A Summons to Steadfastness

2:6  The Greek text begins with “therefore,” indicating that what the apostle is about to say is linked with his preceding discussion on the content of the mystery which is Christ himself. As someone has said, “Whenever you see a therefore in Scripture, go back to see what it is there for!”

To stand firm does not mean to stand still. Paul is aware that the best defense is a good offense. Consequently, he admonishes his readers to continue in their faith. By receiving the gospel they have received Christ Jesus as Lord. But that past event has an abiding significance upon their lives because they are to live in union with him—literally, to “walk with Christ.” By stating this, Paul reinforces a theme common in his writings, namely, the relation between theology and et…