Colossians 3, Following Christ in Community

Paul has warned the Colossians away from heresy which focuses on legalistic regulations.  We are instead to focus on the Messiah, Jesus.

Colossians 3: 1-4, Focus on the things of Christ

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Christianity is (as they say) "a relationship, not a religion."  Citizenship in the kingdom of Christ includes concentrating (meditating, setting our hearts) on His world and His work. As Jesus suggested praying, we are to seek "Your kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven."

Colossians 3: 5-11, New life

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

In verse 6 (according to the NIV footnotes) some early manuscripts have "the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient."

I have always found it refreshing that Paul has no problem saying, "You used to be that way... but...." It is not who we were that matters, but who we are becoming. Paul wants to emphasize the new life. \ The last few verses in this passage echo Galatians 3: 28-29.

Colossians 3: 12-15, Clothed with compassion and gentleness

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Christians are a people within community.  So we must practice living out that community within the (silly, frustrating, irritating) body of believers called "the Church"!

Colossians 3: 16-17, Rich joy, rich singing

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Paul suggests that following the teachings of the Messiah (including the salvation he offers) leads to praise, gratitude, singing.  Everything should be done to honor him!

Colossians 3: 18-25, Submission to others for the coming kingdom

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Paul has here a series of short instructions on submission, similar to that found in Ephesians 5: 21-6:9.  (The passage is Ephesians is lengthier.)

Colossians 2, The Riches of the Messiah

Paul has described the spread of the "Good News" about the Jewish Messiah, reaching out to the Gentiles, an event that includes Paul as minister to the Gentiles.

Colossians 2: 1-3, In Christ all treasures!

I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The town of Laodicea, like Colossae, was in Phrygia, in inland Turkey.  Paul communicates his concern and ministry for the people of the region, promoting the riches of the Jewish Messiah.  

It is likely that Paul's letter went first to Colossae and then on to nearby communities.

Colossians 2: 4-5, Don't be deceived.

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Paul is concerned that others will dismiss the Messiah, presenting a gospel of legalism or a return to Pharisaical Judaism (out of which Paul himself has come.) 

This is the first hint in this letter that Paul is concerned about popular teachings that might deceive the Colossians.

Colossians 2: 6-10, In Christ all treasures!

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Paul confronts popular philosophies (presumably Greek philosophies) that are attractive yet shallow. In contrast to speculations about the divine, Paul argues that Christ was (is) the visible manifestation of God and represents all that we need.

Colossians 2: 11-15, Resurrected to new life

In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

It is not clear if the Colossian men were physically circumcised, but Paul argues that their hearts have been circumcised, following in Christ's death are resurrections.  He makes a clear salvation promise in this paragraph, laying out the forgiveness provided to Christians by the Cross.

Colossians 2: 16-19, Focus on Jesus, not the shadows

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Some philosophers might preach a religion of spiritual ecstasy and mysticism. Dealers in false religions often emphasize certain ritual practices, controlling what one eats, what religious holidays one follows, and so on.  Paul will have none of this legalism.  (Neither should we.)

Colossians 2: 20-23, Jesus, not Rules

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?  These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Legalism and ascetism look spiritual.  People want spirituality to be hard, to be painful and so are impressed by ascetics who display their sufferings.  Jesus was not impressed and neither is Paul.  Christians should see through this! Instead of focusing on rules, we should focus on the personal Christ!

This focus on the Messiah will continue in the next chapter.

Colossians 1, A Spreading Gospel

After the letter to the Ephesians in the New Testament is Paul's letter to the Colossians.

The city of Colossae was in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), in the region of Phrygia, inland from Ephesus.  There were residents of Phrygia at Pentecost (Acts 2: 5-12) and Paul traveled through Phrygia in Acts 16 (see Acts 16:6) on Paul's second missionary journey, enroute to Greece.

While in prison (probably in Rome?) Paul wrote a letter to the church in Colossae. This letter has some strong similarities with his letter to Ephesus.

Colossians 1: 1-2, Grace and peace

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

This is a fairly standard greeting for that time, describing the writer(s) and the intended recipients.

Colossians 1: 3-8, The good news spreads

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. 

All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Presumably Paul has not yet met the people of this church but instead has heard of their growth and development, as the gospel ("good news") spreads throughout the Mediterranean.  Epaphras is presumably the first person who took the good news of the Messiah to Colossae.  It is possible that Epaphras was a resident of Colossae who met Paul elsewhere, maybe in Ephesus, and took the gospel back to Colossae.

Colossians 1: 9-14, Our prayer for you

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Paul's prayer here is similar to that in his letter to the Ephesians.  The prayer rambles, one long sentence asking that those in Colossae have wisdom, knowledge, patience, joy... as they come to better understand their rescued state and begin to live out their new citizenship.

Colossians 1: 15-19, Messiah-God

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  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 and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

At the end of Paul's prayer for the Colossians he goes on to describe the Messiah, the Son, as the "image of God", the leader over creation, indeed the one by which Creation occurred.  These are strong statements; the Messiah is eternal, without beginning or end, God-in-human-form, Creator.

Colossians 1: 21-23, Alienation, Reconciliation

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

The "good news" has, at its roots, a recognition of human selfishness and capacity for evil, followed by an excited declaration of "reconciliation" with God.  It is not just a declaration of human hope and right actions, but of salvation from evil and darkness.

Colossians 1: 24-29, Commissioned to present Christ

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.  

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

The devout Jew, Paul, has been appointed ("commissioned") by God, to reach out to the Gentiles, helping lead them into citizenship in the growing empire of the Messiah ("Christ").

Paul continues to describe this citizenship in the next chapter of this letter.

Philippians 4, Joy & Contentment

Paul has emphasized his citizenship in Christ and his eagerness to see the Messiah, once his imprisonment is completed.

Philippians 4: 1, Stand firm
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Paul's appeal is emotional, one of love and concern.  As one tired and in chains, Paul certainly understands what "stand firm!" means.

Philippians 4: 2-3, Fellowship in humility

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

It is not clear in verse 3, where Paul uses the word "Syzygus", if he means a "yokefellow" ("close companion") or if this is the proper name of a particular individual.  (Similarly, in the US, sometimes Buddy is a proper name.)

Paul is specifically urging certain individuals in the church to put their disputes to rest.  That Paul mentions these two feuding women is a reminder that this is a personal letter, not intending to be worshiped as "Scripture."

Philippians 4: 4-7, Rejoice and be at peace!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul repeats his message about "Joy" or "Rejoicing".  Others have pointed out that the peace of God, described here, is a result of presenting one's requests to God.

Philippians 4: 8-9, Concentrate on things that are true and right

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

How we think, how we speak, what "voices" we listen to -- these are important decisions for good spiritual health and good mental health.

Philippians 4: 9-13, I am content

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Paul can be content in everything, whether poverty and need, or even with a full stomach, because he relies on the Messiah for his mission, goals, needs.  (I suspect some of this wisdom also comes from experience and age.)

Philippians 4: 14-18, Thank-you!

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.  Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Paul appreciates the giving nature of the church in Philippi.  They repeatedly reached out to support him during his travels in Greece.  Not only were their gifts helpful, but they were spiritual acts, sacrifices rising up as if incense to God.

Philippians 4: 19-20, Coda

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Just as God as met Paul's needs, he anticipates that the Philippians will also be supported and strengthened.

Philippians 4: 21-23, Fellowship in humility

Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings.  All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Some manuscripts do not have "Amen" at the end of this letter; it is possible that is an addition by a scribe.

Long before the Roman empire took notice of Christianity, there were believers in Caesar's household!

Tomorrow we move on to Paul's letter to the Colossians.