Intro to Colossians
Author(s): Paul and Timothy
Purpose: To combat errors in the church and to show that believers have everything they need in Christ. Paul writes this letter to respond to this situation (false teaching) and to encourage these believers in their growth toward Christian maturity. Paul takes this opportunity to encourage these believers to press on to maturity in Christ by continuing in their battle against sin, pursing holiness in Christ, and learning to live as distinctively Christian households.
Colossians 1:1-2: The Greeting
Paul starts off by introducing himself and Timothy as the writers of this letter. Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison in Rome. Paul mentions that he is an apostle by the will of God. I think it is interesting how he tells them just how important his message is. He states this b/c Paul was not one of the original 12 that walked with Christ during His time here on earth.
Apostle- chosen and sent by God as a missionary or ambassador
By the will of God- that he was appointed; this was not just a matter of his own personal aspirations.
Colossae was a trading center and was a crossroads for many ideas and religions. The church of Colossae was founded by Epaphras (one of Paul’s converts). Paul was writing to this church to refute heretical teachings about Christ that had been causing confusion among the Christians there. Many cults and other religions had gone through it which I think is the reason why the heresy was so prominent and b/c all of the believers were young in their faith and didn’t necessarily know what was what. This is why it is so important to study the Bible so that you do know what is what and can defend your faith and also grow as well.
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