DOGMA Epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians Christ

DOGMA “Epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians” Christ and The Church Nabil Shenoda July 18, 2010

Epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians 1. Both Written by St. Paul in Rome in prison in the last part of his life. 2. Ephesians and Colossian epistles naturally have much in common having been written at the same time and in the same place by the same hand. 3. Although small epistles, they present the understanding of Christ and the true Church. – the main theme of the books as a whole is the riches of Christ in the church – they also present deep understanding of the mysteries of the Church.

Chapter 1 of Ephesians, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. Chapter 1 of Colossians, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Chapter 2 of Colossians, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

In Both Ephesians and Colossians, n St. Paul starts by giving praise to the sovereign Father of all creation. n He goes on to explain that all who believe in the Son have redemption through His blood. The mystery of God’s will was manifested when He sent His only Begotten Son in the fullness of times. n St. Paul states that it is Christ who is seated at the right hand of God and that all things are under His feet. He is unquestionably the head of the church, the church itself, therefore, is His body.

In Ephesians Chapter 1, 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. n In Colossians, Chapter 1, 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. n

n n In Colossians, Chapter 2, 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Unfortunately some people believe they can be “Christians” without the church. It is true that it is Christ who saves, not the church, but to say we love Christ, who is the Head of the Church, and at the same time reject His body is to deny New Testament teaching. Our Lord told St. Peter “On this Rock, I will build My Church”

If the Church is the object of that redeeming work by which God everlastingly determined to reveal Himself, and that this revealing of God is the mystery of creation, then n The Church must be and is the central and the greatest object in history, takes precedence over all institutions, orders, systems which may have gone before her. Certainly nothing after her, for she is the bride, the body, the spouse of Christ and the total fruit of His sacrifice of Himself at Calvary. n

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. 15

1. Christ, Head of the Church (1) What do the metaphors, "Head" and "body" convey? That will help us to understand the organic relationship between Christ and the church. "Head" is a common metaphor used of Christ. In this instance it conveys the idea of rule, or the one who gives direction and meaning to the body, It also expresses the concept of the body living in dependence upon the head. No body can function without a head

(2) By using these terms we are reminded that the church is more than an organization; it is an organism, fully alive, functioning under the authority of its head. This concept must penetrate our thinking about the church. Otherwise, we will find ourselves having a low-view of what the church is. It is a living organism which we need; which must not be neglected; of which we are a part.

a. "that the church is a living organism, composed of members joined vitally to one another. b. that the church is the means by which Christ carries out His purposes and performs His work. c. that the union which exists between Christ and His people is most intimate and vital"

2. Christ, first in rank The phrases, "And He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, " are somewhat parallel in meaning. Both imply the idea of Christ being first in rank or priority , with both pointing to His rule and authority over the church. (1) By virtue of Christ's pre-existence, he is first in rank to the church. This is the implication of the term "beginning" it points to Christ as the one who is pre-existent, the one in whom the church originates.

n The Church: (Household, dwelling place) 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

4. Christ, the Reconciler In Ephesians Chapter 2: St. Paul explains the Reconciliation, 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. In Colossians (Chapter 1): n 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. n

Chapter 4 n Who are the members of the Church? In Ephesians, n And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 11 n All the members must work together in love.

n but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. 15

The mysteries of the Church, All the mysteries of the Church are mentioned or hinted upon in the Books of Epesians and Colosians Baptism: In Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 4 -5 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as 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 above all, and through all, and in you all.

Baptism: In Colossians Chapter 2, 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Confirmation: Ephesians Chapter 2 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

The 2 most Spiritual and most important Verses in the Bible Ephesians Chapter 5 Verses 22 -23

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 22

Not as powerful as the previous but still counts… 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

Also in Colossians Chapter 3, n The Christian Home 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

The Character of the Church (Colossians Chapter 3) the elect of God, holy and 12 Therefore, as beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.