Colossians 2 of 4 

Chapter 2 has some dynamic information per Christian living. It confronts subjects only occasionally discussed or approached from the pulpit or small groups. Upon close examination, one might miss the information that Paul is providing those in Colossae. What he discusses is globally applicable to the believer then, today, and tomorrow. Let us take a quick but pointed examination of Colossians 2. 

 Colossians 2:2 can become one of those read-through-the-Bible mysteries. Example: A read-thru-the-Bible in one or two years leaves little of no time to examine what the verse is saying. It reads per the NKJV: “…that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ…” One age-old debate… is God the Father and Christ two God’s in one? If Christ is an equal to God the father; if man was created in God’s image, what part in man is Christ and which part is the Father. Is the mystery as quoted above in verse 2 one mystery or two? 

JIV NOTE: We will expand on this in a future article. To offer a satisfactory answer it is worthwhile writing an explanation in and of itself. 

Also found in verse 2:2 of Colossians is… “that their hearts may be knit together in love.” When examining this in the Greek, one could also conclude that it means: “not held together by human rules, regulations, traditions, and conditions.” Think about this before reading on. How much of our lives are regulated or influenced by tradition, group norms, or group culture? Where is the agape’ love to which this verse specifies? Unity does not come by human (world) standards. Standing together with others does not mean s/he is always of the same thought. 

Colossians 2 verse 3. (David Guzik) “He knew that discouraged, downcast Christians are easy prey for the world, the flesh, and the devil.” When one closely examines this verse, it includes the neutralized Christian; a believer who has lost his or her enthusiasm for the standards of living in Christ. In short, Paul is concerned about worship becoming an acceptable routine instead of a heart desire. 

2:4 Paul is not only cautioning the Church of Colossae, but every believer. Matthew teaches in Matthew 24:5 that many will be deceived, not only in End Time but during all times. This is why a Bible education, be it in a group study, at church, one-on-one, or a formal Bible education is essential. Without KNOWLEDGE, how can there be any hope of UNDERSTANDING. This may sound a bit silly; this is why common-sense warning labels are found on almost any product one purchases. One example is on a gas can… WARNING: Contents are highly flammable. People lacking knowledge of this warning could damage, injure, or kill themselves or others through that ignorance.  

Let us add to this thought. Without knowledge there is no possibility of decision-making with wisdom. To the reader of this article: One may know the “stories” in the Bible, but what is their application to us as individuals? 

We will continue with Colossians 2 in our next blog. There is some fascinating information in this chapter that often escapes the human mind yet so simple and straight forward. 

Rev. Dr. Jstark 
2023 

Although the church in Colossae (city) is in the mix of several churches the Apostle Paul established in this area of what we now call Turkey/Syria, it is a church he never visited. It is believed that Epaphras established this church. He is not to be confused with Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25; 4:18), a member of the Philippian church; a church Apostle Paul did establish. Some scholars believe Epaphras was a convert of Paul. 

Paul writes Colossians to the Church of Colossae by request of Epaphras. Rev. David Guzik suggests: 

“Paul wrote because there were problems among the Christians in Colossae, but the doctrinal problem – sometimes described as “The Colossian Heresy” is difficult to precisely define. It probably was a corruption of Christianity with elements of mystical and legalistic Judaism perhaps combined with early Gnosticism.”  

It is easy to recognize that Colossians 1 is a chapter long prayer as testified by to whom Paul is giving all credit, even from prison. He is praising God for the deeds and victories of the church of Colossae. Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians sometime around AD 60. He was encouraged by reports of their faith and love. However, Epaphras was not visiting the Apostle Paul in prison for a social occasion. At the same time as Paul wrote to the Church of Colossae, Paul wrote to Philemon (the Book of Philemon) who also headed a-home different church in Colossae.  

Amazingly, another MAJOR event occurred in AD 60. There was a major earthquake in this part of Turkey. Researchers feel that this quake became the concluding detriment of Colossae. It faded into history. 

So, what was the concern of Epaphras to consult the Apostle Paul about the church in Colossae?  

We borrow this quote from https://www.gotquestions.org/Colossian-heresy.html. 

“Drawing primarily on the information in the first part of Colossians, we surmise that the Colossian heresy diminished the preeminence of Christ and the sufficiency of His sacrifice on the cross to forgive sins. Instead, this false teaching emphasized adherence to rules and regulations that are powerless to profoundly change lives. Most modern cults also diminish Christ and emphasis rituals, so the message of Colossians is timely even now in the 21st century.” 

Check the standards of the church you may attend. Are there local rules and regulations or formalities that create more of a church routine than it does honest Spirit filled worship? 

Rev. Dr. Jstark 
December, 2023 

Next article will be Colossians 2 of 4 chapters