Epistles of Paul 105

Well, good evening, brethren. Philippians is indeed a very positive epistle, and Paul states in Philippians that God will complete his work that he's doing in us, as we've emphasized before in the first chapter, verse 6. But we have to do our part with the help of God's Holy Spirit. Also in verse 27 of Philippians 1, it says that our conduct must be, let me just read it, as it reads, only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. And so our conduct must be worthy of the great plan that God has for us and the gospel or the good news that Christ preached to us and the good news about him being our Savior and King. And so Paul basically is emphasizing that we have to be like Christ. So one of the main themes here is for us to be Christ-minded, to have our minds like Christ's mind. And so in chapter 2, he emphasizes, for instance, in verse 2, saying, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and one mind. And that is as Christ's mind and attitude is. A little later, he then describes this mind of Christ from verse 5 through to verse 9, verse 8. And then a little bit later in verse 12, he says, therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure. So we're going to do our part with fear and trembling, but it is God's work. It's our mission. It's part of our mission to prepare the people. We have our part to prepare ourselves to be to be part of God's people, of his children. And so we're going to watch our conduct to be worthy of this great plan that God has for us. And so therefore, he says, in verse 14, do all things without complaining or grumbling or arguing or disputing. So make sure that in everything you do, there is no complaining or argument. And a little lighter towards the end of this epistle, as we'll see a little later on, he brings back that point. So a little bit lighter in verse 17, Paul mentions that he also had to suffer, and he is referring to, as in verse 17, as a drink offering. And the Philippians, he was basically explaining to them that we, in the Philippians and us, by extension, we as true Christians, also need to be prepared to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to Jesus Christ. And so then in chapter 3, Paul moves on to this very purpose of how to be like Christ. And he gives some specifics of how to be like Christ. Paul starts in chapter 3 by saying, rejoice.

And it says, but he gives him a warning, rejoice in trials, but rejoice in the Lord, but he's giving them a warning. Beware of evil workers, of people that would give you difficulties. And it's actually quite, makes me think of what's happening in the society today, because as we become more outspoken in our ways, of our lives, or how we stand up for the truth, then as we see today in our society, we could come to a society like it was at the time of the Apostles, where people were being pressurized quite a bit and having serious trials for standing up for the truth.

In this case, he's talking about, in verse 3, about people that felt that justification was by works of the flesh, as he says, the confidence in the flesh, as he says in verse 3. And then in verse 4, he says, though I also might have confidence in the flesh, yeah, I could, I could, says Paul, I could stand up and say, yeah, look at me, I'm a Jew, second size on each day, etc, etc, etc. And so he could have confidence in the flesh. But he basically then says, as in verse 8, for instance, I count all these things, loss for what Christ has done for us, because all these fleshly things, whether it is achievements we've done or works we may have, nothing justifies us.

We are works, our descent or whatever it may be, all these things are just mere rubbish, as he says at the end of verse 8, I count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ. And so he says human recognition, or whatever we do as a flesh or as human beings, has no lasting value. What has the value is what Christ has done for us, and how we need to imitate Christ. So what it matters is what God has done for us through Christ, and that is that God has forgiven our sins.

We are reconciled to Him through what Christ has done. In other words, God's righteousness is imputed in us. As we read in verse 9, he says, and we be found in Him not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through the faith in Christ, or of Christ, which is the righteousness which is from God by faith.

And so what matters is the righteousness which is imputed in us through God's justice and God's grace. We have been reconciled, and therefore, verse 10 is pretty significant. It says we ought to grow. In other words, that we may know Him. We have to grow in Jesus Christ's knowledge to be like Christ and the power of His resurrection. We have to really understand the power that God is giving us through His Holy Spirit, which is the power that resurrected Christ.

And then He says, and the fellowship of His sufferings. And so we ought to grow, and He's basically implying that we will have to suffer as Christ has suffered. You know, it was in the fellowship. We ought to grow in the fellowship of His sufferings. And then it says, being conformed to His death. And we need to conform ourselves to Christ's death. Well, if we look at Philippians chapter 2, verse 6 through 2-8, where we see that Christ was humble and He became a human being, and He gave His life for us, let's call it as a living sacrifice, we likewise need to be the same sort of people.

We've got to be a living sacrifice for others. So we ought to grow in these areas. And then He says here in verse 11, and if by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Because the goal as we grow to be more and more like Christ is that we can finally attain or be in the first resurrection for us to be there, to attain that reward and that gift. In fact, it's a gift to be in the first resurrection. And so then it goes on, verse 12, not that I have already attained or that I'm already perfected, but I press on.

And so He says we have to strive to do our part to receive the gift of eternal life. That's what He says. That's what He's been saying, as we mentioned in verse 1, verse 27, let your conduct be worthy of this gospel. And then also in chapter 2, verse 12, says, work out your own salvation. Because yeah, it is God that works in you through the power of His Spirit, but we got to use God's power, God's only Spirit. And so He says, yeah, in verse 12 of chapter 3, we have to press on.

We have to, let's have a look, not that I've already attained, but I press on that I may hold, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus as old has also laid hold of me. So we have to strive, we have to keep pushing to get to to persevere till the end, whenever the end is when Christ comes or when our life ends, we got to persevere till the end. And the end is at Christ's return.

That's what we're waiting for. And then a little bit later in verse 21, He says, so that at Christ's return, we will have then a glorious body. That's what He says. At Christ's return, He says, who at His return will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. So we will have a new spiritual body.

It's like as living or then in a different dimension beyond the physical that we today don't really fully comprehend. But as it says in in 1st John 3 verse 1 through 3, we will be like Him when He comes. And so we have to purify ourselves. We got to strive to purify ourselves. But anyway, then He continues here in chapter 4, and He says, therefore my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown.

And He shows here Paul's deep affection towards the Philippian brethren. He has a deep love and care for them because He calls them by beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown. And so He has a deep love for the brethren. And then He says, stand fast. We are to stand fast. We must not deviate. We have to carry out our duty.

My beloved or beloved. See, in the context, and especially considering Philippians 3 verse 10, which says we are to grow in Christ's knowledge, to be like Christ in the power of Jesus Christ's resurrection, in suffering as He suffered and becoming conformed to His death, like I made reference to earlier on how Christ humbled Himself and gave His life for us. In that context, Yah is saying we have to stand fast. So in the context is when we have trials, we have difficulties, we have to stand fast and not crumble.

And so continuing in verse 2, now He's addressing a situation there because in the context He's talking we gotta be like Christ. We have to have the same mind. We have to be humble. We have to resolve our problems. And so He says therefore, when He says stand fast, you know, we resolve our problems, be humble, I implore verse 2, Yodya, and I implore Sintaik to be of the same mind in the Lord. I implore these two to have the same Christ-like mind, to be humble, to be submissive, to make peace, whatever the problem was there.

So there was a specific situation that appeared that there was a need to address. Is it very weird to deconness us? Or some people feel that it may have been a husband and wife. So whichever one was it, but they had some disagreement at some point, maybe of doctrine or discipline, and He was saying, He was imploring to them to be in harmony, to be in the same mind as Christ, to have peace and unity.

And that requires humility, which is the mind of Christ, as we read in the first few verses of Philippians 2, and to esteem others better than themselves. Now verse 3, and I urge you also, is it this person? Maybe some people say, maybe was Sintaik, or maybe was a minister, maybe the chief, the pastor in Philippi. So because he says, I urge you also, true companion, help those women. Now it is interesting because if it's indeed those women, that implies that Yodya and Sintaik are two ladies, which could be.

But in Greek, it says to help them. It doesn't say these ladies, it says to help them. In what? To reconcile. And so there is, I urge you also, who labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. And so basically, what he's saying is, whatever the problem was there, whether it was two ladies, whether it was a man or a woman, whoever it was, it's not clear, 100% clear.

But the point is, reconcile, have the mind of Christ. Because Yodya is talking about people that were converted, and therefore he's saying whose names are in the Book of Life. And it shows that even though you are in the Church, you are converted, we still have a few things to overcome.

We are at different stages in this process of growth. And he says, if we are converted, our names then, very possibly meaning, that if we baptized and therefore we have God's Holy Spirit, our names are written in the Book of Life. And so, as long as our names are in the Book of Life, we will be given eternal life. And whenever we have challenges and difficulties, like this one he's referring to, we're going to be willing to repent.

And so the question is, how converted someone is? Well, it's not our prerogative to determine that. It's not my prerogative, it's not your prerogative, it's God's prerogative. And the point is, there are people in Church that are at different stages of growth. And therefore, there are sometimes problems in Church or in the congregation. Like, yeah, he's saying, but he's referring to them. They have their names written in the Book of Life. And so, he's imploring to them to be more like Christ, to be of the same mind as Christ.

And after all, when you think about Philippians chapter 2, and the whole context is for us to have a mind like Christ, particularly when we go through trials and difficulties. And so, Paul knew they were converted, and based on whatever knowledge or fruits that these people had, because it says you shall know them by their fruits. So, he had no doubt that their names were in the Book of Life. And that brings the point is, we have to make sure we don't fall away. When we'll cover the book of Hebrews at a later study, we'll see that we, as it says in Hebrews chapter 6, verse 6 specifically, about falling away, that you can't then repent.

And that would be a time when the name, if you do fall away, the name would be erased from the Book of Life. Also, in Revelation 3 verse 5, we're just talking about the saints, that they will have their name written in the Book of Life, and it will not be erased, because they're faithful till the end. And so, that is a point there. But continuing in the story flow, yeah, of Philippians, now in verse 4, says, Rejoicing the Lord always. And again, I say, Rejoice! And so, in the context of sufferings, trials, difficulties, Rejoicing the Lord.

Don't be discouraged. Have the mind of Christ. And overcome those little problems, like he was saying to these two people. I implore the Odia and I implore Sintech to be of the same mind in the Lord. And so, if we're working and if we're striving to be like Christ, then we can rejoice in God. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, Rejoice! So, genuine happiness is only in God. It's only through God. Even among whatever stresses and sufferings that may be affecting us, genuine happiness comes only from God. And then he continues now in verse 5, Let your gentleness, let your gentleness.

And yeah, we have gentleness being something like graciousness or forbearance. Some translations put moderation or reasonableness of dealing with people. The New Living Translation puts it considerate in all you do. In other words, not demanding my own rights to the utmost, but be willing to considerate the needs of others.

You see, so let your gentleness, let your moderation be reasonable, be considered for others. And really, when you think about it, that reminds us of God's grace. God's graciousness towards us shows us through God's mercy and grace that if we repent, and Christ forgives us, of course, but if we are repent, we are repent and change, Christ forgives us. In the end, mercy wins over the law. In other words, God would show grace towards us. And so we need to be gentle and moderate towards others.

We must be reasonable, we must be gracious. Look at, for instance, Psalm 130 verse 3 and 4. Psalm 130 verse 3 and 4 says, if you, Lord, should mock iniquities, O Lord, who could stand but there is forgiveness with you that you may be feared.

And so we need to be gentle, we need to be gracious. You know, remember, we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And so it's not just growing in the knowledge and understanding how Christ is and Christ's mind, but we gotta grow in His grace. In other words, we ourselves gotta learn to be gentle, to be moderate, to be reasonably dealing with others. In other words, we gotta make sure we know and treat others the way we would like to be treated. And then it continues here in verse 5, Let your gentleness be known to all men.

Be known, in a sense, implies that it's not inconsistent, but it is consistent. And be known to all men means to the good and bad, even to bad people, to lawbreakers. We are gentle and gracious and moderate. On the other side, if we are harsh to others, which is the opposite, then in a sense we are judging others. And we need to understand judgment belongs to God. In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, 1 Corinthians chapter 4, verse 5, says, Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord comes. Who will bring both who will both bring to light the Eden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts? And so judgment belongs to God.

We, God will bring true judgment and will bring all things to light. And so we must be moderate and our moderation must be known to all others. It says, yeah, let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Christ is coming soon and that judgment is coming soon. And we want to be judged ourselves with mercy as well by God. So let us all be moderate and let that gentleness and moderation be known to all. Verse 6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. We are not to be overly worried about things in our life and not trusting God. We are to walk by faith. We have to do our part, of course, but we should not be overly anxious.

I have seen lately God intervening with so many people with illnesses and at the last moment God intervening for them. It shows God's mercy. It shows, like it is, at the last moment the Red Sea opens and God just provides a way for people to walk through. It is so encouraging to see that and God intervenes for a lot of people according to his will, of course. So the problem we are, or the situation here, is that anxiety will not change the condition, but anxiety will affect our life and will affect our health.

That's why it says, be anxious for nothing, because anxiety is not going to help us. Then it says, but in everything by prayer and supplication, we need to pray and ask God instead of being anxious. Only God can sort some of the things out that we encounter. And you know what? He wants to sort them out for us, because we are his children. He loves us as his children. Like you and I love our children, and he wants things to work out for them. So God's mind is much greater than ours, but we need to ask him.

We have to ask him. We got solemnly plead and ask God from a deep sense of need, and supplicate. In other words, it must be an earnest prayer, and it says, with thanksgiving. The earnest prayer must be with thanksgiving.

Gratitude, thankfulness, thanksgiving, gives prayers, a certain degree of, let's call it, effectiveness. Let's look at the situation, and there are many, but let's just look at one situation when the people of Moab with the people of Ammon and others with them, besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Josephat. And that is in 2 Chronicles, Kings Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, chapter 20, verse 20 through 22. And it reads, So they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of T'koa, and as they went out, Josephat stood up and said, quote, Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, believe in the Lord, that was trusting the Lord your God, and you shall be established.

Believe his prophets, and you shall prosper. Then in verse 21, And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord in order to give thanks and should praise the beauty of holiness, giving thanksgiving, I beg your pardon, to God. And they went out before the army, and they were saying, praise the Lord for his mercy in U.S. forever. And then we see the effectiveness of that prayer with thanksgiving. Now, when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Cyr, who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.

You see, prayer with thanksgiving can be very effective. If it was effective to the Jewish people and Joseph and it'll be effective to us. And then continue now in verse 7, And then, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ. We can have a peace of mind. We can have an understanding that other people will not comprehend, because we know that God is on our side. We are pleasing him. We're doing the things that are pleasing him. So we hope, so we hope we're all doing, and that's what we need to be doing. So when you are in a state that you are trying your best, you're trying to please God, you know that God is on your side.

And we, you and I, can have faith. And we can put a trust in God. Now, right now, we all have trials. We all have difficulties. But it's not because, many times because, we are bad. It's because God wants to give us a bigger crown, a bigger reward. And therefore, you see as well, because you've done well with these things, I am going to allow you to to have a few more tests, so that I can give you a greater reward. You know, we don't know God's mind, but he cares for you and I.

And we need to trust God. And then he says, yeah, and the peace of mind, which surpasses all understanding. Yeah, this peace of mind that comes from God, the peace of God, which is a peace of mind that comes from God, which passes all understanding. We'll guard your hearts and hearts and minds. We'll guard. Now guarding is, think of it, it's like a security guard or somebody that that is keeping a watch over, maybe a watch over your house or whatever it is. And so, it says the peace of God will guard. In other words, will keep us from severe anxiety, fear, distress, doubts. In other words, it'll help us. It's there to help us. And so, if you're suffering from fear, distress, doubt, anxiety, pray and ask God. Pray and ask God to remove from me, from you, from us, those fears, stresses, anxieties, worries. And let's pray that God may grant us more of His Spirit because His Spirit is a spirit of love, joy, peace, etc. Peace is one of the attributes of God's Holy Spirit. And so, we can pray for that and God will give it to us and will guard our minds through Christ's years, through what Christ has done. Finally, brethren, verse 8, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there's any virtue, if there's any praise worthy, meditate on these things. This is a verse that many of us turn to. It's probably one of your favorite verses. It's a verse we quite often think about. And so, to have the mind of Christ, to be like Jesus Christ, to be humble, to be able to entreat others above ourselves, we have to meditate to have this mind. We have to meditate to say, God, give me that mindset which is Christ's. Yes, that's humble, but I'm able to entreat others. And for that, help me to think about things that are true. You know, God's Word, the Bible. Let's pray for God to help us to think, meditate on all that is unchangeable, to be sincere. And think about it. It's actually about words. True. God's Word, what words we say, what is unchangeable, to be sincere, to be truthful, to be faithful. Meditate about things that come from God, from true natural things. Meditate on those things that are true. And then he says, whatever things are noble. In other words, worthy of respect, honest. In other words, things related with actions. So when we think meditate about whatever is true, we're talking more inclined towards things related to words. But when it's noble, it's more inclined towards actions, worthy of respect, honesty. What is correct for us to do as Christians? In other words, to be noble. And how should I act? So think about those things. And whatever is just, whatever is right, whatever is according to God's laws of righteousness and justice. And this is like in relationship with others. In other words, let's meditate how we relate with others. How we deal with others doing what's just and right. And then it goes into meditating about what is pure. And pure is more related to being morally or clean and undefiled. It's more related to our state of mind and body. And so is more related to in relation to ourselves. And so just is more, the previous one, meditate about what is just, is more in relationship to others. Whatever is pure is more along the lines of relationship to ourselves. And then he moves on to meditate on whatever is lovely. Pleasing, good conduct, good, healthy conversation. And this is more related to things that are face-to-face, lovable, things that we deal with that are lovely, that are pleasing, good conduct.

And then he says, meditate about things that are good report. And that is more related to things when we are not face-to-face, when we are absent. Just like Paul mentioned in Philippians 1, verse 27, do the right things even when we absent. And so that leads to a good report, a good reputation. In other words, it gets mentioned by others what is a good and profitable action that so and so did. So it's a good report. Meditate on those things. And then he goes on and says, meditate on whatever is virtue. And he says, yeah, or if there is any virtue, meditate about that. And that virtue is related to ethics, relating to a good general conduct, ethical behavior. So it is virtue, a virtuous woman. It's a good conduct. And so meditate on those things. And if there's anything that is praiseworthy, and he says, yeah, and he says, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, talking about virtue and the virtuous woman. I remember many years ago, Mr. Faye used to say, it requires a virtuous man to have a virtuous woman. So there we have it. It's virtue all around good, ethical conduct. But then he goes on, and if there's anything praiseworthy, in other words, we should live as to deserve praise. Now, it's because I want praise, or we want praise? No! But because we represent God, we represent God. Now, it's interesting, the commandment in Exodus 20 verse 7 says, you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, who takes his name in vain. Quite often we think about not use profanity and use God's name in vain from that point, but there is a deeper, more subtle meaning to it. And it is more related to if you, as a Christian, if I, as a Christian, if we, as God's church, set a bad example to others, then people say, oh, if that's what a Christian is like, I don't want to be a Christian. Or if that's what God's church is like, I don't want to be in God's church. We then, in a sense, by extension, are taking God's name in vain, because we are representing God, and therefore we're not leading to whatever we do, and our actions are not to God's glory and to God's praise. And so we need to meditate about what we do to deserve praise, not again for ourselves, but because we represent God. We are not to take God's name in vain. And so, do we meditate on these things? And so this is just a thought, let's meditate on these things. What do most people meditate on? Well, people meditate on things that are wrong, corrupt, sinful, degrading, that pull down. You just have to listen to the news and how people rejoice with evil. I mean, over the last few days I've seen on TV people rejoicing for evil.

That is so sad, that is so sad. But you and I need to meditate on things that are uplifting, that build, that encourage, that give you a positive outlook, that strengthen. That's what we need to be meditating on. And then verse 9, the things which you learned and received and heard and so in me, these two. And the God of peace will be with you.

And so follow Paul's example. That's what Paul is saying. Paul is saying, I'm trying to follow Christ. I'm trying to be like Christ and follow my example as I try to be like Christ. In other words, Paul, he and the slayer, he's really talking about how we can be like Christ. And then he moves on to his conclusion and his gratitude towards their generosity towards him. Because Epaphroditus had brought to Paul a loving gift, his tives and assistance for him.

And so he says, but I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again. Though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. In other words, they were a congregation and I was encouraging and concluding we need to be like Christ. But in conclusion, I want to thank you for your care and you have been caring. From that point of view, you've been like Christ. You didn't have opportunity to to give me help and assistance. But now that Epaphroditus has come, you have now the opportunity, you had the opportunity to give to me.

Verse 11, not that I speak in regard to need, for I learned in whatever state I am to be content. In other words, are we content or are we murmuring and complaining? In other words, like I made mention a little earlier on about Philippians chapter 2 verse 14, a little earlier in the seepersoul. And the question is, are we murmuring and moaning and saying, oh well, this is not enough. Oh well, you've given me this, but you should have given me more.

I have seen that brethren. I have seen that brethren by some people that I sometimes do things for them, and we give it to them. And some people come back and say, I am very grateful, but why aren't you giving me more? And to be frank, I don't see that as a sign of, hey, I'm being grateful, but I don't read that as a sign of gratitude.

And I feel sad, and I look at it as a and I pray for these people that they may grow and become all converted in their attitude. So Paul learned to be content in whatever state he is, and when he received, he was just grateful. He didn't say, well, give me more.

He was just grateful. Verse 12, because he says, I know how to be a based, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in every all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I went, Paul says, I went through all these stages in life.

I've been through difficult times like Christ. I'm in jail now. That's what basically Paul was saying. But this is particularly pertinent to you and I, because you and I live in difficult times, very difficult times. Our children, our children in church, our teenagers, our young adults are going through pressures in society like we older people never had to experience, and we pray for them, and we are concerned for them.

So this is particularly pertinent for us to be content with what we have, because times are going to get difficult, more difficult. Verse 13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In other words, Paul got to this stage of spiritual growth, of conversion, of growing in the grace by the power of God's Holy Spirit, that he was able to be gracious and understanding that he had a positive outlook, and it could do as Christ would strengthen him.

Verse 14, he says, nevertheless you've done well that you shared in my distress. So Yah is again positive, saying, you shared in my trials, you care for me, you helped me with certain gifts. It's a positive reflection on them. And then he says in verse 15 and 16, now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning, giving, and receiving, but you only. And even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

So it's not the first time. They have helped him many times. You have helped me various times. And then he says, verse 17, not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. I'm not asking you to send me more, but I'm happy for you, because this is fruit that goes to your account as a reward, additional reward, and Christ's return. Verse 18, Indeed, I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

And so their offering, their gift to Paul was like a sweet-smelling offering to God. And indeed, think about it, when we give offerings on the Holy Days, that is a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. Yes, as living and living and overcoming is also a living sacrifice, well pleasing to God, but as we give offerings to God, it's also a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God.

And then, as he called Luke, says, and my God may supply all you need according to his reaches in glory by Christ Jesus. So he is praying that God will provide for them. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus, the brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. In other words, that does not mean that they were brothers and sisters of Caesar's, but they were maybe the people that were serving at his palace or whatever. They could be cleaners, could be people that cut the grass or whatever they did.

They provided food, etc. Whatever servants they were there, these servants send greetings to you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. What a lovely letter it is and a lovely conclusion from Paul. Our next study then will move onto Colossians.