Salutation - 1:1-2 1PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, AND TIMOTHY OUR BROTHER, Paul is the primary apostle to the Gentiles. He was a chosen, special apostle. An apostle is "one sent" as an ambassador or one sent on a mission or one sent with a message. This was Paul. He was sent... [ Continue Reading ]
Thanksgiving - 1:3-8 3WE GIVE THANKS TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, PRAYING ALWAYS FOR YOU, All our praise and gratitude belong to God. Paul offers an expression of thanksgiving for this church. We are often quick to criticize but very slow to express appreciation and gratitude.... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul's Prayer for them - 1:9-14 9FOR THIS REASON WE ALSO, SINCE THE DAY WE HEARD IT, DO NOT CEASE TO PRAY FOR YOU, AND TO ASK THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING; Paul did not say that he would pray for them. He states that he has been pr... [ Continue Reading ]
The Preeminence of the Song of Solomon - 1:15-20 15HE IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD, THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION. Christ is the visible expression of what is invisible to us. TEV "the visible likeness of the invisible God" Vincent "The essence of a person, not the outward form, shape. He... [ Continue Reading ]
God's Purpose for the Colossians - 1:21-23 21AND YOU, WHO ONCE WERE ALIENATED AND ENEMIES IN YOUR MIND BY WICKED WORKS, YET NOW HE HAS RECONCILED In the past you were a stranger from God himself. You were a stranger to Israel. You were a stranger to life with God. You were a stranger to salvation.... [ Continue Reading ]
Paul's Sufferings - 1:24-25 24I NOW REJOICE IN MY SUFFERINGS FOR YOU, AND FILL UP IN MY FLESH WHAT IS LACKING IN THE AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST, FOR THE SAKE OF HIS BODY, WHICH IS THE CHURCH, Christians must have the attitude of joy in all things, including suffering. (James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:14-16) Chri... [ Continue Reading ]
The Mystery of Christ - 1:26-28 26THE MYSTERY WHICH HAS BEEN HIDDEN FROM AGES AND FROM GENERATIONS, BUT NOW HAS BEEN REVEALED TO HIS SAINTS. Mystery - Thayer "a hidden thing, secret, not obvious to the understanding" Vine "In Colossians and Ephesians it is used, with a single exception, of the adm... [ Continue Reading ]
; Colossians 2:1-5 Paul's Prayer for his Readers - 1:29-2:5 29TO THIS END I ALSO LABOR, STRIVING ACCORDING TO HIS WORKING WHICH WORKS IN ME MIGHTILY. Paul is here expressing his prayer and desire for the Colossians. He is praying. He is also working. The terms used here have the olympic games in... [ Continue Reading ]