Opening Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians & Philippians 

The Epistles of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians (AD 57), Ephesians, Colossians and Philippians (AD 62-63), were written within the period of the Book of Acts (AD 44-63). 

*Relation of the Epistles to the Acts
Within the Period of Acts		Beyond the Period of Acts
A.D. 44-63		A.D. 63-96
44-49 52-53 57 57 58 62-63 62-63 62-63 62-63	James 1-2 Thess. 1-2 Cor. Galatians Romans Ephesians Colossians Philemon Philippians	64-67 67-68 65-67 67 67-68 64-67 66-68 90-95 96-97	1 Peter Jude 1 Timothy Titus 2 Timothy Hebrews 2 Peter 1-2-3- John Revelation

*W. Graham Scroggie, The Unfolding Drama of Redemption, (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1998), Act II, Scene II, 8,13.

Galatians was written during the Third Missionary Journey AD 58-61. Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians together with Philemon were written during the Apostle Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (AD 61-63).

In the Book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul warned the church against false teachers, Judaizers, who preached another gospel – Galatians 2:16 (KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Purity of life was emphasized by the power ofthe Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:1 (KJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. … 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

In the Book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul identifies the origin of the church – chosen by the Father – a privileged people “called out” from sin Unto holiness, purchased by the son – a purchased people in intimate fellowship with God, sealed by the Holy Spirit – a protected people destined for heaven. (Eph. 1) The church is not dead as the world is but alive in Christ (2:1-10). The church progresses by bringing the lost to God (2:11-18) building up the saved in God (2:19-22). The function of the church is to unveil the unsearchable riches of Christ, by God’s Word (3:1-6) and by God’s servants (3:7-13). The fullness of the church begins with prayer which brings Holy Spirit’s power and begets praise (3:14-21). The calling of the Christian in purity, role of husband, wife, children, servant and master (4-6:1-9). The Armour of God for the Christian’s spiritual warfare (6:10-24).

In the Book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul exhorts the church to rejoice in the Lord, steadfastness in faith despite suffering (Phil. 1), serving in unity with the mind of Christ (Phil. 2), pressing on with the gospel work (Phil. 3) through prayer (Phil. 4:6-7), renewal of the mind (Phil. 4:8).

In the Book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul relates that the church was established by the truth of the gospel (1:1-5), by the grace of God (1:6), by the faithful ministry (Col. 1:8). The marks of a true church are – faith in Jesus Christ (Col. 1:4), the hope of heaven (1:5) and love in the spirit (Col. 1:8). Jesus bids us shine – glowing for Jesus and grounded in Him (Col. 1:9-23) and be partakers  Christ’s affliction – joy of the gospel work (1:23-29). In relationships (2:1-10), in church life (2:11-23) – consecrated and baptized (2:11-15), worldly influence creeping into the church (2:16-23). In affections – in Christ, off the world (3:1-4). In Purity – take time to be holy by put off the old man, put on the new man (3:5-17). In Family and Society – sacred role of wife (3:18), husbands (3:19), children (3:20), a father (3:21), servant (3:22-25), master (4:1). In missions – send the light! 3:2-18). Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee