CHAPTER 1
THE WRITER AND THE READERS
Colossians 1:1 (R.V.)
We may say that each of Paul's greater epistles has in it one salient
thought. In that to the Romans, it is justification by faith; in
Ephesians, it is the mystical union of Christ and His Church; in
Philippians, it is the joy of Christia... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE PRELUDE
Colossians 1:3 (R.V.)
THIS long introductory section may at first sight give the impression
of confusion, from the variety of subjects introduced. But a little
thought about it shows it to be really a remarkable specimen of the
Apostle's delicate tact, born of his love and e... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE PRAYER
Colossians 1:9 (R.V.)
WE have here to deal with one of Paul's prayers for his brethren. In
some respects these are the very topmost pinnacles of his letters.
Nowhere else does his spirit move so freely, in no other parts are the
fervour of his piety and the beautiful simplicit... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE FATHER'S GIFTS THROUGH THE SON
Colossians 1:12 (R.V.)
WE have advanced thus far in this Epistle without having reached its
main subject. We now, however, are on its verge. The next verses to
those now to be considered lead us into the very heart of Paul's
teaching, by which he would... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE GLORY OF THE SON IN HIS RELATION TO THE FATHER, THE UNIVERSE, AND
THE CHURCH
Colossians 1:15 (R.V.)
As has already been remarked, the Colossian Church was troubled by
teachers who had grafted on Jewish belief many of the strange
speculations about matter and creation which have alwa... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE RECONCILING SON
Colossians 1:19 (R.V.)
These words correspond to those which immediately precede them,
inasmuch as they present the same sequence, and deal with Christ in
His relation to God, to the universe, and to the Church. The strata of
thought are continuous, and lie here in th... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF RECONCILIATION AND ITS HUMAN CONDITIONS
Colossians 1:22 (R.V.)
THE Apostle has been sketching in magnificent outline a vast system,
which we may almost call the scheme of the universe. He has set forth
Christ as its Lord and centre, through Whom all things at fir... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
JOY IN SUFFERING, AND TRIUMPH IN THE MANIFESTED MYSTERY
Colossians 1:24 (R.V.)
There are scarcely any personal references in this Epistle, until we
reach the last chapter. In this respect it contrasts strikingly with
another of Paul's epistles of the captivity, that to the Philippians,
w... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1
THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IN ITS THEME, METHODS, AND AIM
Colossians 1:28 (R.V.)
THE false teachers at Colossae had a great deal to say about a higher
wisdom reserved for the initiated. They apparently treated the
Apostolic teaching as trivial rudiments, which might be good for the
vulgar cr... [ Continue Reading ]