NT Survey II Colossians

Introduction “From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!” 1:1-2 “You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave, a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.” 1:7

Introduction “I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.” 2:1 “…I am in chains.” 4:3 “Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me” 4:7 (cf. Eph 6:21-22)

From Paul to Colossae

Structure Notice Paul’s use of the first person pronoun… 1:1 – 2:5~ 25 times 2:6 – 4:6~ 1 time (excluding 4:3-4) 4:7 – 4:18~ 12 times

Structure 1:1 – 2:5 2:6 – 4:6 4:7 – 4:18 1:1 – 1:3Introduction 1:4 – 1:8Paul’s thankfulness for their salvation 1:9 – 1:12Paul’s desire for their growth 1:13 – 1:23(What the Father has done) 1:24 – 2:5Paul’s struggle for their benefit Paul’s Case for Trust in Himself (note 1:23!) 2:6 – 2:7Stay on track! (Paul’s reason for writing) 2:8 – 2:15Don’t be enamored 2:16 – 2:23Don’t be pressured 3:1 – 3:4Keep focused 3:5 – 3:11Kill the old 3:12 – 4:6Embrace the new Paul’s Case for Maturity in Christ Salutations and Conclusion

Purpose Statement for Colossians Paul wrote Colossians because he wanted the believers there to continue in faith as they were taught and not shift from the hope of the gospel that they had heard. (Paraphrase of 1:23 & 2:6-7)

Occasion for Colossians Note that the situation concerning Onesimus contributed to the occasion of Paul writing (cf. next week) Epaphras told Paul not only about the Colossians’ love (1:8) but also their need for maturity (4:12-13) Epaphras told Paul not only about the Colossians’ love (1:8) but also their need for maturity (4:12-13) The so-called “Colossian Heresy” (cf. Bruce, NICNT) The so-called “Colossian Heresy” (cf. Bruce, NICNT) Warning! Philosophy and empty illusion, according to human tradition, according to the elemental forces of the world, and not according to Christ (2:8) Warning! Philosophy and empty illusion, according to human tradition, according to the elemental forces of the world, and not according to Christ (2:8) Elemental forces include circumcision (2:10-15; cf. Gal 4:3, 9) and Jewish feasts, holidays (2:16-17) Elemental forces include circumcision (2:10-15; cf. Gal 4:3, 9) and Jewish feasts, holidays (2:16-17) But also! Asceticism (2:20-23) and angel worship (2:18-19) But also! Asceticism (2:20-23) and angel worship (2:18-19)

Merkabah Mysticism [T]here was present, as early as the first century B.C., a form of religious mysticism which was to endure for centuries. This is the form known as merkabah mysticism, because of the place which it gave to exercises designed to facilitate entry into the vision of the heavenly chariot (merkabah), with God visibly enthroned above it—the vision granted to Ezekiel when he was called to his prophetic ministry (Ezek 1:15-26). For the gaining of such a vision punctilious observance of the minutiae of the law, not least the law of purification, was essential. Moreover, in addition to what the law required of every pious Jew, a period of asceticism, variously estimated at twelve or forty days, was a necessary preparation. Then, when the heavenly ascent was... This is the form known as merkabah mysticism, because of the place which it gave to exercises designed to facilitate entry into the vision of the heavenly chariot (merkabah), with God visibly enthroned above it—the vision granted to Ezekiel when he was called to his prophetic ministry (Ezek 1:15-26). For the gaining of such a vision punctilious observance of the minutiae of the law, not least the law of purification, was essential. Moreover, in addition to what the law required of every pious Jew, a period of asceticism, variously estimated at twelve or forty days, was a necessary preparation. Then, when the heavenly ascent was...

Merkabah Mysticism (cont…)... attempted, the mediatorial role of angels was indispensable; it was important, therefore, not to incur their hostility, for the ascent was attended by great perils.... It cannot be proved that the Colossian heresy involved an early form of merkabah mysticism, but the heavenly ascent implied in Col 2:18 appears to have been of the same character as the experience which the merkabah mystics sought. The Colossian heresy evidently encouraged the claim that the fullness of God could be appreciated only by mystical experiences for which ascetic preparation was necessary. Paul’s answer to such a claim is that the... It cannot be proved that the Colossian heresy involved an early form of merkabah mysticism, but the heavenly ascent implied in Col 2:18 appears to have been of the same character as the experience which the merkabah mystics sought. The Colossian heresy evidently encouraged the claim that the fullness of God could be appreciated only by mystical experiences for which ascetic preparation was necessary. Paul’s answer to such a claim is that the...

Merkabah Mysticism (cont…)... fullness of God is embodied in Christ, so that those who are united to him by faith have direct access in him to that fullness and have no need to submit to the ascetic rigor which the Colossian Christians were being recommended to practice, with its attendant spiritual dangers. F. F. Bruce, NICNT, p

Major Themes in Colossians Firmness, Maturity, Growth (1:9-12, 23, 28-29; 2:1-7, 19; 3:1-4; 4:12-13) Firmness, Maturity, Growth (1:9-12, 23, 28-29; 2:1-7, 19; 3:1-4; 4:12-13) Christ (part of “Christological” letters) Christ (part of “Christological” letters) Humanity (1:15, 22, 24; 2:9, 20) Humanity (1:15, 22, 24; 2:9, 20) Deity (1:16-20; 2:2-3, 9-11; 3:1-4, 15-17, 23-24) Deity (1:16-20; 2:2-3, 9-11; 3:1-4, 15-17, 23-24) The Gospel, Word (1:5-7, 21-23, 25; 3:16…) The Gospel, Word (1:5-7, 21-23, 25; 3:16…) Mystery (1:25-27; 2:2-3; 4:3-4) Mystery (1:25-27; 2:2-3; 4:3-4) Prayer (Paul, Epaphras, commanded) Prayer (Paul, Epaphras, commanded) Thanksgiving, Love, Wisdom, Knowledge… Thanksgiving, Love, Wisdom, Knowledge…

Interpretive Issue #1 -- “The firstborn of all creation” (1:15) -- [Note] Rev 3:14 – “The beginning of the creation of God says this…” written to Laodicea, a church in the same valley (cf. Col. 4:16) [Note] Rev 3:14 – “The beginning of the creation of God says this…” written to Laodicea, a church in the same valley (cf. Col. 4:16) NIV: “Firstborn over all creation” NIV: “Firstborn over all creation” MacArthur Bible Commentary: “It is impossible for Christ to be both created and the Creator of everything (1:16). Thus, Jesus is the firstborn in the sense that He has the preeminence (1:18) and that He possesses the right of inheritance ‘over all creation’ (Heb 1:2; Rev 5:1-7, 13)” MacArthur Bible Commentary: “It is impossible for Christ to be both created and the Creator of everything (1:16). Thus, Jesus is the firstborn in the sense that He has the preeminence (1:18) and that He possesses the right of inheritance ‘over all creation’ (Heb 1:2; Rev 5:1-7, 13)”

Interpretive Issue #1 (cont…) -- “The firstborn of all creation” (1:15) -- John Calvin: “[H]e is not called the first-born, simply on the ground of his having preceded all creatures in point of time, but because he was begotten by the Father, that they might be created by him, and that he might be, as it were, the substance or foundation of all things. It was then a foolish part that the Arians acted, who argued from this that he was, consequently, a creature.”

Interpretive Issue #1 (cont…) -- “The firstborn of all creation” (1:15) -- Some thoughts… Clearly the word “firstborn” does not have to mean “the first one born” but can (and often does) mean “the preeminent one” (e.g., Psa 89:27)Clearly the word “firstborn” does not have to mean “the first one born” but can (and often does) mean “the preeminent one” (e.g., Psa 89:27) Clearly in the context Christ is not part of the “all things in heaven and on earth were created” (1:16) since He is the one creating!Clearly in the context Christ is not part of the “all things in heaven and on earth were created” (1:16) since He is the one creating!

Interpretive Issue #1 (cont…) -- “The firstborn of all creation” (1:15) -- However… The phrase “firstborn of” is always followed by one of two types of words:The phrase “firstborn of” is always followed by one of two types of words: Possessive: E.g., “The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau” (Gen 36:15)Possessive: E.g., “The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau” (Gen 36:15) Partitive: E.g., “Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock” (Gen 4:4)Partitive: E.g., “Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock” (Gen 4:4) Christ is clearly not possessed by creation, so...Christ is clearly not possessed by creation, so...

Interpretive Issue #1 (cont…) -- “The firstborn of all creation” (1:15) -- But wait… What does it mean for Christ to be the image of God?What does it mean for Christ to be the image of God? Why does an author/speaker use apposition?Why does an author/speaker use apposition? So, Christ is the firstbornSo, Christ is the firstborn He is preeminent among all creationHe is preeminent among all creation He is a part of creation not by means of being created but by means of the incarnation (cf. Rom 8:29) [Remember, the humanity of Christ is a theme of this letter]He is a part of creation not by means of being created but by means of the incarnation (cf. Rom 8:29) [Remember, the humanity of Christ is a theme of this letter]

Interpretive Issue #2 -- “What is lacking in the sufferings of Christ” (1:24) -- Is something lacking in the sufferings of Christ? Is something lacking in the sufferings of Christ? If so, what is lacking? If so, what is lacking?

Next Week: Philemon