The Book of Colossians Pt. 1 Introduction

For a while I have had a desire to begin a study through the book of Colossians. 

This book is one of four letters Paul wrote while in a Roman prison. The other books are Ephesians, Philippians & Philemon.

In the blog, we previously studied through Ephesians and Philippians, so I thought that this would be an excellent study to begin, even as we continue our study through Psalm 119.

This epistle was written around A.D. 60-61.The church was started by Epaphras and it was carried from Rome to Colosse by Tychicus and Onesimus. Colosse was about 100 miles distance from Ephesus. 

An outline of this book might follow this pattern:

Colossians 1 & 2 focuses on the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things. These two chapters are full of beautiful doctrine and apostolic correctives for errors that were creeping into the church.

These two chapters teach us what Jesus Christ did for us and they demonstrate unequivocally that Jesus Christ is Lord.

We will learn that Jesus Christ is Head of the body, His Church and we receive instruction and reconciliation.

We will also see that Jesus Christ is Lord of the universe and receive instruction and warnings related to created things.

These two chapters really bring out the Person of Jesus Christ and His Word. 

Colossians 3 & 4 focus on our submission to Christ. We learn truth that is practical in its application and reassuring to our souls. We will discover what Christ will do through us.

We will also learn that Jesus Christ is to be the center of our life and the focus of our love. We will learn that Jesus Christ is also Head of our homes.

We will receive exhortation and reminders about our submission to Christ in all aspects of life. We will learn how Christ in us must impact how we walk with the Lord through this life. 

These two chapters really bring out the peace of Jesus Christ and His presence with believers. 

The Body

Colossians 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Paul speaks of the "body" nine times in this book. They either reference the physical body of Jesus Christ or the mystical body of His Church, which is composed of all who are believers in Christ. 

Too often local churches lose sight of who our Head is. It is not our Pastor, Elder, or Deacon. It is not all of the members of the church. Our singular Head is Jesus Christ. He knows all activity that goes on in each church, the good, the bad and the indifferent (See Revelation 2 & 3).  

Thus, we will be reminded about our need to individually and corporately as His  church, be submitted to our Lord. 

All things

Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

This is the first verse where we find the phrase "all things" and it is extolling Jesus Christ as the Sovereign Creator of all things. 

Paul will expand on how Christ is sufficient for us in all things. Each born again believer has "all things" that are needed, in Christ. 

Use of Pronouns "He" or "Him"

Colossians 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Paul used the pronoun "he" when speaking of Jesus Christ seven times, and the pronoun "him" also referring to Christ, nineteen times. 

Christ Centric

Colossians 1:1,2  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2)  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although this book is only four chapters in length and is composed of ninety five verses, the names of Christ are found in abundant quantities. This makes the book of Colossians a very God centered book, especially with regard to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. 

The name "Jesus" is used eight times and the name "Christ" is used twenty six times. The title "Lord" is used thirteen times and the full name "Lord Jesus Christ" is used twice. 

The name "Christ Jesus" is used three times as the name "Jesus Christ." 

Paul used repetition to break down wrong thinking that was filtering into this church and to build up right thinking.

Some of the problems in this church had to do with Gnostics and mysticism, and with an infusion of Greek thinking. 

In most cases, these false teachers of their corrupting influences, were creating a division between their Pastor, Epaphras and the members of the church. A division also emerged between Paul and the people of this church. 

Paul's primary goal in writing to the Colossians is to bring them back to Jesus Christ.

Paul's Apostolic Greeting

Colossians 1:1,2  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2)  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word "apostle", signifies one sent, an envoy or messenger or some sort.  This word is particularly restrained to the messengers of the everlasting Gospel, sent immediately from God himself. 

Paul calls himself an apostle by the will of God; signifying that he had derived his commission from an express volition or purpose of the Almighty.

This is necessary because false teaching was subverting the true Christian faith and Paul is going to demolish the wrong beliefs. Therefore, his unique authority as an apostle, a spokesman for God, must be a point of emphasis. 

False teachers like the Gnostics and other cults, were not chosen by God to be His messenger. They taught lies and spoke falsehood. 

Paul was a persecutor of the church, and a blasphemer of the blessed name of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ stopped Paul in his tracks one day on the road to Damascus. He saved Saul of Tarsus and put him into the apostolic ministry. 

Paul knew full well the realities of the resurrected, glorified Son of God. He fell down in the dirt and was blinded by seeing and hearing Jesus Christ speak to him from heaven. 

When he did speak, he acknowledged that Jesus Christ was indeed "LORD" and Paul asked Him what he should do. 

We are going to see that Paul is very passionate about correcting the errors that had crept into the church. 

Notice that Paul emphasized that he was an apostle by the will of God. This stands in contrast to false teachers who were not called by God, and yet, who presumed to speak for Him. 

We also see who Paul was writing to. He wrote to the "saints and faithful brethren" in Colosse. He is writing to believers, those who heard the gospel and responded with repentant faith in Christ.

The word "saints" refers to born again Christians who are set apart for God. They are "in Christ" because the Spirit of Christ indwells them and has placed them into the body of Christ, His church. 

Having the position of being a "saint" of God when we are born again, means that we have union with God through faith in Christ. 

Being "faithful brethren" means we are having communion with other believing people. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. As he served Christ, he was in the will of God.

Are we in the will of God this day? Being in the will of God means obeying God's Word, keeping Christ's commands as He taught us to do. 

Being out of the will of God is a most miserable place to be. We are fighting against God's purpose for our lives when we are not in His will. 

Are we born again, and "in Christ" with all other saints of God? His will is that all sinners should come to repentant faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. There is truly no better position in life except to be "in Christ." 

I pray that the Spirit of God will anoint this study of the book of Colossians and that He will use it in a mighty way, to bring people to Jesus Christ, to strengthen our faith and fill our hearts with great joy and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Bob

[We previously studied many of the spiritual blessing for all who are "in Christ" and these lessons can be found in the blog archives]