Colossians

In this epistle, Paul upholds Christ’s deity and communicates Christ’s pre-eminence. He attacks heresy promoting asceticism circulating throughout the church, leading people away from trusting in the work of Christ. Paul argues that no worldly philosophy can act as a sufficient substitute for the gospel of Christ. After defending his position, he provides practical instructions on Christian living.

Paul addresses the Colossians with a personal greeting (1:1-2) and an encouragement to persevere in the Christian life (1:3-14). Although Paul did not found the church in Colossae, it is evident that he cared for the spiritual needs of its members. Paul is thankful for their faith (1:3-4) and constantly prays for them to grow in knowledge, good works and joy. Paul lists those who are laboring alongside him in the ministry of the gospel, each advancing the gospel using their particular gifts (4:7-17).

Following this brief greeting, Paul enters into his main discussion point - the impotence of worldly philosophy and the omnipotence of Christ. Worldly philosophy possesses an appearance of wisdom (2:23); however, only in Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3). Moreover, there is no efficacy in worldly philosophy, for it is powerless to mortify the flesh (2:23). On the contrary, the wisdom of Christ is efficacious. For we have been reconciled to God (1:22) and have been made alive by God together with Christ (2:13), putting to death our old self (3:5) and exercising righteousness (3:12-13) by Christ’s wisdom. Consequently, Paul instructs the Colossians to let the word of Christ dwell richly in them (3:16). This instruction applies to all Christians, because God’s Word is the means by which the Holy Spirit accomplishes the work of sanctification. Therefore, the Christian must hunger and thirst for the Word of God. From the Lord himself, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17).

Finally, Paul leaves the Colossians with various rules for Christian relations. Wives are to submit to their husbands (3:18); husbands are to love their wives (3:19); children are to obey their parents (3:20); fathers are not to provoke their children (3:21); bond servants are to sincerely obey their masters (3:22-24); masters are to treat their bond servants justly and fairly (4:1). To conclude, this epistle can be summarized as a call to abound in thanksgiving (2:7) and to put on love (3:14). These two principles will help guide the Christian in all his dealings and relationships - leading to deeper intimacy with Christ himself and his church.