The Letter to the Colossians
Context of Colossians
Paul had not yet visited the city when he wrote this theologically important letter.
A small town in the Roman province of Asia, Colossae was located about 100 miles east of Ephesus, the provincial capital.
Epaphras, one of Paul’s missionary associates, had apparently founded the church a short time prior to Paul’s writing.
Colossians was probably composed at about the same time as Philemon, to which it is closely related.
In both letters, Paul writes from prison, including his friend Timothy in the salutation and adding greetings from many of the same persons – such as Onesimus, Archippus, Aristarchus, Epaphras, Mark, and Luke.
Structure of Colossians
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
II. Orthodoxy: The Sufficiency of Christ Explained (1:3–2:7)
A. Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Colossians (1:3-14)
B. Hymn to Christ the Lord (1:15-20)
C. Affirmation of Christ the Reconciler (1:21-23)
D. Paul’s Commission concerning the Mystery of Christ (1:24–2:7)
III. Heterodoxy: The Sufficiency of Christ Denied (2:8–3:4)
A. The Sufficiency of Christ Restated (2:8-15)
B. The Colossians’ Practices as a Denial of the Sufficiency of Christ (2:16-19)
C. The Colossians’ Practices as a Contradiction of their Corporate Life in Christ (2:20–3:4)
IV. Orthopraxy: The Sufficiency of Christ Experienced (3:5–4:6)
A. Experienced Individually (3:5-17)
B. Experienced in the Home (3:18–4:1)
C. Experienced in Relation to Others (4:2-6)
V. Final Greetings (4:7-18)
A. Commendation of Tychicus (4:7-9)
B. Greetings from Paul’s Co-Workers (4:10-14) C. Greetings from Paul (4:15-18)
Correction of false teachings (i.e., worship of angels)
The supremacy of Christ
Christ is supreme because God’s power now manifested in him was the same power that created the entire universe, including those invisible entities the false teachers mistakenly worship.
When they realize Christ’s supremacy and experience his indwelling Spirit, the Colossians are initiated into his mystery cult, voluntarily harmonizing their lives with the cosmic unity he embodies.
I. Salutation (1:1-2)
Claims to be written by Paul and Timothy
Addresses the Colossians as faithful brothers and sisters in Christ
II. Orthodoxy: The Sufficiency of Christ Explained (1:3–2:7)
A. Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Colossians (1:3-14)
1. Thanksgiving for the Colossians’ Faith (1:3-8)
We always thank God for you because…
Your faith in Christ Jesus
The love you have for all God’s people
Your faith and love come from…
Hope
Your hope is…
Stored up in heaven
Heard in the truth of the Gospel
The Gospel is…
Bearing fruit (productive)
Growing (spreading) throughout the whole world
Growing within you
what you learned from Epaphras
Epaphras is…
A fellow servant
A minister of Christ on the Apostles’ behalf
The one who reported the Colossians’ love to the Apostles
2. Prayer for the Colossians’ Knowledge and Growth (1:9-14)
We always pray for you so…
You may know the knowledge of God’s will
That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way
Bear fruit in every good work
Grow in the knowledge of God
Be strengthened with all power
You may have great endurance and patience
You may give joyful thanks to the Father
The Father has…
Qualified you to share in the inheritance of his people in the kingdom of light
Rescued us from the dominion of darkness
Brought us into his beloved Son’s kingdom
By the Son…
We are redeemed
We are forgiven
B. Hymn to Christ the Lord (1:15-20)
The Son is…
The image of the invisible God
The firstborn over all creation
Creator of all things
In heaven and on earth
Visible and invisible
Thrones
Powers
Rulers
Authorities
Before all things
The one who holds all things together
The head of the body, the church
The beginning and firstborn from among the dead
Holds supremacy in everything
It was God’s pleasure to…
Have his fullness dwell in the Son
Reconcile all things to himself through the Son
All things include…
Things on earth
Things in heaven
How was this peace of reconciliation accomplished?
By the blood of the Son, shed on the cross
C. Affirmation of Christ the Reconciler (1:21-23)
Back then you were…
Alienated from God
Enemies in your minds
Practicing evil behavior
But now you are…
Reconciled by the physical death of Christ’s body
Holy in God’s sight
Without blemish
Free from accusation
Condition…
Continue in your faith, established and firm
Do not move from the hope held out in the Gospel
This Gospel…
Is what you heard
Has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven
Has made Paul its servant
D. Paul’s Commission concerning the Mystery of Christ (1:24–2:7)
1. Paul’s Past Labors Aimed at Perfection in Christ (1:24-29)
Paul…
Rejoices over his suffering for the Colossians
“fills up in his flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions” (in other words… not only did Christ have to suffer for the Colossians salvation, Paul did as well)
Has become a servant for the church
Has been commissioned by God to present the word of God in its fullness
The word of God…
Contained a mystery kept hidden for ages
Now disclosed the mystery to the Lord’s people
Makes known this mystery among the Gentiles
The mystery is…
Christ in you, the hope of glory
We…
Proclaim Christ
Admonish and teach everyone with all wisdom
Why?
To present everyone fully mature in Christ
2. Paul’s Present Concern regarding Defection from Christ (2:1-7)
Paul claims to be working extremely hard
For the Colossians
For the Laodiceans
For everyone he has not personally met
Paul’s goal…
They may be encouraged in heart
They may be united in love
They may have the full riches of complete understanding
They may know the mystery of God, which is Christ
This mystery called Christ contains…
All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Why is Paul saying this?
So that no one will deceive the Colossians with fine-sounding arguments
Because he is physically away from them but with them spiritually
Because he loves their discipline
Because he loves the firmness of the their faith in Christ
He wants them to continue living for Christ
He wants them to overflow with thankfulness
III. Heterodoxy: The Sufficiency of Christ Denied (2:8–3:4)
A. The Sufficiency of Christ Restated (2:8-15)
1. Statement against Heretics (2:8)
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
2. Restatement of Christ’s Sufficiency (2:9-15)
a. Christ our Authority (2:9-10)
In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form
In Christ you have been brought to fullness
Christ is the head over every power and authority.
b. Christ our Power (2:11-12)
In him your were circumcised not physically but spiritually
He cut off the flesh that ruled over you
You were buried with him in baptism
You were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
c. Christ our Victor (2:13-15)
When you were dead in sin, God made you alive with Christ
He forgave all our sins
He canceled our debt
Our debt…
Condemned us
Was taken away by Christ
Was nailed to the cross by Christ
The powers and authorities…
Were disarmed by Christ
Were made a public spectacle by Christ
Were triumphed over by Christ on the Cross
B. The Colossians’ Practices as a Denial of the Sufficiency of Christ (2:16-19)
Don’t let yourselves be judged by…
What you eat or drink
A religious festival
A New Moon celebration
A Sabbath day
Why?
These are just a shadow of things to come
The reality is Christ
Don’t let yourselves be disqualified by…
False humility
The worship of angels
People like that are…
Prone to go on and on about what they’ve seen
Are puffed up with idle notions
Have unspiritual minds
Have lost connection with the head (Christ) from which the rest of the body (church) grows
C. The Colossians’ Practices as a Contradiction of their Corporate Life in Christ (2:20–3:4)
1. Death with Christ Means Death to Human Regulations (2:20-23)
The elemental spiritual forces of this world…
You died to them with Christ
Why do you submit to their rules of “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?
These rules…
Have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use
Are based on merely human commands and teachings
Have the appearance of wisdom
Have self-imposed worship
Have false humility
Treat the body harshly
Lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence
2. Resurrection with Christ Means New Perspective (3:1-4)
Since you have been raised with Christ…
Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God
Do not set your heart on earthly things
Why?
You died
Your life is now hidden with Christ in God
When Christ, who is your life, appears, you will also appear with him in glory
IV. Orthopraxy: The Sufficiency of Christ Experienced (3:5–4:6)
A. Experienced Individually (3:5-17)
1. Negative: Putting off the Old Man (3:5-11)
Put to death…
Whatever belongs to your earthly nature
Sexual immorality
Impurity
Lust
Evil desires
Greed, which is idolatry
Because of these the wrath of God is coming
You uses to live like this
But now you must rid yourselves of…
Anger
Rage
Malice
Slander
Filthy language from your lips
Lying to each other
Why?
You have taken off your old self with its practices
You have put on the new self
You are being renewed in the knowledge and image of your Creator
In this new life…
There is no Jew or Gentile
There is no circumcised or uncircumcised
There is no barbarian or Scythian
There is no slave or free
Christ is all
Christ is in all
2. Positive: Putting on the New Man (3:12-17)
As God’s chosen people…
You are holy
You are dearly loved
You must…
Clothe yourselves with…
Compassion
Kindness
Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Bear with each other
Forgive each other’s grievances
Forgive as the Lord forgave you
Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace
Be thankful
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly
Teach and admonish one another with…
All wisdom
Psalms
Hymns
Songs from the Spirit
Singing to God
Gratitude in your hearts
And 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.
B. Experienced in the Home (3:18–4:1)
1. Wives and Husbands (3:18-19)
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
2. Children and Parents (3:20-21)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
3. Slaves and Masters (3:22–4:1)
Slaves…
Obey your earthly masters in everything
Do it not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor
Do it with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart
Work as for the Lord, not for human masters
You know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs.
There is no favoritism.
Masters…
Provide your slaves with what is right and fair
You know that you also have a Master in heaven.
C. Experienced in Relation to Others (4:2-6)
1. In Relation to Paul (4:2-4)
Devote yourselves to prayer
Be watchful and thankful
Pray for us…
That God may open a door for our message
That we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains
That I may proclaim it clearly, as I should
2. In Relation to Unbelievers (4:5-6)
In the way you act toward outsiders…
Be wise
Make the most of every opportunity
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt
May you know how to answer everyone
V. Final Greetings (4:7-18)
A. Commendation of Tychicus (4:7-9)
Tychicus…
Will tell you all the news about me
He’s a dear brother
He’s a faithful minister
He’s a fellow servant in the Lord
I’m sending him to update you on our circumstances
I’m sending him to encourage your hearts
He’s coming with Onesimus
Onesimus is…
Our faithful and dear brother
One of you
B. Greetings from Paul’s Co-Workers (4:10-14)
Greetings from…
The only Jews among my co-workers
Aristarchus
My fellow prisoner
Mark
The cousin of Barnabas
You have received instructions about him
Welcome him if he comes to you
Jesus
Who is called Justus
Non-Jews
Epaphras
He is one of you
He is a servant of Christ Jesus
He is always wrestling in prayer for you
He prays that…
You may stand firm in all the will of God
You may be mature and fully assured
I vouch for him
He’s working hard for…
You
Those in Laodicea
Those in Hierapolis
Luke
Our dear friend
The doctor
Demas
C. Greetings from Paul (4:15-18)
Greetings…
To the brothers and sisters at Laodicea
To Nympha and the church in her house
Instructions…
Make sure to let the Laodiceans read this letter after you’re done
Make sure to read the letter from the Laodiceans
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
Closing
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand
Remember my chains
Grace be with you.
Paul’s Letter to Philemon
Context of Philemon
Author:
Paul.
Audience:
Philemon’s house church, probably at Colossae in western Asia Minor.
Date and place of composition:
About A.D. 55-56 if from Ephesus, 61-63 if from Rome, or 58-60 if from Caesarea (dating depends on the location of Paul’s imprisonment).
Occasion or purpose:
To reconcile Philemon with one of his slaves, Onesimus, and perhaps to secure Onesimus’s services for himself.
Structure of Philemon
I. Salutation (1-3)
II. Thanksgiving (4-7)
III. The Plea for Onesimus (8-22)
A. Paul’s Return of Onesimus (8-16)
B. Philemon’s Reception of Onesimus (17-22)
IV. Final Greetings (23-25)
Themes of Philemon
Slavery
Contemporary readers are typically shocked that Paul, who had proclaimed the essential equality of all believers united in Christ (Gal. 3:28), does not use this occasion to denounce the institution of slavery as totally incompatible with Christian faith.
Although Paul does not condemn the practice of buying and selling human beings – probably because he believes that the Greco-Roman world order will soon end – he does argue persuasively for a new relationship between master and slave.
He asks the slave-owner, Philemon, to accept his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a “beloved brother,” thereby establishing a new bond of kinship humanely linking Christian owners and their human chattel.
I. Salutation (1-3)
Claims to be written by Paul and Timothy
Greetings to our friend Philemon, our sister Apphia, Archippus the soldier, and the “church that meets in you home”
Blessing of grace and peace
II. Thanksgiving (4-7)
I thanks God because…
I hear about your love for God’s people
I hear about your faith in Jesus
I pray that…
Our partnership will be effective
Your understanding of the good we share in Christ will be deepened
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement
You have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people
III. The Plea for Onesimus (8-22)
A. Paul’s Return of Onesimus (8-16)
1. The Person of Onesimus Introduced (8-10)
Paul appeals to Philemon in love even though he feels he has the right to order Philemon what to do here.
Paul refers to himself as an old man and as a prisoner for Christ
He appeals on behalf of Onesimus who had become Paul’s helper while he was in chains
2. The Value of Onesimus Assessed (11)
Formerly he was useless to you
But now he has become useful both to you and to me
3. The Freedom of Onesimus Suggested (12-16)
Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon
Paul calls Onesimus his “very heart”
Paul says he would have liked to have kept Onesimus around as he had been very helpful to Paul in Philemon’s absence
But he wanted to make sure he wasn’t forcing Philemon into doing anything that wasn’t voluntary
Paul says that maybe the reason Philemon and Onesimus were separated for a time was so that they might be reunited again – but not as master and slave, but as brothers in Christ
B. Philemon’s Reception of Onesimus (17-22)
1. The Basis: Paul as Cosigner for Onesimus (17-21)
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Paul writes out an agreement saying he will repay anything Onesimus may owe to Philemon, but points out that Philemon already owes Paul “his very life.”
Paul tells Philemon he is confident he will be obedient and do even more than what he is asking of him.
2. The Hope: Paul as Guest of Philemon (22)
Paul also asks Philemon to prepare a room for him so that he may have a place to stay when he visits the church as he hoped to do
IV. Final Greetings (23-25)
These people also greet you:
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus
Mark
Aristarchus
Demas
Luke
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
Context of Philemon
Author:
Paul.
Audience:
Philemon’s house church, probably at Colossae in western Asia Minor.
Date and place of composition:
About A.D. 55-56 if from Ephesus, 61-63 if from Rome, or 58-60 if from Caesarea (dating depends on the location of Paul’s imprisonment).
Occasion or purpose:
To reconcile Philemon with one of his slaves, Onesimus, and perhaps to secure Onesimus’s services for himself.
Structure of Philemon
I. Salutation (1-3)
II. Thanksgiving (4-7)
III. The Plea for Onesimus (8-22)
A. Paul’s Return of Onesimus (8-16)
B. Philemon’s Reception of Onesimus (17-22)
IV. Final Greetings (23-25)
Themes of Philemon
Slavery
Contemporary readers are typically shocked that Paul, who had proclaimed the essential equality of all believers united in Christ (Gal. 3:28), does not use this occasion to denounce the institution of slavery as totally incompatible with Christian faith.
Although Paul does not condemn the practice of buying and selling human beings – probably because he believes that the Greco-Roman world order will soon end – he does argue persuasively for a new relationship between master and slave.
He asks the slave-owner, Philemon, to accept his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a “beloved brother,” thereby establishing a new bond of kinship humanely linking Christian owners and their human chattel.
I. Salutation (1-3)
Claims to be written by Paul and Timothy
Greetings to our friend Philemon, our sister Apphia, Archippus the soldier, and the “church that meets in you home”
Blessing of grace and peace
II. Thanksgiving (4-7)
I thanks God because…
I hear about your love for God’s people
I hear about your faith in Jesus
I pray that…
Our partnership will be effective
Your understanding of the good we share in Christ will be deepened
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement
You have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people
III. The Plea for Onesimus (8-22)
A. Paul’s Return of Onesimus (8-16)
1. The Person of Onesimus Introduced (8-10)
Paul appeals to Philemon in love even though he feels he has the right to order Philemon what to do here.
Paul refers to himself as an old man and as a prisoner for Christ
He appeals on behalf of Onesimus who had become Paul’s helper while he was in chains
2. The Value of Onesimus Assessed (11)
Formerly he was useless to you
But now he has become useful both to you and to me
3. The Freedom of Onesimus Suggested (12-16)
Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon
Paul calls Onesimus his “very heart”
Paul says he would have liked to have kept Onesimus around as he had been very helpful to Paul in Philemon’s absence
But he wanted to make sure he wasn’t forcing Philemon into doing anything that wasn’t voluntary
Paul says that maybe the reason Philemon and Onesimus were separated for a time was so that they might be reunited again – but not as master and slave, but as brothers in Christ
B. Philemon’s Reception of Onesimus (17-22)
1. The Basis: Paul as Cosigner for Onesimus (17-21)
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Paul writes out an agreement saying he will repay anything Onesimus may owe to Philemon, but points out that Philemon already owes Paul “his very life.”
Paul tells Philemon he is confident he will be obedient and do even more than what he is asking of him.
2. The Hope: Paul as Guest of Philemon (22)
Paul also asks Philemon to prepare a room for him so that he may have a place to stay when he visits the church as he hoped to do
IV. Final Greetings (23-25)
These people also greet you:
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus
Mark
Aristarchus
Demas
Luke
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
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