“Think globally, act locally” Colossians

 Cities of the Lycus River Valley: Colossae, Hierapolis, Laodicea Hellenized Jews, pagan cults, mystery religions Mother goddess worship  Earthquake of 61CE May have destroyed the small, declining city  Epaphras, local preacher and teacher  Paul warns against “Colossian Heresy” Worship of “elemental spirits of the universe” Worship of or by angels Ascetic practices, taboos, mystical rites, diet Date, Place, Situation

 Colossians parallels Ephesians (box 16.2)  Closely tied to Philemon (box 18.2)  Very close to Paul’s thought Some stylistic differences Continues and extends trajectory of Paul’s thinking Question of authenticity comes down to consistency of expression  Option 1: Paul wrote Colossians (late)  Option 2: Timothy or disciple wrote letter  Option 3: Devoted follower wrote letter (early) Authorship

 Cosmic Christ: Hymn (1:15–20) Lord of church and ruler of universe Image of God in whom God dwells Redeemer and creator  Realized Eschatology End-time blessings are available now Eternal perspective affirms that Christ is already Victor and believers have already been raised  Knowledge and Maturity Growth comes from God Colossians have everything but continue to mature Theological Themes

 Salutation, thanksgiving, prayer (1:1–14)  Hymn to Christ (1:15–20)  Theological implications (1:21–2:23) “Christ in you, the hope of glory” Don’t be deceived by human philosophies  Ethical exhortation and closing (3:1–4:18) Conduct of God’s chosen ones Household duties Prayer and wisdom toward outsiders Outline