Colossians
The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in the city of Colosse. This church had come into existence through a period of evangelism linked with Paul’s ministry at Ephesus from AD 52-55, which we can read about in Acts 19. The evangelistic ministry of Epaphras, a native of Colosse, had been key to the initial founding and formation of the church.
The letter follows the same pattern of others of Paul’s letters where the early chapters focus on the cosmic and eternal plan of Christ for his church and the following chapters seek to advise the church on practical matters such as marriage, ministry in the workplace and evangelism.
The final part of the letter contains further greetings, as in other letters in the New Testament. These salutations and lists of names are a powerful insight into Paul’s ‘circle of covenant’ and his ‘team’ approach to ministry and leadership in the early church. This plural approach to leadership is one that speaks into our lives today in that God never intended ministry and leadership to be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. God has released and blessed the church with a diverse range of gifts and ministries. These men and women work in harmony for the maturing and unity of the church until we all reach the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).
‘A Fruitful People’
Paul starts the letter with the exciting news that the gospel is bearing fruit, and increasing and growing across the world. He then exalts the church in Colosse to ‘bear fruit’ in every good work. In these early chapters, Paul picks up on the call of Jesus Christ in John 15:1-17 to be fruitful and to produce ‘fruit that lasts’. The ministry of an apostle is always seeking to ensure that the church is well rooted and producing the fruit of the Kingdom in all aspects of its life and witness. This is Paul’s desire for the church in Colosse.
‘No Longer Aliens’
In verse 21 & 22 of chapter one, we see one of Paul’s classic contrasting statements that we witness throughout his writings. He contrasts the fact that once we were aliens and enemies with God, but now we have been reconciled through the work of Christ on the cross. Paul seeks to instruct the church in their identity and status in Christ. His apostolic heart beats with the heart of a father to see the church rooted and established upon the Word of Christ and flowing in the Spirit of Christ.
‘Christ in Us – The Hope of Glory’
The covenant declaration of Scripture is that God is Lord of all, we are his people, and he dwells among us by the presence of his Holy Spirit. This wonderful promise and reality is realised in the truth that we are in Christ, and Christ is in us – he is the hope of glory for our lives, for the church and for the world. The Holy Spirit desires to fill, overflow and increase in and through our lives to bring fame and praise to Jesus Christ and glory to the Father. Paul exalts the church in Colosse to ensure that they keep their covenantal relationship with God right, but also that they outwork this covenant relationship within the community of King Jesus, in the local church.
‘The Purity of the Gospel’
As an apostle, Paul always seeks to ensure that the purity of the Gospel message is maintained and held fast to. To this end, he warns the church in Colosse about those who may seek to ‘deceive by fine sounding arguments’ and ‘hollow and deceptive philosophy’. He warns them against letting religious observances guide their lives and actions, but to look to the reality of life that is found in Christ. Using one of his favourite analogies of the human body, he exalts them to stay connected to the head The ‘head’ is Jesus Christ as Lord in our individual lives, and in our corporate lives as a church. Paul continues his encouragement of increase from chapter one as he reminds the church that it is God who causes things to grow (Colossians 2:19). This is similar to the call he encourages the church in Corinth with:
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase"
(1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NKJV)
‘Making it Happen’
As mentioned previously, the start of chapter three is a change of direction in the language and purpose of this letter. Paul moves from the broad brushstrokes of heavenly vision to the more intricate detail of living out the realities of heaven in our daily lives. Paul’s direct, yet loving, oversight to his church comes across in this section as he exalts them to live holy lives, to live out the message of the Kingdom in their marriages and parenting, and to honour Christ in their attitude and conduct in their respective workplaces.
All these practical illustrations and encouragements are key components of Paul’s gospel message to the church in Colosse. He seeks to be obedient to the heavenly calling in his ministry as an apostle. He desires to see the divine restoration-plan of God fulfilled and outworked through local churches all across his apostolic sphere of influence. He longs for Christ to be formed in each one of them as they set their hearts and minds on things above, on Christ and his eternal plan and purpose. The message of Colossians is to see the people of God living our their daily lives in Christ, and in his will, as they seek to advance his Kingdom in their daily lives.
This book background was written by Gavin White who is an elder at King’s Church, Manchester.
You can visit his blog at www.gavinwhite.org.uk