PAUL'S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS. It is his will that we occupy that particular space. The New Testament speaks of Christians as brothers and sisters, so we are one family in Christ. But then Christ chose to call him to be a Christian apostle. It also refers to intimate acquaintance with God” (Renn, 569). Paul first met young Timothy in Lystra, Timothy’s home town (Acts 16:1-5). When the Greek scholar, Archimedes, stepped into a bathtub, he saw that the water level rose in the tub—and suddenly understood that the volume of water displaced must equal the volume of the submerged body. The compound word epi–gnosis “refers to knowledge of moral and ethical values as well as of sin. Did people go out of their way to honor him and to make his pathways smooth? The source of grace and peace is “God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”. Colossians 1:1-14 Standing Strong in Jesus (Stevenson) The idea that Jesus is the only way of salvation is at odds with a society that cannot understand how we can disagree with other religions and still respect them. Today, we have seen the fulfillment of this “all the world” promise. Christians today—at least those from certain denominations—will see the word Eucharist, which they use to mean the Lord’s Supper, in this Greek word eucharisteo. “Just as [the gospel] is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves … ” (Colossians 1:6). Three times I was beaten with rods. The Psalmist, in particular, both gave thanks and enjoined others to do so (Psalm 7:17; 28:7; 30:4; 69:30; 86:12; 97:12; 100:1-5; 111:1, etc., etc., etc.). We can think of the offense as a sin and the offender as a sinner. (Colossians 1:6, NIV) "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." In a community where grace is freely received and given, eirene will almost certainly prevail. “that you may be filled with the knowledge (epignosis) of his will (thelema) in all spiritual wisdom (sophia) and understanding” (v. 9b). It Takes a Village to be a Good Samaritan-- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82-- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte-- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C-- 2019 This isn’t the place to engage in the ecological debate about whether this is license to a death-dealing domination of the world (it isn’t), but it is clear that for Paul, when the gospel is proclaimed it brings life, not death. Paul emphasized thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:4, 20; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1). Paul follows that form, expanding it to meet his purposes. Colossians 1:14, ESV: "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." “We give thanks (eucharisteo) to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 3a). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). This suggests that Colossian Christians were under pressure to adopt Jewish dietary laws in addition to their Christian faith—a common problem at this time in the church’s history—a problem that Paul addressed particularly in his letter to the Galatians. And how might attending to those connections deepen our reading and our preaching? Verse 1. Did Paul become rich and famous? The words dunamis (v. 11a) and kratos (v. 11b) both have to do with strength or power. Based on his elevated office = “apostle of Jesus Christ” 1) elevated That is a good model. In verse 4, Paul mentioned the faith of these Colossian Christians—and in this verse he speaks of their hope. “and Timothy our brother” (v. 1c). The Greek word aphesis has two meanings, forgiveness and release. We are the beneficiaries—the recipients of his grace. As a result, some modern scholars have questioned Paul’s authorship. Paul regularly practiced intercessory prayer (prayer for others) (Romans 1:9; 10:1; 2 Corinthians 13:7, 9; Ephesians 1:16-18; Philippians 1:4, 9; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Philemon 1:4, 6). Colossians 1:1-14 Intro. In this instance, he refers to Timothy as “our adelphos“—”our brother.” Timothy is not an apostle, but this designation as brother is worth noting. He who undertakes to give strength to his people, is a God of power, and of glorious power. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter (epistle) to the church at Colossae, a small city located on the Lycus River in Asia Minor (modern Turkey)—known for its production of wool and woolen goods. However, Epaphras has apparently brought Paul news of serious problems at Colossae—problems with false teachings that some scholars have labeled “the Colossian Heresy.” Paul’s is writing this letter to help the Colossians to deal with those problems: • He expresses a concern that someone “may delude you with persuasiveness of speech (2:4). We talk about “Aha!” experiences where we suddenly see clearly what had been mysterious or muddy until then. We are seeing a great increase on every hand of this turning to the occult -- to astrology, to the black and devious arts, to magic, to seances. I have been in travels often, The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Some of the Colossian Christians would almost surely suffer similar adversities. Good words will not do without good works. As saints, we are linked to each other by our faith in Christ. The middle part of this verse, “to which also you were called in one body,” suggests that this external peace is the primary meaning here. We can fulfill God’s purpose for us only as we seek to understand and to fill that space—as we seek to bring our wills into congruence with God’s will. The list goes on and on. Colossians Commentary. But the goal is not to acquire abstract theological information. Beyond the happy serendipity of the metaphor occurring in two of our texts for today, might we “fruitfully” investigate this relationship more closely? An apostolos is someone who is sent with a message. Observing these two commandments is certainly central to pleasing God. Indeed, when people grow in gospel wisdom and understanding they lead lives worthy of Jesus, lives that bear fruit in every good work. Paul had not visited the Colossian church personally. In the Lukan context, the parable of the Good Samaritan is prompted by a dialogue between Jesus and a lawyer. Elsewhere, Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)—in other words, “If God is for us, who cares who might be against us?” or “If God is for us, what does it matter who might be against us?” Paul’s point is that a close relationship with God confers on the believer a confidence that cannot be shaken by any opponent or any danger. He prays that they “may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10). These Colossians were troubled with these influences as we are troubled with them today. New Testament Christians thought of each other as brother and sister (Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 16:12; Ephesians 6:23; 1 Timothy 6:2; Revelation 1:9; 12:10)—and used those words to speak of each other. Paul wrote two letters (First and Second Timothy) to Timothy—letters of encouragement and guidance from an older, experienced missionary to a younger, inexperienced man. BIG IDEA: PAUL INTRODUCES HIS STABILIZING TEACHING TO THE COLOSSIANS WITH THANKSGIVING, A REMINDER, AND A PRAYER ON THEIR BEHALF (:1-2) GREETING A. He also said, “He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38). Rather, in almost personalizing language, it “has come to you” (Colossians 1:6). The Christians in Colossae faced a similar situation. Now he says, “We give thanks,” which surely includes Timothy—and, perhaps, the other Christians that Paul will mention in chapter 4. Paul, of course, was not one of the original twelve apostles. H ere is a Bible study on Colossians chapter one with a summary and discussion questions to follow.. Colossians 1:3-5 “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Note the contrast between “light” (v. 12b) and “darkness (v. 13a). The New Testament presents Jesus’ death on the cross as a redemptive act for humanity—as a “ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Paul is calling these Colossian Christians to live in harmony and tranquility with each other. “according to the might (kratos) of his glory” (doxa) (v. 11b). Joy is a common theme in both Old and New Testaments. God has delivered these Colossian Christians from the power of darkness, and has ushered them into the realm of light. “for all endurance (hypermone) and perseverance (makrothumia) with joy” (charas) (v. 11c). This is a familial, procreative, agricultural, and ecological fruitfulness. Jesus says that we must forgive each other if we want God to forgive us (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). He more likely served as Paul’s amanuensis (secretary), writing as Paul dictated. Epaphras (a shortened version of the name Epaphroditus) was probably the founding pastor of the church at Colossae (and nearby churches at Laodicea and Hierapolis as well). In the New Testament, euangelion is used for the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. • However, the prophets saw that even those who were trying to follow Torah law were nevertheless deficient, particularly with regard to the treatment of widows, orphans, and other vulnerable people. God is powerful, and dispenses power to those who believe in him and serve him. And the first word spoken to humanity, indeed, the primal blessing is, “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it … ” (Genesis 1:28). They cope less well, because their fate is unclear—because they have nothing definite for which to hope—no end-date by which to measure their progress. EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter (epistle) to the church at Colossae, a small city located on the Lycus River in Asia Minor (modern Turkey)—known for its production of wool and woolen goods. The only explanation for their being counted fit for this saintly inheritance is that the Father has made them fit—has rendered them worthy. The word “glory” is used in the Bible to speak of various wonderful things—but it is used especially to speak of God’s glory—an aura associated with God’s appearance that reveals God’s majesty to humans. Also at the core of God’s will is our cross. • He cautions them to “be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ” (2:8). Kratos has more to do with inner strength. The vices mentioned in 3:5-7 were more likely to be a problem for Gentiles rather than for Jews). They are “faithful brothers” (v. 1). We sin against each other in many ways—and Christ calls us to forgive those who have sinned against us (Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21ff; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; 17:3-4). Give a little/brief background to the book. But Paul tells these Colossian Christians that God has inserted them into the inheritance scheme so that they might share in the inheritance of the saints—those whom God has counted as holy. He was so excited at this insight that he ran naked through the streets shouting “Eureka” (“I have found it!”). • He tells them not to let anyone judge them “in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day” (2:16). Without growing in such knowledge, without being more deeply shaped by this story, the community will be barren, devoid of good fruit. Give the meaning then establish principles of life from the interpretation. The creative word that calls forth a world and a people of fruitfulness is spoken anew in the gospel and, lo and behold, it bears fruit. The word eucharisteo means to give thanks or to express one’s gratitude—and the Lord’s Supper is certainly a place where it is appropriate to do that. Colossians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 4:15.; Colossians 1:2 Some manuscripts Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; Colossians 1:7 Or slave; Colossians 1:7 Some manuscripts your; Colossians 1:9 Or all spiritual wisdom and understanding; Colossians 1:12 Some manuscripts us There is more at work in the text, however, than one might gather from an initial, cursory reading. He has heard of their faith in Christ and their love for the saints (v. 4). It does mean that Christ has made us holy—set us apart for a Godly purpose—called us to live holy lives. At the core of God’s will is Jesus’ cross—given “that whoever believes in (the Son of Man) should not perish, but have eternal life—that the world should be saved through him”(John 3:16-17). The writings of the prophets addressed this problem—and are as helpful today in determining how to please God as they were when they were first written. Might it be that when Paul, a Jew deeply embedded in the narrative and symbolism of the Hebrew scriptures, employs a metaphor like “fruit” there is a whole wealth of allusion to be unpacked? Paul pays these Colossian Christians two great compliments, calling them both “saints” and “faithful brothers (and sisters).”. It is a tradition that we would do well to resurrect. • The ground on which Moses stood was holy, because God was present there (Exodus 3:5). (1-2) Paul greets the Christians in Colosse. God said, “I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). 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