Whenever we travel, problems inevitably arise. Situations regarding our own travel we tend to be able to handle. The difficult ones are the ones that happen back home. Perhaps our kids got into a jam, there is a difficulty at work or a friend got into a crisis situation. As much as we want to help, we are not physically there for assistance. What then can we do?
In the first century, the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome (Acts 21:17–28:31). A gentleman named Epaphras showed up in Rome because he needed Paul’s help. Some new doctrines were being taught in Colossae and were invading the church and creating problems. So Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians in order to refute these heretical teachings and establish the truth of the Gospel. What was the heresy that threatened the peace and purity of the Colossian church? It was a combination of Eastern philosophy and Jewish legalism, with elements of what Bible scholars call gnosticism (NOS-ti-cism). This term comes from the Greek word gnosis (KNOW-sis) which means “to know.” (An agnostic is one who does not know.) The gnostics were the people who were “in the know” when it came to the deep things of God. They were the “spiritual aristocracy” in the church. To begin with, this heresy promised people such a close union with God that they would achieve a “spiritual perfection.” Spiritual fullness could be theirs only if they entered into the teachings and ceremonies prescribed. There was also a “full knowledge,” a spiritual depth, that only the initiated could enjoy. This “wisdom” promised to release them from earthly things and put them in touch with heavenly things (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 103). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.).
Do we have any of this heresy today? Yes, we do; and it is just as deceptive and dangerous! When we strive for “spiritual perfection” or “spiritual fullness” by means of formulas, disciplines, or rituals, we go backward instead of forward. Christian believers must beware of mixing their Christian faith with such alluring things as yoga philosophy, transcendental meditation, Oriental mysticism, and the like. We must also beware of “deeper life” teachers who offer a system for victory and fullness that bypasses devotion to Jesus Christ (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 104). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Paul's answer for this heresy, and the deceptive teachings prevalent today is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The wonderful gospel is the reason for Paul’s thanksgiving expressed in Colossians 1:1–8. Rejoicing at the report of their faith brought to him by Epaphras, the founder of the church at Colossae, he characteristically expresses thanks that the Colossians heard the gospel, and that it bore fruit in their lives.
In Colossians 1:1-8, the Apostle Paul’s shows how the gospel is 1) Received by Faith (Colossians 1:1–4a), 2) Rests in Hope(Colossians 1:5-8), and 3) Results in Love (Colossians 1:4b).
The Gospel is:
1) Received by Faith (Colossians 1:1–4a)
Colossians 1:1-4a [1:1]Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, [2]To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. [3]We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [4]since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus (and of the love that you have for all the saints), (ESV)
Following the practice of correspondence in the ancient world, Paul begins the letter with his name. Paul writes to the Colossians from prison, probably in Rome. According to Acts, Paul was arrested after Judaizers from Asia (western modern Turkey) incited a crowd against him, causing disorder in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27). They accused him of teaching against the law and defiling the temple by bringing a Gentile into it (Acts 21:29–30) (Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Col 1:1). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.).
Paul was the most important and influential person in history since our Lord Jesus Christ. His personality was the remarkable combination of a brilliant mind, a determined will, and a tender heart. Of Jewish ancestry, a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5), he was a Pharisee (Phil. 3:5). Paul was educated under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), one of the leading rabbis of that time. He was also by birth a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28) and exposed to Greek culture in his home city of Tarsus. Such a background rendered him uniquely qualified to communicate the gospel in the Greco-Roman world. It was largely his efforts that transformed Christianity from a small Palestinian sect to a faith with adherents throughout the Roman Empire. The church would be blessed to have record of even one letter from such a man, let alone the thirteen found in the New Testament.
•Many times in our lives we see our backgrounds or situations as hindrances to what God wants us to go. Regardless of our past sins or failures, God has uniquely equipped each and every believer for specific ministry. Learning the lessons of our past experiences and looking at our present situations, enables us to see the wonderful opportunities right in front of us that God has prepared us for.
Lest anyone doubt his authority, Paul describes himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He is not simply a messenger, but an official representative of the One who sent him. What he writes in this letter is not merely his opinion, but God’s authoritative Word. The office of apostle included several elements. Primarily, an apostle had to know Christ personally and have witnessed the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22). Paul claimed that he had seen the risen Lord (1 Cor 9:1) and, therefore, had witnessed the resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). Further, Paul’s message came from divine revelation with no human intermediary (Gal 1:15–17) (Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 188). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Paul did not become an apostle through his own efforts. Neither was he nominated for the position by any human organization. Paul was an apostle by the will of God. God, having chosen him long before, brought His sovereign choice to realization with that most striking of conversions on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1–9). It climaxed in his being set apart for missionary service by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2).
Paul, as was his custom, mentions a colaborer who was with him when he wrote: Timothy our brother. (Timothy is also included in the introductions to 2 Corinthians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon, being noted as the companion of Paul.) Such a reference does not indicate co-authorship of those epistles. Peter is certainly clear that the epistles bearing Paul’s name were written by Paul (2 Pet. 3:15–16).
Paul addresses his readers in verse 2 as the saints and faithful brothers/brethren… at Colossae. Paul formally introduced himself to the Colossians because he had never visited Colosse, and he had most likely never met most of the Christians there (Kuschel, H. J. (1986). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (p. 112). Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Pub. House.).
Paul most likely wrote this letter between 60–63 A.D.. It was written about the same time as the letters to Philemon andEphesus, and it has much in common with both epistles. All three were probably written before Philippians (Criswell, W. A., Patterson, P., Clendenen, E. R., Akin, D. L., Chamberlin, M., Patterson, D. K., & Pogue, J. (Eds.). (1991). Believer’s Study Bible (electronic ed., Col 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.).
The road from Galatia to Ephesus probably passed through Colossae, so Paul’s travels no doubt took him into the region from the time of the second missionary journey onward (Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 187). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
The Saints and faithful brothers/brethren are not two distinct groups; the terms are equivalent. And [kai] could be translated, “even.” Hagios, which translates saints, refers to separation, in this case being separated from sin and set apart to God. Faithful notes the very source of that separation—saving faith. Believing saints are the only true saints. “Faithful” (pistois) has the primary referent in the sense of believing. It may, however, also imply the secondary sense of loyalty to Christ, a quality especially appropriate for a church under fire (Vaughan, C. (1981). Colossians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 172). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.).
As brothers/brethren the Colossians, as are all true believers, are one spiritual family despite differences in background, race, or any other purely human considerations (Anders, M. (1999). Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 8, p. 277). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.).
The reason for their unity as a spiritual family is the same for all believers: Believers are "in Christ". People say: “You can’t be in two places at once” sounds a warning about letting one’s schedule become too busy. Yet Paul suggested that Christians at Colosse do just that. They must live both “in Colosse” and “in Christ.”The first refers to a geographic location—a place to farm, raise a family, and conduct business. The second refers to a spiritual location, to be placed in Christ’s care and control. This relationship “in Christ” signals the transfer believers took when they came to God for mercy and forgiveness—they migrated from death to life, darkness to light, and the kingdom of this world to the kingdom of God. How can we be two places at once? As Christians, we must serve God responsibly wherever we live. The Bible calls us stewards and caretakers of this world for God. Christians are also called to grow closer to the Savior, to practice and enjoy our new life as children of God and citizens of heaven. We must have both feet in two worlds (Barton, B. B., & Comfort, P. W. (1995). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (p. 145). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)
Grace to you and peace was the greeting Paul used to open all thirteen of his letters. ‘Grace’ is the undeserved favour of God, his kindness to those who merit his wrath and condemnation. Human sinfulness means that we are entitled to feel the weight of divine anger against sin, but God in his grace has sent his Son into the world to live and die in the place of sinners. Peace follows on naturally from grace. Because God is gracious, it is gloriously possible for those who have offended him to be reconciled to him. Paul’s readers in Colosse had already experienced the grace of God in their lives. Had this not been the case, they would not have been Christians at all. But if God saves us by his grace, he also keeps us by his grace. The help that Christians receive to live for God each day is gracious help.... In effect, Paul expressed a heartfelt longing that the God who had been gracious to the believers in Colosse at the outset of their Christian lives would continue to sustain and help them in the future (Arthur, J. P. (2007). Christ All-Sufficient: Colossians and Philemon Simply Explained (p. 21). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.).
Though he admires their true and continuing saving faith, which had separated them from sin to God, Paul certainly does not begin by flattering the Colossians. In verse 3, he notes how Paul and his companions always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He recognizes that God is the One who is owed thanks, because salvation in all its parts is a gift from Him (Eph. 2:8–9). Always should be considered in relation to the preceding phrase, to thank God, not to pray for you. Paul was not always praying specifically for the Colossians. Rather, whenever he was praying for them, he always expressed his thanks to God.
•We tend to have a mistaken fear of pride in thanking God for others to their faces. Sometimes we worry that someone may mistake our praise for flattery if we thank people to their face for what God is doing through them. The practice however not only looks for God's hand working in people's lives, it is also an encouragement to them that God is working through them resulting in positive results.
What was Paul specifically thankful to God for in the Colossians? Paul is thankful to God for their faith in Christ Jesus. The Colossians are not like those who distort the gospel (Gal. 1:7), or do not obey it (1 Pet. 4:17). Such people will face the terrifying experience of seeing “the Lord Jesus… revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thess. 1:7–9). The Colossians are holy brothers in Christ, who have put faith in the Lord of the gospel.
The reference in verse four to their faith (Pistis) it describes how one is persuaded that something is true and to trust in it. Far more than mere intellectual assent, it involves obedience. Pistis comes from the root word peithô (“obey”). The concept of obedience is equated with belief throughout the New Testament (cf. John 3:36; Acts 6:7; Rom. 15:18; 2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 5:9; 1 Pet. 4:17). The Bible also speaks of the obedience of faith (Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5; 16:26). Biblical faith is not a “leap in the dark.” It is based on fact and grounded in evidence. It is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith gives assurance and certainty about unseen realities.
Please turn to 2 Timothy 1 (p.995)
Any definition of faith is also incomplete without a consideration of its object. In contrast to the contentless faith so prevalent in our culture, saving faith has as its object Christ Jesus. The relationship of faith to Jesus Christ is expressed in the New Testament by various Greek prepositions. Acts 16:31 uses the preposition epi, which suggests resting on a foundation. In Acts 20:21, eis is used, with the meaning of “to find a dwelling place in,” “to go into,” “to abide in,” or “to find a home.” Here in translates en and has the connotation of coming to a place of security and anchor. With Christ as its object, our faith is as secure as a house on a solid foundation, or a boat safely at anchor.
Notice the similarities of Paul's instructions to the Colossians with his instructions to Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:3-9 [3]I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. [4]As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. [5]I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. [6]For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, [7]for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. [8]Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, [9]who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, (ESV)
Illustration: Charles Spurgeon illustrated the importance of faith’s object by telling of two men in a boat. Caught in severe rapids, they were being swept toward a waterfall. Some men on shore tried to save them by throwing them a rope. One man caught hold of it and was pulled to safety on the shore. The other, in the panic of the moment, grabbed hold of a seemingly more substantial log that was floating by. That man was carried downstream, over the rapids, and was never seen again. Faith, represented by the rope linked to the shore, connects us to Jesus Christ and safety. Good works apart from true faith, represented in the story by the log, leads only to ruin.
2) The Gospel Truth Rests in Hope (Colossians 1:5-8)
Colossians 1:5-8 [5]because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, [6]which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing--as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, [7]just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf [8]and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. (ESV)
After expressing thanksgiving for the Colossian Christians’ maturity in Christ, Paul presented the reason for their growth. It was their hope. The Greek word for “hope,” elpis, refers to confident expectation, not wishful thinking. The Colossians have hope because of their union with Christ (v. 27). This means they are free from corruption and death and are qualified to participate in Christ’s life, resurrection and glory. Paul reminds them that their hope of a glorious future does not come from a religious philosophy (2:8), but from God. Therefore, they do not need to accept the demands of false teachers (Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Col 1:5). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.).
Hope provides the basis for Christian growth since the most basic elements of faith toward God and love toward others grow out of hope. In reality, without hope there is no reason for faith or love, and everything is directed to ourselves and our world (Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, pp. 196–197). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.).
Paul describes that hope as laid up for you in heaven. Apokeimai (laid up) means “in store,” or “reserved.” Peter speaks of “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). The writer of Hebrews speaks of “laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil” (Heb. 6:18–19). Hope is the Christian’s anchor chain, connecting he or she inseparably to God’s throne.
The gospel is also universal. As verse 6 indicates: it has come to you, as indeed in the world. Christianity was not just another of the local sects of the Roman Empire. It was not merely one more cult like the others at Colossae. It was and is the good news for the whole world. The gospel transcends ethnic, geographic, cultural, and political boundaries (Rev. 7:9–10).
The diffusion of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire foreshadowed its spread throughout the world. It is a message of hope for all people in all cultures. The true church, the Body of Christ, is made up of people from all over the world (cf. Rev. 4:9–11).
The gospel is not merely a stagnant system of ethics; it is a living, moving, and growing reality. It is bearing fruit and growing/spreading. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active.” When the gospel enters a divinely prepared heart, it results in fruit (Matt. 13:3–8). It possesses a divine energy that causes it to spread like a mustard seed growing into a tree (Matt. 13:31–32). Peter says it brings spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2).
Please turn to 1 Thessalonians (p.986)
The gospel has both an individual and a universal aspect. Paul tells the Colossians he is thankful the gospel had done both among them since the day you [the Colossians] heard it. He is grateful they believed the gospel message when Epaphras shared it with them. As the Gospel transforms an individual's life, the witness of that life produces fruit, including new converts. So as the gospel produces fruit in individual live, its influence spreads. (cf. 1 Thes. 1:6-8)
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 [6]And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, [7]so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. [8]For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. (ESV)
Paul describes saving grace as the grace of God in truth. The phrase in truth carries the sense of genuineness. It is truly the grace of God in contrast to all other claimants to the true gospel. God is freely, sovereignly merciful and forgiving. We can do nothing to cause our own salvation; God saves us freely by His grace. (Eph. 2:8–9). Salvation didn’t come to the Colossians because of their attachment to a complicated series of intermediate spirit emanations, or their adherence to a set of demanding rituals, or their adventures into the realm of ascetic experience. Those were the experiences the false teachers said were necessary to be truly saved and spiritual. Paul says, “No, it’s just grace.” Jesus died for us, and he offers us life. That truth, when adequately understood, takes root in our heart and bears fruit (Anders, M. (1999). Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 8, pp. 279–280). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.).
Paul often referred to himself as a doulos (slave/bond-servant) of Christ (Rom. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Gal. 1:10; Titus 1:1). By referring to Epaphras in verse 7 as his beloved fellow servant (sundoulos), and calling him a faithful minister/servant of Christ on your behalf, Paul connects Epaphras’s ministry with his own. Epaphras was Paul’s representative at Colossae, backed by Paul's authority and that of the Lord Jesus.
While Paul was imprisoned, unable to go to the Colossians, Epaphras ministered to them on Paul’s behalf. He also informed Paul, as verse eight notes, of the Colossians’ love in the Spirit, a report that no doubt brought great joy to Paul’s heart. Paul was thankful for the gospel, and for the Colossians’ reception of it.
•God gives us the wonderful privilege and sobering responsibility of being His agents in proclaiming the gospel of His grace. May we be faithful to share with others the gospel that has meant so much to us.
Illustration: 5729 Moody’s “Saints” Stayed In Church
In sharing the Gospel truth the most loving thing to convey is that it is a message for all people, including the saints of God,
At a church where D. L. Moody was invited to preach, he was warned that some of the congregation usually left before the end of the sermon. When Mr. Moody rose to begin his sermon, he announced, “I am going to speak to two classes of people this morning: first to the sinners, and then to the saints.” He proceeded to address the “sinners” for awhile, then said they could leave. For once every member of the congregation stayed to the end of the sermon(Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1288). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.).
3) The Gospel Truth Results in Love (Colossians 1:4b)
Colossians 1:4b [4] (since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus) and of the love that you have for all the saints), (ESV)
Genuine faith does not exist in a vacuum but will inevitably result in a changed life. One of the visible and strong fruits of true saving faith is love for fellow believers (cf. John 13:34–35). “Love” (agapç) is the fruit of faith and the proof of its genuineness (cf. Gal 5:6; James 2:14ff.; 1 John 3:14). The Greek word denotes caring love, the love that counts no sacrifice too great for the one loved. (The verb built on the same root is used in John 3:16.) The Colossians’ love was expressed toward “all the saints,” that is, all the people of God. Such love bespoke the warmth of their fellowship and the depth and breadth of their brotherly concern. Perhaps the apostle was contrasting the broad good will of the Colossians with the narrow exclusiveness of the heretical teachers (Vaughan, C. (1981). Colossians. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon (Vol. 11, p. 174). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.).
•True biblical love is so much more than an emotion; it is sacrificial service to others because they have need. We show godly love to someone when we sacrifice ourselves to meet that person’s needs.
Please turn to John 13 (p.900)
True godly love is illustrated in John 13. Verse 1 tells us that Jesus “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” He then showed what that love meant by washing the disciples’ feet (vv. 4–5). God does not expect us to feel sentimental toward each other all the time. He does expect us to serve one another (Gal. 5:13).
John 13:34-35 [34]A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. [35]By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (ESV)
A true child of God will love fellow believers. Faith in Christ purges us of our selfishness and affinity for sinners and gives us a new attraction to the people of God. Our love for fellow Christians is a reflection of His love for us. It is also obedience to His command to “love one another, even as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
Genuine belief in the truth, hope in God and experiential love for other believers characterizes every true believer. We are saved by faith; we have hope in God, and we are transformed to love.
(Format Note: Outline & some base commentary from MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1992). Colossians (pp. 11–23). Chicago: Moody Press.)
