Colossians 1

Introduction

Author: Paul Date: A.D. 60

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome as he did Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon. In this, Paul stresses the supremacy of Jesus Christ and the completeness or sufficiency of the salvation He provides.

Colossae was a city in Asia Minor (today Turkey) about 100 miles east of Ephesus. Paul writes this epistle to oppose some false teaching that was taking hold in the church at Colossae. The exact nature of the heresy is unknown, but it apparently was a religious system that combined elements from Greek philosophy (later known as Gnosticism), Jewish legalism, and eastern mysticism. This heresy emphasized special knowledge (gnosis in Greek) and denied Christ as God and Savior. It involved a low view of the physical body and probably of nature as a whole. It stressed the strict importance of keeping certain laws and rituals along with the worship of angels and a preoccupation with mystical experiences. Paul writes to combat all these false heresies by emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ, God the Son. Colossians is perhaps the most Christ-centered book in the Bible.

Paul makes it clear that Jesus is the Creator and the Reconciler (1:15-24). He is the exact image of the invisible God, fully divine and fully human. In Christ all the fullness of God lives in bodily form. Christ rules over every power and authority. Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for our every spiritual need, for all of God’s fullness is in Him. The believers’ covenant relation (2:11), their life (2:12–13), their freedom (2:14), and their victory (2:15) are all in Him.

Paul also addresses Christian conduct and character. The new life in Christ is to be manifested in the personal relationships of the Christian. Paul provides specific instructions for husbands, wives, children, servants and masters. Paul said, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (3:17).

Theme: The theme is the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things.

Key Verse: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority,” (2:9-10).

OUTLINE

I. Introduction – Greeting, Thanksgiving, Prayer (1:1-14)

II. The Preeminence of Christ (1:15-29)

A. Christ Is Preeminent in Creation (1:15-18)

B. Christ Is Preeminent in Salvation (1:19-23)

C. Christ Is Preeminent in the Church (1:24-29)

III. The Sufficiency of Christ (2:1-23)

A. Beware of Empty Philosophies (2:1-10)

B. Beware of Religious Legalism (2:11-23)

IV. The Position and Practice of the Believer (3:1 – 4:6)

A. The Old Self and the New Self (3:1-17)

B. Personal Relationships and Instructions (3:18 – 4:6)

V. Final Greetings and Conclusion (4:7-19)

Introduction

Paul wrote this letter as a prisoner in Rome. Epaphras had come to visit him and to report that a new teaching was invading the church and causing trouble. Epaphras apparently had heard the Gospel of Christ from Paul at Ephesus and had taken this life-changing message back to his hometown of Colossae, but Paul never made itt to Colossae. This new heresy was a type of Hellenistic Greek philosophy that developed into "Gnosticism," from the Gk. word gnosis which means "to know." The Gnostics were "in the know" - that is, they professed to have a superior and “secret knowledge” of spiritual things. Their doctrine was a strange blending of some Christian truth, Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and Eastern mysticism.

For one thing, these heretics taught that all matter was evil, including the body; and therefore God could not come in contact with matter. How, then, was the world created? By a series of "emanations" from God, they claimed. And, since Christ had a human body, He was only one of these "emanations" and not truly the Son of God. The Gnostics proposed a complex series of "emanations" (including angels) between man and God and thus denied the preeminence of Christ.

Their system was supposed to give the believer a special "full knowledge" not possessed by others. The Gnostics loved to use the word "fullness," and so you find Paul using it many times in this letter. Their doctrine called for legalistic practices (2:16) and strict discipline of the flesh (asceticism, 2:18-23). "Touch not, taste not, handle not!" was one of their rules. They taught that certain days were holy and certain foods sinful. The Gnostic system had a semblance of spirituality but was of no real spiritual value (see ). Knowledge was a big deal. BUT, remember, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Paul wants to be sure that YOU know Christ.

Colossians emphasizes the preeminence and sufficiency of Christ. As you read it, note the repetition of the words "all" and "fullness" or "filled" (see 1:9-11,16-20,28; 2:2-3,9-10,13,19; 3:8,11,14,16-17,20,22; 4:9,12). Paul's theme is that "Christ is all and in all" (3:11) and that we are "made full in Him" (2:10). Since believers are made full in Christ, Christ is all they need! Legalism, man-made philosophies, strict diets, compulsory observance of holy days, discipline of the flesh - all of these must go when Christ is given His place of preeminence. Colossians is a letter pleading for spiritual maturity (note the prayer in 1:9-12). Religious practices done in the flesh may appear to be spiritual, but they are of no value in the inner life of the person. How easy it is for Christians to substitute man-made rules for true spirituality.

If you would please open your textbook to Colossians. For some of you your textbook is on your phone and that is fine, but can we all silence our phones please? Kids today don't know how easy they have it ... when I was young, I had to run through 15 ft of shag carpet to grab the phone … and it was JUST a phone.

As we begin a new book of the Bible, I always like to get into the Who What When Where Why questions so that we can then better understand the book. These questions can usually all be answered by looking at the outline. You can put this outline in a notebook and keep it with any notes you may personally take.

Who? Paul wrote this

What? letter

When? 60 AD

Where? from Rome to Colossae Paul was under house arrest in Rome, [Show map https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CNM12-AreaofActs.gif ]the capital of the Roman Empire, when he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. These four letters are often referred to as the “Prison Epistles.” They were written during Paul’s first time as a prisoner in Rome.

Why? To correct heretical teachings

Epaphras had come to visit him and to report that a new teaching/heresy was invading the church and causing trouble. Epaphras apparently had heard the Gospel of Christ from Paul at Ephesus and had taken this life-changing message back to his hometown of Colossae, but Paul never made it to Colossae. This new teaching/heresy was a type of Hellenistic Greek philosophy that later developed into “Gnosticism.” Gnosticism comes from the Greek word gnosis which means "to know." The Gnostics were "in the know" - that is, they professed to have a superior and “secret knowledge” of spiritual things. Their doctrine was a strange blending of some Christian truth, Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and Eastern mysticism. When you combine this with the belief some held in the Greek and Roman gods that had been worship in this area for centuries, you really had a hot mess of religions.

Some of these heretics taught that all matter was evil, including the body; and therefore God could not come in contact with matter. How, then, was the world created? By a series of "emanations" from God, they claimed. And, since Christ had a human body, He was only one of these "emanations" and not truly the Son of God. The Gnostics proposed a complex series of "emanations" (including angels) between man and God and thus denied the preeminence of Christ.

Their system was supposed to give the believer a special "full knowledge" not possessed by others. The Gnostics loved to use the word "fullness," and so you find Paul using it many times in this letter. Their doctrine called for legalistic practices (2:16) and strict discipline of the flesh (asceticism, 2:18-23). "Touch not, taste not, handle not!" was one of their rules. They taught that certain days were holy and certain foods sinful. The Gnostic system had a semblance of spirituality but was of no real spiritual value (see ). Knowledge was a big deal. BUT, it’s not just what you know, but who you know. He wanted them to truly know Jesus.

Christianity was new and unique and Paul will explain how Christ is the one true Lord and God. In Colossians, Paul emphasizes the preeminence and sufficiency of Christ. As you read it, note the repetition of the word “all" (23x). Paul's point is that Christ is our all in all (3:11), and that we are "made full in Him" (2:10). Since believers are made full in Christ, Christ is all we need! Legalism, and man-made philosophies must go when Christ is given His place of preeminence. Colossians is a letter pleading for spiritual maturity (note the prayer in 1:9-12). Religious practices done in the flesh may appear to be spiritual, but they are of no value in the inner life of the person. How easy it is for Christians to substitute man-made rules for true spirituality.

(ESV)

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, [Paul is stating his authority as an apostle (one who is sent) of Christ by the will of God to combat the false teachers. Being an apostle was not an occupation which Paul had chosen for himself or for which he had been trained by men. Neither was the office given to him by human ordination. His entire ministry was carried out under the solemn realization that God Himself had chosen Paul to be an apostle. Give Paul’s background.] and Timothy our brother, [Paul begins his letter to the believers at Colossae by mentioning Timothy. One of the things we know about Timothy is that he was young, and others would at times use his youth against him (1 TImothy 4:12). So why would Paul, now a recognizable name and voice of authority in the early church, take the time to specifically mention such a young person in the faith?

Though Paul doesn’t tell us directly, we can see as we read through his other letters (1 & 2 Timothy, specifically) that Paul is empowering Timothy. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul orients people to Christ, not himself. He is not threatened by including others into the work God is doing—he is actually validating that God can and does work in others, quite possibly even those you would least expect.

Paul’s actions of including and validating Timothy reveal the heart of discipleship—a heart that is centered on Christ, a heart that encourages and fosters growth. This is so important to the new believers in Colossae. Although they would relate to Paul, they could relate even more with Timothy, who was also half Gentile.]

2 To the saints and faithful brothers [adelphoi- can be translated brothers and sisters] in Christ at Colossae: [Show map – https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/apostle_paul_second_missionary_journey_map1.jpg . Colossae was about 100 miles southeast of Ephesus. ]

Grace to you and peace from God our Father. [Paul always starts with the greeting of grace - a Gentile greeting and peace - a Jewish greeting.]

Thanksgiving and Prayer [This is the first prayer in this chapter.]

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. [Paul often mentions the trio of faith, hope and love. Because of our faith in Christ Jesus we have HOPE in heaven!] Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. [Epaphras gave them "the word of the truth of the Gospel" (v. 5) in contrast to the lies of the false teachers. Faith comes by hearing (); these people heard the Word, believed, and were saved. These believers in Colossae demonstrated faith, hope, and love (vv. 4-5, 8). The Word brought forth fruit in their lives (v. 6); fruit is the evidence of true salvation (). Paul is saying, ‘We heard good things about you and we expect good things for you.’ Talk people up, not down. Rather than arguing about their false doctrines, he builds up a case for Christian truth by showing he cares for them, prays for them and then showing the preeminence of Christ in everything and that Christ is sufficient in everything. Not a bad approach.]

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; The Word of God is not just for information. It is for transformation! We are to be changed by the knowledge of the Word.

11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. [This is a great prayer (v. 9-12) to pray for those we love. Since salvation is a personal experience with Jesus Christ, and not merely the acceptance of a set of doctrines, a believer can experience daily growth and development. The heretics taught a mystical "fullness" that their followers would gain; but here Paul states that every believer in Christ can be filled. We have been "made full in Him" (2:9-10); now he prays that they might experience this fullness in their daily lives. This is a prayer our leadership team has been praying for you all. This is a prayer you can take and pray for yourself and/or for others. Note the

Prayer requests Paul makes in verses 9-12:

1. Know God’s will (v.9) - You cannot know the will of God unless you know the Word of God.

2. Have spiritual wisdom and understanding (v.9) (spiritual IQ to grow)

3. Walk so as to please God (v. 10) (V. 10 is on our Merry Ministries website as our theme verse.)

4. Bear fruit in good works (v. 10)

5. Increase their knowledge of God (v. 10)

6. Be strengthened by His glorious power (v. 11).

7. Have endurance and patience with joy (v. 11)

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Paul moves now into teaching about the preeminence of Christ - Christology - The term “christology” (from Greek christos meaning “anointed one” or “Christ”) refers to the study of Christ. It often includes such topics as the preexistence, preeminence and eternality of Christ, These next few verses are some of the key verses of Christology. Verses 15-20 are a hymn or poem that have references to ; , , ; ; .

15 He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, [Image in Greek is eikon ~pronounced icon ~ means copy, exact likeness] the firstborn of all creation. [prototokos - firstborn – Can refer to one who is born first chronologically, but most often refers to position or rank, first place, the rightful heir. Jesus Christ has preeminence (supreme rank, superiority, supremacy, prestige, prominence, transcendence, renown, predominance). He has authority.] 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. [Jesus was not created. He is the Creator. He was there in the beginning with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.] 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [He is the glue that holds this world together. He is the glue that holds my life together.] 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning [Alpha], the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. [The Gnostic teachers claimed that God made the worlds through a series of "emanations" from Himself and that Christ was one of these emanations. Paul asserts that Christ is not an emanation from God, but God Himself! "Image" means "the exact likeness." Christ is not one of God's creatures, but He is God the Creator. If this was the only place in the Bible where we saw this, it might raise some real questions. But God confirms this in other places. Let’s first look at .

(ESV) In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

The word used for God in the Hebrew is “El,” but here it appears in its plural for Elohim”. Technically, this is referred to as plural intensive. Although it is plural, it is used as a singular. God [Elohim] goes on in to speak the world into existence. God said, “Let there be…” and there was.

“Then God [Elohim] said, ‘Let us make man in our image.’”

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ….14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. [Jesus Christ is God in the flesh! Lord of all creation. He is the exact image of the invisible God. He is eternal, preexistent, omnipotent, equal with the Father. He is supreme and complete.]

 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

See also

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

– “…Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God.”

 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Colossians 1:19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. [Hell and those in hell are not included in this reconciliation.]

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, [Jesus Christ died on the cross in a real human body, not just a spirit as the Gnostics would teach.] in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. [This does not teach that you can lose your salvation or that you must continually work to keep your salvation, but that those who are truly saved will live accordingly.]

Paul’s Ministry to the Church

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

[Paul described "the mystery"-that truth about Christ and the church that had been hidden in times past but was now revealed (see ). Actually, Paul speaks of a three-fold mystery: (1) the mystery of the church, vv. 24-26: the church is the body of Christ made up of both Jews and Gentiles who put their faith in Christ Jesus; (2) of the indwelling Christ, v. 27, and (3) of the Person of Christ, the fullness of God, described previously and will discuss again in 2:2-3.

Paul had a balanced ministry: he preached, taught, and warned; he sought to take the truth to all people, not just a few; and his goal was to present each believer mature (perfect) in Christ. Christian perfection is not sinlessness, but maturity - growing up unto Christ in all things (). The whole theme of Colossians is "Christ is all you need." He is preeminent. He is sufficient. We are made full in Him, and that is all that is needed! How tragic when Christians substitute man-made rules, disciplines, and rituals for the fullness we have in Christ!

The purpose and the plan of God is that in everything Jesus has the preeminence. “All things” includes you. And so, the question is, does Christ reign supremely in your life? Does He have the preeminence? You see, that's the purpose and the plan of God for Jesus Christ, that He has the place of preeminence in each of our lives. That He is above everything else in our lives, that nothing supersedes the place of Jesus Christ in my life.

Closing prayer.