Colossians Magazine

COLOSSIANS C H R I S T

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BIBLE STUDY

NATHAN S. WHITLEY

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COLOS SIA NS C H R I S T

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OUTLINE

DOCTRINAL (1-2) Greeting (1:1-2) Thanksgiving (1:3-8) Prayer (1:9-14) The Preeminence of Christ (1:15-23) Paul’s Ministry (1:24-2:5) Alive in Christ (2:6-15) Let No One Disqualify You (2:16-23)

PRACTICAL (3-4) Put on the New Self (3:1-17) Rules for Christian Households (3:18-4:1) Further Instructions (4:2-6) Final Greetings (4:7-18)

T HE LET T ER TO T HE COLOS SIANS Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae is one of the prison letters (Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon). Paul’s aim with this letter was to warn this thriving church of an imminent threat of false teaching. In doing so, Paul presented one of the New Testament’s clearest declarations of Jesus Christ’s deity.

KEY T EXT S “And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Col. 1:18).

“For in Him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority” (Col. 2:9-10).

T HEME The letter to the Colossians is only four chapters in length. The two great truths which the Colossians were meant to learn are: (1) all the fullness of God is in Jesus (Col. 1-2); (2) all the fullness of Jesus is for us (Col. 3-4).

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CHRIST PREEMINENT

“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16).

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).

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KEY CHARACTERS

T he Colos s ians

Epaphras

Although Paul did not start the church

Colossae, a city in the Roman province

A Christian from Colossae (Col 4:12),

in Colossae, he felt compelled to write

of Phrygia, located near Laodicea and

referred to by Paul as a “fellow serv-

this thriving church. He wrote to the

Hierapolis on the Lycus River and just

ant” (Col 1:7) and “fellow prisoner in

T he Ap o stle Paul

Colossians with the authority of an

over 100 miles east of Ephesus. The

Christ Jesus” (Phlm 23). According to

apostle to correct a dangerous doctrine

unexcavated site of Colossae sits near

Paul, Epaphras is the one who taught

creeping into the church.

the modern city of Honaz at the base

the Colossians “the grace of God in

of Mt. Cadmus (in modern Turkey).

truth” (Col 1:6). From this it can be inferred that Epaphras was the founder of the Colossian church.

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COLOSSIANS TA B LE OF

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13

Introduction to Colossians

The Fullness of the Godhead

You Are Complete in Him

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19

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The Colossian Heresy

Christ All in All

C ON TEN T S

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23 Paul’s Pattern for Prayer

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free; but Christ is all, and in all (Colossians 3:11) 5

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IN TR ODUCT IO N TO

COLOSSIANS Writer

Purpose for Letter

The apostle Paul identifies himself as

Paul’s intent with this letter was to cor-

ment for humanity’s need for salvation

the writer of the Colossian letter (Col.

rect the erroneous teachings that were

and eternal life.

1:1). Paul penned this epistle, along

infiltrating the Colossian church. In do-

with Ephesians, Philippians, and Phile-

ing so, he presented a clear picture of

Bible commentators cannot agree on

mon, while he was imprisoned in Rome

Jesus Christ as the All-Sufficient Lord,

identifying the false teachers. Taking

between AD 60-62 (Acts 27-28).

who is the Head of the Church, and the

into consideration the various referenc-

only Savior of humanity. We should

es to the false teachings listed above,

learn from the apostle in his approach

we can deduce that such teaching was

for correcting false teaching. He pre-

a melting pot of ideas. There may have

Colossae was located about 100 miles

sented Christ as all-encompassing and

been more than one group influencing

from Ephesus, and it neighbored the

all sufficient. Nothing can be added to

the church in Colossae. Which might

cities of Laodecia, and Hierapolis. Per-

Jesus Christ, and nothing can be taken

be the better observation, considering

haps during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus,

from Him. Anything that attempts to

that Gentile cultures were influenced

Paul commissioned Epaphras to preach

make additions to Christ, or to dimin-

by so many different ideologies. Such

the gospel in Colossae, Laodecia, and

ish His person and work are futile.

could certainly be said about the 21st

Hierapolis (Col. 1:7; 4:12-13; Phlm. 23).

That isn’t to say that we should bury

Century as well. Never has there been

Though Paul never had the opportunity

our heads in the sand when it comes

so many different alternatives to faith

to visit the Colossian church in person,

to confronting false doctrine. Rather,

and spirituality than our own day. But

he desired to visit the saints there,

we should seek to exalt Christ and His

the same message is true today, as

“For I want you to know how great a

Word and allow people to see other

it was during Paul’s - Jesus Christ is

struggle I have for you and for those

alternatives as hollow. Paul’s letter to

Supreme!

at Laodicea and for all who have not

the Colossians does exactly that.

Paul set forth to present the gospel of Jesus Christ as the consummate fulfill-

Audience

Colossians provides one of Scripture’s

seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1; The false teaching, also known as the

clearest presentations of the deity and

“Colossian Heresy,” was identified

supremacy of Jesus Christ. Paul’s hymn

The Christians in Colossae were

as a “philosophy” (2:8), which drew

in chapter one is just one example

predominantly Gentile. Paul notes

from Greek traditions as indicated by

(1:15-20). He proclaims that Jesus is

the “uncircumcision” of their “flesh”

the references to “fullness” (1:19);

the image of the invisible God, the

(2:13). The phrases “among the Gen-

“elemental spirits” (2:8, 20); “wisdom”

Creator and sustainer of the universe,

tiles” and “in you” appear to be syn-

(2:3, 23); and “asceticism” (2:23). Ad-

and the Head of the church. In Jesus

onymous (1:27), and the reference to

ditionally, the false teaching included

Christ you can find all the treasures

the Colossians as “once were alienated

Jewish overtones as circumcision

of wisdom and knowledge (2:3), and

and hostile in mind” is similar to Paul’s

(2:11; 3:11); “human tradition” (2:8);

that is due to the reality that in Him

language in Ephesians 2:11-13, where

observing the Sabbath, Jewish festivals,

dwells all the fullness of the godhead

he refers to “Gentiles by birth.”

regulations concerning food (2:16); the

bodily (1:19; 2:9). Christ’s supremacy

“worship of angels” “visions” (2:18);

is also revealed in His work in salvation

and harsh human regulations (2:21-23).

(2:10,13, 20), and in the conduct of the

With these various teachings in mind,

believer (3:5-4:6)

cf Phlm. 23).

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T HE F U L L N E S S OF TH E

GODHEAD “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:8–9) The doctrine of the Oneness of God begins in the Old Testa-

Additionally, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the Holy One more

ment. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

than thirty times, while also declaring multiple times that

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and

there is only one God (see Isa. 10:17; 12:6; 37:16; 43:15;

with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut. 6:4–5). To

44:6, 8, 24; 46:5, 9; 48:11-12).

Jews, this text is known as the “Shema” which means “to hear.” The Shema is the foundational doctrine for all of Scrip-

These texts are just a sample size of what the Bible says

ture. The truth that God is One pervades all of Scripture.

concerning God’s Oneness. And if that’s all that was said, surely that would be sufficient evidence to conclude God is

• • • •

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: On that

one. For there is no other god but Him. There is no other god

day the LORD will be one and His name one (Zech. 14:9).

with Him (Deut. 32:39). He is above all other so-called gods

Have we not all one father? hath not one God created

(2 Chr. 2:5). No other god was before Him, no other god was

us? (Mal. 2:10a)

formed, neither will there be any other god after Him (Isa.

For there is one God; and there is none other but he

43:10). He alone created the heavens the earth (Isa. 44:24).

(Mk. 12:32 KJV).

There is no other god beside Him (Isa. 45:6). Finally, there is

Since God is one - who will justify the circumcised by

no other god like Him (Isa. 46:9).

faith and the uncircumcised through faith(Rom. 3:30).

The Image of the Invisible God

•

Yet for us there is one God (1 Cor. 8:6a).

•

God is one (Gal. 3:20b).

•

There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were

The truth of God’s Oneness couldn’t be any clearer. The One

called to the one hope that belongs to your call - One

God and Lord of the Shema is none other than the Lord Jesus

Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all,

Christ. Paul wrote that Jesus Christ is the image of the invis-

who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6).

ible God (Col. 1:15).

• • •

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5).

No man can see God with his natural eyes. Yet, men could

You believe that God is one; you do well: even the de-

see Jesus Christ while He was on earth (Jn. 1:18; Heb. 1:3).

mons believe and shudder (James 2:19)!

Jesus revealed God the Father incarnationally. The Greek

A throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the

work for “image” is eikon, from which the English word

throne (Rev. 4:2).

“icon” derives. It means, “copy” or “likeness.” Jesus Christ is the perfect image, the exact likeness of God the Father and is in the very form of God (Phil. 2:6; John 1:14; 14:9).

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Vain Philosophy

By describing Jesus in this manner, Paul emphasizes that He is both the representation and manifestation of God. Thus,

The Colossian church was being attacked with a deceptive

He is fully God in every comprehensible fashion (Col. 2:9;

doctrine. The false teaching, also known as the “Colossian

John 8:58; 10:30-33; Heb. 1:8). The very nature and charac-

Heresy,” was identified as a “philosophy” (2:8), which drew

ter of God has been perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. The

from Greek traditions as indicated by the references to “full-

apostle John said that Jesus has made God known (Jn. 1:18).

ness” (1:19); “elemental spirits” (2:8, 20); “wisdom” (2:3,

Jesus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (Jn.

23); and “asceticism” (2:23). Additionally, the false teaching

14:9). He also said, “I and my Father are one” (Jn. 10:30).

included Jewish overtones such as references to “circumci-

When you looked in the face of Jesus Christ, while He was

sion” (2:11; 3:11); “human tradition” (2:8); observing the

on earth, you were staring at the very face of God. Further-

Sabbath, Jewish festivals, regulations concerning food (2:16);

more, He revealed the majesty, wonder, and magnificence of

the “worship of angels” “visions” (2:18); and harsh human

God the Father. God cannot be known except through Jesus

regulations (2:21-23).

Christ.

With these various teachings in mind, Paul set forth to present the gospel of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment for humanity’s need for salvation and eternal life. Part of the “Colossian Heresy” was the rejection of the truth that Jesus was God in flesh.

The phrase “spoil you” means robbery. False teachers, who successfully get people to believe their lies, rob them of truth, salvation, and blessing.

“Spoil” could also be rendered, “carry you away from the truth by false teaching.” The Colossians were susceptible of having their faith in Christ hijacked by false teachers.

The apostle John wrote this: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already (1 Jn 4:1–3). [Continued on page 10]

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Fo r i n H i m all the fullness of G o d wa s pleased to dwel l .

The truth of God’s oneness

Jesus said that false teachers would

Paul wanted the Colossians to put their

couldn’t be any clearer. The

increase in the last days (Matt. 24:11).

faith in Scripture and not in “the tradi-

The rejection of the Lordship of Jesus

tion of men.” God revealed Himself

Christ is just one of many ways that

in Jesus Christ, but it is through the

the Christian faith can be eroded. It is

Word of God that we can get to know

vitally important that you know and

Him. Consequently, Jesus is the Word

believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. If

of God made flesh: “And the Word was

this vital doctrine wasn’t important,

made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and

then Paul wouldn’t have warned the

we beheld his glory, the glory as of the

Colossian church of the possibility of

only begotten of the Father,) full of

being led astray from the truth.

grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). We don’t

One God and Lord of the Shema (Deut. 6:4) is none other than Jesus Christ.

have time to expound on the reliability, The Greek word for “philosophy,”

and trustworthiness of Scripture in this

which means “love of wisdom,” ap-

lesson. However, our doctrine of God

pears only here in the New Testament.

must be based upon the Word of God,

The word referred to more than merely

and not on church councils, creeds, or

an academic or intellectual discipline,

confessions (2 Tim. 3:16).

but described any concept about God, the world, or the meaning of life.

“Rudiments of the world” are elemen-

Those embracing the Colossian heresy

tary religious teachings coming from

used it to describe an apparent higher

the world system. The Greek grammar

knowledge they claimed to have at-

suggests that the particular “philoso-

tained. Paul, however, considered the

phy” in view here, is “vain deceit.” Not

false teachers’ philosophy as “empty”

all philosophy is harmful. When phi-

or worthless “vain deceit.”

losophy is presented within a Christian worldview, it can be useful to believers.

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Listen to how Paul applies this amazing truth to humanity: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). God was in Christ for the purpose of reconciling the world unto Himself. Again, “And through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).

Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we can have peace and reconciliation.

Paul said to the church in Ephesus, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the False teachers attempted to persuade

Jesus Christ was both God and man

believers that Jesus was just a man,

at the same time. He wasn’t half-god,

and not God. If part of the Colossian

and half-man. He wasn’t all God and no

Heresy was a precursor to Gnosticism,

man. He wasn’t all man and no God. He

then the Gnostics believed that flesh

was the God-Man. It is in Jesus Christ,

(or matter) was evil, and a holy God

and not anywhere else, that one can

would not defile Himself with flesh. But

find God. Jesus implied this when He

God had come in flesh!

said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,

The Fullness of God

but by me” (Jn. 14:6). If you are going to find salvation and know God, then

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of

you must believe that Jesus Christ is

the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9). The

the full revelation of God (Jn. 8:24). All

“Him” is Christ. In Christ, the fullness

the attributes, titles, and roles of God

of the Godhead dwells. For it pleased

dwell in Jesus. He is the incarnation

the Father that in Him should all full-

of the one true God (Jn. 1:1, 14; 8:58;

ness dwell (Col. 1:19). The Godhead

10:30; 14:9-11, 16-18, 20:28; 2 Cor.

is just another phrase for “divinity” or

3:17).

Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). God was in Christ, but so was the blood of God! The blood of God flowed through the veins of Jesus Christ. When the Son of God was crucified on the cross, a covenant was made between God and man. But that couldn’t have taken place had God and man not first been meshed together in Jesus Christ. There was a chasm between God and man because of sin.

Man could not save himself, only God could save him. So God came in flesh in the man Christ Jesus. On one side of that chasm was the absolute deity of Jesus Christ. On the other side of that chasm was the full humanity of Jesus

“deity.” It is the sum total of God. All of God was in Jesus bodily. In Greek philo-

The truth that God is One, and that the

sophical understanding, matter was

One God dwells in Jesus Christ, is more

evil; spirit was good. Therefore, it was

than just didactic. It is also relevant

ubsurd that God would ever take on a

to our life. Most of the time when the

human body. The apostle Paul opposes

Oneness of God is preached or taught,

that false teaching by emphasizing the

it is given as information to be known

truth of Christ’s incarnation. Jesus was

and believed. But its application is

not only fully God, but fully human as

often neglected.

well.

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Christ. But at the wooden cross of Calvary He made a bridge between the chasm between God and man. But that reconciliation could only come through blood of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is completely God, and He has come to us complete!

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YO U A RE CO M PL ETE

IN HIM

And you have been filled in Him (Colossians 2:10) The doctrine of the believer’s union with Christ is a highly

And those plans are executed within us. We were chosen in

important, yet often neglected teaching. The New Testa-

Him before the foundation of the world, to live in the will

ment employs two expressions to describe union with Christ.

of God (Eph. 1:4). We were predestined for the adoption

First, believers are in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; John 15:4, 5, 7; 1

as sons through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). Believers are in the

Cor. 15:22; 2 Cor. 12:2; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:4, 2:10; Phil. 3:9; 1

purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His

Thess. 4:16; 1 John 4:13). Second, Christ is in believers (Gal.

will (Eph. 1:11), our lives are in His hands (Psalm 31:15), and

2:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 2 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 3:17). Jesus

our destinies belong to Him (Ps. 139:16).

described our union with Him as abiding in the True Vine (Jn.

The Source of Union with Christ

15:1-17). He used the phrase “in me” six times during this discourse. The apostle John wrote, “By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his

It is through Jesus Christ’s work of reconciliation that we are

Spirit” (1 John 4:13).

brought into union with Him. Paul wrote, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to

The Seed of Union with Christ

reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.” Had God not

God had our union with Christ in mind before the creation of

been in Christ, then our union with Christ would have been

the world: “Even as he chose us in him before the founda-

impossible (2 Cor. 5:19). It was sin that kept us alienated

tion of the world, that we should be holy and blameless

from God. The word “alienated” in the Greek means to be a

before him” (Eph. 1:4). God chose us in Him before the

“foreigner,” or to “be estranged.” In other words, sin kept us

foundation of the world. God, in His infinite foreknowledge,

separate from God. It was like God and sinners were living

knew what dirty rotten lowlifes we would be, yet He chose

on two different continents separated by an ocean of sin.

us for this salvation! This is not to say that God elected some

Since the entirety of God was in Christ, He could reconcile

individuals for salvation and others to damnation. On the

us to Him. The word “reconcile” means to “bring together.”

contrary, God had predestined the means of salvation before

Christ didn’t just bring us into close proximity to Him. Rather,

the foundation of the world. In other words, the Lamb of

He put us in Him!

God (Jesus Christ) was slain before the foundation of the

The Substance of Union with Christ

world (Rev. 13:8). Paul explained it further: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according

Paul wrote, “and you have been filled in him” (Col. 2:10). The

to the counsel of his will” (Eph. 1:11). It was God’s purpose

word “filled” in the Greek means to be “fulfilled,” “com-

to call and save us. The elective purposes of God never fail,

plete” or to “be generously supplied with.” Being in Christ

and those purposes are in our lives. God chooses. God has a

means that we have everything that we need.

plan.

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Scripture outlines eight ways that Jesus completes us spiritually: 1. We are united to Christ through being born again (Jn. 3:3-8; Eph. 2:4-5). In regeneration God gives us a new spiritual life within (2 Cor. 5:17). Being born again of the water and Spirit gives us new life (Acts 2:38).

2. We live out our union with Christ through faith (Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:16-17). Christ is the source of our union with Him, and He is object of our faith.

3. We are justified through faith and union with Christ (Rom. 3:2326). Justification is being made right with God. Only through Jesus Christ’s perfect obedience can we partake of God’s righteousness and have our sins forgiven (Rom. 4-5).

4. We are sanctified through our union with Christ (1 Cor. 1:30; Jn. 15:4-5). Sanctification is the process by which we grow in holiness and become more like the One we are in union with (1 Thess. 5:2324).

5. We faithfully endure in our union with Christ (Matt. 24:13; Rom. 8:38-39; Rev. 13:10). Life in Christ provides the means to faithfully endure land provides the assurance of salvation (1 Cor. 1:8-9).

6. We are united with Christ in death (Rom. 14:8; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 14:13). Scripture says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15).

7. We are raised from the dead in our union with Christ (1 Cor. 15:22).

Physical death is not final for believers united with Jesus.

8. We will be glorified with Christ (Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:16-17). Not only did God have our calling, justification, and sanctification in mind from eternity past, He also had our glorification in His plans (Rom. 8:30).

It is through our union with Christ that we are made complete. The apostle Paul wrote, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge – even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you – so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4–8). The word “lacking” used here means to “fall short of” or “be in need.” The Lord Jesus Christ meets every need for our lives. He doesn’t fall short in providing for us, because He doesn’t lack anything within Himself. We are complete in Him, because He is complete. Every part of our spiritual lives is affected through our union with Jesus. Therefore, we do not need to add anything to Him, nor do we need to add anything to Christian life. He is everything we need!

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THE COLOSSIAN

HERESY

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ (Colossians 2:8) Bible commentators believe that Epaphras started the church in Colossae. It’s likely he had been converted during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and returned to his hometown and planted the church (Acts 19:10; Col. 1:5-7; 4:12). Epaphras kept Paul informed about the well-being of the Colossian church. During one of his trips to visit Paul in prison, he informed the apostle of an encroaching threat.

Paul may not have planted the church in Colossae, but he certainly cared for it. Like any good pastor, the apostle Paul took the time to write a letter to warn the Colossian church. Paul doesn’t necessarily spell out exactly what the danger was, but we can construct from his arguments some of the threats. While we don’t have the questions, Paul does give us the answers.

The heretical teaching being spread within the Colossian church seemed to be a toxic brew of beliefs or an early form of Gnosticism. It included Christian, Jewish, Greek, and Oriental ideals (Col. 2:8-23). It bore the name of philosophy (2:8). It had a show of wisdom (2:23). It paid regard to human traditions (2:8). It revered angelic beings (2:17-18).

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There was contempt for the human body (2:20-23). Included

Paul also considered this philosophy to be the “elemental spir-

deceptive arguments (2:4). And placed judgment on keep-

its of the world.” Put another way, they are elementary reli-

ing Jewish customs (2:16). We can see the Colossian heresy

gious teachings coming from a world system. The Greek gram-

was a hodgepodge of concepts and could disrupt the faith

mar suggests that the particular “philosophy” in view here, is

of many if it was allowed to advance within the church.

“vain deceit.” Not all philosophy then, is bad; when presented

Paul uses the false teacher’s heretical teachings as a sort of

in a God-centered way, it can be helpful to believers.

framework that gives context to his thought process within the letter. He employs terms and phrases from this heresy as

Far from being advanced, profound knowledge, the false

a sort of polemic to prove that Jesus is all in all.

teachers’ ideas were simplistic and immature like all the rest of the world and Satan’s speculations, ideologies, philoso-

The attempted reconciliation of different faiths still happens

phies, and beliefs. Paul is trying to remind them that it was

today. There remains a trend to create a melting-pot of re-

not their superior knowledge that brought them to Christ, but

ligious ideologies. The idea is to devise an all-inclusive faith

simple faith. The worldly education of man builds up the man.

that attracts the masses. In the twenty-first century we have

This brings vanity and pride; which God is opposed to.

some of the Colossian heresy found in Catholicism, Scientology, Mormonism, Unitarianism, the Jehovah’s Witnesses,

Mysticism

Kabbalah, and so forth.

Another issue was the “worship of angels.” We aren’t sure what such worship looked like within the Colossian church,

Let us look at these false teachings closer and see how Paul

but church history reveals that angel worship was a problem

combated them with the truth of Jesus Christ.

for centuries after the Colossian letter. The Roman Catholic church, for example, practices the veneration (honor) of

Judaism

angels. While the Bible gives many instances of angels working

Colossae wasn’t just populated with Gentiles. Antiochus

on behalf of God, and on the behalf of God’s people, we are

the Great transported Jews to the region. Other Jews were

strictly forbidden to worship angels (Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10;

enticed by wool trade and other business ventures to set-

22:9).

tle in the area. Which gives rise to the influence of Jewish customs and practices. Paul’s reference to festivals, new

Next, the false teachers were claiming doctrinal authority

moons and the sabbath (Col. 2:16) leads us to believe a form

based upon visions they had received, “taking his stand on

of Judaism was also present within the Colossian Heresy.

visions he has seen” (2:18 NASB). Doesn’t this sound similar

Paul considered the Galatian’s observance of days, months,

to the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses? Special visits from

seasons, and years to be “weak and beggarly” (Gal. 4:9-10).

angels, and personal visions on which to claim special revela-

Therefore, we should’t be surprised that he considers the

tion and authority.

thought of keeping particular Jewish customs to only be “a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to

Brothers, and sisters, within the Apostolic Pentecostal move-

Christ” (Col. 2:17).

ment there remains a faction of believers and leaders who claim to have personal angels, special visions, and unchecked

Philosophy

revelations. Within the last few years there have been some

Part of the heretical teaching involved an intellectual oligar-

among us who claim to find angel feathers, and gold dust

chy. In other words, it held to the belief there were a few

during their prayer time. Most of the time this leads these

who set themselves above others as possessing a superior

particular hucksters to be “puffed up without reason by his

knowledge or experience. The false teachers promised a

sensuous mind.” They intend to attract crowds and accolades,

special insight and superior spirituality, other than what

while refusing to “hold fast to the Head (Christ), from whom

Christianity offered. Paul considered this to be “empty

the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints

deceit, according to human tradition.” Those embracing the

and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Col.

Colossian heresy used it to describe the supposed higher

2:18-19). While I believe in angels, visions and revelations,

knowledge they claimed to have attained.

it should always lead to a closer walk with Jesus Christ, an increase in humility, and growth in personal holiness.

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Gnosticism

The Essenes, a Jewish sect, and the Stoics, a Greek philosophi-

From what we have already gathered, there was a multiplicity

cal sect, were two examples of this type of lifestyle.

of dangerous ideas within the heresy threatening the Colossians. Bible scholars have associated the heresy in Colossians

Paul exposed the false concept of a strict lifestyle that lead

with an early form of Gnosticism. Whether or not that is true,

to a higher experience, or that tried to discipline the body

there are some similarities between the two, as we will see.

due to its inherently evil nature. This was nothing more than an attempt to add to the message of Jesus Christ. The idea

“Gnosis” from which the word “Gnostic” is derived means

that simple faith in Jesus isn’t sufficient has been around for

“knowledge.” This shouldn’t be confused with “Agnostic”

centuries. Catholicism has its forms of asceticism in monks,

which means “without knowledge.” The Gnostic claimed to

nuns, convents, and the abstinence of marriage in its leaders.

have a super knowledge of the spirit realm and life itself.

Mormonism has its strict lifestyles which include dietary laws.

The Amish refuse to partake of modern conveniences. The

Gnosticism held several dangerous views. It believed that

Colossian heresy always tries to adorn itself in new fashions,

since the world suffered from evil, then a holy God could not

but it’s the same old hag in a new dress.

have created it. That produced the conundrum that if God was holy and the world evil, then God was the creator of evil.

Unrestrained License

The Gnostic couldn’t seem to reconcile a holy God with an

While some believed that the body, due to its evil nature,

evil world. Therefore, they contrived another theory. If God

needed to be subjected to a strict ascetism, others took the

couldn’t be blamed for the world’s evil, then a culprit re-

view that the only way to overcome the indulgences of the

mained for the creation of evil. So, matter, as in the substance

body was to live without any restraint at all. The Epicureans,

of which any physical object consists, became the Gnostic’s

for example, illustrated this behavior. Epicureanism argued

protagonist. The Gnostic reasoned that matter was the cause

that pleasure was the chief goal in life.

of all evil, which included human beings.

Paul’s antidote to an unrestrained lifestyle, wasn’t a strict This gives way to the issue of inherently evil human beings

ascetism. Rather, he stated, “If then you have been raised with

being capable of knowing a holy God. And how can a holy God

Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated

interact with matter which is evil? To rectify these issues the

at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are

Gnostic believed that the world emanated from God, and as it

above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:1-2).

evolved further and further from God it became less and less holy, and more and more evil. Obviously, the Gnostic rejected

Conclusion

the reality that Christ was the agent of creation (Jn. 1:3),

So, what we have within the Colossian heresy is an idea that

and that God placed a curse upon the world due to sin (Rom.

something more than Christ was needed. Whether that was

8:20). Their belief that matter was evil couldn’t accept that

higher ascent in learning, a stricter lifestyle, unrestrained

God had come in the flesh (Jn. 1:14), further distancing itself

pleasure, or insights into the universe’s mysteries. Such no-

from orthodox Christian doctrine.

tions were dangerous then, and they are dangerous today.

Whether we’d like to admit it, these “heresies” are prevalent

So as to “bridge the gap” between humanity and God, Gnosti-

in the Christian church today. Nothing can be added to Christ,

cism produced two courses of action: ascetism, and unre-

and nothing can be taken away from Him. Furthermore, when

strained license.

you receive Christ in your life, you are made complete in Him (Col. 2:9-10).

Ascetism Ascetism is a rigid lifestyle placed upon people. The thought is that if man is evil then man must be subdued. The strict lifestyle included dietary restrictions, abstinence from marriage, and a disregard for hygiene. Some believed that since the body was evil then it should be disciplined and subdued.

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Chr ist All in Al l An Exposition of Colossians

The letter to the Colossians is only four chapters in length. The

God and man were enemies. There needed to be recon-

two great truths which the Colossians were meant to learn

ciliation between the two parties. And it should be noted

are: (1) all the fullness of God is in Jesus (Col. 1-2); (2) all the

that man was not the offended party. On the contrary, it

fullness of Jesus is for us (Col. 3-4).

was God who was offended at man’s perpetual disobedience and rebellion, which was birthed in the Garden of

Greeting (1:1-2)

Eden (Gen. 3:1-24; Ps. 7:11). Sin and death reigned since the fall of humanity (Rom. 5:12-21). Paul added, “For

The letter begins like other customary letters of New Testa-

while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the

ment times. The apostle Paul identifies himself and Timothy as

death of His son, much more, now that we are reconciled,

the writers of the letter. This letter was written to the saints

shall we be saved by his life” (Rom. 5:10). Through grace

and faithful brothers in the city of Colossae. Colossae was a

we have peace and reconciliation with God.

small city located in modern-day Turkey, along the Lycus River near the more significant cities of Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:3-8)

A significant earthquake occurred in the Lycus Valley during Nero’s reign (A.D. 60), from which Colossae never fully recov-

Paul was thankful for the Colossian’s faith in Jesus and

ered. Paul wrote this letter, along with Ephesians, Philippians,

their spiritual maturity. Epaphras had taught the church

and Philemon, while he was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:30-

the word of truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ. From that

31; Col. 4:3).

teaching the growth of spiritual fruit was prevalent in the saints. Paul considered faith in Jesus, love for others, and

Similar to Paul’s other letters, he offers grace and peace from

hope in eternal rewards as spiritual fruit.

God (1:2). Grace is the free favor of God given to undeserving sinners. Grace is the fountainhead of the gospel of Jesus

Next, Paul prayed for the Colossians. The apostle prayed

Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans, “for all have sinned and

unceasingly that they would be filled with the knowl-

fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace,

edge of God’s will; spiritual wisdom and understanding;

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:23-

walk in a manner worthy of the Lord; please God; bear

24). Paul added, “For by grace you have been saved through

spiritual fruit with every good endeavor; increase in their

faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not

knowledge of God; strengthened with all power; and have

a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).

endurance, patience with joy, and thanksgiving.

Unrighteous sinners have been made righteous through God’s grace. The result of God’s gift of grace is “peace.” Paul wrote,

Additionally, he gives thanks for God who qualified them;

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have

delivered them, gave them an inheritance; and redeemed

peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

and forgiven them. Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving is wonderful pattern for our own prayer life. [Continued on

Sinful man didn’t just need his sins forgiven, he needed peace with God. This isn’t just some tranquility. Rather, because of sin, mankind was at war with God.

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page 20]

C h r ist A ll in A ll Paul’s Ministry to the Church (1:24-2:5) The preeminence of Jesus is why Paul risked everything to be a minister (1:2324). Paul’s ministry was based on the truth of Jesus Christ’s person and work.

Paul suffered on behalf of Jesus and the church. God called and commissioned Paul to preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). Such a ministry that Paul had was a constant struggle, but he was energized by God’s power to continue (1:29).

Paul used three words to describe his ministry: proclaiming, warning, and teaching (1:28). Paul proclaimed Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 1:23). It was stumbling block for the Jews and considered folly by the Gentiles. But Paul proclaimed Jesus anyway. He warned his listeners of sin and

The Preeminence of Christ (1:15-23)

God’s impending judgement. Paul didn’t

Paul then outlined the preeminence of Jesus Christ. Some scholars believe this is

and taught. The Word of God is profitable

a quotation from an early Christian hymn. The Colossian church was dealing with

for preaching, but it is also valuable for

erroneous doctrines that diminished Christ’s person and work. These unidenti-

teaching (1 Tim. 3:16).

just preach and leave. Rather, he stayed

fied false teachers sought to uncrown Jesus and implement new restrictions upon believers. Paul presents the most poignant Christology in the New Testa-

Alive in Christ (2:6-15)

ment. In order for the Colossians to combat the false teaching they needed to be familiar with the truth, and in doing so, Paul presents the supremacy of Jesus

In this section we are introduced to the

Christ.

dangerous heresy infecting the Colossian church. Before Paul deals with the false

The apostle declares that Jesus is the image of the invisible God; the firstborn

doctrine, he begins with the positive mes-

of creation; the agent of creation; preeminent; He controls all things; He is the

sage of Jesus Christ. “Therefore, as you

Head of the Church; the beginning; the firstborn of the dead; in Christ all the

received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in

fullness of God dwells; and He is the Reconciler and Sanctifier. This is power-

Him” (2:6). Notice the “therefore” in the

packed section. Christ is preeminent! He is preeminent in heaven. He is preemi-

sentence, this connects to Christ’s preemi-

nent in the Church. And He is the Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler and Sanctifier.

nence that Paul had previously laid out.

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“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.”

The Colossians were to walk in Christ, just as they had been taught (2:7). The

They were to set their minds on things that

erroneous doctrines that were creeping into the church weren’t what they had

are above, not on things that are below. The

been taught. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty

Colossian’s spiritual maturity was founded

deceit, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to

on their dying out to sin, and having their life

Christ” (2:8). Paul was calling the Colossians back to Christ and away from the

hidden in Christ. Notice the past and present

false teacher’s philosophy, empty deceit, human traditions, elemental spirits of

tense in the sentence: “For you have died,

the world.

and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (3:3). As previously noted, God had deliv-

The Colossians had everything they needed in Jesus. They were made complete

ered, reconciled, forgiven, and redeemed the

through Jesus, who was the embodiment of God (2:9-10). They had been bur-

believers in Colossae. Their present status

ied with Christ in baptism (2:11-12). They were once dead in their sins but have

as being “hidden with Christ in God” was a

been resurrected with Him and made alive (2:13). And this was made possible

reality to be lived out. Paul goes on and says,

by Jesus forgiving their sins, cancelling their record of debt, and disarming rul-

“When Christ who is your life (present tense)

ers and authorities (2:14-15).

appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (3:4). Salvation is past, present, and

Let No One Disqualify You (2:16-23)

future. Like the Colossians, we have been saved, are being saved, and will be saved.

Part of the false teacher’s doctrine was the advocation of Jewish observances

Some would like to skip over the present

they believed advanced spirituality. These observances were only a shadow,

reality of continuing to be “hidden with Christ

but Christ was the substance (2:16-17). Additionally, an emphasis on a strict

in God.” Paul reminded the Galatians, “I have

self-denial, and abstinence existed within the teaching, along with angel wor-

been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I

ship, and mysticism (2:18).

who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the

Paul insisted on “holding fast” to the Head, who he claimed was Jesus earlier

Son of God, who loved me and gave himself

(1:18). The false teachers were wanting their followers to cling to anything oth-

for me” (Gal. 2:20). The life of faith is not nec-

er than Christ. Whether it was Jewish traditions, Greek philosophy, or ascetic

essarily about keeping rules and command-

practices. Anything that excludes Jesus is nothing but empty legalism. Such

ments. Rather, it is putting aside self-interests

legalism leads to a puffed-up and prideful mind (2:18b). It has an appearance

and living for Jesus. That means putting to

of wisdom in promoting self-made religion, but in the end, it is of no value to

death everything sinful within us (3:5-9) and

stopping a sinful nature. In other words, it never produces faith, hope, or love.

putting on the new self (3:10-17).

Put on the New Self (3:1-17)

Rules for Christian Households (3:18-4:1)

The false teachers sought to promote a higher life. Part of the issue with their

Someone once asked this question to an

doctrine was that it wasn’t based on Jesus Christ. New life in Jesus promotes

Amish man, “Are you a Christian?”

a new lifestyle rooted in faith. The Colossians were to seek the things that are

He replied, “You will need to ask my neigh-

above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (3:1).

bor.” [Continued on page 22]

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C h r ist A ll in A ll The type of slavery that took place before the Civil was is condemned throughout Scripture (1 Tim. 1:10; Rev. 18:11-13). Paul doesn’t make allowance for Roman servitude, but if a Christian had a servant, they were to be treated with dignity (4:1).

Further Instructions (4:2-18) Paul begins to close his letter with a call to prayer, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (4:2). Paul implored the Colossians to pray for his continued gospel mission (4:3). He also reminds them to walk in wisdom toward outsiders.

Again, emphasizing that the Christian life wasn’t restricted just towards other Christians (4:5-6).

The Christian life isn’t a private faith, it is to be shared with others (Matt.

28:18-19). Therefore, true spirituality isn’t lived in isolation, because new life in Christ effects relationships with others. Paul emphasized that in this next section.

Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians with personal greetings. This portion shouldn’t be overlooked. Here we see that Paul lived out what he just

Wives were to submit to their husbands, and husbands were to love their wives and not be harsh with them (3:18). Children were to obey their parents, and fathers were not to provoke their children (3:20-21). You have to understand how counter-cultural this was to the Roman world. Harsh patriarchy was commonplace in Gentile homes. Husbands mistreated their wives and considered them to be their slaves. Children were treated just as fiercely. A father had the power of life and death over his children. With this in mind, Paul turned the home on its head. Wives were to be submissive, but husbands were to lead lovingly and as graciously as Christ lead the church. Children were to be treated as God’s image-bearers as well.

outlined. Paul worked within a thriving community of friends and associates.

The gospel couldn’t have spread the way that it did had it not been for these co-laborers.

These were joints and ligaments of the body of Christ, who were nourished from the Head (2:19). Whether they were delivering letters, praying earnestly, or sharing in Paul’s afflictions

Christlikeness extended beyond the home to the workplace Slavery was prevalent in the Roman world. We mustn’t think of slavery in the New Testament like antebellum slavery. Rather, a man could sell himself to another man to work or to pay off a debt (1 Cor. 7:21).

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in a prison cell, they were fulfilling the mission of God’s call to the Colossian church.

Paul’s Pattern for Prayer

How to Pray for Others

1 . B e t h a n k f u l fo r t h e i r f a i t h a n d c h a n g e d l i ve s (1:3)

2. Ask God to help them know His will (1:9a)

3 . A s k G o d t o g i ve t h e m deep spiritual understanding (1:9b) “We have not ceased to

4. Ask God to help them l i ve a l i fe p l e a s i n g t o Him (1:10a)

pray for you” (Col. 1:9) The apostle Paul loved people, especially the people who populated the Church. His letters to various churches contained doctrine, correction, and commands. Also included in his letters were prayers. Throughout his letters he revealed how he would pray for churches and individuals (Eph. 1:15-

5 . A s k G o d t o g ra n t them spiritual fruit and increase in their knowle d ge o f H i m ( 1 : 10 b)

23; 3:14-21; Php. 1:3-11). Colossian 1:3-14 offers one such prayer.

Use Paul’s pattern for prayer as a guide to pray for loved ones, missionaries, leaders, backsliders, or fellow believers.

It would also be a beneficial guide in praying for yourself!

6 . A s k G o d t o g i ve t h e m s t r e n g t h , e n d u ra n c e , j o y, a n d t h a n k f u l n e s s (1:11)

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Cut it Straight Podcast Cut it Straight, hosted by Pastor Nathan S. Whitley, provides helpful insight for how you can pursue excellence in your preaching and ministry.

Join us as one of today’s young pastors examines how you can pursue excellence in Bible study, sermon preparation, preaching, teaching, leading, ministry, and other matters addressing the Bible preacher and teacher.

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NSWHITLEY.COM Nathan S. Whitley is associate pastor at First Apostolic Church in Knoxville, TN. He earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biblical Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is the author of I AM: Studies in the I AM Declarations of Jesus Christ and The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines.

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