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By Graeme Tearle
Colossians 4v15-18: In this closing passage, Paul gives final greetings and final brief instructions. 1. The Letters. As mentioned in the introduction to this series, Colossae was one church in a cluster of three within a radius of approximately 30km, located approximately 160 km east of Ephesus. He gives instructions regarding the exchange of letters. Once read, this one was to go to Laodicea; plus they were to ensure that they received the letter to Laodicea and read themselves. We do not have the letter referred to today. However, the letter to the Ephesians is mostly regarded as a circular letter to the area of Asia Minor, and Paul may well be referring to it here. Plus there is the connection to Acts 19v10, where the gospel spread throughout Asia while Paul was in Ephesus for two years, and this would include these three churches. Whatever the case, we see here the injunction to body and church fellowship, and sharing of resource. Greetings were to pass between the two cities, Nympha was encouraged for the church in her house, and a reminder of Paul being in prison was to be shared. 2. Archippus. Archippus is mentioned in the New Testament only here and in Philemon v2. Two things stand out concerning him:
Colossians : Points to Ponder. Continue in the life of the fellowship of the church. Continue in the calling and ministry of the Lord in your life. By Graeme Tearle
Colossians 4v7-14: As is common in Paul’s letters, the closing paragraphs send greetings, commendations, and final instructions are of a personal nature to the recipients. In this passage we gain some insights into the people around him, and their motivations for their service to the Lord. The church is the body of Christ, with various members, each having various parts and roles to play. Here in this list of Paul’s associates he gives endorsements and appreciations of their service in the Lord along with him: 1. Tychicus. We first meet Tychicus in Acts 20v4. He went with Paul from Asia to Jerusalem, with the aid of money for the Jewish Christians. He is given three endorsements here:
He delivered this letter, and the one to Ephesus, Eph.6v21, along with news from Paul. 2. Onesimus. He was the runaway slave from Philemon, who was converted through Paul in Rome. See the story in the letter to Philemon. Also referred to now as a beloved brother. 3. Aristarchus. Fellow prisoner. He suffered with Paul in the riot in Ephesus in Acts 19v29. He also accompanied Paul to Jerusalem with the aid, Acts 20v4. He went with Paul on the journey to Rome, Acts 27v2; possibly he had actually enrolled himself as Paul’s slave in order to stay with him during his imprisonment. This was allowed in Roman law at the time. 4. Mark. The cousin of Barnabas, accompanied him and Paul in Acts 13v5, but pulled out later in Acts 13v13. Rejected by Paul in Acts 15v36-40; later he obviously matured and now is commended for his presence. These words will give reassurance to the receivers of the letter about Mark’s usefulness. 5. Jesus, called Justus. Nothing else is known of this man. 6. Epaphras. We first meet Epaphras in ch.1v7. He apparently was the person who founded the church at Colossae, and by inference Laodicea and Hierapolis as well. And obviously had joined in support for Paul in prison in Rome at this stage. Paul’s endorsements for him are fivefold:
Luke stayed with Paul to the end, 2 Tim.4v11; and what better reference can Paul give to him than “the beloved physician?” 8. Demas. Referred to a ‘fellow laborer’ in Philemon v24 at this time, but alas, later, a deserter in 2 Tim.4v10. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Observe: The commitments and qualities of these various Christians in their support for Paul, and service to Christ. Some were there consistently to the end, one left, one left but came back. By Graeme Tearle
Colossians 4: v2-6 In what will be the final passage of exhortation, Paul now turns to two of the most important areas of our Christian life – prayer and conduct.
Paul says three things about our prayer activity in these verses.
Paul says three things about our lifestyle in these verses. a) Conduct: The Greek word Paul uses here is ‘peripateo,’ as in ch.2v6. This means literally to walk. But it has a far more significant applied meaning, ’choices of lifestyle, and actions taken; as governed by attitudes, the will, and personal desires’, suggesting our behaviour and life are led by the inner motivations. Our lifestyles and attitudes are to be such that they demonstrate wisdom and attractiveness to the world around. b) Make the most of the time. The word literally means ‘to buy back, redeem.’ And the word for ‘time’ literally means ‘opportunity,’ What Paul is saying here, is not so much that we aren’t to be time-wasters, but that opportunities to present the work and the word of the Lord to the world around can be gained or they can be lost. But we must focus. Use those opportunities to best advantage. c) Seasoned speech Just as we add seasonings to food for flavour and preservation, so our speech is to be governed in such a way as to timely, effective, and gracious to those around. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Consider: Does my conduct, my speech, my prayer add to the declaration of the mystery of Christ to those around? By Graeme Tearle
Colossians 3v12-17 Having explained that we are rid of the old and put on the new, Paul encourages us further in the virtues of our Christian lives. 1. Put on the Virtues, v12,13. In exhorting us to put on these virtues, it assumes that we do not automatically have them – we have to appropriate them, as we are now in Christ. As discussed in ch.3v7, we behaved in the old nature because we had the natural tendencies within us due to the condition of our natural life. Those tendencies, sins and inclinations, must be put off so the new nature can be put on. This is a conscious decision and act of commitment. We put on: a. Compassion – the inner attitude of mercy and attentiveness to others. b. Kindness – the Greek word ‘chrestotes’ has the emphasis of goodness in action. c. Lowliness – humility, a mindful attitude of esteeming other people highly. d. Meekness – an inner attitude, “an inwrought grace of the soul, mainly towards God” – W E Vine. e. Patience – intrinsically means “a prolonged restraint of anger” – New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. f. Forbearing one another – means not just tolerance, but the commitment of standing behind one another in sympathy and support. g. Forgiving one another – as the Lord has done so for us. 2. Put on Love, v14. The crowning act is to put on love. The New Testament has a special word for love – ‘agape.’ It is not the longing of a person for possessions or worth that is meant, but a generous move by one for the sake of the other. Exemplified in it’s use as the generous love of parents towards their children. “Agapao” has first the weak sense ‘to be satisfied, to receive, to greet, to honour, or, more inwardly, to seek after’. Hence it is especially the love of a higher for a lower. It is active, not self-seeking love.” – Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. This love, Paul says, “binds all things together in perfect harmony.” – RSV. These bindings are like those bands which encircle a package of some kind, such as rings around a wine barrel, or strapping and wrapping around a large commercial bundle, holding it together. The Greek word is ‘sundesmos,’ having the literal meaning of encompassing elements which have the purpose of stability and strength. It is the same word he uses in ch.2v19 of ‘ligaments’ which hold the body of Christ together in order to grow. The binding of this sacrificial Christian love keeps “perfect harmony” in the body of Christ. This word is ‘teleiotes’ – the significance of this word is that it indicates a goal or achievement has been attained, and a state of completeness and maturity exists. The presence and activity of sacrificial Christian love in a body is that which makes it grow and have maturity and harmony. 3. Let Peace Rule, v15. As a guide to the maturity and harmony of the body, Paul encourages that we are called to peace. To achieve this, we have the peace of Christ as a guide – to rule in the body. This word, ‘brabeuo,’ comes from the sporting arenas of the day and literally means ‘to act as an umpire or referee.’ The over-ruling principle of peaceful relationships in the body is to subject any matters to His rule and guide. 4. Let the Word Dwell, v16. The harmonious and mature body is a praising, singing body. As the peace of Christ rules and guides, so the word of Christ dwells in us, leading and guiding us to teach, admonish, and give thanks together in this body. 5. The Name of Jesus Guides, v17. Further, the name of Jesus is the authority and principle for all that we do. In verse 15, and again here, Paul emphasizes to be thankful. Whether in the process of reconciling relationships, or the process of daily guidance from Jesus, our continual attitude is to be thankful for His provision. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Commit; to having the love of God and the peace of Christ as our encouragement to harmony and maturity. Colossians 3v1-11:
By Graeme Tearle As Christians our lives have entered into a new sphere and are governed by a new set of motivations. In ch.2v10, Paul has stated: “you have come to fulness of life in Him”; and ch.2v12 he reinforces this by adding: “you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” He adds further emphasis again in ch.2v13: “God made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” In this passage Paul moves from the teaching aspects of his letter to the practical aspects of being led by this new set of motivations. 1. New Mindset, v1,2. The integral aspect of being raised with Christ focuses on the area of our minds and motivations. Our minds are to be so in tune with heavenly things, and the blessings of knowing that Christ is at the right hand of God. What does this mean? Meditations, thoughts, attitudes to the world around us, the people around us, are to be governed and flavoured by spiritual principles, and not common worldly desires. 2. New Sphere of Life, v3,4. The reason for the focus of the mind on heavenly things, is that we have a new sphere of life. ‘Life in verse 4 is ‘zoe,’ which in particular refers to our essential life, vitality, “the living quality of nature shared alike by humans, animals, plants, also eternal life as given us by God” – New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. As opposed to the simple biological functions of life. We have died to this former life, see Galatians ch.2v20. Our new life is now hid with Christ in God. What does this mean? While it is still a fact that we live, eat, sleep, work, and transact business in the physical community around us, God sees us as “in Christ,” and therefore not subject to the condemnation and attitudes of the world around us. This new life has a new community: “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Ephesians ch.2v19. 3. Death to the Old, v5-8. In this section Paul lists a number of sins which must be eliminated in our lives, because of our new life in Christ. There are three actions which happen in Christ, about these earthly inclinations: a. Put them to death, - v5 b. Put them away, - v8. c. Put them off, -v9. Central to this section is v7: a. We ‘lived’ in them; again he uses the word ‘zoe,’ indicating that the essential human vitality was occupied by these sins, and – b. We once ‘walked’ in them. Paul employs the word ‘peripateo,’ as in ch.2v6. This means literally to walk. But it has a far more significant applied meaning, ’choices of lifestyle, and actions taken; as governed by attitudes, the will, and personal desires’, suggesting our behaviour and life are led by the inner motivations. c. So not only was our original human condition giving inclination to these sins, so also was our daily behaviour in practicing them. 4. Put on the New, v9-11. Our new life in Christ enables us to behave in the new manner, and they are put away,; the language is that of changing garments. The new person is renewed in the knowledge of the image of our Creator, as explained by Paul in ch.1v15. Plus as being “members of the household of God,” there are no boundaries of race, religion, social and financial circumstances. Colossians: Points to Ponder. Consider the importance of having our minds attuned to our heavenly life in Christ. By Graeme Tearle.
Colossians 2v16-23 Rules and Regulations! Do’s and Don’t’s! Must and Must Not! How many things do we have to keep up with in order to keep in touch with God? In the early church at Colossae and elsewhere, a group of people, known as the ‘gnostics’, were teaching things contrary to the deity of Jesus Christ and the freedom of salvation which comes through faith in Him. In these verses, following on from the previous section, Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in Him, and not being in bondage to the old rules and regulations. 1. Rules and Regulations. The gnostics insisted that Jewish laws were still intrinsically valid for a relationship to God. - Food and drink, v16, 21, - Rituals and festivals, v16, - These things perish and are valueless, v22; as taught by Jesus in Mark 7v14-23. 2. Visions and Perceptions. The gnostics, as the meaning of this word implies ‘knowledge’, made claims about special visions, contact with angels, and the supposedly superior position this placed them in. They insisted that Christians should endorse and follow these practices, which only leads to self absorption and self degradation, v18. 3. Christ the Fulfilment of God’s Plan. So threaded through all these false assertions, Paul reminds and encourages the Christians how Jesus has fulfilled the need for these old and false teachings: a. We have died to the elemental spirits of the universe, v20. While they had a previous purpose, they do not act as enabling complete freedom from the flesh, v23. Therefore we do not live according to the previous slavery. b. The law pointed forward to Christ, and was only a shadow of His life; v17 points out that Christ is the substance of the law. The word Paul uses is ‘soma’, literally meaning ‘body’. He is emphasizing the point he made in v9; “For in Him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily.” c. For true Christian living and full connection to the life of God, we are to hold fast to Christ as the Head; so the body grows and is nourished form Him, v19. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Hold fast to the new life which is in Christ, ignore any suggestions of rule keeping and seeking ‘special contact’ with God. In Christ we have everything! By Graeme Tearle
Colossians 2v8-15: Sometimes we face the accusation that our salvation is inadequate, and we need to do more to be properly saved. In this passage, and the following, Paul embarks on a strong rebuttal of the false teaching which was bombarding the churches at Colossae and Laodicea at the time. 1. The Outside World. The gnostics seemed to have a hidden agenda which would seek to bring Christians, who are freed from the penalty of sin, back into bondage and guilt. In this passage, and in the following verses of chapter two, Paul lays out some of their specific attempts in advancing their so-called ‘advanced knowledge.’ Astrology was a common belief system in these times, and many people, including governors and emperors, would consult the stars for advice and their future. In this passage, and in the remaining verses of chapter two, Paul gives warning about these people: a. They were ‘preying’ on them, v8. Paul uses the word ‘sulagogeo’, which means literally to lead astray, and take captive as spoils of the heretics. b. They used two tactics: - Philosophy – the gnostics claimed special abilities, knowledge, and inner information about the way to God. - Empty deceit - this is “deception or enticement, creating a pleasant illusion” – TDNT, a false sense of security in this new knowledge. c. Their approach was based on the “elemental spirits of the universe” – this phrase relates to the common basic knowledge and principles of the world, as extracted through astrology, and imparted, theoretically, in simple forms, as in the ‘ABC’ of any given issue. d. And this was continued in teaching about ascetism, as Paul enlarges on in v16. 2. Christ. The answer to false teachings about the way back to God, Paul expounds on the truth as in Jesus Christ. a. Contrary to their teaching that the way to God was through a diluted being, part man and part God, in Jesus dwells the fulness of God in human form, v9. b. God raised Jesus from the dead, v12, 13, proving that He was God’s Son, and fully divine. c. And He is the Head of all rule and authority, v10. d. Christ has taken the charge sheet of our sins, nailed it to the cross, and overcame man’s enemies through the resurrection, v14,15. 3. Believers. Through our belief in Christ, we share in His victory: a. We have His fulness of life, v10. b. Circumcision is spiritual, not a physical act but casting off the whole fleshly body, and demonstrating this in baptism, by putting to death the fleshly desires, v11,12. c. We are raised with Him, and forgiven our trespasses as He has cancelled the charges and the penalties, v12-14. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Believe in the adequacy of Christ’s sacrifice, and there is no need to consult other ways for coming to God. By Graeme Tearle Colossians 2;1-7. A Mystery. We are not expected, nor capable, of knowing everything possible about God and His ways. But He has revealed to us the truth about Christ, and Paul was helping the Colossians to enter into that truth. Paul had not met the Colossian church. And yet he goes to great lengths in his ministry to ensure that they are built up, strengthened, and walking in the Christian life in a wholesome and healthy manner. 1. Knowledge of Christ. The early heretics themselves, known as ‘gnostics,’ were so called because they were claiming to have special ‘advanced’ knowledge about God and His dealings with mankind. ‘Gnostics’ is the English word which derives from the Greek work ‘gnosis.’ Paul talks about riches and treasures, v2,3. These are only to be found in Christ, because it is only in Him that the mystery of God has been revealed, ch.1v26. His desire is that they enter into the full assurance and knowledge of this mystery, and not be deceived because of the so-called ‘special knowledge’ of the gnostics. 2. Faith in Christ. He encourages them that their faith is firm, v5. This has the implication of being on a firm foundation. And he warns them not to be deceived by ‘beguiling speech’ – implying teaching that was contrary to the truth of Christ, and attempting to lead in another path, amiss, v4. 3. Receiving Christ. In v6 Paul reminds them that they have received Christ. The word Paul uses here, ‘paralambano,’ has the emphasis of personal invitation in having Christ within and alongside us. A similar concept is mentioned by Paul in ch.4v17; Archippus had ‘received’ from the Lord a particular ministry, and he was exhorted to fulfill that which he had received. 4. Living in Christ. Following on from faith in Christ and receiving Him, we must live the life He has ordained. a. Live. The word Paul uses in verse 6 for ‘live’ is ‘peripateo’. This means literally to walk. But it has a far more significant applied meaning, ’choices of lifestyle, and actions taken; as governed by attitudes, the will, and personal desires’, suggesting our behaviour and life are led by the inner motivations. The area and focus of this work is ‘in Christ’ – following His example and His will. b. Established, rooted. The sustenance of our life, and the basis or foundation on which we rest, again, is our faith in Christ. c. Abounding in thanksgiving d. Knit together in love – this life in Christ flows into our relationships and sacrifices for our fellow believers. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Live in the knowledge you have attained in Christ, being led by His principles and Lordship. by Graeme Tearle
Colossians 1v21-29: Ministering to Christ. How do we serve Christ? Is it the things we do? Or is it the attitudes we have? Ministering to Christ. Paul has some specific things to say about how he serves Christ in these verses. He uses the Greek word ‘diakonos’ twice, in v.23 and v25.This word has the area of meaning ‘to serve with the focus on getting the job done, the functions and outcomes of what that job entails.’
We observe here a glimpse into the heart and soul of Paul, rejoicing at suffering, and working long and hard to proclaim the truth about Christ. Maturity in Christ. Paul’s goal is to present every person “mature in Christ” – v28. There are some aspects to this which he emphasizes in these verses:
Maturity is more than just age, knowledge, and capability. It is commitment, endurance, and close following to Christ. Colossians : Points to Ponder. Commit yourself to seek full maturity in Christ, so as to serve and minister with enthusiasm and energy. By Graeme Tearle
As Christians, we have a new perspective on who we follow, who we adore, and who ‘influences’ our manner of life and decisions. At the time of writing, the church was experiencing false teachers who were reducing the deity of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God. God has revealed two great principles of His work in the universe:
These verses are integral to the role Jesus had in the forming of the universe:
These verses are integral to the role Jesus has in the forming of the reconciliation of creation back to God. Reconciliation is that process which brings the creation back into it’s correct relationship with God. For humans the medium is forgiveness through the blood of Christ on the Cross. As the Head, He has supreme control:
Colossians : Points to Ponder. Worship God and Christ the Lord for His almighty power in creation and love in salvation. |
