Articles
Colossians
Colossians
This is part of what is often called 'the prison epistles' which includes Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon. These were written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome. Ephesians and Colossians are like twins – but not identical ones. Colossians emphasizes Christ as the head of the body whereas Ephesians puts the emphasis upon the body being of Christ.
Col. 2:9-10 can be used as a simple outline of the book: "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
1) Jesus is our Head (ch. 1–2)
2) We are God's people who live holy lives (ch. 3-4).
As you read, pay attention to the great passages teaching us of the greatness of Jesus our head that make up the first two chapters:
· The preeminence of Jesus – 1:15-23
· The gospel – the mystery of the ages revealed – 1:24- 2:5
· Jesus the fullness of Godhead – 2:6 – 15
· Danger of False Teachings – 2:16-23
The dangers that the church faced were some serious false ideas concerning what to believe. They were being influenced by the 'philosophies of men' (as opposed to the revealed word of God), self-made rules of religion, binding of the Old Covenant, and even false ideas on who Jesus is. We MUST hold fast to gospel as revealed by the apostles.
The last two chapters then explain how believers should conduct themselves in this world. Starting with the basic mindset of a believer: set your minds on things above and not on things that are on earth (3:2). We are NOW to be different then we were, we are NOW God's chosen ones and are to be holy, beloved. We must then develop our character. Paul outlines the differing responsibilities of family members (3: - 4:1). He ends by explaining the plans for him and his helpers.
There are so many great verses and sections in this book. I find myself returning to it time and again to remind myself of who this Jesus is that I serve. I come away from each study in awe of Jesus the son of God. I come away energized to continue the struggles that I face in this life realizing that my Lord sits triumphant at the right hand of God. Hugh DeLong
