BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS:

AUTHOR, DATE, AND TIME:

Internal as well as external evidence suggest and confirm that the author of Colossians could be Paul along with Timothy. Colossians 1:1 states that Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy their brother. Also, Paul states to the Colossians in Colossians 1:23 that if indeed they continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that they heard, which had been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which Paul became a minister. At the end of the letter in Colossians 4:18, Paul writes mentioning that he wrote with his own hand to remember his chains and Grace be with them.  Also, the epistle had been traditionally ascertained by the early church fathers to the authorship of Paul. Also, the literary style and the delivery of the content are aligned with the uniqueness of the writings of Paul.

Paul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, in the name of Saul before his conversion, and encountered the Lord Jesus Christ and transformed (Act 9:1-31). Paul himself introduced to the Jews saying that He is a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia but brought up in that city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of their fathers, being zealous for God as all of them are that day, persecuting the men and women way to death by binding and delivering to prison, before accepting Christ. Then he had been reasoning and witnessing Christ (Act 22:1-21).

The Exact Date and time of the writing to Colossians is unknown but it could be around 60 A.D., during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, around the same time he wrote letters to Ephesians and Philippians. The Colossians are the new converts who could have needed the guidance of living for God and doing things that glorify God, and Paul wrote the letter to them.

RECIPIENTS:

It is very clear that the Letter had been addressed to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae (Col 1:2). Colossians had a good faith in Christ Jesus that was witnessed and had the love for all the saints, because of the things they had heard and understanding of Grace of God in truth (Col 1:3-6). Epaphras was the mediator between the congregation in Colossae and Paul (Col 1: 7). Paul could have met Epaphras during the Asian ministry (Act 19:10). Colossae was a small city that was east of Ephesus and it was of some commercial importance with glossy black wool. The neighboring cities could be Laodicea and Hierapolis where Epaphras ministered (Col 4: 13).

Paul had not visited the Colossian church and most of the people over there as he writes that all have not seen him face to face (Col 2: 1). Paul could have passed the letter through Tychicus or Onesimus (Col 4: 7-9; Phil 1: 10-12).

 

PURPOSE:

Ø  To encourage and appreciate the faith in God, Love for the saints, and understanding of the Grace of God in truth

Ø  To enable to rely on God and reconcile with Him, and thereby be fruitful with the knowledge about eminence and pre-eminence of Christ

Ø  To share the authors’ concerns and thoughts generally and specifically

Ø  To enable to be qualified before men and God, seeking Godly things, putting down ungodly things, and practicing Godly values to glorify God with everything.

 

LITERARY FEATURES:

The author is very efficient in conveying the message he wants, in a very smooth, constructive, and efficient way. Paul introduces himself and the recipients with God-centered greetings. As well as Paul appreciates their faith and goodness by thanking God and praying for them, and he encourages them to further pursue it. Paul acknowledged the eminence of Christ. Also, he shared about himself in order to have closeness with them though there are no physical meetings or face-to-face conversations. The use of the contrasts to reflect, remind and reconcile with God, as well as stressing to do things to glorify God not merely for man, is the highlight of the epistle. As it is customary and due to the personal attachments, Paul did not fail to mention the specific individuals.

 

LEARNINGS:

Ø  We could learn to thank God and appreciate our fellow members for their faith in God, love for others, and understanding of the grace of God in truth.

Ø  We shall learn the eminence of Christ and reliance on God, to be fruitful and walk in the truth.

Ø  We shall learn to live a witnessing life at home as well as work and reflect about the Godly and ungodly things and adopt to live for God to glorify God and not for man.

Ø  We shall learn to have concern and personal relationships with one another.