Reference: Colosse
American
A city of Phrygia, situated on a hill near the junction of the Lycus with the Meander, and not far from the cities Hierapolis and Laodicea, Col 2:1; 4:13,15. With these cities it was destroyed by an earthquake in the tenth year of Nero, about A. D. 65, while Paul was yet living. It was soon rebuilt. The church of Christians in this city, to whom Paul wrote, seems to have been gathered by Epaphras, Col 1:7-9; 4:12-13. In modern times the place is called Chonos.
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even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellowservant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf; who also brought to our knowledge your love in the Spirit. read more. On this account we also, from the day we heard of it, cease not to pray for you, and to ask that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and those that are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and those that are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house.
Fausets
Colosse properly Colossae. A city on the Lycus, an affluent of the Maeander. To the Christians there was addressed Paul's epistle, before he had seen their face (Col 2:1; 1:4,7-8). Epaphras probably founded the Colossian church (Col 1:7; 4:12). Colosse was ethnologically in Phrygia, but politically then in the province of Asia. On the site of the modern Chonos. The foundation of the church must have been subsequent to Paul's visitation, "strengthening in order" all the churches of Galatia and Phrygia (Ac 18:24), for otherwise he must have visited the Colossians, which Col 2:1 implies he had not. Hence, as in the epistle to the Romans, so in the epistle to Colosse there are no allusions to his being their father in the faith, such as there are in 1Co 3:6,10; 4:15; 1Th 1:5; 2:1.
Probably during Paul's "two years" stay at Ephesus, when "all which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus" (Ac 19:10,26), Epaphras, Philemon (Phm 1:2,13,19), Archippus, Apphia, and other natives of Colosse (which was on the high road from Ephesus to the Euphrates), becoming converted at Ephesus, were subsequently the first preachers in their own city. This accounts for their personal acquaintance with, and attachment to, Paul and his fellow ministers, and their salutations to him. So as to "them at Laodicea" (Col 2:1). He hoped to visit Colosse when he should be delivered from his Roman prison (Phm 1:22; compare Php 2:24). The angel worship noticed in Col 2:18 is mentioned by Theodoret as existing in his days.
A legend connected with an inundation was the ground of erecting a church to the archangel Michael near a chasm, probably the one noticed by Herodotus. "The river Lycus, sinking into a chasm in the town, disappears under ground, and, emerging at five stadia distance, flows into the Maeander" (Col 4:18). Two streams, one from the N. the other from the S., pour into the Lycus, both possessing the power of petrifying. The calcareous deposits on the plants, and obstructions which the stream met with, gradually formed a natural arch, beneath which the current flowed as Herodotus describes; the soft crust was probably broken up by an earthquake. In the 4th century the council of Laodicea (in the same region) in its 35th canon prohibited calling upon angels.
EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS: written by Paul during his first captivity at Rome (Ac 28:16), in that part of it when as yet it had not become so severe as it did when the epistle to the Philippians (Php 1:20-21,30) was written (probably after the death of Burrhus, A.D. 62, to whom Tigellinus succeeded as praetorian prefect). Its genuineness is attested by Justin Martyr (contra Tryphon, p. 311 b.), Theophilus of Antioch (Autol., 2:10), Irenaeus (3:14, section 1), Clement of Alexandria (Stromata, 1:325), Tertullian (Praescr. Haeret., 7), Origen (c. Celsus, 5:8). Object: to counteract the Jewish false teaching there, of which Paul had heard from Epaphras (Col 4:12), by setting before them their standing in CHRIST ALONE, exclusive of angels. the majesty of His person (Col 1:15), and the completeness of redemption by Him.
Hence, they ought to be conformed to their risen Lord (Col 3:1-5), and exhibit that conformity in all relations of life. The false teaching opposed in this epistle (Col 2:16,18, "new moon ... sabbath days") is that of Judaizing Christians, mixed up with eastern theosophy, angel worship, and the asceticism of the Essenes (Col 2:8-9,16-23). The theosophists professed a deeper insight into the world of spirits and a greater subjugation of the flesh than the simple gospel affords. Some Alexandrian Jews may have visited Colosse and taught Philo's Greek philosophy, combined with the rabbinical angelology and mysticism, afterward embodied in the Cabbala. Alexander the Great had garrisoned Phrygia with Babylonian Jews.
The Phrygians' original tendency had been to a mystic worship, namely, that of Cybele; so, when Christianized, they readily gave heed to the incipient gnosticism of Judaizers. Later, when the pastoral epistles were written, the evil had reached a more deadly phase, openly immoral teachings (1Ti 4:1-3; 6:5). The place of writing was Rome. The three epistles, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, were sent at the same time. The epistle to Colossians, though carried by the same bearer, Tychicus, who bore that to the Ephesians, was written earlier, for the similar phrases in Ephesians appear more expanded than those in Colossians. The "ye also" (as well as the Colossians) may imply the same fact (Eph 6:21).
The similarity between the three epistles written about the same date to two neighboring cities (whereas those written at distant dates and under different circumstances have little mutual resemblance) is an undesigned coincidence and proof of genuineness. Compare Eph 1:7 with Col 1:14; Eph 1:10 with Col 1:20; Eph 3:2 with Col 1:25; Eph 5:19 with Col 3:16; Eph 6:22 with Col 4:8; Eph 1:19; 2:5 with Col 2:12-13; Eph 4:2-4 with Col 3:12-15; Eph 4:16 with Col 2:19; Eph 4:32 with Col 3:13; Eph 4:22-24 with Col 3:9-10; Eph 5:6-8 with Col 3:6-8; Eph 5:15-16 with Col 4:5; Eph 6:19-20 with Col 4:3-4; Eph 5:22-23; 6:1-9 with Col 3:18; Eph 4:24-25 with Col 3:9; Eph 5:20-22 with Col 3:17-18.
Onesimus traveled with Tychicus, bearing the letter to Philemon. The persons sending salutations are the same as in epistle to Philemon, except Jesus Justus (Col 4:11). Archippus is addressed in both. Paul and Timothy head both. Paul appears in both a prisoner. The style has a lofty elaboration corresponding to the theme, Christ's majestic person and office, in contrast to the Judaizers' beggarly system. In the epistle to the Ephesians, which did not require to be so controversial, he dilates on these truths so congenial to him, with a fuller outpouring of spirit and less antithetical phraseology.
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And a certain Jew, named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
And a certain Jew, named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
and ye see and hear, that this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, not only of Ephesus, but of almost all Asia, saying, that those are not gods, which are made with hands.
and ye see and hear, that this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, not only of Ephesus, but of almost all Asia, saying, that those are not gods, which are made with hands.
And when we had come to Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
And when we had come to Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the growth.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the growth.
According to the grace of God bestowed on me, I, as a skilful masterbuilder, have laid the foundation; and another buildeth thereon; but let every one take heed, how he buildeth thereon.
According to the grace of God bestowed on me, I, as a skilful masterbuilder, have laid the foundation; and another buildeth thereon; but let every one take heed, how he buildeth thereon.
For though ye have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begot you through the gospel.
For though ye have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begot you through the gospel.
in whom we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
in whom we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
in reference to the dispensation of the fullness of the times, to gather for himself into one all things in Christ, the things which are in the heavens, and the things on the earth; even in him,
in reference to the dispensation of the fullness of the times, to gather for himself into one all things in Christ, the things which are in the heavens, and the things on the earth; even in him,
and what the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
and what the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
even when dead through our trespasses, life with Christ,by grace have ye been saved,
even when dead through our trespasses, life with Christ,by grace have ye been saved,
if, indeed, ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given me toward you,
if, indeed, ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given me toward you,
with all humility and meekness, with longsuffering; bearing with one another in love,
with all humility and meekness, with longsuffering; bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye were called in one hope of your calling;
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye were called in one hope of your calling;
from whom the whole body, well put together and compacted by means of every supplying joint, is, according to the working of each part in its proportion, building itself up in love.
from whom the whole body, well put together and compacted by means of every supplying joint, is, according to the working of each part in its proportion, building itself up in love.
that as to your former way of life ye should put off the old man, who perisheth according to the lusts of deceit,
that as to your former way of life ye should put off the old man, who perisheth according to the lusts of deceit, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put on the new man, who was created according to God in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and that ye put on the new man, who was created according to God in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and that ye put on the new man, who was created according to God in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and that ye put on the new man, who was created according to God in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Wherefore having put away falsehood, speak truth every one with his neighbor; for we are members one of another.
Wherefore having put away falsehood, speak truth every one with his neighbor; for we are members one of another.
and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Let no one deceive you with vain words; for because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the sons of disobedience.
Let no one deceive you with vain words; for because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the sons of disobedience. Be not therefore partakers with them.
Be not therefore partakers with them. For ye were once darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
For ye were once darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
See then that ye walk circumspectly; not as unwise men, but as wise;
See then that ye walk circumspectly; not as unwise men, but as wise; buying up for yourselves opportunities, because the days are evil.
buying up for yourselves opportunities, because the days are evil.
speaking to one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
speaking to one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things to God, the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
giving thanks always for all things to God, the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord;
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord;
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord;
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord; for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church,he, who is the Saviour of the body.
for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church,he, who is the Saviour of the body.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. "Honor thy father and mother;" which is the first commandment with a promise;
"Honor thy father and mother;" which is the first commandment with a promise; "that it may be well with thee, and thou mayst live long on the earth."
"that it may be well with thee, and thou mayst live long on the earth." And, ye fathers, stir not up the anger of your children, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
And, ye fathers, stir not up the anger of your children, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as serving Christ;
Bondservants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as serving Christ; not with eyeservice as menpleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
not with eyeservice as menpleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; doing service with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men;
doing service with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatever good each one shall have done, that shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bondman or free.
knowing that whatever good each one shall have done, that shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bondman or free. And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening; knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons with him.
And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening; knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons with him.
and for me, that utterance may be given me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
and for me, that utterance may be given me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, in behalf of which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may proclaim it boldly, as I ought to speak.
in behalf of which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may proclaim it boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know about me, how I am faring, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will inform you of everything;
But that ye also may know about me, how I am faring, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will inform you of everything; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so also now, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so also now, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
as ye have the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
as ye have the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellowservant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf;
even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellowservant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf;
even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellowservant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf;
even as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellowservant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf; who also brought to our knowledge your love in the Spirit.
who also brought to our knowledge your love in the Spirit.
in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins;
in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins; who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of the whole creation;
who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of the whole creation;
having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him, I say, whether the things on earth, or those in the heavens.
having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him, I say, whether the things on earth, or those in the heavens.
of which I became a minister, according to the stewardship which God entrusted to me, for you, to fulfill the word of God,
of which I became a minister, according to the stewardship which God entrusted to me, for you, to fulfill the word of God,
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I would have you know what a great struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Beware lest there be some one who shall make a prey of you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ.
Beware lest there be some one who shall make a prey of you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,
having been buried with him in your baptism; in which also ye were raised to life with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead;
having been buried with him in your baptism; in which also ye were raised to life with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead; and to you also who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he given life together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;
and to you also who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he given life together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;
Let no one then call you to account about food or drink, or a feastday, or a new moon, or sabbaths;
Let no one then call you to account about food or drink, or a feastday, or a new moon, or sabbaths;
Let no one then call you to account about food or drink, or a feastday, or a new moon, or sabbaths;
Let no one then call you to account about food or drink, or a feastday, or a new moon, or sabbaths; which are a shadow of the things to come, but the body is Christs.
which are a shadow of the things to come, but the body is Christs. Let no one defraud you of the prize, desiring to do it in humiliation and worshipping of the angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up without reason by the mind of his own flesh,
Let no one defraud you of the prize, desiring to do it in humiliation and worshipping of the angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up without reason by the mind of his own flesh,
Let no one defraud you of the prize, desiring to do it in humiliation and worshipping of the angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up without reason by the mind of his own flesh,
Let no one defraud you of the prize, desiring to do it in humiliation and worshipping of the angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up without reason by the mind of his own flesh,
Let no one defraud you of the prize, desiring to do it in humiliation and worshipping of the angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up without reason by the mind of his own flesh,
Let no one defraud you of the prize, desiring to do it in humiliation and worshipping of the angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, puffed up without reason by the mind of his own flesh, and not holding fast the Head, from which the whole body, supported and compacted by means of the joints and ligaments, groweth with an increase wrought by God.
and not holding fast the Head, from which the whole body, supported and compacted by means of the joints and ligaments, groweth with an increase wrought by God.
and not holding fast the Head, from which the whole body, supported and compacted by means of the joints and ligaments, groweth with an increase wrought by God.
and not holding fast the Head, from which the whole body, supported and compacted by means of the joints and ligaments, groweth with an increase wrought by God. If ye died with Christ to the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, such as,
If ye died with Christ to the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, such as, Handle not, Taste not, Touch not,
Handle not, Taste not, Touch not, (which all are to perish with the using,) after the commandments and teachings of men;
(which all are to perish with the using,) after the commandments and teachings of men; which things have indeed a show of wisdom in willworship and humiliation and severity to the body, not in any honor for the satisfying of the flesh.
which things have indeed a show of wisdom in willworship and humiliation and severity to the body, not in any honor for the satisfying of the flesh.
If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God.
If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on things on the earth.
Set your mind on the things above, not on things on the earth. For ye died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God;
For ye died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God; when Christ, our life, shall be manifested, then will ye also be manifested with him in glory.
when Christ, our life, shall be manifested, then will ye also be manifested with him in glory. Make dead therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;
Make dead therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; on account of which things cometh the wrath of God.
on account of which things cometh the wrath of God. In which things ye also once walked, when ye lived in them;
In which things ye also once walked, when ye lived in them; but now put ye away all these, anger, wrath, malice, evilspeaking, filthy language out of your mouth.
but now put ye away all these, anger, wrath, malice, evilspeaking, filthy language out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds,
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds,
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds,
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, who is renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him;
and have put on the new man, who is renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him;
Clothe yourselves, therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and beloved, with compassionate affections, kindness, lowliness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Clothe yourselves, therefore, as the chosen of God, holy and beloved, with compassionate affections, kindness, lowliness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with each other, and forgiving each other, if any one have a complaint against another; even as Christ freely forgave you, do ye also freely forgive;
bearing with each other, and forgiving each other, if any one have a complaint against another; even as Christ freely forgave you, do ye also freely forgive;
bearing with each other, and forgiving each other, if any one have a complaint against another; even as Christ freely forgave you, do ye also freely forgive;
bearing with each other, and forgiving each other, if any one have a complaint against another; even as Christ freely forgave you, do ye also freely forgive; and over all these things put on the robe of love, which is the bond of perfectness;
and over all these things put on the robe of love, which is the bond of perfectness; and let the peace of Christ, to which ye were called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be ye thankful.
and let the peace of Christ, to which ye were called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, in grace singing in your hearts to God;
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, in grace singing in your hearts to God; and whatever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father, through him.
and whatever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, the Father, through him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for the sake of which I am also in bonds;
praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for the sake of which I am also in bonds; that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, buying up opportunities.
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he may know your condition, and comfort your hearts;
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he may know your condition, and comfort your hearts;
and Jesus, who is called Justus; who are of the circumcision; these only are my fellowworkers for the kingdom of God, who have been an encouragement unto me.
and Jesus, who is called Justus; who are of the circumcision; these only are my fellowworkers for the kingdom of God, who have been an encouragement unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Now the Spirit saith expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,
Now the Spirit saith expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of speakers of lies, who bear a brand on their own conscience,
through the hypocrisy of speakers of lies, who bear a brand on their own conscience, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from food which God created to be received with thanksgiving, for those who believe and know the truth.
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from food which God created to be received with thanksgiving, for those who believe and know the truth.
incessant disputings of men corrupted in their minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that godliness is gain.
incessant disputings of men corrupted in their minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that godliness is gain.
and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel;
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel;
I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it; not to say to thee, that to me thou owest even thy own self besides.
I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it; not to say to thee, that to me thou owest even thy own self besides.
And at the same time make ready a lodging for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
And at the same time make ready a lodging for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
Smith
Colos'se,
more properly Colos'sae, was a city of Phrygia in Asia Minor, in the upper part of the basin of the Maeander, on the Lycus. Hierapolis and Laodicea were in its immediate neighborhood.
see Reve 1:11; 3:14 St. Paul is supposed by some to have visited Colosse and founded or confirmed the Colossian church on his third missionary journey.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And after he had spent some time there, he departed, going through the Galatian country and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
And it came to pass, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper districts, came to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples,
to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father.
For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and those that are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house. And when the letter hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the letter from Laodicea.
Watsons
COLOSSE, a city of Phrygia Minor, which stood on the river Lyceus, at an equal distance between Laodicea and Hierapolis. These three cities, says Eusebius, were destroyed by an earthquake, in the tenth of Nero, or about two years after the date of St. Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colosse, were at no great distance from each other; which accounts for the Apostle Paul, when writing to his Christian brethren in the latter of these places, mentioning them all in connection with each other, Col 4:13. Of these cities, however, Laodicea was the greatest, for it was the metropolis of Phrygia, though Colosse is said to have been a great and wealthy place. The inhabitants of Phrygia, says Dr. Macknight, were famous for the worship of Bacchus, and Cybele the mother of the gods; whence the latter was called Phrygia mater, by way of eminence. In her worship, as well as in that of Bacchus, both sexes practised every species of debauchery in speech and action, with a frantic rage which they pretended was occasioned by the inspiration of the deities whom they worshipped. These were the orgies, from ????, rage, of Bacchus and Cybele, so famed in antiquity, the lascivious rites of which being perfectly adapted to the corruptions of the human heart, were performed by both sexes without shame or remorse. Hence as the Son of God came into the world to destroy the works of the devil, it appeared, in the eye of his Apostle, a matter of great importance to carry the light of the Gospel into countries where these abominable impurities were not only practised, but even dignified with the honourable appellation of religious worship; especially as nothing but the heaven-descended light of the Gospel could dispel such a pernicious infatuation. That this salutary purpose might be effectually accomplished, Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, went at different times into Phrygia, and preached the Gospel in many cities of that country with great success; but it is thought by many persons, that the Epistle to the Colossians contains internal marks of his never having been at Colosse when he wrote it. This opinion rests principally upon the following passage: "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh," Col 2:1; but these words, if they prove any thing upon this question, prove that St. Paul had never been either at Laodicea or Colosse; but surely it is very improbable that he should have travelled twice into Phrygia for the purpose of preaching the Gospel, and not have gone either to Laodicea or Colosse, which were the two principal cities of that country; especially as in the second journey into those parts it is said, that he "went over all the country of Gallatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples;" and moreover, we know that it was the Apostle's practice to preach at the most considerable places of every district into which he went. Dr. Lardner, after arguing this point, says, "From all these considerations, it appears to me very probable that the church at Colosse had been planted by the Apostle Paul, and that the Christians there were his friends, disciples, and converts." The Epistle greatly resembles that to the Ephesians, both in sentiment and expression. After saluting the Colossian Christians in his own name, and that of Timothy, St. Paul assures them, that since he had heard of their faith in Christ Jesus, and of their love to all Christians, he had not ceased to return thanks to God for them, and to pray that they might increase in spiritual knowledge, and abound in every good work; he describes the dignity of Christ, and declares the universality of the Gospel dispensation, which was a mystery formerly hidden, but now made manifest; and he mentions his own appointment, through the grace of God, to be the Apostle of the Gentiles; he expresses a tender concern for the Colossians and other Christians of Phrygia, and cautions them against being seduced from the simplicity of the Gospel, by the subtlety of Pagan philosophers, or the superstition of Judaizing Christians; he directs them to set their affections on things above, and forbids every species of licentiousness; he exhorts to a variety of Christian virtues, to meekness, veracity, humility, charity, and devotion; he enforces the duties of wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, and masters; he inculcates the duty of prayer, and of prudent behaviour toward unbelievers; and after adding the salutations of several persons then at Rome, and desiring that this epistle might be read in the church of their neighbours the Laodiceans, he concludes with a salutation from himself, written, as usual, with his own hand.