A Coptic Orthodox Journey through the Bible

In turning to this chapter, St. Paul has already used himself multiple times as an example. He has joy with the Philippians. As he sits in prison, he is content. He shared that that contentment comes from focusing on Christ. Our Lord and Savior who always loves us. He also shares that their faith and strength add to his joy. In this chapter, St. Paul emphasizes how we may have joy in everything. He shares with us a way to analyze our thoughts to ensure we recognize the source of those thoughts and whether they will bring us closer to God or not. This chapter is a wonderful way for him to complete his epistle on joy.

So far in Philippians we discussed “Joy in the midst of suffering” in chapter 1 and “Joy in the ministry in chapter 2. In this chapter, St. Paul discusses “Joy in the Lord.” He returns to a theme familiar to those who have read some of his other epistles - false teachers, Judaizers. As a reminder, Judaizers are Jews who came to believe in Christ but still insist that Gentile Christians must also follow the Law of Moses (all the laws outlined in the OT), such as circumcision. His approach is a little different here because in other cities St. Paul discusses Judaizers to respond to this issue happening in those cities and people being pulled away from Christ. However, this was not a current issue in Philippi; instead, St. Paul is warning them of the danger so that they can be prepared. Thus his language is a little different. It makes sense that this is not yet happening in Philippi because as you may remember from the introduction to Philippians, there is a very small Jewish community in the city. As we mentioned in chapter 1, there is not even a synagogue. Thus, St. Paul will discuss himself as he warns them about the danger of false teachers and that our reward is in taking Joy in the Lord and following Our Lord and Savior. 

Additionally, St. Paul reminds them that a true Christian should not trust fleshly accomplishments. They should move forward towards righteousness. We should look forward to the resurrection of the dead. 

Again the main focus of this epistle is joy. St. Paul always rejoiced in the Philippians. They were always striving for Christ, focused on their faith in God, and they did not have divisions among them as other churches did. 

The theme for chapter 2 is “Joy in the ministry.” St. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and humility in our lives. He holds Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ up for us as an example. Christ voluntarily humbled Himself by becoming a human, then He experienced the crucifixion and resurrection for us. St. Paul shares this because Jesus Christ is our ultimate role model. After holding Our Lord up as a role model, St. Paul reminds us that we must be a light to the world and set an example to bring others to Christ through our words and actions. In the last part of this chapter, he expresses his love and joy for the Philippians, those he ministers to, and for those who have supported him. 

In a sense, this chapter is really about our perception, our focus, and our priority. If we focus on God and living our life dedicated to Him then nothing else will matter to us. 

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.