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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
just as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ [on] our behalf, [who] also made clear to us your love in the Spirit. read more. Because of this also we, from the day we heard about [it], did not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled [with] the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight,
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
Epaphras, who is [one] of you, greets you, a slave of Christ always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify to him that {he is working hard} on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
For I testify to him that {he is working hard} on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha and the church in her 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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Now a certain Jew {named} Apollos, {a native} Alexandrian, arrived in Ephesus--an eloquent man who was well-versed in the scriptures.
Now a certain Jew {named} Apollos, {a native} Alexandrian, arrived in Ephesus--an eloquent man who was well-versed in the scriptures.
And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
and you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this man Paul has persuaded [and] turned away a large crowd [by] saying that the [gods] made by hands are not gods.
and you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this man Paul has persuaded [and] turned away a large crowd [by] saying that the [gods] made by hands are not gods.
And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
And when we entered into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing [it] to grow.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing [it] to grow.
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon [it]. But each one must direct his attention to how he is building upon [it].
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon [it]. But each one must direct his attention to how he is building upon [it].
For if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, yet [you do] not [have] many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I fathered you through the gospel.
For if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, yet [you do] not [have] many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I fathered you through the gospel.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,
in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,
for the administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him
for the administration of the fullness of times, to bring together all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him
and what [is] the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength
and what [is] the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength
and we being dead in trespasses, he made [us] alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),
and we being dead in trespasses, he made [us] alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),
--if indeed you have heard [about] the stewardship of God's grace given to me for you.
--if indeed you have heard [about] the stewardship of God's grace given to me for you.
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace;
being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling),
one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling),
from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
[that] you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires,
[that] you take off, according to your former way of life, the old man, who is being destroyed according to deceitful desires, be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.
and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.
and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.
and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth. Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members of one another.
Therefore, putting aside the lie, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members of one another.
Become kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you.
Become kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these [things] the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these [things] the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be sharers with them,
Therefore do not be sharers with them, for you were formerly darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Live like children of light
for you were formerly darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Live like children of light
Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise,
Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time because the days are evil.
making the most of the time because the days are evil.
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all [things] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father,
giving thanks always for all [things] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father, being subject to one another {out of reverence for} Christ
being subject to one another {out of reverence for} Christ --wives to their own husbands as to the Lord,
--wives to their own husbands as to the Lord,
--wives to their own husbands as to the Lord,
--wives to their own husbands as to the Lord, because [the] husband is [the] head of the wife, as also Christ [is the] head of the church (he himself [being the] Savior of the body).
because [the] husband is [the] head of the wife, as also Christ [is the] head of the church (he himself [being the] Savior 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 a promise),
"Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with a promise), "in order that it may be well with you, and you may {live a long time} on the earth."
"in order that it may be well with you, and you may {live a long time} on the earth." And fathers, do not make your children angry, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
And fathers, do not make your children angry, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ,
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, not {while being watched}, as people pleasers, but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart,
not {while being watched}, as people pleasers, but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart, serving with goodwill as to the Lord and not to people,
serving with goodwill as to the Lord and not to people, [because you] know that each one of you, whatever good he should do, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
[because you] know that each one of you, whatever good he should do, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same [things] to them, giving up threats, knowing that both their Lord and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
And masters, do the same [things] to them, giving up threats, knowing that both their Lord and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
and for me, that a word may be given to me at the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
and for me, that a word may be given to me at the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that {in them} I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak.
for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that {in them} I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak. Now, so that you also may know {my circumstances}, what I am doing, Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all [things],
Now, so that you also may know {my circumstances}, what I am doing, Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all [things], whom I have sent to you for this very [reason], that you may know {our circumstances}, and he may encourage your hearts.
whom I have sent to you for this very [reason], that you may know {our circumstances}, and he may encourage your hearts.
according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will be put to shame in nothing, but with all boldness, even now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether through life or through death.
according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will be put to shame in nothing, but with all boldness, even now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether through life or through 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.
having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear about in me.
having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear about in me.
[since we] heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints,
[since we] heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints,
just as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ [on] our behalf,
just as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ [on] our behalf,
just as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ [on] our behalf,
just as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ [on] our behalf, [who] also made clear to us your love in the Spirit.
[who] also made clear to us your love in the Spirit.
in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins,
in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation,
who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation,
and through him to reconcile all [things] to himself, [by] making peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
and through him to reconcile all [things] to himself, [by] making peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
of which I became a minister, according to God's stewardship which was given to me for you, to complete the word of God,
of which I became a minister, according to God's stewardship which was given to me for you, to complete the word of God,
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and all those who have not seen my face {in person},
Beware lest {anyone take you captive} through philosophy and empty deceit, according to {human tradition}, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ,
Beware lest {anyone take you captive} through philosophy and empty deceit, according to {human tradition}, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ, because in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily,
having been buried with him in baptism, in which also you were raised together with [him] through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
having been buried with him in baptism, in which also you were raised together with [him] through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. And {although you were dead} in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
And {although you were dead} in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath,
Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath,
Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath,
Therefore do not let anyone judge you with reference to eating or drinking or participation in a feast or a new moon or a Sabbath, which are a shadow of what is to come, but the reality [is] Christ.
which are a shadow of what is to come, but the reality [is] Christ. Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail [about] [the things] which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail [about] [the things] which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail [about] [the things] which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail [about] [the things] which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail [about] [the things] which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,
Let no one condemn you, taking pleasure in humility and the worship of angels, going into detail [about] [the things] which he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God.
and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God.
and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God.
and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by the ligaments and sinews, grows with the growth of God. If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit [to them] as [if] living in the world?
If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit [to them] as [if] living in the world? "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch,"
"Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch," which [things] are all [meant] for destruction by consuming according to human commandments and teachings,
which [things] are all [meant] for destruction by consuming according to human commandments and teachings, which [things] {although they have}, to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, {do not have any value} against the indulgence of the flesh.
which [things] {although they have}, to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, {do not have any value} against the indulgence of the flesh.
Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not [on] the things on earth.
Set your mind on the things above, not [on] the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
When Christ, [who is] your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Therefore put to death {what is earthly in you}: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry,
Therefore put to death {what is earthly in you}: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry, because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.
in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them. But now you also lay aside all [these] things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth.
But now you also lay aside all [these] things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, [because you] have taken off the old man together with his deeds,
Do not lie to one another, [because you] have taken off the old man together with his deeds,
Do not lie to one another, [because you] have taken off the old man together with his deeds,
Do not lie to one another, [because you] have taken off the old man together with his deeds, and have put on the new [man] that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him,
and have put on the new [man] that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him,
Therefore, as [the] chosen of God, holy and [dearly] loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,
Therefore, as [the] chosen of God, holy and [dearly] loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you [do the same].
putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you [do the same].
putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you [do the same].
putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you [do the same]. And to all these [things] [add] love, which is [the] bond of perfection.
And to all these [things] [add] love, which is [the] bond of perfection. And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God,
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God, and everything {whatever} you do in word or in deed, giving thanks [for] all [things] in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.
and everything {whatever} you do in word or in deed, giving thanks [for] all [things] in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also {I am a prisoner},
praying at the same time for us also, that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also {I am a prisoner}, so that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak.
so that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak. Live with wisdom toward those outside, making the most of the time.
whom I have sent to you for this very [reason], in order that you may know {our circumstances} and he may encourage your hearts,
whom I have sent to you for this very [reason], in order that you may know {our circumstances} and he may encourage your hearts,
and Jesus who is called Justus. These [are] the only ones who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God from the circumcision, who have been a comfort to me.
and Jesus who is called Justus. These [are] the only ones who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God from the circumcision, who have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is [one] of you, greets you, a slave of Christ always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is [one] of you, greets you, a slave of Christ always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is [one] of you, greets you, a slave of Christ always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is [one] of you, greets you, a slave of Christ always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
The greeting [is] by my hand, Paul's. Remember my {imprisonment}. Grace [be] with you.
The greeting [is] by my hand, Paul's. Remember my {imprisonment}. Grace [be] with you.
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience,
by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, who forbid marrying [and insist on] abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth,
who forbid marrying [and insist on] abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth,
constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain.
constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain.
and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.
and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.
whom I wanted to keep with me, in order that he might serve me on behalf of you during my imprisonment for the gospel.
whom I wanted to keep with me, in order that he might serve me on behalf of you during my imprisonment for the gospel.
I, Paul, write [this] with my [own] hand: I will pay it back, lest I mention to you that {you owe me even your very self besides}.
I, Paul, write [this] with my [own] hand: I will pay it back, lest I mention to you that {you owe me even your very self besides}.
At the same time also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
At the same time also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored 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] spending some time [there], he departed, traveling through one [place] after another [in] the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
And it happened that [while] Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions [and] came to Ephesus and found some disciples.
to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
For I testify to him that {he is working hard} on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha and the church in her house. And whenever this letter is read among you, {see to it} that it is read also among the Laodicean church, and that you 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.