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