Colossians 1

As we read through the book of Colossians, we would understand Paul’s purpose of writing this letter which is to refute the Colossian heresy. Chapter 1 sets a crucial path in accomplishing Paul’s goal as he stresses on the Supremacy of Christ by exalting Christ as the very image of God (v15), the Creator (v16), the preexistent sustainer of all things (v17), the head of the church (v18), the first to be resurrected (v.18), the fullness of deity in bodily form (v.19) and being the reconciler to redeem the sinners from the eternal damnation (v.20-22). Prior to further discussion on the supremacy of Christ, I would like to kick off my insights and discussion from the thanksgiving and prayer as I believe there are some important and practical points to take note of.

Reading through the letters from Paul, Paul begins most of his letters with thanks or praise. It is a great reminder, whether or not if it is just Paul’s mere pattern of writing. Being repetitive, we can truly see the importance and the value of being thankful and praising our Heavenly Father. In verse 5 Paul mentions the three Christian virtues of faith, love and hope. We most probably can recall the Faith Hope Love that Paul mentions in the book of 1 Corinthians 13 where on top of all, Love is the greatest virtue. These three virtues are also mentioned in the book of Romans 5 and Galatians 5 and Hebrew 10. These three virtues are definitely not coming from humans, but God. Personally, I think that these three virtues are essential in a Christian’s life, they should be assimilated into every facet of our life to demonstrate what God values in his created beings.

Another character that caught my eyes is Epaphras (v.7). Throughout the Bible, there are many famous characters that everyone can recall and remember while we tend to forget some characters who do not seem to be as outstanding but I believe as long as their names appear in the Bible, they are bunch of AWESOME people. There must be something we can learn as I believe there is a reason for their existence or appearance. Digging into this guy called Epaphras, Paul addressed him a Faithful minister and his dear fellow servant. My research tells that Epaphras is a native and probably founder of the Colossian church, and an evangelist in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:12-13). Paul loved and admired him and Epaphras was the one who told Paul at Rome about the Colossian church problem and thereby stimulated Paul to write this letter. Epaphras comes from the Greek word of “Aphrodite”, the Greek Goddess of Love, suggests that he was a convert from paganism.

Verse 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit is the source of all Christian love. From verse 9-14, we see the urge from Paul informing the Collosians that he has been praying for them and asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding. Biblical knowledge shouldn’t be stored as head knowledge only, but it should be practically demonstrated through Godly living. Catch phrase: godly in EVERY WAY (v.10). Few other values that Paul mentions are endurance, patience and joy.

Verse 12 carries a descriptive phrase that opposes another in verse 13. Kingdom of Light vs Dominion of darkness. Interesting?

The Supremacy of Christ

Perhaps this is one of the strategies that Paul uses to counteract the false teaching at Colosse (at the later chapter). He stresses and explains on the truth of Christ Jesus so that the Collosians can be fundamentally right on the fundamental truth. Paul talks about Christ’s supremacy in creation and in redemption. Christ is called the image of God which speaks of the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. Thinking deeper, the image suggests that God is invisible (No one has ever seen God, even Moses in the book of Exodus only managed to see the back parts of God – refer to Exodus 33:20-23) and Christ is the eternal Son of God and who became the God-man, reflects and reveals God.

One interesting fact, “all creation”, “all things” and “everything” appear seven times from verse 15-20. This shows the supremacy of Christ.

Last but not least at the end of Chapter 1, Paul talks about the reconciliation brought by Jesus. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, not only was the harmony between God and human beings destroyed, but also disorder came into creation. So when Christ died on the cross, he made peace possible between God and humans, and he restored in principle the harmony in the physical world, though the full realization of the latter will come only when Christ returns. However, we have to be reminded that the death of Christ doesn’t mean all are saved, but only believers, those who believe and place their faith in God. If not, what is the purpose of hell?

Verse 28, is a great reminder for all preachers of truth and leaders and you and me, “we proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ”.

To pen, I am thinking of the mystery that God hid and kept for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to us!!!

What is it? CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY!!!

How valuable? THE GLORIOUS RICHES!!!

It is the revelation of divine truths – once hidden but now openly proclaimed, that you and I have received! Praise God =)