[:en]Colossian church had been infiltrated with false teachings. They combined ideas from other philosophies and religions (Paganism, Judaism and Greek thoughts) with Christian truth which resulted in the heresy known as “Gnosticism”. Gnosticism was emphazising special knowledge and denying Christ as God. The false teachers also taught Colosians to worship angels and follow special rules and ceremonies. Paul combatted this devious error by stressing Christ deity. Jesus is supreme over everything and His sacrificial death on the cross has saved us from our sins. Through faith in Him, we are free from man-made rituals.
THANKGSGIVING AND PRAYER (vs. 1-14)
The city of Colosse was 100 miles east of Ephesus on the Lycus River. It has a larger Jewish population which was founded by Epaphras. He wrote to refute heretical teachings about Christ. Paul commended the Colossians for their love and hope. Through the gospel, they were bearing fruits and growing.
Paul prayed for the Colossians, asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through all spiiritual wisdom and understanding. He also prayed that they 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 they may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
BENEFITS OF BELIEVERS IN CHRIST (vs. 12-14)
- They can share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light
- They are being rescued from the dominion of darkness
- They will be brought into His eternal kingdom
- They will be free from sin and judgment with His blood
- They will be redeemed and forgiven of their sins.
THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST (VS. 15-23)
The Divine Nature of Christ is stated here:
- He is the image of the invisible God (v. 15a)
- He is the first-born over all creation (v. 15b)
- He is the creator of all things (v. 16)
- He is before all things and sustainer of all things (v. 17)
- He is the head of the body, the church (v. 18a)
- He is the beginning and the firstborn from the dead (v. 18b)
Paul’s statement refuted the Greek idea that Jesus cannot be human and divine at the same time. Christ is fully human and fully divine. Through Him, we can be reconciled and have peace with God.
Before, we were alienated from God and were “enemies” because of our evil behaviors. Sin had corrupted our way of thinking and destroyed our thinking about God. But through His death, we are saved and our sins removed.
PAUL’S LABOR FOR THE CHURCH (vs. 24-29)
Suffering is unavoidable in bringing Good News of Christ to this world. When Christians are related to Christ, they can suffer joyfully.
The glorious riches of the “mystery” that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but now made known among the Gentiles is “CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY”
An effective way of preaching the Good News includes warnings and teachings. We warn people that without Christ, we will be eternally separated from God. We teach people that salvation is available through faith in Christ.[:]