The Bible for Regular People: ColossiansSample

Colossians 2

In this chapter, we begin to find the real reason that Paul is writing this letter. It is important to note that Laodicea, the town mentioned in verse 1, is a city neighboring Colossae. Many letters in the New Testament were addressed to one church, but it was expected that this letter would also be passed around to neighboring cities. After some pleasant introductions, Paul got to work on what these churches needed to hear.

Beginning in verse 6, Paul warns the church to be rooted in Christ Jesus so that they will not be led astray by false teaching. At that time, the church was under attack by heretics and false teachers. We are not given specifics as to who these false teachers were. However, from Paul’s letter, we can see the heretical ideas creeping into the church. Instead of combating these false teachings with his own ideas, Paul encourages the church to look to Jesus.

False teachers had come into the church and tried to add rules and laws to their way of life. Instead of teaching people to become more like Jesus, these new teachers taught the people to strictly follow certain rules. In the last half of this chapter, Paul strikes down these false teachings with one of the most beautiful and concise descriptions of the Gospel that we find in the New Testament (2:9-15).

He reminds them that they are “made alive in Christ” through the forgiveness of their sins and through Jesus's work on the cross. There is no need to add any more to what Jesus has already done. He reminds them that freedom can only be found in Christ.

Just like the church in Colossae, we must fight the urge to add to the Gospel. To do that, we should follow Paul’s instructions to become rooted and grounded in Jesus's love. As we become more like Him, spotting false teachings and not being led astray is easier.

People have tried to add rules and caveats to the Gospel for centuries, but the Gospel does not need our help. Jesus died, rose again, and took the punishment for our sins so that our relationship could be restored with God the Father. That relationship gives us freedom from the rules of this world and sets us on a journey to become more like Him.

Reflection/Prayer

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