01/06/2025 – Day 196 – Colossians – Chapters 1 – 2 / Introduction to the Book of Colossians
The summary excerpt comes from “The Apologetics Study Bible”:
Author
“Some modern critical scholars have expressed doubt about Paul’s authorship of Colossians despite the fact it contains autobiographical statements from Paul and even begins with a salutation in which the author names himself as Paul. The misgivings typically have to do with the style of the letter (judged to be slightly different from that of other Pauline letters) and the theology to be slightly different from that of the other Pauline letters ) and the theology of the letter (thought to be more developed than that in Paul’s other writings). The weight of such concerns diminishes significantly, however, when we consider the letter’s setting, which demanded a different theological response than what was called for by a Judaiazing faction threatening the church — they danger Paul addressed in other letters. Some of the critical scholars also have too narrow a perspective on the versatility of an ancient author in expressing himself differently on different occasions.
Colossae was located about 100 miles inland from Ephesus in the Roman province of Asia (modern Turkey), Paul wrote this letter sometime between 60 – 62, probably from Rome.”
Themes in Colossians
“Extreme self-denial, the invocation of angels, visionary experiences, and the scrupulous observation of religious rites characterized the practices of a factional group in the Colossian church. In his pastoral concern about this dangerous teaching, the Apostle Apaul wrote the church a letter , calling them to a renewed appreciation of their sovereign Lord and Redeemer and urging them to live consistently with the full implications of their relationship to Jesus.
Older commentators identified the opponent’s teaching as Gnosticism (the belief that salvation is found through hidden knowledge and that matter is evil whereas spirit is good). Some more recent commentators suggest it was a form of Jewish mysticism. Historical evidence from local folk practices, however, suggests the faction causing trouble was invoking angels as a means of warding off attacks of evil spirits. Paul’s bottom-line message to the church, then, was to hold on firmly to Christ rather than rely on angelic mediators and pseudo-spiritualistic practices.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
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Questions for fellowship generation, the lifelong sanctification process:
- What does the text reveal about God’s character?
- How has this reading generated prayer for you and/or us?
- What themes stand out to you in this bible study?
- How does our reading fit into the bigger picture (creation, the fall, restoration, etc.)?
- What verse(s) jumped out at you like never before? Is it explainable at this point?
- Do you have any questions you would like to put before the group as to how to interpret any particular verse(s) in our reading. Let scripture testify to scripture: Share with us where you sense contradiction between passages elsewhere.
- What did you find convicting and inspiring at the same time? Share with us how the Spirit of God is working within you as a messenger, both within and outside of our fellowship group.
- Share with the group how our study is calling or confirming to you a new mission to glorify God in our times.