Colossians 1

 The letter opens with a traditional Pauline greeting, Paul stating that he has authority from God to write this letter, and from his good friend and scribe Timothy. Paul is writing this letter to address something known as the "Colossian Heresy"; it is not an exact definition, but the Colossian Heresy is the false doctrine that was beginning to permeate the city. Christian doctrine was becoming corrupt with mysticism, Gnosticism, and Jewish legalism; in short, there was lots of mixing of Christian doctrine with other religions and Paul wasn't too keen on that idea! This letter is his attempt to straighten them out! Are there times when you'd like to "straighten them out" when it comes to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Even knowing that, this letter – full of love and concern, written to a church Paul had neither planted nor visited – shows the power of Christian love. Paul didn’t need to see or meet or directly know these Christians in order to love them and be concerned for them.

Paul mentions that he prays for them; remember, Paul didn't start his church- it is likely a man known as Epaphras (v 7) started the church in Colosse. It was primarily Gentiles (some Jews) and Philemon was a member and good leader of this church. Paul continues to pour out thanksgivings and grace to the people at the church; thankful for the work they are doing; thankful for the love they exhibit to all people; thankful for their presence and ministry to the city. There is a slight change in Paul's words though in v 9; Paul begins to change and talk about hod he prays for wisdom so that they can get back on track. Do  you pray like that? Begin with positives and then change language slightly asking for petitions on behalf of someone? Throughout this epistle, you will see Paul asking for wisdom and knowledge to increase for the Colossians. Paul desires them to "produce fruit" (v 10b), a common theme in Paul's writings; we have heard that view several times previous to this. Paul ends this section with a brief commentary on darkness and the potential power it has over us, but that God, through Jesus has freed us from that. Darkness is still an intense image for the evil and wicked powers that are in our world.

Paul now turns to a brief commentary/ meditation on the importance of Jesus. Theologians have long thought that Paul "borrowed" these words (vv 15-20) from a poem or hymn from the early church that describe what the early church believed about Jesus. Can you see the somewhat poetic/ musical trend in these lines? The first words Paul uses in this section are that "Jesus is the exact copy of God..." (v 15). Paul then goes on to focus his whole mind and heart on the centrality of Jesus; you can tell that Paul's entire being is consumed by the presence and awesomeness of Jesus. I just loved this section and read it several times. It made my heart and soul feel good. What does this passage tell you about Paul? I love the closing verse (v 20b) in my translations, "God made peace..."  Where is that peace now? Paul certainly feels it!

There are some really hard words in v 21, "At one time, you were separated from God..." referring to the point that we are human and we are of Adam's lineage! As pre-Christ humans, we were born alienated to God and then we accept a relationship with that same God that we were alienated from. Now, through Jesus, God has accepted all people into God's family. God's answer/response to that alienation brought on by Adam was the life and death of Christ= reconciliation to God. Do you feel alienated from God? Paul then goes on (v 23) to tell the people to continue to have faith and hope in Jesus; as per usual- the Colossians were beginning to get pulled away from God/ Jesus by the other religions and gods that were in Colosse. Do you feel getting pulled away at times? What does that do to your hope and faith?

Paul takes another turn (vv 24- 29) and begins to talk about himself and the suffering that he is going through for the good of the church. Paul likely wrote this letter from prison, and he comments (as he has in a few other letters that we have read), "My suffering is for the good." Paul comments that as Christ suffered for the church, so we must also suffer at times for the good of the church. There are pains that we all feel-- however, there is no comparison to the sufferings and pains that Christ felt for the Church! Have you felt those pains for your church? Paul tells that he was selected by God to teach/preach about Christ; Paul didn't put himself into that position- God put Paul there. Pastors often talk about heir "calling" into ministry. I feel we are all called to some aspect of ministry in the church. Do you have a "calling" that you can remember? Are you active in that ministry now?

Paul discusses the "mystery" or "secret" of the church. The truth was "revealed" when Christ was here. So, in the Hebrew Bible, the Jews didn't know the full story; there are aspects of God's plan that were not revealed until Christ. Does this possibly shed some light on why the Jews may have broken covenants? Part of the "mystery" may be that the Gentiles were all part of God's plan (v 27..."all people", along with the Jews, as "the chosen ones" but this couldn't be revealed until Jesus walked on earth with the Gentiles. Could both Jews and Gentiles be the chosen ones? Therefore, Paul says (vv 28-29) preach Christ to ALL people (my emphasis); bring ALL people under God's guidance; develop ALL people as Brother or Sister. Is that a new challenge for you? It was a struggle for Paul (v 29), but with God's grace, Paul was able to do it! Can you?

Great beginning! I am going to like this letter!

Enjoy the next few Spring like days!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul