Colossians and Philemon

Where, When, and Who Wrote from Rome in Prison c. AD 60 Wrote Colossians directly to the Church in Colosse and indirectly to the church in Laodicea Letter was to be circulated. Wrote to Philemon personally who was a member of the church at Colosse.

Why Write Colossians Col. 2:2-4 & 2:8 “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

What is in Colossians 1. Christ’s Preeminence Declared... In the Gospel message shown to be true in the Colossians’ conversion. 1:1-12 In Redemption 1:13-14 In Creation 1:15-17 In the Church 1:18-23 In Paul’s Ministry to the Colossians 1:24-2:7 2. Christ’s Preeminence Defended... Against Empty Philosophy (From the Greeks) 2:8-10 Against Religious Legalism (From the Jews) 2:11-23 3. Our Response to Jesus’ true place in all things... In Personal Purity 3:1-11 In Christian Fellowship 3:12-17 In the Home 3:18-21 In Work 3:22-4:1 In Christian Witness 4:2-6 In Christian Service 4:7-18

What is in Colossians Heresy #1 - Gnosticism Colossians 2: 2-3 “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

What is in Colossians Heresy #1 - Gnosticism Dualism Spiritual = Good Matter = Evil

What is in Colossians Heresy #1 - Gnosticism Donald Burdick First. The human body composed of matter was evil, but God who is Spirit is good. Second. Salvation meant escape from the body, achieved not by faith in Christ but by special knowledge. Third. The humanity of Christ was firmly denied, because his deity, could not be associated with the physical world. Fourth. Since the body was considered evil, it was to be treated harshly and extreme asceticism was adopted. Fifth. Paradoxically, this belief also led people to live very worldly and promiscuous lives because since physical matter rather than breaking God’s Law was considered evil or wrong, breaking his law was of no moral consequence.

Heresy #2 - Jewish Mysticism What is in Colossians Heresy #2 - Jewish Mysticism Colossians 2:16-18 “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you.” 

Greek Gnostic Philosophy + Jewish Mysticism = HERESY! What is in Colossians Greek Gnostic Philosophy + Jewish Mysticism = HERESY!

What is in Colossians 1. Christ’s Preeminence Declared... In the Gospel message shown to be true in the Colossians’ conversion. 1:1-12 In Redemption 1:13-14 In Creation 1:15-17 In the Church 1:18-23 In Paul’s Ministry to the Colossians 1:24-2:7 2. Christ’s Preeminence Defended... Against Empty Philosophy (From the Greeks) 2:8-10 Against Religious Legalism (From the Jews) 2:11-23 3. Our Response to Jesus’ true place in all things... In Personal Purity 3:1-11 In Christian Fellowship 3:12-17 In the Home 3:18-21 In Work 3:22-4:1 In Christian Witness 4:2-6 In Christian Service 4:7-18

Christ’s Preeminence Declared..... In Creation What is in Colossians Christ’s Preeminence Declared..... In Creation Colossians 1:16-17 “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” How??? By his Word

What is in Colossians 1. Christ’s Preeminence Declared... In the Gospel message shown to be true in the Colossians’ conversion. 1:1-12 In Redemption 1:13-14 In Creation 1:15-17 In the Church 1:18-23 In Paul’s Ministry to the Colossians 1:24-2:7 2. Christ’s Preeminence Defended... Against Empty Philosophy (From the Greeks) 2:8-10 Against Religious Legalism (From the Jews) 2:11-23 3. Our Response to Jesus’ true place in all things... In Personal Purity 3:1-11 In Christian Fellowship 3:12-17 In the Home 3:18-21 In Work 3:22-4:1 In Christian Witness 4:2-6 In Christian Service 4:7-18

Why Write Philemon Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, stole and ran away from him (was a capital offense). Paul reminds Philemon of the grace he has received from Jesus, and then ponder how he should treat Onesimus who is now his Christian brother.

What is Philemon It is a Case study and real life example of the teaching of Paul in Colossians. Colossians 4:1 “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.”

Grace destroys slavery in any form! Does Philemon Condone Slavery? In the Bible ≠ Endorsement by the Bible Grace destroys slavery in any form!