Reference: Colosse
American
A city of Phrygia, situated on a hill near the junction of the Lycus with the Meander, and not far from the cities Hierapolis and Laodicea, Col 2:1; 4:13,15. With these cities it was destroyed by an earthquake in the tenth year of Nero, about A. D. 65, while Paul was yet living. It was soon rebuilt. The church of Christians in this city, to whom Paul wrote, seems to have been gathered by Epaphras, Col 1:7-9; 4:12-13. In modern times the place is called Chonos.
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even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ, who also made known to us your love in the Spirit. read more. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, cease not praying for you, and asking that ye may be filled with the full knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness, that he has much concern in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
For I bear him witness, that he has much concern in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly 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.
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Now a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a learned man, came down to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.
Now a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a learned man, came down to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures.
And this continued for two years; so that all those dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
And this continued for two years; so that all those dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
And ye perceive and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, turned away a great multitude, saying, that they are not gods that are made with hands.
And ye perceive and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, turned away a great multitude, saying, that they are not gods that are made with hands.
And, when we came to Rome, it was permitted Paul to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
And, when we came to Rome, it was permitted Paul to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God causeth it to grow.
I planted, Apollos watered; but God causeth it to grow.
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master-builder, I laid a foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each one take heed how he builds thereon;
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master-builder, I laid a foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each one take heed how he builds thereon;
For, though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the Gospel.
For, though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the Gospel.
in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
for a dispensation of the fulness of the seasons, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; in Him,
for a dispensation of the fulness of the seasons, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; in Him,
and what the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of the strength of His might,
and what the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of the strength of His might,
even when we were dead in our offenses, made us alive with Christ (by grace ye have been saved),
even when we were dead in our offenses, made us alive with Christ (by grace ye have been saved),
if, at least, ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
if, at least, ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love;
with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love; earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;
from Whom all the body, fitly framed and knit together through every joint of supply, according to the working in due measure of each single part, secures the growth of the body to the upbuilding of itself in love.
from Whom all the body, fitly framed and knit together through every joint of supply, according to the working in due measure of each single part, secures the growth of the body to the upbuilding of itself in love.
that ye put off, as to your former manner of life, the old man, who is corrupt according to the desires of deceit;
that ye put off, as to your former manner of life, the old man, who is corrupt according to the desires of deceit; and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who after God was created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and put on the new man, who after God was created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and put on the new man, who after God was created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and put on the new man, who after God was created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Wherefore, having put away false-hood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members one of another.
Wherefore, having put away false-hood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members one of another.
and become kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
and become kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
Let no one deceive you with empty words; for, because of these things, comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience.
Let no one deceive you with empty words; for, because of these things, comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. Do not, therefore, become partakers with them;
Do not, therefore, become partakers with them; for ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light
for ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light
Look, therefore, carefully, how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise,
Look, therefore, carefully, how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, buying up the opportunity, because the days are evil.
buying up the opportunity, because the days are evil.
speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ;
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ; the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord;
the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord;
the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord;
the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord; because a husband is head of the wife, as Christ also is Head of the assembly; Himself the Savior of the body.
because a husband is head of the wife, as Christ also is Head of the assembly; Himself 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, indeed, is the first commandment with a promise),
"Honor your father and mother" (which, indeed, is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth."
"that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth." And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.
And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul,
not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul, with good-will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;
with good-will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing each one does, this shall he receive from the Lord, whether bond or free.
knowing that whatsoever good thing each one does, this shall he receive from the Lord, whether bond or free. And, masters, do the same thing to them, forbearing the threat; knowing that both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him.
And, masters, do the same thing to them, forbearing the threat; knowing that both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him.
and on my behalf that utterance may be given to me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel,
and on my behalf that utterance may be given to me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But, that ye also may know my affairs, what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
But, that ye also may know my affairs, what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he may encourage your hearts.
whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he may encourage your hearts.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall in nothing be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life, or through death.
according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall in nothing be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified 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 conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints,
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints,
even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ,
even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ,
even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ,
even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ, who also made known to us your love in the Spirit.
who also made known to us your love in the Spirit.
in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins;
in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins; Who is the image of the invisible God, Primal Source of all creation;
Who is the image of the invisible God, Primal Source of all creation;
and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, whether the things on the earth, or the things in the heavens.
and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, whether the things on the earth, or the things in the heavens.
of which I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
of which I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
For I wish you to know how great a conflict I am having for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh;
Beware, lest there should be any one who makes a spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceits, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ;
Beware, lest there should be any one who makes a spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceits, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ; because in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily;
having been buried with Him in your immersion, in which ye were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead;
having been buried with Him in your immersion, in which ye were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead; and you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, did He make alive with Him: having freely forgiven us all our trespasses;
and you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, did He make alive with Him: having freely forgiven us all our trespasses;
Let no one, therefore, judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a feast, or a new moon, or sabbaths,
Let no one, therefore, judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a feast, or a new moon, or sabbaths,
Let no one, therefore, judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a feast, or a new moon, or sabbaths,
Let no one, therefore, judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a feast, or a new moon, or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is Christ's.
which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is Christ's. Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh, and not holding fast the Head from Whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increases with the increase of God.
and not holding fast the Head from Whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increases with the increase of God.
and not holding fast the Head from Whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increases with the increase of God.
and not holding fast the Head from Whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increases with the increase of God. If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as if living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to decrees,
If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as if living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to decrees, "Handle not, taste not, touch not,"
"Handle not, taste not, touch not," (which are all for destruction in the using), according to the commandments and teachings of men?
(which are all for destruction in the using), according to the commandments and teachings of men? Which things, having, indeed, a show of wisdom, in will-worship, humility, and severe treatment of the body, are not of any value, against the indulgence of the flesh.
Which things, having, indeed, a show of wisdom, in will-worship, humility, and severe treatment of the body, are not of any value, against the indulgence of the flesh.
If, therefore, ye were raised up with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
If, therefore, ye were raised up with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Keep thinking of the things above, not of the things on the earth,
Keep thinking of the things above, not of the things on the earth, for ye died, and your life has been hid with Christ in God.
for ye died, and your life has been hid with Christ in God. When Christ, our Life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory.
When Christ, our Life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory. Make dead, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which, indeed, is idolatry;
Make dead, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which, indeed, is idolatry; on account of which things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience;
on account of which things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience; in which things ye also formerly walked, when ye were living in these things.
in which things ye also formerly walked, when ye were living in these things. But now do ye also put away all these; anger, wrath, malice, reviling, shameful talk out of your mouth.
But now do ye also put away all these; anger, wrath, malice, reviling, shameful talk out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices,
Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices,
Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices,
Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices, and having put on the new man who is being renewed unto full knowledge, according to the image of Him Who created him;
and having put on the new man who is being renewed unto full knowledge, according to the image of Him Who created him;
Put on, therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering;
Put on, therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; (bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye):
(bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye):
(bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye):
(bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye): and over all these put on love, which is the uniting-bond of perfectness.
and over all these put on love, which is the uniting-bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, unto which also ye were called in one body; and become thankful.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, unto which also ye were called in one body; and become thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts, to God.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts, to God. And whatsoever ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
And whatsoever ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it was fitting in the Lord.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it was fitting in the Lord.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it was fitting in the Lord.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as it was fitting in the Lord.
at the same time praying for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ (because of which I have also become bound),
at the same time praying for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ (because of which I have also become bound), that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.
that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those without, buying up the opportunity.
whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know the things that concern us, and that he may comfort your hearts;
whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know the things that concern us, and that he may comfort your hearts;
and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers in the interests of the Kingdom of God, who, indeed, became a comfort to me.
and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers in the interests of the Kingdom of God, who, indeed, became a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
Epaphras, who is from among you, salutes you, a servant of Christ Jesus, always striving in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
But the Spirit expressly saith, that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and to teachings of demons,
But the Spirit expressly saith, that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and to teachings of demons, in hypocrisy of men speaking lies, branded in their own conscience with a hot iron;
in hypocrisy of men speaking lies, branded in their own conscience with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God created for reception with thanksgiving by those who believe and have full knowledge of the truth.
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God created for reception with thanksgiving by those who believe and have full knowledge of the truth.
wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing godliness to be a source of gain.
wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing godliness to be a source of gain.
and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;
whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;
I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides.
I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides.
But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.
But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given 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, having spent some time there, he departed, going through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
And it came to pass, while Apollos was in Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper districts, came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples;
to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father.
For I bear him witness, that he has much concern in behalf of you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly in her house. And, when the letter may be read among you, cause that it be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one 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.