1 Introduction To Colossians
2 Introduction to Colossians I. Colosse, the city. A. Ash noted that Colosse had been a very important city for several centuries before Christ, but that it had declined in importance by the time of Paul with the neighboring cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea being more significant at the time Colossians was written. B. Colosse was located in Asia Minor, today s Turkey, and had been involved largely in the textile business. C. Ash further noted that a severe earthquake struck Laodicea in circa 60 or 64 and this may have exacerbated, increased, contributed to Colosse s decline. D. Lipscomb and Shepherd stated that Colosse was located in Phyrgia on the Lycus River and was situated on a major highway leading from Ephesus to the Euphrates Valley. E. Colosse was approximately 100 miles east of Ephesus while Hierapolis was 12 miles and Laodicea was approximately 10 miles from Colosse. II. The church in Colosse. A. Coffman ventured the opinion that Paul visited Colosse while residing two full years at Ephesus. 1. Acts 19:10, And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
3 2. Colossians 2:1, 2, For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3. Colossians 1:9, 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; B. Epaphras may have established churches in Colosse, Hierapolis and Laodicea. 1. Colossians 1:7, 8, As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 2. Colossians 4:13, 16, For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. C. Several Colossians are mentioned in Paul s writings 1. Colossians 4:15, 17, Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And say to Archippus, Take heed to the
4 2. ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. 3. Philemon 1, 2, Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlaborer. And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 4. Philemon 23, There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; III. The occasion leading to the writing of Colossians and subjects addressed. A. Ash wrote that the membership of the Colossian church was largely Gentile although the heresy which Paul opposed contained certain Jewish elements. B. Angelic worship and extreme asceticism, Ash noted, were also part of the problem in Colosse. C. The false doctrines being taught at Colosse diminished the position of Christ and his essential work of salvation, Ash further noted. D. Colossians 2:16-20, Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. And not holding the
5 Head from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, E. Lipscomb and Shepherd wrote that the Colossians were in grave danger of being overcome by non-christian beliefs and practices. F. Lipscomb and Shepherd further specify that the area in and around Colosse was a hotbed of theosophy, Gnosticism and mysticism. 1. These people apparently thought Christianity was good, but should be embellished with additional philosophies. 2. Today some make this same mistake by seeking to merge ideas from all the world s religions with Christianity to form a new world belief system. 3. Lipscomb and Shepherd observed, They claimed to know the way to lead the Christian beginner onward and upward to perfection; that they were able to initiate him into the mysteries of the higher life. 4. Jesus had much to say about the religious errors he encountered and Paul in his epistles addressed problems in the churches to which he wrote. Lipscomb and Shepherd. G. To these assertions Paul said Christ is all that is needed! 1. Christ is supreme, the Savior; there is none other.
6 2. Christ is our all in all! Amen. Period. Note: See New Testament Commentaries, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, David Lipscomb and J. W. Shepherd, pp. 243-245, Gospel Advocate Company, Nashville, TN 1989. IV. Content: A. The first two chapters of Colossians deals with doctrinal matters and the final two chapters of this four chapter book urge the Colossians to mold their behaviors to fit, conform to these beliefs. Youngblood. V. Author, time and place of the writing of Colossians. A. Lipscomb and Shepherd wrote that Colossians, Ephesians and Philemon were evidently written from Rome sometime in the year 62. B. Youngblood dates Colossians to the late 50s or early 60s. C. Coffman stated, Most conservative scholars agree that Colossians was written from Rome during Paul s first imprisonment which makes the date of it somewhere near the years 60 or 61 A.D. D. However, Coffman favored A.D. 58 as the date Colossians was written because both Ephesians and Colossians appear to have been delivered at the same time by the same person.
7 Questions Introduction to Colossians 1. Where was Colosse located? 2. When and by whom was the church in Colosse established? 3. When and by whom was Colossians written? By whom was this epistle delivered? 4. Describe the conditions at Colosse which allude to the reasons for the writing of this epistle.
8 5. Define theosophy, Gnosticism and mysticism. 6. Are there any situations in the world today which compare with the heresies among the Colossians? If so, what are they? 7. The first chapters of deal with matters while the final chapters of this chapter book urge the to mold their to fit, conform to these. 8. Name several Colossians mentioned in Paul s writings. Is Epaphras the same as Epaphroditus? Give reasons for your answer. 9. Why, in Colossians 2:19-20, does Paul assert that Christ is supreme?_
10. Jesus and Paul had much to say about the religious errors they encountered. In this regard what are we to do and how are we to do it? 9