[:en]Epaphras was one of Paul’s converts who ministered the church in Colosse (v. 7)( He told Paul that false teachers in Colosse were introducing false doctrines in the church. Paul wrote this letter to warn the believers and remind them the supremacy of Christ that through Him, we are free from man-made rules of Jewish legalism and Oriental mysticism.
Paul’s prayer list for the Colossian Church (vs. 9-12)
- To fill them with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
- To live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way
- To bear fruit in every good work
- To grow in the knowledge of God
- To strengthen you with great endurance and patience
- To give thanks joyfully to the Father
- To share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light
The supremacy of Christ: Who is Christ?
- He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation – meaning the highest of first rank and importance (v. 15)
- 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 (v. 16)
- He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (v. 17)
- He is the head of the body, the church (v. 18a)
- He is the beginning and the firstborn among the dead (v. 18b)
“Continue to establish your faith. Be firm and not moved from the hope held out in the gospel” (v. 23)[:]