PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Salutation | Greeting | Salutation | Salutation | Address |
| 1:1-2 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1-2 |
| 1:2a | 1:2a | 1:2a | ||
| 1:2b | 1:2b | 1:2b | ||
| Paul Thanks God for the Colossians |
Their Faith in Christ | Thanksgiving and Intercession |
Prayer of Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving and Prayer |
| 1:3-8 | 1:3-8 | 1:3-8 | 1:3-8 | 1:3-8 |
| The Person and Work of Christ |
Preeminence of Christ | |||
| 1:9-20 | 1:9-18 | 1:9-14 | 1:9-14 | 1:9-12 |
| 1:13-14 | ||||
| The Supremacy of Christ | The Person and Work of Christ |
Christ is the Head of all Creation |
||
| Reconciled in Christ | 1:15-20 | 1:15-20 | 1:15-20 | |
| 1:19-23 | The Colossians Have Their Share in Salvation |
|||
| 1:21-23 | 1:21-23 | 1:21-23 | 1:21-23 | |
| Paul’s Ministry to the Church |
Sacrificial Service for Christ |
Paul’s Interest in the Colossians |
Paul’s Work as a Servant of the Church |
Paul’s Labors in the Service of the Gentiles |
| (1:24-2:7) | (1:24-2:5) | |||
| 1:24-2:5 | 1:24-29 | 1:24-2:5 | 1:24-2:3 | 1:24-29 |
* Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to
understanding and following the original author’s intent. Each modern
translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one
central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its
own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your
understanding of the subject and verse divisions.
In every chapter we must
read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare
our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original
author’s intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand
the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change
or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the
inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms
and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents:
Brief Definitions of Greek Grammatical Structure,
Textual Criticism, and
Glossary.
READING CYCLE THREE (from “A
Guide to Good Bible Reading“)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means
that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us
must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority
in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject
divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but
it is the key to following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of
interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:1-2
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus
Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at
Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
1:1 “Paul” Saul of Tarsus is first called Paul in
Acts 13:9. It is probable that most Jews of the “diaspora” (Jews living outside
Palestine) had a Hebrew name and a Greek name. If so, then Saul’s parents gave
him this name but why, then, does “Paul” suddenly appear in Acts 13? Possibly
1. others began to call him by this name
2. he began to refer to himself by the term
“little” or “least”
The Greek name Paulos meant “little.” Several
theories have been advanced about the origin of his Greek name.
1. the second century tradition that Paul was
short, fat, bald, bow-legged, bushy eyebrowed, and had protruding eyes is a
possible source of the name, deriving from a non-canonical book from
Thessalonica called
Paul and Thekla
2. passages where Paul calls himself “the
least of the saints” because he persecuted the Church as in Acts 9:1-2 (cf. I
Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8; I Tim. 1:15)
Some have seen this “leastness” as the origin of the self-chosen title.
However, in a book like Galatians, where he emphasized his independence and
equality with the Jerusalem Twelve, this is somewhat unlikely (cf. II Cor. 11:5;
12:11; 15:10).
▣ “an apostle” This came from
the Greek word “to send” (apostellō). Jesus chose twelve men to be with
Him in a special sense and called them “Apostles” (cf. Luke 6:13). This term was
often used of Jesus being sent from the Father (cf. Matt. 10:40; 15:24; Mark
9:37; Luke 9:48; John 4:34; 5:24, 30, 36, 37, 38; 6:29,38,39,40,57; 7:29; 8:42;
10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8,18,21,23,25; 20:21). In Jewish sources, an apostle was
someone sent as an official representative of another, similar to “ambassador”
(cf. II Cor. 5:20).
SPECIAL TOPIC: SEND (APOSTELLŌ)
▣ “Christ” This was the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term “messiah,“
which meant “an anointed one.” It implied “one called and equipped by God for a
specific task.” In the OT three groups of leaders: priests, kings, and prophets,
were anointed. Jesus fulfilled all three of these anointed offices (cf. Heb.
1:2-3).
▣ “Jesus” This Hebrew name meant “YHWH saves,” “YHWH
is salvation,” “YHWH brings salvation.” It is the same as the OT name “Joshua.”
“Jesus” is derived from the Hebrew word for salvation, “hosea,” suffixed
to the covenant name for God, “YHWH” (see Special Topic: Names for Deity at Col.
1:3). It was the name designated by God through an angel of the Lord (cf. Matt.
1:21).
▣ “by God’s will” This same introductory phrase is
used in I Cor. 1:1; II Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1 and II Tim. 1:1. Paul was convinced
that God had chosen him to be an Apostle. This special sense of calling started
at his Damascus road conversion (cf. Acts 9:1-22; 23:3-16; 26:9-18). This
opening phrase emphasizes Paul’s understanding of his God-given authority. See
Special Topic: The Will of God at Eph. 1:9.
▣ “Timothy our brother “
Timothy’s name meant “honored by God” or “honorer of God.” He had a Jewish
mother (cf. Acts 16:1; II Tim. 1:5) and a Greek father (Acts 16:1). He was
converted on Paul’s first missionary journey to Derbe/Lystra (cf. Acts 16:1).
Paul invited him to join the missionary team on the second missionary journey,
possibly to replace John Mark (cf. Acts 15:36-41). Paul circumcised him in order
to facilitate his work among the Jews (cf. Acts. 16:3). He became Paul’s
faithful representative, disciple and trouble-shooter (cf. Acts 16:1-17:14;
18:5-19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; I Cor. 4:17; 16:10; II Cor. 1:1, 19; Phil 1:2;
2:19; Gal. 1:1; Philem. v. 4; and I and II Timothy).
He is mentioned with Paul in several letters (cf. II Cor.
1:1; Phil. 1:1; I Thess. 1:1; II Thess. 1:1 and Philemon). This does not imply
co-authorship, but Timothy’s presence and greetings. Timothy may have functioned
as Paul’s scribe, as did Silas and Tychicus.
1:2 “the saints” “Saints” (hagioi) is
theologically related to the OT term “holy” (kadosh), which implies “set
apart for God’s service” (cf. I Cor. 1:2; II Cor. 1:1; Rom. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Phil.
1:1). It is
plural in the NT except for one time in Phil. 4:21; even
there, it is used in a corporate context. To be saved is to be part of the
covenant community of faith, a family of believers, which we are meant to serve
(cf. I Cor. 12:7).
God’s people are holy because of the imputed righteousness
of Jesus (cf. Rom. 4 and II Cor. 5:21). It is God’s will that they live holy
lives (cf. 1:22; 3:12; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 4:1; 5:27; I Pet. 1:16). Believers are
both declared holy (positional sanctification) and called to a lifestyle of
holiness (progressive sanctification). See Special Topic: Sanctification at Eph.
1:1.
▣ “faithful brethren” In a book written to combat a
heretical group of false teachers, this qualification is significant! Paul
believed that the church was remaining faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ,
given to Paul, given to Epaphras, given to them!
The words, “faith,” “trust” and “believe” all have the same
Greek root pistis (noun) and pisteuō (verb). The word’s primary emphasis is on the trustworthiness of God,
not the enthusiasm or sincerity of a human response. Believers must receive and
trust in His trustworthy character and eternal promises. The key is the object
of the believer’s faith, not the intensity of that faith (cf. Matt. 17:20; Luke
17:6). Christianity is an initial, repentant/faith response followed by a
lifestyle of faithfulness. Biblical faith is a series of human
choices-repentance, faith, obedience, and perseverance. God’s faithfulness is
reproduced in His children. The image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) is restored and
intimate fellowship is again possible!
SPECIAL TOPIC: Faith, Believe, or Trust
(Pistis [noun],
Pisteuō, [verb],
Pistos [adjective])
▣ “in Christ” This is a
grammatical construction called a
locative (of sphere). This was Paul’s favorite way to
describe Christians. As believers we live and move and have our being in Him
(cf. Acts 17:28)! He is the origin and source of all spiritual blessings. Paul
uses this phrase 64 times (“in Christ,” “in Him,” “in the Beloved”). See full
note at Eph. 1:4.
▣ “Grace to you and peace” The normal salutation in
Greek letters was the word “greeting” (charein, cf. Acts 15:23; 23:36;
James 1:1). Paul characteristically changed this to a very similar
sounding but Christian term, grace, (charis). Many have assumed that Paul
was somehow combining the Greek greeting and the Hebrew greeting, peace (shalom).
Although this is an attractive theory, it may be reading too much into this
typically Pauline introductory phrase (cf. Rom. 1:7; I Cor. 1:3; II Cor. 1:2;
Phil. 1:2; and Philemon 3).
“Grace” was the special word which described the loving,
merciful character of God. Humans are right with God because of who He is, not
because of who they are. It is God’s kind, generous, loving, forgiving, slow to
anger, abounding in compassion mercy that forms the only hope for fallen mankind
(cf. Exod. 34:6-7; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103:8-14; Joel 2:13; Mic. 6:18-20)!
Christianity is rooted in the unchanging character of God (cf. Mal. 3:6; James
1:17), the finished work of Jesus Christ (cf. Mark 10:45; II Cor. 5:21) and the
ministry of the Spirit (cf. John 14:25-26; 16:7-15).
“Peace” is the result of understanding the character of God
and the promises of the gospel (cf. John 14:27; 16:33). Peace is an internal joy
and stability apart from circumstances, disruptive false teachings or
persecution (cf. Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15).
▣ “God our Father” This reading is found in ancient
Greek uncial manuscripts B, D, K, L, the ancient Vulgate, Peshitta and Coptic
translations and the Greek texts used by Origen and Chrysostom. The manuscripts
א, A, C, G add “and our Lord Jesus Christ.” The phrase is present in v. 3. It
was Paul’s normal phrasing in opening prayers (cf. Rom. 1:7; I Cor. 1:3; II Cor.
1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil. 1:2; II Thess. 1:2; I Tim. 1:2; II Tim. 1:2 and
Titus 1:4). The UBS4 gives the shorter reading an “A” rating
(certain).
“Father” is not used in the sense of sexual generation or
chronological sequence, but intimate family relationship. God chose family terms
to reveal Himself to humanity (cf. Hosea 2-3, where God is shown as passionate,
faithful lover, and chapter 11 where He is shown as loving father and mother).
The Deity of revelation is not the Prime Mover or the First
Cause of Greek philosophy, but the Father of Christ Jesus. The Bible is not a
human-reasoned philosophy but a Divine self-disclosure, a revelation which
cannot be discovered by human analysis.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:3-8
3We give thanks to God, the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4since we
heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the
saints; 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you
previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6which has come to
you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and
increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day
you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7just
as you learned it
from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of
Christ on our behalf, 8and he also informed us of your love in the
Spirit.
1:3-8 Verses 3-8 are one sentence in Greek which
means they are one sustained prayer of thanksgiving for the church’s faith in
Christ. Opening prayers of thanksgiving for the recipients was common in Greek
letters. In this letter Paul has two opening prayers (i.e., vv. 3-8 and vv.
9-14).
1:3 “thanks” “Thanks” is a recurrent theme in this
letter (cf. 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 4:2), as “joy” is in the letter to the Philippians.
Remember that Paul was imprisoned at Rome and the church at Colossae was
undergoing difficult times. See Special Topic: Thanksgiving at 4:2.
▣ “God the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ” Notice the Trinity in vv. 3 and 8. See Special Topic at Eph. 1:3.
▣ “Lord”
The term “lord” (kurios) can be used in a general sense or in a specific
theological sense. It can mean “mister,” “sir” (cf. John 4:11,15,19,49; 5:7;
12:21; 20:15), “master,” “owner,” “husband,” or “the full God-man” (e.g., John
4:1; 6:34,68; 11:2,3,12,21,27,34,39). Good examples of both usages in one
context is John 9:36 and 9:38.
The OT usage of this term (adon) came from the
rabbis’ reluctance to pronounce the covenant name for God, YHWH, from the Hebrew
verb “to be” (cf. Exod. 3:14). They were afraid of breaking the
commandment which said, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain” (cf. Exod. 20:7, Deut. 5:11). They thought if they did not pronounce it,
they could not take it in vain. So, they substituted the Hebrew word, adon,
which had a similar meaning to the Greek word, Kurios (Lord).
The NT authors used this term to describe the full Deity of
Christ. The phrase “Jesus is Lord” was the public confession of faith and
baptismal formula of the early church (cf. Rom. 10:9-13; I Cor. 12:3; Phil.
2:11).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE NAMES FOR DEITY
▣ “praying always for you”
“Always” can relate grammatically to “pray” (NASB, NKJV, NJB) or “thank” (NRSV,
TEV). Prayer and thanksgiving are inseparably linked in Paul’s theology and
practice. Paul prayed for them (cf. 1:9; Eph. 1:16) and requested that they pray
for him (cf. 4:3; Eph. 6:18; I Thess. 5:25). See Special Topic: Intercessory
Prayer at 4:3. Paul mentions this again in v. 9. There seems to be two prayers
put together.
1:4 “since we heard” The plural pronoun referred to Paul and his mission team. They had heard
about the problems of the false teachers and the faith of the believers from
Epaphras (cf. 1:7,8) who founded this church.
1:4-5 “faith . . . love . . . hope”
This was a favorite triad of Paul’s theology (cf. Rom. 5:2-5; I Cor. 13:13; Gal.
5:5-6; I Thess. 1:3; 5:8). It expresses the confidence that believers have both
now (faith) and in a certain future consummation (hope). This confidence is to
be lived out daily in love.
1:4 “your faith” This term (pistis) may have
three distinct connotations.
1. Its OT background meant “faithfulness” or
“trustworthiness,” therefore, it was used of believers living godly lives.
2. It was used of believers accepting or
receiving God’s free offer of forgiveness in Christ.
3. It was used in the collective sense of the
Christian doctrine or truths about Jesus (i.e., “the faith,” cf. Acts 6:7 and
Jude vv. 3, 20).
In several passages it is difficult to determine which is meant. See Special
Topic: Faith, Believe, Trust at Col. 1:2.
▣ “in Christ Jesus” The usual
preposition Paul used for faith was “into” (eis) Christ, which
spoke of Him as the object of one’s faith, but here the preposition is “in” (en) which referred to Jesus as the
sphere of existence (cf. 1:2; Acts 17:28).
▣ “the love which you have for all the saints” Faith
toward God is expressed in love toward others, especially those of the household
of faith (cf. Gal. 6:10). The use of the word “all” is significant in a setting
disrupted by the exclusivism of the false teachers. Believers must be able to
distinguish between who are saints and who ar not! For “saints” see Special
Topic at 1:2.
1:5 “the hope” Paul used this term in several
different but related senses. Often it was associated with the consummation of
the believer’s faith. This can be expressed as glory, eternal life, ultimate
salvation, Second Coming, etc. The consummation is certain, but the time element
is future and unknown. Hope was often associated with “faith” and “love” (cf.
Rom. 5:2-5; I Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5-6; Eph. 4:2-5; I Thess. 1:3; 5:8).
▣ “laid up for you in heaven”
This was a metaphor for the divine protection of the believers’ hope (cf. II
Tim. 4:8; I Pet. 1:4).
The false teachers could not affect the believers’ consummated salvation
(hope).
▣ “you previously heard” This is an
aorist active indicative of a compound term, “to hear” and “before.” This
referred to Epaphras’ preaching of the gospel, to which the Colossians had
already personally responded by faith. Believers must hear, respond, obey, and
persevere.
▣ “in the word of truth, the gospel” This phrase can
be understood in several ways.
1. instrumentally they heard the truth by
means of the gospel
2. temporally they had heard the gospel
3. appositionally as a way of identifying the
gospel as the truthful word
Notice how in v. 6 the gospel is characterized as “the grace of God in
truth.” See Special Topic: Truth in Paul’s Writings at Eph. 1:13.
1:6 “in all the world” This referred to the
Greco-Roman world. This was a common NT overstatement (hyperbole), which because
of Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8, became a reality.
The Greek term (kosmos) had several usages. It could
refer to
1. this physical planet
2. humanity that inhabits the surface of this
planet
3. the philosophies, governmental structures,
educational institutions and religious systems of fallen mankind which allow
them to function in independence from God
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S USE OF KOSMOS
(WORLD)
▣ “constantly bearing fruit and increasing” These are
both present participles. The first is
middle voice and the second passive but in this
context there is no theological distinction implied, but it does illustrate the
covenant balance of human and divine actions. Bearing fruit is the sign of
regeneration (cf. v. 10; Matt. 13:1-23; John 15:16; Gal. 5:22-23; James
2:14-26).
NASB“understood”
NKJV“knew”
NRSV“comprehend”
TEV“came to know”
NJB“recognized”
This is an intensified Aorist active indicative form of the Greek term
epignōskō which implies “to fully and experientially know.” The
Colossians received the gospel which is both a person and a truth (combining the
meaning of “know” from Hebrew and Greek). This was Paul’s reaction to the
heretics’ false emphasis on human knowledge (cf. 1:9, 10).
▣ “the grace of God in truth”
This refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which finally and fully expresses the
nature and character of deity to the human race. Believers’ ultimate hope is in
the unchanging, merciful character of God (i.e., Mal. 3:6).
The Greek word “grace” (charis) was used in Koine
Greek (200 b.c.–a.d. 200) and the Septuagint (250-100
b.c.) in several different senses-charm, beauty, gracefulness, a matter
of approval, a benefit, an act of favor, or a provision. In the NT it was
primarily used of the undeserved, unmerited love and mercy of the triune God
which gives righteousness and restores fellowship to fallen mankind (cf. Eph.
4:4-7). The emphasis was always on the worth of the giver (God), not the
receiver (mankind). All that was needed God has provided! All that the
individual can do is respond (cf. Eph. 2:8-9)!
For “truth” see Special Topic: “Truth” in Paul’s Writings at
Eph. 1:13.
1:7 “Epaphras” (cf. 4:12-13; Philemon 23). He was the
founder of three of the churches (Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea) in the
Lycus River Valley, and Paul’s representative (cf. v. 7). He was probably
converted during Paul’s stay at Ephesus (cf. Acts 19:10). His name was a
shortened form of Epaphroditus which was etymologically related to the goddess
Aphroditus. Another man by this same name is mentioned in Phil. 2:25; 4:18.
However, he was from a different geographical area.
NASB“a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf”
NKJV, NRSV“of a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf”
TEV“Christ’s faithful worker on our behalf”
NJB“A trustworthy deputy for us as Christ’s servant”
The ancient Greek manuscripts vary on the
pronouns. Some have “our” and others have “your.” “Our”
seems textually best because it is found in the early Greek manuscripts P46, א*, A, B, D*, F, and G. But the United Bible Society’s scholars
felt “your” was original because of its place in the early church fathers’ and
the early Latin, Aramaic, and Coptic translations (cf. Bruce M. Metzger, A
Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, pp. 619-620).
1:8 “your love in the Spirit” This is, surprisingly,
the only specific reference to the Holy Spirit in the letter although He is,
perhaps, alluded to in “filled” in 1:9 and “indwell” in 3:16. The object of the
Spirit-engendered love may be
1. other believers
2. Paul and his mission team
3. Epaphras
4. all the above and even the lost
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:9-14
9For this reason also, since the
day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that
you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and
understanding,
10so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please
Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God;
11strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for
the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12giving
thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the
saints in Light. 13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and
transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
1:9-20 This is one sentence in Greek. Verses 9-12 are
Paul’s prayer for these believers. Verses 13-14 describe what the Father has
done for believers through the Son. Verses 15-18 are possibly a quote from an
early Christian hymn or confessional statement related to the ministry of the
Son (i.e., other possible hymns, cf. Phil. 2:6-11, I Tim. 3:16, II Tim,
2:11-12). This is one of the greatest Christological confession in Paul’s
writings (compare with Phil. 2:6-11).
1:9 “heard of it“ Paul did not start this
church, nor did he know its members personally. He heard about their faith and
love from its founder, Epaphras (cf. 1:7-8).
▣ “we have not ceased to pray for you” The plural
refers to (1) Paul himself (i.e., editorial plural) or (2) Paul and his mission
team. Leaders should constantly hold up their flocks to the Lord. See Special
Topic: Intercessory Prayer at 4:3.
▣ “that you may be filled”
This is an aorist passive subjunctive. Believers cannot
fill themselves, but they must allow and co-operate with the Spirit (cf. Eph.
5:18).
“Filled” is the main verb of vv. 9-12. It is the first of two requests that Paul made of
the Father on behalf of the Colossian believers. The other is for their walk to
be worthy (v. 10). Notice he links knowledge of God with a godly lifestyle (cf.
Eph. 4:1,17; 5:2,15). Faith without works is dead (cf. James 2:14-26).
▣ “knowledge of His will” The content of this
knowledge (epignōskō, i.e., experiential knowledge, cf. v.6) is the
gospel. The gospel is (1) a body of truth to be believed; (2) a person to be
received; and (3) a life like that person’s to live. God’s will is that
individuals personally respond to Christ (cf. John 6:29,40) who is the goal of
all “spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
This verse is a play on the theology of the false teachers.
This is confirmed by (1) Paul’s use of “filled” (plerōma), one of the
Gnostics’ favorite terms for the aeons between the high god and angelic levels
and (2) their emphasis on secret knowledge (cf. 2:3). For Paul, all fullness and
knowledge was in Christ, who was God’s wisdom (sophia,
cf. 1:28; 2:3,23; 3:16; 4:5; Eph. 1:8,17; 3:10) and the convergence of all truth
(sunesis, cf. 2:2).
Notice the threefold repetition: “knowledge,” “wisdom,” and
“understanding.” This reflects the false teachers’ emphasis on secret truth (cf.
2:3). Christ is the truth of God (cf. John 14:6)!
1:10 “walk in a manner worthy” This is an
aorist active infinitive. It is defined by four present
participles (cf. vv. 10-12) which describes the worthy walk (cf. 2:6;
3:7; 4:5; Eph. 2:10; 4:1,17; 5:2,15; I Thess. 2:12; 4:1). God’s will is that His
children reflect His character daily.
▣ ” bearing fruit in every good work” For “fruit
bearing” see note at 1:6. This is the first of four present
participles (cf. vv. 10-12) which describe worthy lives.
God’s will is that believers live godly lives. The moral
transformation of believers is evidence that the image of God has been restored!
It serves as a bridge to evangelism. It reflects the believer’s new family
characteristics and shows who our true father is – God.
Biblical salvation is a free gift, which must result in a
new and different life (cf. Eph. 2:8-9, 10).
▣ “increasing in the knowledge of
God” This is the second present participle. This is a strong compound term for experiential
knowledge (epignōskō, cf. vv. 9,10; 3:10; Eph. 1:17; 4:13).
Believers are to continue to grasp the meaning of the gospel and continue to
live out its implications.
1:11 “strengthened with all power”
This is the third present participle meaning “with all
power being empowered.” Like salvation, the Christian life is a supernatural
gift, not unaided, strenuous human effort or commitment (cf. Gal. 3:1-3).
Believers must yield to the Spirit to produce effective, godly lives (cf. Eph.
5:18). This term is always used of supernatural strength (cf. Eph. 1:19; Phil.
4:13).
▣ “according to His glorious might” This phrase
describes how believers are to be “strengthened with all power.” They must yield
to God’s Spirit, and the energy, power and glory are His!
▣ “steadfastness and patience” One wonders if these were used
synonymously. They had slightly different foci. Steadfastness (hupomonē)
meant patient endurance and perseverance, while patience (makrothumia)
meant patient endurance of evil or suffering. They were both frequent
admonitions from Paul (cf. II Cor. 6:4,6; II Tim. 3:10). Believers are only
capable of them in God’s power. These terms were often used to describe how God
treats fallen mankind (cf. Rom. 2:4; 9:22; I Cor. 6:6) and how redeemed mankind
should therefore treat one another (cf. Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12).
▣ “joyously” This can relate grammatically to v. 11 ( NKJV) or v. 12
(NASB, NRSV, TEV, NJB).
1:12 “giving thanks” This is the last of the four
present participles of vv. 10-12 which describe the worthy walk as
constant thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a characteristic of the Spirit-filled
life (cf. 3:17; Eph. 5:20; I Thess. 5:18).
▣ “to the Father” Christians
need to be constantly reminded that the NT focus on the ministry of the Son
should not diminish their praise of God the Father. He is the One whose
character and grace are exhibited in Jesus. He was the sender and sustainer of
the Son (cf. Eph. 1:3-14 and 15-23).
There are several Greek manuscript variations of this
phrase. However, this reading is supported by the ancient Greek manuscripts P61,
A, C, D, K, and P as well as the Latin Vulgate translation. The UBS4
gives it a “B” rating (almost certain). These variations, as is so often true,
do not affect the sense, truth or trustworthiness of the text. Early scribes
tried to make the texts they copied clearer. See Appendix Two.
NASB, NKJV“qualified”
NRSV“enabled”
TEV“has made you fit”
NJB“has made you able”
This term is used only here and in II Cor. 3:5-6 (the
adjective is used in II Cor. 2:16; 3:5 and II Tim. 2:2). God has
qualified us (1) by declaring us to be righteous in Christ (justification and
positional sanctification) and (2) by developing Christlikeness in us
(progressive sanctification). See Special Topic: Sanctification at Eph. 1:1.
▣ “us”
The ancient Greek texts are equally divided between “us” (NASB, NKJV) and “you”
(NRSV, TEV, NJB). The UBS4 gives “you” a “B” rating (almost certain).
The “you” may have been written here by a copyist to match v. 13.
▣ “to share in the inheritance”
Inheritance is literally the term “lot.” In the OT God promised Abraham a land
and a seed (cf. Gen. 12:12). The OT focuses on the land; the NT focuses on the
seed. In the OT, the land of Palestine was given as a tribal inheritance to all
the children of Jacob (cf. Joshua 12-19) except the Levites because they served
God in a unique role (cf. Num. 4:45). God Himself was said to be their
inheritance (cf. Num. 18:24). In a sense all the OT people of God were priests
(Exod. 19:4-6). They were a kingdom of priests to bring the whole world to God.
The NT people of God are spoken of in OT terms as priests (I Pet. 2:5,9; Rev.
1:6). As the Levites had God as their inheritance, so now do all the NT
believers (cf. Acts 20:32; Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVERS’ INHERITANCE
▣ “of the saints” See Special Topic at verse 2.
▣ “in light” This was either (1) an ethical statement
(cf. John 3:19) or (2) a statement about Christlikeness in opposition to the
demonic (cf. Eph. 6:12; Acts 26:18).
1:13-14 These verses function as a transition to the
wonderful Christological creed of vv. 15-20. It describes what God the Father
has done for the believers through the Son.
1:13 “He delivered us” The
pronoun refers to the Father. This
aorist middle (deponent) indicative is used in the sense of rescued (NRSV, TEV, NJB).
▣ “from the dominion of darkness” Literally this is
“authority (exousia) of darkness” (cf. 1:12; Luke 22:53). NJB has “ruling
force of darkness.” Light and darkness were often used in Judaism and the Dead
Sea Scrolls to represent the two spiritual realms of good and evil (cf. John
3:19-21). Paul uses this term several times in Col. (cf. 1:13, 16; 2:10, 15).
▣ “transferred” This is literally “resettled” or
“relocated.” Both of the verbs in this verse are aorist. These are things God has already accomplished for believers.
▣ “kingdom” Jesus used this concept as a present
reality with a future consummation. The context emphasized what believers
already possess in Christ (cf. Eph. 2:5-6)! See Special Topic: The Kingdom of
God at Eph. 5:5.
Paul did not use Jesus’ exact phrase “the Kingdom of God”
often, possibly because the Gentiles would not have understood this Jewish
concept.
▣ “of His beloved Son” God the Father gave this title
to Jesus at His baptism and transfiguration (cf. Matt. 3:17; 17:5). Jesus is the
unique Son (monogenēs, cf. John 1:18, 3:16, 18; I John 4:9). Believers
are sons through Him.
1:14 “in whom we have” This is a
present active indicative. In Christ believers have and
continue to have the family blessings of God.
▣ “redemption” This may have been an allusion to the
OT terms (paduh, “to free or redeem” and gaal, “to free through
the agency of a relative [go’el]). Jesus bought us back from slavery (cf.
Isa. 53:11-12; Mark 10:45; Eph. 1:7). Redemption is a present reality (cf. Eph.
1:7) and a future consummation (cf. Eph. 4:30).
▣ “the forgiveness of sins”
There were several Greek terms for “forgiveness.” This one (aphesis)
meant “to send away,” which was an allusion to the ritual of the Day of
Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16). The scapegoat symbolically carried away the sins
of the people.
We learn from Irenaeus’ Heresies, 1:21:2 that some
Gnostic teachers separated redemption from remission by a time and maturity
factor. Paul may have been addressing this falsehood.
The King James Version adds the phrase “through His blood,”
which later scribes added from the parallel in Eph. 1:7.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:15-20
15He is the image of the
invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and
on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He
is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18He is
also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from
the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
19For it was the
Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20and
through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the
blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in
heaven.
1:15-20 This wonderful poetic passage may reflect an
early church hymn or creed. It deals with (1) the cosmic lordship of Jesus and
(2) His redemptive acts. The same dual aspect is seen in Heb. 1:2-3. It reflects
several Gnostic terms, “firstborn,” “fullness,” and concepts like the angelic
levels (i.e. aeons) of v. 16, and Jesus’ true humanity and death in v. 20.
Notice the term “all” is used seven times (cf. vv. 15,16
[twice],17 [twice],18,20). Jesus’ ministry is inclusive, all that is, is from
Him.
1. by Him all things were created
2. all things have been created through Him
3. He is before all things
4. in Him all things hold together
5. He himself will come to have first place
in every thing
6. all the fullness to dwell in Him
7. through Him to reconcile all things to
Himself (the pronoun
“Himself” probably relates to the Father)
Notice how often the pronoun “Him” is presented with different
prepositions.
1. “in Him,” vv. 16,17,19
2. “through Him,” vv. 16,20
3. “unto/into Him,” vv. 16,20 (notice this
same thing in Eph. 1:3-14)
1:15 “He is the image of the invisible God” The same
word (eikōn) is used of Jesus in 3:10 and II Cor. 4:4. A similar
theological expression occurs in John 1:18; 14:9; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:3. The
Hebrews 1:3 passage has the stronger Greek term (charakter, which means
an exact representation, cf. Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6; I Cor. 11:7; James 3:9). To
see Jesus is to see God! The invisible God has become visible! Deity has become
a man (cf. John 14:9).
Jesus’ ministry was to restore the image of God in humanity.
In one sense Eden had been restored through Jesus, the second Adam (cf. Rom.
5:12-21; I Cor. 15:20-28; Phil. 2:6). It is even possible that heaven will be a
restored Eden:
1. the Bible begins with God, mankind and the
animals (cf. Gen. 1-2) and ends with God and mankind in a garden setting (with
the animals by implication, cf. Rev. 21-22)
2. the prophecy of Isa. 11:6-9 describes
children and animals together in the new age
3. new Jerusalem comes down to a recreated
earth (cf. II Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:2)
▣ “the firstborn of all creation”
This was an OT metaphor for Jesus’ unique and exalted position.
1. the rabbis said it meant preeminence (cf.
Exod. 4:22)
2. in the OT it was used for the eldest son
as heir and manager of the family
3. in Ps. 89:27 it was used in a Messianic
sense
4. in Pro. 8:22 it referred to Wisdom as
God’s first creation and agent of creation. In context options #1 and #2
combined seem best
This phrase is not to be understood as Jesus being the first
creation (#4). This would have played into the hands of the Gnostic teachers,
who taught that Jesus was the highest angelic level next to the high god. It
must be interpreted in its Jewish OT setting. Jesus was deity’s unique son (cf.
John 1:18; 3:16,18; I John 4:9), yet Jesus was always Deity (cf. 1:17; John 1:1;
5:18; 10:30; 14:9; 20:28). He became a human in time, at Bethlehem, so that
fallen mankind could comprehend and understand Deity (cf. John 1:14,18).
1:16 “by Him all things were created”
Jesus was God’s agent of creation, both of the visible and invisible, earthly
and heavenly spheres (cf. John 1:3, 10; Rom. 11:36; I Cor, 8:6; Heb. 1:2; 2:10).
This refuted the Gnostics’ world view of the antithetical relationship between
spirit (God) and matter. It was Jesus who spoke the cosmos into existence (cf.
Genesis 1). It was Jesus who formed Adam and breathed into him the breath of
life (cf. Genesis 2).
The verb “created” is used twice in
v. 16. The first is aorist passive indicative and the
second at the end of the verse (in Greek) is perfect passive
indicative. The thrust is that Jesus is the agent in creation but the
Father is the primary cause. Creation was in (en) Jesus, through (dia)
Jesus and for (eis) Jesus!
▣ “thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities” In some contexts these terms could refer to earthly
governmental leaders (cf. Romans 13), but in the context of Colossians they
refer to the false teachers’ angelic levels (aeons, cf. Rom. 8:38; I Cor.
15:24; Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:10,15; I Pet. 3:22). The ancients saw
the world not only in physical cause and effect relationships, but as a
spiritual realm as well. It is impossible to have a biblical worldview and deny
the spiritual realm. See Special Topic: Angels in Paul’s Writings at Eph. 6:12.
▣ “and for Him” Jesus was not
only God the Father’s agent in creation, but the goal of creation as well (cf.
Rom. 11:36; Heb. 2:10).
▣ 1:17
“He is before all things” There has never been a time
when Jesus was not! Jesus is preexistent Deity (cf. John 1:1-2; 8:58; 17:5, 24;
II Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:6-7; Col. 1:17; Heb. 10:5-7)! Notice the emphatic use of
“He” (autos) in vv. 17 and 18, “He, Himself, is before all things” and
“He, Himself, is head of the body”!
NASB, NRSV,
NJB“in Him all things hold together”
NKJV“in Him all things consist”
TEV“in union with him all things have their proper place”
This is a Perfect active indicative
of the “syn” compound “to stand with” (sunistēmi) which implies
“to continue,” “to endure,” or “to exist.”
This is the doctrine of providence (cf. Heb. 1:3) and it is
personal! “All things” refers to creation-material and spiritual. Jesus is the
sustainer as well as creator of all things. In the OT these functions describe
the work of
Elohim (God).
1:18 “He is also the Head of the body, the church” As
Jesus was preeminent in creation; so He is in the Church. This refers to the
universal church (cf. Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 2:9). Believers are
both individually (cf. I Cor. 6:19) and corporately (cf. I Cor. 3:16) the body
of Christ (i.e., the new temple). Paul often spoke of the church as the body of
Christ (cf. I Cor. 12:12-27), but it is only in Ephesians and Colossians that
Jesus is said to be “the Head” of that body. In reality He is Head of all
things, even the principalities and powers (cf. Eph. 1:22).
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (EKKLESIA)
▣ “He is the beginning “ At first glance this looks
like another allusion to creation (cf. Gen. 1:1), but the context has changed to
the church. In this setting the term “beginning” probably relates to the Greek
sense of origin or source. Jesus is the Head or source of life of the new people
of God, Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female (cf. 3:11; Gal. 3:28). He
is the new Adam (cf. Rom. 5:12-21). The head of a new race, Christian (cf. Eph.
2:11-3:13).
▣ “the firstborn from the dead”
The definitive NT passage on the resurrection is I Cor. 15. Jesus is preeminent,
“the first born” (see Special Topic at 1:15) in resurrection as He was in
creation (cf. 1:15; Rom. 1:4; Rev. 1:5). His resurrection is a promise and a
sign that all believers will be resurrected.
In I Cor. 15:20 and 23 Jesus is called the “first fruits.”
This is a synonymous OT metaphor. Jesus is the forerunner in all areas. He is
both “first born” (cf. Rev. 1:5) and “first fruits.”
▣ “so that He Himself might come to have first place in
everything” This summary statement is similar to Eph. 1:22-23. The Father
has made the Son supreme and preeminent in all things (cf. I Cor. 15:27-28).
1:19 This starts with “for” (hoti, a purpose
clause). It states God’s will for the Messiah which is (1) the fullness of deity
to be revealed in Him (cf. v. 19) and (2) the reconciliation of all things
through Him (cf. v. 20).
NASB“for all the fullness to dwell in Him”
NKJV“that in Him all the fullness should
dwell”
NRSV“For in him all the fullness of God. .
.to dwell”
TEV“that the Son has in himself the full
nature of God”
NJB“all fullness to be found in him”
This is a play on the word “full” (plerōma),
which was used by the false teachers to describe the angelic levels between the
good high god and sinful matter (cf. 2:9; Eph. 1:23; 3:19; 4:13). This was a
startling statement to describe a carpenter from Nazareth who was executed for
treason! To see Jesus is to see God!
1:20 “and through Him to reconcile”
The term (cf. 1:22) meant “to change from hostility to peace” especially between
persons. Sin has caused a separation between the creator and the created. God
acted in Christ to restore the fellowship (cf. Rom. 5:18-19). This is a double
compound word (apokatallassō) for theological emphasis (cf. v. 22). Paul
used the same word in Eph. 2:16 and the same root in II Cor. 5:18-20.
▣ “all things” This refers to all creation, visible
and invisible (cf. Rom. 8:18ff; I Cor. 15:27-28; Eph. 1:22-23).
▣ “to Himself” This could theologically refer to the
Father or the Son. Context is the only guide. Here the Father seems best.
▣ “having made peace through the
blood of His cross” This referred to Jesus’ sacrificial death (cf. Rom.
5:9; Eph. 1:7; 2:13,16). The reconciliation was not without great cost! The
emphasis was possibly on His humanity (blood) as well as His vicarious atonement
(sacrifice, cf. Isa. 53; II Cor. 5:21). The false teachers would have affirmed
His deity but denied His humanity and death.
SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (different senses)
▣ “His cross” Deuteronomy
21:23 asserted that anyone who hung on a tree was under a divine curse (cf.
Phil. 2:8). Originally this referred to public impaling after death instead of a
proper burial. However, by Jesus’ day the rabbis interpreted it as crucifixion.
Jesus took sinful mankind’s curse, the curse of the Old Covenant, on Himself
(cf. 2:14; Gal. 3:13; Phi. 2:8).
▣ “whether things on earth or things in heaven” This
phrase is directed to the false antithesis between “spirit” (heaven) and
“matter” (earth, cf. v. 16).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:21-23
21And although you were formerly
alienated and hostile in mind, engaged
in evil deeds, 22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body
through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond
reproach- 23if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established
and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have
heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul,
was made a minister.
1:21 “you” This refers to Gentile believers. Notice
the three characterizations of their former lives in paganism which follow in
this verse.
▣ “were formerly alienated”
This is a Perfect passive participle of a rare compound
word for a stranger or foreigner which describes the Gentiles’ previous
relationship to God. The theological description of this estrangement is found
in Eph. 2:1,3,11-22. The moral description is in Eph. 4:18-19. It is possible
that this term is used of slaves in the sense of “being transferred to another
owner.” If so, 1:13 is the background.
▣ “hostile in mind” Fallen mankind has a mind-set of
independence (cf. Rom. 1:28; 8:7; James 4:4; I John 2:15-16). Mankind, not God,
becomes the measure of all things (atheistic humanism).
NASB“engaged in evil deeds”
NKJV“by wicked works”
NRSV“doing evil deeds”
TEV“the evil things you did”
NJB“your evil behavior”
The rabbis assert that as a person thinks, so he/she
becomes. An evil heart/mind eventually reflects itself in acts of evil toward
God and other humans (cf. Gal. 5:19-21; II Tim. 3:2-5; Titus 3:3).
1:22 “yet He has now reconciled you”
“Reconciled” is the main verb of vv. 21-23. See note at v. 20. What a change has occurred
because of God’s actions in Christ toward these fallen, alienated Gentiles (cf.
v. 20)!
God’s promise to redeem mankind in Gen. 3:15 has been
fulfilled. This promise was accomplished completely as an act of God. Fallen
mankind was unable to return to the Creator (cf. Isa. 53:6, quoted in I Pet.
2:25; and Rom. 3:9-18 for a series of OT quotes). What love is this that has
pursued sinful, rebellious humanity through time and in time gave His only Son
to die on our behalf!
▣ “in His fleshly body through
death” This may have related to the false teachers’ rejection of Jesus’
humanity (cf. v. 20). Jesus was fully God and fully human (cf. I John 4:1-6). He
had a physical body (cf. 2:11). He was really one of us.
▣ “in order to present you before
Him” This could refer to (1) the day of salvation; (2) the time of the
believers’ death; or (3) the Judgment Day/Second Coming (cf. v. 28; Eph. 5:27).
▣ “holy and blameless and beyond
reproach” These three adjectives are used as synonyms. This describes the purity of believers in Christ (cf.
Phil. 1:15). They are not only forgiven, they are totally changed! This is very
similar to the emphasis of Eph. 1:4; 4:1; 5:27. The goal of justification is not
only heaven when we die, but holiness now (cf. Lev. 19:2; Matt. 5:48)!
Sanctification is a current reality for believers as a gift
from Christ (cf. Acts. 26:18; I Cor. 1:2,30; 6:11; Heb. 10:10,14). It is also a
progressive, Christlike living (cf. Eph. 1:4; 2:10; II Tim. 2:12; James 1:4; II
Pet. 3:14) and an eschatological goal (cf. II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:27; I Thess.
3:13; 5:23; I John 3:2). See Special Topic: Holy at Eph. 1:4.
SPECIAL TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT, GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH
1:23 “if indeed you continue in faith”
This is a first class conditional sentence which was
assumed to be true from the author’s perspective or for his literary purposes.
Paul assumed their continuance, which was an evidence of their true conversion
(cf. I John 2:19; Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21). See Special Topic: Perseverance
at Phil. 1:9.
Faith (a dative with no
article) refers to either (1) personal trust in Jesus, or (2)
faithfulness to Christ; or (3) Christian doctrine (cf. Acts 6:7; 13:8; 14:22;
Gal. 1:23; 6:10; Jude vv. 3,20, also the Pastoral Epistles). Christian maturity
involves (1) a personal faith; (2) a godly lifestyle; and (3) doctrinal
correctness. In a context of false teachings, each of these is crucial!
▣ “firmly established” This is a
perfect passive participle (same
verbal form as “alienated” in v. 21). “They have been
and continue to be firmly established (implication, by God).” This was a
construction metaphor for a sure foundation (cf. 2:7; Matt. 7:25; Eph. 3:17). It
may have been a play on Colossae’s geographical location in an earthquake area.
NASB“and not moved away from”
NKJV“and are not moved away”
NRSV“without shifting from”
TEV“and must not allow yourselves to be
shaken from”
NJB“never letting yourselves drift
away”
This term is used only here in the NT. It is the
negative expression of the previous positive statement. It can be
passive voice (God keeps us, cf NASB, NKJV) or middle
voice
(believers must exercise diligence, cf. NRSV, TEV, NJB).
▣ “the hope of the gospel”
Paul often used this term in several different but related senses. Often it was
associated with the consummation of the believer’s faith. See Special Topic:
Hope at 1:5. This can be expressed as “glory,” “eternal life,” “ultimate
salvation,” “Second Coming,” etc. The consummation is certain, but the time is
unknown.
▣ “which was proclaimed in all
creation under heaven” “All creation” is a hyperbole for the Roman Empire
(cf. Col. 1:6).
The grammatical form of this is an
aorist passive participle. However, this does not fit
the context. It must be used in the sense of a
present active participle. It
must be remembered that grammatical form is subservient
to literary context, as is lexical definition of words. Context, not grammatical
form or lexical meaning, is always priority!
▣ “minister” This was the general term for “servant”
or “service” (diakonos, cf. Col. 1:7, 23, 25; 4:7; Eph. 3:7; 6:21). Jesus
uses this term for Himself in Mark 10:45. This became the title for local church
servants-deacons (cf. Phil. 1:1).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1:24-2:5
24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh
I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is
lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
25Of this church I was made a minister according to the
stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully
carry out the preaching of
the word of God, 26that is, the mystery which has been hidden
from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His
saints, 27to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the
glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of
glory. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every
man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
29For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which
mightily works within me. 2:1For I want you to know how great a
struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all
those who have not personally seen my face,
2that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in
love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance
of understanding, resulting
in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ
Himself, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge. 4I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive
argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in
spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in
Christ.
1:24 “I rejoice in my sufferings for you” Paul saw
his imprisonment as benefitting the church (cf. Phil. 2:17 and II Cor. 1:5).
Paul saw his life as an offering to God on behalf of the church. This is part of
the Good News we don’t like (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 5:3; 8:17; II Cor. 4:7-11;
6:3-10; Phil. 1:29, 2:17; II Tim. 3:12; Heb. 5:8; I Pet. 1:7-8; 4:12-16)! As
Jesus suffered on behalf of others, so must His followers (cf. II Cor. 5:14-15;
Gal. 2:20; I John 3:16). Only the Spirit can turn persecution into joy!
▣ “in my flesh” See Special
Topic at 1:22.
▣ “in filling up that which is
lacking in Christ’s afflictions” This emphatic double
compound verb
(anti, ana, plēroō) is found only here in the NT. The
prepositions strongly affirm “on behalf of” or “and to fill completely.”
This is a very difficult sentence to interpret. Some theories about the meaning
of this verse are:
1. Christ’s atonement was not sufficient
without the church, i.e., Roman Catholicism’s merits of the saints
2. believers, as the church, share Christ’s
sufferings, (not vicariously), but by doing the Father’s will in a fallen world
(cf. Matt. 5:10-12; Mark 10:39; John 16:1ff; II Cor. 4:10; Gal. 2:20; Phil 3:10)
3. Christ suffers with believers (cf. Acts
9:4-5; II Cor. 1:5; Isa. 63:9)
4. suffering is needed for maturity (cf. Heb.
5:8)
5. we must fulfill the “birth pains” for the
new age (cf. Mark 13:8)
6. Paul was refuting a Gnostic catch phrase
This term for “suffering” was never used in the NT for Christ’s death on the
cross. The context of vv. 13-18 totally rules out #1! I like #5 best!
▣ “the church” Ekklesia
was from two Greek words, “out of” and “to call.” It is used in Koine Greek to
describe any kind of assembly, such as a town meeting (cf. Acts 19:32). The
Church chose this term because it was used in the Septuagint (the Greek
translation of the Pentateuch, written as early as 250 b.c.
for the library at Alexandria, Egypt). This term translated the Hebrew term
qahal which was used in the phrase “the assembly of Israel” (cf. Num. 20:4).
The NT writers asserted that they were the “divinely called out ones” who were
to be the People of God in their day. They saw no radical break between the OT
People of God and themselves, the NT People of God. Believers must assert that
the Church of Jesus Christ, not modern rabbinical Judaism, is the true heir of
the OT Scriptures.
In Ephesians, a circular letter, the term “church” always
has a universal meaning, but in Colossians it has a local meaning. The church is
both corporate, referring to all of the people of God, and individual, referring
to a local congregation of believers. In this text Paul is obviously referring
to the universal aspect of the church. See Special Topic: Church at 1:18.
1:25 “I was made a minister”
Paul is referring to his Apostolic call to preach to the Gentiles (cf. Acts
9:15; 22:21; 26:17; Rom. 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; Gal. 1:16; 2:7; Eph. 3:1-2, 8; I
Tim. 2:7; II Tim. 4:17). However, Paul viewed his calling and giftedness as a
servant, a slave, a steward! In the Bible leadership is servanthood.
▣ “according to the stewardship from God” Believers
are all stewards or trustees of the gospel (cf. I Cor. 4:1-5; Eph. 3:2,9; Titus
1:7; I Pet. 4:10). Paul uses this term in several different senses.
1. an Apostolic commission to proclaim the
gospel (cf. I Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:2; Col. 1:25)
2. an eternal plan of redemption (cf. Eph.
1:10, 3:9; I Cor. 4:1)
3. training in the plan of redemption and its
accompanying lifestyle (cf. I Tim. 1:4)
NASB“that I might fully carry out the
preaching of the word of God”
NKJV“to fulfill the word of God”
NRSV“to make the word of God fully known”
TEV“fully proclaiming his message”
NJB“that of completing God’s message”
This is the same root term “to fill” (plēroō)
used in v. 24. Paul’s imprisonment and preaching were accomplishing God’s
purpose for the Gentiles (cf. Acts 9:15-16; 22:21; 26:17; Rom. 11:13; 15:16;
Gal. 1:16; 2:7; Eph. 3:2,8; I Tim. 2:7; II Tim. 4:17).
1:26 “the mystery” See Special Topic at Eph. 3:3.
▣ “which has been hidden from the
past ages and generations” This is a perfect passive participle, it had been and continued to be hidden
by God (implication) in the past. This mystery was kept secret from (1) the
Gentiles, (2) the Jews, and (3) even the angels (cf. I Pet. 1:12). The prophets
had glimpses of it, but never the full truth (cf. Heb. 1:1). The phrase “ages
and generations” was used by the Gnostics to refer to the angelic levels (aeons).
▣ “but has now been manifested to His saints” This is
an aorist passive indicative of a verb
that means “to clearly reveal” or “bring to light” (cf. 1:27; Rom. 3:21; 16:26).
That which was hidden has now been fully revealed. The gospel is clear and open
to all, not just a select few! See Special Topic: Saints at 1:2.
▣ “the riches of the glory” Paul often uses the term
“riches” to describe the benefits of the gospel (cf. 1:27; 2:2; Eph. 1:7,18;
2:7; 3:8,16; Phil. 4:19).
▣ “Christ in you” It is
grammatically possible that this could be translated “Christ among you,” which
would refer to the mystery of the gospel and not the indwelling Christ. The same
Greek
preposition, en, is translated “among” in the
preceding phrase, “among the Gentiles.” This seems to fit the context best.
There is a fluidity between the work of the Son and the
Spirit. G. Campbell Morgan said the best name for the Spirit is “the other
Jesus.” The following is an outline comparison of the work and titles of the Son
and Spirit.
SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS AND THE SPIRIT
1:27 “the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles” Paul has used “riches” several times to describe God’s gracious
acts and provision for fallen man (cf. 1:27; 2:2; Rom. 2:4; 9:23; 11:33; II Cor.
8:2; Eph. 1:7,18; 2:7; 3:16).
God has always had a plan to unite Jews and Gentiles in
salvation (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13). The beginnings of this plan of redemption can be
seen in
1. God’s promise in Gen. 3:15, which applies
to all the children of Adam
2. God’s call to Abraham which would bless
all people (cf. Gen. 12:3)
3. God’s calling a kingdom of priests to
reach the world (cf. Exod. 19:5)
4. even Solomon’s temple had implications for
the Gentiles to repent and believe and be a part (cf. I Kgs. 8:43, 60)
5. the numerous references in the prophets
(especially Isaiah) to God’s universal reign and invitation to all mankind
▣ “the hope of glory” This refers to Resurrection Day
when the saints will receive their new glorified bodies (cf. I John 3:2).
Election, justification, and sanctification will result in glorification (cf.
Rom.8:29-30). See fuller note on “glory” at Eph. 1:6.
1:28 “We proclaim Him” Christianity is not primarily
correct theology, ethical standards, or religious ritual, but a personal
relationship with Jesus. Once this is established, the other aspects have their
appropriate place (cf. II Tim. 3:15,16-17).
▣ “admonishing” This word is used of “child training”
in the Septuagint (cf. Job 5:17). In the NT it is used of believers exhorting
each other (cf. Acts 20:31; Rom. 15:14). It often carried a negative connotation
of warning about inappropriate Christian behavior (cf. I Thess. 5:14; II Thess.
3:15).
▣ “every man” This phrase is used three times in this
verse for emphasis. This inclusiveness is so different from the exclusiveness of
the false teachers. The gospel is for all humanity (cf. John 3:16; I Tim. 2:4;
II Pet. 3:9).
▣ “with all wisdom” God’s wisdom is so different from
the exclusivism and secrecy of the false teachers’ so-called knowledge.
▣ “that we may present every man” God’s goal for the
church is that every believer be mature in Christ (cf. 4:12; Eph. 4:13; I Cor.
2:6; 14:20; Phil. 3:15). There are no special groups, ranks, gifts, knowledge,
or privileges in Christ’s body, just servants!
NASB“complete”
NKJV, NJB“perfect”
NRSV, TEV“mature”
This is the Greek term telos (also commonly used in
Gnostic literature of the second century), which meant “fully equipped for an
assigned task” (cf. Eph. 4:12). It was used of
1. broken limbs being healed and becoming
useful again
2. fishing nets being mended and thereby
being able to catch fish
3. ships being fitted with ropes and sails
for the sea
4. chickens that had grown large enough to be
taken to market. It does not imply sinlessness, but functional maturity
1:29 “I labor, striving” These same two strong Greek
terms are used together in I Tim. 4:10 to describe Paul’s ministry.
▣ “struggling” This is a
Present middle (deponent) participle. This is either an athletic term (cf. I Cor. 9:25; I Tim.
6:12; II Tim. 4:7) or a military term (cf. 2:1; John 18:36). We get the English
term “agony” from this Greek root. Church work is not easy!
▣ “His power, which mightily works within me” This is
a present middle participle. It is God’s power, not the
believer’s, that “energizes” all ministry (cf. I Cor. 2; Eph. 1:19; 3:7, 20;
Phil. 3:21; I Tim. 1:12) This noun and
participle are from the same Greek root which means,
“His energy energizes me.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide
commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of
the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a
commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you
think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why does Paul use a standard introduction in his letters?
How is this opening different?
2. Who started this church? What was the reason for Paul
writing this letter?
3. List the reasons for Paul’s thanksgiving for these
saints.
4. List three aspects of God’s will (1:9).
5. List four elements of Paul’s prayer as related to “worthy
lives” (1:10-12).
6. List the things Paul says about Jesus (1:15-19; 2:9-10).
7. Why does Paul emphasize Jesus’ death so strongly?
8. Can one fall from a state of grace (1:23; 2:16-23)?
9. What does 1:24 mean?
10. Define “mystery.”
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