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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You got that lesson from our beloved fellow-servant Epaphras, a minister of Christ who is faithful to your interests; and it is he who has informed us of your love in the Spirit. read more. Hence, from the day we heard of it, we have never ceased to pray for you, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and insight,
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, salutes you ??a servant of Christ Jesus who is always earnest in prayer for you, that you may stand firm like mature and convinced Christians, whatever be the will of God for you. I can testify to his exertions on your behalf and on behalf of those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
I can testify to his exertions on your behalf and on behalf of those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Salute the brothers at Laodicea, also Nympha and the church which meets at 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.
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There came to Ephesus a Jew called Apollos, who was a native of Alexandria, a man of culture, strong in his knowledge of the scriptures.
There came to Ephesus a Jew called Apollos, who was a native of Alexandria, a man of culture, strong in his knowledge of the scriptures.
This went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
This went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
You also see and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost all over Asia this fellow Paul has drawn off a considerable number of people by his persuasions. He declares that hand-made gods are not gods at all.
You also see and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost all over Asia this fellow Paul has drawn off a considerable number of people by his persuasions. He declares that hand-made gods are not gods at all.
When we did reach Rome, Paul got permission to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
When we did reach Rome, Paul got permission to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but it was God who made the seed grow.
I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but it was God who made the seed grow.
In virtue of my commission from God, I laid the foundation of the house like an expert master-builder. It remains for another to build on this foundation. Whoever he is, let him be careful how he builds.
In virtue of my commission from God, I laid the foundation of the house like an expert master-builder. It remains for another to build on this foundation. Whoever he is, let him be careful how he builds.
You may have thousands to superintend you in Christ, but you have not more than one father. It was I who in Christ Jesus became your father by means of the gospel.
You may have thousands to superintend you in Christ, but you have not more than one father. It was I who in Christ Jesus became your father by means of the gospel.
in whom we enjoy our redemption, the forgiveness of our trespasses, by the blood he shed.
in whom we enjoy our redemption, the forgiveness of our trespasses, by the blood he shed.
so to order it in the fulness of the ages that all things in heaven and earth alike should be gathered up in Christ ??11 in the Christ in whom we have had our heritage allotted us (as was decreed in the design of him who carries out everything according to the counsel of his will),
so to order it in the fulness of the ages that all things in heaven and earth alike should be gathered up in Christ ??11 in the Christ in whom we have had our heritage allotted us (as was decreed in the design of him who carries out everything according to the counsel of his will),
and the surpassing greatness of his power over us believers ??a power which operates with the strength of the might
and the surpassing greatness of his power over us believers ??a power which operates with the strength of the might
he made us live together with Christ (it is by grace you have been saved);
he made us live together with Christ (it is by grace you have been saved);
with perfect modesty and gentleness, showing forbearance to one another patiently, zealous in love
with perfect modesty and gentleness, showing forbearance to one another patiently, zealous in love to preserve the unity of the Spirit by binding peace upon yourselves.
to preserve the unity of the Spirit by binding peace upon yourselves. For there is one Body and one Spirit ??as you were called for the one hope that belongs to your call ??5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
For there is one Body and one Spirit ??as you were called for the one hope that belongs to your call ??5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
as the entire Body is welded together and compacted by every joint with which it is supplied, the due activity of each part enables the Body to grow and build itself up in love.
as the entire Body is welded together and compacted by every joint with which it is supplied, the due activity of each part enables the Body to grow and build itself up in love.
you must lay aside the old nature which belonged to your former course of life, that nature which crumbles to ruin under the passions of moral deceit,
you must lay aside the old nature which belonged to your former course of life, that nature which crumbles to ruin under the passions of moral deceit, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, putting on the new nature, that divine pattern which has been created in the upright and pious character of the Truth.
putting on the new nature, that divine pattern which has been created in the upright and pious character of the Truth.
putting on the new nature, that divine pattern which has been created in the upright and pious character of the Truth.
putting on the new nature, that divine pattern which has been created in the upright and pious character of the Truth. Lay aside falsehood, then, let each tell his neighbour the truth, for we are members one of another.
Lay aside falsehood, then, let each tell his neighbour the truth, for we are members one of another.
be kind to each other, be tender-hearted, be generous to each other as God has been generous to you in Christ.
be kind to each other, be tender-hearted, be generous to each other as God has been generous to you in Christ.
Let no one deceive you with specious arguments; these are the vices that bring down God's anger on the sons of disobedience.
Let no one deceive you with specious arguments; these are the vices that bring down God's anger on the sons of disobedience. So avoid the company of such men.
So avoid the company of such men. For while once upon a time you were darkness, now in the Lord you are light; lead the life of those who are children of the light
For while once upon a time you were darkness, now in the Lord you are light; lead the life of those who are children of the light
Be strictly careful then about the life you lead; act like sensible men, not like thoughtless;
Be strictly careful then about the life you lead; act like sensible men, not like thoughtless; make the very most of your time, for these are evil days.
make the very most of your time, for these are evil days.
converse with one another in the music of psalms, in hymns, and in songs of the spiritual life, praise the Lord heartily with words and music,
converse with one another in the music of psalms, in hymns, and in songs of the spiritual life, praise the Lord heartily with words and music, and render thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ at all times and for all things.
and render thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ at all times and for all things. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as to the Lord,
Wives, be subject to your husbands as to the Lord,
Wives, be subject to your husbands as to the Lord,
Wives, be subject to your husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also (though he is the saviour of the Body) is the head of the church;
for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also (though he is the saviour of the Body) is the head of the church;
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right;
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right; honour your father and mother (it is the first command with a promise),
honour your father and mother (it is the first command with a promise), that it may be well with you and that you may live long on earth.
that it may be well with you and that you may live long on earth. As for you fathers, do not exasperate your children, but bring them up in the discipline and on the admonitions of the Lord.
As for you fathers, do not exasperate your children, but bring them up in the discipline and on the admonitions of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters here below with reverence and trembling, with singleness of heart as to Christ himself;
Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters here below with reverence and trembling, with singleness of heart as to Christ himself; instead of merely working when their eye is on you, like those who court human favour, do God's will from the heart like servants of Christ,
instead of merely working when their eye is on you, like those who court human favour, do God's will from the heart like servants of Christ, by rendering service with goodwill as to the Lord and Master, not to men.
by rendering service with goodwill as to the Lord and Master, not to men. Be sure that everyone, slave or free, will be paid back by the Lord and Master for the good he has done.
Be sure that everyone, slave or free, will be paid back by the Lord and Master for the good he has done. And as for you masters, act by your servants in the same way, and stop threatening them; be sure that they and you have a Lord and Master in heaven, and there is no partiality about him.
And as for you masters, act by your servants in the same way, and stop threatening them; be sure that they and you have a Lord and Master in heaven, and there is no partiality about him.
and on my behalf also, that I may be allowed to speak and open my lips in order to expound fully and freely that open secret of the gospel
and on my behalf also, that I may be allowed to speak and open my lips in order to expound fully and freely that open secret of the gospel for the sake of which I am in custody as its envoy. Pray that I may have freedom to declare it as I should.
for the sake of which I am in custody as its envoy. Pray that I may have freedom to declare it as I should. Our beloved brother Tychicus, a faithful minister in the Lord, will give you all information about me, so that you may know how I am;
Our beloved brother Tychicus, a faithful minister in the Lord, will give you all information about me, so that you may know how I am; that is why I am sending him to you, to let you know how I am and to encourage your hearts.
that is why I am sending him to you, to let you know how I am and to encourage your hearts.
As life means Christ to me, so death means gain.
As life means Christ to me, so death means gain.
by waging the same conflict that, as once you saw and now you hear, I wage myself.
by waging the same conflict that, as once you saw and now you hear, I wage myself.
since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints,
since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints,
You got that lesson from our beloved fellow-servant Epaphras, a minister of Christ who is faithful to your interests;
You got that lesson from our beloved fellow-servant Epaphras, a minister of Christ who is faithful to your interests;
You got that lesson from our beloved fellow-servant Epaphras, a minister of Christ who is faithful to your interests;
You got that lesson from our beloved fellow-servant Epaphras, a minister of Christ who is faithful to your interests; and it is he who has informed us of your love in the Spirit.
and it is he who has informed us of your love in the Spirit.
In him we enjoy our redemption, that is, the forgiveness of sins.
In him we enjoy our redemption, that is, the forgiveness of sins. He is the likeness of the unseen God, born first before all the creation ??16 for it was by him that all things were created both in heaven and on earth, both the seen and the unseen, including Thrones, angelic Lords, celestial Powers and Rulers; all things have been created by him and for him;
He is the likeness of the unseen God, born first before all the creation ??16 for it was by him that all things were created both in heaven and on earth, both the seen and the unseen, including Thrones, angelic Lords, celestial Powers and Rulers; all things have been created by him and for him;
and by him it willed to reconcile in his own person all on earth and in heaven alike, in a peace made by the blood of his cross.
and by him it willed to reconcile in his own person all on earth and in heaven alike, in a peace made by the blood of his cross.
for I am a minister of the church by the divine commission which has been granted me in your interests, to make a full presentation of God's message ??26 of that open secret which, though concealed from ages and generations of old, has now been disclosed to the saints of God.
for I am a minister of the church by the divine commission which has been granted me in your interests, to make a full presentation of God's message ??26 of that open secret which, though concealed from ages and generations of old, has now been disclosed to the saints of God.
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
Beware of anyone getting hold of you by means of a theosophy which is specious make-believe, on the lines of human tradition, corresponding to the Elemental spirits of the world and not to Christ.
Beware of anyone getting hold of you by means of a theosophy which is specious make-believe, on the lines of human tradition, corresponding to the Elemental spirits of the world and not to Christ. It is in Christ that the entire Fulness of deity has settled bodily,
It is in Christ that the entire Fulness of deity has settled bodily,
when you were buried with him in your baptism and thereby raised with him as you believed in the power of the God who raised him from the dead.
when you were buried with him in your baptism and thereby raised with him as you believed in the power of the God who raised him from the dead. For though you were dead in your trespasses, your flesh uncircumcised, He made you live with Christ, He forgave us all our trespasses,
For though you were dead in your trespasses, your flesh uncircumcised, He made you live with Christ, He forgave us all our trespasses,
So let no one take you to task on questions of eating and drinking or in connexion with the observance of festivals or new moons or sabbaths.
So let no one take you to task on questions of eating and drinking or in connexion with the observance of festivals or new moons or sabbaths.
So let no one take you to task on questions of eating and drinking or in connexion with the observance of festivals or new moons or sabbaths.
So let no one take you to task on questions of eating and drinking or in connexion with the observance of festivals or new moons or sabbaths. All that is the mere shadow of what is to be; the substance belongs to Christ.
All that is the mere shadow of what is to be; the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one lay down rules for you as he pleases, with regard to fasting and the cult of angels, presuming on his visions and inflated by his sensuous notions,
Let no one lay down rules for you as he pleases, with regard to fasting and the cult of angels, presuming on his visions and inflated by his sensuous notions,
Let no one lay down rules for you as he pleases, with regard to fasting and the cult of angels, presuming on his visions and inflated by his sensuous notions,
Let no one lay down rules for you as he pleases, with regard to fasting and the cult of angels, presuming on his visions and inflated by his sensuous notions,
Let no one lay down rules for you as he pleases, with regard to fasting and the cult of angels, presuming on his visions and inflated by his sensuous notions,
Let no one lay down rules for you as he pleases, with regard to fasting and the cult of angels, presuming on his visions and inflated by his sensuous notions, instead of keeping in touch with that Head under whom the entire Body, supplied with joints and sinews and thus compacted, grows with growth divine.
instead of keeping in touch with that Head under whom the entire Body, supplied with joints and sinews and thus compacted, grows with growth divine.
instead of keeping in touch with that Head under whom the entire Body, supplied with joints and sinews and thus compacted, grows with growth divine.
instead of keeping in touch with that Head under whom the entire Body, supplied with joints and sinews and thus compacted, grows with growth divine. As you died with Christ to the Elemental spirits of the world, why live as if you still belonged to the world? Why submit to rules and regulations like
As you died with Christ to the Elemental spirits of the world, why live as if you still belonged to the world? Why submit to rules and regulations like "Hands off this!" "Taste not that!" "Touch not this!" ??22 referring to things that perish by being used? These rules are determined by human precepts and tenets;
"Hands off this!" "Taste not that!" "Touch not this!" ??22 referring to things that perish by being used? These rules are determined by human precepts and tenets;
they get the name of 'wisdom' with their self-imposed devotions, with their fasting, with their rigorous discipline of the body, but they are of no value, they simply pamper the flesh!
they get the name of 'wisdom' with their self-imposed devotions, with their fasting, with their rigorous discipline of the body, but they are of no value, they simply pamper the flesh!
Since then you have been raised with Christ, aim at what is above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God;
Since then you have been raised with Christ, aim at what is above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; mind what is above, not what is on earth,
mind what is above, not what is on earth, for you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
for you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you will appear with him in glory.
When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you will appear with him in glory. So put to death those members that are on earth: sexual vice, impurity, appetite, evil desire, and lust (which is idolatry),
So put to death those members that are on earth: sexual vice, impurity, appetite, evil desire, and lust (which is idolatry), things that bring down the anger of God on the sons of disobedience.
things that bring down the anger of God on the sons of disobedience. Once you moved among them, when you lived in them;
Once you moved among them, when you lived in them; but off with them all now, off with anger, rage, malice, slander, foul talk!
but off with them all now, off with anger, rage, malice, slander, foul talk! Tell no lies to one another; you have stripped off the old nature with its practices,
Tell no lies to one another; you have stripped off the old nature with its practices,
Tell no lies to one another; you have stripped off the old nature with its practices,
Tell no lies to one another; you have stripped off the old nature with its practices, and put on the new nature which is renewed in the likeness of its Creator for the knowledge of him.
and put on the new nature which is renewed in the likeness of its Creator for the knowledge of him.
As God's own chosen, then, as consecrated and beloved, be clothed with compassion, kindliness, humility, gentleness, and good temper ??13 forbear and forgive each other in any case of complaint; as Christ forgave you, so must you forgive.
As God's own chosen, then, as consecrated and beloved, be clothed with compassion, kindliness, humility, gentleness, and good temper ??13 forbear and forgive each other in any case of complaint; as Christ forgave you, so must you forgive.
And above all you must be loving, for love is the link of the perfect life.
And above all you must be loving, for love is the link of the perfect life. Also, let the peace of Christ be supreme within your hearts ??that is why you have been called as members of the one Body. And you must be thankful.
Also, let the peace of Christ be supreme within your hearts ??that is why you have been called as members of the one Body. And you must be thankful. Let the inspiration of Christ dwell in your midst with all its wealth of wisdom; teach and train one another with the music of psalms, with hymns, and songs of the spiritual life; praise God with thankful hearts.
Let the inspiration of Christ dwell in your midst with all its wealth of wisdom; teach and train one another with the music of psalms, with hymns, and songs of the spiritual life; praise God with thankful hearts. Indeed, whatever you say or do, let everything be done in dependence on the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in his name to God the Father.
Indeed, whatever you say or do, let everything be done in dependence on the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in his name to God the Father. Wives, be subject to your husbands; that is your proper duty in the Lord.
Wives, be subject to your husbands; that is your proper duty in the Lord.
Wives, be subject to your husbands; that is your proper duty in the Lord.
Wives, be subject to your husbands; that is your proper duty in the Lord.
and pray for me as well, that God may give me an opening for the word, to speak of the open secret of Christ for which I am in custody.
and pray for me as well, that God may give me an opening for the word, to speak of the open secret of Christ for which I am in custody. Pray that I may unfold it as I should.
Pray that I may unfold it as I should. Let Christian wisdom rule your behaviour to the outside world; make the very most of your time;
Let Christian wisdom rule your behaviour to the outside world; make the very most of your time;
The reason why I am sending him to you is that he may ascertain how you are, and encourage your hearts.
The reason why I am sending him to you is that he may ascertain how you are, and encourage your hearts.
and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only comrades in the work of God's realm, belonging to the circumcised, who have been any comfort to me.
and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only comrades in the work of God's realm, belonging to the circumcised, who have been any comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, salutes you ??a servant of Christ Jesus who is always earnest in prayer for you, that you may stand firm like mature and convinced Christians, whatever be the will of God for you.
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, salutes you ??a servant of Christ Jesus who is always earnest in prayer for you, that you may stand firm like mature and convinced Christians, whatever be the will of God for you.
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, salutes you ??a servant of Christ Jesus who is always earnest in prayer for you, that you may stand firm like mature and convinced Christians, whatever be the will of God for you.
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, salutes you ??a servant of Christ Jesus who is always earnest in prayer for you, that you may stand firm like mature and convinced Christians, whatever be the will of God for you.
This salutation is in my own hand, from Paul. 'Remember I am in prison. Grace be with you.'
This salutation is in my own hand, from Paul. 'Remember I am in prison. Grace be with you.'
But in later days, the Spirit distinctly declares, certain people will rebel against the faith; they will listen to spirits of error and to the doctrines that daemons teach
But in later days, the Spirit distinctly declares, certain people will rebel against the faith; they will listen to spirits of error and to the doctrines that daemons teach through plausible sophists who are seared in conscience ??3 men who prohibit marriage and insist on abstinence from foods which God created for believing men, who understand the Truth, to partake of with thanksgiving.
through plausible sophists who are seared in conscience ??3 men who prohibit marriage and insist on abstinence from foods which God created for believing men, who understand the Truth, to partake of with thanksgiving.
and constant friction between people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the Truth. They imagine religion is a paying concern.
and constant friction between people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the Truth. They imagine religion is a paying concern.
to our sister Apphia, to our fellow-soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house:
to our sister Apphia, to our fellow-soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house:
I would have liked to keep him beside me, that as your deputy he might serve me during my imprisonment for the gospel;
I would have liked to keep him beside me, that as your deputy he might serve me during my imprisonment for the gospel;
This is in my own handwriting: 'I Paul promise to refund it' ??not to mention that you owe me, over and above, your very soul.
This is in my own handwriting: 'I Paul promise to refund it' ??not to mention that you owe me, over and above, your very soul.
And get quarters ready for me, for I am hoping that by your prayers I shall be restored to you.
And get quarters ready for me, for I am hoping that by your prayers I shall 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.
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After spending some time there he went off on a journey right through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples.
It was when Apollos was in Corinth that Paul, after passing through the inland districts, came down to Ephesus. There he found some disciples,
to the consecrated and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: grace and peace to you from God our Father.
I can testify to his exertions on your behalf and on behalf of those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Salute the brothers at Laodicea, also Nympha and the church which meets at her house. And when this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans; also, see that you read the letter that reaches you 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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Striving? Yes, I want you to understand my deep concern for you and for those at Laodicea, for all who have never seen my face.
I can testify to his exertions on your behalf and on behalf of those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.