Colossians

Colossians

What was happening in the Church when this Epistle was written?

The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul around 60 AD – 62 AD.  According to the introduction to the book of Colossians in the Sourceview Bible, Paul wrote this book “while under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial before the Roman Emperor Nero.”  Further, the introduction explains that the “church was under constant pressure from competing religious groups.  One heresy stated that the gospel was not enough; it was necessary to obtain ‘secret’ knowledge if you wanted to be saved.”  Paul had heard of the faith of the believers in Colosse as well as their love for all people (see Colossians 1:4).  Paul confronted false teachings by teaching them the truth – God’s truth.  Paul did not want them to be deceived (see Colossians 2:4).  Paul stated, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ” (see Colossians 2:8).  There were some in the church who were being deceived by false teachings about Christ and what He had done and Paul set out to teach them the truth – God’s truth about Christ and what He had already done.  Paul also encouraged them to die to their old, sinful lives and live their new lives in Christ (see Colossians 3:1-11). Overall, Paul confronted false teachings with the truth – God’s truth.

Main Ideas of this Epistle

In order to best recognize a counterfeit, one must study the real thing.  According to the introduction to the book of Colossians in the Sourceview Bible, “Paul confronts heresy with a one-two punch.  First, he declares that Jesus is not only the creator and sustainer of everything, but he is in fact the exact representation of God.  Nothing less than ‘God is all his fullness’ dwells in him (1:17-19). Second, Paul exposes the false idea that philosophy and religiosity can successfully combat evil desires (2:23).  He reminds the Colossians that believers already have what they need for spiritual victory through ‘union with Christ’ (2:10).”  Paul reminded the believers of the truth of who Jesus Christ is and what He has already accomplished (see Colossians 14:22).  He encouraged them to continue to believe the truth and not drift away from the truth (see Colossians 1:23).  Paul reminded them that the riches and glories of Christ are theirs and Christ lives in them (see Colossians 1:27). Paul reminded them that they were dead because of their sins and their sinful nature; however, God made them alive with Christ and forgave them of all their sins (see Colossians 2:13-14).  Paul encouraged them to die to their old, sinful lives and live in their new lives in Christ (see Colossians 3:1-11).  In order to recognize false teachings about God, one must know the truth about God as revealed in His Word. 

Character and Nature of God in this Epistle

God strengthens His people.  Paul prayed that the believers in Colosse may “be strengthened with all his glorious power so [they] will have all the endurance and patience [they] need” (see Colossians 1:11).  God desires His people to have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.  Paul prayed for the believers asking God for “a complete knowledge of his will and to give [them] spiritual wisdom and understanding” (see Colossians 1:9).  God desires His people to live in a manner that will always honor and praise Him.  God desires His people to live lives that produce every kind of good fruit.  God desires His people to know Him better and better (see Colossians 1:10).  God desires His people to know the truth.  God desires His people to live His message.  Colossians 3:16-17 states, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.  Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.  Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”