“Think globally, act locally”

ColossiansColossians

Cities of the Lycus River Valley: Colossae, Hierapolis, Laodicea• Hellenized Jews, pagan cults, mystery religions• Mother goddess worship

Earthquake of 61CE• May have destroyed the small, declining city

Epaphras, local preacher and teacher Paul warns against “Colossian Heresy”

• Worship of “elemental spirits of the universe”• Worship of or by angels• Ascetic practices, taboos, mystical rites, diet

Date, Place, SituationDate, Place, Situation

Colossians parallels Ephesians (box 16.2) Closely tied to Philemon (box 18.2) Very close to Paul’s thought

• Some stylistic differences• Continues and extends trajectory of Paul’s

thinking• Question of authenticity comes down to

consistency of expression Option 1: Paul wrote Colossians (late) Option 2: Timothy or disciple wrote letter Option 3: Devoted follower wrote letter (early)

AuthorshipAuthorship

Cosmic Christ: Hymn (1:15–20)• Lord of church and ruler of universe• Image of God in whom God dwells• Redeemer and creator

Realized Eschatology• End-time blessings are available now• Eternal perspective affirms that Christ is already

Victor and believers have already been raised Knowledge and Maturity

• Growth comes from God• Colossians have everything but continue to

mature

Theological ThemesTheological Themes

Salutation, thanksgiving, prayer (1:1–14) Hymn to Christ (1:15–20) Theological implications (1:21–2:23)

• “Christ in you, the hope of glory”• Don’t be deceived by human philosophies

Ethical exhortation and closing (3:1–4:18)• Conduct of God’s chosen ones• Household duties• Prayer and wisdom toward outsiders

OutlineOutline