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÷÷COLOSSIANS 1

COLOSSIANS 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: Brief Definitions of Greek Grammatical Structure,  Textual Criticism, and Glossary.

READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

÷COLOSSIANS 1:1-2

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:1-2
 ¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ²To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

1:1 "Paul" Saul of Tarsus is first called Paul in Acts 13:9. It is probable that most Jews of the "diaspora" (Jews living outside Palestine) had a Hebrew name and a Greek name. If so, then Saul's parents gave him this name but why, then, does "Paul" suddenly appear in Acts 13? Possibly

1. others began to call him by this name
2. he began to refer to himself by the term "little" or "least"

The Greek name Paulos meant "little." Several theories have been advanced about the origin of his Greek name.

1. the second century tradition that Paul was short, fat, bald, bow-legged, bushy eyebrowed, and had protruding eyes is a possible source of the name, deriving from a non-canonical book from Thessalonica called The Acts of Paul and Thecla
2. passages where Paul calls himself "the least of the saints" because he persecuted the Church as in Acts 9:1-2 (cf. 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8; 1 Tim. 1:15)

Some have seen this "leastness" as the origin of the self-chosen title. However, in a book like Galatians, where he emphasized his independence and equality with the Jerusalem Twelve, this is somewhat unlikely (cf. 2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11; 15:10).

▣ "an apostle" This came from the Greek word "to send" (apostellō). Jesus chose twelve men to be with Him in a special sense and called them "Apostles" (cf. Luke 6:13). This term was often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. Matt. 10:40; 15:24; Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48; John 4:34; 5:24,30,36,37,38; 6:29,38,39,40,57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8,18,21,23,25; 20:21). In Greek and Jewish sources, an apostle was someone sent as an official representative of another, similar to "ambassador" (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20).

SPECIAL TOPIC: SEND (APOSTELLŌ)

▣ "Jesus" This Aramaic name meant "YHWH saves," "YHWH is salvation," "YHWH brings salvation." It is the same as the OT Hebrew name "Joshua." "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew word for salvation, "hosea," suffixed to the covenant name for God, "YHWH" (see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D). It was the name designated by God through an angel of the Lord (cf. Matt. 1:21).

▣ "Christ" This was the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term "messiah," which meant "an anointed one." It implied "one called and equipped by God for a specific task." In the OT three groups of leaders: priests, kings, and prophets, were anointed. Jesus fulfilled all three of these anointed offices (cf. Heb. 1:2-3).

SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH

▣ "by God's will" This same introductory phrase is used in 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1 and 2 Tim. 1:1. Paul was convinced that God had chosen him to be an Apostle. This special sense of calling started at his Damascus road conversion (cf. Acts 9:1-22; 23:3-16; 26:9-18). This opening phrase emphasizes Paul's understanding of his God-given authority.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE WILL OF GOD

▣ "Timothy our brother " Timothy's name meant "honored by God" or "honorer of God." He had a Jewish mother (cf. Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. 1:5) and a Greek father (Acts 16:1). He was converted on Paul's first missionary journey to Derbe/Lystra (cf. Acts 16:1). Paul invited him to join the missionary team on the second missionary journey, possibly to replace John Mark (cf. Acts 15:36-41). Paul circumcised him in order to facilitate his work among the Jews (cf. Acts. 16:3). He became Paul's faithful representative, disciple and trouble-shooter (cf. Acts 16:1-17:14; 18:5-19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; 2 Cor. 1:1, 19; Phil 1:2; 2:19; Gal. 1:1; Philem. Col. 1:4; and I and 2 Timothy).

He is mentioned with Paul in several letters (cf. 2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1 and Philemon). This does not imply co-authorship, but Timothy's presence and greetings. Timothy may have functioned as Paul's scribe, as did Silas and Tychicus.

1:2 "the saints" "Saints" (hagioi) is theologically related to the OT term "holy" (kadosh), which implies "set apart for God's service" (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1; Rom. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1). It is PLURAL in the NT except for one time in Phil. 4:21; even there, it is used in a corporate context. To be saved is to be part of the covenant community of faith, a family of believers, which we are meant to serve (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7).

God's people are holy because of the imputed righteousness of Jesus (cf. Rom. 4 and 2 Cor. 5:21). It is God's will that they live holy lives (cf. Col. 1:22; 3:12; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 4:1; 5:27; 1 Pet. 1:16). Believers are both declared holy (positional sanctification) and called to a lifestyle of holiness (progressive sanctification).

SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION

SPECIAL TOPIC: SAINTS

▣ "faithful brethren" In a book written to combat a heretical group of false teachers, this qualification is significant! Paul believed that the church was remaining faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ, given to Paul, given to Epaphras, given to them!

The words, "faith," "trust" and "believe" all have the same Greek root pistis (NOUN) and pisteuō (VERB). The word's primary emphasis is on the trustworthiness of God, not the enthusiasm or sincerity of a human response. Believers must receive and trust in His trustworthy character and eternal promises. The key is the object of the believer's faith, not the intensity of that faith (cf. Matt. 17:20; Luke 17:6). Christianity is an initial, repentant/faith response followed by a lifestyle of faithfulness. Biblical faith is a series of human choices-repentance, faith, obedience, and perseverance. God's faithfulness is reproduced in His children. The image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) is restored and intimate fellowship is again possible!

SPECIAL TOPIC: Faith, Believe, or Trust (Pistis [noun], Pisteuō, [verb], Pistos [adjective])

▣ "in Christ" This is a grammatical construction called a LOCATIVE (OF SPHERE). This was Paul's favorite way to describe Christians. As believers we live and move and have our being in Him (cf. Acts 17:28)! He is the origin and source of all spiritual blessings. Paul uses this phrase 64 times ("in Christ," "in Him," "in the Beloved"). See full note at Eph. 1:4.

▣ "Grace to you and peace" The normal salutation in Greek letters was the word "greeting" (charein, cf. Acts 15:23; 23:36; James 1:1). Paul characteristically changed this to a very similar sounding but Christian term, grace, (charis). Many have assumed that Paul was somehow combining the Greek greeting and the Hebrew greeting, peace (shalom). Although this is an attractive theory, it may be reading too much into this typically Pauline introductory phrase (cf. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; and Philemon 3).

"Grace" was the special word which described the loving, merciful character of God (see full note at v. 6). Humans are right with God because of who He is, not because of who they are. It is God's kind, generous, loving, forgiving, slow to anger, abounding in compassion mercy that forms the only hope for fallen mankind (cf. Exod. 34:6-7; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103:8-14; Joel 2:13; Mic. 6:18-20)! Christianity is rooted in

1. the unchanging character of God (cf. Mal. 3:6; James 1:17)
2. the finished work of Jesus Christ (cf. Mark 10:45; 2 Cor. 5:21)
3. the ministry of the Spirit (cf. John 14:25-26; 16:7-15)

"Peace" is the result of understanding the character of God and the promises of the gospel (cf. John 14:27; 16:33). Peace is an internal joy and stability apart from circumstances, disruptive false teachings or persecution (cf. Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15).

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT)

SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (NT)

SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (OT)

▣ "God our Father" This reading is found in ancient Greek uncial manuscripts B, D, K, L, the ancient Vulgate, Peshitta and Coptic translations and the Greek texts used by Origen and Chrysostom. The manuscripts א, A, C, G add "and our Lord Jesus Christ." The phrase is present in Col. 1:3. It was Paul's normal phrasing in opening prayers (cf. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2 and Titus 1:4). The UBS⁴ gives the shorter reading an "A" rating (certain).

"Father" is not used in the sense of sexual generation or chronological sequence, but intimate family relationship. God chose family terms to reveal Himself to humanity (cf. Hosea 2-3, where God is shown as passionate, faithful lover, and chapter 11 where He is shown as loving father and mother).

The Deity of revelation is not the Prime Mover or the First Cause of Greek philosophy, but the Father of Christ Jesus. The Bible is not a human-reasoned philosophy but a Divine self-disclosure, a revelation which cannot be discovered by human analysis.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FATHERHOOD OF GOD

÷COLOSSIANS 1:3-8

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:3-8
 ³We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; ⁵because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel ⁶which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; ⁷just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, ⁸and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

1:3-8 Verses 3-8 are one sentence in Greek which means they are one sustained prayer of thanksgiving for the church's faith in Christ. Opening prayers of thanksgiving for the recipients was common in Greek letters. In this letter Paul has two opening prayers (i.e., Col. 1:3-8 and Col. 1:9-14).

1:3 "thanks" "Thanks" is a recurrent theme in this letter (cf. Col. 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 4:2), as "joy" is in the letter to the Philippians. Remember that Paul was imprisoned at Rome and the church at Colossae was undergoing difficult times.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THANKSGIVING

▣ "God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" Notice the Trinity in Col. 1:3 and 8.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TRINITY

▣ "Lord" The term "lord" (kurios) can be used in a general sense or in a specific theological sense. It can mean "mister," "sir" (cf. John 4:11,15,19,49; 5:7; 12:21; 20:15), "master," "owner," "husband," or "the full God-man" (e.g., John 4:1; 6:34,68; 11:2,3,12,21,27,34,39). Good examples of both usages in one context is John 9:36 and 9:38. See SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD (KURIOS)

The OT usage of this term (adon) came from the rabbis' reluctance to pronounce the covenant name for God, YHWH, from the Hebrew VERB "to be" (cf. Exod. 3:14). They were afraid of breaking the commandment which said, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain" (cf. Exod. 20:7, Deut. 5:11). They thought if they did not pronounce it, they could not take it in vain. So, they substituted the Hebrew word, adon, which had a similar meaning to the Greek word, Kurios (Lord).

The NT authors used this term to describe the full Deity of Christ. The phrase "Jesus is Lord" was the public confession of faith and baptismal formula of the early church (cf. Rom. 10:9-13; 1 Cor. 12:3; Phil. 2:11).

SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS CHRIST AS LORD

SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D.

▣ "praying always for you" "Always" can relate grammatically to "pray" (NASB, NKJV, NJB) or "thank" (NRSV, TEV). Prayer and thanksgiving are inseparably linked in Paul's theology and practice. Paul prayed for them (cf. Col. 1:9; Eph. 1:16) and requested that they pray for him (cf. Col. 4:3; Eph. 6:19; 1 Thess. 5:25). Paul mentions this again in Col. 1:9. There seems to be two prayers put together.

SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERCESSORY PRAYER

1:4 "since we heard" The PLURAL PRONOUN referred to Paul and his mission team. They had heard about the problems of the false teachers and the faith of the believers from Epaphras (cf. Col. 1:7,8) who founded this church.

1:4-5 "faith . . . love . . . hope" This was a favorite triad of Paul's theology (cf. Rom. 5:2-5; 1 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5-6; 1 Thess. 1:3; 5:8). It expresses the confidence that believers have both now (faith) and in a certain future consummation (hope). This confidence is to be lived out daily in love.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOPE

1:4 "your faith" This term (pistis) may have three distinct connotations.

1. Its OT background meant "faithfulness" or "trustworthiness," therefore, it was used of believers living godly lives.
2. It was used of believers accepting or receiving God's free offer of forgiveness in Christ.
3. It was used in the collective sense of the Christian doctrine or truths about Jesus (i.e., "the faith," cf. Acts 6:7 and Jude 1:3, 20).

In several passages it is difficult to determine which is meant.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH, BELIEVE, OR TRUST

▣ "in Christ Jesus" The usual PREPOSITION Paul used for faith was "into" (eis) Christ, which spoke of Him as the object of one's faith, but here the PREPOSITION is "in" (en) which referred to Jesus as the sphere of existence (cf. Col. 1:2; Acts 17:28).

▣ "the love which you have for all the saints" Faith toward God is expressed in love toward others, especially those of the household of faith (cf. Gal. 6:10). The use of the word "all" is significant in a setting disrupted by the exclusivism of the false teachers. Believers must be able to distinguish between who are saints and who ar not!

For "saints" see SPECIAL TOPIC: SAINTS

1:5 "the hope" Paul used this term in several different but related senses. Often it was associated with the consummation of the believer's faith. This can be expressed as glory, eternal life, ultimate salvation, Second Coming, etc. The consummation is certain, but the time element is future and unknown. Hope was often associated with "faith" and "love" (cf. Rom. 5:2-5; 1 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5-6; Eph. 4:2-5; 1 Thess. 1:3; 5:8).

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOPE

▣ "laid up for you in heaven" This was imagery for the divine protection of the believers' hope (cf. 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 1:4).

The false teachers could not affect the believers' consummated salvation (hope).

▣ "you previously heard" This is an AORIST ACTIVE INDICATIVE of a compound term, "to hear" and "before." This referred to Epaphras' preaching of the gospel, to which the Colossians had already personally responded by faith. Believers must hear, respond, obey, and persevere.

▣ "in the word of truth, the gospel" This phrase can be understood in several ways.

1. instrumentally they heard the truth by means of the gospel
2. temporally they had heard the gospel
3. appositionally as a way of identifying the gospel as the truthful word

Notice how in Col. 1:6 the gospel is characterized as "the grace of God in truth."

SPECIAL TOPIC: TRUTH IN PAUL'S WRITINGS

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE GOSPEL

1:6 "in all the world" This referred to the Greco-Roman world. This was a common NT overstatement (hyperbole), which because of Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8, became a reality.

The Greek term (kosmos) had several usages. It could refer to

1. this physical planet
2. humanity that inhabits the surface of this planet
3. the philosophies, governmental structures, educational institutions and religious systems of fallen mankind which allow them to function in independence from God

SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S USE OF KOSMOS (WORLD)

▣ "constantly bearing fruit and increasing" These are both PRESENT PARTICIPLES. The first is MIDDLE VOICE and the second PASSIVE but in this context there is no theological distinction implied, but it does illustrate the covenant balance of human (MIDDLE VOICE) and divine actions (PASSIVE VOICE). Bearing fruit is the sign of regeneration (cf. Col. 1:10; Matt. 13:1-23; John 15:16; Gal. 5:22-23; James 2:14-26).

This is an intensified AORIST ACTIVE INDICATIVE form of the Greek term epignōskō which implies "to fully and experientially know." The Colossians received the gospel which is both a person and a truth (combining the meaning of "know" from Hebrew and Greek). This was Paul's reaction to the heretics' false emphasis on human knowledge (cf. Col. 1:9,10; Eph. 1:15-23).

SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW

▣ "the grace of God in truth" This refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which finally and fully expresses the nature and character of deity to the human race. Believers' ultimate hope is in the unchanging, merciful character of God (i.e., Mal. 3:6).

The Greek word "grace" (charis) was used in Koine Greek (200 B.C.‒A.D. 200) and the Septuagint (250-100 B.C.) in several different senses‒charm, beauty, gracefulness, a matter of approval, a benefit, an act of favor, or a provision. In the NT it was primarily used of the undeserved, unmerited love and mercy of the triune God which gives righteousness and restores fellowship to fallen mankind (cf. Eph. 4:4-7). The emphasis was always on the worth of the giver (God), not the receiver (mankind). All that was needed God has provided! All that the individual can do is respond (cf. Eph. 2:8-10)!

For "truth" see SPECIAL TOPIC: TRUTH IN PAUL'S WRITINGS

1:7 "Epaphras" He is mentioned in Col. 4:12-13 and Philemon v. 23. He was the founder of three of the churches (Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea) in the Lycus River Valley, and Paul's representative (cf. Col. 1:7). He was probably converted during Paul's stay at Ephesus (cf. Acts 19:10). His name was a shortened form of Epaphroditus which was etymologically related to the goddess Aphroditus. Another man by this same name is mentioned in Phil. 2:25; 4:18. However, he was from a different geographical area.

The ancient Greek manuscripts vary on the PRONOUNS. Some have "our" and others have "your." "Our" seems textually best because it is found in the early Greek manuscripts P⁴⁶, א*, A, B, D*, F, and G. But the United Bible Society's scholars felt "your" was original because of its place in the early church fathers' and the early Latin, Aramaic, and Coptic translations (cf. Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, pp. 619-620).

SPECIAL TOPIC: DEACONS

1:8 "your love in the Spirit" This is, surprisingly, the only specific reference to the Holy Spirit in the letter although He is, perhaps, alluded to in "filled" in Col. 1:9 and "indwell" in Col. 3:16. The object of the Spirit-engendered love may be

1. other believers
2. Paul and his mission team
3. Epaphras
4. all the above and even the lost

SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT

÷COLOSSIANS 1:9-14

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:9-14
 ⁹For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. ¹³For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1:9-20 This is one sentence in Greek.

1. Col. 1:9-12 is Paul's prayer for these believers.
2. Col. 1:13-14 describes what the Father has done for believers through the Son.
3. Verses 15-18 are possibly a quote from an early Christian hymn or confessional statement related to the ministry of the Son (i.e., other possible hymns, cf. Phil. 2:6-11, 1 Tim. 3:16, 2 Tim, 2:11-12).
4. Col. 1:19-20 are Paul's comments added to the hymn.

This is one of the greatest Christological confession in Paul's writings (compare with Phil. 2:6-11). It is surprising there is no parallel to this great Christological hymn in Ephesians.

1:9 "heard of it" Paul did not start this church, nor did he know its members personally. He heard about their faith and love from its founder, Epaphras (cf. Col. 1:7-8).

▣ "we have not ceased to pray for you" The PLURAL refers to

1. Paul himself (i.e., editorial PLURAL)
2. Paul and his mission team

Leaders should constantly hold up their flocks to the Lord.

SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERCESSORY PRAYER

▣ "that you may be filled" This is an AORIST PASSIVE SUBJUNCTIVE. Believers cannot fill themselves, but they must allow and co-operate with the Spirit (cf. Eph. 5:18). Colossians 3:16 is structurally parallel to Eph. 5:18.

"Filled" is the main VERB of Col. 1:9-12. It is the first of two requests that Paul made of the Father on behalf of the Colossian believers. The other is for their walk to be worthy (Col. 1:10). Notice he links knowledge of God with a godly lifestyle (cf. Eph. 4:1,17; 5:2,15). Faith without works is dead (cf. James 2:14-26).

SPECIAL TOPIC: FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

▣ "knowledge of His will" The content of this knowledge (epignōskō, i.e., experiential knowledge, cf. v.6) is the gospel. The gospel is

1. a body of truth to be believed
2. a person to be received
3. a life like that person's to live

God's will is that individuals personally respond to Christ (cf. John 1:12; 6:29,40) who is the goal of all "spiritual wisdom and understanding."

This verse is a play on the theology of the false teachers. This is confirmed by

1. Paul's use of "filled" (plerōma), one of the Gnostics' favorite terms for the aeons between the high god and angelic levels
2. their emphasis on secret knowledge (cf. Col. 2:3)

For Paul, all fullness and knowledge was in Christ, who was God's wisdom (sophia, cf. Col. 1:28; 2:3,23; 3:16; 4:5; Eph. 1:8,17; 3:10) and the convergence of all truth (sunesis, cf. Col. 2:2).

Notice the threefold repetition: "knowledge," "wisdom," and "understanding." This reflects the false teachers' emphasis on secret truth (cf. Col. 2:3). Christ is the truth of God (cf. John 14:6)!

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "Receive," "Believe," "Confess/Profess," "Call Upon"?

1:10 "walk in a manner worthy" This is an AORIST ACTIVE INFINITIVE. It is defined by four PRESENT PARTICIPLES (cf. Col. 1:10-12) which describe the worthy walk (cf. Col. 2:6; 3:7; 4:5; Eph. 2:10; 4:1,17; 5:2,15; 1 Thess. 2:12; 4:1). God's will is that His children reflect His character daily.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PATH, THE WAY

▣ "bearing fruit in every good work" For "fruit bearing" see note at Col. 1:6. This is the first of four PRESENT PARTICIPLES (cf. Col. 1:10-12) which describe worthy lives.

God's will is that believers live godly lives. The moral transformation of believers is evidence that the image of God has been restored! It serves as a bridge to the evangelism of others. It reflects the believer's new family characteristics and shows who our true father is—God.

Biblical salvation is a free gift, which must result in a new and different life (cf. Eph. 2:8-9, 10).

▣ "increasing in the knowledge of God" This is the second PRESENT PARTICIPLE. This is a strong compound term for experiential knowledge (epignōskō, cf. Col. 1:9,10; 3:10; Eph. 1:17; 4:13). Believers are to continue to grasp the meaning of the gospel and continue to live out its implications.

1:11 "strengthened with all power" This is the third PRESENT PARTICIPLE meaning "with all power being empowered." Like salvation, the Christian life is a supernatural gift, not unaided, strenuous human effort or commitment (cf. Gal. 3:1-3). Believers must yield to the Spirit to produce effective, godly lives (cf. Eph. 5:18). This term is always used of supernatural strength (cf. Eph. 1:19; Phil. 4:13).

▣ "according to His glorious might" This phrase describes how believers are to be "strengthened with all power." They must yield to God's Spirit, and the energy, power and glory are His!

▣ "steadfastness and patience" One wonders if these were used synonymously. They had slightly different foci. Steadfastness (hupomonē) meant patient endurance and perseverance, while patience (makrothumia) meant patient endurance of evil or suffering. They were both frequent admonitions from Paul (cf. 2 Cor. 6:4,6; 2 Tim. 3:10). Believers are only capable of them in God's power. These terms were often used to describe how God treats fallen mankind (cf. Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 1 Cor. 6:6) and how redeemed mankind should therefore treat one another (cf. Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12).

▣ joyously" This can relate grammatically to Col. 1:11 ( NKJV) or Col. 1:12 (NASB, NRSV, TEV, NJB).

1:12 "giving thanks" This is the last of the four PRESENT PARTICIPLES of Col. 1:10-12 which describe the worthy walk as constant thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a characteristic of the Spirit-filled life (cf. Col. 3:17; Eph. 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:18).

SPECIAL TOPIC: THANKSGIVING

▣ "to the Father" Christians need to be constantly reminded that the NT focus on the ministry of the Son should not diminish their praise of God the Father. He is the One whose character and grace are exhibited in Jesus. He was the sender and sustainer of the Son (cf. Eph. 1:3-14 and 15-23). It is the Father's kingdom (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28).

There are several Greek manuscript variations of this phrase. However, this reading is supported by the ancient Greek manuscripts P⁶¹, A, C, D, K, and P as well as the Latin Vulgate translation. The UBS⁴ gives it a "B" rating (almost certain). These variations, as is so often true, do not affect the sense, truth or trustworthiness of the text. Early scribes tried to make the texts they copied clearer.

SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM

This term is used only here and in 2 Cor. 3:5-6 (the ADJECTIVE is used in 2 Cor. 2:16; 3:5 and 2 Tim. 2:2). God has qualified us

1. by declaring us to be righteous in Christ (justification and positional sanctification)
2. by developing Christlikeness in us (progressive sanctification)

SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION

▣ "us" The ancient Greek texts are equally divided between "us" (NASB, NKJV) and "you" (NRSV, TEV, NJB). The UBS⁴ gives "you" a "B" rating (almost certain). The "you" may have been written here by a copyist to match Col. 1:13. See Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament.

▣ "to share in the inheritance" Inheritance is literally the term "lot." In the OT God promised Abraham a land and a seed (cf. Gen. 12:1-2). The OT focuses on the land; the NT focuses on the seed. In the OT, the land of Palestine was given as a tribal inheritance to all the children of Jacob (cf. Joshua 12-19) except the Levites because they served God in a unique role (cf. Numbers 4). God Himself was said to be their inheritance (cf. Num. 18:20,24). In a sense all the OT people of God were priests (Exod. 19:4-6). They were a kingdom of priests to bring the whole world to God. The NT people of God are spoken of in OT terms as priests (1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6). As the Levites had God as their inheritance, so now do all the NT believers (cf. Acts 20:32; Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7).

SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVERS' INHERITANCE

▣ "of the saints" See SPECIAL TOPIC: SAINTS

▣ "in light" This was either

1. an ethical statement (cf. John 3:19)
2. a statement about Christlikeness in opposition to the demonic (cf. Eph. 6:12; Acts 26:18)

1:13-14 These verses function as a transition to the wonderful Christological creed of Col. 1:15-20. It describes what God the Father has done for the believers through the Son.

1:13 "He delivered us" The PRONOUN refers to the Father. This AORIST MIDDLE (deponent) INDICATIVE is used in the sense of rescued (NRSV, TEV, NJB).

▣ "from the dominion of darkness" Literally this is "authority (exousia; see SPECIAL TOPIC: AUTHORITY) of darkness" (cf. Col. 1:12; Luke 22:53). NJB has "ruling force of darkness." Light and darkness were often used in Judaism and the Dead Sea Scrolls to represent the two spiritual realms of good and evil (cf. John 3:19-21). Paul uses this term several times in Col. (cf. Col. 1:13, 16; 2:10, 15).

▣ "transferred" This is literally "resettled" or "relocated." Both of the VERBS in this verse are AORIST. These are things God has already accomplished for believers.

▣ "kingdom" Jesus used this concept as a present reality with a future consummation. The context emphasized what believers already possess in Christ (cf. Eph. 2:5-6)!

Paul did not use Jesus' exact phrase "the Kingdom of God" often, possibly because the Gentiles would not have understood this Jewish concept.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE KINGDOM OF GOD

▣ "of His beloved Son" God the Father gave this title to Jesus at His baptism and transfiguration (cf. Matt. 3:17; 17:5). Jesus is the unique Son (monogenēs, cf. John 1:18, 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). Believers are sons through Him.

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SON OF GOD

1:14 "in whom we have" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. In Christ believers have and continue to have the family blessings of God.

▣ "redemption" This may have been an allusion to the OT terms (paduh, "to free or redeem" and gaal, "to free through the agency of a relative [go'el]). Jesus bought us back from slavery (cf. Isa. 53:11-12; Mark 10:45; Eph. 1:7). Redemption is a present reality (cf. Eph. 1:7) and a future consummation (cf. Eph. 4:30).

SPECIAL TOPIC: RANSOM/REDEEM

SPECIAL TOPIC: KINSMAN REDEEMER

▣ "the forgiveness of sins" There were several Greek terms for "forgiveness." This one (aphesis) meant "to send away," which was an allusion to the ritual of the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16). One of the scapegoats symbolically carried away the sins of the people. The other was sacrificed (see SPECIAL TOPIC: FORGIVENESS IN THE OT).

We learn from Irenaeus' Heresies, 1:21:2 that some Gnostic teachers separated redemption from remission by a time and maturity factor. Paul may have been addressing this falsehood.

The King James Version adds the phrase "through His blood," which later scribes added from the parallel in Eph. 1:7.

SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM

÷COLOSSIANS 1:15-20

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:15-20
 ¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, ²⁰and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

1:15-20 This wonderful poetic passage may reflect an early church hymn or creed. It deals with (1) the cosmic lordship of Jesus and (2) His redemptive acts. The same dual aspect is seen in Heb. 1:2-3. It reflects several Gnostic terms, "firstborn," "fullness," and concepts like the angelic levels (i.e. aeons) of Col. 1:16, and Jesus' true humanity and death in Col. 1:20.

Notice the term "all" is used seven times (cf. Col. 1:15,16 [twice],17 [twice],18,20). Jesus' ministry is inclusive, all that is, is from Him.

1. by Him all things were created
2. all things have been created through Him
3. He is before all things
4. in Him all things hold together
5. He himself will come to have first place in every thing
6. all the fullness to dwell in Him
7. through Him to reconcile all things to Himself (the PRONOUN "Himself" probably relates to the Father)

Notice how often the PRONOUN "Him" is presented with different PREPOSITIONS.

1. by Him, v. 16 (eu)
2. through Him, vv. 16,20 (twice, dia)
3. for Him, v. 16 (eis)
4. in Him, vv. 17,19 (eu)
5. same as #4
6. to Himself, v. 20 (eis)

1:15 "He is the image of the invisible God" The same word (eikōn) is used of Jesus in Col. 3:10 and 2 Cor. 4:4. A similar theological expression occurs in John 1:18; 14:9; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:3. The Hebrews 1:3 passage has the stronger Greek term (charakter, which means an exact representation, cf. Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7; James 3:9). To see Jesus is to see God! The invisible God has become visible! Deity has become a man (cf. John 1:14; 14:9; Phil. 2:7-8).

Jesus' ministry was to restore the image of God in humanity. In one sense the fellowship of the Garden of Eden has been restored through Jesus, the second Adam (cf. Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:20-28; Phil. 2:6). It is even possible that heaven will be a restored Eden:

1. the Bible begins with God, mankind, and the animals (cf. Gen. 1-2) and ends with God and mankind in a garden setting (with the animals by implication, cf. Rev. 21-22)
2. the prophecy of Isa. 11:6-9 describes children and animals together in the new age
3. New Jerusalem comes down to a recreated earth (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:2)

▣ "the firstborn of all creation" This was OT imagery for Jesus' unique and exalted position.

1. the rabbis said it meant preeminence (cf. Exod. 4:22)
2. in the OT it was used for the eldest son as heir and manager of the family
3. in Ps. 89:27 it was used in a Messianic sense
4. in Pro. 8:22 it referred to Wisdom as God's first creation and agent of creation

In context options #1 and #2 combined seem best.

This phrase is not to be understood as Jesus being the first creation (#4). This would have played into the hands of the Gnostic teachers, who taught that Jesus was the highest angelic level next to the high god. It must be interpreted in its Jewish OT setting. Jesus was Deity's unique son (cf. John 1:18; 3:16,18; 1 John 4:9), yet Jesus was always Deity (cf. Col. 1:17; John 1:1; 5:18; 10:30; 14:9; 20:28). He became a human in time, at Bethlehem, so that fallen mankind could comprehend and understand Deity (cf. John 1:14,18). I think #3 fits best.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FIRSTBORN

1:16 "by Him all things were created" Jesus was God's agent of creation, both of the visible and invisible, earthly and heavenly spheres (cf. John 1:3, 10; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor, 8:6; Heb. 1:2; 2:10). This refuted the Gnostics' world view of the antithetical relationship between spirit (God) and matter. It was Jesus who spoke the cosmos into existence (cf. Genesis 1). It was Jesus who formed Adam and breathed into him the breath of life (cf. Genesis 2).

The VERB "created" is used twice in Col. 1:16. The first is AORIST PASSIVE INDICATIVE and the second at the end of the verse (in Greek) is PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. The thrust is that Jesus is the agent in creation but the Father is the primary cause. Creation was in (en) Jesus, through (dia) Jesus and for (eis) Jesus!

SPECIAL TOPIC: KTISIS

▣ "thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities" In some contexts these terms could refer to earthly governmental leaders (cf. Romans 13), but in the context of Colossians they refer to the false teachers' angelic levels (aeons, cf. Rom. 8:38; 1 Cor. 15:24; Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:10,15; 1 Pet. 3:22). The ancients saw the world not only in physical cause and effect relationships, but as a spiritual realm as well. It is impossible to have a biblical worldview and deny the spiritual realm.

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELIC LEVELS IN PAUL'S WRITINGS

SPECIAL TOPIC: ARCHĒ

▣ "and for Him" Jesus was not only God the Father's agent in creation, but the goal of creation as well (cf. Rom. 11:36; Heb. 2:10).

1:17 "He is before all things" There has never been a time when Jesus was not! Jesus is preexistent Deity (cf. John 1:1-2; 8:58; 17:5, 24; 2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:6-7; Col. 1:17; Heb. 10:5-7)! Notice the emphatic use of "He" (autos) in Col. 1:17 and 18, "He, Himself, is before all things" and "He, Himself, is head of the body"!

This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE of the "sun" compound "to stand with" (sunistēmi) which implies "to continue," "to endure," or "to exist."

This is the doctrine of providence (cf. Heb. 1:3) and it is personal! "All things" refers to creation-material and spiritual. Jesus is the sustainer as well as creator of all things. In the OT these functions describe the work of Elohim (God; see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C).

1:18 "He is also the Head of the body, the church" As Jesus was preeminent in creation; so He is in the Church. This refers to the universal church (cf. Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2:9). Believers are both individually (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19) and corporately (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16) the body of Christ (i.e., the new temple). Paul often spoke of the church as the body of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 12:12-27), but it is only in Ephesians and Colossians that Jesus is said to be "the Head" of that body. In reality He is Head of all things, even the principalities and powers (cf. Eph. 1:22).

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (EKKLĒSIA)

▣ "He is the beginning " At first glance this looks like another allusion to creation (cf. Gen. 1:1), but the context has changed to the church. In this setting the term "beginning" probably relates to the Greek sense of origin or source. Jesus is the Head or source of life of the new people of God, Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female (cf. Col. 3:11; Gal. 3:28). He is the new Adam (cf. Rom. 5:12-21). The head of a new race, Christian (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13).

SPECIAL TOPIC: ARCHĒ

▣ "the firstborn from the dead" The definitive NT passage on the resurrection is 1 Cor. 15. Jesus is preeminent, "the first born" in resurrection as He was in creation (cf. Col. 1:15; Rom. 1:4; Rev. 1:5). His resurrection is a promise and a sign that all believers will be resurrected.

In 1 Cor. 15:20 and 23 Jesus is called the "first fruits." This is a synonymous OT imagery. Jesus is the forerunner in all areas. He is both "first born" (cf. Rev. 1:5) and "first fruits."

SPECIAL TOPIC: FIRSTBORN

▣ "so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything" This summary statement is similar to Eph. 1:22-23. The Father has made the Son supreme and preeminent in all things (cf. 1 Cor. 15:27-28).

1:19 This starts with "for" (hoti, a purpose clause). It states God's will for the Messiah which is

1. the fullness of Deity to be revealed in Him (cf. Col. 1:19)
2. the reconciliation of all things through Him (cf. Col. 1:20)

This is a play on the word "full" (plerōma), which was used by the false teachers to describe the angelic levels between the good high god and sinful matter (cf. Col. 2:9; Eph. 1:23; 3:19; 4:13). This was a startling statement to describe a carpenter from Nazareth who was executed for treason!

SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM

1:20 "and through Him to reconcile" The term (cf. Col. 1:22) meant "to change from hostility to peace" especially between persons. Sin has caused a separation between the creator and the created. God acted in Christ to restore the fellowship (cf. Rom. 5:18-19). This is a double compound word (apokatallassō) for theological emphasis (cf. Col. 1:22). Paul used the same word in Eph. 2:16 and the same root in 2 Cor. 5:18-20.

▣ "all things" This refers to all creation, visible and invisible (cf. Rom. 8:18ff; 1 Cor. 15:27-28; Eph. 1:22-23).

▣ "to Himself" This could theologically refer to the Father or the Son. Context is the only guide. Here the Father seems best (cf. 1 Cor. 15:25-28).

▣ "having made peace through the blood of His cross" This referred to Jesus' sacrificial death (cf. Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; 2:13,16). The reconciliation was not without great cost! The emphasis was possibly on His humanity (blood) as well as His vicarious atonement (sacrifice, cf. Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45; 2 Cor. 5:21). The false teachers would have affirmed His Deity but denied His humanity and death.

SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (NT)

▣ "His cross" Deuteronomy 21:23 (see notes online) asserted that anyone who hung on a tree was under a divine curse (cf. Phil. 2:8). Originally this referred to public impaling after death instead of a proper burial. However, by Jesus' day the rabbis interpreted it as crucifixion. Jesus took sinful mankind's curse, the curse of the Old Covenant, on Himself (cf. Col. 2:14; Gal. 3:13; Phi. 2:8).

▣ "whether things on earth or things in heaven" This phrase is directed to the false antithesis between "spirit" (heaven) and "matter" (earth, cf. Col. 1:16).

÷COLOSSIANS 1:21-23

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:21-23
 ²¹And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, ²²yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach- ²³if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

1:21 "you" This refers to Gentile believers. Notice the three characterizations of their former lives in paganism which follow in this verse. The Gentiles were the exact opposite (spiritually, cf. Eph. 2:11-13) of the covenant people (cf. Rom. 9:4-5).

▣ "were formerly alienated" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE of a rare compound word for a stranger or foreigner which describes the Gentiles' previous relationship to God. The theological description of this estrangement is found in Eph. 2:1,3,11-22. The moral description is in Eph. 4:18-19. It is possible that this term is used of slaves in the sense of "being transferred to another owner." If so, Col. 1:13 is the background.

▣ "hostile in mind" Fallen mankind has a mind-set of independence (cf. Rom. 1:28; 8:7; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-16). Mankind, not God, becomes the measure of all things (atheistic humanism).

The rabbis assert that as a person thinks, so he/she becomes. An evil heart/mind eventually reflects itself in acts of evil toward God and other humans (cf. Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:2-5; Titus 3:3).

1:22 "yet He has now reconciled you" "Reconciled" is the main VERB of Col. 1:21-23. See note at Col. 1:20. What a change has occurred because of God's actions in Christ toward these fallen, alienated Gentiles (cf. Col. 1:20)!

God's promise to redeem mankind in Gen. 3:15 has been fulfilled. This promise was accomplished completely by an act of God. Fallen mankind was unable to return to the Creator (cf. Isa. 53:6, quoted in 1 Pet. 2:25; and Rom. 3:9-18 for a series of OT quotes). What love is this that has pursued sinful, rebellious humanity through time and in time gave His only Son to die on our behalf (cf. Rom. 5:8)!

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

▣ "in His fleshly body through death" This may have related to the false teachers' rejection of Jesus' humanity (cf. Col. 1:20). Jesus was fully God and fully human (cf. 1 John 4:1-3). He had a physical body (cf. Col. 2:11; Rom. 1:3). He was really one of us.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FLESH (sarx)

▣ "in order to present you before Him" This could refer to

1. the day of salvation
2. the time of the believers' death
3. the Judgment Day/Second Coming (cf. Col. 1:28; Eph. 5:27)

▣ "holy and blameless and beyond reproach" These three ADJECTIVES are used as SYNONYMS. This describes the purity of believers in Christ (cf. Phil. 1:15). They are not only forgiven, they are totally changed! This is very similar to the emphasis of Eph. 1:4; 4:1; 5:27. The goal of justification is not only heaven when we die, but Christlikeness now (cf. Lev. 11:44; 19:2; Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:16)!

Sanctification is a current reality for believers as a gift from Christ (cf. Acts. 26:18; 1 Cor. 1:2,30; 6:11; Heb. 10:10,14). It is also a progressive, Christlike living (cf. Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2 Tim. 2:12; James 1:4; 2 Pet. 3:14) and an eschatological goal (cf. 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:27; 1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23; 1 John 3:2).

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOLY

SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION

SPECIAL TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT, GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH

1:23 "if indeed you continue in faith" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which was assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes. Paul assumed their continuance, which was an evidence of their true conversion (cf. 1 John 2:19; Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21).

Faith (a DATIVE with no ARTICLE) refers to either

1. personal trust in Jesus
2. faithfulness to Christ
3. Christian doctrine (cf. Acts 6:7; 13:8; 14:22; Gal. 1:23; 6:10; Jude 1:3,20, also the Pastoral Epistles)

Christian maturity involves

1. a personal faith
2. a godly lifestyle
3. doctrinal correctness

In a context of false teachings, each of these is crucial!

SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSEVERANCE

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FAITH (NT)

▣ "firmly established" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE (same VERBAL form as "alienated" in Col. 1:21). "They have been and continue to be firmly established (implication, by God)." This was construction imagery for a sure foundation (cf. Col. 2:7; Matt. 7:25; Eph. 3:17). It may have been a play on Colossae's geographical location in an earthquake area.

This term is used only here in the NT. It is the negative expression of the previous positive statement. It can be PASSIVE VOICE (God keeps us, cf NASB, NKJV) or MIDDLE VOICE (believers must exercise diligence, cf. NRSV, TEV, NJB).

▣ "the hope of the gospel" Paul often used the term "hope" in several different but related senses. Often it was associated with the consummation of the believer's faith.

This can be expressed as "glory," "eternal life," "ultimate salvation," "Second Coming," etc. The consummation is certain, but the time is unknown.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOPE

▣ "which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven" "All creation" is a hyperbole for the Roman Empire (cf. Col. 1:6).

The grammatical form of this is an AORIST PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. However, this does not fit the context. It must be used in the sense of a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. It must be remembered that grammatical form is subservient to literary context, as is lexical definition of words. Context, not grammatical form or lexical meaning of the root, is always priority!

▣ "minister" This was the general term for "servant" or "service" (diakonos, cf. Col. 1:7,23,25; 4:7; Eph. 3:7; 6:21). Jesus uses this term for Himself in Mark 10:45. This became the title for local church servants-deacons (cf. Phil. 1:1).

SPECIAL TOPIC: DEACONS

SPECIAL TOPIC: DEACONESS

÷COLOSSIANS 1:24-2:5

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:24-2:5
 ²⁴Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. ²⁵Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, ²⁶that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, ²⁷to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. ²⁹For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. ^2:1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, ²that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, ³in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

1:24 "I rejoice in my sufferings for you" Paul saw his imprisonment as benefitting the church (cf. Phil. 2:17 and 2 Cor. 1:5). Paul saw his life as an offering to God on behalf of the church. This is part of the Good News we don't like (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 5:3; 8:17; 2 Cor. 4:7-11; 6:3-10; Phil. 1:29, 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 5:8; 1 Pet. 1:7-8; 4:12-16)! As Jesus suffered on behalf of others, so must His followers (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Gal. 2:20; 1 John 3:16). Only the Spirit can turn persecution into joy!

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?

▣ "in my flesh" See SPECIAL TOPIC: FLESH (SARX)

▣ "in filling up that which is lacking in Christ's afflictions" This emphatic DOUBLE COMPOUND VERB (anti, ana, plēroō) is found only here in the NT. The PREPOSITIONS strongly affirm "on behalf of" or "and to fill completely." This is a very difficult sentence to interpret. Some theories about the meaning of this verse are:

1. Christ's atonement was not sufficient without the church, i.e., Roman Catholicism's merits of the saints
2. believers, as the church, share Christ's sufferings, (not vicariously), but by doing the Father's will in a fallen world (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; Mark 10:39; John 16:1ff; 2 Cor. 4:10; Gal. 2:20; Phil 3:10)
3. Christ suffers with believers (cf. Acts 9:4-5; 2 Cor. 1:5; Isa. 63:9)
4. suffering is needed for maturity (cf. Heb. 5:8)
5. we must fulfill the "birth pains" for the new age (cf. Mark 13:8)
6. Paul was refuting a Gnostic catch phrase

This term for "suffering" was never used in the NT for Christ's death on the cross. The context of Col. 1:13-18 totally rules out #1! I like #5 best!

▣ "the church" Ekklēsia was from two Greek words, "out of" and "to call." It is used in Koine Greek to describe any kind of assembly, such as a town meeting (cf. Acts 19:32). The Church chose this term because it was used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Pentateuch, written as early as 250 B.C. for the library at Alexandria, Egypt). This term translated the Hebrew term qahal which was used in the phrase "the assembly of Israel" (cf. Num. 20:4). The NT writers asserted that they were the "divinely called out ones" who were to be the People of God in their day. They saw no radical break between the OT People of God and themselves, the NT People of God. Believers must assert that the Church of Jesus Christ, not modern rabbinical Judaism, is the true heir of the OT Scriptures.

In Ephesians, a circular letter, the term "church" always has a universal meaning, but in Colossians it usually has a local meaning. The church is both corporate, referring to all of the people of God, and individual, referring to a local congregation of believers. In this text Paul is obviously referring to the universal aspect of the church.

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH

1:25 "I was made a minister" Paul is referring to his Apostolic call to preach to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 9:15; 22:21; 26:17; Rom. 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; Gal. 1:16; 2:7; Eph. 3:1-2, 8; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 4:17). However, Paul viewed his calling and giftedness as a servant, a slave, a steward! In the Bible leadership is servanthood.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SERVANT LEADERSHIP

▣ "according to the stewardship from God" Believers are all stewards or trustees of the gospel (cf. 1 Cor. 4:1-5; Eph. 3:2,9; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). Paul uses this term in several different senses.

1. an Apostolic commission to proclaim the gospel (cf. 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:2; Col. 1:25)
2. an eternal plan of redemption (cf. Eph. 1:10, 3:9; 1 Cor. 4:1)
3. training in the plan of redemption and its accompanying lifestyle (cf. 1 Tim. 1:4)

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

This is the same root term "to fill" (plēroō) used in Col. 1:24. Paul's imprisonment and preaching were accomplishing God's purpose for the Gentiles (cf. Acts 9:15-16; 22:21; 26:17; Rom. 11:13; 15:16; Gal. 1:16; 2:7; Eph. 3:2,8; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 4:17).

1:26 "the mystery" See SPECIAL TOPIC: MYSTERY

▣ "which has been hidden from the past ages and generations" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE, it had been and continued to be hidden by God (implication) in the past (compare Eph. 2:11-3:13). This mystery was kept secret from

1. the Gentiles
2. the Jews
3. even the angels (cf. 1 Pet. 1:12)

The prophets had glimpses of it, but never the full truth (cf. Heb. 1:1).

The phrase "ages and generations" was used by the Gnostics to refer to the angelic levels (aeons).

SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM

▣ "but has now been manifested to His saints" This is an AORIST PASSIVE INDICATIVE of a VERB that means "to clearly reveal" or "bring to light" (cf. Col. 1:27; Rom. 3:21; 16:26). That which was hidden has now been fully revealed. The gospel is clear and open to all, not just a select few!

▣ "Christ in you" It is grammatically possible that this could be translated "Christ among you," which would refer to the mystery of the gospel and not the indwelling Christ. The same Greek PREPOSITION, en, is translated "among" in the preceding phrase, "among the Gentiles." This seems to fit the context best.

There is a fluidity between the work of the Son and the Spirit. G. Campbell Morgan said the best name for the Spirit is "the other Jesus." The following Special Topic is a comparison of the work and titles of the Son and Spirit.

SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS AND THE SPIRIT

1:27 "the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles" Paul has used the term "riches" several times to describe God's gracious acts and provision for fallen man (cf. Col. 1:27; 2:2; Rom. 2:4; 9:23; 11:33; 2 Cor. 8:2; Eph. 1:7,18; 2:7; 3:16; Phil. 4:19).

God has always had a plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in salvation (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13). The beginnings of this plan of redemption can be seen in

1. God's promise in Gen. 3:15, which applies to all the children of Adam
2. God's call to Abraham which would bless all people (cf. Gen. 12:3)
3. God's calling a kingdom of priests to reach the world (cf. Exod. 19:5)
4. even Solomon's temple had implications for the Gentiles to repent and believe and be a part (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:43, 60)
5. the numerous references in the prophets (especially Isaiah) to God's universal reign and invitation to all mankind

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

▣ "the hope of glory" This refers to Resurrection Day when the saints will receive their new glorified bodies (cf. 1 John 3:2). Election, justification, and sanctification will result in glorification (cf. Rom.8:29-30). See fuller note on "glory" at Eph. 1:6.

SPECIAL TOPIC: HOPE

1:28 "We proclaim Him" Christianity is not primarily correct theology, ethical standards, or religious ritual, but a personal relationship with Jesus. Once this is established, the other aspects have their appropriate place (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15,16-17).

▣ "admonishing" This word is used of "child training" in the Septuagint (cf. Job 23:15; 30:1; 34:16). In the NT it is used of believers exhorting each other (cf. Acts 20:31; Rom. 15:14). It often carried a negative connotation of warning about inappropriate Christian behavior (cf. 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:15).

▣ "every man" This phrase is used three times in this verse for emphasis. This inclusiveness is so different from the exclusiveness of the false teachers. The gospel is for all humanity (cf. John 3:16; 4:42; 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:10; Titus 2:11; 3:4; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2), not just a select few.

▣ "with all wisdom" God's wisdom (cf. Eph. 1:15-23) is so different from the exclusivism and secrecy of the false teachers' so-called knowledge.

▣ "that we may present every man" God's goal for the church is that every believer be mature in Christ (cf. Col. 4:12; Eph. 4:13; 1 Cor. 2:6; 14:20; Phil. 3:15). There are no special groups, ranks, gifts, knowledge, or privileges in Christ's body, just servants!

This is the Greek term telos (also commonly used in Gnostic literature of the second century), which meant "fully equipped for an assigned task" (cf. Eph. 4:12). It was used of

1. broken limbs being healed and becoming useful again
2. fishing nets being mended and thereby being able to catch fish
3. ships being fitted with ropes and sails for the sea
4. chickens that had grown large enough to be taken to market

It does not imply sinlessness, but functional maturity.

SPECIAL TOPIC: END OR FULL

1:29 "I labor, striving" These same two strong Greek terms are used together in 1 Tim. 4:10 to describe Paul's ministry.

▣ "striving" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) PARTICIPLE. This is either an athletic term (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7) or a military term (cf. Col. 2:1; John 18:36). We get the English term "agony" from this Greek root. Church work is not easy!

▣ "His power, which mightily works within me" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE PARTICIPLE. It is God's power, not the believer's, that "energizes" all ministry (cf. 1 Cor. 2; Eph. 1:19; 3:7, 20; Phil. 3:21; 1 Tim. 1:12) This NOUN and PARTICIPLE are from the same Greek root which means, "His energy energizes me."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why does Paul use a standard introduction in his letters? How is this opening different?
2. Who started this church? What was the reason for Paul writing this letter?
3. List the reasons for Paul's thanksgiving for these saints.
4. List three aspects of God's will (1:9).
5. List four elements of Paul’s prayer as related to "worthy lives" (1:10-12).
6. List the things Paul says about Jesus (1:15-19; 2:9-10).
7. Why does Paul emphasize Jesus' death so strongly?
8. Can one fall from a state of grace (1:23; 2:16-23)?
9. What does 1:24 mean?
10. Define "mystery."

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