From Paul and Timothy In introducing himself, Paul immediately lays claim to his apostolic authority as he is going to deal with some very important issues. He was not elected by a convention of men, but was appointed by the very will of the Almighty (Acts 9:10-16; Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:11-12)... [ Continue Reading ]
To the Faithful brethren in Colossae The words "saints and faithful brethren" describe one group of people. Christ's blood was shed so that He might set apart a people for His service (Titus 2:14). This letter is especially for those who had remained true to Christ's cause. It would give them clear... [ Continue Reading ]
Thank God for the Brethren in Colossae! Paul did not take his praying lightly, nor his thanksgiving. The letters of 2 Corinthians and Galatians do not contain such a prayer with thanks for the brethren. Paul calls God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ because that is what Jesus called Him (John 20... [ Continue Reading ]
The reason for their faith and love was the hope reserved for them in heaven. They had learned of that hope by the preaching of the Truth which is found in the gospel. This truth was in stark contrast to the false teaching they had been hearing near the time of Paul's writing, which he confronts in... [ Continue Reading ]
Epaphras, a Fellow Servant Epaphras may have been the one who first taught the Colossian brethren. Paul only uses the word "fellow servant" here and in 4:7. The word describes one who works with another in service to the great king. Paul calls Epaphras his "dear", or beloved, fellow servant, which... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul's Prayer for the Church at Colossae From the time Paul heard of the love of the truth which the Colossian brethren possessed, Paul prayed without undue interval, or without ceasing, that they should be filled, or fully grown, in specific understanding of God's desire for them. He also prayed t... [ Continue Reading ]
Reason for Thanksgiving Paul also prayed that the Colossian brethren might be thankful. Particularly, Christians should be grateful God qualified us to inherit the promised land of heaven, which is a land of light because the Son is there (Acts 26:17-18; Revelation 21:22-23). We were qualified when... [ Continue Reading ]
The Preeminence of Christ Though man has not seen God, he can clearly see the likeness of the Father in the Son (John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Vine says the word "firstborn" is used in reference to Christ's "relationship to the Father, expressing His priority to, and preeminence over, creation,... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul used words in verse 17 which would say "he (Christ) and only he is" before all things and the One through whom all things consist. It is reminiscent of the Lord's identification of Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:6). Christ identified Himself this way in John 8:58, and the Jews clearly understood it... [ Continue Reading ]
In addition to His power over the whole universe, Jesus has authority over the church as its head. In fact, the church had its beginning in Christ's death, burial and resurrection. His blood paid the price for our sins, thereby redeeming us from all iniquity (Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28; Titus 2:14).... [ Continue Reading ]
Reconciliation is in Christ Paul wanted his readers to see the complete essence of God resides in Jesus Christ. Sin disrupted the peaceful relationship man had with God in the Garden of Eden. Jesus' blood satisfied the demands of sin (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19) and made friends again of God and... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul said the Colossian Christians were separated from God and became His enemies because of the wickedness with which they had filled their minds. Minds filled with wickedness caused them to involve themselves in evil deeds. Christians are made friends with God again by the death of the Incarnate O... [ Continue Reading ]
Preaching the Mystery of Christ Paul was happy he could suffer so that the body of Christ could be benefitted. Christ suffered to purchase the church, His body, but more suffering had to take place for the church to be expanded to encompass all the earth. Christ called Paul as a minister of the gos... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul uses the word "mystery" to describe something God had kept secret in the past and had been revealed (Romans 16:26; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; Ephesians 3:1-10). Also, Paul usually referred to it as something that now was to be proclaimed. While other religions had secrets known only by its priests,... [ Continue Reading ]
The false teachers with whom Paul was dealing may have approached only a selective group with their secret, but Paul preached the gospel to every man. His desire in such proclamation was, in the distant future, to present every man perfect before God, which can only occur if they are in Christ. Noti... [ Continue Reading ]