This past Sunday I promised I would send you the notes from Sunday's sermon on the Five Foundational things you need to know about Colossians. So here they are and more-
1) Church
Paul had never been to this church, but the church came into existence because of the influence of Paul. He ministered in near-by Ephesus for three years, as recorded in Acts 19. Luke tells us that Paul's dialogues in the lecture hall of Tyrannus in Ephesus were so effective that "all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord both Jews and Greeks". Evidently, this is where a man named Epaphras was converted who then returned to Colossae and shared his faith, resulting in a new community of believers known as the Colossians.
2) City
The city of Colossae was actually a small town situated on the south bank of the Lycus River in the interior Roman province of Asia (an area included in modern day Turkey). About 100 miles inland from the great city of Ephesus were three cities-Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae. All three cities at the time of Paul's writing of this epistle had communities of believers.
This area encompassed a fertile valley and produced an abundant crop of large figs and olives. It was a great pasture land for large flocks of sheep and a center for the wool industry.
Colossae had been on a great trade route connecting east and west, but the Romans had built a system of roads, one of which by-passed Colossae. So at this time the city was in serious decline.
Also, the Colossians' letter was written in 62 A.D. following a huge earthquake in the region which had all but destroyed three cities in 60-61 A.D. according to ancient geographer Strabo and Roman historian Tacitus. Laodicea was quickly rebuilt without government assistance from Rome (Nero). Hierapolis bounced back because it continued as a popular tourist trap with its hot and cool springs. But Colossae never recovered and never regained its significance. So the city was going through a hard time. However, what prompted the letter had nothing to do with this physical calamity or economic catastrophe. In fact, Paul never mentions anything about this. Instead, he focuses on a more threatening crisis-
3) Crisis
Paul was in prison in Rome. Epaphras shows up and evidently shares about heretics who were infiltrating the church at Colossae with their false teachings. Paul is writing in response. Here he exposes their beliefs and offers counter-arguments to this growing cult that will become known as Gnosticism.
It involved three religious systems that were blended together:
- Jewish legalism (with its emphasis on rules and rituals)
- Greek paganism (which put at odds the material world versus the spiritual world, according to Plato's teachings)
- Oriental mysticism (with its emphasis on the occult and magic)
And to these was added a pinch of Christianity.
One of the most salient features of the Gnostics teaching was their belief that the way to God was a secret knowledge only a few could understand. This thought must have been repulsive to Paul who laid his life on the line to make known the Gospel to all people.
4) Content
The book of Colossians is only 95 verses, but valuable out of all proportion to its size. Here Paul not only refutes the false teachings threatening the church, but he also writes some of the most important truths about Christ found in Scripture.
The theme is: the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ. That's why I am calling this series Christ is All!
5) Compelling
This study is an exciting journey of discovery as to what it means in our lives to experience the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
I will see you Sunday as we continue in Colossians 1:9-14 on the subject How to Pray for One Another.
Devotedly your Pastor,
Ron