Colossians
The book of Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul around 60 AD during his imprisonment in Rome, addresses the church in Colossae to combat false teachings and emphasize Christ. Paul affirmed Jesus as the image of the invisible God and Creator of all things. He encouraged believers to remain rooted in their faith, avoid false teachings, and to live transformed lives, by embracing compassion, kindness, and love. Paul provided instructions for relationships within families and communities, urging them to work for the Lord in all they do. He concluded with personal greetings and a reminder to continue in prayer and proclaim the gospel.
Chapter 1
Paul introduced himself as an apostle of Christ by God’s will and included Timothy in his greeting. He addressed the believers in Colossae as faithful brothers and sisters while extending grace and peace from God the Father.
Thanksgiving And Prayer
Paul thanked God for the Colossians’ faith and love, which came from the hope of heaven they learned through the gospel. He praised the gospel’s fruitfulness and highlighted Epaphras as the one who taught them. Paul prayed they would be filled with spiritual wisdom, live lives pleasing to God, bear fruit, and give thanks for their rescue from darkness into Christ’s kingdom.
The Supremacy of the Son of God
Paul described Christ as the image of God and the creator of everything. Christ, as the head of the church and firstborn from the dead, reconciled all things to God through his blood. Believers were now reconciled to stand holy and blameless if they remained steadfast in faith.
Paul’s Labor for the Church
Paul rejoiced in his sufferings for the church and fulfilled God’s commission by proclaiming His word. He revealed the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles. Paul worked to present believers as mature in Christ by relying on the strength Christ provided him.
Paul’s Labor for the Church (cont.) - Chapter 2
Paul expressed his commitment to believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and others he had not met. He aimed to encourage and unite them in love, fostering an understanding of God’s mystery, Christ, in whom all wisdom and knowledge are hidden. He warned against deception by persuasive arguments and commended their disciplined faith in Christ.
Spiritual Fullness In Christ
Paul urged believers to remain rooted in Christ. He warned against deceptive philosophies based on human traditions. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers were forgiven and made alive, with their sins and spiritual debts nailed to the cross. Christ triumphed over all powers and authorities.
Freedom From Human Rules
Paul instructed believers not to let others judge them based on dietary restrictions, religious festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath observances. These practices, rooted in the Jewish law, were symbolic "shadows" pointing to the reality found in Christ. He emphasized that Christ’s work fulfilled the law and these rituals were unnecessary for salvation. He warned against false teachings involving angel worship and ascetic practices, which disconnected people from Christ. Paul reminded them that human rules, though seemingly wise, could not curb sinful desires and were irrelevant to those who died with Christ.
Living As Those Made Alive In Christ - Chapter 3
Paul encouraged believers to focus their hearts and minds on Christ, who reigns at God’s right hand. He reminded them that their old selves died, and their lives became hidden in Christ. He called them to abandon all sin like "sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" and "anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language" because they have brought the wrath of God. Instead, Paul encouraged embrasing their new renewed self in the Creator’s image. Paul emphasized unity, stating that Christ transcended cultural, social, and religious differences. As God’s chosen people, they were to live with compassion, forgiveness, and love, maintaining peace and gratitude. Through worship, teaching, and all other actions, they were to honor Christ, doing everything in His name with thankfulness.
Instructions For Christian Households
Paul provided guidance for Christian household. Wives were to submit to their husbands, and husbands were to love their wives without harshness. Children were to obey their parents, and fathers were not to provoke their children to avoid discouragement. Slaves were instructed to obey their masters sincerely, working wholeheartedly as if serving Christ, knowing their ultimate reward came from Him.
Further Instructions - Chapter 4
Paul reminded masters to treat their slaves justly and fairly, "because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." - Colossians 4:1. Paul urged the Colossians to remain devoted to prayer. He requested their prayers for opportunities to share the gospel and to proclaim Christ’s message with clarity. He encouraged them to act wisely toward non-believers to make the most of the opportunity. "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6. In this time, salt was valuable enough to be used as money and could be used to preserve or flavor food. Paul instructed believers to speak with words "seasoned with salt" to explain that your words should have value and preserve the message of Christ.
Final Greetings
Paul introduced Tychicus, a faithful minister, and Onesimus, a beloved brother, who would share news about him and encourage the Colossians. He sent greetings from fellow workers, including Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. Paul praised Epaphras for his tireless prayers for their maturity and steadfastness in God’s will. He urged the sharing of his letter with the Laodiceans and their letter with the Colossians. He gave a personal charge to Archippus to complete his ministry and reminded the readers of his chains, asking for their prayers and extending grace.