What is the point for the study the book of Colossians. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 [16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Acts 19:10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

Epaphras brings word to Paul Col. 1:8 Paul in prison Acts 28:30-31 A.D. 60-63 Writes Ephesians Philippians Colossians Philemon Paul sends a letter by Tychicus Col. 4:7-8 Colossae

Who? Introduction Paul, the author (1:1,23; 4:18) Colossians, the recipients (1:1,21,27) Epaphras, the minister (1:7-8) Tychicus, the letter carrier (4:7-8)

Introduction Why? To warn against human philosophy (2:8) To tell the Colossians about Paul (4:7-8)

Introduction When? Paul was in prison, A.D. 60-63 (Acts 28:30-31; Col. 1:24; 4:3,18) Where? Paul in Rome (Italy) Colossians in Asia Minor, SW Phrygia, near Laodicea and Hieropolis (4:13,16)

Introduction What? Salutation (1:1-2) Paul’s Prayers in Christ (1:3-12) The Preeminence of Christ in Christian Doctrine (1:13 - 3:4) Person (Preeminence) of Christ (1:13-23) Paul’s Preaching of Christ (1:24-29) Prize in Christ (2:1 - 3:4) The Preeminence of Christ in Christian Conduct (3:5 - 4:17) Putting On of Christ (3:5-17) Personal Practices in Christ (3:18 - 4:6) Partners of Christ (4:7-17) Benediction (4:18)

Introduction How? Paul addressed the danger of human philosophy by reminding the Colossians of the preeminence of Christ Theme: the “All-Sufficiency of Christ” (1:9,11,15-19,20,28; 2:2-3,9-10; 3:11,16; 4:12)

Gnosticism = gnosis = knowing one The Colossians Heresy Gnosticism = gnosis = knowing one 1. Its Content It was beguiling seduction (2:4) It was based on human philosophy and tradition (2:8) It was according to the rudiments of the world (2:8,20)

The Colossians Heresy 2. Its Practice (part Jewish) It involved physical circumcision (2:11) It involved observing dietary restrictions of meat and drink (2:16) It involved observing the Sabbath and special days (2:16) It involved man-made rules and regulations (2:20-22)

The Colossians Heresy 2. Its Practice (part Greek) It involved voluntary humility (2:18) It involved the worship of angels (2:18) It involved visions (2:18) It involved rigid asceticism (2:23) It involved loose antinomianism (3:5-8)

The Colossians Heresy 3. Its Focus It was an attempt to subtract from Christ through human wisdom (attacked the supremacy of Christ) It was an attempt to divide Christians through exclusivism (intellectual superiority)

The Colossians Heresy 4. Its Origin It came from Jewish religion To be saved, you had to be a Jew, or converted to Judaism To be saved, you had to keep the Law of Moses

(adapted from William Barclay, The All- Sufficient Christ, pp.33-56) The Colossians Heresy 4. Its Origin It came from Greek philosophy (Persian Zoroastrianism, Greek Platonism) All physical matter is created evil True knowledge is available to certain ones only (Gnosis = knowledge) (adapted from William Barclay, The All- Sufficient Christ, pp.33-56)

(the knowing ones) Gnosticism 1. Dethroned Christ - Jesus is a created angel (Answer: 1:15,19,22; 2:9) - Jesus is only a step to heaven (Answer: 2:10; 3:11) 2. Declared all matter is bad - The world was created by evil (Answer: 1:16) - The body (flesh) is evil (Answer: 1:22; 2:9) - The body is mistreated (Answer: 2:23; 3:5-11) 3. Assumed all wisdom is in philosophy - Wisdom only for a few (Answer: 1:9,28; 2:3; 3:16) - Man’s hope is in philosophy (Answer: 1:5,23; 2:8)

Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;