Colossians
Author: Paul
Period: c.60 A.D.
Summary: The letter to the congregation at Colossi was written in response to heresy and Judaizing that had been brought to Paul's attention. The major errors that had crept into the church were 1) the exaltation of angels or other "elemental spirits," 2) the emphasis on ascetic or liturgical practices thought to produce spirituality and, 3) those in error claimed a special knowledge beyond that found in the Gospel of Christ. Paul states that these are philosophies based on human knowledge and tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to authority and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of God.
CHRIST THE FULLNESS OF GOD TO US
Key Verses: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:8-10
Breakdown:
Introduction: Chapter 1:1-14
Doctrinal--'That you may be filled:' Chapter 1:15 - 2:23
Practical--'Seek those things above:' Chapter 3:1 - 4:6
Personal--'That you may know our estate:' Chapter 4:7-18
Period: c.60 A.D.
Summary: The letter to the congregation at Colossi was written in response to heresy and Judaizing that had been brought to Paul's attention. The major errors that had crept into the church were 1) the exaltation of angels or other "elemental spirits," 2) the emphasis on ascetic or liturgical practices thought to produce spirituality and, 3) those in error claimed a special knowledge beyond that found in the Gospel of Christ. Paul states that these are philosophies based on human knowledge and tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to authority and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of God.
CHRIST THE FULLNESS OF GOD TO US
Key Verses: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:8-10
Breakdown:
Introduction: Chapter 1:1-14
Doctrinal--'That you may be filled:' Chapter 1:15 - 2:23
Practical--'Seek those things above:' Chapter 3:1 - 4:6
Personal--'That you may know our estate:' Chapter 4:7-18