How miserly seem our
salutations these days in comparison with Paul's in early century 1AD.
Our
“Dear Friend” in a formal letter, or “Hi” in an email, doesn't come close to the humility of: “Paul and
Timotheus, the servants (interpreted as “slaves” in one translation) of Jesus
Christ." What a firm starting point it would be to realise that one is acknowledging the
influence of Christ in all our communications. And to acknowledge that the
recipients of the letter are also “saints” (overseers) in Christ.
Paul speaks with authority
when he extends grace and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ. He knows that he has that authority because he has the Mind which was
also in Christ Jesus. Interestingly, it is Philippians 2.5 from which we can
quote that last phrase: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus.” Something to look forward to in chapter 2.
How he loves these faithful
people! And prays for them.
Joyce Voysey
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