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C
Philemon
A letter from Paul, requesting hospitality,
etc.
A
Colossians
Basic truth, complement to Ephesians
B
2 Timothy
Exhortations, complement to Philippians.
Philemon is as much a part of all Scripture as Ephesians, but the
reason we speak of `four' Prison Epistles, and not `five' is because the four
contain definite teaching concerning the dispensation of the Mystery and form
the basis of our hope and calling, whereas Philemon, precious as it is, does
not contribute anything specific that is not set out in fuller measure in the
other four epistles.
As this analysis is primarily concerned with Dispensational Truth, we
refrain from further or fuller comment, except that every believer should
seek grace to emulate the love that breathes through this brief epistle.
PHILIPPIANS
The essential teaching of Philippians can be summarized under the
following heads:
(1)
Pattern (1:27 to 4:2). In which the examples of Christ Himself
(2:6 -11) of Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:12 -30; 3:1 -14) are
exhibited.
(2)
Prize (3:14).
(3)
Perfecting (3:12).
(4)
Prior -Resurrection (3:11).
(5) Pursuit (3:13).
Let us first of all set out the literary structure:
The Structure of the Book as a Whole
(Introversion)
A
1:1,2.
Epistolary
Salutation.
Bishops and deacons.
B
1:3 -26. Fellowship in gospel from first day.
C
1:27 to 2:5.
Conversation here. Stand fast.
Mind of Christ.
Now.
D
2:6 -11. The sevenfold humiliation of Christ.
Example.
E
2:12 -17.
Exhortation to work out.
F 2:17 -30.
Example of Paul,
Timothy and
Epaphroditus.
E
3:1 -3.
Exhortation to beware.
D
3:4-19.
The sevenfold loss of Paul.
Example.