The Bible for Regular People: ColossiansSample

Colossians Background

Today, we begin our study through a letter Paul wrote to the church in Colossae. At this point, Jesus had lived, sacrificed His life, and ascended into heaven, leaving his followers with this commission: “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” They did just that, and throughout the New Testament, there is a collection of letters written to a Church that is growing and maturing to follow and represent Christ. The book of Colossians is one of those letters.

The Apostle Paul traveled from city to city, preaching the good news of grace found in Jesus, and a man named Epaphras heard his message. Simply due to his name alone, it was unlikely that he was Jewish or had any former allegiance to the God of Israel. Most scholars conclude that he heard the message from Paul in Philippi and carried that message home to Colossae.

This new church had received the message of Christ and believed, but now they faced different invitations to what it meant to live a life of faith. They would be tempted, as we often are, to add more to the message of Christ. They were in need of direction, so Paul put ink to papyrus and wrote them a letter. As we reflect on Paul’s letter, we will find this apostle (who happened to be under house arrest in Rome) reminding them of what is central to their faith: the person of Jesus. Nothing added, nothing more. We are so often drawn to add to what is already enough for us, whether that be religious duties, philosophical ideas, or mysticism.

In this letter, we are offered a different invitation: an invitation to rest, an invitation to be alive and hidden in Christ, an invitation to a life that reflects Him, not because we tried hard to be good or we found some hidden spiritual formula, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Michael DeFazion said it well when he said, “What we need more of is what we already have, that is Christ.”

Tomorrow and each day after, we will read through each chapter and unpack this letter. Take a few moments to sit and reflect on this song. Let this song stand as a prayer for you throughout this journey.

Reflection/Prayer

Use the guided prayer video below to reflect on today’s reading.