Introduction to the Book• Authorship–Paul (in the company of Timothy

1:1)–Paul includes a handwritten

greeting at the end of the book (4:18)

• Why is Paul’s handwriting important or significant?

Introduction to the Book• Colosse was located 100 miles

east of Ephesus, and was one of three closely-situated cities (with Hierapolis and Laodicea).

• The other two cities were known for pleasure, trade, recreation, and politics.

Introduction to the Book• Colossae was simply known as a

small town.

• Colossae eventually fell into disrepair and the city of Chonae occupied its ruins.

• Paul apparently never visited Colosse.

Introduction to the Book• Colosse had mostly a pagan

population with a strong intermixing of Jews.

• In 62 B.C., there were 11,000 Jews intermingled in the tri-city area.

• This explains the duality of the problems the church there faced.

Introduction to the Book• Epaphras either founded this

church, or was instrumental in its establishment (1:7)

• Epaphras is with Paul at the time of this book’s writing.–He is likely a native of Colosse,

being called “one of you” in 4:12.

Introduction to the Book• Church leadership?–Deduced to be Philemon.–The letter to Philemon deals with

the reconciliation of Onesimus (the slave) to Philemon (the master).–Onesimus is identified as “one of

you” by Paul in Colossians 4:9, completing the linkage.

Setting of the Book• This is one of four “prison

epistles.”

• Likely written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome between 61 and 63 A.D.

Purpose of the Book• The condition of the church

seemed mostly favorable (1:4-5).

• Paul warns against a relapse into paganism as well as pointed warnings about four particular areas of heresy.

“The Colossian Heresy”• Human Philosophy

• Judaistic Ceremonialism

• Angel Worship

• Asceticism

Paul’s Priorities• This letter is meant to instruct,

rebuke, and correct. Yet, what comes first in Paul’s letter?–Thanking God for them.–Praying for them.–Commending them for their faith.–Commending them for their fruit.–Commending them for their

growth.

Epaphras’ Report• Epaphras, with Paul at the writing of

this letter, has brought news about the Church in Colosse.

• Tells Paul about their “love in the Spirit.”

• Seems careful to have balanced good news with bad news.

Pre-Correction Activities• Paul indicates that some time

has passed since receiving the news. Before correction comes in this letter, what groundwork does Paul lay?–He “has not stopped praying” for

them.–He goes to God first.–Reminds them of the positive (The

Gospel) in advance of correction.

The Heart of the Matter• Paul touches on the core fear

acting as a stumbling block to the Colossians in 1:13. What is it?–“The Dominion of Darkness”

• What might this phrase mean?

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No

one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do

know him and have seen him."

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough

for us.” Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a

long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

John 14:5-9

The Christ Supremacy• Seeing Christ = Seeing God The

Father

• Christ = Creator

• Are you stuck on the imagery of a linear Trinity?–God > Jesus > Holy Spirit

The Christ Supremacy• Understanding Christ’s

completeness in the Trinity unlocks:–His power over creation–His dominion over things seen and

unseen–His authority over rulers and

authorities

(1:16)

The Christ Supremacy• Paul describes Jesus as:–The firstborn over all creation.–The firstborn from among the dead.

• For what reason?

False Thinking at Colosse• Paul’s proclamations of Christ a

directly combating philosophical poison present in the church:–Matter is evil.–God could not have created earth

because evil exists in it.–Christ is one of many pathways to

God.–Salvation comes from special

knowledge.

Summing it Up…• In Christ, we are without blemish

and free from accusation.

• Our part of the bargain is to hold fast in our faith, not moving from the hope we have in the Gospel.

Challenge Questions• What challenges you in how Paul and

Epaphras prepared to deliver correction to their fellow believers?

• What limitations have you consciously or subconsciously placed on Christ?

• Are there any ideas or philosophies in your mind that are not subservient to Christ?