Colossians

If authentic, probably written in the 50s when Paul was a prisoner in Rome. If not, maybe later in the first century.

Members of the congregation at Colosse had incorporated pagan elements into their practice, including worship of elemental spirits. The doctrine the epistle opposes may also have been Gnostic in part, as Paul’s stresses that

·         the universe was created through Christ (and not by a demiurge)

·         God became flesh, rather than remaining aloof from the evil of the created world

Paul epistle declares Christ's supremacy over the entire created universe and exhorts Christians to lead godly lives. The letter consists of two parts: first a doctrinal section, then a second regarding conduct. In both sections, false teachers who have been spreading error in the congregation are opposed.

1

From Paul and Timotheus: grace and peace be unto you. The truth of the gospel brings forth fruit in you, and reveals to you the hope laid up in heaven. The Father has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Christ, in whose blood we have redemption, is the image of the invisible God, and the firstborn of every creature. By him all things were created; he is before all things, and the head of the church. He is the firstborn of the dead. By his flesh and blood, all things were reconciled to the Father. Hold fast to the gospel, which has been a mystery, but is now made manifest. Paul is made a minister of this gospel. We preach so that every man (including the gentiles) may be presented perfect in Christ Jesus.


2

Paul expresses his concern for the church at Colosse and at Laodicea, exhorting them to steadfastness in the faith, and to beware of being seduced by specious words. Walk in Christ, and abound in faith and holiness. Beware of those whose false teaching about the elemental spirits of the universe amounts to false philosophy, and accords only with human tradition. He in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells grants spiritual circumcision: you are risen with him. You are quickened, having been made dead through sins. The ordinances that were against us have been nailed to his cross. Christ disarmed powers and principalities and triumphed over them. (By ‘powers and principalities’, Paul may mean may mean earthly powers, such as Rome, or hostile angelic forces, as in Romans 8:38. The implication is that the Colossians’ wayward religious practices turn back to worldly politics, or to Christ’s spiritual adversaries. Both may be implied – ‘elemental spirits’ and ‘basic principles of the world’ are alternative translations of the same Greek word stoicheia.) Paul warns against the Judaisers who make stipulations about meats, drinks and festivals. There are also warnings about angel worship. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? These doctrines and commandments are of men, and though they have a show of wisdom, they perish in the using.


3

Seek the things that are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Mortify earthly affections and sins – lies, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication. You have put off the old man with his deeds, and put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ. Christ is all, and in all – there is no ethnic, cultural, social or economic difference in him. Forgive one another, even as Christ forgave you. Charity is the bond of perfectness. Sings psalms and spiritual songs, and do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Husbands, wives, fathers, children, servants all have their social responsibilities – they should do all that they do heartily, as to the Lord, and not as to men. From the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance.


4

Masters should remember that they have a Master in heaven. Paul recommends continuance in prayer, with watchfulness and thanksgiving. Pray for the success of the gospel. Walk wisely towards them who are without, redeeming of time, and let your speech be graced, seasoned as with salt. Paul commends Tychius and Onesimus, whom he sends to the Colossians; he mentions the greetings of of several at Rome, sends his own greetings to those in Laodicea, and to Nymphas and the church at his house. Paul directs his epistle to be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and the epistle he wrote to the Laodiceans to be read at Colosse. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.