Introduction to Colossians
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Author and Title:
Author and Title:
Paul wrote this letter, there is so much abundant evidence both in and out of this letter. This letter has three personal references to Paul in the first person (1:1; 1:23; 4:18) and numerous references to Paul’s associates: Tychicus (4:7), Onesimus (4:9), Aristarchus (4:10), Mark (4:10), Justus (4:11), Epaphras (4:12), Luke (4:14), Demas (4:14), and Archippus (4:17).
External evidence for Paul’s authorship is strong; Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus, Clement, Tertullian, and Origen all agree Paul wrote this letter. the reason people doubt Paul wrote this is because of the heresy combated in this book looks to be second century gnosticism.
Gnostics believed that people could only be saved through revealed knowledge; holding a negative view of the physical or material world.
This is rather easily addressed, these heresy had appeared in Paul’s lifetime.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
9 That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.
Paul was combating an early form of gnosticism, and handles is like all the other heresy he has combated against in other letters (1 Cor 15; Gal 1-2; 2 Thes 2).
Colossians while small, has tremendous theological and applicable information for us. It is very important. It is along side John 1 and Hebrews 1; Colossians 1 presents the most marvelous exposition of the absolute deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since this doctrine is fundamental to all Christian truth, its value cannot be overstressed.
There are 34 Greek word that are unique to Colossians, they are characteristic of the theme of the book and fit the thoughts of Paul. Words in this category include “visible (1:16),” “supremacy (1:18),” “Fill up (1:24),” “philosophy (2:8),” and “Deity (2:9).”
Date:
Date:
This letter was written about A.D. 60–62, during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, as recorded in Acts 28:30
30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him,
Interestingly the letter to Philemon Paul referred to himself as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”
9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—
Ephesians also contains references to Paul being a “prisoner.”
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
Also in Ephesians refers to Tychicus carrying the epistles from Paul to their destination:
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Since the record of Acts ends around A.D. 60–62, Colossians was probably written during this two-year imprisonment. And since neither Colossians, Ephesians, nor Philemon mention the outcome of Paul’s trial, anticipated in:
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
We can assume Colossians was written before Philippians.
Background:
Background:
Colosse was in the Lycus Valley, about 100 miles east of Ephesus in Asia Minor. Colosse is about 12 miles from Hierapolis and Laodicea, the other two cities of that valley. The area was rich in mineral deposits and was also subject to frequent earthquakes. Rich pasturelands were nearby.
Colosse was a very prosperous city, and famous for its fabric dyes, yet by this time it was a city in decline. The city would be destroyed by an earthquake shortly after this letter.
Several references in Colossians indicate that Paul had not visited the city:
7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Occasion:
Occasion:
The circumstance which prompted the writing of Colossians seemed to be the special heresy that arose there. This false teaching seemed to be the beginning the Gnosticism we talked about earlier. This heresy taught that the world was created by an inferior god, that the material world is evil, and in some cases asceticism should be practiced.
It contained several characteristics:
It was Jewish, stressing the need for observing OT laws and ceremonies.
It was philosophical, laying emphasis on some special or deeper knowledge (gnosis).
It involved the worship of angels as mediators to God:
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
It was exclusivistic, stressing the special privilege and “perfection” of those select few who belonged to this philosophical elite.
It was also Christological. But this particular type of Gnosticism denied the deity of Christ, thus calling forth one of the greatest declarations of Christ’s deity found anywhere in Scripture:
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
The best explanation for this dangerous teaching is that it comes from the context of the local Jewish and pagan folk belief. A central feature of the local folk belief was a tendency to call on angels for help and protection from evil spirits. This characteristic is well attested in many inscriptions and ancient documents. for instance, a magical stone amulet designed to be worn around the neck for protection from evil spirits reads, “Michael, Gabriel, Ouriel, Raphael, protect the one who wears this… Flee, O hated one, Solomon pursues you.”
So what likely happened at Colossae is that a shaman-like figure within the church had attracted a following and was presenting himself as something of a Christian spiritual guide. This person probably claimed to have superior insight into the spiritual realm and was advising the Colossian Christians to practice certain rites, taboos, and rituals as a means of protection from evil spirits and for deliverance from afflictions.
Purpose:
Purpose:
Three purposes seem to have been in Paul’s mind as he wrote Colossians.
He sought to show the deity and supremacy of Christ in the face of the Colossians heresy:
18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
He wanted to lead believers into spiritual maturity:
28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
He wanted to inform them about his state of affairs and elicited their prayers on his behalf:
2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
When Paul hears of the spreading influence of this teaching that devalues Christ and fails to appreciate the new identity of believers “in Christ,” he writes this letter of warning and encouragement. he asserts the Unity of Christians with the exalted Christ, which entails their sharing in his power and authority.
He also takes the opportunity to encourage these believers to press on to maturity in Christ by continuing in their battle against sin, pursuing holiness in Christ, and learning to live as distinctively Christian households.
Theme:
Theme:
Christ is Lord over all of creation, including the invisible realm. He has secured redemption for his people, enabling them to participate with him in his death, resurrection, and fullness.
Key Themes:
Key Themes:
Jesus is preeminent over all creation, He is the Lord over all human rulers and cosmic powers.
God has worked through Christ to secure redemption and reconciliation for all who put their faith in him.
Jesus has defeated the powers of darkness on the cross, and Christians share in His power and authority over that realm.
Believers are called to grow in maturity in Christ by getting rid of sinful practices and cultivating Christian virtues.
vv. 1–2) Introduction:
vv. 1–2) Introduction:
[1]
Paul
Apostle
Jesus Christ by the will of God
[Application] You too should be reminded of your own calling and purpose in life: evangelism and discipleship. Each of us needs to understand our role and responsibility within our church.
Take some time this week to pray and reflect on what you believe God is calling you to accomplish. Write it out.
Timothy
[Application] Timothy was Paul’s brother in faith emphasizing the importance of companionship and partnership in ministry. Children’s ministry.
You each need to engage with others within our church building deep relationships that foster brotherly love.
[2]
Saints
[Application] This is your identity family. Not reserved for the ultra elite.
This week as you pray for God’s purpose for your life you need to also need to understand your identity in Christ. You belong to His family here apart of this congregation. And that means something.
faithful brethren
in Christ
Colosse
Grace and peace salutations
24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.