COLOSSIANS
INTRODUCTORY SECTIONS ON
COLOSSIANS
A.
Importance of the Epistle to the Colossians.
B.
Facts about the Epistle to the Colossians.
C.
Facts about Colossae and the Lycus Valley.
D.
Facts about the Church in Colossae.
E.
The Colossian Heresy.
F.
Gnosticism.
G.
Relationship of Colossians to Ephesians.
H.
Christ in Colossians.
I.
Outline of Colossians.
J.
Questions over the Introductory Sections.
A. IMPORTANCE OF THE EPISTLE
TO THE COLOSSIANS
1.
Colossians is the most Christ-centered epistle in the New Testament. Colossians enables us to see clearly what it means to be in Christ. No other book is so concerned with the exaltation of Christ. With its emphasis upon the supremacy of Christ Colossians contains the very heart of the Christian message.
With the modern day pressure of non-Christian religions and of non-religious civilization, we need to see clearly the place of Jesus Christ in God's plan. (See study H, Christ in Colossians.)
2.
Colossians presents a strong criticism of the heresies current in Asia Minor in the first century. We could accurately say that the theme of the book is Christ's supremacy vs. Heresy. We do need to know why some teachings are wrong, as well as why some are right.
In our age with its emphasis upon ecumenicity, and its deemphasis upon fixed beliefs, we need to look again at books like Colossians, to see what the apostles of Christ really taught, and to see if we have surrendered the true foundation of Christianity.
To many people today such concepts as the authority of Christ and the finality of the Christian faith are myths. The book of Colossians is a powerful rebuttal to such an attitude.
B. FACTS ABOUT THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS
1.
It was written by the apostle Paul.
2.
It was written from Rome, about A.D. 62/63.
3.
It was delivered to the Christians in Colossae by Tychicus. (Colossians 4:7)
4.
Tychichus delivered the epistle to the Ephesians on the same trip during which he delivered the epistle to the Colossians, (See Ephesians 6:21-22)
5.
Tychichus travelled with Onesimus when he delivered the Ephesian and Colossian letters. (Colossians 4:9)
Onesimus was a runaway slave, who had fled from his master Philemon. Philemon lived at Colossae. Paul won Onesimus to Christ in Rome, and sent him back to his master Philemon, bearing the short letter to Philemon. (See Introductory Sections on Philemon.)
6.
While Paul was in Rome he had learned from Epaphras, the preacher from Colossae, about the affairs of the Colossian church. The church there was being disturbed by false doctrines. (See Study E, The Colossian Heresy.). This was Paul's primary reason for writing and sending the letter of Colossians.
7.
Christ's Supremacy Vs. Heresy is the overall theme of the epistle.
8.
Some objections have been raised to Paul's authorship of Colossians. However the book itself says that Paul wrote it, and there are no really solid grounds for objecting to Paul's authorship.
(1) Some scholars have said that the vocabulary in Colossians includes numerous words not used elsewhere in Paul's writings. This in true; however such other epistles of Paul as Ephesians and Romans also contain words not used elsewhere in Paul's epistles. The reason in each case is that Paul was discussing matters not dealt with in other epistles, and hence different words were required.
(2) Also some have objected to the authorship of Paul because they feel that the false teachings condemned by Paul in Colossians are apparently Gnostic ideas, and these teachings did not become very influential until the second century (100-200 A.D.). It is true that Gnosticism reached its height in the second century, but some of the basic ideas of Gnosticism were being sown in the first century, long before they made their greatest growth in the second century. Furthermore the heresy at Colossae was by no means limited to Gnostic ideas. (See Study F, Gnosticism.)
(3) Some have further objected to Paul's apostleship on the grounds that the theology in Colossians is too advanced to have been written in the mid-first century. These people feel that such sublime ideas as Christ's being the creator (Colossians 1:16), and the one through whom God will reconcile all things (Colossians 1:20) took a long time to evolve in the thinking of the early church, and did not develop until after the time of Paul.
Those who believe that Paul received his message by revelation from God (as we do) will have no difficulty in accepting advanced ideas from the pens of tentmakers like Paul or fishermen like Peter. The ideas did not have to evolve in men's thinking; God revealed them.
C. FACTS ABOUT COLOSSAE AND THE LYCUS VALLEY
1.
Colossae (pronounced Ko-LOSS ee) was a city in what is now called Turkey, in Asia Minor. See map, p. x.
2.
It lay about 100 miles east of Ephesus, which was on the western seacoast of Asia Minor (called Asia in New Testament times). Colossae was about 1000 miles from Rome by the route that ships had to follow.
3.
Two prominent nearby cities were Laodicea and Hierapolis. (Colossians 2:1; Colossians 4:13; Colossians 4:15-16; Revelation 3:14.)
4.
Colossae straddled the Lycus river (also called the Little Meander). About twelve miles downstream lay Hierapolis and Laodicea, on opposite sides of the river, about six miles apart.
5.
The Lycus river ran into the Meander river; which flowed on eastward and emptied into the Aegean Sea just beyond Ephesus.
6.
The region around Colossae is very mountainous. The Cadmus range rose behind Colossae.
7.
Colossae was very important in ancient times because it commanded the roads leading to the mountain passes.
8.
The area of the Lycus valley was known for earthquakes. Severe earthquakes still frequently occur in Turkey.
9.
The area had a rich volcanic soil. Its rich soil made sheep-raising profitable. Laodicea was famous for its production of fine woolen garments.
10.
The waters of the Lycus river carried much powdered chalk. this caused several effects: (1) It deposited curious white formations and encrustations, which could be seen from far off. (2) It was not good for irrigation because it destroyed some vegetation. (3) It caused the waters of the river to be extra good for dying. The chalk in the water made the dyes take hold of fabrics well.
11.
Colossae was in the ancient country of Phrygia, located in central Asia Minor. (Acts 2:10; Acts 16:16; Acts 18:23). The name Phrygia was derived from a Thracian tribe that in early times invaded and drove out (or absorbed) the earlier inhabitants (including Hittites). Many Phrygian ruins remain in the area today, including tombs bearing the names of kings Midas and Gordius.
12.
The Phrygians absorbed many religious superstitions from the Asiatics they contacted. Almost every known pagan religion could be found in Phrygia. This may be the reason why the Colossian heresy was such a mixture of ideas.
13.
The Phrygians were known as a lazy race, and were sometimes referred to as a race worthy only of being slaves.
14.
The Syrian king Antiochus the Great imported 2000 Jewish families into Phrygia about 170 B.C. These Jews multiplied until it is estimated (by the amount of money they sent annually to the Jerusalem temple as taxes) that there were 50,000 Jews in the area in New Testament times. Paul encountered much Jewish opposition in this general area during his missionary trips.
The presence of so many Jews in the area may explain why the Colossian heresy included some Jewish ideas, and also why the nearby Galatian Christians were affected by Judaism.
15.
In Roman times (the New Testament period) there was no country of Phrygia as such. The land of the Phrygians had been divided to that part of it (the larger part) was in the providence of Asia and the rest in Galatia. However the line was not sharply drawn between them.
16.
Also by New Testament times Colossae had dwindled in importance until it was a very insignificant city. It has been called the most insignificant city to which Paul ever wrote a letter. Hierapolis, and particularly Laodicea, had far overshadowed it. Hierapolis had a famous spa. Laodicea had become the highway center, the trade center, the center of the wool business, and the government administrative center of the district.
17.
Not a trace of the city of Colossae remains visible today.
D. FACTS ABOUT THE CHURCH IN COLOSSAE
1.
Paul himself had never visited Colossae or Laodicea. (Colossians 2:1)
2.
Possibly some Colossians were included among the Phrygians who were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost when the church was established. (Acts 2:10)
3.
During Paul's third missionary journey, during which he spent three years at Ephesus, all those that dwelt in Asia heard the word of God. (Acts 19:10), Probably the effects of this ministry extended to some of the area around Colossae.
4.
The Colossians had learned of Christ from a minister named Epaphras. (Colossians 1:6-7)
5.
Epaphras had labored in Hierapolis and Laodicea, as well as in Colossae. (Colossians 4:13)
6.
Apparently Epaphras was still their minister when Paul wrote the epistle to the Colossians. (Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12-13)
7.
The Colossian church was mainly made up of Gentiles. (Colossians 1:21; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 3:5-7)
8.
One of the Colossian Christians was Philemon, the master of Onesimus the slave. Apparently the church in Colossae met in Philemon's house. (Philemon 1:19)
9.
The Colossian church had faith and love. (Colossians 1:4; Colossians 1:8). They also had order and steadfastness. (Colossians 2:5)
10.
The Colossian church had been infected by the many religious ideas being circulated in their area. (See Study E on the Colossian Heresy.)
11.
Apparently Epaphras had gone to Rome for some cause. There he visited Paul and reported to him about the situation in Colossae. (Colossians 1:7-9). Paul wrote his epistle to them following this visit of Epaphras.
E. THE COLOSSIAN HERESY
1.
The Colossian heresy was apparently a mixture of Jewish, Greek, and pagan ideas. We really know nothing about it, except from the implications in the epistle itself. We suppose that the ideas and practices criticized by Paul in Colossians are indications of beliefs and practices actually current among the Colossians.
2.
Basically the Colossian heresy was a denial of the adequacy and perfect supremacy of Christ. See Colossians 1:15; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:2; Colossians 2:9. Thus Paul attacks the heresy by telling of Christ's true nature, glory, and work.
Every heresy that has ever existed has involved in some way a denial of Christ's perfection and adequacy. Can you think of any heresy that has not in some way downgraded Christ, or rejected part of what the scriptures say about Him?
3.
It denied Christ's part in creating the material world (Colossians 1:16-17). It denied that Christ came in a physical body (Colossians 1:22; Colossians 2:9).
4.
It had numerous Jewish teachings: circumcision (Colossians 2:11); laws about meats, drink, feast days, new moon, and Sabbath days (Colossians 2:16).
5.
It had an emphasis on Philosophy, a Greek emphasis no doubt. (Colossians 2:8). It exalted human wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3).
6.
It had an element of snobbishness in it (Colossians 1:21; Colossians 1:28). It gave its devotees a feeling of superiority over the rest of the poor unenlightened masses. This is a natural feeling for any people who adopt a religion based on human wisdom and philosophy.
7.
It included various forms of asceticism. Asceticism is deliberate severe treatment of the body for religious purposes. Thus fasting (not eating), or wearing uncomfortable or nonconformist clothing, or placing oneself in painful positions for long periods of time, are all types of asceticism. The Colossians thought there was religious merit to be gained by obeying such human laws as Handle not, nor taste, nor touch. (Colossians 2:16; Colossians 2:21; Colossians 2:23). They had forgotten that the only merit we can claim is the merit of Christ.
8.
In the fact of the real snobbishness produced by the Colossian heresy, there was a deliberately practiced false humility, which was exhibited by acts of severity to the body. (Colossians 2:23).
9.
There was a worship (or devotion to) angelic and demonic beings. (Colossians 1:16; Colossians 1:10; Colossians 2:15; Colossians 2:18).
10.
There was a lowering of moral standards, a rejection of God's laws about holiness. This is evident from the great emphasis given to holiness in Colossians 3:1-17. This idea that we are not under any laws and can live as we please is sometimes called antinomianism.
11.
Some interpreters (e.g., Wm. Barclay) say that the Colossian heresy included astrological teachings and worship of the heavenly bodies. They maintain that the word rudiments in Colossians 2:8; Colossians 2:20 refers to the signs of the zodiac. This is by no means a proved fact. The term rudiments may just as probably refer to the Jewish law (as it does in Galatians 4:3), or to pagan religious ideas, which are very rudimentary when compared to divine truth, even though they ate expressed in big philosophical words.
F. GNOSTICISM
1.
Gnosticism was a terrible heresy that infected the church very deeply in the first century after Christ, and even more so in the second century. Those who believed in Gnosticism were called Gnostics (pronounced NAHSS-tix). The Colossian heresy resembled Gnosticism in some respects, and that is our reason for considering it here.
2.
The name Gnosticism is derived from the Greek word gnosis, which means knowledge. Thus the Gnostics considered themselves the knowing ones, the enlightened ones. To them salvation was not a matter of faith, obedience, and holiness, but came by knowing certain mystical information. It was purely an intellectual approach to life and religion.
3.
The primary idea of Gnosticism seems to have been that spirit and matter are opposed to one another. Spirit (to them) was all good, and matter completely evil. The two could never come into direct contact.
4.
Matter was eternal, they thought.
5.
God, being spirit, is all good. He can have no contact with material things, for they are matter. God cannot have been the creator, for that would have involved him in contact with the material world.
The supreme God was sometimes called the pleroma, or fulness. Compare Colossians 1:19.
6.
Jesus, being divine, could not really have come in a human body, for that would have involved mixing spirit and matter. He only seemed to have a material body. Some of the Gnostics were later called Docetists, from the Greek verb doeko, which means to seem; for they said that Christ only seemed to have a material body. (Observe that this teaching is apparently condemned in Colossians 2:9; Colossians 1:22; 1 John 4:2-3; 2 John 1:7.)
7.
Between God and man there was supposedly a long series of intermediary beings, which were called aeons. These intermediary beings became less and less spiritual, and more and more material the farther they got from God. Christ Jesus was supposedly one of these aeons, a high one evidently. The lowest aeon, called the demiurge, was the creator of the earth and material things.
You will observe that Colossians contradicts these ideas, and affirms that Christ was both the very image of God, and yet also the creator of everything. (Colossians 1:15-19).
8.
Because matter is evil, and because our human bodies are matter, they are evil. Therefore God, being spirit, is not involved with our bodies.
This idea produced two quite opposite practical results:
(1) It produced asceticism in some. Some Gnostics said that since the body was evil it should be abused and subjugated by fasting and self-denial. This seems to be reflected in Colossians 2:20-23.
(2) It produced licentiousness in others. These Gnostics said that since God is not concerned with the body, we could do with it as we pleased. Thus they freely committed sins of all types. This belief and practice seems to be condemned in Colossians, chapter three.
9.
Several second century Christian writers (e.g., Irenaeus) wrote strongly against Gnosticism. Recent archaeological discoveries of Gnostic writings in Egypt have given us a clearer idea of the actual teachings of Gnosticism, and have shown us why Paul and the faithful early Christians opposed it so bitterly. (See the Biblical Archaeologist, Feb. 1961, pp 10-13, for revealing information.)
G. RELATIONSHIP OF COLOSSIANS TO EPHESIANS
1.
Colossians and Ephesians contain many phrases, sentences, and expressions that are much alike.
2.
Here is a list of some of the parallel passages:
Ephesians
Colossians
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
2.
The fact that there is so much similarity between the two books could be accounted for by one of the following explanations:
(1) Some later author borrowed quotations from one of the books to write the other. Edgar Goodspeed[2] expressed this idea, saying that Ephesians is a book written long after Paul's time by some writer (Onesimus is suggested as possible author) who borrowed expressions from several of Paul's authentic letters, particularly Colossians, to produce a grand summary of Paul's writings, which we call Ephesians.
[2] Edgar A. Goodspeed, The Key to Ephesians, (Chicago: U, of Chicago Press 1956), v-xv.
This contradicts what the book of Ephesians says about its own authorship; it contradicts the unanimous testimony of the early Christian writers, who all held that Paul wrote Ephesians; it raises far-reaching suspicions against the accuracy of the Holy Scriptures and the honesty of their writers. We reject this idea.
(2) More probably Colossians resembles Ephesians simply because they were written by the same author (Paul) at nearly the same time. We have frequently written several friendly letters to people to be sent off at the same time, and found ourselves writing about the same subjects, and using similar expressions in all the letters.
3.
In spite of the similar phrases in Ephesians and Colossians we must assert emphatically that Ephesians and Colossians are quite different books. Ephesians deals with the unity and glory of the church. Colossians deals with the supremacy of Christ and the heresies and opposed it. Ephesians and Colossians both present material that the other book does not touch upon at all.
H. CHRIST IN COLOSSIANS
1.
Colossians is the most Christ-centered epistle in the New Testament.
2.
Our outline of the book (See Study I, Outline.) shows that every topic in the book is a discussion of how Christ relates to various subjects.
For example the purpose of Paul's ministry (Colossians 1:24-29; Colossians 2:1-5) was to make known the mystery of God, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
Furthermore the antidote to the false doctrines of men is Christ, for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)
Also Christ is the basis of the Christian's holy new life. Ye died and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3).
3.
Other particularly outstanding verses in Colossians about Christ are:
(1) Colossians 1:18That in all things he might have the preeminence.
(2) Colossians 2:10In him ye are made full.
(3) Colossians 3:11Christ is all, and in all.
(4) Colossians 3:17Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
4.
An analysis of the teachings about Christ in Colossians:
I.
The Nature of Christ.
1.
God is the father of Christ; Colossians 1:3.
2.
Christ is God's beloved Song of Solomon 1:13.
3.
Christ is the image of the invisible God; Colossians 1:15.
4.
Christ is the firstborn of all creation; Colossians 1:15.
5.
He is before all things; Colossians 1:17.
6.
In him all things consist (hold together); Colossians 1:17.
7.
He is the beginning; Colossians 1:18.
8.
He is the firstborn from the dead; Colossians 1:18.
9.
He has preeminence in all things; Colossians 1:18.
10.
In him all the fulness dwells; Colossians 1:19.
11.
In him are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge; Colossians 2:3.
12.
All the fulness of the Godhead dwells in him; Colossians 2:9.
13.
He is head over all principality and power; Colossians 2:10.
14.
He is the body, of which rituals were shadows; Colossians 2:16-17.
15.
He is at the right hand of God; Colossians 3:1.
16.
He is all and in all; Colossians 3:11.
II.
The Work of Christ.
1.
Past:
a.
Redemption; Colossians 1:14.
b.
Forgiveness of sins; Colossians 1:14.
c.
Created all things; Colossians 1:16.
(Created in him, through him, and unto him.)
d.
Gave us the circumcision not made with hands; Colossians 2:11.
e.
He despoiled the principalities and powers; Colossians 2:15.
f.
He made an open show of the principalities; Colossians 2:15.
2.
Future:
a.
He will reconcile all things; Colossians 1:20.
b.
He will present us holy and without blemish before God; Colossians 1:22.
c.
He will present men perfect; Colossians 1:28.
d.
He shall be manifested; Colossians 3:4.
e.
We shall receive just recompense from the Lord; Colossians 3:24.
III.
Christ and the Church.
1.
We are translated into Christ's kingdom by God; Colossians 1:16.
2.
Christ is head of the body; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:24.
3.
We may suffer for Christ, like Paul; Colossians 1:24.
4.
Christ is our hope of glory; Colossians 1:27.
5.
Our task is the reveal Christ among the Gentiles. Christ is God's revealed mystery; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 2:2; Colossians 4:3.
6.
We preach and admonish every man in Christ; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 4:3.
7.
All the body is supplied from the head; Colossians 2:19.
IV.
Our Relationship and Responsibility to Christ.
1.
Relationships:
a.
We are made full in Christ; Colossians 2:10.
b.
We are buried with him by baptism; Colossians 2:12.
c.
We are raised with him; Colossians 2:12; Colossians 3:1.
d.
We died with Christ; Colossians 2:20.
e.
Our life is hid with Christ in God; Colossians 3:3.
f.
Christ is our life; Colossians 3:4.
g.
We shall be manifested with him in glory; Colossians 3:4.
h.
All relationships (wife-husband, slave-master, etc.) are based on our relationships with Christ. Colossians 3:18-25; Colossians 4:1.
2.
Responsibilities:
a.
Faith; Colossians 1:4.
b.
Walk worthily of the Lord; Colossians 1:10; Colossians 2:6.
c.
Steadfastness; Colossians 2:5.
d.
Order; Colossians 2:5
e.
Receive Christ; Colossians 2:6.
f.
Be rooted and builded up in him; Colossians 2:7.
g.
Beware lest any make spoil of us, by human traditions that are not after Christ; Colossians 2:8.
h.
We must hold to our Head; Colossians 2:18-19.
i.
Seek the things in heaven where Christ is; Colossians 3:1.
j.
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts; Colossians 3:15.
k.
Let Christ's words dwell in us richly; Colossians 3:16.
1.
Do everything in Christ's name; Colossians 3:17.
m.
Wives, be in subjection in the Lord; Colossians 3:18.
n.
Servants be obedient, fearing the Lord; Colossians 3:22; Colossians 3:24.
o.
Work as unto the Lord; Colossians 3:23.
I. OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS
Introductory; Colossians 1:1-13.
1.
Author-recipients-greeting; Colossians 1:1-2.
2.
Thanksgiving; Colossians 1:3-8.
3.
Prayer; Colossians 1:9-13.
I.
CHRISTHis supremacy and work; Colossians 1:15-23.
II.
CHRISTThe goal of Paul's ministry; Colossians 1:24-29; Colossians 2:1-5.
III.
CHRISTThe antidote for false doctrine; Colossians 2:6-23.
IV.
CHRISTThe basis of a new life; Colossians 3:1-25; Colossians 4:1-6.
Conclusion (personal notes); Colossians 4:7-18.
(More detailed outlines of each of the outline sections given above are given in the commentary at the starting points of each of the sections. You should memorize the above outline.)
J. QUESTIONS OVER THE INTRODUCTORY SECTIONS
A.
Importance of the Epistle to the Colossians.
1.
How prominent is Christ in the epistle to the Colossians?
2.
Should heresies be exposed? What evidence to support your answer can be given from Colossians?
B.
Facts about the Epistle to the Colossians.
1.
Who is the author of Colossians?
2.
Where was the letter written from? Date?
3.
Who delivered Colossians?
4.
What other letter did this man deliver on this same trip?
5.
Who travelled with this man?
6.
From whom had Paul learned of things in Colossae?
7.
What was the primary reason for writing and sending Colossians?
8.
What is the overall theme of the epistle?
9.
Give three reasons why some people have questioned Paul's authorship of Colossians. Is there really any solid ground for objecting to Paul's authorship?
C.
Facts about Colossae and the Lycus valley.
1.
Where was Colossae located?
2.
How far was Colossae from Ephesus? From Rome?
3.
What two prominent cities were near Colossae?
4.
What river ran through Colossae?
5.
Was Colossae in a plain, or a mountainous region?
6.
For what natural events was the river valley known?
7.
What was peculiar about the waters of the river?
8.
What type of soil was around Colossae?
9.
Colossae was in what ancient country?
10.
What religious background did Colossae have?
11.
How had Jews come to be in the area?
12.
How many Jews are estimated to have lived there?
13.
How was the ancient country containing Colossae divided in New Testament times?
14.
What was the social, economic, and political status of Colossae in New Testament times.
D.
Facts about the Church in Colossae.
1.
Had Paul ever visited Colossae? (Give evidence for your answer.)
2.
From whom had the Colossians learned of Christ?
3.
Was the Colossian church predominantly Jewish or Gentile?
4.
What slaveowner was a member of the Colossian church?
5.
What had infected the Colossian church?
6.
Who had reported to Paul concerning conditions in Colossae?
E.
The Colossian Heresy.
1.
Of what was the Colossian heresy a mixture?
2.
Where do we obtain information about the Colossian heresy?
3.
What was the Colossian heresy basically a denial of?
4.
What Jewish elements were included in the heresy?
5.
What Greek elements were in the heresy?
6.
What is asceticism?
7.
What is antinomianism?
8.
What effect did the Colossian heresy have upon moral behavior?
9.
Did the Colossian heresy include astrological teachings?
F.
Gnosticism.
1.
Where do the words Gnosticism and Gnostic come from?
2.
Why study Gnosticism in connection with Colossians?
3.
How did the Gnostics think salvation came to people?
4.
What was the Gnostic notion about spirit and matter?
5.
What did the Gnostics teach about God's creating the earth?
6.
What did pleroma mean to the Gnostics?
7.
What did the Gnostics teach about the body of Jesus?
8.
What (supposedly) was between God and material world?
9.
What created the earth, according to Gnosticism?
10.
What two quite opposite practical results came from the Gnostic view about the human body?
11.
How did faithful Christians in early centuries react to Gnosticism?
G.
Relationship of Colossians to Ephesians.
1.
How extensive are the similarities between Colossians and Ephesians?
2.
How can you account for the similarities between the two books?
H.
Christ in Colossians.
1.
How prominent is Christ in the epistle to the Colossians?
2.
Make a list of all the references to Christ in Colossians. Then group these references under various headings, and produce on outline that will clearly show what the epistle to the Colossians teaches about Christ. (In listing your references you will need to write down a few words from each of the references to help you keep in mind what the references say about Christ,)
I.
Outline of Colossians.
1.
Write from memory the brief outline given.
Memory work,
There are many verses and paragraphs in Colossians worthy of being memorized. We suggest that the following definitely be memorized:
Colossians 1:12-22; Colossians 1:27.
Colossians 2:8-10; Colossians 2:16-17.