New Testament Survey: Book of Colossians Outside Colosse

Located about 100 miles east of Ephesus, in the valley of the River Lycus 12 miles up the river from Hierapolis and Laodicea By New Testament times, it was neither large or as important as neighboring cities No indication Paul had ever preached there or was responsible for the church that was planted there Learned by report (1:1) Face was unknown to them (2:1) The City of Colosse

Located in the province of Asia; the preaching probably took place during Paul’s stay at Ephesus People in Asia were hearing Paul (Acts 19:10) Epaphras was a native of Colosse He was responsible for planting the church in this city (1:7) Labored very hard in the ministry (4:13) Worked fervently for the saints (4:12) The City of Colosse

The Church at Colosse Consisted largely of Gentiles (2:13) Making ministry of Christ known among the Gentiles (1:27) Sins characteristic of the Gentiles (3:5-7) Paul felt a responsibility to the church since it had been begun by a fellow worker. Situated in a very wealthy area Two great aligned trades: – Great flocks of sheep (fertile pastures) – Greatest centers for wool making (and dying)

Date of Writing During his third preaching journey, Paul spent a long period in Ephesus. When he returned, he was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:30-36) He was taken to Caesarea; then to Rome. While Paul was in prison in Rome, he was visited by Epaphras from Colosse. Epaphras reported on the condition of the church (Acts 28:30,31; 1:8; 2:4). Imprisonment dated AD Letter written during that period. Colossians and Philemon sent to Colosse (4:7-9).

The Letter’s Purpose and Character Written not only to express interest in their spiritual welfare and let them know they were in his prayers… A serious threat (the Colossian heresy) to the church had arisen. Paul wrote to save them from this heresy. Evidently, the false doctrine denied Christ’s pre-eminence and all-sufficiency. Offset by telling them who Christ is and the part He played in God’s plan for human redemption.

Christ is the image of the invisible God (1:15) Firstborn of all creation (1:15) Created all things in heaven and on earth (1:16) He was before all things, and in Him all things hold together (1:17) Head of the body—He has preeminence in all things (1:18) God’s plan for the fullness of the Godhead to dwell in Him—reconcile all things to Himself (1:19) The Letter’s Purpose and Character

In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:2) Fullness of the Godhead bodily (2:9) No greater claims of pre-eminence were ever affirmed than in this letter written by Paul Destroys forever the heretics’ false doctrine that Christ was just a “heavenly messenger” Also, His ministry need not be augmented by other “angels” or “heavenly messengers”— this was the Gnostic’s false claim! The Letter’s Purpose and Character

At the same time, Paul emphasized Christ’s humanity— His flesh-and-blood existence (1:22). This offset the false Gnostic thinking that all flesh and things in the material world were evil! Also, Jewish influence sought to bind Jewish customs on the Colossian Christians. Christ’s death on the cross ended such customs (2:14). No longer is anyone judged by those things (2:13-17). Circumcision is no longer fleshly—it applies to the heart (2:11,12). The Letter’s Purpose and Character

Mixing false human philosophy and vain deceit (2:6-11) Paul points out the rules of self-inflicted punishment. Extreme denial and deprivation were prescribed by men’s doctrines—not God’s! (2:22,23) Christians had died, with Christ, from the rudiments of the world. They were no longer subject to them—but only to Christ. All the precepts and doctrines of men perish with using—they have no spiritual value! The Letter’s Purpose and Character

Another Gnostic concept: spirit is good, and all fleshly things are bad. Gnostics believed all flesh was bad and could only result in evil. Giving in to fleshly lusts could not condemn or corrupt a man’s spirit! Their teaching: fill your cup with pleasure; gratify and fulfill all your earthly desires—you’ll be no worse off! Yes, it sounds like fun—but at what price? The Letter’s Purpose and Character

Paul offsets this false teaching: – We are dead to sin, and our lives are hid with Christ in God— set your affections on things above (3:1-3). – Put fleshly desires and lusts to death (3:5-7). – “God’s elect”—put on Christ-like characteristics of righteousness that give evidence that Christ is ruling your heart. – Submit yourself to daily living according to His will; extends to all personal relationships (3:18—4:6) – Seek to conduct yourself in complete harmony with Christ ‘s will! (3:17) The Letter’s Purpose and Character