Col. 1:3-8 - Epaphras told us about your faith

The gospel has come to you

Vs. 3 - We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

- "praying always for you" - Paul must have had a tremendous prayer list. Each of his letters has a list of people for whom he prays.

Vs. 4 - since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;

- "since we heard"- Paul began praying for them (see vs. 3) specifically at the point he heard (1) of their faith in Jesus, and (2) the love that they showed to their fellow Christian brethren.

Vs. 5 - because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel

- "because of the hope" - Their faith and their outgoing love (their faith had to be outgoing or Paul would not have heard). The active demonstration of faith and love was, is, a result of knowing and having a hope waiting for them in heaven. This truth, this hope had been told to them as part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The hope is eternal life with Christ if we only will trust Him with ourselves. See 1 Cor. 15:19 - We have at least two reasons for hope: peace with God now (release from shame, guilt, and abundant living) and the prospect of eternity with Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

Vs. 6 - which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;

- "which has come to you" - The gospel had come to them through Epaphras (see verse 5). At the same time the gospel was being spread throughout the world. Not only was it spreading, but increasing, growing by adding new souls of those being saved (bearing fruit, Rom. 1:13).
I also believe this verse is talking about the growth, the progressive sanctification, of each believer in the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a static message, but dynamic, living and breathing. Christ came that we might have life, abundant life, a life that is full and meaningful. So the gospel not only grows world wide, but in each believer, bearing fruit.

“heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth” - The Good News, the Gospel, is the story of grace and truth. You may hear the message of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for you - to remove your sin and bring you into God’s presence unafraid. If, however, you do not believe it to be true, you have not truly understood what Jesus has done for you - personally. You have not grasped the truth of the Gospel. You can be God’s child! You are forgiven of your sin. God Loves You! That is a ‘step-wise’ function, not gradual easing into it, sneaking in through a side-door.

Vs. 7 - just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,

- "learned it from Epaphras" - They had heard the gospel from Epaphras, who was a native of Colossae (4:12). The church at Colossae was probably started, or at least nurtured by Epaphras.

- "fellow bond-servant " - Although Christ has set us free from sin, we now are slaves to Him, bought by His blood. Epaphras must have volunteered to go with Paul and work with him.

Vs. 8 - and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

- "and he also informed us " Epaphras told Paul of the love of the believers at Colossae. Because of the love of Christ for them, they were filled with love for one another. They were following Jesus' command and prayer that as His followers to love one another. (See: John 13:34,35; 15:12, 17)

*** Note: Sometimes I diagram the sentences Paul writes. Diagramming helps me to get to the 'nut', or central point of his sentence/paragraphs. Diagraming (for those of us old enough to know what that is, or had to do it in grade school) Paul's sentences is difficult. He writes using run-on sentences; I am not sure the Greeks used periods at the end of sentences. He usually makes a statement, and then adds several clauses to define that statement or words in that statement, e.g., "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" defines "God" to whom they were giving thanks.

Col. 1:1-2 - Hello, Believers in Colossae!

Salutation

Vs. 1 - From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

- Paul was not forced to be an apostle by the Lord. God wanted him to be a missionary to the Gentiles. Paul responded to to God's call and was richly blessed in his doing. In like manner, God has a plan for each of us, a place He wants us to go, a job He wants us to do in His kingdom. Our availability is the thing, our willingness to answer the call is key.
Jesus tells a parable: a man asks his two sons to work in the fields. One says, "No," but then goes to work. The second says he will, but does not work. Jesus asks, "Who did the will of the father?" (See: Matt. 21:28-32) The point of the story is not that you can reject the call of the Lord, and get away with it by changing your mind. The message is: it is not what you say you'll do, but what you actually do for the Lord. What you do is based on what you believe about Jesus. (I am NOT saying that each of us is called by God to be a missionary in foreign countries like Paul.)

Timothy: When Paul writes to him, he calls Timothy "my son", "my child in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). Here Paul calls Timothy a Christian brother. When we are children of God (John 1:12, Rom. 8:16,17) we are spiritually related, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Note: Paul makes this announcement right at the beginning to confirm the office of apostle was bestowed upon him by the Lord, and acknowledged by the other apostles. This was to let the Colossian church know some instruction is forthcoming. He is instructing with authority. This is not just a friendly letter, but a business letter, church business.

Vs. 2 - to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!

- "Saints" - All Christians were looked upon as saints. Paul is addressing the Christians as saints and faithful and brethren.

- "Grace and Peace" - Grace and peace are not usually combined as a blessing in the Old Testament. The closest we see is : "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is the way you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and protect you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."' (Num. 6:23-26). Paul includes this combined blessing in every letter he wrote. Also, in the OT it seems 'grace' is stated as a request to a higher power, such as a king. We seldom see grace being bestowed upon others.
- Paul is offering them: (1) not the grace of salvation, but grace upon grace - the Holy Spirit living in control of the life, living by faith; and (2) the peace of Christ - (See: John 14:27) - Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

Colossae was built along a river in Phrygia near the town of Laodicea. Which does not help at all. (Well, Laodicea was called upon by Jesus in the book of Revelation - Rev. 3:14-22). Colossae was about 10 miles from Laodicea. Laodicea was about 10 miles from Colossae. Again, that clears it all up. The area is now part of what we know as southwestern Turkey. Turkey is a large country on the eastern edge of the Mediterranian and Aegean Seas, with the Black Sea to its north. Turkey also borders Iraq.
Colossae may have been destroyed by an earthquake during the reign of Nero, about 59-63 A.D. Apparently the town was never rebuilt after the earthquake, but another town was built nearby. We can guess the letter from Paul was sent to the Colossians before the earthquake since it is not mentioned.
The church in Colossae was probably founded by Epaphras, who was one of Paul's co-workers. Paul may never have been there (there is no mention of Colossae listed in any of Paul's journeys recorded in Acts).

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Col. 1:15-20 - The Song of Christ

I believe this is one of the most beautiful passages in the New Testament. I've labeled it "the Song of Christ." The following verses deserve being seen all together.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him - all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers - all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven

Vs. 15 - He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

- "He" refers to Jesus Christ, the beloved Son (v. 13).

- "Image" - no one has ever seen God face to face (see: John 1:18, 6:46; 1 Tim. 6:15,16; 1 John 4:12, 20b). We see God's work in nature. It is very difficult to determine God's attitude toward us from nature itself. We can see that He has immense power and control, but not His attitude. This is the purpose of Christ's coming. This is the purpose of the scriptures - to reveal to us God's attitude toward us.
In Christ we can see the attributes of God (Col.2:6, 9; Heb. 1:3; John10:30, 14:9, 1 John 1:5). Through Christ we can see how much God loves us (Rom. 5:8). The word "image" is from Greek for icon - it conveys the idea of being able to fully reveal who God is. He is unknowable, without special revelation. Jesus is that revelation!

- "firstborn of all creation" - Jesus is not the first created thing as some religions would have us believe, but the first spiritually born person (Heb. 1:6; Col. 1:17, 18; Acts 26:23; 1 Cor. 15:20; Rev. 1:5). That is, the first person that was spiritually raised from the dead. Other people before Christ had been brought back to life - Christ raised up three himself. But best thing that can be said for them is they got to live in this life again. Christ truly was the first raised to eternal life. Jesus came from eternal life to earth. He lived a physical life with we humans, and died on the cross for our sins. He was raised to eternal life. This is totally different than someone dying and going to heaven, or being taken up into heaven (See: Gen. 5:23, 24; 2 Ki. 2:11, 12) Jesus was dead, and then resurrected to eternal life, and then ascended into heaven. He was the first. We will experience the exact same thing! Note: Check the significance of being the firstborn in a family in the first century!

Vs. 16 - For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.

- "all things" - In Christ, through Christ, everything that ever came into being, or will come into being exists. (see John 1:3, 10; Eph. 1:10; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 8:6, 11:12; Heb. 1:2,3, 2:10; Rev. 4:11). Both the spiritual realms and physical realm came into being through Christ.

Vs. 17 - He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

- Jesus has been with the Father since the beginning of time. He claimed to be the same as God. He is exactly God, with the same glory and eminence. See John 1:1, 8:58; Heb. 1:3.

Vs. 18 - He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

- Not only is Christ pre-eminent in the group of believers, but in the whole world. The body of believers is called 'the church'. The term 'church' has come to mean organized religion to secular man, and for the most part is derogatory, with negative implication. (Yes, I know that seems redundant.)
However, in the scriptures 'church' means:

1. the entire body, collection, of those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
2. the local congregations, the local small group of believers

Christ is the leader, the authority, and the power of the church.
The imagery in the NT about the church is varied and interesting. The church is a living body, with Jesus Christ as the head of the body. The church is a temple, using each believer as part of the structure. (One of the interesting pictures is that each of us is a temple for Christ, (See: 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19)and each temple is part of the larger temple of the church. (See: 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21)) The church is the 'bride' and Jesus is the groom or husband. There are other images, but these are the main images used.

- "he is the beginning" - Christ is the origin or source of all that has been, or will be created (Rom. 3:14). He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He is also the origin of the church, the source, the center. Out of Him all things flow, to Him all must go.

- "the firstborn from the dead" - The first to pass through spiritual death, to be raised to new life with the Father (v. 15). Others are to follow, including us if we should die before Christ returns for His own. (1 Cor 15:51-57; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

- "first place in everything" - For a while, Christ became a servant, voluntarily, and was subjected to hideous treatment. He now reigns supreme over all things - every knee will bow, every tongue will confess - Jesus is Lord.- See: Rev. 5:9-14; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 1:1-14).

All things reconciled through Christ alone

Vs. 19 - For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

- The RSV (note 1) says it was "God's" pleasure. In other words: God was pleased, and it was His will that Jesus Christ would have the complete essence, the nature and characteristics of all three 'parts' of the Godhead (Trinity). No part was left out - this was the Father's will. Jesus had the complete nature of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in him - this is what "pleased" God - God's will was carried to completion.

Vs. 20 - and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

- It was God's will (and pleasure) that everything and everyone would be brought back to God through Jesus Christ.

- "reconciliation" - the word in Greek actually means to 'turn from enmity into friendship.' Particularly this applies to man and his relationship to God. To be the world's friend is to be an enemy of God (see: James 4:4; 1 John 2:15, 16). Because of man's own self-will, stubborn independent nature, he has separated himself from God, fellowship is broken. Only through Jesus Christ can one know and experience God's love. Through Christ all things have been brought into a right relationship with God. (See Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Eph. 2:13-15).

- "having made peace through the blood,of His cross" - Christ promised us peace. But this is in reference to us being enemies of God. Through reconciliation we are no longer enemies - peace had been wrought, and only through Christ's blood is God's perfect justice satisfied. Accepting Christ's sacrifice, his shed blood, turns us from enemies to friends - peace with God. Peace in God comes much later.

- "through Him, I say..." - Paul is simply repeating for emphasis that reconciliation is through Christ only. Reconciliation is sufficient for all men, all creation, but is effective for only those that will accept it.

This 'Song of Christ' may have been a hymn of the first century churches. ("The Supremacy" is my favorite written or arranged by Eric Herron.) It is the centerpiece of Paul's message in this letter.
He starts in chapter 1:4, see the reference to their faith in Christ Jesus. The letter is to encourage the believers to hold fast to their faith in Christ, and to warn them against false teachings (see chapter 2). Similar to the letter to the Hebrews, in which the writer shows how Jesus is better. Better than: angels; better than high priests; better than Moses; better than Melchizedeck; better than Abraham; better than the covenant (Mosaic Covenant).

The message is: keep your faith in Christ alone. Any. (ANY!) teaching that boils down to "Christ plus..." Is going to draw you away from Jesus. "Christ-plus-works" does not equal faith; it equals justification by works. It means you can do something to make yourself worthy of salvation, acceptable to God. It leads to the thinking, "If I do x, then God will see that I am worthy to be in heaven and grant me entrance to the same." That doesn't work any better than the Mosaic covenant. God is perfect, and no matter how hard we try, how hard we do, we can not achieve perfect. Pretty good is totally insufficient.

note 1: Revised Standard Version
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Colossians - Introduction to the Letter

Summary Analysis

The main themes of this letter are: Christ, the head of the church The glory of the person and work of Christ Hold to true wisdom, do not be fooled by worldly or false wisdom. Christ is all that is needed. He is enough

OUTLINE
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Chapter 1 
Vs. 1-2: Salutation
Vs. 3-8: Giving thanks for Colossians believers
Vs. 9-12: Knowledge of Christ, power will bring growth
Vs. 13-14: Forgiveness in Christ
Vs. 15-18: Christ has pre-eminence
Vs. 19-23: All things reconciled through Christ alone
Vs. 24-27: The church is a mystery revealed
Vs. 28-29: Gospel proclaimed
Chapter 2
Vs. 1-3: Working that all may know Christ
Vs. 4-7: Don't fall prey to false teaching
Vs. 8-15: Christ triumphant, all comes through Him
Vs. 16-19: Hold fast to Christ, nothing less
Vs. 20-23: If died with Christ, all other matters are secondary
Chapter 3 
Vs. 1-4: Keep mind on Christ
Vs. 5-11: Become dead to immorality
Vs. 12-17: Put on love, Put on Christ
Vs. 18-25: Guidelines for family living
Chapter 4
Vs. 1: Masters and slaves
Vs. 2-6: Be graceful in all dealings and actions
Vs. 7-18: Closings and greetings.
***

The letter has two main parts

Paul writes about theology first, then practical Christian living based on the theology.
First - an exhortation against false teachings - (1:3-2:23)
Second - exhortation to proper Christian living - &nbsp(3:1-4:17)

The letter is a counter to heresy

A list of the heresies:

1. 'wisdom' (2:3, 23);
2. 'ascetic practices' - severe treatment or deprivation of the body (2:23); including Jewish practices such as - 'circumcision' (2:11, 3:11)
3. false teaching identified as 'philosophy' (2:8)
4. 'human tradition' (2:8)
5. 'Sabbath observances', food, festivals (2:16)
6. 'worship of angels' and 'visions' (2:18)
7. 'harsh human regulations' (2:21-23)

Other aspects of the heresy:

8. Inferior view of Christ
9. Philosophies not built on Christ
10. Legalism
11. False teachers pushing worship of angels, etc.

Author

Written by Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), about 60 AD, about 30-35 years after Christ rose from the dead.
Background information: Colossae is in the Lycos River valley in modern day Turkey - it is a farming, agricultural town. Epaphras was saved in Ephesus. He returned to Colossae to start the church. Although Paul had never visited the church, he was pleased for the believers in the church. He was concerned the Colossians would begin to search for "something more". It is in the human DNA to "itch for something more". We just want the next thing, "Is this all there is?"

There was a group of people who followed Paul from town to town saying, "What Paul taught was well and good, but we have what will take you to the next level. Jesus is nice, but there is more, keep looking. We have the secret you need."
Paul insists church members already have everything. They need nothing more. Christ is enough.

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Our pastor, Gene, preached on the introduction to Colossians. My notes from it are below because it goes to the heart of the theme of the letter.
"Jesus Saves..." On a billboard, or spray painted on cliff or bridge along the freeway - sometimes we wince when we see that. We wince because we are embarrassed. Seems kind of crude and vulgar to be placed up there with other stuff. In someway it is too personal - somebody named Jesus saved Me. It says we need to be saved. It seems offensive to say that you need saving. The message is: "You are not at peace. You won't, can't make it on your own." It seems too simple. Paul was proud, but would not be ashamed of the billboard. Paul preached a simple salvation message: Christ Crucified! Christ Resurrected!

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Note: My intent was to have each verse of the chapter included usually in italics, with discussion following. Significant phrases or words are handled separately. Please forgive fractured grammar, and partial sentences. These were notes written as I thought and prayed during the study. The written truncated thought was fully developed in my mind, or so I like to believe.

1 Pet. 5:11-14 - Stand firm in God's grace

11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.
12 Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
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Closing comments and greetings

vs. 11 - "To him belongs..." - Praise the Lord! Eternal glory and Power is Christ's as it is the Father's and the Holy Spirit's. It can belong to none other. He is the almighty, eternal, and glorious Lord God. His life, His miracles, His resurrection and ascension all give proof to His being worthy. See Rev. 4:11 - "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!"

vs. 12 - "in order to encourage you" - This letter was written to encourage us during trouble, persecution and suffering.
It seems that 'Silvanus' may also be another name for 'Silas' who had been a helper for Paul on his journeys. Some of the helpers for Paul and Barnabas, or Peter and John moved from apostle to apostle wherever they were needed most.

"this is the true grace of God" - Go back to verse 10 - two important statements (1) you are called to His eternal glory, and (2) He himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. That is indeed grace - we are helpless, and He is not. He is not selfish and will give us what we do not deserve - because of His love for us.

vs. 13 - "The Church in Babylon" - The Church in Babylon is the Church of Jerusalem - which is a little bit cryptic.
One commentary (Matthew Henry) claims this letter was written from Assyria, or Babylon, and that the Jerusalem church had been driven out, dispersed and landed in Babylon.
Assyria was not Babylon. They were competing powerful nations during the early Jewish kingdoms. Assyria and Babylonia occupied the approximate same territory, roughly from the area now known as Turkey down to the Perisan Gulf. They ruled at different times, often over-running each other in their quest for dominance. The capital of the nation Babylonia was the city of Babylon, located in the southern portion of the area (now know as Iraq). Assyria's capital was Nineveh, or Assur, (see the book of Jonah) located close to the Black sea in the north.
The city of Babylon no longer existed by the time of the apostles. It appears to have declined to ruins after Alexander the Great conquered (approximately 275 BC) the nation. The name Babylon became a title for the Asian area where many churches were founded by Peter and Paul. Babylon was an important center of the Christian faith until the Islam invasion and destruction in the 700s AD.
Peter was visiting the exiled believers, and wrote this letter to encourage other Christians.

vs. 14 - "Peace to all of you" - The Peace of Christ is with us. Jesus promised His peace. See John 14:27. Paul echoes this promise in his letter to the Philippians. "Do not be anxious for anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus... And what you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things And the God of peace will be with you." Phi. 4:6,7,9. In the midst of trials and persecution, appeal to the Lord, and receive His peace. He will never leave your, nor abandon you. What a marvelous thought to ponder each and every day! If He is for us, who or what can be against us. We are His own family. Praise the Lord!

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END OF CHAPTER
END OF LETTER