CHAPTER 1 THE WRITER AND THE READERS Colossians 1:1 (R.V.) We may say that each of Paul's greater epistles has in it one salient thought. In that to the Romans, it is justification by faith; in Ephesians, it is the mystical union of Christ and His Church; in Philippians, it is the joy of Christia... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE PRELUDE Colossians 1:3 (R.V.) THIS long introductory section may at first sight give the impression of confusion, from the variety of subjects introduced. But a little thought about it shows it to be really a remarkable specimen of the Apostle's delicate tact, born of his love and e... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE PRAYER Colossians 1:9 (R.V.) WE have here to deal with one of Paul's prayers for his brethren. In some respects these are the very topmost pinnacles of his letters. Nowhere else does his spirit move so freely, in no other parts are the fervour of his piety and the beautiful simplicit... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE FATHER'S GIFTS THROUGH THE SON Colossians 1:12 (R.V.) WE have advanced thus far in this Epistle without having reached its main subject. We now, however, are on its verge. The next verses to those now to be considered lead us into the very heart of Paul's teaching, by which he would... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE GLORY OF THE SON IN HIS RELATION TO THE FATHER, THE UNIVERSE, AND THE CHURCH Colossians 1:15 (R.V.) As has already been remarked, the Colossian Church was troubled by teachers who had grafted on Jewish belief many of the strange speculations about matter and creation which have alwa... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE RECONCILING SON Colossians 1:19 (R.V.) These words correspond to those which immediately precede them, inasmuch as they present the same sequence, and deal with Christ in His relation to God, to the universe, and to the Church. The strata of thought are continuous, and lie here in th... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF RECONCILIATION AND ITS HUMAN CONDITIONS Colossians 1:22 (R.V.) THE Apostle has been sketching in magnificent outline a vast system, which we may almost call the scheme of the universe. He has set forth Christ as its Lord and centre, through Whom all things at fir... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 JOY IN SUFFERING, AND TRIUMPH IN THE MANIFESTED MYSTERY Colossians 1:24 (R.V.) There are scarcely any personal references in this Epistle, until we reach the last chapter. In this respect it contrasts strikingly with another of Paul's epistles of the captivity, that to the Philippians, w... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER 1 THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IN ITS THEME, METHODS, AND AIM Colossians 1:28 (R.V.) THE false teachers at Colossae had a great deal to say about a higher wisdom reserved for the initiated. They apparently treated the Apostolic teaching as trivial rudiments, which might be good for the vulgar cr... [ Continue Reading ]