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The Church in Colossae was started by Epaphras, one of Paul’s disciples.
Paul opens the Book of Colossians with this greeting:
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:3-4a, ESV).
Paul is writing to the Colossians because of false teaching that’s influencing the church.
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ (2:8).
Since the false teaching impacting the Church in Colossae undermined the nature of Jesus, Paul writes most of Colossians talking about Christ. Some scholars say it is the best “Christology” (big word meaning “teaching about Christ”).
In the first three chapters of this book, Paul mentions “Christ” at least nineteen times. Let’s listen to Paul describing Jesus in a few of these verses. . .
He is the image of the invisible God (1:15a).
For by Him all things were created (1:16a).
In Him all things hold together (1:17b).
Making peace by the blood of His cross (1:20b).
In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3).
Who is the head of all rule and authority (2:10b).
The underlying question of the Book of Colossians is simply, “When we understand the nature and grace found in Christ, why would we want any other teacher, philosophy, religion, or cult?”
The Book of Colossians, more than any other book of the Bible, proclaims Jesus as Lord and Savior—or simply, the Christ!
Having established the nature of Jesus, Paul tells the Colossians that he is writing so that they can. . .
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (1:10).
From the Epistle to the Colossians, we get a thorough understanding of the nature of Christ and encouragement to walk faithfully—but something else: probably the best advice ever given about walking with Jesus.
Paul says:
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (3:1-3).
I could write a few dozen Interruptions on being raised with Christ, seeking things above, and setting our minds on things above because we have died, and our lives are hidden with God.
But I can’t, as I have a 500-word limit.
I pray that you will read the Book of Colossians, asking the Spirit of Christ to teach you about Himself and what you need to do right now to reach maturity in our Lord.
Paul concludes Colossians with. . .
[May God’s] grace be with you! (4:18)
I enjoyed reading this Interruptions. The recorded voice spoke too fast to absorb what was being said, though. Maybe slow down the speed of it some?
Thank you for your continued insight of God’s Word.
Thank you for your feedback and encouragement. We slowed the player down a bit. Let us know if this works better for you.
It’s at perfect speed now. Thank you, Grant for sharing. I love these Interruptions. Have a blessed day.
Haha, I’m a little “technically challenged.” I realized that I can tap the speed button beside the player to slow it down. Now I can follow along at a speed that matches my brain, lol. Thanks!
Great!