Commentary on the Book of Colossians

By Claudius Brown

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians as a letter to the Christian community in the city of Colossae, which was located in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The exact reason why Paul wrote this letter is not entirely clear, but scholars believe that there were several issues facing the Colossian church that prompted Paul to write.
One of the primary concerns was the influence of false teachings and philosophies that were creeping into the church. These teachings may have included a form of Jewish legalism, pagan mysticism, and early forms of Gnosticism. Paul wrote to correct these false teachings and to affirm the supremacy of Christ as the true source of spiritual wisdom and knowledge.
Another concern that Paul addressed was the need for the Colossians to live out their faith in practical ways, both individually and in their relationships with others. Paul urged the Colossians to put off their old way of life and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (Colossians 3:9-10).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claudius Brown
• Release date: Mar 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223735229

Claudius Brown

This book is about me and the struggles I go through to survive in this world. I hope that those who read my book will be encouraged to not quit on life due to the struggles they are going through.

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Introduction

Colossians: authorship and date

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians while he was in prison, though it is not entirely clear which imprisonment he was in at the time. Some scholars believe that he wrote the book during his imprisonment in Rome, while others suggest that he wrote it during his earlier imprisonment in Ephesus.

As for the date of the book, it is generally believed to have been written around 60-62 AD, though some scholars argue for a slightly later date.

It's worth noting that there is some debate among scholars regarding the authorship of the book of Colossians, with some scholars suggesting that it may have been written by a follower of Paul rather than Paul himself. However, the majority of scholars still attribute the book to Paul.

Reasons for writing Colossians.

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians as a letter to the Christian community in the city of Colossae, which was located in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The exact reason why Paul wrote this letter is not entirely clear, but scholars believe that there were several issues facing the Colossian church that prompted Paul to write.

One of the primary concerns was the influence of false teachings and philosophies that were creeping into the church. These teachings may have included a form of Jewish legalism, pagan mysticism, and early forms of Gnosticism. Paul wrote to correct these false teachings and to affirm the supremacy of Christ as the true source of spiritual wisdom and knowledge.

Another concern that Paul addressed was the need for the Colossians to live out their faith in practical ways, both individually and in their relationships with others. Paul urged the Colossians to put off their old way of life and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (Colossians 3:9-10).

Christ's supremacy emphasized.

The Apostle Paul's theme of the book of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ. Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the head of the church. He also stresses that through Christ, believers have been reconciled to God and have been made complete. Additionally, Paul warns against false teachings and encourages the Colossians to live a life worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. Overall, the theme of Colossians can be summed up in Colossians 1:18, which says, And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Overall, Paul's letter to the Colossians was intended to encourage and strengthen the believers in Colossae, to address the issues they were facing, and to exhort them to hold fast to their faith in Christ.

Chapter 1

Verse 1, Apostle, Apostle's meaning explained.

ἀπόστολος (apostolos) is a Greek word that means messenger or one who is sent out. In the Christian context, it refers to the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings and establish his church. These disciples were considered to be apostles because they were sent out by Jesus to share his message with the world. Later, the term apostle was also used more broadly to refer to early Christian missionaries and leaders who were instrumental in the spread and establishment of the early Church.

Paul's Apostolic Authority

The word ἀπόστολος (apostolos) is a Greek term that means one who is sent out or messenger. In the New Testament, it is primarily used to refer to the twelve apostles who were chosen by Jesus to be his closest disciples and to whom he gave authority to preach and teach on his behalf.

However, the Apostle Paul, who was not one of the original twelve apostles, also used the term to refer to himself. Paul claimed to have been commissioned directly by Jesus Christ himself to be an apostle to the Gentiles, and he often defended his apostolic authority against those who doubted or challenged it.

For Paul, being an apostle meant that he was a messenger of the gospel, entrusted with the task of proclaiming the good news of salvation to the world. He saw himself as a servant of Christ, called and empowered by God to carry out this mission, and he viewed his apostolic ministry as both a great privilege and a solemn responsibility.

Verse 2, Saints, ἅγιος (hagios) is a Greek word that means holy or sacred. It is often used in Christian contexts to refer to God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, or the saints. In the New Testament of the Bible, the word ἅγιος is used more than 230 times, primarily to describe God's holiness and the holiness that believers are called to strive for. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the term ἅγιος is used to refer to a person who has been canonized as a saint.

Paul's use of ἅγιος

The Greek word ἅγιος (hagios) is often translated as holy in English, but it can also mean sacred or set apart. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses this term frequently to refer to God, Jesus Christ, and believers. The Greek word ἅγιος (hagios) is often translated as holy in English, but it can also mean sacred or set apart. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses this term frequently to refer to God, Jesus Christ, and believers.

The word ἅγιος (hagios) is of Greek origin and carries several meanings, including holy, sacred, consecrated, or set apart. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses this term extensively to refer to God, Jesus Christ, and believers.

The concept of holiness is central to the Christian faith, and the word holy is used to describe God's character and actions, as well as His people's relationship with Him. The idea of holiness in the Bible refers to being set apart or dedicated to God, with a moral purity and righteousness that reflects God's own nature.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently uses the term ἅγιος (hagios) to describe God and Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Spirit, who is also referred to as the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit in English translations. Paul also uses the term to describe believers, who are called to live holy lives that reflect God's character and values.

The idea of being set apart or consecrated to God is not limited to the New Testament but is found throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament's designation of the Sabbath as a holy day to the sacrificial system and the priesthood's consecration in Leviticus.

Overall, the word ἅγιος (hagios) is a rich and complex term that captures the essence of holiness and the importance of being set apart for God's purposes. Whether referring to God, Jesus Christ, or believers, the word highlights the central role of holiness in the Christian faith and underscores the call to live a life that reflects God's character and values.

For Paul, ἅγιος is a way of describing something or someone who is dedicated to God and is therefore morally pure and perfect. In his letters, he often addresses his readers as saints (ἅγιος) to remind them of their special status as believers who have been set apart by God.

For example, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:1). Here, Paul is addressing the believers in Ephesus as holy ones, who have been set apart by God for a special purpose.

In addition to referring to believers as saints, Paul also uses the term ἅγιος to describe God and Jesus Christ. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), using the word ἅγιος to describe God's gifts as sacred and unchangeable.

Overall, for Paul, the term ἅγιος is a way of describing something or someone as belonging to God and being morally pure and perfect. Whether he is referring to God, Jesus Christ, or believers, Paul uses this term to emphasize the special status of those who are set apart by God.

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

This is the opening greeting of a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, a city in ancient Asia Minor.

In this greeting, Paul is expressing his desire for the Colossian believers to experience the grace and peace that come from God the Father. Grace refers to God's unmerited favor and kindness towards us, which we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Peace refers to the inner calm and tranquility that comes from being reconciled to God through Jesus and having our sins forgiven.

By addressing the Colossians as saints and faithful brethren in Christ, Paul is reminding them of their identity