (the law) but of the free (under Christ) by returning to Genesis and considering the stories of Hagar and Sarah and the children of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac.