Analysis of Colossians 1:15-20 - Research Paper Example

 Colossians 1: 15-20 Analysis Part 1: Colossians 1: 15-20 Colossians is one of the four epistles Paul wrote to the Christians at Colossae while in prison at about A.D. 60 (Acts 28: 16, 30-31). Paul was a typical Jew; “An Hebrews of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3: 5), his ancestry originates from the tribe of Benjamin. Originally, Paul was named Saul at his initiation and his behaviors were unappealing in the eyes of God. Being a total Jew, people expected Paul to be raised in Israel, but instead, he grew up in Tarsus Rome. Tarsus was an independent state in Rome and was usually referred to as “free-city.” It flourished in trade because of the presence of a seaport in the coastal region. Paul, being one of the twelve apostles, was educated due to the schooling he received back in Rome (Acts 4:13).This expounds and clarifies Paul’ naturalness with classical literature. Paul’s history in the bible dates back to his journey to Damascus to persecute faithful believers, but along the journey he encounters Jesus Christ. This meeting with Jesus transformed Paul’s spiritual life completely, and he became a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Paul’s enthusiasm and great talent in preaching the gospel has made him popular among Christians all over the world, besides, the New Testament is made up of three quarters of his work. His main audience included the Gentiles. Paul experienced suffering in spreading the gospel and was later imprisoned at the Mamertine Prison for nine months. This is where Paul wrote most of his epistles to the followers he had established before facing execution. The letter to the Colossians was written around 61 A.D. from Rome. This is supported by the fact that the letters to Philippians and Ephesians were transported to their destination by Tychicus and Onesimus (Ep 6: 21-22). Paul wrote the letter to the church at Colossae, a town in Asia Minor east of Ephesus. The town’s population highly consisted of the Gentiles, although a few Jewish lived there. The mixed population led to the emergence of the politics of Jewish legalism, Pagan mysticism and asceticism. The town was an important trading center because of its location at the junction of north-east and south-west main trade routes. Paul discovered that there were fake teachers in the church, who brainwashed believers to worship authorities. Consequently, they taught people to strictly observe the laws of circumcision and eat specific foods. Paul’s purpose of writing Colossians is to challenge these teachings by delivering true Christian teachings. He argues that only in union with Christ is there hope for saving the universe. The book of Colossians posseses teachings on various fundamental areas of theology. For instance, in chapter 1: 15-20, Paul talks about the supremacy of Christ, redemption, rules for Holy Living, forgiveness, and Labor for the church. He intends to address these themes by using the ideas of language, of the false teachers and stressing that Christ is the satisfaction they are looking for. Paul suggests that the church is faced by two dangers which include; backsliding into paganism with its serious consequences and dangers of welcoming Colossians heresy involving philosophies of men, asceticism, angel worship and Judaic ceremonies. Chapter one fits into the literary context and flow of the book because the solution to Colossian heresy is focusing on Jesus Christ. Part 2: Chapter 1 Colossians chapter one opens with Paul referring to himself as a representative of Jesus Christ. He states that his work is neither by his own will nor by the will of men, but it is through the will of God. “By the will of God” means that his status is not through elections or self-appointment. Paul presents a thanksgiving prayer to God and requests for grace to acquire God’s Knowledge and wisdom. He assures the Colossians that the faith and love that springs from the hope stored in heaven is right at their doorstep, and they need to embrace it. I believe Christian hope is not a simple wish, but it is a convicted longing, positive expectation and perseverance waiting to experience God’s promises.” Praise is to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for his mercy and new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 pet 1:3) In verse six, Paul talks about how the gospel has spread throughout the world and is bearing fruits among the believers. He refers to Epaphra’s love and spirit in the Lord and how the servant has been successful in his ministries. Paul also prays for the Colossians to live a life worthy of the Lord and to please Him in every way. In addition, he prays for his followers to be strengthened with all the power in accordance with the glorious might so as to have patience, strong endurance, and marvelously give thanks to the Almighty for forever accepting them even in their sinful acts. In chapter fourteen, Paul encourages the Colossians to redeem from the dominion of darkness, and embrace the kingdom of light for the son of man is always ready to forgive their sins (Camarin, 2013). In verse fifteen, Paul’s main theme is the supremacy of Christ, which is demonstrated by his supernatural nature over all creation. He refers to Christ as the image of the invisible God, who is the first born of all creation. Basically, this verse gives Jesus three jurisdictions. First, he is the messenger between God and man, secondly, he is the savior who forgives sins and lastly, he is the overall King of the universe. From him, all things were created and he is before all things. Powers, authorities and rulers are under him, for he is the beginning and the end. Paul was sure that the faith of the Colossians was strong enough and the grace of God was evident in them as seen in chapter twenty three; “if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved by the hope held out in the gospel…”For Paul, faith always conjoined with love because for Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision possess any importance (Slick, 2011). The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Gal 5: 6). In the epistle, he campaigns for the salvation of the Colossians; he views salvation as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Because the town was filled with immorality and sinful acts, Paul envisioned a town with people living in a Christian way as Jesus did. The church cannot function without Christ and Christians cannot function spiritually without being attached to him (Slick, 2011). The town of Colossae replaced the image of God with several traditions; hence they did not function under the power and spirit of God. But instead, they worked in their own power which led to destruction. Paul challenges the Gnostic error that was slowly creeping in the town. Gnosticism argued that God could not become flesh. That is why Paul uses the term “fullness “when Jesus Christ having God dwell in him. Although all these features exist together in Christ, there is still conflict in creation due to the impacts of sins. The chapter clear explains the supposed hostility between God and man because the perception of God towards the believer has transformed. It is through the physical death of Christ that we are presented holy before God. Paul encourages the Colossians to maintain faith in God, because persistency in faith is the meaning of a true reconciliation. Throughout the journey of achieving a lasting relationship with God, Paul prepares Christ believers to undergo suffering. Many people are afraid of suffering, however, when one suffers in Christ; it is an honor and a pathway to achieving peace. These afflictions are therefore, basic requirements to get redeemed. The word affliction is used by Paul to mean trouble and pain. Some of the key words used in this chapter include; “The first born of all creation “(15) refers to Jesus as the overall King and Ruler of the universe “Jesus is the image of the invisible God” (15)means he acts as the messenger between God and man “In him all things hold together”(17), meaning through Christ we are one image All “fullness” dwells in him (19) to support the fact that God cannot become flesh, hence challenging gnostic error. References Camarin, J., (2013) Summary of the book of Colossians: Commentary. Retrieved on 16 April 2014 from http://www.jcblog.net/colossians/summary Holy Bible, New International Version. (2007) Colorado Springs: Australia Inc. Paul the Apostle, Acts 4: 13, 28: 16, 30-31, Philippians 3: 5, Ephesians 6: 21-22 Slick, M., (2011) Colossians Chapter 1: Commentary .Retrieved on 16 April 2014 from http://carm.org/colossians-1 The Epistle of the Colossians: Introduction .Retrieved on 16 April 2014 from http://executableoutlines.com/colo/colo_00.htm Read More