Colossians 1:21 - 2:15
v. 28-29 Paul teaches toward an ultimate goal. His goal is to present people "perfect in Christ" (that is, mature in their faith in Christ). Paul works hard toward this end but acknowledges that it's Christ's power that works within him.
Chapter 2:1-3 Laodicea was only a short distance from Colossae, about 13 miles. Paul had not met the readers personally. Again he states his purpose. That they may be:
a) encouraged in heart and
b) united in love.
So why Paul?
So the readers may have "the full riches of complete understanding"
In order to do what Paul?
In order to "know" God's mystery (which is Christ). Again Paul emphasizes knowing not doing.
Back in chapter one verse 26 Paul talked about how God had hidden this mystery from people. Now he says that something is "hidden in" Christ-- all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
v. 4-7 Paul is telling them all this so they will not be deceived by false teachers who sound like they know what they're talking about. Although Paul is not there with them (remember, he's in prison) he has heard from Epaphras how well they are doing. He encourages them to continue in their faith in Christ and be very thankful to God.
v. 8 He warns them not to be taken captive by "hollow and deceptive philosophy." This is not a physical captivity but refers to their minds being taken over by another form of teaching that is not in line with the true revelation of Christ. This other philosophy is not based on Christ but on "human tradition and the basic principles of this world" instead of on Christ. It's not that there's anything wrong with human traditions or worldly principles, but they are a poor substitute for Christ.
v. 9-10 This is a strong statement. All of God (all His power and authority) lives in the body of Christ. Not just part of God, but all of Him. And the believers have been given fullness in Christ who is the Head of every authority. So all of God is in Christ and the believers are themselves fully in Christ.
v. 11-12 Paul compares the physical circumcision associated with the Law to a spiritual circumcision that is symbolized by water baptism. Believers are "buried" with Christ in baptism and "raised" with Him through their faith in God's power to raise the dead. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead will raise the believers also.
v. 13 These Colossian readers used to be spiritually dead in their sins. But while they were dead God made them alive with Christ. He forgave "all" their sins-- past, present and future. How?
v. 14 By cancelling the written code (the Law of Moses) and nailing it to the cross.
The Law had been against them. The Law did not keep them safe. All it could do was condemn them for the sins they committed. The Law could not save them from the penalty of sin. It only showed them their need for a savior. The Law would continue to condemn them if it was not "canceled" by the cross.
Let's look at the Old Covenant more closely. It was a legally binding agreement between two parties-- God and the Israelites. This agreement was established with a blood sacrifice and could only be canceled by the death of one of the parties. Obviously, God is immortal and could not die. If all the Israelites died then there would be no opportunity to establish a New Covenant. Therefore, God needed to become human so that He could die and bring an end to this covenant. Once that was accomplished then a new one could be established that would actually bring peace between Jew and Gentile as well as peace between God and humanity. That's why Paul can say the "written code" (the Law) was taken away by Jesus Christ and "nailed to the cross."
v. 15 The powers and authorities that were "disarmed" must refer to evil spiritual authorities. The cross not only brought an end to the Law it also defeated the demonic forces that oppose God.
--Sandy Blank
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