The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians

Transcription

1 A Comprehensive Commentary of The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians together with references for further study from the General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the Encyclopedia of Mormonism and other doctrinal texts by General Authorities of the Church Written and compiled by Paul Nolan Hyde Parrish Press Orem, Utah

2 Copyright 2009; 2015 by Paul Nolan Hyde, Ph.D. All rights reserved. First Electronic Edition Copyright 2015 Parrish Press, Orem, Utah 1842 South 50 East Orem, Utah

3 Preface This project began as an attempt to provide my children and grandchildren something of their ancestor s love and understanding of the scriptures. I began producing volumes many years ago which I was pleased to call Paraphrastic studies. I wrote one of these studies for each of the four Gospels and the letters of Paul. Eventually, however, I began to sense that there was much that I knew about the New Testament that my translations could not communicate. I therefore thought to write a comprehensive commentary on the entire New Testament, beginning with Matthew and concluding with the book of Revelation. As I published each of the nine volumes, I included the paraphrastic studies, where I had them, in conjunction with the commentary for each book in the New Testament. I began this project in 2005 and completed the final volume in The whole effort was a delight to my soul. A year before I retired from the Church Educational System, in 2003, I thought to produce an 1830 formatting of the Book of Mormon using the present text of the 1981 edition. This was a relatively easy task, given the technology available to me. I distributed these to my colleagues at the Orem Institute of Religion, members of my family, and a few other interested parties for the cost of printing and binding them. Sometime in the early spring of 2007, I was impressed to begin a verse by verse commentary on the Book of Mormon, a task that I had not presumed to attempt, inasmuch as there are no translation difficulties that abound in the Old and New Testaments. Yet, there were instances of nineteenth-century word usage and syntactic issues that I thought a commentary might help to clarify. As I began, however, I discovered that there was much more that I could communicate to my children of my understanding of the ancient record of the Nephites, material that I had gleaned as I taught the scriptures during my thirty-five year career with CES. This labor eventually produced five volumes of moderate size. As I published each segment of the commentary, I enclosed the 1830 formatting of each book in the Book of Mormon that I had devise several years before. The last volume also appeared in late By the time that I was fully engaged with writing commentaries on both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, I had become infatuated with the idea that I might be able to expand the commentaries to include the other volumes of scripture as well. Thus, in the winter of 2010 I began writing commentaries on the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants. Once I finished with the Pearl of Great Price, I began to move ahead with the book of Genesis and the rest of the Old Testament. In the late fall of 2014 I finished the last of the commentaries on the Old Testament, for a total of thirty-three printed and bound volumes. With these volumes and the others produced over the past ten years, I have completed commentary on every verse of the Standard Works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My procedure for writing the Commentary was similar to that used in creating the original paraphrastic studies. The same reference texts were employed. For difficult words in Greek, Hebrew, 3

4 and English I resorted to the works of James Strong and other lexicographers for linguistic insight. I consider the contributions made by conservative Protestant scholarship (as recorded in the New International Version) and conservative Catholic scholarship (as related in the New Jerusalem Bible). I resorted to the considered thought of Adam Clarke, one of the most prominent and prolific commentators on the sacred manuscripts available at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and who, I believe, was a man of great faith. I consulted with the Joseph Smith Translation at appropriate times (including in another column an indication that a JST change had been made for any given verse), and frequently to the writings of the General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, as I contemplated the possible meanings of each word and phrase. From time to time I resorted to Smith s Bible Dictionary and Discovering the World of the Bible by LaMar Berrett for some of the more arcane information that I thought would illuminate the text. I have attempted to maintain a steady course throughout my commentaries, treating each verse as unique, and where appropriate, duplicate notes and the text rather than use cross-references within the volume. Some may find this a waste of paper and ink, but I frankly dislike having to rifle through pages or volumes trying to find the first instance of the note or commentary. The duplications are easily ignored; fumbling through pages cannot be. It is in the best interests of the reader, however, to contemplate the reasons why such duplications exist in the biblical text in the first place. They are purposeful and I have attempted to point out their purpose as I have progressed through each volume. My numbering system for the notes used in the body of the commentary was adapted from historical linguistic texts with which I am familiar and which I had found quite useful. The pattern used is chapter.verse.word; thus note would contain material referring to the fifth word in the book of Hosea 3:4, for example. I make no comprehensive promises regarding the preciseness of my word count in any particular verse, but it will be close enough to eliminate any distressing confusion. Inasmuch as I began this series with the Gospel of Matthew, there will be times when I will make reference to my own work in that first volume. Sometimes there will be no more than a reference, MT-C ; other times I may quote directly from the original text. In either case my sole motivation will be to facilitate the flow of ideas rather than to multiply words. There are enough words already. References to the Commentaries on other books of the New Testament are abbreviated as follows: Matthew MT-C Mark MK-C Luke LK-C John JN-C Acts AC-C Romans RM-C 1 Corinthians 1 CO-C 2 Corinthians 2 CO-C Galatians GA-C Ephesians EP-C Philippians PP-C Colossians CL-C 1 Thessalonians 1 TH-C 2 Thessalonians 2 TH-C 1 Timothy 1 TM-C 2 Timothy 2 TM-C Titus TT-C Philemon PL-C Hebrews HB-C 1 Peter 1 PE-C 2 Peter 2 PE-C 1 John 1 JN-C 2 John 2 JN-C 3 John 3 JN-C Revelation RV-C 4

5 References to the Commentaries in the books of the Old Testament are as follows: Genesis GE-C Exodus EX-C Leviticus LV-C Numbers NM-C Deuteronomy DT-C Joshua JO-C Judges JD-C Ruth RU-C 1 Samuel 1 SM-C 2 Samuel 2 SM-C 1 Kings 1 KG-C 2 Kings 2 KG-C 1 Chronicles 1 CR-C 2 Chronicles 2 CR-C Ezra ER-C Nehemiah NE-C Esther ES-C Job JB-C Psalms PS-C Proverbs PV-C Ecclesiastes ES-C Song of Solomon SS-C Isaiah IS-C Jeremiah JR-C Lamentations LM-C Ezekiel EZ-C Daniel DA-C Hosiah HS-C Joel JL-C Amos AM-C Obadiah OB-C Jonah JH-C Micah MH-C Nahum NA-C Habakkuk HB-C Zephaniah ZP-C Haggai HG-C Zechariah ZE-C Malachi ML-C I have also made reference to the other standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. The references to the Book of Mormon are articulated in bold and italics lettering using the following abbreviations: 1 Nephi 1 NE-C 2 Nephi 2 NE-C Jacob JA-C Enos EN-C Jarom JM-C Omni OM-C Words of Mormon WM-C Mosiah MS-C Alma AL-C Helaman HE-C 3 Nephi 3 NE-C 4 Nephi 4 NE-C Mormon MM-C Ether ET-C Moroni MR-C The abbreviation TPW-C refers to the material found on the Title Page of the Book of Mormon and in the Testimonies of the Three and Eight Witnesses. The references to Sections that are in the Doctrine and Covenants are indicated as DC-C followed by the section number and verse (OD1-C and OD2-C are self-explanatory); The Pearl of Great Price references contained herein use the following abbreviations: MO-C, AB-C, SM-C, SH-C, and AF-C. In some cases I have taken on what some would consider controversial material. I make no apologies for so doing. I have found that my children are best served when an issue is approached head on, the differing points of view presented, and the rationale given as to why one school of thought ought to be preferred over another. Sometimes the decisions are logically founded; others the result of doctrinal points that are unique to theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In most cases I have not argued authorities, even though I could have inserted multiple references to the writings of scholars with whom I am familiar. I have chosen to have my sources on any particular issue to remain anonymous in the text of the commentary for several reasons. First and foremost, this work is my commentary, what I believe and hold to be true. In the end, that is what my children wish to know. Secondly, I did not wish to have my children accept or dismiss a particular view merely because of who had been the author of it. Many wonderful insights have been made by scholars both inside and outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wherein I have found one view to be preferable over another has not been a partisan matter, but rather a matter of the mind, heart, and spirit cooperating together in an attempt to understand what must be the truth. Thirdly, I have been quite clear who my authorities have been. It is my fondest 5

6 desire that my children would become as familiar with their writings as I have. Were I to cite all of my sources with extensive quotes from each, there would be no need for them to open any of the books that I have come to love. That, in part, is why I included the third column containing crossreferences to the various doctrinal works in the Commentaries. Exceptions to this practice should be noted as being of extreme importance. In addition to the text of the Standard Works, together with my own commentary, I inserted a column of references for further study. The citations are taken from three major sources: the Conference Reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from April 1980 to November 2002 (abbreviated as CR followed by the year, month, and page number); the Encyclopedia of Mormonism (four volumes, abbreviated EM followed by the volume and page number); and A Scripture Index (a compilation of scripture references cited in various texts published by General Authorities of the Church). For those not familiar with the abbreviations used in A Scripture Index. I include them below: TPJS Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith GD Gospel Doctrine MA Mediation and Atonement FWR Far West Record DHC History of the Church (7 vols.) TSWK Teaching of Spencer W. Kimball MF Miracle of Forgiveness FPM Faith Precedes the Miracle MD Mormon Doctrine PM Promised Messiah MM Mortal Messiah (4 vols.) MLM Millennial Messiah DNTC Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 vols.) JC Jesus the Christ AF Articles of Faith DS Doctrines of Salvation (3 vols.) AGQ Answers to Gospel Questions (5 vols.) As with each of the volumes previously published, I include two lists. The first, bound in front of the Commentary, is a listing of all of the words and phrases upon which I have made extensive remarks, a kind of sequential table of contents. I have also arranged this list alphabetically and have placed it at the end of the Commentary as a kind of index. A comprehensive alphabetical index for the entire volume appears as the last section of this book. Needless to say that all of the errors in the material submitted herein to the reader are the product of my own limitations as a scholar; all of the brilliance which may appear here is the product of minds and hearts filled with the fire of the Spirit of God, from whom all truth and beauty ultimately derive. A Note on the Electronic Edition Not only did my children and other family members receive bound copies of commentaries, but there were a number of friends and neighbors who had expressed an interest in them. There were requests from others who desired copies of what I had done, but I was not in a position to provide them with hard copies. Inasmuch as I had all of the volumes in computer files, I thought to compile each of the commentaries in some format that could be read on a smart device. I opted to use Adobe Acrobat, turning all of the work into PDF files. I have used these on my tablet for many years and have found them useful and far easier to cart about with me. In the early spring of 2015, my neighbor David Dollahite arranged for a meeting with Jack Welch and Marny Parkin regarding the possibility of BYU providing a dedicated web site so that there would be greater public access to my 6

7 work. Thus began the present enterprise of editing and standardizing all that had done during the last ten years. My commentary on the Gospel of Matthew is the first of these electronic volumes. Within a year or so I hope to have all of the books available in the same format. PNH Orem, Utah July

8 Sequence of Specifically Noted Words and Phrases in Colossians Commentary Paul apostle Jesus Christ will Timotheus saints faithful brethren Christ Colosse grace peace We Jesus Christ Christ Jesus saints gospel Epaphras Christ which meet inheritance saints darkness translated kingdom image invisible firstborn him before consist head beginning was preached Paul Who fill up behind afflictions Christ Whereof dispensation fulfil saints Gentiles Christ we Christ Jesus conflict Laodicea Christ Christ Christ Jesus Rooted built stablished Christ Godhead bodily circumcised Christ uncircumcision quickened principalities powers meat drink holyday new moon Sabbath Christ voluntary angels intruding holding Christ ordinances will worship Christ affection hid Christ Christ life Mortify members fornication uncleanness inordinate affection evil concupiscence covetousness anger wrath malice blasphemy filthy communication Greek Jew circumcision uncircumcision Barbarian Scythian bond free bowels mercies kindness humbleness of mind meekness longsuffering Forbearing quarrel Christ bond Christ psalms hymns spiritual songs Lord Jesus bitter discouraged eyeservice menpleasers Christ mystery Christ it speech grace salt Tychicus Onesimus Aristarchus Marcus Barnabas whom commandments Jesus Justus circumcision only 8

9 Epaphas Laodicea Hierapolis Luke Demas Laodicea Nymphas Laodicea Archippus Paul Grace Amen 9

10 A Commentary on the Scriptures by Paul Nolan Hyde, Ph.D. The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians 0.0 As with the other letters of the Apostle Paul there are divergent views as to when and where the epistle to the Colossians was written. Euthalius asserts that Paul wrote from Rome, using Tychicus and Onesimus as his scribes. Although our authority lived four centuries after the Apostle completed his mortal ministry on the earth, yet he has not proven to be far off the mark in the past. Little doubt has arisen about Paul s authorship since ancient times, save for a slight bout with incredulity during the 19th century, a cynicism that derived from ignorance rather than from knowledge. That Paul was at Rome when he wrote the letter is certain, but we cannot specify with accuracy precisely as to which of his many visits there provided the setting for his epistle to Colosse. Needless to say, most sectarian scholars wish the timeframe to be within the construct established by Luke in the book of Acts. This assumption is neither necessary nor wise. Chapter Because of a mistaken notion about the roots of Christian Gnosticism, some scholars have cast doubt upon Paul s authorship. Gnosticism was alive and well from the days of the Savior himself, notwithstanding the claims of some who suggested that that apostasy did not rear its head until the second century Paul The Latin name of Saul of Tarsus which he adopted as he began his missionary labors apostle We are not privy as to the exact time that Paul was ordained to hold a place within the Quorum of the Twelve Jesus Christ The author of eternal salvation, both of the body and the spirit through the power of the resurrection and his atoning sacrifice for sin will A man must be called of God, by revelation, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, those who hold the keys of the Kingdom of God on the earth Timotheus If long-standing tradition is any indication, this faithful companion of the Apostle Paul had served for many years with him in the ministry is the same to whom two of Paul s many epistles were addressed. Timothy was raised in the Jewish faith by his mother, though he was not circumcised until he had neared adulthood. His conversion to Christianity was a great blessing to his family and to the Church of Christ. Extrascriptural tradition has assigned Timothy the bishopric of Ephesus and martyrdom at the hands of the emperor of Rome. Historians are at odds as to whither of the two cities, Derbe or Lystra, was the home town of Timothy and his mother. Some ancient manuscripts assure us that Lystra is the correct community. 1.2 It is a marvelous and gratifying experience to have a man of God evoke the blessings of heaven upon the faithful. Jesus Christ did so for the brethren that served with him in his mortal ministry. He sought to bless all those with whom he came in contact, whether they were receptive or not to his message of salvation. There is a tenderness of heart in the Son of God that is nigh 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 1:1 AGQ 4:100 10

11 unfathomable to the minds of fallen men, but frequently observable in the demeanor of the Lord s servants saints A common term used for the formal members of the Church of Jesus Christ faithful brethren One might ask the question as to the difference between the saints at Colosse and the faithful brethren in Christ Jesus. In terms of their spiritual development probably little could be said. What is implied here is that Paul knew that the letter would be read by other members of the Church, those who did not live within the city limits of Colosse. At the end of this epistle, Paul is quite explicit about his intentions (see 4.16) Christ Simply put, the name Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah. In both Hebrew and Greek, the terms mean anointed one. Every prophet of God from the days of Adam has been anointed in preparation for their ministry to the world. Every king who has ruled by divine right has also been anointed as part of his ascendancy to the throne and the scepter. The same may be said of every priest who has administered the ordinances of the Priesthood, particularly those of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and most specifically in the House of the Lord. Some scholars have suggested that even though certain men have been anointed to be prophets and priests, or kings and priests, or prophets and kings, none but Jesus has been anointed prophet, priest, and king. Of course, these scholars have asserted such out of ignorance, not understanding that all those who are heirs of salvation and exaltation have been anointed prophets, priests, and kings in similitude of their Savior. Jesus is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Great High Priest who presides over all priesthood, the prophet who has inspired all prophets in whatever time or place in which they might have lived. He is our Master in all things, but his labors have been designed to bring us all back into the presence of God as he is Colosse The ancient city of Colosse or Colossae, built on the banks of the river Lycus, lay 12 miles southeast of the city of Laodocia, which in turn lay a little more than 100 miles due east of Ephesus, in the Roman province of Asia Minor. This city was reported destroyed by the 5th century historian, Eusebius, the result of an earthquake that took place during the tenth year of the reign of Nero, or about AD 64. This historical tidbit has suggested that Paul s letter would have been written during his first Roman imprisonment. There is divided opinion among the scholars as to who first preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in that city. Some have recommended Epaphras, one of Paul s companions, but it is most likely that Paul himself introduced Christianity to Colosse, probably during one of his several extended stays in the Asia Minor grace The Greek word which is here translated as grace derives from roots which mean graciousness, gratifying, divine influence on the heart, cheerful, calmly happy, joyful peace The Greek word which is here translated as peace derives from roots which mean to join, prosperity, one, rest, set at one again. Jesus fundamental purpose in his mortal ministry was to establish a reconciliation between the Father and His disobedient children, an at-one-ment or atonement. The establishment of Zion is another goal of the Gospel of Christ, where all the inhabitants thereof are of one heart and one mind, dwell in righteousness, and there is no poor among them. Every covenant, every ordinance in the Church and Kingdom of 11

12 God is designed to establish unity among those who embrace them. 1.3 Paul rejoiced in the acceptance of the Colossians, their willingness to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He likewise was grateful for the reciprocal blessings that were bestowed upon them as they observed to do all that he had taught them and that had been revealed to them individually by the power of the Holy Ghost We Certainly in reference to Paul and Timothy, but probably including many others of those who were dwelling with Paul in Rome at the time of the drafting of the epistle (see ) Jesus Christ The author of eternal salvation, both of the body and the spirit through the power of the resurrection and his atoning sacrifice for sin. 1.4 There is a superior translation of this verse. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of your love to all the saints, (JST, Colossians 1:4) Even though Paul was frequently detained in his missionary journeys, sometimes by force, he nonetheless was constantly informed by his fellow laborers in the Kingdom of God regarding the spiritual affairs of the membership of the Church where he had responsibility. The love of the membership of the Church was no doubt in part manifested by their willingness to contribute to the material needs of the poor, at home and abroad. He also knew of their standing before God and Christ, by revelation, in his capacity as an Apostle of the Lord Christ Jesus All effective ordinances of any kind are performed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Into his hands has the destiny of the earth and her inhabitants been placed. By the power of the authority given to him by his Father is all substantive labor in behalf of the salvation of mankind accomplished, whether by Jesus himself, or through his ordained agents saints In reference to the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ, those who have covenanted to no longer partake of the wickedness of the world. The Greek word used here means those not of the earth. 1.5 There is a superior translation for this verse. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (JST, Colossians 1:5) Paul s petitions to God the Father in behalf of the Colossians included his deep gratitude for the faith and testimony which the Holy Spirit had instilled into the hearts and minds of the saints. They had heard and received the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives, by which they were progressing towards eternal life gospel That is to say, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, baptism by immersion for the remission pf sins, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. 1.6 There is a superior translation of this verse. 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth Col. 1:4 JST CR88-O 76 Col. 1:5 AF 49 MD 365 DNTC 2:264 DS 1:18 Col. 1:6 JST 12

13 Which is come unto you, as in all generations of the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth; (JST, Colossians 1:6) At any time and in any place where there have been those willing to receive the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Lord God of Israel has raised up men to reveal unto the inhabitants of the earth the principles and ordinances of salvation. These dispensations have brought the honest in heart into the presence of God, by helping them to put off the natural man and partake of the divine nature which is their lot and destiny in eternity. Since the Meridian of Time, the fullness of the Gospel has been taken to the spirits of the dead, among those who have lived in every time and place since the days of Adam and Eve. The principles of faith and repentance are effective in time and in eternity, for the living and the dead, and will bear fruit as they are consciously honored by those who desire the glory of God. 1.7 Many students of the New Testament have suggested that Epaphras may have been the first man to preach the Gospel of Christ in the city of Colosse, largely because of this verse. Yet it is far more likely that Paul initiated the preaching of the Gospel in this place, Epaphras being one of his many converts, no doubt among the first to accept the truth. In this sense, Epaphras would be like unto Timothy and the Galatians. Epaphras was undoubtedly called of God, by revelation and the laying on of hands to build up the Kingdom of God in Colosse and environs through Paul s Apostolic authority Epaphras Some scholars have concluded that this fellow servant of the Apostle Paul is the same man as Epaphroditus who appears in the epistle to the Philippians. While an excellent linguistic case might be made to justify the conflation of the two men, it is highly unlikely that they should be equated. From the text of the letter to the Philippians, Epaphroditus seems to be a native of Philippi (see PP-C 2.25 and PP-C 4.18); the text of Colossians would imply that Epaphras was born and raised in Colosse (see 4.12) Christ Simply put, the name Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah. In both Hebrew and Greek, the terms mean anointed one. Every prophet of God from the days of Adam has been anointed in preparation for their ministry to the world. Every king who has ruled by divine right has also been anointed as part of his ascendancy to the throne and the scepter. The same may be said of every priest who has administered the ordinances of the Priesthood, particularly those of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and most specifically in the House of the Lord. Some scholars have suggested that even though certain men have been anointed to be prophets and priests, or kings and priests, or prophets and kings, none but Jesus has been anointed prophet, priest, and king. Of course, these scholars have asserted such out of ignorance, not understanding that all those who are heirs of salvation and exaltation have been anointed prophets, priests, and kings in similitude of their Savior. Jesus is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Great High Priest who presides over all priesthood, the prophet who has inspired all prophets in whatever time or place in which they might have lived. He is our Master in all things, but his labors have been designed to bring us all back into the presence of God as he is. 1.8 From time to time, those who had been called to serve in various parts of the world under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. JC 587,

14 given opportunities to give an accounting of their service in the ministry. Epaphras certainly was a participant in this long-standing practice. 1.9 The servants of God can do much to bring salvation to the hearts and minds of the children of men. They teach the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith, repentance, baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost constitute the fullness of the Gospel. Once those principles and ordinances have taken root in the lives of the faithful, the effects of direct inspiration begin to manifest themselves in the membership of the Church and Kingdom of God. The servants of God may continue to minister to the saints, but the sons and daughters of God are taught directly by the Heavens, as is their divine right. The Apostles and prophets take no offense at the instructions of the Father to His children, but rejoice in that blessing. 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 1.10 The disciples of Christ are called upon to live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God, that they might obtain the riches of eternity that have been prepared for them. Their worthy walk and talk before the children of men, their faithful adherence to proper Christian conduct at all times and in all places, enhances the faith of those not fully acquainted with the principles of salvation. In the example of the lives of the faithful, the unregenerate may find his or her own hope of redemption from sin and death A man filled with the power of God, full of the knowledge of the love of God for all mankind, is prepared to suffer all things for Christ s sake, able to endure adversity and persecution, if necessary, in order to prove to be a blessing to those around him. Such a man seeks not his own aggrandizement, but the salvation of the children of men As part of their daily prayers unto the Father, Paul and his companions continually petitioned Heaven for the realization of the eternal blessings which have been promised the faithful which In reference to the Father, rather than the thanks mentioned here. Without going into all of the historical linguistics involved, let it suffice that in the 16th century the word which served as both an impersonal and a personal pronoun. The distinctive who and which that exist today is of a more recent development meet The Greek word which is here translated as meet derives from roots that mean enable, qualify. The English word meet having the same meaning has gradually become archaic in common usage inheritance The inheritance of the saints is exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom which is, by definition, a bestowal of the fullness of light and truth, the glory of God saints In reference to the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ, those who have covenanted to no longer partake of the wickedness of the world. The Greek word used here means those not of the earth Satan has great power here upon the earth, a power that is strengthened by individual perversion and is lessened through faith, repentance, and righteous covenants. As darkness is deposed in our personal lives, light and truth are reintroduced into the world. Thus, disciple by disciple, the world is changed, translated, until one day this planet will receive exaltation and serve as the dwelling place for the children of God darkness We live in a lost and fallen world, one filled with igno- 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: Col. 1:12 MD 126 Col. 1:12 15 MA 31 Col. 1:13 16 EM 1:340 Col. 1:13 17 PM 56 Col. 1:13 19 DNTC 2:159 14

15 rance, corruption, and death. Most of the inhabitants of the earth have partaken of the wickedness of the world and have been blinded by sins and transgressions of every kind. Far too many of our Heavenly Father s children have cut themselves off from the power and influence of the Holy Ghost and in their continuing depravity are fast losing the light of Christ. Left to themselves, they cannot possibly find happiness or redemption translated The Greek word which is here translated as translated derives from roots that mean transfer, carry away, depose, exchange, seduce kingdom After all is said and done, the Lord Jesus Christ will literally be King of kings and Lord of lords The atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ suffices for the salvation and exaltation of all men, even as many as will receive it. As a result of the agony begun in the Garden of Gethsemane and concluded upon the cross at Calvary, which agony caused the Savior to bleed at every pore, the sins and transgressions of all mankind have been accounted for. The entire debt owed to the law of justice has been paid through the law of mercy. Any man willing to put off the natural man and partake of the divine nature in all things will ultimately find himself delivered from every spiritual ill hindering his progress into the Celestial Kingdom The Lord Jesus Christ, for all practical purposes, serves as a perfect representation of the Father to the children of men upon the earth image Were a mortal man to come into physical contact with both the Father and the Son at the same instant, he would be hardpressed to distinguish between the two. As Paul says in another place, Jesus is in the express image of the Father; nothing else could possibly be expected under the circumstances. Were such a man to pose a question to either divine being during his interview with them, it would be of no significance as to which of the two responded, for either answer would be precisely the same as the other invisible The God of Heaven is invisible to those without eyes to see; there have been but few on this planet, since the beginning of time, who have lived up to their privileges as children of the Most High firstborn Insofar as the human inhabitants of this earth are concerned, Jesus Christ was the first to receive spirit existence, born as the first spirit child to heavenly parents While it is the power of God the eternal Father, invested in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, that brought about the organization of this earth and all that dwell upon it, the instrument of that power was the Savior and all those who partook of that power with him. Jesus Christ, together with all those called and set apart by him, are responsible for all of the beauty and wonder that we perceive here upon the earth. There would be no existence as we understand it without their intervention, from before the time the foundations of the earth were laid. Devils and men have sought to lay this world waste, but they have been thwarted in their attempts to destroy the works of God. Nothing that has appeared upon the earth will endure, save it have the approbation of the Son of God him Both the syntax this passage and common sense identify the Lord Jesus Christ as the antecedent of this pronoun. 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Col. 1:14 PM 254 Col. 1:15 AF 42 MD 281 DNTC 3:460 PM 47 EM 2:728, 739 EM 4:1546 Col. 1:15 19 DHC 1: (60) AF 472 MM 1:29 EM 4:1676 Col. 1:16 DHC 4:257 AF 41 DNTC 3:567 DS 1:74 PM 60 EM 2:720, 739 Col. 1:16 17 MA 90 MD 169, 170 DNTC 3:194 JC 33 CR83-A 86 Col. 1:17 15

16 1.17 The investiture of authority given by the Father to the Son was not symbolic, but substantive. All that the Father could do, was possible for the Son to do as well before Jesus was the first of all the spirit children born to our Father in heaven. His spiritual existence antedated the birth of all others and the creation of the earth consist The Greek word which is here translated as consist derives from roots that mean strengthened, set together, introduce, exhibit, stand near, constitute The Lord Jesus Christ is the author of our salvation. No man will enter back into the presence of the Father without calling upon the name of the Son of God in faith, exhibiting sincere repentance, and accepting all of the covenants which bind the hearts and minds of the disciples of Christ into one. Paul s analogy of the Church of Christ being like unto a human body is powerful. We are all, Master and disciples alike, part of the whole, which will be saved together or not at all. The Lord, however, presides in time and in eternity head There is no one in time or in eternity more qualified to lead, guide, and direct the affairs of the Kingdom of God beginning Prior to the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, no man upon this earth had ever received immortality or eternal life It also pleases God the Father that the fullness of the divine nature dwell in every man, woman, and child who has come into this world. For this reason the principles of salvation and exaltation have been taught to the children of men and a way provided, through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, by which men might be prepared to receive a fullness of the glory of God The natural man is an enemy to God. The antipathy caused by sin and transgression is as a great gulf dividing the children of men from the love of God. The atonement of Jesus Christ provides redemption from sin, exoneration from guilt and punishment. In Jesus inimitable sacrifice, the division between God and man is bridged, allowing men to partake of that destiny which was theirs before the sons of God ever contemplated the framing of the earth All of us, to one degree or another, have been strangers and foreigners to the Kingdom of God on the earth. Our preferences for the lusts of the flesh and the pleasures of this lost and fallen world have separated us from the love of God. We have, from time to time, lived in misery and darkness, afflicted by the company of evil and degradation which cannot possibly bring happiness into the life of any man. Only in and through the pure love of Jesus Christ may we find hope, peace, security, and joy in this life and in the world to come. For only in him may we find forgiveness and redemption No man deprived the Lord Jesus of his mortality. The buffetings, the whippings, the crucifixion, and the other physically oppressive abuses heaped upon him by the Romans and the Jews did not cause his life force to depart his dying body. It was the destructive nature of the punishment for personal sins that ultimately made Jesus body uninhabitable. If the truth be known, it was the divine will of the Savior, coupled with his infinite love for the children of men, that sustained his mortal life until the redemption of mankind from hell was accomplished. Had it not been for the power of God residing within 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: JC 36, 412 Col. 1:17 (RSV) CR91-A 119 Col. 1:18 AF 386, 394 MD 281, 656 DS 1:105 JC 23, 316, 700 EM 1:276, 279 EM 2:579 CR87-O 77 Col. 1:18 20 MA 31 Col. 1:19 MD 349 CR82-A 103 Col. 1:19 23 AF 95 Col. 1:20 MD 172 Col. 1:21 CR87-A 87 Col. 1:21 23 CR94-O 46 Col. 1:21 27 PM

17 him, a power that came in large measure because of his foreordination and his perfect obedience to the commandments of God, his life would have been snuffed out in the opening moments of his expiation in the Garden of Gethsemane. If we have repented of all of our sins and have effectively called upon the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for a remission of those sins, there is no man in time or in eternity that can cast those misdeeds into our face. To do so would incur the wrath of God; to do so would be to deny the sacrifice of His only begotten Son Salvation in the Kingdom of Heaven is not accomplished in a moment, nor does one moment of contriteness and humility suffice for a life full of wickedness and rebellion. The process of perfection is a gradual one, a continual abandonment of all that is amiss in one s life and an acceptance of every truth that falls from the lips of God and His servants was preached One may quibble about Paul s meaning here, as to whether what we have preserved in the King James version of the Bible is precisely what he meant as his letter was composed. We may speculate about the eventual truth manifested on this earth when every eye will see, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. At the heart of the matter, however, is the fact that Paul knew that most of what we are learning here in this mortal sphere we once heard with our own ears in the Councils held in the Celestial Kingdom before the earth was created. The fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was taught there, and all who have come upon the earth since the days of Adam and Eve have done so willingly and with a complete knowledge of what would ultimately be required of the children of men. This is why the principles of truth resonate within us when we hear them again. This accounts for the great faith manifested among the servants of God in every dispensation. Resistance against the truth when it is preached, or even fervent and violent opposition, is a product of the blindness which the children of men have brought upon themselves through not hearkening to the promptings of the Spirit of God and the light of Christ Paul The Latin name of Saul of Tarsus which he adopted as he began his missionary labors Paul frequently referred to his own sufferings as providing an example to the membership of the Church, that his ministry was neither a slight nor an idle one. He knew that he did not deserve much of the treatment that he had received at the hands of the world, but the same could be said of the saints in every place and time. He also, on many occasions, perceived himself as a lightning rod, a figurehead which could be abused by the wicked, thus protecting from direct persecution for a time, the lay membership of the Church and Kingdom of God. He was happy to submit to such, if it would preserve their souls in Jesus Christ Who In reference to Paul himself fill up The Greek word which is here translated as fill up derives from roots which mean supplement behind The Greek word which is here translated as behind derives from roots that mean deficit, poverty, lacking afflictions The Greek word which is here translated as afflictions derives from roots that mean pressure, anguish, burden, persecution, tribulation, trouble. Paul is speaking of his own lot in life that has befallen him as a minister of Jesus Christ. He is not referring to the 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body s sake, which is the church: Col. 1:23 MD 365 DNTC 2:264 JC 587, 716 CR83-A 11 CR87-A 86 CR88-O 39 CR94-O 47 CR98-O 80 Col. 1:24 EM 1:97 Col. 1:24 26 AF 82 17

18 atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, for there is nothing lacking in that event Christ Simply put, the name Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah. In both Hebrew and Greek, the terms mean anointed one. Every prophet of God from the days of Adam has been anointed in preparation for their ministry to the world. Every king who has ruled by divine right has also been anointed as part of his ascendancy to the throne and the scepter. The same may be said of every priest who has administered the ordinances of the Priesthood, particularly those of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and most specifically in the House of the Lord. Some scholars have suggested that even though certain men have been anointed to be prophets and priests, or kings and priests, or prophets and kings, none but Jesus has been anointed prophet, priest, and king. Of course, these scholars have asserted such out of ignorance, not understanding that all those who are heirs of salvation and exaltation have been anointed prophets, priests, and kings in similitude of their Savior. Jesus is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Great High Priest who presides over all priesthood, the prophet who has inspired all prophets in whatever time or place in which they might have lived. He is our Master in all things, but his labors have been designed to bring us all back into the presence of God as he is Paul did nothing for the benefit of the membership of the Church of Christ, nor did he promulgate the Gospel of the Son of God without divine inspiration Whereof The immediate antecedent here appears to be the church, mentioned in the previous verse. But we may also consider that Paul may have been referring to the Gospel of Christ of which he was a minister, as he testified a few verses earlier (see 1.23). Whether a minister of the Gospel or of the Church, in Paul s case the effect would have been the same dispensation The Greek word which is here translated as dispensation, derives from roots that mean administration, economy, stewardship fulfil Paul s primary function as a servant of God was to accomplish the tasks that were set before him to do by the spirit of revelation Given the context of this verse, Paul is certainly referring to the word of God mentioned in the previous verse. To those who had never heard the whisperings of the spirit of God, the principle of revelation by which Paul conducted his life would have been a complete mystery. But Paul is clear in his testimony, that he is not unique in his awareness of the mind of God. The saints of God, even many of those who dwelt in the city of Colosse and environs knew precisely of that which he spoke saints In reference to the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ, those who have covenanted to no longer partake of the wickedness of the world. The Greek word used here means those not of the earth By revelation, the saints of God might know how their neighbor s lives might be changed for the better, how the Gospel of Christ might fill their lives with peace and happiness. With that assurance within us, would be not be far more proactive in our efforts to teach the truth to every nation, kindred, 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, Col. 1:25 DHC 3:50 MD