Colossians (notes)

Colossians

Introduction:

Colosse

• Was a small town situated on the south bank of the Lycus River in the interior of the Roman Province of Asia (an area included in modern turkey). Located about 100 miles east of Ephesus.
• And Laodicea were probably evangelized during the time of Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus. (Acts 19:10)

Colosse

Was a city of considerable importance during the Persian and Greek Empires.

But the road system was later changed and a decline in social and commercial importance of Colosse set in. In Paul’s day it was only an insignificant market town.

The Colossian Church

• Was the least important to which any letter of Paul is addressed.

Notes

The letter was written by Paul from prison in AD 62 during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment. Some think it was written before Ephesians or about the same time.

Purpose Of the letter:

Written to combat a false teaching that was circulating in the city of Colosse. It was a philosophy characterizing it as dabbling in the occult. It placed much emphasis on ritual circumcision, dietary laws and observing holy days.

The False Teaching

• Affirmed the mediation of various supernatural powers in the creation of the world and the whole process of salvation.
• Also insisted that these mysterious powers be worshiped. As a result Christ was relegated to a minor place in the Colossian system.

Some Taught

That the body was evil and must be treated as an enemy.

The False Teaching Consisted of 3 Separate Elements:

1. Legalism

2. Philosophical

3. Christian element

Paul’s Purpose Was Threefold:

1. To express his personal interest in the church.

2. To warn them against reverting to their old pagan vices.

3. To refute the false teaching that was threatening the church.

Theme

• Colossians proclaims the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ. (1:18, 2:9, 3:11)
• Paul Stresses: 1) Jesus as God’s son. 2) The object of the Christian’s faith. 3) The redeemer. 4) The image of God. 5) Lord of creation. 6) Head of the church. 7) Reconciler of the universe. 8) The fullness of the Godhead lives in Him. 9) All power is under Him. 10) He is the essence of the mystery of God (2:3) 11) In Him all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge lie hidden. 12) Jesus is the standard by which all teaching is to be measured. 13) The reality of truth foreshadowed by the laws & rituals of the Old Covenant. 14) By His cross the cosmic powers of evil were conquered. 15) After rising from the dead Jesus is enthroned at God’s right hand. 16) Our life lies hidden with God in Christ but one day both he & we will be manifested in glory. (3:3-4)