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Introduction To Colossians
Colossians 1:1
Introduction: Of all the books of the Bible, none surpasses Paul’s
epistle to the Colossians in terms of its exaltation of our Lord Jesus
Christ. The theme of the letter is the pre-eminence of Christ, and His
all-sufficiency for the believer, in all things. On the human side, we
know that the Bible is not written as a manual to bolster self-esteem.
A reading of Romans 3:10-18 will dispel that notion. However, the
discovery by the believer of his position “in Christ” (“holy in his sight,
without blemish and free from accusation”) brings great assurance and
confidence to the Christian.
The author of the epistle is the apostle Paul, as the first verse
indicates. Paul had never visited the church in Colossae (2:1), but had
heard about it from Epaphras (1:7), likely the founder of the church.
Paul wrote to the Colossian church from Rome, subsequent to his third
missionary journey, and during his first Roman imprisonment. At that
time, he also wrote so-called “prison epistles” to Philemon, and to the
churches in Ephesus and Philippi.
Colossae was in the Lycus Valley, 100 miles east of Ephesus, and a
dozen miles from Laodicea and Hierapolis. It was situated on a
strategic east-west route, and was once a prosperous town, which
Greek historian, Herodotus, describes as “a great city” at the time
(480BC), when King Xerses of Persia (also known as Ahasuerus, who
took Esther as his wife) traveled through. As Daniel prophesied
(Daniel 8:5) in 537BC, Alexander the Great conquered the territory
that included Colossae in 333BC. Over three centuries later, the
Greek language would become a great facilitator for spreading the
gospel. But time had passed Colossae by when Paul wrote around 61AD.
A change in the roadways as well as political decisions by Rome made
Laodicea more powerful than Colossae. Hierapolis, with its volcanic
vapors, springs and resorts, became more popular. In Paul’s day,
Colossae was in the Roman province of Asia, 900 miles by air from
Rome. Today, the ancient ruins are located in modern Turkey.
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Hendriksen writes that pagans who worshipped various deities populated
the Lycus valley. He also says that “in the single district of which
Laodicea, was the capital there lived at least eleven thousand Jewish
freemen”, not counting women and children. Jews from Phrygia were
present at Pentecost, as reported by Luke in Acts chapter 2.
Paul writes the Colossian Christians to equip them to discern and refute
the heresy of early Gnosticism, composed of a syncretistic blend of
Jewish legalism, Greek philosophic speculation, and Oriental mysticism.
These spiritually lethal ideas were being advanced by false teachers.
Colossians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother,
2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray
for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the
love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the
hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard
about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the
world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing
among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its
truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a
faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love
in the Spirit.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped
praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order
that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being
strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may
have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the
Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the
kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have
redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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Grasping Grace
Colossians 1:1-8
In his almost effusive introduction to the letter to the Colossians, Paul
expresses gratefulness that the Colossians have grasped the concept
of God’s grace. He says, the believers in Colosse are known for their
faith and love “since the day you heard [the Gospel] and understood
God's grace in all its truth.” Paul writes to prevent the Colossian
Christians from being seduced by false teachers who would usurp their
confidence and joy by substituting asceticism (legalistic self-denial
imposed by Jews) or licentious living promoted by others.
Although Colosse was 100 miles from Ephesus, and Paul had not visited
the Colossians, his epistles from prison in Rome to the two cities bear
strong similarities. The connection between the cities is that
Epaphras, a Colossian, likely traveled to Ephesus, where he heard the
gospel, and remained there to grow as a disciple under the teaching of
the apostle Paul in the school in Tyrannus. (Acts 19:9) “You
[Colossians] learned it [the Gospel] from Epaphras, our dear fellow
servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who
also told us of your love in the Spirit.” (Colossians 1:8 & 9)
Here are some distinctions between the letters*:
In Colossians the emphasis is on
Christ as the head of the body.
In Ephesians the emphasis is on the
church as the body of Christ.
Stylistically Colossians is somewhat
tense and abrupt.
Ephesians is more diffuse and
flowing.
Colossians tends to be more
specific, concrete, and elliptical.
Ephesians is more abstract,
didactic, and general.
The mood of Colossians is
argumentative and polemical.
Ephesians is calm and irenic.
Colossians is a letter of discussion.
Ephesians is a letter of reflection.
*Adapted From Dr. Thomas Constable’s Notes on Colossians.
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As Paul expresses his gratitude for the faithfulness of the Colossian
Christians, note the connection of the factors that culminate in their
being “holy and faithful brothers in Christ”. Compare this with what Paul
teaches in Romans 10: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not
believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not
heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And
how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful
are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
1. Epaphras served the Lord as “a faithful minister of Christ” by bringing
the gospel message to Colosse.
2. Some of those in Colosse believed when they “heard [the gospel] and
understood God's grace in all its truth”.
3. As they deepen in their understanding of Scripture (“the word of
truth”), hope regarding heaven and the reliability of God’s promises
increases.
4. As a result, their faith and love for one another and for the Lord grow.
5. They become holy in practice and faithful (reliable in their service to God).
Colossians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother,
2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we
pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and
of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring
from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have
already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to
you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it
has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood
God's grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear
fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and
who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
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A Worthy Life
“To Be Filled With The Knowledge of God’s Will”
Colossians 1:9-11
I have several friends who are dealing with serious illnesses, including
some who are nearing the finish line. I find myself asking, “What
constitutes a worthy life?” I am not just speaking of temporal success
in business or sports or science. Rather, how does one measure a life
that has been well-lived in the sight of God?
In our verses, Paul writes:
9 For this reason [Because of the good report from Epaphras], since the day
we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking
God to fill [] you with the knowledge [] of his will
[] through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.




10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the
Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God [“Knowing God”. Beyond knowing God’s
will, the believer should be growing in a personal relationship with Him.],



11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
so that you may have great endurance and patience,



Paul’s goal in praying for the Colossians, and teaching them through his
letters is: “that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please
him in every way”. He wants to bring them to spiritual maturity.
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[Verse 9] One of the reasons Paul is writing is to instruct the Colossians in
the dangers to their relationship with the Lord posed by false teachers.
The early Gnostics promised a fuller spiritual experience through gaining
a superior knowledge of Christ through their exclusive teaching.
This gave them power over those who sought such so-called “wisdom” and
“understanding”.
Paul employs some of the very terms popular with the Gnostic teachers,
and shows where a “full knowledge” [] may be found. It is not
through the levels of secret mysteries purported by false teachers, but
in “the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you” (verses 5 & 6).
Through studying the Scripture, both “wisdom” [] and
“understanding” [] may be obtained. “Wisdom” is the
general “skill for living” that originates with a proper relationship with
God (“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools
despise wisdom and discipline”. Proverbs 1:7). “Understanding” is the
application of wisdom to particular situations. James encourages the
believer to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). Augustine said: “Faith is
understanding’s step, and understanding is faith’s reward.”
[Verse 10] Being filled with the knowledge of God’s will is much more than
intellectual awareness of what God plans and desires. We are to obey
God’s will. The believer is to “please Him in every way”
[]. In Classical Greek [e.g. Plutarch] the term
had the negative connotation of “cringing subservience” or “to be
complaisant” (obsequiousness). However, A. T. Robertson points out that
here and in the papyri and inscriptions, it is used in a good sense. The
child of God is to seek and submit joyfully to God’s will. A Scripture
based view of a loving God and perfect Father makes this possible.
Although Paul uses a different word elsewhere, the attitude he encourages
is harmonious with 10: 

“find out what pleases [] the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:10)
“So we make it our goal to please him [].” (II Corinthians 5:9)
The believer is equipped to live in a manner worthy of the Lord by means
of a full knowledge of God through the study of His Word. As Paul later
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explains, the believer is enabled to live worthily by the power of God’s
Spirit (“His energy, which so powerfully works in me”).
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Qualified For His Kingdom
The goal of every growing believer is to “live a life worthy of the Lord
and … please him in every way” (10). The result will be “bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of God”. This cannot be
accomplished by human effort, but by God’s enablement: “being
strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you
may have great endurance and patience” (11).
How does this kind of relationship begin?
Isaiah wrote: “But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)
So how can one be qualified to have a relationship with a God who is
holy? Surely, it is impossible for us to remove our own sins and live a
perfect life.
In one of the most dramatic illustrations of faith (on the part of the
repentant criminal) and grace (by Jesus), we see that it is Jesus who
qualifies the believer to live forever in His kingdom.
Luke 23
40
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said,
"since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for
we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing
wrong."
42
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom."
43
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me
in paradise."
The extraordinarily good news of the gospel is that – in spite of the
fact that man cannot remove his own sins or qualify himself to enter
the presence of a holy God – God Himself provides forgiveness and
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salvation for those who trust in Him. The basis of this redemption is
“through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).
In verse 13, Paul tells us that the believer’s eternal destination has
been radically changed. Through faith in Jesus Christ, he has been
taken out of slavery in the kingdom of darkness and transferred into
the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, Jesus.
Such a transfer from Satan’s reign into the kingdom of Christ requires
redemption. To be redeemed is to be purchased out of the slavemarket of sin. No sinner can pay the required price. Only a holy,
sinless, eternal Being can pay the cost of redemption, which Jesus paid
in full on Calvary’s cross.
Colossians 1:9-14
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not
stopped praying for you and asking God to fill [] you with the
knowledge [] of his will through all spiritual wisdom and
understanding.
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the
Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,
growing in the knowledge of God,
11 being strengthened with all power []
according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance
[] and patience [],
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified [] you to
share [] in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of
light [].

13 For he has rescued [] us from the dominion of darkness
[] and brought us into the kingdom of the
Son he loves [],
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14 in whom we have redemption [], the forgiveness of
sins [].
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Thanksgiving For Our Inheritance
Colossians 1:12-14
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful,
and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
(Hebrews 12:28)
The Apostle’s Prayer Requests (9-11)
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped
praying for you and asking God to fill [] you with the knowledge
[] of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and
may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the
knowledge of God,
11 being strengthened with all power []
according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance
[] and patience [], and joyfully []
The Believer’s Response: Thanksgiving (12-14)
A. Qualified (by God’s Grace) To Inherit Heaven (12).
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified [] you to share
[] in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light
[].
B. Rescued From The Authority of Satan’s Reign (13A).
13 For he has rescued [] us from the dominion of darkness
[]
C. Became Members of the Kingdom of God’s Beloved Son (13B).

and brought us into [] the kingdom of the Son he loves
[],
10
14 in whom we have redemption [], the forgiveness of sins.
11B “… so that you may have great endurance [] and patience
[], and joyfully [] 12 giving thanks to the Father who has
qualified [] you to share in the inheritance [].”
Paul‘s encouragement to the Colossians to rejoice through trials is consistent
with scripture penned by Peter and James:
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of
many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
James points to the believer’s future blessings as he encourages the
Christian to joyfully persevere through trials: “Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive
the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
I Peter 1: 6 In this [i.e our inheritance] you greatly rejoice, though now for a
little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These
have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes
even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise,
glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Like James, Peter reminds the believer of our future blessing, the
incorruptible “inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in
heaven for you” (I Peter 1:4).
Paul tells the Colossians that it is not the believer who has qualified himself
to be fit for God’s kingdom of light, rather, it is God, by His marvelous
grace, who qualifies us. The cost to God to bring the believer into the
kingdom of His Beloved Son, Jesus, is the blood of our Savior (verse 14):
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in
accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all
wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7 & 8)
Our response to God’s lavish grace should be continual thanksgiving
(Ephesians 5:20; I Thessalonians 5:17). Ongoing thanksgiving is the kind of
attitude that demonstrates that Paul’s great apostolic prayer (Colossians
1:9-14) has been answered. He prayed that we would “live a life worthy of
the Lord and may please him in every way”. Thanksgiving pleases our Lord!
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6
Jesus, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe
Colossians 1:15-17
In the three years of preparing His disciples to carry out the Great
Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus progressively revealed the
nature of His identity. During the furious storm on the Sea (Mark
4:35-41), the disciples awakened Jesus and demanded, "Teacher, don't
you care if we drown?" Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the
waves, "Quiet! [] Be still!" [ “be muzzled”] Instantly, the
wind died down and the sea became completely calm.
However, the disciples were not calm. They were terrified and asked
each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
If Paul could have stepped a few years back in time, and knew what he
would later learn about the nature of Jesus, by the time he wrote the
Colossians, he might have answered the question of the terrified
disciples with these words: “Of course the elements of nature obeyed
Him, because ‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over
all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on
earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or
authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before
all things, and in him all things hold together.’” (Colossians 1:15-17)
The disciples failed to realize that as long as Jesus was in the boat,
they were safe. Satan couldn’t snuff out His life through drowning.
That was neither the way nor the time for Jesus to give up His life.
If the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews could have addressed
them, he might have said: “In the past God spoke to our forefathers
through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these
last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all
things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the
radiance of God's glory and the exact representation [] of his
being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)
In these verses, we have one of Scripture’s greatest exaltations of
the Lord Jesus Christ as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
12
15
He is the image [] of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation. [ “Firstborn” Here means “First in rank or value”, as indicated
by the context. It is also used this way in the LXX translation of Psalm 89:27. This is a
different term from the Greek word for “first created”, which is never used of Jesus.]
[ “all creation”]
16
For by him [ “in Him” - Jesus is the Architect] all things [] were
created []: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created
by him [ or, “through Him” - Jesus is the Builder] and for him
[ Jesus is the appropriate Object of worship by the universe].
17
He is before [] all things [], and in him [] all things hold
together [].
18
And he is the head [] of the body [], the church
[]; he is the beginning [] and the firstborn from
among the dead, [ – Although He raised others from the dead,
Jesus is the only Being with a Resurrected body fit for eternity.] so that in everything
[] he might have the supremacy [ “holding first place”].
19
For God was pleased to have all his fullness [] dwell
[] in him,
20
and through him [] to reconcile [] to himself all things
[], whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace
[] through his blood, shed on the cross.
21
Once you were alienated [ “having been alienated”] from God
and were enemies in your minds [] because of your evil
behavior [].
22
But now he has reconciled [] you by Christ's physical body
[ “in the body of His flesh”] through death
[] to present you holy [] in his sight
[ “before Him”], without blemish [ “blameless”] and
free from accusation [ “irreproachable”]—
23
if you continue [or “since you continue”] in your faith,
established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is
the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature
under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant [].
13
7
The True Head of the Church
Colossians 1:18-21
In verses 15-17, Paul presents the Transcendent, “Cosmic Christ”, who is the
Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Jesus is the proper Object of
worship of every created being.
The stunning contrast between these verses and the following section
(verses 18-21) is apparent when Paul says that the God of the universe took
on human flesh, and entered time, space and history to pay the terrible price
required to reconcile all things to Himself. This is the Imminent Christ.
The ransom for the redemption of believers was the blood of the Lord Jesus
Christ shed on the cross (verse 20). By reconciling “all things”, Paul is not
implying universal salvation, for this would contradict his teaching, as well as
the teaching of Jesus (“they will go away to eternal punishment” - Matthew
25:46). All things in the universe will be reconciled either through the
salvation of believers or the judgment of those who reject the redemption
God offers through faith in His Son.
Jesus, The Imminent God-Man Who Entered History (18-21)
And he is the head [] of the body [], the church
[]; he is the beginning [] and the firstborn
from among the dead, [ – Although He raised others from
the dead, Jesus is the only Being with a Resurrected body fit for eternity.] so that in
everything [] he might have the supremacy [ “holding
first place”].
18
For God was pleased to have all his fullness [] dwell
[] in him,
19
and through him [] to reconcile [] to himself all
things [], whether things on earth or things in heaven, by
making peace [] through his blood, shed on the cross.
20
Once you were alienated [ “having been alienated”] from
God and were enemies in your minds [] because of your
evil behavior [].
21
14
Deity of Jesus Christ (New Testament)
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God.
John 5:18For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only
was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father,
making himself equal with God.
John 8:58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born,
I am!"
John 10:30 I and the Father are one."
31
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, 32but Jesus said to them, "I
have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do
you stone me?"
33
"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for
blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."
John 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human
ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Philippians 2:6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our
great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Hebrews 1:8 But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
II Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus
Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
To think anything less of Jesus is evidence of a mind blinded by Satan:
II Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers,
so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is
the image of God.
15
8
How God Sees His Children
“Holy, Blameless & Beyond Reproach”
Colossians 1:21-23
Years ago, as a seminary student, I was assigned a passage on which to
preach as a requirement for a Homiletics class. I was so captured by
the magnificent concept expressed by the Apostle Paul in Colossians
1:21 and 22, that I overcame the pressure of preaching to my
professor and my fellow students. It was wondrous to meditate on
Paul’s description of the position of the believer in Jesus Christ – “holy
in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”. This is how
God views the person wrapped up in His dear Son, Jesus. It is totally
apart from the believer’s character or good works. When God the Father
looks at the believer, He sees the righteousness of His beloved Son.
I will admit that I was happy that another student was assigned the
following verse (23): “if you continue in your faith, established and
firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.”
Was that conjunction “if” introducing a conditional clause that
indicated that the security of my salvation rested in my hands?
If so, how could I be sure that the eternal life I believed I possessed
was truly “eternal”? Does verse 23 militate against the security of the
Christian believer’s salvation?
Preachers have viewed this verse in various ways. Some have taken it
to mean that the duration of our salvation depends on the believer’s
ability to remain faithful to God (i.e. “saved by faith but kept by the
individual’s good works”). This interpretation is the opposite of what
Paul teaches when he says that it is God Himself “who has qualified you
to share in the inheritance of the saints” (verse 12). (c.f. Rom 5:1-12)
Note the term “kept” in these words of Paul: “May God himself, the
God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit,
soul and body be kept [ “be preserved”] blameless at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will
do it.” (I Thessalonians 5:23-24) God faithfully keeps us (John 10:28).
16
This extraordinary affirmation by God, that His children are “holy in
his sight, without blemish and free from accusation”, must be
understood in the context of Paul’s letter. Paul points out the spiritual
status of his readers before they placed their faith in Jesus for the
forgiveness of their sins. He writes (verse 21):
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds
because of your evil behavior”.
The prophet Isaiah speaks of the “alienation” to which Paul refers:
“But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)
The solution to this spiritual separation is through the reconciliation
God provides based on the perfect sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The previous state of hostility is replaced by peace, because God’s
righteous anger against the repentant believer is propitiated (fully
satisfied) by the sacrificial death of Jesus in the place of the sinner.
When God looks at His adopted children, He sees them as “holy”.
21
Once you were alienated [ “having been alienated”] from
God and were enemies in your minds [] because of your
evil behavior [].
22
But now he has reconciled [] you by Christ's physical
body [] through death [] to
present you [] holy [] in his sight [],
without blemish [ “blameless”] and free from accusation
[ “irreproachable”]—
23
if [ “if indeed” may be translated “since”, as a first class condition, in which
the author assumes the reality of the words that follow.] you continue in your faith,
established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to
every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a
servant.
17
9
Suffering With Glory In View
Colossians 1:24-27
INTRODUCTION The bookends of these four verses are “suffering”
and “glory”. Some people think that they can gain merit in God’s eyes
by self-inflicted suffering, such as climbing a long set of church steps
on their knees, repeating prayers as they go. This idea comes from a
misinterpretation of the following verse:
“Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh
what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of
his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24)
Is the apostle Paul teaching that there is something lacking in the
suffering of Jesus, and that through suffering, I can add to what is
missing? That interpretation of verse 24 would contradict what Paul
has been emphasizing about the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
The great reformer, Martin Luther, a priest at the time, was mounting
the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome when God brought to his mind
the Scripture penned by the prophet Habakkuk, and repeated in the
New Testament (Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:37-38): “The righteous
shall live by faith”. Luther understood that salvation is not gained by
the principle of keeping the law (earned merit), but is by grace.
What does Paul mean when he writes, “I fill up in my flesh what is still
lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body,
which is the church”? After Paul encountered Jesus in a vision, while
going to Damascus to persecute Christians, the Lord sent Ananias to
instruct Paul. Luke writes: “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man
is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and
their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much
he must suffer for my name.’" (Acts 9:15 & 16) From the moment of
his conversion, Paul understood that being identified with Jesus would
result in suffering.
18
One commentator explains that the Lord’s enemies “hated Jesus with
an insatiable hatred, and wanted to add to His afflictions. But since
He is no longer physically present on earth, their arrows, which are
meant especially for Him, strike His followers. It is in that sense that
all true believers are in His stead supplying what, as the enemies see
it, is lacking in the afflictions which Jesus endured.” (William Hendricksen,
New Testament Commentary on Colossians & Philemon, page 87.)
As is typical in Scripture, the believer’s suffering is balanced with the
certain hope of glory. In verse 27, Paul writes: “To them [“the saints”]
God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches
of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Because every Christian experiences suffering, it is important to
maintain a proper perspective of the twin realities of suffering and
glory. The guarantee of this glory is the indwelling presence of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
24
Now I rejoice [] in what was suffered [] for you
[], and I fill up [] in my flesh [] what
is still lacking [] in regard to Christ's afflictions
[], for the sake of his body
[], which is the church [].
25
I have become its servant [] by the commission
[ “stewardship”] God gave me to present to you the word of
God in its fullness []—
26
the mystery [] that has been kept hidden
[] for ages and generations, but is now disclosed
[] to the saints [ “to His holy ones” or
“saints”].
27
To them God has chosen [ “To whom God wished”] to
make known [ Note this term from which “Gnostic” or “knowledge” comes.
Paul contrasts the things God reveals with the secret knowledge claimed by the
Gnostics.] among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery
19
[], which is Christ in you [], the hope of
glory [].
10
Toward Maturity In Christ
Colossians 1:28-2:5
Introduction Paul admonishes the believers in Colossae toward
maturity in Christ (1:28). As they grew in knowledge of Jesus Christ,
these Christians could say as John Newton expressed it:
“I’m not what I might be, I’m not what I ought to be, I’m not what I
wish to be, I’m not what I hope to be; but I thank God I’m not what I
once was, and I can say with the great Apostle, ‘by the grace of God I
am what I am.’” ~ John Newton author of Amazing Grace.
Paul, a prisoner in Rome, wrestles in prayer for believers in the Lycus
Valley, where the Colossians lived. They had not met Paul, but he has a
deep concern for them as they face the threat of false teachers, who
would entice them with promises of greater spirituality through the
acquisition of exclusive knowledge (they claimed), reserved for the few
who would become disciples of the Gnostic leaders.
Colossians 1:28 & 29
28
We [] proclaim [ to “announce”, not just discuss or
debate] him [ “whom” refers to Christ in the preceding verse. The apostles preach
the Person of Jesus, not merely a dogmatic system, even though Paul was a great
theologian.], admonishing [ “warning” about practice] and
teaching [ about doctrine] everyone with all wisdom [],
so that we may present everyone [ “every man”, repeated three
times in this verse, opposes the Gnostic emphasis on exclusive mysteries taught to an
elite few.] perfect [ means mature. “The Gnostics used teleios of the one
fully initiated in their mysteries…” Robertson, Word Pictures In The New Testament] in
Christ.
29
To this end I labor [ “to grow weary” from toil or athletic training],
struggling [ “agonize” comes from this word. Used for contending in
an athletic contest.] with all his energy [], which so
20
powerfully works in me [ Paul is
aware that God’s energy is operating in him in a powerful way. “Dynamite” comes from
].
Colossians 2:1-5
1
I want you to know how much I am struggling [ “strive” - “how
great a contest I am having”. Paul, in a Roman prison, wrestled in prayer for these
believers in the Lycus Valley, where the false teaching of Gnosticism was a threat.] for
you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me
personally [ “in the flesh”].
2
My purpose is [ “in order that”] that they may be encouraged
[ “comforted”] in heart and united [ “joined
together”] in love [ love binds believers together], so that they may
have the full riches [] of complete [ “Paul
desires the full use of the intellect in grasping the great mystery of Christ, and it calls for
the full and balanced exercise of all ones mental powers.” – Robertson.]
understanding [], in order that they may know
[] the mystery of God [],
namely, Christ [],
3
in whom are hidden [] all the treasures [] of
wisdom [] and knowledge [].
4
I tell you this so that no one may deceive [ “to deceive by
false reasoning”] you by fine-sounding arguments [ “persuasive
speech”. Erudite ignorance perpetrated on the gullible.].
5
For though I am absent [] from you in body [], I am
present with you [] in spirit [] and delight
[ “I am rejoicing”] to see how orderly [] you are and
how firm [] your faith [] in Christ is.
Again, Paul returns to his theme of the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3).
21
Believers need not look to men who try to impress with “fine-sounding
arguments”, but who do not have a relationship with the God who
created them.
11
Continue Walking In Christ
Colossians 2:6-10
Introduction Paul calls on the believers in Colossae to continue their walk
with Jesus Christ, just as they have since first believing in Him. The
principles of grace and faith still apply, and the doctrine they were taught
by Epaphras (1:7) about Jesus remains true. They are not to listen to the
arguments of false teachers who seek to draw people after themselves.
In these five verses, the apostle Paul assures the Colossian Christians
that all they need is found in Jesus Christ. He warns them against the
heretics who were lurking and targeting believers as potential proselytes.
Philosophers (8-15), legalists (16-17), mystics (18-19) and ascetics (20-23)
posed threats to the peace, joy and spiritual assurance of the Colossian
believers. Paul’s exhortation is to hold fast to the truth they have been
taught about Jesus. He is the God/Man who came to give His life in order
to provide redemption by grace through faith.
The word “philosophy” (verse 8) means “a love of wisdom”. Ideally, it is
the search for truth, and should answer the following questions:
Origin: “Where do I come from?”
Meaning: “What is my significance?”
Destiny: “Where am I going?”
However, a philosophy that denies God and discards divine revelation is
confined to a materialistic explanation of life. Everything must be
explained in terms of matter, so ultimately, nothing matters – life has no
meaning, and we have no ultimate significance. It is this kind of narrowminded philosophy that Paul condemns as “hollow and deceptive”. In
verses 2-5 of chapter 2, Paul has stated his purpose and exposed the
threat of the false teachers:
22
“My purpose is that they [the Colossians] may be encouraged in heart and
united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete
understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely,
Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I
tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.”
Colossians 2:6-10
6
So then [ “As therefore”], just as you received [ aorist
active indicative] Christ Jesus as Lord [ “The
Christ = Jesus = the Lord”. Paul’s only use of this expression contradicts Gnostic
teaching by declaring that the historical Jesus is Lord. The Colossians are to continue
trusting the doctrine of Christ which they were first taught.], continue to live
[ “walk” - present active imperative] in him [],
As we continue to live (or “walk”) in Christ, several aspects of spiritual
growth occur. Note the four participles in verse 7:
7
rooted [ “having been rooted” – This perfect passive participle implies
an action completed in the past which has ongoing implications for the present.] and
built up [ Present passive participle.] in him, strengthened
[ “being confirmed” – Present passive participle.] in the faith as
you were taught, and overflowing [ “abounding” – Present
active participle.] with thankfulness [].
In verse 8, Paul warns of dangers along the path we walk with Jesus:
8
See to it that no one takes you captive [ “to carry away
spoils of war”] through hollow [] and deceptive [ Like a baited
hook, it is something very different from its appetizing presentation.] philosophy
[], which depends on human tradition
[] and the basic principles [
“elements”] of this world [] rather than on Christ.
This Jesus, with whom we walk, is God (verse 9):
9
For in Christ [ “in Him”] all the fullness [
“having been filled” ] of the Deity [] lives [”dwells”]
in bodily form [], [See parallel verse - Colossians 1:19]
23
The believer is enabled to walk with Christ through the fullness of the
Supreme Authority who indwells us and accompanies us.
10
and you have been given fullness [] in Christ [ “in
Him”], who is the head [] over every power [ “all rule”]
and authority [].
12
A Matter of the Heart
Finding Fullness In Christ
Colossians 2:9-12
Introduction In the second chapter of Colossians, the Apostle Paul warns
believers not to be drawn away from Jesus by those who deny the allsufficiency of Christ. They were claiming that Christians need more than
Jesus. Paul says these people who would take the believers captive
through such methods as asceticism, legalism, mysticism and a kind of
philosophy which Paul characterizes as “hollow and deceptive” (2:8).
To counter the arguments of these people, Paul emphasizes two very
significant truths in verses 9 and 10: (1) Jesus Christ is unlimited in His
ability to fulfill the needs of the believer, because He is God; and
(2) Every believer has been given “fullness in Christ.”
In verses 11 and 12, Paul uses the religious ritual of circumcision to teach
that a relationship with God is not about outward symbols, but is rather a
faith-based identification with Jesus Christ. This is an inward matter, as
Paul writes: “A man is a [true] Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision
is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.”
(Romans 2:29) Symbols and ordinances can be helpful. Jesus established
baptism and communion. But symbols must not be allowed to substitute
for a vital, faith relationship with God. The righteous King Hezekiah
recognized this when he destroyed the ancient bronze snake made by
Moses after it became an object of worship (II Kings 18:4).
To illustrate, a lot of people buy and wear the jerseys of their favorite
sports teams. But wearing the jersey of a famous athlete doesn’t give
the fan the strength, quickness, discipline or knowledge of the athlete
they admire. Putting military uniforms on young men doesn’t make them
skilled or courageous soldiers. Likewise, religious rituals and symbols
don’t necessarily cause a person to be spiritually in tune with God. This is
24
what the Apostle Paul is teaching when he writes: “In him you were also
circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision
done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ”.
Paul is saying that a relationship with God is not about external symbols
or rituals such as circumcision, but instead is a matter of the heart.
Colossians 2:1-15
1
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at
Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that
they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have
the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the
mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.
4
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by
fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am
present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how
firm your faith in Christ is.
6
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
7
rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness.
8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive
philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this
world rather than on Christ.
9
For in Christ [ “in Him”] all the fullness [
“having
been filled”] of the Deity [] lives [”dwells”. The word
means “to settle down and be at home.” The present tense indicates that Jesus’ deity
continually dwells in Him, and that His bodily (human) form remains in eternity.] in
bodily form [], [See parallel verse - Colossians 1:19]
10
and you have been given fullness [] in Christ [ “in
Him”], who is the head [] over every power [ “all rule”] and
authority [].
11
In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature,
not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision
done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him
through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
25
13
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful
nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having
canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that
stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having
disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them by the cross.
13
Triumph of the Cross
Defeat of the Power of Evil
Colossians 2:13-15
Introduction Paul has exposed the impotency of philosophy, asceticism,
legalism and mysticism to satisfy the longing of the human soul. By
contrast, Jesus is God (2:9), and the Christian believer has been given
“fullness in Christ” (2:10). We have been filled to the point of
“overflowing with thankfulness” (2:7). Thanksgiving should typify the
Christian. In his apostolic prayer (1:9-14), Paul points out that “giving
thanks to the Father” is characteristic of “a life worthy of the Lord”
(Colossians 1:10; 3:15-17; 4:2; I Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6).
In verses 13-15, Paul emphasizes three significant truths for which
the believer should be profoundly grateful:
1. The believer has been forgiven all his sins. (13)
2. The impossible debt of violating God’s law has been cancelled. (14)
3. Our Savior has triumphed over the unseen forces of evil. (15)
13
When you [“you” – emphatic position, emphasizing personal application to the
believer.] were dead [] in your sins [“trespasses”]
and in the uncircumcision [] of your sinful nature
[ “the flesh”], God made you alive [ “He coquickened”. From spiritual death to spiritual life.] with Christ. He forgave
[ This term for “forgiveness” includes , “grace”] us all []
our sins [ “the trespasses”],
26
In the parallel passage in Ephesians, Paul describes the spiritual state
of the unbeliever and speaks of the opposition of spiritual forces that
oppress them (c.f. Revelation 12:10):
1
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which
you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the
ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those
who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:1 & 2)
Consider the word “all” in verse 13. Suppose you were forgiven all but
one of your sins. Our inability to remove the stain of even one sin
would condemn us to an eternity separated from God, who is absolutely
holy (Isaiah 6:1-6; Isaiah 59:2; James 2:10; John 7:19; Galatians 3:10;
Romans 3:20; II Thessalonians 1:9). Contemplating the forgiveness of
all our sins produces a spirit of thanksgiving.
14
having canceled [ “wiping out” or “erasing”] the written code
[ “handwriting” a written acknowledgment of a debt], with its
regulations [ “ordinances” – the Law of Moses], that was
against us [“against us”] and that stood opposed to us
[ “contrary to us”]; he took it away [
 “taken it out of the midst”], nailing it to the cross
[].
In verse 14, Paul teaches that God’s law, which all have violated, stood
in opposition to us. It was like a handwritten list of charges, posted on
the instrument of our execution. The Law of Moses was handwritten
by God (Exodus 31:18), and all it requirements were fulfilled by Christ
(Romans 10:4). His declaration, “It is finished”, signaled that all
charges against the believer have been wiped out because of the cross.
15
And having disarmed [ “putting off”] the powers
[] and authorities [ – rebellious angels or demons], he
made a public spectacle of them [ “exposed
them with openness” or “stripping him”, the Devil. Satan will be unmasked as the
‘angel of light’ and exposed for his true evil nature.], triumphing over them by
the cross. [“in Him”]
27
A third reason for the believer to overflow with thanksgiving is
Christ’s complete triumph over the “powers and authorities” of
darkness, which had held us captive. Paul has taught that God “has
rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the
kingdom of the Son he loves”. Satan’s claim against us was sin. Jesus
defeated sin (“the last enemy”, I Corinthians 15:26) on the cross.
His victory is complete, and the forces of darkness have been “made a
public spectacle”.
14
Religious Bullies (Part 2)
True Spirituality, Grace and Christian Liberty
Colossians 2:16-17
Introduction Is it possible to quantify true spirituality? How does one
measure righteousness? Throughout history, people have contrived
various standards that supposedly reveal the quality of a person’s
godliness. The measurement may be stated in terms of dress, behavior
(or avoidance of certain behaviors), participation in various religious
rituals and celebrations, withdrawal from society, or the claim to have
experienced dreams or visions.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages Christians who are
being intimidated by false teachers. They insisted that in order to be
spiritual, one must conform to certain external standards. Paul
categorizes these attempts to achieve spirituality into four groups,
for which the acronym “LAMP” may be a helpful mnemonic device:
Legalism (16-17), Asceticism (20-23), Mysticism (18-19) and the kind
of (early Gnostic) Philosophy (8-15) which denies revelation from God.
In this case, the “LAMP” is a manmade instrument, purported to
provide religious illumination. The problem is that external
measurements cannot evaluate the state of the soul.
Christianity is unique among world religions in that it is based upon
grace rather than conformity to external behaviors. It is not a
religion of law but a relationship with the living God through faith.
Rather than striving to keep rules, regulations, rituals and religious
28
holidays to impress God and people, the mature Christian’s “law” is
reduced to one principle: pleasing God (II Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:10).
If one has a genuine relationship with God, the question that guides his
liberty is simply, “What will please my Lord?” Two considerations to
guide us are (1) the effect of my choices on a spiritually weaker
brother (see Romans 14 & 15 and I Corinthians 8-10) and (2) avoiding
behavior that crosses clear moral lines found in Scripture. Offending
the sensibilities of a legalistic religious bully is not a consideration.
The apostle Peter acknowledged that some parts of Paul’s writings are
difficult to understand:
15
Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear
brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
16
He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these
matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which
ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to
their own destruction. (I Peter 3:15 & 16)
Certainly, scholars have found these verses in that category. I will not
be so arrogant as to insist that my view is the definitive one. However,
much of what Paul says here is clear, and is not a problem for the
interpreter. The difficulty comes in our inability to know with certainty
the precise details of the false teaching that threatened the peace and
joy of the Colossian believers.
Colossians 2:16-23 [NIV]
Legalism (16-17)
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with
regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17
These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality,
however, is found in Christ.
16
Mysticism (18-19)
18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels
disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what
he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has
29
lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and
held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Asceticism (20-23)
20
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as
though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 "Do not
handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22 These are all destined to perish
with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23
Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their selfimposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the
body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
15
Religious Bullies (Part 2)
True Spirituality, Grace and Christian Liberty
Colossians 2:18-23
Introduction
In verses 16 and 17, we saw how legalists were threatening to take
Christian liberty from the believers at Colossae, by imposing rules and
regulations, along with special days and religious festivals. In verses
18-23, Paul refutes the arguments of those who insisted that
mysticism and asceticism were the keys to a deeper spiritual life.
The acronym, “LAMP”, suggesting a manmade instrument that
supposedly provides religious illumination, reminds us of the four areas
of humanly devised efforts to grow spiritually:
Legalism
(16-17)
Asceticism (20-23)
Mysticism (18-19)
Philosophy (the kind that discounts God, and then tries to make sense
of the world God created. ~ Colossians 2:8-10)
However, Paul says that these methods are useless:
“These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on
human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an
appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false
30
humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any
value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:22 & 23)
If these efforts are “all destined to perish” and “lack any value in
restraining sensual indulgence”, then what works? Paul writes: “He has
lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported
and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it
to grow.” (verse 19) Spiritual growth is the result of the believer’s
union with Jesus Christ (Romans 6-8). As Jesus taught in John 15:5,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in
him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
The Colossian heretics were promoting Mysticism (including dreams,
vision, and the worship of angels) and Asceticism (withdrawing from
the world and self-deprivation as a religious exercise) as the path to
spirituality. Paul's point is that Jesus Christ is sufficient. We do not
need the "add-ons" that the false teachers (and modern cults)
promote.
Paul points out that outward displays of spiritually are designed to
impress people, and only gains the ephemeral applause of men. It wins
no merit from God, however (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; Galatians 1:10).
"When you fast [or give to the poor – verse 2 –, or give public prayers – verse
5], do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their
faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have
received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)
True spiritual growth comes through a faith-based union with Christ.
Colossians 2:18-23 [NIV]
Mysticism (18-19)
18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of
angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great
detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up
with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom
31
the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and
sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Asceticism (20-23)
20
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why,
as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21
"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?
22
These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on
human commands and teachings.
23
Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their
self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment
of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
16
Eyes on Heaven, Feet on Earth
Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Colossians 3:1-4
Introduction In chapter two, the Apostle Paul has warned Christians
at Colossae to refuse to be spiritually seduced by false teachers who
claimed that believers need more than Jesus. They added legalism’s
rules, asceticism’s self-denial and social separation, mysticism’s
supposed secret knowledge, and philosophy’s claimed wisdom. But Paul
insisted that Jesus is sufficient to meet all the believer’s needs.
Whenever Paul instructs believers to turn from thinking about
something, he offers a superior object for the Christian’s thoughts.
Colossians chapter three is no exception. Paul exhorts the believer to
train his thoughts on things above.
Paul is not suggesting some new form of mysticism. There is no danger
here of “becoming so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good”, as
some have put it. Rather, Paul is speaking of disciplining ourselves to
be continually aware of our “position in Christ”. He wants us to be
cognizant of the way God views every Christian who, through faith, is
“holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (1:22).
Paul is very aware of the fact that while the believer’s mind-set is on
eternal realities, his feet are firmly planted on earth, and he must deal
32
with his sin nature. So, after instructing believers to “Put our eyes
(hearts & minds) on things above” (3:2), he exhorts “Put to death your
earthly nature” (3:5), and “put on the new self” (3:10). Ultimately, we
are to put on love (3:14), which binds together the virtues in which
Christians are to clothe ourselves.
While setting our minds on things above may sound mystical and
ethereal, Paul makes it practical and achievable as he teaches:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish
one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (3:16). Reading the Bible
(note Philippians 4:8), Godly teaching, fellowship and worshipful music
facilitate a heavenly mind-set.
Put Your Eyes on Things Above
1
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on
things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When
Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to Death your Earthly Nature
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
5
sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is
idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to
walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid
yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and
filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have
taken off your old self with its practices
Put on the New Self
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in
the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised
or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all,
and is in all. 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly
10
33
loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together
in perfect unity.
15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish
one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him.
17
Dealing With Out-of-Control Desires
Putting to Death Wrong Desires of Our Earthly Nature
Colossians 3:5-9
Introduction After encouraging believers to “set our minds on things
above”, Paul presents two lists of acts and attitudes that destroy
fellowship with God and hurt relationships with other people. He
exhorts believers to put these things to death (c.f. Romans 8:13).
Sins The Believer Must “Kill”
First List (vs. 5)
Second List (vs. 8)
sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil anger, rage, malice, slander,
desires and greed, which is idolatry filthy language from your lips,
lying to one another
sins of perverted love
sins of hate
begins with acts and progresses to
motives
begins with motives and progresses
to acts
personal sins
social sins
relates to feelings
relates to speech
* Table constructed based on from notes by Dr. John MacArthur
5
Put to death [ “kill”], therefore [], whatever [
34
“the members”] belongs to your earthly nature [ “on the earth”]:
sexual immorality [ “fornication”], impurity [
“uncleaness”], lust [ “passion”], evil desires [”bad
desire”] and greed [”covetousness”; lit: “to have more”], which
is idolatry [].
6
Because of these, the wrath [] of God is coming.
7
You used to walk [ “you walked then”] in these ways,
in the life you once lived [ “when you lived in these
things”].
8
But now you must rid yourselves [ “put away” a word used for
taking off clothes.] of all [ “all things”] such things as these: anger
[ “wrath” or smoldering bitterness], rage [ “anger”], malice [],
slander [ “blasphemy”], and filthy language from your lips
[ “abuse out of your mouth”].
Put Your Eyes on Things Above
1
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on
things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When
Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to Death your Earthly Nature
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
5
sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is
idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to
walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid
yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and
filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have
taken off your old self with its practices
Put on the New Self
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in
the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised
10
35
or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all,
and is in all. 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly
loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together
in perfect unity.
15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish
one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him.
18
Wardrobe of the New Self (Part 1)
The New Self and Our New Community
Colossians 3:9-17
Introduction “Who are you?”, the Caterpillar famously inquired of Alice
(Lewis Carroll, Alice In Wonderland). While Alice was confused because of
her experiences, it is crucial that the Christian be clear about who he is in
Jesus Christ. He is a “new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17), and has been
“raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1).
The new birth has profound implications for eternity:
“Born once, die twice
[“The lake of fire is the second death.” Revelation 20:14]
Born twice, die once”.
[“Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection.
The second death has no power over them.” Revelation 20:14]
It also has profound implications for how we live every day. Paul has told the
Colossians to “kill” the immoral deeds of the body (verse 5). He then uses
the image of the way the believer should dress to illustrate how our new
identity in Christ should be expressed. In verse 8, he tells us to take off
(“rid yourselves of”) unholy speech (verse 8). In verses 12-17, he opens the
36
wardrobe of the Christian, and invites us to put on clothing that reflects
who we are in Jesus Christ.
In Christ, the believer is “holy in his sight, without blemish and free from
accusation” (Colossians 1:22). In his past, the believer has died with Christ
(Colossians 3:3). His “old self” has been crucified (Romans 6:6), so that the
believer’s body (which is morally neutral) might display the mindset of the
“new self”, and serve as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:13).
9
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off
[“having put off”] your old self [ “the old
man”] with its practices [ “with his practices”]
10
and have put on [ “having put on”] the new self [
“the new”], which is being renewed [ “being renewed”] in
knowledge [ “in full knowledge”. Consider the implications of this
term for the Gnostic false teachers.] in the image of its Creator
[ “according to (the) image of the (One) creating
him”.].
11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian
[ Those uncultured folks who didn’t speak Greek.], Scythian [
Considered the lowest type of barbarian.”], slave [] or free [], but
Christ is all, and is in all [].
12
Therefore, as God's chosen people [], holy [] and dearly
loved [ “having been loved”], clothe yourselves [] with
compassion [  “bowels of compassion”. Bowels represent
emotions; the heart represents the mind.], kindness [], humility
[], gentleness [ “meekness”] and patience [
“long-suffering”].
13
Bear with [ “forbearing”] each other and forgive [
“forgiving”] whatever grievances [ “if anyone has a
complaint”] you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave
[ “forgave”] you.
37
14
And over all these virtues put on love, [ ] which binds them all
together in perfect unity [ “[the] bond of
maturity”].
15
Let the peace [ ] of Christ rule [ ] in your hearts
[ ], since as members of one body you were called
[ “you were called in one body”] to peace. And be
thankful [ ].
16
Let the word [] of Christ dwell [ let
Christ’s word be at home in you.] in you richly [ ] as you teach
[ ] and admonish one another [ ] with all
wisdom [], and as you sing psalms, [] hymns [] and
spiritual songs [ i.e. songs that testify to the believer’s experience in
Christ.] with gratitude [ “in grace”]in your hearts
[“singing in the hearts of you”] to God.
17
And whatever [] you do, whether in word [] or deed
[ “in work” ], do it all [] in the name [] of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks [] to God the Father through him
[].
19
Wardrobe of the New Self (Part 2)
Appropriate Clothing for a Christian is Christ-like Character
Colossians 3:9-12
Introduction The scene is so typical of elegant events from fundraising Galas to the red carpet of the Academy Awards, that the
question and expected answer have been reduced to a formula:
“Who are you wearing tonight?” The expected response is the name of
the clothing designer who produced the apparel for the actor or
actress.
The Apostle Paul tells the Colossians that through faith, they have
been raised with Christ, and that they should be wearing Him.
38
Because our “old self” has been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6), and
through faith in Christ, we have been born again into the family of
God, we should be wearing apparel that reflects the character of the
ultimate Designer. As the Apostle Paul wrote: “But put on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its
lusts.” (Romans 13:4)
9
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off
[“having put off”] your old self [ “the
old man”] with its practices []
10
and have put on [ “having put on”] the new self [
“the new”], which is being renewed [] in knowledge
[ “in full knowledge”. Consider the implications of this term for the
Gnostic false teachers.] in the image of its Creator
[ “according to (the) image of the (One) creating
him”.].
11
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised,
barbarian [ Those uncultured folks who didn’t speak Greek.], Scythian
[ Considered the lowest type of barbarian.”], slave [] or free
[], but Christ is all, and is in all [].
12
Therefore, as God's chosen people [], holy [] and
dearly loved [ “having been loved”], clothe yourselves
[] with compassion [  “bowels of compassion”.
Bowels represent emotions; the heart represents the mind.], kindness [],
humility [ Greeks had considered humility a weakness. Jesus Christ
demonstrated that humility is a prized virtue. Phil. 2:1-11. It is the proper response to
God’s grace.], gentleness [ “meekness”. Numbers 12:3. It is to yield ones
will to God’s leading.] and patience [ “long-suffering”. Recognizes that
others also struggle with a sin nature, and does not despair nor become cynical.].
13
Bear with [ “forbearing”] each other and forgive
[ “forgiving”; “to be gracious”] whatever grievances
[ “if anyone has a complaint”] you may have against one
another. Forgive as the Lord forgave [ c.f. Ephesians 4:32] you.
39
14
And over all these virtues put on love, [] which binds
them all together in perfect unity [ “[the]
bond of maturity”].
15
Let the peace [ Both the treaty established by the blood of Christ and the
attitude of rest and security are in view. See Romans 5:1] of Christ rule
[ To act as an umpire when we have a choice to make.] in your hearts
[ ], since as members of one body you were called
[ “you were called in one body”] to peace.
And be thankful [].
16
Let the word [] of Christ dwell
[ let Christ’s word be at home in you.] in you richly []
as you teach [] and admonish one another
[] with all wisdom [], and as you sing
psalms, [] hymns [] and spiritual songs [ i.e.
songs that testify to the believer’s experience in Christ.] with gratitude [ “in
grace”]in your hearts [“singing in the hearts of
you”] to God.
And whatever [] you do, whether in word [] or deed
[ “in work”], do it all [] in the name [] of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks [] to God the Father through him
[].
17
20
Wardrobe of the New Self (Part 3)
Colossians 3:13-17
Introduction Having laid out five articles of clothing appropriate for the
New Self in Christ (verse 12), Paul teaches that the believer is to exercise
forbearance and forgiveness (verse 13). In verse 14, Paul says that the
“belt” which ties the previous virtues together is love. This is the
overarching quality that produces and exemplifies spiritual maturity.
In verses 15-17, three key terms help the well-dressed Christian to behave
in a Christ-like way. The “peace of Christ” is to act as an umpire in our
hearts” (verse 15), “the Word of Christ” (verse 16) is to make its home in us,
and the “Name of the Lord Jesus” (verse 17) is to be honored by us.
40
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
Greek Idea of “Peace”(Eiréné)
    





Jewish Idea of “Peace” (Shalom)
‫ל ו מ‬
‫ש‬
Objective: A treaty or pact.
Subjective: A sense of rest or security.
Previously, hostility existed between
God and the sinner. However, believers
have a treaty of peace with God, paid
for by the blood of Christ and
accepted by faith. (Romans 5:1-2)
Because peace has been established by
the work of Christ, the believer can
enjoy a state of well-being, wholeness,
and rest in his ongoing relationship with
God.
“Rule” [ ] means to act as an Umpire.
Here are two reasons believers choose to say “no” to temptation:
(1) To Avoid Offending Jesus.
(2) To Avoid Feeling Guilt & Shame
Facing a choice to obey or disobey, the
peace of Christ “rules” by reminding
the believer that he risks violating the
costly treaty between himself and God,
going against the purpose for which he
was saved. Why should one do this, now
that he and Jesus are on the same
side? Why treat ones Best Friend as if
He were an enemy?
The believer also risks loosing the
sense of peace, rest and calmness that
characterizes the state of the believer
in his relationship with God.
Disobedience is disloyalty, and it
disrupts the believer’s fellowship with
God. The Christian may loose the
assurance of his salvation, although not
salvation itself.
12
Therefore, as God's chosen people [], holy [] and
dearly loved [ “having been loved”], clothe yourselves with
[]: (1) compassion [  “bowels of compassion”. Bowels
represent emotions; the heart represents the mind. It shows sensitivity to those in need.],
(2) kindness [ A pervasive grace that puts others’ interests as high as our own.], (3)
humility [A realistic self-view that does not overestimate ones importance.], (4)
gentleness [ “meekness”. Submits to the leading of God. Allows for the sin nature of
others, and is willing to suffer rather than to hurt another.] and (5) patience [ “longsuffering”. Takes the long view of life & relationships. Doesn’t get angry or seek revenge.].
41
13
Bear with [ “forbearing”] each other and forgive
[ “forgiving”] whatever grievances [ “if anyone
has a complaint”] you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave [ “forgave”] you.
14
And over all these virtues put on love, [ ] which binds
them all together in perfect unity [ “[the]
bond of maturity”].
15
Let the peace [ ] of Christ rule [ ] in your hearts
[ ], since as members of one body you were called
[ “you were called in one body”] to peace.
And be thankful [ ].
16
Let the word [] of Christ dwell
[ let Christ’s word be at home in you.] in you richly [ ]
as you teach [ ] and admonish one another
[ ] with all wisdom [], and as you sing
psalms, [] hymns [] and spiritual songs [ i.e.
songs that testify to the believer’s experience in Christ.] with gratitude [ “in
grace”]in your hearts [“singing in the hearts of
you”] to God.
And whatever [] you do, whether in word [] or deed
[ “in work” ], do it all [] in the name [] of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks [] to God the Father through him
[].
17
21
Basic Relationships (Part 1)
Colossians 3:18 & 19
Introduction Comparing the parallel passages of Colossians and Ephesians
helps us understand the Apostle Paul’s instructions for maintaining the most
fundamental of human relationships: marriage, parenting, and work.
True success depends upon letting God’s Word indwell us abundantly
(Colossians 3:16), and being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
42
Colossians 3
16
Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly as you teach and
admonish one another with all
wisdom
Ephesians 5
18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to
debauchery. Instead, be filled with the
Spirit.
21
Submit [αλληλοις] to one
another out of reverence for Christ.
18
Wives, submit to your husbands,
as is fitting in the Lord.
22
19
25
Husbands, love your wives and do
not be harsh with them.
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the
Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the
wife as Christ is the head of the church, his
body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as
the church submits to Christ, so also wives
should submit to their husbands in
everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ
loved the church and gave himself up for
her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the
washing with water through the word, 27and
to present her to himself as a radiant
church, without stain or wrinkle or any
other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In
this same way, husbands ought to love their
wives as their own bodies. He who loves his
wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever
hated his own body, but he feeds and cares
for it, just as Christ does the church—
30
for we are members of his body.
31
"For this reason a man will leave his father
and mother and be united to his wife, and
the two will become one flesh."
32
This is a profound mystery—but I am
talking about Christ and the church.
33
However, each one of you also must love
his wife as he loves himself, and the wife
must respect her husband.
Ephesians 6
20
Children, obey your parents in
everything, for this pleases the
1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
this is right. 2"Honor your father and
43
Lord.
mother"—which is the first commandment
with a promise— 3"that it may go well with
you and that you may enjoy long life on the
earth."
21
Fathers, do not embitter your
children, or they will become
discouraged.
4
22
5
Slaves, obey your earthly
masters in everything; and do it,
not only when their eye is on you
and to win their favor, but with
sincerity of heart and reverence
for the Lord. 23Whatever you do,
work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men,
24
since you know that you will
receive an inheritance from the
Lord as a reward. It is the Lord
Christ you are serving.
25
Anyone who does wrong will be
repaid for his wrong, and there is
no favoritism.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children;
instead, bring them up in the training and
instruction of the Lord.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with
respect and fear, and with sincerity of
heart, just as you would obey Christ.
6
Obey them not only to win their favor when
their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ,
doing the will of God from your heart.
7
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were
serving the Lord, not men, 8because you
know that the Lord will reward everyone for
whatever good he does, whether he is slave
or free.
Colossians 4
1
Masters, provide your slaves with
what is right and fair, because you
know that you also have a Master
in heaven.
22
9
And masters, treat your slaves in the same
way. Do not threaten them, since you know
that he who is both their Master and yours
is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with
him.
Basic Relationships (Part 2)
Colossians 3:20-4:1 and Ephesians 5:22-6:9
To All Christian Believers
Colossians 3
16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly as you teach and admonish one
Ephesians 5
18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to
debauchery. Instead, be filled with the
Spirit.
44
another with all wisdom
Submit [αλληλοις] to one
another out of reverence for Christ.
21
To Wives
22
Wives, submit to your [your
OWN ]
23
husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the
head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,
his body, of which he is the Savior.
18
Wives [], submit
[υποτασσεσθε] to your husbands,
as is fitting in the Lord.
, when used as a military
24
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives
should submit to their husbands in everything.
term, means “to rank under”. It also
means “to place under”. It does not
imply inferiority, but establishes
administrative order or rank. The
responsibility of loving, “servant”
leadership is entrusted to the husband.
33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as
he loves himself, and the wife must respect []
her husband.
To Husbands
Colossians 3
19
Husbands [], love
your wives and do not be
harsh [] with
them.


“do not be harsh” literally
means “do not make her bitter.”

 “make bitter”. (It was
used of honey when wormwood
was mixed with it.
~ Arndt & Gingrich, p. 663)
Πικρια is used in Eph 4:31-“Get rid of all bitterness”
Ephesians 5
25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the
church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy,
cleansing her by the washing with water through the
word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant
church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish,
but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands
ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who
loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever
hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just
as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his
body.
31
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife, and the two will become one
flesh." (Quotation of Genesis 2:24)
32
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about
Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also
must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must
respect her husband.
To Children
Colossians 3
20
Children [], obey
[] your parents in
Ephesians 6
1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
this is right. 2"Honor your father and
45
everything, for this pleases the
Lord.
mother"—which is the first commandment
with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you
and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
To Fathers
Colossians 3
Fathers [], do not embitter
[ “not provoke”] your children,
or they will become discouraged [].
21
Ephesians 6
4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children;
instead, bring them up in the training and
instruction of the Lord.
To Slaves (Employees)
Ephesians 6
Colossians 3
22
Slaves [], obey []
your earthly masters in everything; and do
it, not only when their eye is on you and to
win their favor, but with sincerity of heart
and reverence for the Lord.
23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your
heart, as working for the Lord, not for
men, 24since you know that you will receive
an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for
his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with
respect and fear, and with sincerity of
heart, just as you would obey Christ.
6
Obey them not only to win their favor
when their eye is on you, but like slaves of
Christ, doing the will of God from your
heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you
were serving the Lord, not men, 8because
you know that the Lord will reward
everyone for whatever good he does,
whether he is slave or free.
To Masters (Employers)
Colossians 4
1
Masters [
“lords”], provide your
slaves with what is right and fair, because
you know that you also have a Master in
heaven [ “Lord”].
23
Ephesians 6
9
And masters, treat your slaves in the
same way. Do not threaten them, since you
know that he who is both their Master and
yours is in heaven, and there is no
favoritism with him.
Praying For Opportunity, Boldness & Clarity
Colossians 4:2-6
Introduction As Paul nears the conclusion of his letter to the
Colossians, he gives important instructions regarding prayer and
evangelism. Paul requests prayer for himself in the parallel epistles of
Colossians and Ephesians. He exhorts the Colossians to be devoted to
prayer, and to discipline themselves to be alert when they pray.
46
Colossians 4:2
2
Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful.
Ephesians 6:18
18
And pray in the Spirit on all
occasions with all kinds of prayers
and requests. With this in mind, be
alert and always keep on praying for
all the saints.
To be devoted to prayer (“pray in the Spirit on all occasions”) does not
mean that we should pepper our day with a series of formal prayers,
but to develop a keen awareness of God’s presence in all our activities,
and to invite Him into our conversations and decisions.
Because we are to keep alert when we pray (“being watchful”; “be
alert”), we should choose times when we can focus on subjects of
prayer, rather than wait until the end of the day when we are sleepy.
Since we are to participate in “all kinds of prayers and requests”,
we should prioritize according to the Biblical model: (1) adoration,
(2) thanksgiving, (3) confession, (4) intercession, and last, (5) petition
(requests). Too often, we pray in the opposite order and “spam” God
with requests, neglecting the other aspects of prayer. An attitude of
gratitude is appropriate for a believer’s prayer.
To the Ephesians, Paul writes that we are to “pray in the Spirit”.
When our prayer is in harmony with principles of the Bible (inspired by
the Holy Spirit), and are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:9),
and desire that His will be accomplished in our life (I John 5:14 & 15),
we pray according to God’s will.
Colossians 4:3 & 4
3
And pray for us, too, that God may
open a door for our message, so that
we may proclaim the mystery of
Christ, for which I am in chains.
4
Pray that I may proclaim it clearly,
as I should.
Ephesians 6:19 & 20
19
Pray also for me, that whenever I
open my mouth, words may be given
me so that I will fearlessly make
known the mystery of the gospel,
20
for which I am an ambassador in
chains. Pray that I may declare it
47
fearlessly, as I should.
Paul does not hesitate to ask for prayer for himself. He asks his
brothers to pray that God would “open a door for our message”, or
provide opportunities for Paul and those with him to speak the Good
News of salvation to unbelievers (”outsiders” – verse 5). Paul views
himself as an “ambassador in chains”, and is eager to evangelize anyone
near him. Surprisingly, even Paul requested prayer for boldness in
evangelism (Ephesians 6:20)!
5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every
opportunity (). (Colossians 4:5)
Paul knows that words that are not accompanied by wise actions will
not convince the hearers that the Gospel is true. A righteous lifestyle
and a prayerful attitude of seeking opportunities, will result in
occasions of communicating the gospel to those we encounter.
Colossians 4:2-6
Ephesians 6:19-20
Let your conversation be always full 19Pray also for me, that whenever I
of grace, seasoned with salt, so that open my mouth, words may be given me
so that I will fearlessly make known
you may know how to answer
the mystery of the gospel, 20for which
everyone.
I am an ambassador in chains. Pray
6
that I may declare it fearlessly, as I
should.
As salt purifies, preserves and adds flavor, so our speech should be
gracious. We should know the Biblical answers to common questions
people ask about God (such as, “How can a good God allow suffering?”).
24
Praying For Opportunity, Courage & Clarity (Part 2)
Colossians 4:3-6
Introduction Having called the Colossians to devote themselves to
prayer in verse 2, Paul continues his instructions regarding prayer and
evangelism. Paul is not hesitant to request prayer for himself in his
letters to both the Colossians and the Ephesians. Neither prayer
48
without the action of evangelism, not evangelism without prayer is
effective.
Colossians 4:3 & 4
3
And pray for us, too, that God may
open a door for our message, so that
we may proclaim the mystery of
Christ, for which I am in chains.
4
Pray that I may proclaim it clearly,
as I should.
Ephesians 6:19 & 20
19
Pray also for me, that whenever I
open my mouth, words may be given
me so that I will fearlessly make
known the mystery of the gospel,
20
for which I am an ambassador in
chains. Pray that I may declare it
fearlessly, as I should.
Paul asked the Colossians to pray that God would “open a door for our
message”. He is asking that God would provide opportunities for Paul
and those with him to speak the Good News of salvation to unbelievers
(”outsiders” –v. 5). We need to recognize the opportunities God opens.
Paul viewed himself as an “ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20), and
was eager to evangelize anyone near him. He was writing from a prison
in Rome, and was at times chained to Roman soldiers. Paul viewed this
as a wonderful evangelistic opportunity, which was bearing fruit
(Philippians 1:13). We are surprised to note that even Paul requested
prayer for boldness in evangelism (Ephesians 6:19 & 20)!
Paul also asked the Colossians to pray that he would proclaim the
gospel clearly (Colossians 4:4  “in order that I may manifest”). The
person who is evangelizing must not only know the gospel message
clearly, but he should be sensitive to the needs, knowledge (level of
understanding) and questions of the person hearing the gospel.
Jesus did not have a cookie-cutter or “canned” method of evangelism,
but was attuned to the life situation of the person with whom He was
speaking. Note, for example the difference between Jesus’ approach
to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and teacher of the Law (John 3) and the
woman at the well (John 4), when He begins by asking for a favor.
While the gospel message is the same, prayer, observation and
49
listening to the needs of the hearer will inform us as to the most
effective way to introduce the message of salvation.
5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every
opportunity (). (Colossians 4:5)
Paul knows that words that are not accompanied by wise actions will
not convince the hearers that the Gospel is true. A righteous lifestyle
gives credence to our words, whereas unrighteous actions will evoke
the charge of hypocrisy.
Colossians 4:2-6
Ephesians 6:19-20
Let your conversation be always full 19Pray also for me, that whenever I
of grace, seasoned with salt, so that open my mouth, words may be given me
so that I will fearlessly make known
you may know how to answer
the mystery of the gospel, 20for which
everyone.
I am an ambassador in chains. Pray
6
that I may declare it fearlessly, as I
should.
Not only should our behavior be “wise”, but our speech is to be “full of
grace”. As salt purifies, preserves and adds flavor, so our speech
should be gracious.
Paul says that the believer should “know how to answer everyone”.
We should know the Biblical answers to common questions people ask
about God: “How can a good God allow suffering?”; “If God is love, why
does Hell exist?”; “If believing in Jesus is necessary for salvation,
what happens to those people who have never heard His Name?”;
“If God is omnipotent and controls the future, does free will really
exist?” We are to study the Bible diligently (II Timothy 2:15).
25
Fond Greetings From Forever Friends
Colossians 4:7-18
Introduction When you think about the apostle Paul, what image comes
to mind? Do you see him as a small academic-type, aloof and stooped
over a lamp-lit desk, laboriously writing epistles? Do you think of a
50
hardened man marked by the scars of beatings, stoning, shipwrecks
and imprisonment? Do you imagine him to be something of a loner?
Do you view Paul as intolerant because he rejected John Mark for the
second missionary journey, after Mark abandoned the apostle and
Barnabas during the first missionary voyage (Acts 13:13)?
If that’s your view, I hope that a look at the end of the letter to the
Colossians will change your thinking about Paul. His words to the
Colossians reveal a consummate team member. He made and
maintained loyal, lifelong, profound friendships.
The conclusion of this epistle is not just a matter of literary
housekeeping to address personal exchanges between those who were
with Paul and the recipients of this letter. Rather this is an intriguing
personal touch regarding some who are well known to Bible readers and
others who are unfamiliar. These people are Biblical personalities with
lives that offer examples that can truly edify us.
Tychicus
7
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother,
a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8
I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know
about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
Onesimus
9
He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one
of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
Aristarchus
10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings,
John Mark
as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions
about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
Jesus, who is called Justus
51
11
Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only
Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have
proved a comfort [ This is the only N.T. use of this word] to me.
Epaphras
12
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus [ A
slave by choice. A picture of full commitment. C.f. Romans 12:1-2, “a living sacrifice”],
sends greetings. He is always wrestling [αγωνιζομενος “agonize” is from this
term.] in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God,
mature and fully assured. 13I vouch for him that he is working hard for
you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Luke
14
Our dear friend Luke, the doctor,
Demas
and Demas [who would later abandon Paul because Demas could not resist his
attraction to the world. See II Timothy 4:10.] send greetings.
Conclusion
15
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and
the church in her house.
16
After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the
church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from
Laodicea.
17
Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have
received in the Lord."
18
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
Remember my chains. Grace be with you.