As we start to tread through the book of Colossians, I have run into a problem. There are so many things to teach and to say regarding this tiny letter, but we have a lack of time to do so.
Every problem has a solution - ours is this forum. I will post some more things regarding our lessons in an effort to give you an opportunity to fully dive into Colossians.
With that said.... Here we go.
Paul the Apostle was chosen by God for a specific task. That task: to take the Gospel to the gentiles and see local churches planted and cared for (2 Corinthians 11:28). In his letter to the Colossians, he desires to set a couple things straight.
1 - Rome is not the Light. Many Gentiles may have thought that Rome was the culmination of all that is good in the world. There was prosperity under Roman rule, the was peace under Roman rule (as long as you didn't question Rome's authority), there were Roman roads among other good things that had come from this time period. Paul wants to make sure that his readers understand Jesus is the Light and was God in the flesh.
2 - There is only one way to God. With different false teachings all around these young Christians, the temptation was to either believe heresy or add to the gospel. This idea of syncretism was running rampant in the city. Paul's misson in this letter is to show that Jesus+Nothing=Everything.
Background information aside, this letter beings in typical Pauline fashion with an introduction, thanksgiving, and prayer. What strikes me is how he clearly preaches the Gospel to people who would already know it. This isn't the only time he does this either (Colossians 1:21-23 & Colossians 2:13-15).
Why?
A reminder that we NEVER leave the truths of the gospel.
Read through the passages in Colossians. In what areas do you see the gospel at work in your life today?
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