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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as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf, who also having revealed to us your divine love in the Spirit. read more. Therefore we, from the day on which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the perfect knowledge of his will in all wisdom, and spiritual understanding,
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you. For I testify to him, that he always has much solicitude for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those who are in Hierapolis.
For I testify to him, that he always has much solicitude for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those who are in Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in their 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, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came into Ephesus, being mighty in the scriptures.
And a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came into Ephesus, being mighty in the scriptures.
And this took place two years; so that all dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
And this took place two years; so that all dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
and you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, that this Paul having persuaded them has turned away a great multitude, saying that there are no gods made with hands.
and you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, that this Paul having persuaded them has turned away a great multitude, saying that there are no gods made with hands.
And when we came into Rome, it was permitted to Paul to remain to himself with the soldier guarding him.
And when we came into Rome, it was permitted to Paul to remain to himself with the soldier guarding him.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
According to the grace of God which was given unto me, I as a wise architect, laid the foundation; and another builds on it. Let each one take heed how he builds.
According to the grace of God which was given unto me, I as a wise architect, laid the foundation; and another builds on it. Let each one take heed how he builds.
For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of transgressions, according to the riches of his grace,
in whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of transgressions, according to the riches of his grace,
in the economy of the fulness of the times, to rehead all things in Christ, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth; in him,
in the economy of the fulness of the times, to rehead all things in Christ, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth; in him,
and what the excellent majesty of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of the power of his might
and what the excellent majesty of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of the power of his might
created life in us in Christ, who were dead in trespasses, by grace you have been saved,
created life in us in Christ, who were dead in trespasses, by grace you have been saved,
with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in divine love;
with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in divine 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, as ye indeed are called in one hope of your calling;
There is one body and one Spirit, as ye indeed are called in one hope of your calling;
from whom the whole body, being assimilated and knitted together through every joint of the supply, according to the working in each several part, makes increase of the body in the edification of itself in divine love.
from whom the whole body, being assimilated and knitted together through every joint of the supply, according to the working in each several part, makes increase of the body in the edification of itself in divine love.
that with reference to your former life, you are to lay aside the old man, who is corrupt in the lusts of deception;
that with reference to your former life, you are to lay aside the old man, who is corrupt in the lusts of deception; and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man, who has been created in harmony with God in the righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and to put on the new man, who has been created in harmony with God in the righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and to put on the new man, who has been created in harmony with God in the righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and to put on the new man, who has been created in harmony with God in the righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, having laid aside lying, speak the truth each one with his neighbors: because we are members of one another.
Therefore, having laid aside lying, speak the truth each one with his neighbors: because we are members of one another.
But be ye kind toward one another, merciful, forgiving one another, as indeed God in Christ forgave you.
But be ye kind toward one another, merciful, forgiving one another, as indeed God in Christ forgave you.
Let no one deceive you with empty words: for through these the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.
Let no one deceive you with empty words: for through these the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore be not partakers along with them.
Therefore be not partakers along with them. For at one time ye were darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord: walk about as children of the light,
For at one time ye were darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord: walk about as children of the light,
Therefore see how you walk about circumspectly, not as unwise, but wise;
Therefore see how you walk about circumspectly, not as unwise, but wise; buying in the opportunity, because the days are evil.
buying in the opportunity, because the days are evil.
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; being submissive to one another in the fear of Christ.
being submissive to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be submissive to your own husbands, as to the Lord,
Wives, be submissive to your own husbands, as to the Lord,
Wives, be submissive to your own husbands, as to the Lord,
Wives, be submissive to your own husbands, as to the Lord, because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is also the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body.
because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is also the head of the church, being himself 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 your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise,
Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, that it may be well with you, and you may live long upon the earth.
that it may be well with you, and you may live long upon the earth. And fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
And fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ye servants, obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in purity of your heart, as unto Christ;
Ye servants, obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in purity of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the soul;
not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the soul; serving with good will as the Lord, and not men:
serving with good will as the Lord, and not men: knowing that if each one may do good, he will receive this with the Lord, whether bond or free.
knowing that if each one may do good, he will receive this with the Lord, whether bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that their Master and yours is in the heavens, and that there is no respect of persons with him.
And, ye masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that their Master and yours is in the heavens, and that there is no respect of persons with him.
and for me that the word may be given unto me in opening of my mouth, boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
and for me that the word may be given unto me in opening of my mouth, boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chain; in order that in it I may preach boldly, as it behooves me to speak.
for which I am an ambassador in chain; in order that in it I may preach boldly, as it behooves me to speak. But in order that you may also know the things concerning me, how I am doing, Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you:
But in order that you may also know the things concerning me, how I am doing, Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you: whom I sent to you unto this same thing, in order that you may know the affairs concerning us, and he may comfort your hearts.
whom I sent to you unto this same thing, in order that you may know the affairs concerning us, and he may comfort your hearts.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but with all boldness, as always, even now Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but with all boldness, as always, even now Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. For Christ is my life, and death is my gain.
For Christ is my life, and death is my gain.
having the same conflict as you saw in me, and now hearing me.
having the same conflict as you saw in me, and now hearing me.
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and the divine love which you have toward all the saints.
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and the divine love which you have toward all the saints.
as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf,
as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf,
as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf,
as you have learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is the faithful minister of Christ your behalf, who also having revealed to us your divine love in the Spirit.
who also having revealed to us your divine love in the Spirit.
in whom we have redemption, the remission of sins:
in whom we have redemption, the remission of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, being the first begotten of all creation,
who is the image of the invisible God, being the first begotten of all creation,
and through him, to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross: through him, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.
and through him, to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross: through him, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.
whose minister I became, according to the economy of God which was given to me unto you, to fulfill the word of God,
whose minister I became, according to the economy of God which was given to me unto you, to fulfill the word of God,
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
See that no one shall be deceiving you through philosophy and empty delusion, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ,
See that no one shall be deceiving you through philosophy and empty delusion, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ, because in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,
because in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you are also raised by the faith of the operation of God, who raised him from the dead:
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you are also raised by the faith of the operation of God, who raised him from the dead: and you, being dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your depravity, has he created life in you along with himself, having forgiven us all transgressions,
and you, being dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your depravity, has he created life in you along with himself, having forgiven us all transgressions,
Therefore let no one judge you in meat, or in drink, or in the participation of a feast, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath:
Therefore let no one judge you in meat, or in drink, or in the participation of a feast, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath:
Therefore let no one judge you in meat, or in drink, or in the participation of a feast, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath:
Therefore let no one judge you in meat, or in drink, or in the participation of a feast, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath: which things are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is of Christ.
which things are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no one purposely rob you of your prize by humiliation and worship of the angels, trusting in those things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his depravity,
Let no one purposely rob you of your prize by humiliation and worship of the angels, trusting in those things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his depravity,
Let no one purposely rob you of your prize by humiliation and worship of the angels, trusting in those things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his depravity,
Let no one purposely rob you of your prize by humiliation and worship of the angels, trusting in those things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his depravity,
Let no one purposely rob you of your prize by humiliation and worship of the angels, trusting in those things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his depravity,
Let no one purposely rob you of your prize by humiliation and worship of the angels, trusting in those things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his depravity, and not holding the Head, from which the entire body, by joints and ligaments being supplied and knitted together, increases the increase of God.
and not holding the Head, from which the entire body, by joints and ligaments being supplied and knitted together, increases the increase of God.
and not holding the Head, from which the entire body, by joints and ligaments being supplied and knitted together, increases the increase of God.
and not holding the Head, from which the entire body, by joints and ligaments being supplied and knitted together, increases the increase of God. If along with Christ you are dead from the elements of the world, why are you dogmatized as living in the world,
If along with Christ you are dead from the elements of the world, why are you dogmatized as living in the world, Touch not, taste not, handle not,
Touch not, taste not, handle not, those things which are all unto destruction by use according to the commandments and teachings of the people?
those things which are all unto destruction by use according to the commandments and teachings of the people? Which indeed are having a word of wisdom in will worship, and humiliation, and austerity of the body; not in any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
Which indeed are having a word of wisdom in will worship, and humiliation, and austerity of the body; not in any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
If then ye are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting on the right hand of God;
If then ye are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting on the right hand of God; think about those things above, and not things upon the earth.
think about those things above, and not things upon the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God:
For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God: when Christ, your life, may appear, then will you also appear with him in glory.
when Christ, your life, may appear, then will you also appear with him in glory. Therefore kill your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;
Therefore kill your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; through which the wrath of God comes.
through which the wrath of God comes. In which you indeed at one time did walk about, when you lived in them:
In which you indeed at one time did walk about, when you lived in them: but you also lay aside all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, disgraceful talk out of your mouths:
but you also lay aside all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, disgraceful talk out of your mouths: lie not to one another, having laid aside the old man with his habits,
lie not to one another, having laid aside the old man with his habits,
lie not to one another, having laid aside the old man with his habits,
lie not to one another, having laid aside the old man with his habits, and having put on the new man, who is renewed into perfect knowledge according to the image of him who created him:
and having put on the new man, who is renewed into perfect knowledge according to the image of him who created him:
Therefore, as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on affections of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Therefore, as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on affections of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any one may have a quarrel against any one; as Christ also forgave you, so indeed do you likewise:
forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any one may have a quarrel against any one; as Christ also forgave you, so indeed do you likewise:
forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any one may have a quarrel against any one; as Christ also forgave you, so indeed do you likewise:
forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any one may have a quarrel against any one; as Christ also forgave you, so indeed do you likewise: and in all these things put on divine love, which is the bond of perfection.
and in all these things put on divine love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, in which you are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
And let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, in which you are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another, in all wisdom, in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, with grace making melody in your hearts to God;
Let the word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another, in all wisdom, in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, with grace making melody in your hearts to God; and every thing whatsoever you may do, in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
and every thing whatsoever you may do, in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Ye wives, submit to your husbands as is becoming in the Lord.
Ye wives, submit to your husbands as is becoming in the Lord.
Ye wives, submit to your husbands as is becoming in the Lord.
Ye wives, submit to your husbands as is becoming in the Lord.
at the same time also praying for us, in order that God may open to us the door of the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which I indeed am bound;
at the same time also praying for us, in order that God may open to us the door of the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which I indeed am bound; in order that I may manifest the same, as it behooves me to speak.
in order that I may manifest the same, as it behooves me to speak. Walk about in wisdom toward the aliens, buying in the opportunity.
Walk about in wisdom toward the aliens, buying in the opportunity.
whom I sent unto you for this same thing, in order that you may know the things concerning us, and he may comfort your hearts;
whom I sent unto you for this same thing, in order that you may know the things concerning us, and he may comfort your hearts;
and Jesus, called Justus, who being of the circumcision: these are my only fellow-laborers in the kingdom of God, who have been made a comfort to me.
and Jesus, called Justus, who being of the circumcision: these are my only fellow-laborers in the kingdom of God, who have been made a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you.
Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you.
Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you.
Epaphras, who is from you, the servant of Jesus Christ, always agonizing in your behalf in his prayers, in order that you may stand perfect even having been fully carried away in all the will of God, salutes you.
Salutation of me Paul with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
Salutation of me Paul with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons,
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been cauterized as to their own conscience,
speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been cauterized as to their own conscience, forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats, which God created for reception with thanksgiving to the faithful and to those perfectly knowing the truth.
forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats, which God created for reception with thanksgiving to the faithful and to those perfectly knowing the truth.
wranglings of men having been corrupted as to their mind and turned away from the truth, considering that gain is godliness.
wranglings of men having been corrupted as to their mind and turned away from the truth, considering that gain is godliness.
and to sister Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church in your house.
and to sister Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church in your house.
Whom I did wish to have with me, in order that he might minister unto me in your stead in the bonds of the gospel:
Whom I did wish to have with me, in order that he might minister unto me in your stead in the bonds of the gospel:
I Paul have written with my own hand, I will pay it: not that I may say to you that you even owe yourself to me.
I Paul have written with my own hand, I will pay it: not that I may say to you that you even owe yourself to me.
And at the same time also prepare for me a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I will be consigned unto you.
And at the same time also prepare for me a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I will be consigned unto 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.
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having spent some time, he went from them, traveling consecutively through the Galatian country and Phrygia, confirming all the disciples.
And it came to pass, while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul having come through the upper regions came down into Ephesus: and found certain disciples,
to the saints who are in Colossae and the faithful brethren in Christ. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
For I testify to him, that he always has much solicitude for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those who are in Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in their house. And when the letter may be read by you, cause that it may also be read in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you may also 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.
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For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and so many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
For I testify to him, that he always has much solicitude for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those who are in Hierapolis.