In the New Jerusalem, the angels will worship God with songs of thanksgiving (Revelation 7:11-12). He tells us that “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). I have been in travels often, The tradition of Christians calling each other “brother” or “sister” is still alive among many conservative Christians today. The Greeks prize wisdom (sophia), but elsewhere Paul contrasts the wisdom of God with the foolishness of the world. It should be obvious from these citations that joy in the scriptures is rooted in the love and faithfulness of God. God is powerful, and dispenses power to those who believe in him and serve him. How can a person increase in the knowledge of God? We need to be careful when we think about God’s will for our lives. It is clear from Paul’s usage that he intendshagioi—“holy ones”—”saints”—to mean the people of God. The kind of power implied by dunamis involves the power to accomplish things—active power—positive power. Paul wroteto the Christians who lived in the city called Colossae. H ere is a Bible study on Colossians chapter one with a summary and discussion questions to follow.. Colossians 1:3-5 “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. It was a large and wealthy city for manycen… 3We give thanks (Greek: eucharistoumen—from eucharisteo) to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4having heard of your faith (Greek: pistis) in Christ Jesus, and of the love (Greek: agape) which you have toward all the saints, 5because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News (Greek:euangelion), 6which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8who also declared to us your love (Greek: agape) in the Spirit. We can fulfill God’s purpose for us only as we seek to fill that space—as we seek to bring our wills into congruence with God’s will. Isn’t it lovely that our reading from Deuteronomy today employs the same metaphor? They can use that knowledge to steer away from dangerous rocks and shoals—and to guide their ship to its intended destination. “who delivered us out of the power of darkness” (v. 13a). • He cautions them to “be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ” (2:8). • A number of practices involving regular worship, stewardship, proclamation, charity, hospitality, etc. The vices mentioned in 3:5-7 were more likely to be a problem for Gentiles rather than for Jews). God chose Christ’s cross as the way to save the world—a plan that seemed foolish to the world. Creation is invited to “be fruitful and multiply” in Genesis. ), which the WEB has updated. They are “faithful brothers” (v. 1). Commentary on Colossians 1:1-14. We are blood relatives of Godly people from other races and nations (the blood that connects us is the blood of Christ). I believe that Paul uses both words to emphasize that Christians need strength—and that God is the source of that strength. By the time of the writing of this letter (probably the mid-50s A.D.), Laodicea had eclipsed Colossae as the most important city of the region. As one example, prisoners serving indeterminate sentences (sentences with no clear end-date) tend to cope much less well than prisoners who can calculate the number of days until they will be released. People place their hope in all sorts of things: Personal strength or appearance, academic degrees, 401k’s or pension plans, political figures, etc., etc., etc. Was Paul just undisciplined or did his writing get away from him? Saints are people who have been “sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 10:10). Three times I suffered shipwreck. Epaphras (a shortened version of the name Epaphroditus) was probably the founding pastor of the church at Colossae (and nearby churches at Laodicea and Hierapolis as well). The source of grace and peace is “God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”. What could we do to please God in all respects? People who navigate by the stars find the North Star especially helpful. “through the will (thelema) of God” (v. 1b). Give the meaning then establish principles of life from the interpretation. 2 But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication 4 will rise with healing wings, 5 and you will skip about 6 like calves released from the stall. Good words will not do without good works. It is a “hope which is laid up for (them) in the heavens” (v. 5a)—hope that gives them a vision of a blessed future, and thereby gives them strength for today. All of this is a satanic substitute for the power of Jesus Christ -- … Therefore, Paul prays that these Colossian Christians might gain, not sophia by itself, but sophia that is spiritual (pneumatikos) in nature—Godly wisdom. This isn’t the place to engage in the ecological debate about whether this is license to a death-dealing domination of the world (it isn’t), but it is clear that for Paul, when the gospel is proclaimed it brings life, not death. God has delivered these Colossian Christians from the power of darkness, and has ushered them into the realm of light. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter (epistle) to the church at Colossae, a small city located on the Lycus River in Asia Minor (modern Turkey)—known for its production of wool and woolen goods. Did Paul become rich and famous? Unfortunately, it is a tradition that has fallen into disuse in most mainline denominations today. Nor, being sinners, could they qualify based on their conduct or obedience to God. Today, we have seen the fulfillment of this “all the world” promise. A study of physics or biology or astronomy—looking through a microscope or a telescope—can deepen a person’s awe of God’s creation. First Reading. The use of charis in the New Testament has its roots in the Hebrew word hesed, used in the Old Testament to speak of God’s lovingkindness, mercy, and faithfulness. There was no provision for inserting someone other than a son into the inheritance. But Paul tells these Colossian Christians that God has inserted them into the inheritance scheme so that they might share in the inheritance of the saints—those whom God has counted as holy. See also 9:5; 12:46). In this instance, he refers to Timothy as “our adelphos“—”our brother.” Timothy is not an apostle, but this designation as brother is worth noting. The letter begins by ascribing authorship to the apostle Paul “and Timothy our brother” (v. 1; see also 4:18). You see, after a brief salutation (Colossians 1:1-2), this epistle launches into a long, run-on sentence that stretches from 1:3 to 1:14, and then adds on a poem (Colossians 1:15-20) for good measure. He was humble enough to understand that he needed the prayers of these ordinary Christians as much as they needed his prayers. Let me suggest a hermeneutical principle: Always read the New Testament with Old Testament eyes. Consider how God’s call worked itself out in Paul’s life. An analogy might be coming into contact with a live high-voltage electrical line. Financially secure? 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus … Their faith in Jesus Christ was at odds with their society. 1 These commentaries on Colossians will assume Pauline authorship of this epistle. Paul wrote two letters (First and Second Timothy) to Timothy—letters of encouragement and guidance from an older, experienced missionary to a younger, inexperienced man. “even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf” (v. 7). John, first, I would read the Introduction to Colossians. The preacher is advised to avoid such monster sentences while embracing and proclaiming the breathtaking scope and depth of what Paul here writes.1. “It 3 will not leave even a root or branch. 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is his will that we occupy that particular space. This letter includes a number of words not found elsewhere in Paul’s writings—and some other stylistic differences as well. Agape love is more a “doing” than a “feeling” word. Now he mentions their prayers for the Colossians again—this time outlining their petitions on their behalf. He has heard of their faith in Christ and their love for the saints (v. 4). “praying always for you” (v. 3b). • God provided detailed guidance in the 613 laws of the Torah. He advised us to insure that we were giving at least ten positive comments for each criticism—a ten-to-one ratio favoring positive comments. “who also declared to us your love (agape) in the Spirit” (v. 8). These attitudes or virtues do not constitute good works in themselves, but instead constitute good soil that tends to produce good works in abundance. He gives thanks for them (v. 3). And so the apostle says that the gospel is also not far away. • He pleads with them to “put to death…your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (3:5). He is an apostle (apostolos). In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul outlined the sacrifices that he had made as an apostle of Christ. Both eirene (Greek) and shalom (Hebrew) can refer to an inner kind of peace—the kind of well-being that is derived from a deep relationship with God—the kind of wholeness that comes from having the image of God, once shattered by sin, restored in the believer. The Israelites gave thank offerings (Leviticus 7:12-15). Yahweh then led Israel to the Promised Land, a land of milk and honey, where they were subject only to Yahweh, who loved them. Paul uses some form of that word nearly fifty times, using it to mean the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The words dunamis (v. 11a) and kratos (v. 11b) both have to do with strength or power. Greeks often used the word charis to speak of patronage (the support of a patron, such as financial or political support). “We give thanks (eucharisteo) to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 3a). A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. But there are other ways as well. The classic distinction between agape and philos is that agape has to do with a concern for the well-being of the other person while philos has to do with brotherly love—friendship love—companionate love—the kind of love where a person receives as well as gives. He who undertakes to give strength to his people, is a God of power, and of glorious power. grow directly out of these commandments to love God and neighbor. It is, if you will, a catechetical text. Torah obedience, the text assures, “will make you abundantly prosperous in all your undertakings, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your soil” (Deuteronomy 30:9). It could imply forgiveness of a financial debt, which would constitute release from that obligation. If these Colossian Christians can better understand the nature and mission of Christ—who Christ was and is and what Christ has come to do for them—that understanding will give them a firm footing to deal with the problems that Epaphras has identified. • However, the prophets saw that even those who were trying to follow Torah law were nevertheless deficient, particularly with regard to the treatment of widows, orphans, and other vulnerable people. At the core of God’s will is Jesus’ cross—given “that whoever believes in (the Son of Man) should not perish, but have eternal life—that the world should be saved through him”(John 3:16-17). Colossians 1:1-14 Commentary by Richard Carlson This text seemingly consists of the rather mundane opening of Paul’s letter to Christians living in the town of Colossae. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. The point is that God’s glory is so overwhelming that humans aren’t engineered to be capable of experiencing it. Elsewhere, Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)—in other words, “If God is for us, who cares who might be against us?” or “If God is for us, what does it matter who might be against us?” Paul’s point is that a close relationship with God confers on the believer a confidence that cannot be shaken by any opponent or any danger. Go! It was part of God’s plan for Paul to become an apostle. It shows a change of condition—in this case a change from the “power of darkness” (v. 13a) to “the Kingdom of the Son of his love” (v. 13b). Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). 10 (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1986), “It is more blessed to give than to receive”, “a rich man will enter the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty”, “it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God”, is impossible, but with God all things are possible”, “Whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother”, “that whoever believes in (the Son of Man) should not perish, but have eternal life—that the world should be saved through him”, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”, “He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me”, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. “according to the might (kratos) of his glory” (doxa) (v. 11b). If they can get a “fix” on the North Star, that will help them to orient themselves so that they will know where they are and in what direction they are headed. Colosse was a considerable city of Phrygia. “bearing fruit (karpophoreo) in every good work” (v. 10b). The word “glory” is used in the Bible to speak of various wonderful things—but it is used especially to speak of God’s glory—an aura associated with God’s appearance that reveals God’s majesty to humans. Timothy is Paul’s faithful coworker. Let’s be sure to notice those good things—and to express appreciation whenever possible. perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; Fifty years ago July 20, 196 astronaut Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. Of course allowing the lectionary to shape our worship and our preaching is already living by this hermeneutical principle. To Greeks, the word charis connoted generosity—generosity that demanded loyalty on the part of the recipient. Colossians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 4:15.; Colossians 1:2 Some manuscripts Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; Colossians 1:7 Or slave; Colossians 1:7 Some manuscripts your; Colossians 1:9 Or all spiritual wisdom and understanding; Colossians 1:12 Some manuscripts us Seek to do the will of God, understanding that God will ask you to do hard things. False teachers abound today, teaching people that God wants them to be rich—to drive a Mercedes and to wear a Rolex. God, therefore, is the patron—the benefactor. Thanksgiving has its roots in the Old Testament. 32 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1991), Moo, Douglas J., Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon(Grand Rapids, Wm. The middle part of this verse, “to which also you were called in one body,” suggests that this external peace is the primary meaning here. But what is this fruitfulness that we are talking about? Paul had not visited the Colossian church personally. Hypermone, however, is more related to the endurance of things or circumstances, while makrothumia is more related to the endurance of people problems. As a result, some modern scholars have questioned Paul’s authorship. A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments”, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance”, All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan. perils of rivers, perils of robbers, Almost certain from Epaphras (see v. 8). The way to save the world—a plan that seemed foolish to the might ( kratos of. Star especially helpful a Christian apostle is invited to “ be fruitful multiply. And shalom can also refer to an external kind of things would constitute release that. 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