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Ø Why study Colossians?
1. It is “unrivaled in its portrayal of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ”.
- “Christ is the very image of God, whose perfections serve as the pattern for their renewal as image-bearers.”
2. The Gospel is “robustly stated” in this letter.
- 1:19-20: The Gospel doesn’t exist without Jesus
- 1:5-8; 12-14: The Gospel believed, delivers from darkness and transforms lives

3. It “taps into and develops the epic story of Scripture in profound ways”.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Messianic promises (2:2-3)

- Jesus holds preeminence over all things (1:15-20; 2:3)

- Jesus is the perfect example of sanctification for all who believe (3:9-11)

Ø Fascinating Facts
1. One of only two epistles written to a church that he had never previously visited (Romans).
2. Contains some of the greatest passages on the deity and ministry of Jesus (1:15-20; 2:9-10).

3. Over 4/5 of the verses are repeated in Ephesians with some slight variations.
4. Many false teachings are addressed – legalism, mysticism, asceticism and Gnosticism.
5. No Old Testament references.
6. Colossae was a river town on the Lycus River, near Laodicea and Hierapolis.
7. Epaphras may have been the founder of the church, while Paul was in Ephesus.
8. The church was most likely predominantly Gentile.

Ø Did you know?
1. “certificate of debt” or “handwriting of ordinances” was a business term of indebtedness in the debtor’s own handwriting (2:14).

2. “disarming the enemy” is a picture of conquered soldiers stripped of their clothing and weapons to symbolize their total defeat (2:15).

3. The central error of the Colossian heresy was a defective view of Christ, in that he was believed to be less than deity (2:19)

4. A “barbarian” referred to someone who did not speak Greek and was on that basis thought to be uncivilized (3:11).

Ø Interesting Interpretive Matter
- “firstborn” (1:15, 18). “Literally means, “first in time” or “first in place.” In this context, protokos should be translated as preeminent or “first in place.” Therefore, Jesus Christ is the “chief born” who reigns over all creation. This title reveals the humanity of the Son as the foremost creature of all creation. However, this designation in no way suggests that Christ Himself was created by God. The next verse declares Christ as the Creator of all things. Thus, Christ cannot be a created being. Instead He is the eternal Son of God and the second Person of the Godhead.”

Ø Applications: