For further examination of Colossians see also the following books in this library:
Introduction
Paul writes to the Colossian church to express his joy and gratitude to God for their faith in Jesus Christ (1:3-4), and to inform them of his prayers for their growth in that faith (1:9-11).
Knowing that there were false teachers among them (2:4, 8), Paul takes the time to teach them the truth about Jesus and His work (1:15-20), showing them that His work alone was sufficient for their salvation (2:9-15).
In light of what the Lord Jesus had done for them, the apostle encouraged the Colossians not to get caught up in a religion of works (2:20-21), but to die to the old nature (3:5) and live in the new life they had received from Christ (3:1-3; 12-17).
Paul also has some words to say in this letter about managing a Christian household (3:18-4:1).
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Chapter 1
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Verse 1
Paul introduces himself as the author of this letter. Notice that mention is made of Timothy. We should not see from this that Timothy had anything to do with authoring the letter. He is mentioned here most likely because he was a co-worker with Paul at this time and was likely well known by the Colossians. Paul declares himself to be an apostle of Jesus Christ. This establishes his authority as Christ’s representative and spokesman. Notice, that this position was not one he took himself. He was chosen by “the will of God” for this responsibility.
Verse 2
The letter is addressed to “the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae.”
The phrase “saints and faithful brothers” implies two things. First, Paul writes to believers in Colossae (“saints”). Second, these believers were walking with the Lord (“faithful brothers in Christ”).
Paul’s prayer for these saints and faithful brothers was for grace and peace from God the Father.
Grace is the unmerited and undeserved favour of God. Peace comes from a right relationship with God.
The question we must ask here is why Paul would pray for grace and peace for those who were already at peace with God and had experienced His grace through the salvation of Jesus Christ. The answer lies in the fact that living the Christian life requires the same grace that saved us for we can no more live the Christian life without it than save ourselves by our own efforts. Those who want to live the Christian life soon find that there are many obstacles that threaten our peace with God and each other. Both grace and peace are necessary ingredients in our ongoing spiritual walk.
Verse 3
Paul, uses the word “we” here. In verse 1, he mentions Timothy. It is likely that the word “we” speaks of both Paul and Timothy.
Paul told the Colossians that they always thanked “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” when they prayed for the Colossians.
It was the sacrifice of the Father that made the faith of the Colossians possible. He offered His only Son as a sacrifice for their sin. When Paul saw the faith of the Colossians, his heart exploded in praise and thanksgiving for the great sacrifice the Father made for this to be a reality.
Verse 4
Paul states the reason why he thanked the Lord for the Colossians here. There are two reasons for his thankfulness.
The first cause of Paul’s thankfulness comes in the words, “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus.” The apostle was grateful to God for the faith of the Colossians.
The word Paul uses for faith is πιστικός (pistikós) which has the sense of faithfulness, genuineness and truth. In other words, the Colossians were faithful to the truth of the gospel and to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second cause of Paul’s thankfulness is found in the words, “the love that you have for all the saints.” A clear demonstration of the genuineness of their faith was found in how they loved their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Notice how Paul uses the phrase, “all the saints.” There was no distinction between the rich or the poor. There was no difference between the Jew or the Gentle. They loved and ministered to all who belonged to Christ.
Verse 5
Paul states the reason why he thanked the Lord for the Colossians here. There are two reasons for his thankfulness.
The first cause of Paul’s thankfulness comes in the words, “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus.” The apostle was grateful to God for the faith of the Colossians.
The word Paul uses for faith is πιστικός (pistikós) which has the sense of faithfulness, genuineness and truth. In other words, the Colossians were faithful to the truth of the gospel and to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second cause of Paul’s thankfulness is found in the words, “the love that you have for all the saints.” A clear demonstration of the genuineness of their faith was found in how they loved their brothers and sisters in Christ.
Notice how Paul uses the phrase, “all the saints.” There was no distinction between the rich or the poor. There was no difference between the Jew or the Gentle. They loved and ministered to all who belonged to Christ.
Verse 6
The Gospel came to the Colossians and transformed their lives. Just as it had borne fruit in Colossae, it was moving across the “whole world bearing fruit and increasing.” The Gospel Paul speaks about here is not mere words but powerful for the changing of lives.
According to Paul, this message was bearing fruit. The Gospel has this power. It is a life-giving message for all who “hear and understand.” In a day when we feel the need to soften or water down the message, we would do well to understand its life-giving power and the fruit it has produced in countless lives.
Not only did the message produce fruit, but it also increased. The idea here is not that the message was changing in any way but rather that its impact was increasing in the lives of the Colossians – “it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth”
The power of the message of the gospel of God’s grace and truth does not stop at salvation, but continues to grow in us and change us more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. Like a seed planted in the lives of the Colossians, that Gospel kept growing, maturing and producing the fruit of faith and love.
Notice one final detail found in the words, “since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.” The Gospel goes out to many but its life-transforming impact is not experienced by all. There will be many who reject its message.
Paul tells us here that the difference in the lives of the Colossians was that they heard and understood the grace of God in truth. Many hear but fewer understand the grace of God in truth. The word translated, truth, is the word ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia), which carries the meaning of truth and reality. The idea here is that there was a time when the message of the Gospel became a reality in the life of the Colossians. Their eyes were opened to see the truth of God and the Gospel took root in their lives. This was a supernatural event and evidence of the power of the gospel in the hands of the Spirit to apply its truth to individual lives.
Verse 7
Paul tells us that the gospel was brought to Colossae by a man named Epaphras. We know nothing about of this man apart from what Paul tells us in this verse. Paul has three things to say about him here.
First, he was a “dear fellow servant”. The word “dear” shows us that he was loved and valued. The word “fellow” indicates that he was a believer and partner in the truth. The word “servant” reveals that he served the Lord as a minister of the Gospel.
Second, Paul declares Epaphras to be “a faithful minister of Christ.” The implication here is that he served the Lord Jesus in sincerity and truth.
Third, Paul associates with Epaphras by telling the Colossians that he ministered “on our behalf.” He represented the truth the apostles proclaimed and did so with their approval.
Verse 8
Epaphras was in communication with the Apostle Paul about the Colossians. We discover that he had brought news to Paul of their “love in the Spirit.”
Notice that the love Epaphras speaks of is “in the Spirit” or had its source in the Spirit of God. It was evidence of the work of God’s Spirit among them.
The fact that Epaphras communicates this specifically with Paul may indicate that this love was for Paul.
Verse 9
When Paul heard about the work God was doing among the Colossians he was moved to pray for them on a regular basis. Notice what the apostle prayed for them.
Paul asked that the Colossians be “filled with the knowledge of his will. Remember here that the New Testament, as we know it, was not yet completed. Knowing God’s will was not a simple matter of pulling the Bible of the shelf and reading it. False teachers were circulating in Colossae. Men such as Epaphras, who had brought the Gospel to them played a vital role in teaching the truth. Epistles such as this one written by Paul were important for these believers, as they taught them the truth. Paul’s prayer was that God would reveal His will for the lives of the Colossians.
Paul prays also that the Colossians would have spiritual wisdom to apply the knowledge they received to their lives. It is one thing to have knowledge, and another to know how to use it. This requires wisdom. Paul’s prayer is that the Colossians be led by the Spirit of God as the source of spiritual wisdom in the application of the knowledge they had received about God’s will and purpose.
Paul’s third request was that the Colossians have true understanding of the knowledge that was imparted to them. The implication here is that it was not the purpose of God that the Colossians mindlessly follow a set of traditions, beliefs and practices, but that they do so with a full awareness of what they were doing and be able to defend their knowledge and practices.
Verse 10
Paul’s prayer in verse 9 was that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of God’s will with wisdom and understanding. He explains now why this was important.
The apostle give four reasons why it is important to know, understand and exercise the will of God with wisdom.
First, “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” If we want to walk in a manner that honours the Lord and brings Him the glory due His name, we need to walk in His will. To do that we need to know and understand His will for our lives and commit ourselves to walk in it.
Second, it is important to know, understand and walk in the will of God in order to “fully please him.” It is the ambition and desire of every child of God to please their heavenly Father. We please Him best by walking in His will and becoming everything He had called us to be.
Third, we must know, understand and walk in the will of God with wisdom, because it is only by doing so that we can truly “bear fruit in every good work.” The good works referred to here are not just any works but the work that God has given us to do. God blesses His will and the good work He has given so that good fruit is the result. To bear good fruit we must know, understand and walk in the will of God.
Fourth, God blesses those who walk in his will with an “increasing knowledge” of Himself. God reveals Himself to those who seek after Him and His will. Those who seek Him will find Him. As we step out in His purpose, we grow in our relationship with Him and into deeper maturity.
Verse 11
Paul tells the Colossians that as they walked in God’s will, He would strengthen them. Notice what the apostle says about this strength.
First, they would be strengthened with “all power.” The word “power” in the Greek is δύναμις (dúnamis), and carries the sense of capability or ability. The power Paul speaks of here is the God-given ability to accomplish His purpose. The Colossians would have all they needed to do what God had asked them to do. God would not call them to do anything He would not give them the ability to do.
Notice, second the source of that strength – “his glorious might.” The strength available to the Colossians was the glorious might of God Himself. The ability to do the will of God did not come from themselves, but from the glorious might of an all-powerful God.
Paul tells the Colossians next the result of God strength in them.
The first result is found in the words, “for all endurance.” The word translated”endurance” is ὑπομονή (hupomonḗ). I have often illustrated the meaning of this word using the example of an individual carrying a heavy load. He carries that weight to its final destination without letting it down. Endurance is the ability to remain under a heavy load until we reach our destination. The will and purpose of God is not accomplished by those who give up. To accomplish His purpose requires endurance. The strength of God will give us this ability to carry on to the end.
The second result of God strength is “patience.” The word μακροθυμία (makrothumía) used here differs from endurance in that it refers to the ability to control ones attitudes and actions under intense situations. It is possible to endure a difficult circumstance but be miserable to live with. We can become bitter and angry under the weight God has called us to bear. Patience, however, changes this. Patient people bear their burden with grace. They refuse to allow their struggle to impact how they treat other people or how they view God. The strength of God gives us, not only enables us to endure, but also gives us the ability to do so with a godly spirit.
Finally, Paul reminds the Colossians that the strength God gave would enable them to endure “with joy.” The burden would sometimes be hard to bear. The apostle reminded the Colossians that when the burden was heavy and difficult to bear the Lord would also strengthen them with joy. God does not give us hard burdens to make us miserable. Some paths we must walk will be difficult. Be assured, however, that when the path is dark, God’s joy will be greater than the darkness. We will, in His strength, be able to lift our head above the waters to raise a shout of joy.
Verse 12
Paul speaks in this section about knowing and understanding the will of God and walking in the strength He supplies. He move on now to encourage the Colossians to be thankful to the Father who qualified them “to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Notice that the Colossians were to be thankful to the Father for three things:
First, because he qualified them – “the Father, who has qualified you.” They were not worthy in themselves but the heavenly Father sent His Son to pay for their sin and His Spirit to empower and equip them to live holy lives.
Second, the Colossians were to be thankful because through the qualification of the Father they now shared an inheritance with the saints. That inheritance is eternal life in His presence with those who have love Him.
Finally, the insurance of the Colossians was an inheritance “in light.” The light spoken of her is not just the absence of dark. Light is Scripture speaks of righteousness and holiness. The believers in Colossae were going to live in the presence of the holy and eternal light of God where no sin would molest, or sorrow plague their soul. This was great cause for thankfulness.
Verse 13
Paul contrasts the kingdom of light the Colossians were to inherit (verse 12) with the kingdom of darkness and sin from which they were delivered.
The word “delivered” is the Greek word ῥύομαι (rhúomai) which refers to something that has been rescued from danger. In other words the Colossians were in serious trouble, but God came to their rescue and set them free. He delivered them from their enemy.
The enemy Paul speaks about here is the”domain of darkness.” The word “domain” is translated as “power” in the King James Version. The Greek word is ἐξουσία (exousía) and can be translated by authority, strength, or power. In other words, the Father has delivered us from the power and authority of darkness. This darkness had us under its control and we were powerless to do anything about it. God in His mercy, however, broke sin’s shackles and set is free from its grip.
Notice what God did after rescuing us from sin’s hold. He transferred us to the “kingdom of his beloved Son.” The idea here seems to be that He rescued us from one kingdom and gave us citizenship in another. As citizens of the kingdom of His Son we now enjoy the privileges and protection of that kingdom. The domain of darkness has no more authority or right over us.
Verse 14
The apostle has just told the Colossians that the Father had transferred them into the kingdom of His Son. Jesus, reigned as King over this kingdom. Paul reminds the Colossians that all those who belonged to the kingdom of Jesus had redemption and forgiveness of sin through Him.
Redemption requires that a price be paid for release. There was a cost to releasing us from the dominion of darkness. That cost was the life of Jesus Christ for ours. He paid the supreme price so that we could be freed.
The death of Christ secured our pardon and forgiveness. My penalty was paid once for all time. With my penalty paid, I was released from sin’s grip. More than this, however, through the forgiveness of sin, I was transferred to a new kingdom. I have a new master and King. It is my privilege to bow now to Him and walk in obedience to His lordship in my life.
Verse 15
The apostle continues from the last verse to speak of the person of the Lord Jesus. He tells us two things about the Lord Jesus here.
First, “He is the image of the invisible God.” Notice that Jesus is the “image” of the invisible God. The word translated, image, is εἰκών (eikṓn). What is particularly interesting about this word is that it not only speaks about resemblance but also origin. Two people may look the same but not be of the same blood. The Greek word εἰκών (eikṓn), however, implies that Jesus not only resembles the Father but originates from the Father and is of the same character and essence as the Father.
Paul goes on to tell the Colossians that Jesus is the image of the “invisible God.” God does not have a physical body as we do. Nor is He visible in some shape or form. Jesus, however, took on the form of a man and perfectly revealed the invisible qualities of His Father to us.
Second, Jesus Christ is “the firstborn of all creation.” There may be two ways to understand what Paul is telling the Colossians here. Consider the words of Psalm 89:27 which reads:
27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. – Ps 89:27
Notice how the palmist defines the firstborn – “the highest of the Kings of the earth.” The firstborn was given a special place in the family and considered to be the family head. Jesus was the firstborn because He was “the highest of the Kings of the earth.” He is King of kings and the head of all creation.
Second, consider also the words of Revelation 1:5:
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood – Rev 1:5
John describes Jesus as the “firstborn of the dead.” In other words, Jesus was the first to conquer sin and death, rise from the dead, and ascend to take His place at the right hand of the Father.
Verse 16
Paul goes on to say that Jesus is the Creator of all things – “For by him all things were created.” In describing Jesus as the Creator of all things, Paul is making a very important statement.
First, the apostle is telling us that Jesus existed before creation. The implication is that he is eternal.
Second, consider the words of Genesis 1:1:
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. – Ge 1:1
It was understood that the heavens and the earth were created by God. This implies that Paul saw Jesus as God from before creation.
Jesus, one with the Father and the Spirit, created this world as we know it. Paul tells us that not only did Jesus created the earth with all is marvels, but He also created all things in heaven. Just as the Lord Jesus created the earth and all that is in it, so He created heaven and all that is in it. This includes human beings as well as angelic. All have been created by Christ. He, along with the Father and the Spirit were uncreated and the source of all things.
Notice how Paul tells us that Jesus did not just create those things we can see with our eyes but also many things we cannot see but depend on for life. This may also be a reference to the spiritual world and its beings.
The apostle tells the Colossians that the Lord Jesus also put in place “thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.” The Lord Jesus governs the course of this world. He allows rulers and authorities their time and place in the course of history. None of these authorities take Him by surprise. He is sovereign over all dominions, gives them power, and strips that power from them. He is Lord over all rulers, powers, and authorities.
According to Paul, the Lord Jesus created all things for His own purpose and glory- “all things were created through him and for him.”
Verse 17
Paul makes two further statements here about Jesus.
First, “he is before all things,” The word “before” in the Greek language is πρό (pró) which can refer to either place or time. In this case, it is most likely that Paul is saying that Jesus Christ existed in time before anything was created. As Creator of all things, He had to exist before His creation came into being.
Second, “in him all things hold together.” The word translated “hold together” is συνίστημι (sunístēmi) and literally means to cause to stand with each other. The Lord Jesus holds all the pieces of this earth together and causes them to work together in harmony for the overall good.
Verse 18
Paul tells us here that the Lord Jesus “is the head of the body, the church.”
The church is compared to a body. The illustration is important for what it tells us about the nature of the church. Just as the various members of the body have different roles, so it is with the church. Each member serves a different function. But all work for the good of the whole.
Notice that the head of the church is Jesus Christ. The use of the word head here speaks of his role as Lord and King. The church exist for Him and for His purpose. The purpose of the body is to submit to the head, walk in His purpose, and glorify Him as its head.
Paul says three things about Jesus the head of the church. Notice first the Paul tells us that Jesus is the “beginning.”
Paul has already mentioned that Jesus existed before creation in verses 16,17. Verse 18, however, speaks of the church. The church consists of all who have been forgiven and brought into the kingdom of God through the work of Jesus Christ whether they lived in Old Testament or New Testament times. Jesus made that possible. His sacrificial death on the cross brought His people into the congregation of saints which would become known as the universal church.
The word Paul uses her for “beginning” is ἀρχή (archḗ). The word does not just refer to time but also to cause or origin. In other words, Jesus is the beginning of the church because He is the origin and cause of it becoming a reality. Without His work the church would not exist.
Paul tells the Colossians second that Jesus is also the “firstborn from the dead.” This is not to say that Jesus was the first to rise from the dead, for Jesus Himself had given the dead life in His ministry. Paul speaks here about the resurrection of Jesus from the death. His resurrection conquered the power of death. He rose never to die again. Sin has no more power over Him. While Jesus was the firstborn from the dead other will follow Him. In fact, His victory over this great enemy gives all who belong to him that same victory.
Notice finally, that Paul told the Colossians that in all things Jesus would be “preeminent.” The Greek word for preeminent is πρωτεύω (prōteúō) which simply means to be first, of highest significance and rank. As the origin and source of both the physical creation and the new creation, Jesus is the central focus, and the head to which not only the church but all creation must bow.
Verse 19
There is no question in this verse about what Paul believed about the deity of Jesus Christ. Paul tells the Colossians that the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Jesus Christ. Notice three points here.
First, the fullness of God dwelt “in him,” that is the person of Jesus Christ. To know Him was to know God for all that Good was, Jesus demonstrated in His person.
Second, notice the phrase “all the fullness of God.” How much God’s fullness dwelt in Jesus? Paul is quite clear – “all of the fullness of God.” The full character and power of God is in the person of Jesus. All that God was, Jesus was also. He is God.
Finally, observe the words “was pleased to dwell.” The word translated pleased is the Greek word εὐδοκέω (eudokéō). It is derived from two words. The first is eú meaning well or good and the second is dokéō meaning to think. The meaning of εὐδοκέω (eudokéō), therefore, is to think good. The idea here is that this was the right and proper thing for all the fullness of God to dwell in Christ.
Verse 20
The task of reconciliation was given to Jesus, in whom the fullness of God dwelt. Verse 20 continues the thought of verse 19 and is part of the same sentence. The only one who could take on the task of reconciling the world was God. No one else was capable or worthy. The apostle John describes a scene in heaven where this very issue was discussed:
1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”– Rev 5:1-5
Only Jesus was found worthy to open the seal and unfold the purpose of God for the reconciliation of all things.
Paul speaks to the Ephesians about this reconciliation when he says:
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. – Ep 2:13-16
Reconciliation, according to Paul in this verse, involves taking two people who were “far off” and “bringing them near” but means of the “blood of Christ” Ephesians 2:13). In involves breaking down a dividing “wall of hostility” by establishing peace between the individuals involved (Ephesians 2:14). By “killing the hostility” (Ephesians 2:16) both parties are joined together as “one body.”
This task was given to Jesus, who alone was worthy and capable of is fulfillment.
Paul goes on to tell the Colossians that Jesus would reconcile “to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven.” This statement has caused some trouble for many. How does Jesus reconcile “all things to himself?” We know that not everyone will come to Jesus and be made right with God.
When Paul speaks of restoring all things here, he does not mean that every person will come to Christ and accept His offer of salvation. He is saying, however, that all hostility will be broken and addressed. Paul tells the Colossians that Jesus would make “peace by the blood of his cross.” The cross of Jesus accomplished two important objectives. First, for all who received it, it brought forgiveness and reconciliation. Second, it broke the power of sin and sealed the judgement of all who rejected it. Hell and eternal judgement separated from God, is the fate of all who reject the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. The eternal wrath of God will bring an end to all enemies of the cross and his kingdom of truth and holiness will reign uncontested.
Verse 21
Paul makes this matter of reconciliation from the preceding verses more personal to the Colossians by reminding them of their condition outside of Christ. He has three things to say here.
First they were “alienated.” An alien is a noncitizen of a country. As such does not enjoy the privileges or protection of the country. In this case the Colossians were separated from God and under his wrath.
Second, they were “hostile in mind.” The word hostile is ἐχθρός (echthrós), which refers to something that is at enmity with God or is hostile to Him. What Paul is saying here is that the thoughts, attitudes and desires of their minds were contrary to God’s purpose and repulsive to Him.
Third, they were “doing evil deeds.“it was not just the thoughts, attitudes and desires of the mind that were enemies to God and His purpose, but the Colossians were also acting on those evil desires. They lived an evil lifestyle.
It should be noted here that the definition of evil often changes in our cultures. What one generation considers evil is acceptable to another. The standard of evil is not based on our culture’s definition, however, but on the purpose and character of God that never changes.
Verse 22
Paul describes what Christ did for the Colossians here.
Observe that He reconciled them “in his body of flesh by his death.”
Reconciliation is the process whereby the relationship between God and His creation is restored. Paul tells the Colossians that this reconciliation with God was made possible by the death of Christ’s body of flesh.
The result of the Christ’s death on their behalf was that they were presented “holy and blameless and above reproach” to God.
First, the Colossians were presented as “holy” to the Father. The word “holy” ἁˊγιος (hágios) refers to something that has been set apart for God in person, thought and deed.
Second, the Colossians were “blameless.” The word ἀˊμωμος ,(ámōmos) literally means,”without spot or blemish.” This blamelessness is not because the Colossians never sinned, but rather because the Lord Jesus took all their guilt to the cross. His blood covered all their blame.
Finally, the Colossians were “above reproach.” The term used here by the apostle is a legal one. The word ἀνέγκλητος (anégklētos) speaks of someone who is without accusation in court. They are free of any legal charge.
The death of Christ’s body set us apart for God by removing all guilt and blame so that we are declared innocent of all charges before God. This is not something we deserved or earned but the result of the death of Christ on our behalf.
Verse 23
Verse 22 and verse 23 are part of the same sentence and must be understood together. Paul speaks about the Colossians being reconciled to God through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The apostle told the Colossians that it was also the desire of Christ to present them holy, blameless, and beyond reproach before God.
Paul speaks of reconciliation and presentation here. Reconciliation is a completed work of Christ that brings us into the family of God. Our presentation before the Father, however, seems to refer to the time when we stand before God on the final day to give an accounting of our lives.
Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians when he writes:
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. – 2Co 5:10
Notice that the judgement here is based on the “what he had done on the body.” We know from the rest of Scripture that we are not saved by the works of our flesh so this presentation before the judgement seat is not about salvation but rather about what that individual has done with the salvation given them.
Verse 23 continues the thought of Christ presenting those he reconciled, as holy, blameless and beyond reproach, before the Father. Notice how the apostle begins with the words, “if indeed you continue in the faith.” In other words, the Colossians would only be presented blameless, holy and above reproach if they continued in faith.
The word “if” is important. It introduces a condition and the possibility that even the believer can be guilty of sin and failure for which they must be accountable before God. This seems to be the teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians where’s he writes:
14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. – 1Co 3:14-15
It is possible for a believer to waste his or her life, fall into sin, and not walk in God’s purpose for their lives. Paul tells the Corinthians that if that was the case, they would be saved but only through the fire of God’s judgement.
The Lord Jesus has done everything for our salvation. The cross has secured this for all who believe. He has also provided us all we need to live a godly life but even true believers fall short of God’s standard.
Paul tells the Colossians here that if they are to stand before God, holy blameless, and beyond reproach they must be “stable and steadfast not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard.”
The word “stable” is θεμελιόω (themelióō), and speaks of laying a foundation. In other words, the Colossians were to establish Jesus Christ as the foundation upon which their lives were to be built.
Secondly, Paul tells the Colossians that they were also to be “steadfast.” The word ἑδραι̃ος (hedraíos), comes from a word meaning “seat” or “chair.” The idea is to be settled on Christ in mind and heart. The unsettled person is distracted by many things. Those who are steadfast have made up their mind and are committed to Christ and his purpose.
Third, the Colossians were not to “shift” from the hope of the gospel they heard. They were to keep their focus on the hope of there Gospel and the work of Jesus Christ. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone would keep them from false teaching and wandering of the path.
This Gospel was proclaimed in all of creation as it testifies to His grace and mercy through the natural elements. The Gospel was also proclaimed in words through the prophets and apostles called as ministers of God.
Paul reminds the Colossians here that while Christ has reconciled them with the Father, they were to learn to walk and grow in that salvation so they could be presented without shame before the Father.
Verse 24
Living the Christian life in a sinful world will not be easy. Paul begins this verse by telling the Colossians, however, that he rejoiced in his suffering for their sake. It should be noted here that Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Colossians. This is evident from the words of Colossians 4:10 where he speaks of Aristarchus as his “fellow prisoner.” In part, the sufferings Paul is speaking about may be this imprisonment for the Gospel.
Paul rejoicing in his suffering does not mean that he found it enjoyable or pleasant. His suffering was very real. Paul had no secret delight in his affliction but he was willing to face it for the sake of Christ and the expansion of His kingdom. It brought joy to his heart to know that what he did was for the advancement of the kingdom of God in the lives of the Colossians.
Notice also that Paul believed he was “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body.”
At first glance it might appear that Paul is saying that there was something lacking in Christ’s afflictions that he was trying to make up for. Clearly, this is not what the apostle meant for he would be the first to say that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was complete and nothing more could possibly be added. It would be contrary to everything Paul taught to interpret this verse to mean that he had to add anything more to what the Lord Jesus had done.
This means that there must be another meaning to Paul’s words here. Likely the best way to understand what the apostle is telling the Colossians is to begin by the phrase “Christ’s afflictions.“
Consider what the apostle says to the Corinthians:
5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. – 2Co 1:5-6
Paul speaks here about the Corinthians sharing in Christ’s sufferings and afflictions. He refers here to how the Corinthians suffered for Christ and stood faithfully in His purpose. The suffering of the Corinthians for Christ is referred to her as Christ’s suffering.
It is likely that Paul is saying the same thing to the Colossians. The kingdom of Christ must be advanced through the sacrifices of His people. If the church is to grow, blood and sweat must be spilt. The need is great for those who will lay down their lives for the sake Christ. Paul saw that need and it was his great privilege to bear his weight of affliction and sacrifice for the expansion of Christ’s church.
Verse 25
Paul speaks here of his calling to become a minister of the church of Jesus Christ.
The word translated “minister” is διάκονος (diákonos), from which we get the English word deacon. It literally means servant. Paul appears to be using the word for its general sense and not to speak of himself exercising the role of deacon in the church.
Paul goes on in the verse to tell the Colossians that this role of minister was given to him as a “stewardship from God” for the Colossians.
A stewardship οἰκονομία (oikonomía) is a position entrusted to someone to manage. Paul was given a specific responsibility by God for The good of the church.
Notice what Paul’s stewardship from God was –“to make the word of God fully known.”
God had called Paul as a servant of the church with a role of teaching the Word of God so that it was “fully known” in the church.
The word translated “fully known” here is πληρόω (pleróō), which speaks of filling something. In other words, Paul was to fill the church with the knowledge of God’s Word. As a minister of the Word, the Apostle did this by teaching, preaching, writing, and living it out by his example.
Verse 26
Paul continues his sentence from verse 25 here. He had been called “to make the word of God fully known.” He goes on to describe this word as “the mystery hidden for ages and generations.” The law and the prophets spoke in mysteries and pictures. The sacrifices and offerings all looked forward to the coming of the perfect Messiah. The prophets spoke in pictures and riddles but the reality had not yet appeared.
Paul reminded the Colossians, however, that since the coming of the Lord Jesus, the mystery hidden in the Law and the Prophets had been revealed to the saints. It was found in Jesus Christ and His salvation.
Verse 27
The mystery revealed to the saints was how God chose to reveal His glory to the whole world (the Gentiles) through His Son Jesus Christ.
Notice how Paul expresses the wonder of this revealed mystery – “how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery.” This revelation of God’s glory to the nations was “great among the Gentiles.” In Paul’s day we cannot underestimate the impact the Gospel was having on the Gentile world, nor the joy this brought to nations once seen as unworthy of the gospel. In the days of Paul, the Spirit of God was moving powerfully among the nations revealing to them the “riches of His glory.”
The great mystery revealed to the saints, can be summarized by the words: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” What is our hope of eternal glory? – the presence of Christ in us. The very life of Christ implanted in us, giving us life and hope. This is my assurance of eternal life. Could there be a richer, more glorious or greater reality than this?
Verse 28
Paul proclaimed Jesus Christ, the hope of glory. The word Paul uses here, translated “proclaim” is καταγγέλλω (kataggéllō) not only carries with it the sense of proclaiming but declaring, announcing, celebrating or preaching. There is a certain passion in the proclaiming. We celebrate Him as the hope of a world in darkness and sin. We do this in our worship as we declare Him to be Lord over sin and death.
Not only does Paul encourage us to “proclaim” Jesus, but notice secondly the challenge, “warning everyone.” By introducing the word, “warning,” Paul reveals a danger. That danger is sin and death. The solution is found in the person of Jesus Christ without whom we have no victory. This is a call to take this message to the lost. It is a call to evangelism.
Finally, Paul calls us as believers to “teaching everyone with all wisdom.” This is a call to discipleship. It challenges us to train those who receive our warning in their knowledge of Christ and His ways. The goal of this proclaiming, warning, and teaching is to present everyone mature in Christ.
Verse 29
Paul declares his great ministry passion – “to present everyone mature in Christ” (verse 28). Paul tells the Colossians that to accomplish this goal he toiled and struggled.
The word “toil” is the Greek word, κοπιάω (kopiáō) which has the sense of being worn out or fatigued with hard labour.
“Struggling” is translated from the word ἀγωνίζομαι agōnízomai which means to fight or wrestle. It involves overcoming many obstacles, hurdles.
Presenting everyone mature in Christ is hard and strenuous work. It is in reality a work that takes more than we can physically, and emotionally give. Paul understood this and did not depend on his human resources to make this happen. Notice the source of Paul’s power here – “I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
It was God’s energy and power that strengthened and enabled the apostle to proclaim, warn and teach. It was the power of God working in him that enabled Paul to celebrate and proclaim Christ from his prison cell. That same power working in him gave new life to the sinner and caused the believer to grow to maturity. The ability to endure and accomplish this task was God-given. Paul was successful in this task because he did not depend on his own resources to accomplish it.
Chapter 2
Select Verse
Verse 1
The apostle begins chapter 2 with a personal word to the Colossians. He tells them that he had a great struggle for them.
The word struggle is ἀγών (agṓn). It was used to speak of boxing and wrestling in the Greek games. The idea here is that there was an opponent that needed to be overcome. The context of the verse shows us that Paul’s concern is that believers in Colossae love one another (verse 2), and that they resist the false teachers among them (verse 5). Part of Paul’s response to this inner struggle and burden for these believers is to write this letter.
Notice that Paul’s concern was also for the Laodiceans. Laodicea was located near the city of Corinth. We have a record of a letter written to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3 showing us that Paul had reason to be concerned for them:
15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. – Rev 3:15-18
Clearly, the church in Laodicea had become luke-warm and complacent in their walk with the Lord Jesus.
Verse 2
Paul told the Colossians that he had a struggle on his heart for them and the believers in Laodicea. He explains the nature of that struggle here in verse 2.
First, he was burdened that their hearts be encouraged. The word translated, encouraged is παρακαλέω (parakaléō). There are two parts to this word. The word “pará” means to the side of, and “kaléō” means to call. Imagine being in trouble and calling someone to your aid. This individual brings support and comfort in your time of need – they encourage you. Paul wanted the hearts of the Colossians and Laodiceans to experience this kind of encouragement.
Second, notice the source of this encouragement – “being knit together in love.” It was Paul’s burden that the Colossians and Laodiceans be one in love for each other. There is great strength in the body of Christ when it is joined together in Christian love.
Paul reveals the goal of this encouragement and brotherly love – “to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.” In simple terms, Paul wanted the believers to reach a greater understanding and knowledge of Christ.
Notice how he speaks of the riches of full assurance, understanding and knowledge of Christ. Knowing Christ and being assured of a relationship with Him is one of the greatest treasure we could ever have in this life and the life to come. Understanding who Jesus is and what He had done for our salvation ought to thrill out heart and secure our commitment to Him.
Paul speaks of Jesus as the mystery of God. This refers back to Colossians 1:26 where he introduced the message of the gospel as a mystery hidden for ages, but revealed to the saints. The Law of Moses and the prophets spoke of Jesus in pictures and riddles but He has now been revealed to us.
Paul’s burden is that believers would encourage one another to know this Christ and understand His purpose for their lives.
Verse 3
In Jesus Christ, according to Paul, are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Jesus Christ is an all-knowing God. As the Creator of all things, nothing is hidden from Him. He is the treasury of all knowledge.
Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge skillfully. If we want to know how we are to live, He is the source of all wisdom. He unfolds the purpose of the Father. He has a purpose for your life and mine. To know that purpose in full, you must know Jesus, for in and through Him alone the fullness of God plan is revealed.
Verse 4
Another cause of Paul’s struggle for the Colossians and the Laodiceans (see Colossians 2:1) had to do with false teachers.
The apostle was afraid that these false teachers might delude them with “plausible arguments.” The word used here is πιθανολογία (pithanología) which refers to speaking persuasively and with believable and logical arguments.
Notice also the word “delude” here. The Greek word translated “delude” is παραλογίζομαι (paralogízomai) which means to reason incorrectly.
What is important to note is that there are many believable and logical arguments that are false and misleading. On the other hand, some of Christianity’s most essential truths do not make sense to our fleshly way of thinking.
Human logic is not the basis of all truth. Some things are beyond our ability to understand and must be accepted by faith in God’s word.
Paul warns the Colossians here about well reasoned arguments that only lead to error.
Verse 5
Paul reminded the Colossians that while he could not be with them in body, he was with them in spirit. The implication here is that the apostle thought about them, was concerned for them, and prayed for them. Notice also that he rejoiced to see that they were standing firm in their faith in Christ.
Verse 6
Verse 6 begins with the word “therefore.” This relates it to what Paul has been saying in the previous verses. The apostle has just told the Colossians that he was concerned that false teachers might deceived them with “plausible arguments.” He was encouraged, however, that they had not given into these false teachers but stood firm in their faith.
Paul continues with this same thought here when he says: “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” How had the Colossians received Jesus? They had received him by faith. They had not seen Him in the flesh. They had not heard His audible words. But they believed in Him and trusted what He taught. When they received Jesus Christ they entrusted their lives into His hands. They did this by faith in what He said. This same faith was required to continue in their spiritual walk. Just as they trusted Jesus for salvation, so they were to trust what He said for maturity. Faith is as essential for the Christian walk as it is for salvation. We are not only saved by faith in Jesus Christ but we must also walk by faith and well. The Christian life begins and continues by faith.
In this context, Paul is reminding the Colossians that their faith in Christ and His word would protect them from the persuasive words of false teachers.
Verse 7
Paul shares some key principles with the Colossians here for growth in the Christian life.
First, they were to be “rooted” in Christ. When something takes root it fixes itself to the spot where it takes root. In this case the roots are in Christ. There is a commitment to remain faithful here.
When the roots go down in the soil, they draw life from that soil. Because their roots are on Christ, those who are rooted in Him draw life from Him. Being rooted in Christ is to be to dependant on Him.
Second, the Colossians were to be built up in Him. The word Paul uses here is ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodoméō) which is derived from two Greek words. The first is epí meaning “upon.” The second is “oikodoméō” meaning “to build.” The imagery here is that of building a house on a foundation. The Lord Jesus is the foundation and the Colossians were to build their lives on Him and His teaching.
Third, the Colossians were to be established in their faith. The word “established” in the Greek is βεβαιόω (bebaióō) meaning to make something firm and sure, or to strengthen. What Paul seems to be saying here is that the Colossians were to keep their faith in Christ strong and sure.
Finally, the apostle encouraged the Colossians to abound in thanksgiving. Certainly as the Colossians remembered the work of Christ and their hope in Him they would have ample reason to be thankful. Thankfulness is an important part of spiritual growth. It lifts our heart to praise and inspires confidence in the Savior who’s had blessed us so richly.
Verse 8
Paul’s struggle for the Colossians is evident here. In Colossians 2:4 he challenged them not to be deceived by “plausible arguments.” He warns the believers of Colossae against the worldly philosophies, and traditions in their day.
He begins be telling the Colossians not to be taken captive. The word συλαγωγέω (sulagōgéō) speaks about kidnapping or leading someone off as prey. Those carrying of the prey have hostile intent. In this case, they lead God’s people into false teaching and away from the truth of the gospel. They do this in two ways.
First, by philosophy. The Greek word for philosophy φιλοσοφία (philosophía), literally means “love of wisdom.” While the love of wisdom is not wrong on itself, the wisdom we speak about here is not the wisdom of God but of man. There were many thinkers on those days with their ideas of the meaning and purpose of life. Many of those ideas were contrary to the teaching of the Scripture. True wisdom is founded on God and His Word. Worldly philosophies that do not submit to the truth of God Word may be very logical and convincing but the believer in Jesus Christ must not be captured by these arguments. Scripture, not worldly wisdom is where the believer finds truth.
Second, Paul tells the Colossians that they must beware of “empty deceit.” The word “empty” is κενός (kenós), and refers to something that is meaningless. Deceit ἀπάτη (apátē) relates to something that appears to be one thing but in reality is something else. In this case, there is something sinful or sinister under the surface. There are many things that could be classified as empty deceit in our day. We are bombarded with advertisements that promote worldly pleasures and privileges that are meaningless and leave those who indulge empty and unsatisfied. More than this, however, they draw their victims away from Christ and His purpose for their lives.
Paul goes on to tell the Colossians where these philosophies and empty deceit come from – human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world.
First the apostle traces these ungodly philosophies and empty deceit to human tradition. When we think of tradition in our day we think of customs and ways of doing things passed down from one generation to another. The word Paul uses here, however, is παράδοσις (parádosis), which refers to teachings and doctrines that are handed down.
Notice here that Paul’s is very specific. He speaks about “human traditions.” In other words, the accumulated knowledge and teachings of worldly scholars and intellects passed down through the ages. This might be philosophical, cultural or religious in nature but it does not originate in God but from human reason. Ungodly philosophies and empty deceit have been passed on from one generation to another. This becomes part of our culture and worldview but it is not a godly world-view and must be broken in the heart and mind of the believer.
The second source of ungodly philosophies and empty deceit according to Paul are “the elemental spirits of the world.” The phrase “elemental spirits of the world” in the English Standard Version of the Bible is translated differently in other versions.
“rudiments of the world” – KJV
“basic principles of the world” NKJV, NIV
“evil powers of this world” – NLT
The Greek word used here is στοιχει̃ον (stoicheíon) and refers to the basic elements or compounds that make up the world. Paul does not go into detail about these elemental spirits. What is clear, however, is that these spirits, elements, principles or compounds are not Christ nor are they lead to Christ. We can become so focused on mastering this earth, enjoying its pleasures and privileges and harnessing its power that we completely ignore the principles of heaven and the kingdom of God. God ways are not worldly ways. The principles of heaven differ from the principles of this earth. The best way to fail in the Christian life is to have a worldly mindset. If we want to walk with God, we must accept that His ways are not the ways of this earth.
We must learn to have the mind of Christ, to walk counter-culture and to resist the ways of the world if we are to mature and be all that God has called us to be.
Verse 9
Paul has been challenging the Colossians not to be distracted by human philosophies and empty deceit passed on through the ages. Instead, they were to set their hearts on Christ. He shares with them the reason why they were to set their heart on Christ here – “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” If there was anyone more reliable than human philosophies and wisdom it would be Him in whom the fullness of deity dwelt.
Notice a few details in what Paul teaches here. Consider first the phrase “in him the whole fullness of deity” The word “whole” (πάς pás) communicates the idea of “totality.” Some translations use the word “all.” In other words the totality of God dwelt in Christ. All that God is, so is Jesus. In other words, He is God.
Observe second the word fullness. The whole fullness of God dwelt in Jesus. When Paul speaks here about whole fullness he is telling us that Jesus was not like His Father in certain ways but in every way. All of God’s power, holiness, sovereignty, justice, love, etc. was in Jesus. God the Father had nothing that Jesus did not also have in full measure.
The fullness of God dwells in Jesus Christ. The word translated “dwell” is “κατοικέω (katoikéō).” It speaks of a fixed and permanent dwelling. In other words the fullness of God lives forever in Christ. This will never change.
Notice one more detail here. This fullness of God dwelt in Christ “bodily.” Christ took on a human body but this human body did not in any way hinder the fullness of God from dwelling in Him. He was fully God in a human body.
Verse 10
Paul tells the Colossians believers that they had been filled in Jesus Christ.
The philosophies and empty deceit offered by this world could not save their soul or deliver them from the power of sin. Nor could they give them a right relationship with their Creator. Paul tells them that only Jesus could fill that need.
The Greek word translated “in” describes the source or place where we find this filling – in Jesus Christ.
Verses 11-15 make the purpose of this filling quite clear. The filling is required because of sin. Only Christ and His work count for our salvation and right standing with God. Imagine yourself as a vessel, emptied of yourself and every effort to please God in your flesh. It is into this vessel that the presence of Christ, His Spirit, His work, forgiveness and grace is poured. Nothing of myself, everything of Christ, filled to overflowing with Him. Dead to all my efforts to please God, made alive by the fullness of His gracious presence in me. This is my assurance and hope. I can be assured only because He does everything for my salvation.
Notice how Paul reminds the Colossians that the one who fills them is “the head of all rule and authority.” In other words, there is no authority or power greater than His. When he fills us with Himself and covers is by His work, what can stand against us?
Verse 11
Notice once again the phrase “in him.” Verse 10 tells us that we were filled “in him.” Verse 11 reminds us that to be filled we must first be emptied of ourselves.
Paul compares our salvation and Christian life to circumcision. Notice several details here.
First, this circumcision was “in him.” In other words, it took place as a result of coming to Christ and was a direct result of the work of Jesus in the life of the Colossians believers.
Second, this circumcision was “made without hands.” That is to say that the circumcision referred to here was not a physical circumcision as in what took place in the Jewish tradition.
Third, the circumcision Paul speaks about here is a “putting off the body of the flesh.” We have already seen that the circumcision spoken of here was made without hands so the flesh we speak of here is not the physical flesh. Paul uses the word “flesh” here to speak of the sinful nature. Consider how he uses this term in his letters to the Romans and the Galatians:
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. – Ro 7:18
17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Ga 5:17
What Paul is telling the Colossians here is that when they came to Christ they underwent a circumcision or cutting off of their sinful fleshly nature. The had to die to that fleshly nature and be filled instead with the presence of Christ. They died to their allegiance to the flesh and committed themselves instead to Christ.
While Jewish circumcision was a cutting of the physical flesh. “The circumcision of Christ,” related to the old nature of sin and rebellion. To be filled with Christ the Colossians needed to die to themselves and their fleshly ways.
Verse 12
Paul continues his illustration of what took place when the Colossians came to faith in Jesus Christ. In verse 11 he used the Old Testament illustration of circumcision to picture death to self. From death he moves now to burial and resurrection. To illustrate these concepts, Paul uses the example of baptism.
He begins here with the words, “having been buried with him in baptism.” I recently did a funeral service for a father and son. The cremated remains of the son were put on top of the father’s casket and they were buried together in the same plot. Paul is using a similar illustration. He tells us that when the Lord Jesus was buried, he took the curse and penalty of our sin with Him – it was buried with him.
Paul uses baptism to illustrate this concept. The word used for baptism here is “βάπτισμα (báptisma,)” which literally means “to dip.” When an object is dipped in water, it is buried in the water – thus the illustration of burial.
Notice in this illustration of baptism that when an object is dipped βάπτισμα (báptisma), it generally does not remain in the water but is taken up again. Paul uses this to illustrate what took place in the life of the believer. The believer died to themselves and their sinful nature. That sin and shame was buried with Christ. But that was not the end. The believer rose with Christ as well. We were given new life through the “powerful working of God, who raised him (Christ) from the dead.”
That new life according to Paul was “through faith.” The believer willingly lays his or her life before Christ trusting His forgiveness and grace to cleanse, forgive and plant His new life within.
Verse 13
The apostle Paul reminds the Colossians that at one time they were dead in their trespasses and uncircumcision.
First, the Colossians had been dead in their trespasses. Some versions use the word sin here. The idea here is that sin had separated the Colossians from God and a relationship with Him. They were spiritually dead and the life of Christ was not in them.
Second, the Colossians were dead also in the uncircumcision of their flesh. The uncircumcised were those who were separated from God. The Colossians at one point in their lives were separated from God and His promises. They did not belong to Him and were destined for eternal separation from Him and His blessing.
Notice, however, what God did to those who were dead in sin and separated from Him – “God made alive together with him.“
God made us who were dead in sin alive. He gave us spiritual life in the person of His Son. Just as we died and were buried with Jesus, so we were raised with new life in Him. Those who have been forgiven know this miraculous new life.
Notice how this new life was given – “having forgiven us all our trespasses.” New life is given by means of the forgiveness of sin. Sin brings death. Forgiveness imparts new life. If you want to know this new life, you must be forgiven by Christ.
Verse 14
In verse 13 Paul reminded the Colossians that they had been forgiven through the work of Jesus Christ. He shows them here what took place legally for their salvation and forgiveness to become a reality.
Notice that Jesus cancelled “the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.” There are two details we need to observe here.
First, there was a “record of debt that stood against us.” Sin places us under an obligation. Justice demands payment for sin. An individual who breaks the law is fined or must pay for his or her crime with time spend in prison. The same is true in our relationship with God. Justice imposes a penalty on sin that demands payment. We all have a record of debt before God for we have all fallen short of His standard by breaking His law.
Paul tells the Colossians that the Lord Jesus cancelled their record of debt. Their penalty for sin was paid and they were free from all debt to God.
Second, notice how this record of debt was paid – “this he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Jesus took my record of debt and paid the entire price by dying in my place on the cross of Calvary. My debt being paid in full by Jesus, was, therefore, cancelled.
Verse 15
Paul tells us that three things happened when Jesus cancelled my record of debt by nailing it to the cross.
First, “He (Jesus) disarmed the rulers and authorities.” The word disarm (ἀπεκδύομαι apekdúomai), means to strip of power and authority. When we owe a debt to someone they have authority over us. A criminal, for example, is stripped of his or her freedom and placed in prison until their debt is paid in full. By paying our debt, Jesus took away all authority over us from those who held is under their grip.
The rulers and authorities who had authority over us here were Satan, sin, the world, the flesh, the law and death itself. None of these powers have any more authority over us who belong to Jesus Christ.
Notice second that Jesus “put them to open shame.” By stripping these powerful enemies of their authority over us, Jesus demonstrated an even greater power and authority. These proud enemies were humbled through the work of Jesus.
Finally, Jesus “triumphed” over these enemies. By triumphing over these enemies the Lord stripped them off their power and authority over all who belong to Him. Sin has no more legal hold over those who have been forgiven. Death must now surrender to eternal life. Satan must release his hold and release those who belong to Jesus.
The once proud boasts of these great enemies have been silenced. They stand with head bowed in shame, for they have now been defeated.
Verse 16
In the previous verses, Paul reminded the Colossians about how Jesus Christ cancelled their debt by nailing it to the cross and disarming every authority that had any legal right over them because of their sin. He triumphed over all enemies and restored then to the Father.
Verse 16 begins with the word, “therefore.” This indicates that what he is about to say is a direct result what Jesus did on the cross.
As a result of what Jesus did on the cross, the Colossians were not to let anyone pass judgement on them “in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”
Notice first that they were not to let anyone pass judgement on them. The word judge here is “κρίνω (krínō),” refers to the act of deciding between good and evil, right and wrong. In this case other people were determining whether the Colossians were in a right relationship with God.
Second, observe the criteria for this judgement about their relationship with God – “questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”
The individuals making judgement on their relationship with God were basing their decision on whether the Colossians followed the Jewish food laws and observed the festivals and holy days prescribed by Moses. In other words, they believed that salvation and a right relationship with God was based on the law and how carefully an individual observed it.
Paul makes it very clear that the believer was to refuse to be judged on this criteria. Those who allow themselves to be judged on this basis, trusted their own efforts to merit the favour and salvation of God. The true believer trusts only in what the Lord Jesus has done. To allow oneself to be judged by our good works is to deny the grace of God as the only means of salvation and favour with God.
Verse 17
The Jewish food laws and holy days, according to Paul, were “shadows.” A shadow is a representation of the real thing. A shadow is not the real thing but gives us a general idea of what it looks like. The real thing, or the “substance belongs to Christ.“
What Paul is saying is that the law looked forward to Jesus. It represented, as a pale shadow, the work and person of Christ. It illustrated our need for a Saviour and instructed us in what He would do, but the shadow was not the substance nor could it ever replace the substance. To elevated the shadow above Christ was a grave error. The shadow of the law can never make us right with God. Only the person of Jesus Christ can do that.
Verse 18
The death of Christ and the payment of our penalty changes how we relate to God. In verse 16 the Apostle told the Colossians not to let anyone judge their relationship with God on the basis of the Law of Moses. He takes this a step further here.
Notice how the Apostle begins – “Let no one disqualify you.” The word translated “disqualify” is “καταβραβεύω (katabrabeúō).” It is a word used to speak of the Greek games. The idea here is that an umpire judges against someone so that that individual loses his or her trophy. Paul is telling the Colossians that it was possible to lose their reward as believers. Understand here that he is not speaking about losing their salvation, but their reward for faithful service. The apostle goes on in this verse to speak of four ways the believer can be distracted and get off track in the Christian life.
First, through “asceticism.” The phrase used here is θέλων ἐν ταπεινοφροσύνῃ which means to will or choose lowliness or humility. While humility is a good thing in the Christian life, the phrase, to choose lowliness implies that the individual concerned is humbling themselves to gain favour with God. Asceticism is the act of inflicting oneself with discomfort or pain in order to get closer to God.
The history of the church recounts the stories of men and women who lived in poverty, beat themselves, or starved themselves with the goal of gaining God’s favour and drawing closer to Him. Paul reminds the Colossians that this practice drew their attention away from the work of Christ whose work alone is able give us favour with the Father.
Second, Paul warned the Colossians about getting distracted through the “worship of angels.” Some commentators see this as a reference to the teaching of the day that select people were able to worship with angels. These individuals entered a special space and experienced a deeper worship than the average person. If this is the case, than the idea here is that the individuals focused more on the experience of worship than the person of Jesus Christ. We can focus so much on our worship experience that we forget who we are worshipping. Paul told the Colossians that this was a distraction in their Christian life.
The third distraction in the Christian life, according to Paul, is “going on in detail about visions.” It is my conviction that the Lord still speaks through visions and dreams as He did throughout the Scripture. I am also aware of just how much people can become so focused on these things that they no longer seek God in His Word. Paul himself had dreams and visions from God, but his feet were also solidly fixed in the truth of Scripture. Notice how the English Standard Version translates “going on in detail about visions.” The word used here is ἐμβατεύω (embateúō), which literally means to step into. It carries the sense of prying or intruding into things that are not necessary for us to know. God has given us His word as the source of inspired truth. We can easily be distracted by those who proclaim to hear from the Lord but whose words distract us from the truth of Scripture as our source and measure of all truth.
Finally, Paul tells the Colossians that the “sensuous mind” and the pride that comes with it can distract us in our Christian walk. The word sensuous here in the Greek is σάρξ (sárx), or fleshly. The fleshly mind is a mind focused on the pleasures, thoughts and philosophies of this world. It is not in tune with the Spirit of God and His ways. We will never be able to live the life God required if we allow our fleshly mind to direct us. God ways and thoughts are very different from those of the flesh.
Verse 19
Paul spoke in the last verse about the distractions in the Christian life. Instead of being distracted by these things, the apostle encouraged the Colossians instead, to hold fast to the “Head.” The Head of the church is Jesus Christ.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. – Ep 5:23
Paul reprimands those in Colossae who were not holding fast to Christ and His work and were instead being distracted by false teachers promoting the Law of Moses and mystical spiritual experiences rather than the work of Jesus.
The apostle goes on to remind the Colossians that Jesus, the Head, is the source of spiritual life and growth. It is from Him that the body is nourished.
It is also from Jesus the Head that the body is “knit together through its joints and ligaments.” It is through Jesus that the whole body is unified in one effort and purpose. As the Head He directs and leads. As each part follows His purpose the whole body grows “with a growth that is from God.” In light of the many distractions around them, Paul challenges the Colossians to hold fast to Jesus the Head, look to Him, trust in Him, and allow Him to bring the growth necessary.
Verse 20
Paul speaks about the sufficiency of the work of the Lord Jesus for salvation and growth. The Colossians were being tempted by false teachers to stray from this reality.
The apostle speaks once again here of the elemental spirits of the world. The word στοιχει̃ον (stoicheíon) refers to the basic building blocks and principles and that make up this world. These principles shape how we think and live or lives. Sometimes we speaks of “getting back to nature.” Understand here that there are indeed some basic principles that exist in nature that we would do well to follow. Realize, however, that this world has been cursed by sin. Getting back to the fundamental principles of nature will never save a soul. Many religions and philosophies on our day, focus on what is natural to us. They seek to manipulate our inner spirit or energy in the hope of drawing us closer to God or to what they feel we were meant to be. In doing this they deny that God’s purpose does not always line up with ours. They do what is best in their own eyes, but do not live in submission to God.
The believer, according to Paul rejects this notion and submits instead to the will and purpose of God, even when that is contrary to what they desire naturally. They also realize that the wisdom of this world is not the wisdom of God. God ways do not always make sense to us. If we only live according to the wisdom of the world, how are we any different from the unbeliever.
Having said this, understand that even believers can live according to the ways and thinking of the world. Paul calls the Colossians to examine their lives to see if they were being guided by the patterns of the world or by God.
Verse 21
It is all too easy for faith to deteriorate into works. Paul has been reminding the Colossians about the work of Jesus Christ alone which can save and keep us. There were those, however, who taught that to be in a right relationship with Christ one had to live a certain lifestyle and follow a certain set of rules. Paul gives some examples of this here in the phrase – “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch.” While the Apostle believed that believers should live for Christ and walk in obedience to His word, he rejects the idea that by following a set of rules we can be saved and gain favour with God. You can follow all these rules and be lost in sin. Following a set of spiritual rules will never save your soul – only Jesus can do that.
Verse 22
Paul has two things to say here about the regulations of verse 21.
First, they refer to things that perish when used. Some of the regulations the false teachers in Colossae were promoting were Jewish food laws. Consider this for a moment. These foods when eaten are digested and passed through the body. Would you put your assurance of salvation on something like this? Other regulations pertained to not touching anything unclean. These unclean objects lived for a time, died and decayed in the ground. Will you assurance of a right relationship with God be based on your interaction with the decaying remains of that unclean object? Surely there must be something more worthwhile of our confidence.
The second thing Paul tells the Colossians about the regulations of Colossians 2:21 is that they are “according to human precepts and teachings.” If there is one thing sure, the Scripture teaches that no one could ever be saved by the observation of the law. If they could, Jesus would never have needed to come for our salvation.
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. – Ro 3:20
Nor could all the sacrifices of the Old Testament ever save a soul.
4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. – Heb 10:4
Any teaching that says that the observation of a set of religious regulations will give an individual a right standing with God and assure their salvation is “human precepts and teaching” and not from God. All of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Saviour through whom alone we can have assurance of forgiveness. There is assurance in no one or anything else.
Verse 23
The apostle has more to say here about the human precepts and teachings of verses 21-22.
First, these laws and regulations about what an individual can handle, taste, or touch has an “appearance of wisdom.” An appearance is not wisdom. It deceives people into thinking that what they are doing is right, while they are actually on the wrong path. When it comes to a matter of life and death there is a world of difference between an “appearance of wisdom” and “true wisdom.” In this matter, we cannot afford to be deceived. The idea that following a set of religious rules and regulations to be right with God makes sense to many, but according to Paul, is is only an “appearance” of wisdom.
Notice second that Paul tells the Colossians that these regulations and rules promote “self-made religion.” The King James Version uses the phrase “will worship.” The idea is that these individuals create a god of their choice and determine how to worship it in a way that pleases them. The religion resulting from this is not the faith of Scripture but an invention of the human heart.
Paul goes on to describe the kind of religion being promoted in his day as “asceticism and severity to the body. The word used here is”ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosúnē), which speaks of viewing oneself as small or lowly. While having a proper understanding of oneself is important, consider the context of this verse. What is the response of these who consider themselves lowly? They set up rules and regulations to make themselves more worthy with the hope that if they do well enough they will be accepted by God. This is asceticism – an attempt to debase oneself in the hope that by doing so, special favour will be granted and God will accept us. This is not biblically humility. Biblical humility accepts it cannot merit God’s salvation by any means and so it relies totally on Jesus Christ for everything.
Notice Paul’s final statement here about this man-made religion – it is “of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Consider this for a moment. Imagine that your find yourself lusting with your eyes. You determine therefore that you will pluck out you eyes so this will never happen again. With your eyes plucked out, however, you soon discover that your mind continue down that same path. You can cut off one hand to stop yourself from doing something evil but what prevents the other hand from doing the same? In fact you will soon discover that you can cut off all your body parts and still sin. Sin is part of your nature to such and extent that the only way you can stop it is to die. You cannot change the human nature and it’s impulse to sin. No man-made rules or regulations will take away your sin. You need forgiveness and that is why Jesus came.
Chapter 3
Select Verse
Verse 1
In the last part of chapter 2 Paul spoke to the Colossians about man-made religion with its attempts to merit the favour of God through human effort. He moves on now to faith in Jesus Christ as the only legitimate alternative.
Paul begins with the word “if.” The word is important and tells is that when certain circumstances are in place there ought to be an accompanying response.
In this case, the Colossians had been raised with Christ. In other words, while they were dead in their sin, God made them alive in Jesus Christ through the forgiveness of their sin:
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses – Col 2:13
Because of what the Lord Jesus did, Paul expected a certain response on the part of the Colossians. They were to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
First, Paul expected that the Colossians “seek.” The word “seek” is a command and requires diligent effort and discipline.
Second, the Colossians were to seek “the things that are above.” In other words they were to make it their objective to strive after the heavenly purpose of God. That purpose included God, His ways and His blessings. This was to become their focus in life. All too many believers still live for this world and what it offers. Paul challenges the Colossians to get their eyes of this world and seek after God and His purpose.
Notice finally, that Paul had two things to say about the “things that are above.”
The “things that are above” is where Christ is. In other words, these blessings and privileges can only be obtained from Christ. He is the source of these “things above.” He is our forgiveness. He is our hope. He is our peace. He is our life. To seek the things above is to seek Christ, for without Him none of this would be possible.
Notice also that Christ, as the source of all things above, is “seated at the right hand of God.” The right hand is the place of honour. Not only is Christ the source of “the things above,” but He also has all authority. When you seek to walk in His purpose you have full authority behind you. We stand supported by the power and authority of God Himself.
Shall we be content with earthly trivialities, when the storehouse of heaven is open to us?
Verse 2
In verse 1 Paul told the Colossians to “seek the things that are above.” He takes this a step further here when he tells the Colossians to “set your minds on things that are above.”
To set ones mind has to do with fixing ones thoughts, will, and desire on something. In this case, the object of this will, thought and passion are the “things above” – the person, purpose, and presence of Christ Himself. Paul challenges the Colossians here to lock their passion and thought onto Christ and “not on things that are on earth.”
The fact that the apostle has to mention this, reveals that this is a temptation for believers. All too many Christians find themselves absorbed in this world, its ways and treasures. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between and unbeliever and a believer for they seem to have the same desires and aspirations in life. Paul encourages us to be a people who seek and set our hearts and minds on Christ so that He becomes our focus and goal in life.
Verse 3
Verse 3 begins with the word “for.” This connects what the apostle says here to the previous verses. There is a reason why Paul challenges the Colossians to set their mind on the things above. That reason is found here. In fact Paul offers two reasons here.
The first reason is found in the words, “For you have died.” How could it be said that the Colossians had died? This death was not physical for the apostle is writing to people who were living and breathing in Colossae. Nor is Paul referring to spiritual death here, for he opens the chapter telling them that they had been raised with Christ, given new life and were now to set their affections on the things of God. The Colossians were very much alive spiritually.
This leaves us two possibilities. The Colossians had died legally, and relationally.
This legal death was with Christ who took their penalty upon Himself when he died on the cross. Jesus died in their name and in their place. Legally, the penalty for their sin was covered by Christ. The full penalty was laid on Christ and completely paid. In the books, under their name, the record reads: “paid by death.” In this sense the Colossians legally died with Christ.
Something else happened when Christ died. The Colossians were released from their bondage to sin and this world. They were born again as children of God with a new heart and nature. The death of Jesus broke their tie, obligation and allegience to the world and sin. They died to what they once were. They died to their relationship with the world. They were divorced from their abusive and cruel partner and entered a whole new life as a new people. The world and sin had no more authority over them. To return to it now would be to comity spiritual adultery. They died relationally to all these ties and no longer had any right to them.
The second reason Paul states that the Colossians were to set their mind on the things above is found in the words – “your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Having been rescued from the world and the deadly claws of sin, the Colossians were safely hidden with Christ in God where these enemies could no longer reach them. There could be no place so secure as being with Christ in God.
Why were the Colossians to set their mind on things above? Because they had legally died with Christ to this world, and were now securely hidden with Him in God. It was their joy now to enjoy the blessings of this heavenly privilege.
Verse 4
In verse 3, Paul told the Colossians that their lives were hidden with Christ in God. We examined this is the context of their security from the enemies of their soul. The apostle, however, brings out another aspect of what it’s means to be “hidden with Christ” here.
Notice the phrase, “when Christ who is your life.” Being hidden in Christ not only implies security but also life. Christ is the source of new life for us. Our old life was Christless. We had no connection with Christ or relationship with Him. Now, however, everything has changed. Where darkness once existed now there is Christ and His wonderful presence.
Observe carefully what the apostle tells the Colossians here – “Christ who is your life.” Christ does not just give life – He is our life. It is His presence that lives in us. It is His life that works and flows in us. He works in us maturing and transforming us from the inside. We have life because we have Jesus in us.
Paul goes on to tell the Colossians that this very Christ who lives in us will one day “appear.” That is to say, there is a time coming when Jesus will make His presence visable. The apostle John explains this when he says:
7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. – Rev 1:7
The Lord Jesus promised to return to this earth. On that day, every eye will see Him and recognize Him as Lord.
Notice one final detail here in the phrase “then you also will appear with him in glory.” When the Lord Jesus makes His presence known, Paul told the Colossians that they would also appear with Him in glory. Paul expresses it this way to the Corinthians:
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. – 1Co 15:52
What a glorious day that will be. We will be changed when the Lord Jesus appears.
Those who are hidden in Christ, are kept secure, given the very life of Christ and will one day be glorified and appear with Him in glory!
Verse 5
Because the Colossians were hidden with Christ in God, and would appear with Him in glory, Paul challenges them: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you.”
Consider first, the phrase, “put to death.” Paul lists five sins the Colossians were to put to death – “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness.” The word used for “put to death” is νεκρόω (nekróō )which speaks of depriving something so that it loses its influence. The apostle expected the Colossians would take active steps toward depriving these sins of the opportunity to take root in their lives. They were to do this from their position of security in Christ.
Let me say a brief word about each of the sins Paul lists here.
Sexual immorality is the first sin on the list. The Greek word is πορνεία (porneía), refers to any sexual sin prohibited by God.
Impurity is second on Paul’s list. The wordἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía) refers to defiling ones mind or body with uncleanness.
The word Paul uses here for passion is not often used in the New Testament. The word πάθος (páthos) refers to sinful lusts that defile those who act upon them.
Closely related to the “passions” referred to above is “evil desire,” the next sin on Paul’s list. The word ἐπιθυμία (epithumía) speaks of a desire to satisfy the sinful appetites of the flesh. We should not see this as referring only too sexual sin but also to materialistic benefits, comforts or reputation.
The final sin listed here is covetousness, which Paul also calls idolatry. The word πλεονεξία (pleonexía), comes from two words “pleíōn,” meaning, more, and “échō,” meaning, to have. The idea is that the individual is discontent with he or she has and craves more. This becomes an obsession and god to them.
Consider finally the phrase “what is earthly in you.” Paul speaks here to the Colossians believers. He is telling them that there were still “earthly” things in them that needed to be put to death. They were hidden with Christ in God but they were not perfect. They were set free from the penalty of sin but they would need to live each day dying to its temptations and lusts. This will be a regular occupation for every believer as long as we are in this earthly body.
Verse 6
Paul challenged the Colossians to put to death the sins of the flesh as recorded in verse 5. Notice how he reminds them that “on account of these the wrath of God is coming.” Let me point out two details here.
First, notice that the wrath of God is coming. There are those who feel that because they seem to get away with sin that God can’t be angry with them. Others wonder why God does not punish sin immediately. Paul tells us that sin will be judged on God’s time.
Second, notice what Paul told the Colossians in verse 5: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (Col 3:5). He goes on here in this verse to tell them that God’s wrath was going to be revealed against the very sins that were in them.
There will be a judgement of believers. Listen to the words of Paul to the Romans:
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; – Ro 14:10
He repeats the same thought to the Corinthians when he says:
9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. – 2Co 5:9-10
Paul reminds the Colossians that they were to put these sins to death in their body because they would one day stand before God to give an account.
Verse 7
Paul recognized that the Colossians had been guilty of the sins listed in verse 5. Notice how he expresses this here.
First, observe that Paul speaks of how the Colossians once walked. The idea is that this was no longer the case. He recognizes that there was a change in their lives through the work of Jesus Christ.
Second, note the use of the word “walked” – “In these you too once walked.” The word translated walked is περιπατέω (peripatéō) comes from two root words. The first is “perí” meaning “about” and the second, patéō, meaning “to walk.” In other words, this was how they walked about – in sin and immorality.
Finally, consider the phrase “when you were living in them.” The word “living” is translated from the Greek word ζάω (záō) which speaks of ones existence or life. This implies that the sin they chose to walk in was their manner of life and defined who they were.
This, however, was no longer what defined them. In Christ they were now new creatures.
Verse 8
Notice how Paul challenges the Colossians to put away sin. He speaks here to believers. The act of putting away refers to casting off and renouncing. This is the obligation of all who belong to Jesus Christ.
All too many believers take this command lightly and find themselves living in sin. To put away sin is a choice we must make. Paul lists five sins the believer must put away in this verse.
First, the believer must put off anger. The wordὀργή (orgḗ) is derived from the Greek word orégō which means to covet. It is the attitude of one who does not get what they desire. Imagine the child whose favorite toy had been snatched from him.
Second, the Greek word for wrath, (θυμός thumós) comes from “thúō” which describes a violent gust or movement. It seems to describe the physical and verbal response of one who is angry.
Third, malice (κακία kakía) comes from the word kakós meaning bad. It seems to speak of the attitude of the heart that is steeped in wickedness, and evil thoughts.
Fourth, βλασφημία (blasphēmía) is the word translated slander. It speaks of verbal abuse intended to hurt or damage the reputation of another.
Finally, the word for obscene talk is αἰσχρολογία (aischrología). The word is derived from two Greek words. The first is aischrós meaning “filthy or improper.” The second word is “légō,” meaning “to say.” Obscene talk is talk that is filthy and improper.
Paul challenges the Colossians to renounce these sins in their lives.
Verse 9
To the sins of verse 8 Paul adds yet another – “Do not lie to one another.” The Greek word used for “lie” is ψεύδομαι (pseúdomai) which carries the sense of cheating, defrauding, and deceiving. It seems to go much deeper than a simple untruth spoken with the lips. It refers to a lifestyle of integrity in word and deed before others.
Notice the reason Paul challenges the Colossians to live with this integrity – “seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” This statement is somewhat perplexing. Why would Paul need to tell those who had put off the old self and it’s practices, not to deceive and lie to each other?
To answer this let’s first examine the words “seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices” more closely.
Observe first the phrase – “you have put off.” This is in the past tense, indicating that the action of putting off had already taken place.
Next, consider the words “put off.” The Greek word Paul uses here is ἀπεκδύομαι (apekdúomai). This word is derived from two root words. The first is apó which means “from.” The second word is ekdúō which means to strip, or unclothe. It also carries the sense of stripping something of its power or hold. The idea here is that the Colossians had pulled off their shackles, removed their prison clothes and left the dungeon cell as freed prisoners.
Finally notice the words, “the old self with its practices.” The apostle is telling the Colossians that in Christ they stripped the old self of its power and authority in their lives. No longer was it going to be seated in the throne. They owed their allegiance now to Jesus Christ alone. They stripped off all the old ways, confessed them to Christ and chose a different path.
This did not mean that the Colossians were no longer tempted to sin. Nor did it mean that they never fell under temptation. It did however, that the course and direction of their life had changed and they were now on a new path of righteousness. Paul encouraged the Colossians to continue on this path.
Verse 10
In verse 9 Paul reminded the Colossians of how they had put off the old self, and died to its authority. He goes on here to say that when they put off the old self, they also put on the new self.
The Colossians were once dressed in dirty prison garments, and chains representing their sin and the penalty they were under. That changed when the Lord Jesus died on the cross in their place. The day came when the door to their cell was opened. They were invited to leave that dirty dungeon behind. As they stepped out from behind those bars through the door, they were asked to strip of their old, tattered prison clothes and leave them there in the cell. After a cleansing they were they given new clean clothes, representing their freedom and full pardon. No longer would they wear their prison garments. In fact, these old garments were repulsive to them now. Leaving them behind in their cell, the former prisoner, clothed in their clean new garments walks away from the prison never to return again.
Does that mean that the former prisoner is perfect and will never sin or fall short of God’s standard again? By no means. Paul tells the Colossians that the new self “is being renewed.” Observe two details in the words “is being renewed.”
First, the phrase is in the present tense indicating that the renewal is still happening. This action is not yet completed. Though they are free from their prison cell and dressed in new clothes, they were still a work in process.
Second, note that the phrase “being renewed” indicates that this renewal is something that is happening to them rather than something that they are doing themselves. They are experiencing renewal as an inner work of God’s Spirit.
Paul goes on to tell the Colossians how this renewal was taking place – “in knowledge.”
There are different words translated, knowledge in the New Testament. For example, the word γνω̃σις (gnṓsis) speaks of an intellectual understanding of truth and principles. This, however, is not the word used by Paul here. Instead he uses the Greek word ἐπίγνωσις (epígnōsis), which refers to a knowledge that changes life and influences actions taken.
The knowledge Paul speaks about here is life transforming knowledge. This knowledge of Christ and His work was having a dramatic impact on the Colossians. Their lives would never be the same.
Day by day as they came to know and experience this work of God in their lives, they were being changed into the image of their Creator. He was forming His character in them as they surrendered to Him.
Verse 11
The Jewish faith revolved around nationality, traditions, rituals and regulations. Paul reminds the Colossians here, however, that all these had been broken down in Jesus Christ. According to verse 10 God was renewing His people into the image of the Father.
Paul speaks of the various people among who God was doing a work. He speaks first of the civilized and cultured Greek who worshipped many pagan gods – many Colossians were examples of this. God was also doing a work among the Jews as well – the Apostle was among these. God was renewing those who had submitted to circumcision and those who hadn’t. Barbarians were those who spoke another language and had not submitted to the Greek culture of the day. The Scythians where likely cruel anti-Greek tribes, possibly living a nomadic life. God had not forgotten them either. From the lowest slave to the rich and free, God was doing a powerful work. He was saving them all from their sin and shaping them into the image of their Creator.
None of these cultural, social or religious distinctiveness made a difference anymore. What did make the difference was Christ. He is ultimately all that matters. If the Barbarian has Christ, he is a brother. Your denomination will mean nothing when you stand before God – Jesus will mean everything.
Notice finally the phrase “and in all.” We should not be confused by this. Paul is not saying that Jesus lives in everyone. There are many who have rejected Him. What he is saying, however, is that Christ is in Greeks, Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, Scythians, free and slaves. People from every tribe, nation, faith and social standing have experienced the salvation and presence of the Lord Jesus.
Verse 12
As the Apostle begins the verse he says three things about the Colossians.
First he addresses them as “God’s chosen ones.” That is to say, when they were lost in their sin, the Lord God chose to pursue them and bring them back to Himself.
Second, Paul calls them “holy.” To be holy is to be set apart for God. God set the Colossians apart for Himself to belong to Him and walk in service and fellowship with Him.
Finally, the Apostle calls the Colossians “beloved.” That is to say, they were the object of the Father’s delight. It was this love that made God chose to pursue them, forgive them and separate them for Himself.
God expected that His children reflect His character in the world. We have already seen that He was renewing them into His image (Colossians 3:10). Paul challenged the Colossians, therefore, to “put on” this character. The imagery here is of an individual putting on these qualities like a garment. While God is renewing His people it is their obligation to “put on” what He gives. The apostle goes on to list the qualities the Colossians were to put on.
First, they were to put on “compassionate hearts.” Compassion is the ability to feel the suffering and pain of others.
Kindness is the second quality Paul wants the Colossians to put on. The word χρηστότης (chrēstótēs) comes from the word chrēstós meaning, useful or profitable. It is the desire to be useful to those who are in need.
Humility is third on Paul’s list. This has to do with having a proper understanding of who we are before God. The word ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosúnē) literally refers to one who is lowminded. The humble person does not think of themselves as being more important than they really are.
Meekness, as the fourth quality, describes a calm surrender of the soul to God and His work in one’s life. This is especially true in times of trial. The meek person accepts God’s purpose and walks joyfully in it.
Fifth, patience is the ability to endure graciously under hardship.
Verse 13
Paul encourages the Colossians to bear with one another. The word ἀνέχω (anéchō) comes from two root words. The first is aná meaning, in. The second is échō meaning, to have. Together, they carry the sense of holding something in. The general idea here is to demonstrate patience with the shortcomings of others.
It is important to note that Paul brings this challenge to the Colossians after telling them to put on “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col 3:12). The process of putting on these qualities would not be easy. There would be failures. Paul wanted the believers, however, to stand with each other in these times. They were to support each other and bear with each other’s failures.
Notice second here that Paul calls the Colossians to address any complaint they had with a brother or sister with forgiveness – “and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other.”
The Apostle reminds the Colossians that forgiveness was not optional for them. The Lord Jesus had forgiven them in their shortcomings. They were to follow His example in their dealings with each other.
Paul tells us here that we have a role to play in the spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters. We should not expect perfection. But we need to stand with each other patiently forgiving and supporting as we learn to put on and live out what God is doing in us.
Verse 14
Paul adds one other quality the Colossians were to put on – the quality of love. The great example of this love is the person of Jesus Christ who laid down His life for sinners.
If we see the qualities Paul mentions in this section as articles of clothing to be put on, than love is the overcoat that covers all of these other characteristics.
Paul tells the Colossians that love was what would “bind everything together in perfect harmony.”
The love Paul speaks about is directed to one another but also to God. It is love for God motivates us to love, forgive and bear with each other. When we truly love one another this will demonstrate itself through compassion, humility and patience with each other.
If you find yourself unable to forgive or bear with a brother or sister, the first place to start is to ask God to give you love for that individual.
Verse 15
The apostle has been speaking about loving one another, bearing with each other, and forgiving one another. He moves on now to speaking about the peace of Christ.
Peace in a general sense, is the absence of war and strife. Notice, however, that the peace mentioned here is the “peace of Christ” or the peace that comes from Christ. This peace is present even in chaos and confusion. It is founded on the fact that I am right with God and that He is in control. It stems from a confidence in God and His purpose for my life. It is a peace that He gives through our relationship with Him.
This kind of peace allows me to accept the circumstance that come my way, knowing that God will give me all I need to face my trials and teach me what I need to learn through them. I can trust Him in every situation when this place “rules in my heart.”
The word, rule here is βραβεύω (brabeúō), and refers to an umpire in the Greek games. The umpire made sure that the games were played according to the rules. The peace of God guards our actions and attitudes and may even correct us when we are in error.
This brings up an important question. How does the peace of Christ act as an umpire in my heart? To answer this let me say this. If the peace of God rules in our heart, and we are trusting Him in whatever circumstance that comes out way, this peace will keep our attitudes and behaviors in line with the Word of God. Peace come through trusting the Lord in our situation. It is those who cannot trust who find themselves wandering from the path of righteousness into sin and error.
Paul reminds us that we were called to peace – peace with God and with our brothers and sisters.
The Apostle concludes the verse with the words – “And be thankful.” It is only when we are at peace with God and His purposes that we can be thankful, knowing that He is Lord over every circumstance, and that all that happens to us will work out for good.
Verse 16
Paul exhorts the Colossians not only to let the peace of Christ rule their hearts but also to let His word dwell in them richly – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
When the Word of Christ dwells with us we give it access to our lives, thoughts, actions and attitudes. It has free reign in all we do and say. Notice, however, that Paul uses the word “richly” here. The word in Greek is πλουσίως (plousíōs) and gives the sense, in large measure or abundantly. In other words, the Word of God is not to occupy a small cupboard in our lives but every corner. It is to shed light on everything we do.
Paul goes on to show the Colossians how they could let that word dwell in them richly.
First, through “teaching.” Paul encouraged formal instruction in the Word of God.
Second, by “admonishing one another in all wisdom.” The word, admonish speaks of warning or exhorting. This might take place in a formal setting but was also possible through casual conversations and interactions that took place every day. It is important to note that these admonitions were to take place “in all wisdom.” Wisdom is the application of knowledge to real life. The sense here is that the Colossians were to challenge each other in the application of the Word of Christ to every day life situations.
Finally, through “singing.” Remember that believers in those days did not have the scriptures in their homes. One of the ways of passing the word on from person to person was through music. Notice the kind of music they sang:
The early church sang psalms. Many of the psalms in the book of Psalms were put to music and used in the worship of God. In singing these psalms the early believers were memorizing and repeating whole sections of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Paul also speaks here about hymns. A hymn was a song written in praise to God. While these hymns were not direct quotes from the Scriptures as were the psalms, they declared the glory of God in prayers of worship sang directly to God in praise.
Finally, three apostle speaks of “spiritual songs.” The word he uses here is ᾠδή (ōdḗ) which simply refers to a song. Paul uses the word “spiritual” to distinguish them from worldly songs. The distinction between hymns and spiritual songs is not clear. Some see the hymn as written to God to praise Him for His work and character. Spiritual songs, on the other hand, had a wider scope and might speak of Christian truths, doctrines, or testimonies.
What is clear is that music played an important role in communicating the Word of Christ in a society where the printed word was not available.
Paul encouraged the Colossians to teach, admonish and sing the Word of Christ with thankfulness in their hearts. They were to be thankful for this Word which directed and comforted them.
Verse 17
Paul believed the Christian faith was to have an impact on every aspect of one’s life. Notice how he begins verse 17 – “And whatever you do, in word or deed.” These words cover every action and every word the believer speaks. Paul lists two requirements for the believer’s words and deeds,
First, “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” As believers we represent the Lord Jesus in everything we do. We carry His name with us wherever we go. It is our objective to make Him known and to honour Him in all that we do. When we do something in the name of Jesus we represent Him. The words we speak are to reflect His heart. The things we do are to demonstrate what He would do. If we cannot represent Him in what we say or do we should refrain.
Second, the believer is to do everything “giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Jesus). Do the words you speak come from a heart of gratitude to God, or are they bitter and angry grumblings? Do you perform your daily tasks with a joyful heart of thanksgiving or with a complaining spirit? Do your words and deeds reflect a heart of praise, and gratitude to God?
Every action and word is to be done with a thankful heart representing the character and purpose of God.
Verse 18
We begin here a section related to the running of a Christian household. This too was to be done in a manner that honoured the Lord and His purpose. The apostle begins with the relationship of husband and wife.
According to Paul, the wife was to submit to her husband. The word submit here is ὑποτάσσω (hupotássō). It is derived from two root words. The first is ὑπό hupó meaning, under our beneath. The second is τάσσω tássō meaning, to place, to arrange or to order. Together these words carry the sense of arranging oneself under someone else. The implication is that the Lord has given the husband the responsibility to be the leader of the household. By arranging herself under the leadership of her husband, the wife in essence is accepting his role.
The apostle goes on in the verse to say that this submission to her husband’s leadership is “fitting in the Lord.” In other words, this is not a cultural issue that will change with time, but what the Lord has determined to be proper for His children. While different cultures may react against this teaching, Paul makes it clear what God intended.
Verse 19
Paul has two things to say to the husbands as the leaders of the Christian home.
First, they were to love their wives. The love Paul speaks about here is ἀγαπάω (agapáō). It is more than a feeling but a delight that affects ones actions and attitudes toward the object of this affection. In the case of the Lord Jesus, this kind of love made Him willing to lay down His life for us. This is the kind of love that has the best interest of another at heart and will willingly sacrifice all, for the good of those it loves. If the husband was to be the kind of leader God intended, this was the first requirement.
Second, Paul charges charges Christian husband not to be harsh with their wives. The word translated, harsh is πικραίνω (pikraínō). It comes from the root pikrós meaning, bitter. The Greek word πικραίνω (pikraínō) literally means, to make bitter and seems to refer not just to the bitterness but also to the pain caused by that bitterness. The harshness of the husband would cause unnecessary grief and pain to the wife for which the husband would be accountable. If the husband wanted to be the leader God intended him to be, he would need to be sensitive to his wife and treat her with respect and dignity.
Verse 20
Paul speaks next to children in Christian homes. The assumption in the last two verses is that both the husband and wife were living with each other as God intended.
The apostle commands the children in these homes to obey their parents in all things. This command would not be possible if the parents were not walking with the Lord.
Some of the children in Colossae may have had unbelieving parents who followed other religions. These parents may even have sought to discourage their children from following Christ. Paul is not telling children to follow the ungodly advice of these parents. He is teaching a general principle that children should be obedient to their parents in so far as what those parents demand is in line with the commands of God.
Notice how Paul concludes the verse – “for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Notice that the goal of obedience is to please the Lord. There is an important principle here for children living with unbelieving parents. If the goal of obedience is to please the Lord, than the child should obey as long as their obedience accomplishes that objective. When obedience does not please the Lord, the child must choose to obey God rather than the parent.
Verse 21
Paul speaks a word to fathers about raising their children – “Fathers, do not provoke your children.”
The Greek word for, provoke (ἐρεθίζω erethízō) means to stir to anger. The apostle states the reason why fathers were not to stir their children to anger in the words – “lest they become discouraged.” To become discouraged (ἀθυμέω athuméō) is to lose heart, courage or to be broken in spirit.
Paul tells Father’s two things here. First, their children could be provoked or stirred to anger. The apostle does not go into detail about the nature of the anger. Suffice it to say that this anger was not helpful or desirable and the father was to avoid stirring this up in their child.
Second, it was possible for a father to discourage his children. He could break their spirit to a point that they lost all hope.
Fathers were to understand the delicate and influential nature of their children and be careful in how they raised them. By excessive discipline, lack of consideration and love, a father could stir up bitter anger in a child that would cause them either to lash out or lose hope in life. Paul encouraged fathers to be particularly sensitive to the nature of their children as they raised them.
Verse 22
Slavery was an established reality at this point in Colossae. Paul does not make a statement here about his opinion on the practice. There are many situations in life that are less than ideal. The challenge in these times is to respond and deal with these circumstances in a godly way.
Paul speaks directly to Christian slaves here. Admittedly, many of them would have preferred to be free, but that was not the case. They were entrapped in a system that stripped them of their freedom and forced them to labour for another. What were they to do as believers in Jesus Christ? Paul encouraged them to be the best slaves possible – “obey in everything those who are your earthly masters.” They were to serve faithfully and diligently.
Paul does not promote slavery here. What he teaches is important, however. He encouraged us to be godly in trying situations or when we feel we are being unfairly treated. The believer must learn to represent his or her Lord not just in ideal circumstances but also in the midst of injustice and inequality.
Notice that Paul wants slaves to obey not just as “people-pleasers,” but from a sincere heart that feared the Lord. To fear the Lord has to do with loving and honoring Him. The motivation for faithfulness in difficult circumstances was the glory of God. These slaves were to make it their sincere desire to honour God in whatever circumstance they found themselves.
Verse 23
It appears that Paul continues to speak to slaves here. He challenges them to make it their ambition, in whatever task they were given, to work “heartily.” The phrase Paul uses here is εκ ψυχης εργαζεσθε literally means, out of soul work. The idea is that servants were to put their heart and soul into the work they were called to do. They were to do the very best they could.
Notice also that they were to do this not just for their masters but for the Lord. Whatever they did they were to do in a way that honoured the Lord. They were to do this when the task was easy but also when they were being treated unjustly or asked to do what no one else would do. For the believer every task, however menial, is to be done to honour God.
Verse 24
Notice the motivation for working “heartily” for the Lord – “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”
Paul speaks numerous times in his Epistles of the inheritance is the saints. Here in Colossians here speaks of the “inheritance of the saints in light:”
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. – Col 1:12
He reminds the Ephesians of “the riches of his (Christ’s) glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).
He goes on in Ephesians 1 to speak of the greatness of Christ’s power toward us who believe, demonstrated through Christ’s resurrection and exaltation at the Father’s right hand. (Ep 1:19-20).
The inheritance Paul speaks of here is an inheritance with the saints in light, bought for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His victory over sin and death.
What a powerful motivation to serve the Lord. Things on the earth may not always be easy, but the inheritance promised is worth the effort. We do not live for earthly rewards and recognition, but to please the Lord in whom we have a wonderful inheritance more valuable than anything this world could ever offer.
Verse 25
There is a second motivation for working heartily for the Lord. Paul addresses this on the words – “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.” We need to see two details here.
First, knowing that God will judge wrongdoing should motivate us to serve Him faithfully. Paul tells the Colossians that God will show no partiality in this matter. Maybe the Colossians were being mistreated, but that would not excuse any sinful response on their part. God would judge all sin whether that was the sin of the believing Colossians slave, or the pagan master. All would be accountable to Him for their actions. Our responsibility is to serve the Lord in whatever situation we find ourselves.
Second, knowing that God will judge all wrongdoing should keep us from feeling the need to do so ourselves. It is all too easy, for those who have been mistreated, to focus so much on the injustice done to then that they become bitter, and angry. We can spend our time judging and not doing what we have been called to do. Paul reminds the Colossians here that God would do the judging. Their role was to be faithful in the situations he had put them. We take on God’s role and neglect or own when we assume the position of judge.
Chapter 4
Select Verse
Verse 1
Verse 1 belongs with chapter three and concludes a series of remarks about the Christian home. Chapter three ended with comments about servants serving their masters heartily. Paul now concludes the section with a word to Christian masters – “treat your bondservants justly and fairly.”
Remember here that slavery was tied deeply in the culture of the day. While Paul could have demanded that all Christian masters release their slaves, it was not that simple. These slaves depended on their masters to survive. To be released from their protection and provision would have created even more hardship for them, especially if they belonged to good masters. Paul’s counsel to Christian slave owners was that they treat them justly and fairly.
The word Paul uses for justice is δίκαιος (díkaios). It refers to actions that are righteous. In other words, actions that conform to God’s standards. For these Christian masters the great example of God’s standard was found in the person of Jesus Christ. They were to treat their slaves and Christ treated them.
The second word Paul uses here to describe how Christian masters were to treat their slaves is ἰσότης (isótēs) (fairly, ESV). The word comes from the root ísos meaning, equal. This concept would have been quite radical for the day – treating a slave with equality. This did not mean that slaves were not responsible to their masters or have their duties to perform. They were, according to Paul, to serve them heartily and joyfully. It did mean, however, that Christian masters did not treat their slaves as inferior. Paul taught this in chapter three when he wrote:
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. – Col 3:11
In fact, Paul tells the Colossians slave owners to remember that they too were bondservents to their “Master in heaven.” They were to treat their slaves as their heavenly Father treated them. There was to be a clear difference in how the Christian treated and cared for his slaves and how they were treated by unbelievers.
Verse 2
In verses two to six the apostle has some words to say about prayer, Christian testimony and speech. He begins here with a word on prayer.
First he encourages the Colossians to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” The idea here is that they were to endure or persevere in prayer without giving up. We need to understand here that prayer is not just about asking God for things but remaining in communion with Him.
The apostle told the Romans that “without ceasing” he mentioned them in his prayers (Romans 1:9-10). He challenged the Thessalonians to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Paul was constantly in an attitude of prayer. Throughout the day, he continued to speak with God, seeking His wisdom, committing people and circumstances to Him for His blessing and favour. It was this constant communion with God that enabled him to be the servant he became.
Second Paul told the Colossians to be watchful in prayer. The word used here is γρηγορέω (grēgoreúō) which comes from the word, egeírō, meaning, to arise or to refrain from sleep. Like a watchman at the gate, the believer was to be alert and diligent in this matter of communion with God. There was danger all around, and the enemy was constantly seeking to distract and cause the believer to fall. We are in consist need of God wisdom and direction. By prayer we tap into the wisdom and resources of God to keep us in our trials and temptations.
Thirdly, Paul tells the Colossians to pray with thanksgiving. We must remember the privilege that is ours to be in communion with the Creator. We must never forget what He has done to make this communion possible. We must be increasingly grateful for His mercy that showers us with wisdom, guidance, protection and innumerable blessings.
Verse 3
Paul encouraged the Colossians to pray for himself and Timothy (see Colossians 1:1). There is something perplexing here in this request of Paul. The apostle had been encouraging the Colossians to “continue steadfast” in prayer. He obviously was doing the same in his own ministry. The question we ask ourselves is this: If Paul was praying and seeking the Lord already in his ministry why did he need the Colossians to pray as well? Doesn’t God hear the request of one as much as that of a multitude? Did Paul believe that the more people he had petitioning God the more likely He was to listen?
These are difficult questions to answer. To answer this let me compare prayer to what takes place on a battlefield. The enemy is all around us. We never know when he will spring out from his hiding place and attack. We also wage war face to face. As we battle one enemy another shots at is from behind. This is where our fellow soldiers come into play. They see what we do not see. They block the sword headed straight for us when our back is turned. We stand with them as well when the enemy seems to be overpowering them. At times we must rest and recover. As we do, our fellow soldiers stand guard watching and praying lest the enemy gain a foothold. This is the nature of the spiritual battle before us. We stand with each other by means of our prayers for God’s ongoing blessing and protection.
Notice what Paul asks the Colossians to pray for – “that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.” Paul was on the offensive. He wanted to be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the mystery of salvation by grace through faith. It was his passionate desire that people hear this message. He asked the Colossians to pray that God would open doors for that to take place.
Notice why Paul made this request. He was in prison because he preached that very message. He is asking for boldness here. He is asking for prayer that even in his prison cell, God would open opportunities to share this good news. He needed sensitivity to the Lord’s leading and any opportunity the Lord might open to him while he was in his chains.
Verse 4
Notice that Paul’s desire was not just to have opportunity to share the good news of the gospel but also that God would give him the grace to make this message clear. Paul also asks the Colossians to pray for God to open the minds and hearts of those who hear him present the truth in such a way that it took root in their lives. Writing to the Corinthians the apostle said:
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. – 1Co 1:18
Paul knew that unless God gave clarity to those who heard the message, it would have no affect on their lives. He needed the empowering of God to illuminate the message he preached so that it took root and bore fruit.
Verse 5
Paul challenges the Colossians to be wise in their relationship with “outsiders.” He refers here to the unbeliever or those outside the church. He uses a similar word in 1 Corinthians 5 when he writes:
12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? – 1Co 5:12
Those outside they church did not walk in the ways of there Lord. Their speech, actions and thoughts were very different from those who belonged to Christ. Believers needed to interact on a daily basis with the unbeliever, but they were to be cautious in their interactions, lest they be influenced by their ways. One does not have to read the Old Testament for very long to see how pagan nations influenced the people of God. We watch the influence of the modern world on our children and see why Paul would encourage the believer to be wise in his or her interactions with the “outsider.”
Paul’s second challenge in the verse was for the Colossians to make the “best use of their time.” Remember that Paul wrote these words from prison. He was being persecuted for his faith. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to us. We must use the time we have been given wisely. All too many hours and days have been wasted. We have not completed the task given to us. How important it is to live each day as if it were our last, for we will all stand before God and give an accounting of the life we have lived.
Verse 6
Paul encourages the Colossians to let their “speech always be gracious.” There word translated, speech here is λόγος (lógos) and refers both to the act of speaking and the words spoken. In other words, both what we say and how we say it ought to be gracious.
The word, gracious, is χάρις (cháris), and refers to something that causes joy and pleasure. The word comes from the root, “chaírō” meaning, to rejoice. Gracious words then are words that bless, build up and cause the hearer to rejoice.
Paul encourages the Colossians to season their words with salt. Salt has two purposes.
First, it brings out the best flavors of the food it seasons. Second, it kills germs and bacteria and keeps food from going bad. The salt Paul speaks about here destroys the negative and hurtful attitudes and brings out the very best so that those who hear what we say are blessed.
The apostle concludes the verse with the words, “so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” How do we answer each person? By being gracious in our words and seasoning them with salt before we speak them.
How do we season our words with salt? By exposing them to the truth of God Word and surrendering them to His Spirit before we speak them.
Verse 7
Paul tells the Colossians that Tychicus would let them know what he was doing. It may be that Paul planned to send him to Colossae. We have record of Paul sending Tychicus to Ephesus in Ephesians 6:21 and 2 Timothy 4:12. Paul also thought of sending him to see Titus in Create in Titus 3:12. He was an associate of Paul’s in the ministry and one the apostle trusted deeply. Paul describes him as a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
Verse 8
Paul’s purpose in sending Tychicus to Colossae was two-fold. First, he wanted the Colossians to know how he and Timothy were doing, especially in their imprisonment. Second, Paul wanted to encourage the Colossians. They would have been encouraged in part by hearing how Paul was doing, but Paul was confident that Tychicus could also strengthen their faith as he ministered among them. Even in his imprisonment the apostle wanted to bless and encourage the Colossians. He did not focus on his suffering but on how he could bless these God had put under His care.
Verse 9
Along with Tychicus, Paul was sending a man by the name of Onesimus. Many believe him to be a servant of Philemon who ran away and met Christ. The book of Philemon recounts the story of how Paul sent him back to his master with a letter of support. Notice what Paul tells us about Onesimus.
First, he was one of them. This may be due to the fact that Onesimus was from the region or that he had come to Christ and was now a believer as they were. The implication was that they were to accept him.
Second. Onesimus, along with Tychicus had been closely connected to the Apostle Paul in his imprisonment and had information about Paul. He was being sent by Paul to inform the Colossians of Paul’s status. Paul entrusted him along with Tychicus for this task. Once again the Colossians were to receive him and his news.
Verse 10
Paul sends greetings from Aristarchus. Aristarchus was from Thessalonia (Acts 20:4; 27:2) and had accompanied Paul on his missionary journies (see Acts 19:29). Notice that he was a “fellow prisoner.” God did not leave Paul without companionship in his imprisonment. Aristarchus had travelled with Paul and suffered with him for the Gospel.
Paul also sends greetings from Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. He was also known as John Mark (see Acts 15:37). John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on one of their missionary journeys but for some reason left them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). This would become a source of conflict between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15 so that Paul and Barnabas parted company. John Mark accompanied Barnabas on his missionary journey while Paul and Silas went in another direction. Paul and John Mark would eventually mend their relationship. The apostle would speak of John Mark as being useful in ministry in 2 Timothy 4:11.
What is important to note here is that Paul asked the Colossians to welcome John Mark if he came to them. He had given them previous instructions about John Mark. He does not go into detail about those instructions here but what is clear is that the past differences between Paul and John Mark were over and Paul expected that the Colossians recognize him as a brother in good standing.
Verse 11
Paul mentions a man here by the name of Jesus. The name was fairly common in that day. He was also known as Justus or Jesus Justus. Paul sends greetings from him to the Colossians.
Paul goes on in the verse to tell the Colossians that these men were the “only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God.” In other words, the men he has mentioned so far in this getting were Jews who had come to the Lord Jesus. These men had been a support and comfort to Paul in his time of imprisonment. Likely the remainder of these mentioned in this chapter were Gentile converted.
Verse 12
We know little about Epaphras. Paul mentions him in Colossians 1:7. It appears that he had brought the Gospel to Colossae. He appears to be a native of that region of Colossae for Paul speaks of him as “one of you.”
The apostle has several things to say about Epaphras here in this verse. Notice first, that he describes him as a “servant of Christ Jesus.” The word Paul uses for servant is δου̃λος (doúlos) is the word used to describe a slave. The idea here is that he was bound to them as a permanent servant for their good.
Second, as a bondservant to the Colossians Epaphras, “struggled” on their behalf in prayer. The word is ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai) and refers to someone who endures great agony and pain seeking to achieve their goal.
Notice finally, the passion of Epaphras and why he agonized in prayer for the Colossians – “that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”
Epaphras desired two things for the Colossians. The first was that they “stand mature.” The idea here is that they reach their full potential as believers in fellowship and service for the Lord.
The other desire of Epaphras, for which he struggled on prayer, was that the Colossians be “fully assured in all the will of God.” The word translated,”fully assured,” is πληρόω (pleróō), with simply means to make full. The Greek phrase καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι ἐν παντὶ θελήματι τοῦ θεοῦ, literally is translated, “and fill in all will the God.” In others words, it was the prayer of Epaphrus that the Colossians be filled with everything God had for them – lacking nothing of His purpose for their lives.
Verse 13
Paul mentions one more detail about Epaphras here. Paul witnessed how hard he worked for the Colossians, the Laodiceans and the inhabitants of Hierapolis.
Both Laodicea and Hierapolis were located in the region of Colossae. We have evidence of a church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14. Paul expresses his burden for them in Colossians 2:1. Laodicea was a significant commercial centre of the day. Epaphras played a role in the growth of the church in this city.
Hierapolis, was a religious centre with a temple to the emperor. It appears from what Paul says here that there were believers in the city as well and Epaphras had also ministered to them.
Epaphras was clearly an influential figure in this region for the Gospel.
Verse 14
Paul sends greetings from two more men in verse 14.
Luke is described as a beloved physician. Many see him as the author of the Gospel of Luke. What is clear is that Paul deeply loved him. He accompanied the apostle on his journeys. Writing to Timothy Paul says: “Luke alone is with me”- 2Ti 4:11. It obviously meant much that Luke stood with Paul at this time in his ministry.
We know little about Demas except to that he was with Paul, but would eventually desert him because of his love for the world:
10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. – 2Ti 4:10
Obviously, Demas was still in good standing with Paul at this time. Some commentators note, however, the fact that Paul says nothing good about him here. Possibly there were issues brewing even at this time that would eventually cause Demas to abandon Paul.
Verse 15
Paul sends greetings to “the brothers at Laodicea.” The word, brothers, here is ἀδελφός (adelphós). The word come from the root, delphús, meaning, womb. In other words an individual who shares the same womb as another, or had the same mother. It came to refer to members of the same family, country or fellowship. Paul is greeting all believers in the church of Laodicea both male and female.
Paul makes particular mention of Nympha here. There is much confusion as to whether Nympha was male or female. Translators have differed on this as do Bible versions. The King James Version translates “Nymphas and the church that is in his house.” The New King James translates the same as the King James Version but includes a note indicating that some texts use “her” house. The New International Version and the English Standard Version of the Bible translate “Nympha and the church in her house.”
Whether this individual was a man or a woman, they opened their home to the church is Laodicea and for this Paul was grateful.
Verse 16
As Paul concludes, he gives instructions to the Colossians about his letter.
First, they were to read the letter among them. The idea was that the contents of the letter be shared with all the believers in Colossae. This was likely done in a public setting when believers had gathered together. Not everyone could read so such readings were important.
Second, Paul tells the Colossians to have the letter read in the church of Laodicea as well. Laodicea was a neighbouring community so the letter would have been brought to them and read in a public setting for them to hear as well.
Finally, Paul gives instructions to the Colossians to read the letter from Laodicea. The identity of the letter from Laodicea is uncertain. There is no such letter in the New Testament. While it is not contained in the Bible, Paul confirms it existence and the validity of its content and recommends its reading.
Many believe that the letter from Laodicea was written by Paul. Obviously, he was very aware of its content and encouraged its reading but there is not enough evidence in the verse to prove this to be the case.
Other commentators observe that the letter is “from” Laodicea (ἐκ Λαοδικείας). Generally, letters written by Paul would be “to” a certain church. The Greek word ἐκ can mean, out of, from, or of. The word is used to speak of the location of a certain object. Paul may simply be simply telling the Colossians where to find the letter. What is clear is that the letter would be beneficial for the church in Colossae. It also shows us how the written word was used in the New Testament period. Copies were passed around and read in various churches.
Verse 17
Paul has a word to say to a man by the name of Archippus here. The only other mention of Archippus is found in Paul’s letter to Philemon, which was written around the same time. Archippus is mentioned in Philemon 2 as a “fellow soldier” who was part of the church, meeting in Philemon’s house.
Paul knew Archippus and the calling he had received from the Lord. We are not told what obstacles he faced in the fulfillment of that task, but the apostle understood the need for his encouragement and asked the Colossians to be that for him.
Verse 18
Paul concludes his letter with his own handwriting. Often letters were dictated to a secretary. We have an example of this in the book of Romans where Paul’s secretary actually identifies himself and send his greetings:
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.- Ro 16:22
To authenticate his letters, Paul had the custom of concluding then in his own handwriting. He tells the Thessalonians of this practice when he wrote:
17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. – 2Th 3:17
We have further examples of this in 1 Corinthians 16:21; Philemon 19; and Galatians 6:11.
It appears that false teachers of the day would write to the churches in the name of the apostles seeking to promote their false teaching. We have an example of this in 2 Thessalonians where Paul particularly addresses this matter of a letter seeming to come from the apostle but was is reality promoting error:
1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. – 2Th 2:1-2
Paul concludes by asking the Colossians to remember his imprisonment. This was obviously not where Paul wanted to be, and it required special grace to live under these trying circumstances. He prays also that the Colossians know this special grace of God in their circumstances as well.
