The unity of Christians in the Church combined with diversity of gifts and offices, a warning against heathen vices, and advice as to duty towards one's neighbour (iv.). Christian love, heathen uncleanness, light and darkness, walking circumspectly, sobriety and song (v. 1-21).
The union of husbands and wives like that of Christ and His Church (v. 22, 23). Duties of children and parents, servants and masters (vi. 1-9).
Wrestling against evil powers with the whole armour of God (vi. 10-18).
Personal conclusion and benediction (vi. 19-24).
[1] See Baur's Paul, vol. ii. p. 177 (English translation).
[2] Eph. i. 23. The Church is said to be "the fulness of Him that filleth all in all." The word "fulness" is derived from philosophy, and means that the Church is, or rather is the realization of, the sum of the sacred attributes of Christ, who fills the whole universe with all kinds of gifts. Some commentators translate "fulness" as if it meant the receptacle of Christ's attributes, and others as if it meant the completion of Christ. But the word is used in a philosophical and not in a literal sense. See Lightfoot, Colossians, p. 259.
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CHAPTER XVI
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS
[Sidenote: The Author.]