Collossae is located near to Laodicea and Hierapolis both cities of Asia Minor and Ancient Rome in the first century. The city was occupied from 3500 BC until 1100 AD and lies near the modern city of Honaz at the foot of Mt. Cadmus in modern Turkey. Although it seems likely that the apostle Paul had not visited Colossae he felt the need to write to the Christians there because his disciple Epaphras had established the church at Colossae as well as the churches of Laodicea and Hierapolis in the same region probably during his Third Missionary Journey. The awesome thing here is that you can travel to Turkey and go there. It’s a real place.
The message from Paul is one of encouragement to the Church at Colossae because he and Timothy had heard of their faith and love for the saints. He speaks of the hope laid up for them in heaven through the hearing of the gospel of Jesus Christ and fruit which it will bear in them as in the grace of God in Truth. This connects to what Christ Jesus said in John chapter fifteen about his being the vine and the Father being the vine dresser. The Vinedresser cuts out the branches which bear no fruit and prunes the vines that bear fruit that they might bear more fruit. It is cool that Paul cared to write to the Church and shows the love that he had in Christ Jesus. It is also awesome that the bible sticks to central themes like illustration of the vine. Keep in mind he may not have been aware of the gospel of John and what it contained when he was writing this epistle.
Paul then speaks of praying for the Colossians that they might filled with wisdom and understanding and knowledge. That they might be strengthened with all might according to his power. There enduring everything with patience and perseverance joyfully giving thanks to the Father who is allowing us to partake in the inheritance of the saints in light. Who delivered us from darkness into the kingdom of his dear Son. What a wonderful prayer that Paul made for the believers in Colossae.
The next passage is one of the most wonderful revelations of the person of Jesus Christ as our resurrected Lord and His saving nature in the bible.
Colossians chapter one starting at verse 15 He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of every creature. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell, 20 and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say—whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven. MEV
What a wonderful description of Jesus Christ our great Lord and Savior. The almighty First Born of all Creation for whom all things were created. In Space or on the Earth, seen and unseen, powers, dominions and principalities. All was made by him and for him as God. Firstborn from the dead and set over all things. Having the fullness of God in him and in peace bringing all to himself through the blood of His cross. How cool of Jehovah to give His only begotten Son for you and I and how awesome that Paul was able to share this picture of Jesus and what he achieved for us all who believe on him through the Cross at Calvary.
Then Paul turns his conversation to show how while the Colossians and we ourselves were once separated from God through our sins not in our relationship with Jesus in faith. Christ Jesus can now present us blameless and holy and above reproach in him and this when we remain grounded and settled in the hope of the gospel. Awesome.
As we near the end of chapter one Paul speaks of his rejoicing in sufferings for the Colossians sake through the afflictions of Christ for the sake of the Church which is the body of Christ of which Paul is a servant through commission by Christ. To bring forth the mystery hidden for ages past and make known “Christ in you the hope of glory.” Whom we preach warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom that they may be presented perfect in Christ Jesus through his power which worked in Paul and works in us today. What an awesome pearl of wisdom for us to know. What a blessing and what promise to us all. Amen Lord Jesus.
Reference List
Bible Gateway http://biblegateway.com
Colossae https://www.bibleplaces.com/colossae/ 01.07.19
Where Is Biblical Colossae? https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-sites-places/biblical-archaeology-sites/where-is-biblical-colossae/ 01.07.19
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