…Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 FALL 2018 BIBLE STUDY

4 Main Reasons for writing: The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul Colossians was written in 61 AD. Located on the western coast of modern day Turkey 4 Main Reasons for writing: Expose and rebut heresy Instruct Colossians in the truth Express his personal interest in the new believers Inspire and promote mutual love FUN FACT: Colossae was known for its angle cult.

Theme: The Supremacy and Sufficiency of Jesus Christ!

Colossians is an epistle not a letter. A letter is written to a particular individual and can be on any topic. An epistle is a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject often in letter form that is meant to be read to a particular audience and has a religious or moral point of view. Epistle Format: Greeting Prayer Body Closing

Heresies Paul was rebutting: Christ is not enough. People needed spiritual beings to mediate for them. The body is evil – should be treated harshly. This included need for circumcision. The sun, moon, and stars are god-like beings and should be worshipped. Angels are to be worshipped. Gnosticism – only the “enlightened” can be saved.

The Apostle Paul 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

The Apostle Paul 3 Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today.