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 ye learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, which is for you a faithful minister of Christ, which also declared unto us your love, which ye have in the spirit. read more. For this cause we also, since the day we heard of it have not ceased praying for you, and desiring that ye might be fulfilled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of God. I bear him record that he hath a fervent mind toward you, and toward them of Laodicea and them of Hierapolis.
I bear him record that he hath a fervent mind toward you, and toward them of Laodicea and them of Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren which are of Laodicea, and salute Nymphas, and the congregation which is in his house.
Fausets
Colosse properly Colossae. A city on the Lycus, an affluent of the Maeander. To the Christians there was addressed Paul's epistle, before he had seen their face (Col 2:1; 1:4,7-8). Epaphras probably founded the Colossian church (Col 1:7; 4:12). Colosse was ethnologically in Phrygia, but politically then in the province of Asia. On the site of the modern Chonos. The foundation of the church must have been subsequent to Paul's visitation, "strengthening in order" all the churches of Galatia and Phrygia (Ac 18:24), for otherwise he must have visited the Colossians, which Col 2:1 implies he had not. Hence, as in the epistle to the Romans, so in the epistle to Colosse there are no allusions to his being their father in the faith, such as there are in 1Co 3:6,10; 4:15; 1Th 1:5; 2:1.
Probably during Paul's "two years" stay at Ephesus, when "all which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus" (Ac 19:10,26), Epaphras, Philemon (Phm 1:2,13,19), Archippus, Apphia, and other natives of Colosse (which was on the high road from Ephesus to the Euphrates), becoming converted at Ephesus, were subsequently the first preachers in their own city. This accounts for their personal acquaintance with, and attachment to, Paul and his fellow ministers, and their salutations to him. So as to "them at Laodicea" (Col 2:1). He hoped to visit Colosse when he should be delivered from his Roman prison (Phm 1:22; compare Php 2:24). The angel worship noticed in Col 2:18 is mentioned by Theodoret as existing in his days.
A legend connected with an inundation was the ground of erecting a church to the archangel Michael near a chasm, probably the one noticed by Herodotus. "The river Lycus, sinking into a chasm in the town, disappears under ground, and, emerging at five stadia distance, flows into the Maeander" (Col 4:18). Two streams, one from the N. the other from the S., pour into the Lycus, both possessing the power of petrifying. The calcareous deposits on the plants, and obstructions which the stream met with, gradually formed a natural arch, beneath which the current flowed as Herodotus describes; the soft crust was probably broken up by an earthquake. In the 4th century the council of Laodicea (in the same region) in its 35th canon prohibited calling upon angels.
EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS: written by Paul during his first captivity at Rome (Ac 28:16), in that part of it when as yet it had not become so severe as it did when the epistle to the Philippians (Php 1:20-21,30) was written (probably after the death of Burrhus, A.D. 62, to whom Tigellinus succeeded as praetorian prefect). Its genuineness is attested by Justin Martyr (contra Tryphon, p. 311 b.), Theophilus of Antioch (Autol., 2:10), Irenaeus (3:14, section 1), Clement of Alexandria (Stromata, 1:325), Tertullian (Praescr. Haeret., 7), Origen (c. Celsus, 5:8). Object: to counteract the Jewish false teaching there, of which Paul had heard from Epaphras (Col 4:12), by setting before them their standing in CHRIST ALONE, exclusive of angels. the majesty of His person (Col 1:15), and the completeness of redemption by Him.
Hence, they ought to be conformed to their risen Lord (Col 3:1-5), and exhibit that conformity in all relations of life. The false teaching opposed in this epistle (Col 2:16,18, "new moon ... sabbath days") is that of Judaizing Christians, mixed up with eastern theosophy, angel worship, and the asceticism of the Essenes (Col 2:8-9,16-23). The theosophists professed a deeper insight into the world of spirits and a greater subjugation of the flesh than the simple gospel affords. Some Alexandrian Jews may have visited Colosse and taught Philo's Greek philosophy, combined with the rabbinical angelology and mysticism, afterward embodied in the Cabbala. Alexander the Great had garrisoned Phrygia with Babylonian Jews.
The Phrygians' original tendency had been to a mystic worship, namely, that of Cybele; so, when Christianized, they readily gave heed to the incipient gnosticism of Judaizers. Later, when the pastoral epistles were written, the evil had reached a more deadly phase, openly immoral teachings (1Ti 4:1-3; 6:5). The place of writing was Rome. The three epistles, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, were sent at the same time. The epistle to Colossians, though carried by the same bearer, Tychicus, who bore that to the Ephesians, was written earlier, for the similar phrases in Ephesians appear more expanded than those in Colossians. The "ye also" (as well as the Colossians) may imply the same fact (Eph 6:21).
The similarity between the three epistles written about the same date to two neighboring cities (whereas those written at distant dates and under different circumstances have little mutual resemblance) is an undesigned coincidence and proof of genuineness. Compare Eph 1:7 with Col 1:14; Eph 1:10 with Col 1:20; Eph 3:2 with Col 1:25; Eph 5:19 with Col 3:16; Eph 6:22 with Col 4:8; Eph 1:19; 2:5 with Col 2:12-13; Eph 4:2-4 with Col 3:12-15; Eph 4:16 with Col 2:19; Eph 4:32 with Col 3:13; Eph 4:22-24 with Col 3:9-10; Eph 5:6-8 with Col 3:6-8; Eph 5:15-16 with Col 4:5; Eph 6:19-20 with Col 4:3-4; Eph 5:22-23; 6:1-9 with Col 3:18; Eph 4:24-25 with Col 3:9; Eph 5:20-22 with Col 3:17-18.
Onesimus traveled with Tychicus, bearing the letter to Philemon. The persons sending salutations are the same as in epistle to Philemon, except Jesus Justus (Col 4:11). Archippus is addressed in both. Paul and Timothy head both. Paul appears in both a prisoner. The style has a lofty elaboration corresponding to the theme, Christ's majestic person and office, in contrast to the Judaizers' beggarly system. In the epistle to the Ephesians, which did not require to be so controversial, he dilates on these truths so congenial to him, with a fuller outpouring of spirit and less antithetical phraseology.
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And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria came to Ephesus: an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures.
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria came to Ephesus: an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures.
And this continued by the space of two years: So that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
And this continued by the space of two years: So that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Moreover, ye see and hear that not alone at Ephesus: but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be not gods which are made with hands:
Moreover, ye see and hear that not alone at Ephesus: but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be not gods which are made with hands:
And when he came to Rome, the under-captain delivered the prisoners to the chief captain of the host: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with one Soldier that kept him.
And when he came to Rome, the under-captain delivered the prisoners to the chief captain of the host: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with one Soldier that kept him.
I have planted. Apollos watered. But God gave increase.
I have planted. Apollos watered. But God gave increase.
According to the grace of God given unto me, as a wise builder have I laid the foundation; and another hath built thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon.
According to the grace of God given unto me, as a wise builder have I laid the foundation; and another hath built thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon.
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ: yet have ye not many fathers. In Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel.
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ: yet have ye not many fathers. In Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel.
By whom we have redemption through his blood, that is to say, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,
By whom we have redemption through his blood, that is to say, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,
the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come: that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ. That is to say, in him
the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come: that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ. That is to say, in him
and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward, which believe according to the working of that his mighty power,
and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward, which believe according to the working of that his mighty power,
even when we were dead by sin, hath quickened us together in Christ - for by grace are ye saved -
even when we were dead by sin, hath quickened us together in Christ - for by grace are ye saved -
If ye have heard of the ministration of the grace of God which is given me to you ward -
If ye have heard of the ministration of the grace of God which is given me to you ward -
in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another through love,
in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another through love, and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,
and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.
being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.
in whom all the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to another - according to the operation as every part hath his measure - and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
in whom all the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to another - according to the operation as every part hath his measure - and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
so then, as concerning the conversation in time past, lay from you that old man, which is corrupt through the deceivable lusts,
so then, as concerning the conversation in time past, lay from you that old man, which is corrupt through the deceivable lusts, and be ye renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and be ye renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness.
and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness.
and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness.
and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness. Wherefore, put away lying, and speak every man truth unto his neighbor, forasmuch as we are members one of another.
Wherefore, put away lying, and speak every man truth unto his neighbor, forasmuch as we are members one of another.
Be ye courteous one to another, and merciful, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake forgave you.
Be ye courteous one to another, and merciful, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake forgave you.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For through such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For through such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. Be not, therefore, companions with them.
Be not, therefore, companions with them. Ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly - not as fools, but as wise -
Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly - not as fools, but as wise - redeeming the time: for the days are evil.
redeeming the time: for the days are evil.
speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,
speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always for all things unto God the father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ:
giving thanks always for all things unto God the father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Women: submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Women: submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Women: submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Women: submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body.
For the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body.
Children, obey your fathers and mothers in the Lord: for so is it right.
Children, obey your fathers and mothers in the Lord: for so is it right. "Honour thy father and mother," that is the first commandment that hath any promise,
"Honour thy father and mother," that is the first commandment that hath any promise, "that thou mayst be in good estate, and live long on the earth."
"that thou mayst be in good estate, and live long on the earth." And ye fathers, move not your children to wrath: but bring them up with the nurture and information of the Lord.
And ye fathers, move not your children to wrath: but bring them up with the nurture and information of the Lord. Servants, be obedient unto your carnal masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your hearts, as unto Christ:
Servants, be obedient unto your carnal masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your hearts, as unto Christ: not with service in the eyesight, as men-pleasers: but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart
not with service in the eyesight, as men-pleasers: but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with good will, even as though serving the Lord and not men.
with good will, even as though serving the Lord and not men. And remember that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, that shall he receive again of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
And remember that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, that shall he receive again of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And ye masters, do even the same things unto them, putting away threatenings: and remember that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any respect of person with him.
And ye masters, do even the same things unto them, putting away threatenings: and remember that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any respect of person with him.
and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to utter the secrets of the gospel,
and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to utter the secrets of the gospel, whereof I am a messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me to speak.
whereof I am a messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me to speak. But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do, Tychicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things,
But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do, Tychicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose: that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
whom I sent unto you for the same purpose: that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
as I heartily look for and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed: but that with all confidence, as always in times past, even so now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be through life, or else death.
as I heartily look for and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed: but that with all confidence, as always in times past, even so now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be through life, or else death. For Christ is to me life, and death is to me advantage.
For Christ is to me life, and death is to me advantage.
and have even the same fight which ye saw me have and now hear of me.
and have even the same fight which ye saw me have and now hear of me.
since we heard of your faith which ye have in Christ Jesus: and of the love which ye bear to all saints
since we heard of your faith which ye have in Christ Jesus: and of the love which ye bear to all saints
as ye learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, which is for you a faithful minister of Christ,
as ye learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, which is for you a faithful minister of Christ,
as ye learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, which is for you a faithful minister of Christ,
as ye learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, which is for you a faithful minister of Christ, which also declared unto us your love, which ye have in the spirit.
which also declared unto us your love, which ye have in the spirit.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, that is to say, forgiveness of sins,
in whom we have redemption through his blood, that is to say, forgiveness of sins, which is the image of the invisible God, first begotten of all creatures:
which is the image of the invisible God, first begotten of all creatures:
and by him to reconcile all things unto himself, and to set at peace by him through the blood of his cross both things in heaven and things in earth.
and by him to reconcile all things unto himself, and to set at peace by him through the blood of his cross both things in heaven and things in earth.
whereof am I made a minister according to the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given me unto you ward, to fulfill the word of God:
whereof am I made a minister according to the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given me unto you ward, to fulfill the word of God:
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes, and for them of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh,
Beware lest any man come and spoil you through philosophy and deceitful vanity, through the traditions of men, and ordinances after the world, and not after Christ.
Beware lest any man come and spoil you through philosophy and deceitful vanity, through the traditions of men, and ordinances after the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,
in that ye are buried with him through baptism, in whom ye are also risen again through faith, that is wrought by the operation of God which raised him from death.
in that ye are buried with him through baptism, in whom ye are also risen again through faith, that is wrought by the operation of God which raised him from death. And ye which were dead in sin through the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened with him and hath forgiven us all our trespasses
And ye which were dead in sin through the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened with him and hath forgiven us all our trespasses
Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink: or for a piece of a holy day, as the holy day of the new moon, or of the Sabbath day:
Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink: or for a piece of a holy day, as the holy day of the new moon, or of the Sabbath day:
Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink: or for a piece of a holy day, as the holy day of the new moon, or of the Sabbath day:
Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink: or for a piece of a holy day, as the holy day of the new moon, or of the Sabbath day: which are nothing but shadows of things to come. But the body is in Christ.
which are nothing but shadows of things to come. But the body is in Christ. Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless, puffed up with his fleshly mind,
Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless, puffed up with his fleshly mind,
Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless, puffed up with his fleshly mind,
Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless, puffed up with his fleshly mind,
Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless, puffed up with his fleshly mind,
Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of angels, things which he never saw: causeless, puffed up with his fleshly mind, and holdeth not the head: whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God.
and holdeth not the head: whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God.
and holdeth not the head: whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God.
and holdeth not the head: whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God. Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ from ordinances of the world: Why as though ye yet lived in the world, are ye led with traditions of them that say
Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ from ordinances of the world: Why as though ye yet lived in the world, are ye led with traditions of them that say "Touch not; Taste not; Handle not:"
"Touch not; Taste not; Handle not:" which all perish with the using of them, and are after the commandments, and doctrines of men:
which all perish with the using of them, and are after the commandments, and doctrines of men: which things have the similitude of wisdom in chosen holiness, and humbleness, and in that they spare not the body - and do the flesh no worship unto his need.
which things have the similitude of wisdom in chosen holiness, and humbleness, and in that they spare not the body - and do the flesh no worship unto his need.
If ye be then risen again with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the righthand of God.
If ye be then risen again with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the righthand of God. Set your affection on things that are above, and not on things which are on the earth.
Set your affection on things that are above, and not on things which are on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, which is our life, shall show himself; then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
When Christ, which is our life, shall show himself; then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is worshipping of idols:
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth; fornication, uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which is worshipping of idols: for which thing's sakes the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief.
for which thing's sakes the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief. In which things ye walked once, when ye lived in them.
In which things ye walked once, when ye lived in them. But now put ye also away from you all things; wrath, fierceness, maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy speaking out of your mouths.
But now put ye also away from you all things; wrath, fierceness, maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy speaking out of your mouths. Lie not one to another, that the old man with his works be put off,
Lie not one to another, that the old man with his works be put off,
Lie not one to another, that the old man with his works be put off,
Lie not one to another, that the old man with his works be put off, and the new put on; which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that made him:
and the new put on; which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that made him:
Now therefore as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering,
Now therefore as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another; even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye.
forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another; even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye.
forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another; even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye.
forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another; even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye. Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness,
Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness, and the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which peace ye are called in one body: and see that ye be thankful.
and the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which peace ye are called in one body: and see that ye be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom. Teach and exhort your own selves, in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs which have favour with them, singing in your hearts to the Lord.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom. Teach and exhort your own selves, in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs which have favour with them, singing in your hearts to the Lord. And all things, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him.
And all things, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him. Wives, submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord.
Wives, submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord.
Wives, submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord.
Wives, submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord.
praying also for us, that God open unto us the door of utterance, that we may speak the mystery of Christ - wherefore I am in bonds -
praying also for us, that God open unto us the door of utterance, that we may speak the mystery of Christ - wherefore I am in bonds - that I may utter it, as it becometh me to speak.
that I may utter it, as it becometh me to speak. Walk wisely to them that are without, and redeem the time.
whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how ye do, and might comfort your hearts,
whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how ye do, and might comfort your hearts,
and Jesus which is called Justus, which are of the circumcision. These only are my workfellows unto the kingdom of God, which were unto my consolation.
and Jesus which is called Justus, which are of the circumcision. These only are my workfellows unto the kingdom of God, which were unto my consolation. Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of God.
Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of God.
Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of God.
Epaphras the servant of Christ, which is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of God.
The salutation by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you, Amen. {Sent from Rome by Tychicus and Onesimus.}
The salutation by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you, Amen. {Sent from Rome by Tychicus and Onesimus.}
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error,
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron,
and devilish doctrine of them which speak false through hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth.
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth.
and vain disputations of men with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that lucre is godliness. From such, separate thyself.
and vain disputations of men with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that lucre is godliness. From such, separate thyself.
and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the congregation of thy house.
and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the congregation of thy house.
whom I would fain have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel.
whom I would fain have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel.
I, Paul, have written it with mine own hand. I will recompense it. So that I do not say to thee how that thou owest unto me even thine own self.
I, Paul, have written it with mine own hand. I will recompense it. So that I do not say to thee how that thou owest unto me even thine own self.
Moreover, prepare me lodging: for I trust through the help of your prayers, I shall be given unto you.
Moreover, prepare me lodging: for I trust through the help of your prayers, I shall be given 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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
and departed unto Antioch, and when he had tarried there a while, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia by order, strengthening all the disciples.
It fortuned, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul passed through the upper coasts, and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples
To the saints which are at Colossae, and brethren that believe in Christ. Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
I bear him record that he hath a fervent mind toward you, and toward them of Laodicea and them of Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren which are of Laodicea, and salute Nymphas, and the congregation which is in his house. And when the epistle is read of you, make that it be read in the congregation of the Laodiceans also: and that ye likewise read the epistle of 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.