BIBLICAL PASTORAL FORMATION VERBUM DEI FAMILY-MANILA 1

2 St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

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Paul in Ephesus (See Acts 19) He met some people who already believed in Christ He spent 2 years there and had many adventures – Caused a riot banning worship of Artemis, the goddess of fertility – Driving out evil spirits – Challenging magicians 4

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To explain the way more accurately A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-26 ) 6

Why to have bible formation? 7

Letter to the Ephesians Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the holy ones who are (in Ephesus) 2 faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 1:1-2 ) The author did not put “in Ephesus” in his original letter but it was added later on the outside of the scroll. Ephesus was one of the most important churches in the Roman province of Asia. Very few details of a letter – only that Paul is in prison (3,1) and that Tychicus will bring the letter (6,21) 8

One third of the words of Colossians are found also in Ephesians 9 Why?

The enigma of Ephesians! 10

Similarities but differences ColossiansEphesians ChristologyEcclesiology Mystery revealed to SaintsRevealed to apostles and prophets Recapitulation of the CosmosNew man in Christ 11 The author of Ephesians used Colossians as a source for the composition of Ephesians but freely and independently developed themes and introduced ideas to fit his own purpose (NJBC)

Style Solemn and ornate with an initial blessing of 12 verses (1,3-14) The thought is developed slowly in long phrases Not written by Paul so thus Deuteropauline and part of the Pauline corpus Secretary or disciple? 12

Structure of Ephesians (NAB) 1, 1-14 Address 1,15-2,22 Unity of the Church in Christ 3,1-4,24 World Mission of the Church 4,25-6,20 Daily conduct, an expression of unity 6,21-24 Conclusion Refer to handout… 13

14 St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians

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The Christian community Pagan converts House churches existed “Give greetings to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nympha and to the church in her house.” (Col 4:15) 16

Paul and Colossae Community there not founded by Paul Founded by his collaborator Epaphras Paul had never been there Epaphras came to visit Paul who was in prison and tell him about the Church in Colossae Paul writes his response* 17

Christ hymn (Col 1,15-20) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven. (Col 1:15-20 ) 18

The Christ Hymn  15 He is the image of the invisible God,  the firstborn of all creation.  16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;  all things were created through him and for him.  17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent.  19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven. (Col 1:15-20 ) 19

The spiritual powers etc  15 He is the image of the invisible God,  the firstborn of all creation.  16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; 20

Rejoice heavenly powers… Trying to mix the Gospel with Jewish and pagan elements Giving importance to powers which functioned as mediators between God and man or between man and the cosmos. 21

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The false doctrine was denying the role of Christ in the creation and redemption. The fullness of the divinity is not shared between many powers but lies uniquely in Christ. In Christ is the fullness of the divinity in bodily form (Col 2,9) He is the Head of the Cosmos and the Church which is his Body(2,10) He conquers and leads all the celestial powers (2,15) 23

These things are all shadows, the reality is Christ (Col 2,17) 24

The Church 18 He is the head of the body, the church. Church in Pauline writings usually refers to the local Church in a specific and concrete way. In Col the church is a universal entity, the body of which Christ is the head. Ecclesiology is connected to Christology. 25

What is your vision of ‘the Church?’ 26

Concluding…

How can we improve the Church? 28

What needs to change? 29

SALAMAT! Now a short film… 30