Delve Into Luke-Acts & Paul's LettersSample

DAY 14 – COLOSSIANS

Around AD 58 the apostle Paul left his base in Ephesus and traveled to Jerusalem. He went there to deliver the collection for the poor that the followers of Jesus in Macedonia and Achaia had taken. Afterward he planned to bring the good news about Jesus into the western part of the Roman Empire. But his presence in Jerusalem sparked a city-wide riot by those who misunderstood and opposed his work. He was taken into custody by Roman officials, who held him for interrogation. Paul had several hearings and trials, but his case was repeatedly delayed. After two years, he invoked his rights as a Roman citizen and asked to have Caesar hear his case in person. So he was taken to Rome, where he spent at least two more years awaiting trial, around AD 60-62. But while he was a prisoner he was able to continue his work of guiding the young communities of Jesus’ followers throughout the empire by instructing and encouraging them through letters and messengers. 

Paul had worked with a man named Epaphras when he was in Ephesus. Epaphras was originally from the city of Colossae, about 100 miles to the east. Paul sent him to bring the good news about Jesus to that city and two nearby cities, Laodicea and Hierapolis. Epaphras was later arrested and brought to Rome as a prisoner himself. He told Paul what was happening within the communities of Jesus’ followers in these cities. Even though Paul hadn’t ever met the believers there, they knew who he was and respected his leadership. So Paul wrote two letters, which we know as Colossians and Ephesians, to teach and encourage them.

Epaphras told Paul that the community of believers in Colossae was strong and growing but that it was also threatened by some of the same influences Paul had needed to correct elsewhere. The Colossians were mostly Gentiles, but like the Galatians they were being pressured to be circumcised, keep kosher, and observe the Sabbath and other Jewish holy days. Some of them, like the Corinthians, were priding themselves on having visions and getting secret spiritual knowledge. Many apparently also thought that “harsh treatment of the body” would somehow liberate their spirits. Paul recognized that in all these ways they were trying to add something to the complete salvation they’d already received when they believed in Jesus. So he wrote them a letter whose basic message is, “When you’ve got Christ, you’ve got it all!”

In his letter, Paul first lays the foundation he’ll need to make this point. Since the Colossians don’t know him personally, Paul introduces himself as a coworker of their friend Epaphras. He explains that they’re always in his prayers, and he says how grateful he is for their faith. He then reminds them of the message they have believed, particularly stressing that Christ made everything, rules over everything, possesses the fullness of God’s being, and is reconciling everything to God. Paul explains that his own struggles and exertions are for the sake of the Colossians and others like them, to bring them to spiritual maturity. 

After this opening foundational section, Paul challenges the Colossians to live their faith to the fullest. This means not trying to add anything to what Jesus has already done for them, but rather recognizing that they already have everything they need in Jesus himself. Paul encourages the Colossians to see themselves as people who’ve entered into a new kind of life, in which their personal character and community relationships will be transformed. Paul then describes how this new life is to be lived out within husband-wife, parent-child, and master-servant relationships. Each of the partners in these relationships should recognize the responsibilities they have toward the other. Paul also stresses the watchful, prayerful attitude the community should have as it seeks to share the message about Jesus.

In closing, Paul introduces Tychicus, who’s carrying this letter to the church at Colossae. He also describes the former runaway Onesimus as a “faithful and dear brother,” hoping the community will welcome him back as a fellow believer. He sends greetings from their friend Epaphras but tactfully doesn’t mention that he’s a prisoner. He alerts the church that another of his coworkers, Mark, may be coming to them soon, and exhorts their leader, Archippus, to persevere in his duties. Thus Paul, even in his imprisonment, continues to direct the work of bringing the good news about Jesus to the Gentiles. Even more importantly, he proclaims the liberating and empowering truth that “Christ is all, and is in all.”

PRAYER: Fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that I may live a life worthy of You and please you in every way.