Paul begins his letter to the church at Colosse in the way he begins many of his letters- he tells us who he is writing to (saints and faithful brethren). This is a letter to Christians.

Keep this in mind as you read. Paul will both encourage and warn believers, because believers (yes, believers) need to be both encouraged and warned as we walk out our faith this side of Heaven so that we can experience grace and peace (Col 1:2).

As you do things like study the Bible and go to church, you put yourself in the position to be both encouraged and warned, so you can have grace and peace despite the trouble that comes in this fallen world.

The city of Colosse, and the church to whom this letter is addressed, was certainly experiencing trouble.

My friend Lynn did a historical search of this city and shared in the comments yesterday. Lynn shared that Colosse was a “city known for its dyes. At this time, it was going thru a decline and times were hard. The people were struggling and had turned to mystical teachings and Judaism and pagan rituals. Around 90 AD, it was struck by a strong earthquake and the city was destroyed.”

Though Paul did not start or visit this church he was well informed about Colosse (which was in modern day Turkey). He was informed about the believers and the situation there most likely by Epaphrus who served them in ministry.

It is also important to remember that Paul wasn’t just a fellow pastor sharing a letter. Paul was an Apostle —which means “one sent by God”. He writes this letter with authority and his words are Holy Spirit inspired for both the church at Colosse and for us today.

One of my favorite commentaries (The Enduring Word, get the app) tells us the following—

“Paul wrote because there were problems among the Christians in Colosse, but the doctrinal problem – sometimes described as “The Colossian Heresy” – is difficult to precisely describe. It probably was a corruption of Christianity with elements of mystical and legalistic Judaism perhaps combined with early Gnosticism.

The first century religious environment was much like our own. It was a time of religious mixing, with people borrowing a little from this religion and a little from that religion. The only difference was that in the first century, one joined a group who did the borrowing. In our modern culture one does the borrowing one’s self.

Whatever the problem was precisely, Paul dwelt on the solution: a better understanding of Jesus.”

As we endeavor to grow in knowledge and truth (doing things like we are doing now) we will be well equipped to test everything, refute false teaching, and hold on to the good! (1 Thess 5:21)

May this be our prayer for ourselves and each other! May we daily remind ourselves and each other of the glorious hope we have because of our Savior (Col 1:4). And what a Savior He is!

May we be His willing vessels bearing fruit for our good and His glory no matter what this day may bring!

Spend some time today thinking about where you turn when trouble comes? Do you run to truth? Have you tested these things to make sure they are truth?

readColossians

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