St.Paul-3

Letter to the Galatians

This was written from Ephesus during the third journey (AD 5or 55). Here St.Paul speaks against the errors spread by the Judaizers.He emphasizes the Redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.

Ch.1

8. (Only one gospel is to be preached.) But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accused.

(He now speaks about his visit to Jerusalem, 14 years after his conversion to explain to the elders the contents of his preaching and that faith is independent of the observance of Jewish customs. Paul later speaks of his opposition to Peter’s practice in Antioch.)

16. We know that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.

20. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

Ch.3

7.It is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

25. In Christ Jesus, you are all sons of God, through faith.

28.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ch.5:

16. But I say walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit.

23

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

(On flesh-spirit: St.Augustine: If some one lives according to the flesh when he lives for himself.)

Ch.6

3 For if any one thinks he is something, then he is nothing.

10.Let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Ephesians

(This epistle is more about the nature of the Church. Written while imprisoned in Rome (61-63)

Ch.2

3. All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh. But God in his mercy brought us to life with Christ.

13 But in Christ Jesus you (gentiles) who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ.

Ch.4

1. I, then a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received with all humility and gentleness…one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

25. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor…Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger…. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

Ch.5

1. So be imitators of God and live in love…no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk…but instead, thanksgiving.

8.Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth...

21. (Advice to husbands and wives—obedient.loving; children and parents.) Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil

Philippians

Paul established the church at Philippi during his second missionary journey. Written from his confinement in Rome (59-63). Emphasizes the need for humility and unity in the Christian community.

1. 21.For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.

Ch.2 (he asks them to be united in heart)

3.Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.

5. (Christ emptying himself, taking the form of a slave…God exalting him.every knee bending)

14 Do everything without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent…

Ch.3

(Admonitions against false teaches—Speaks of his Jewish origin…)

7. Whatever gains I had, there I have come to consider a loss because of Christ.

Ch.4.

1.Rejoice in the Lord always…Have no anxiety, at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Colossians

(for the church at Colossae in Asia Minor—Written while imprisoned in Rome)

1. Asserts the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ. He is before all things

Ch.2.Speaks against the Judaizing tendencies

Ch.3

2. Think of what is above , not of what is on earth

5.Put to death the parts of you that are earthly…Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision…but Christ is all in all.

14.Put on love, that is the bond of perfection

15.Let the peace of Christ control your hearts

Ch.4

2.Persevere in prayer…Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one.