Bible Commentaries
Colossians

Col

Colossians is the complement of the doctrinal section of Ephesians. Two mysteries dominate both. Ephesians elaborates the present Secret Economy, which concerns the members of the body of Christ: Colossians dwells upon the secret of Christ, Who is the Head of that body.

Ephesians, however, teaches the truth, while Colossians corrects departure from it. The literary framework gives us a clear clue to its contents. Within the Salutations and Mutual Reports, the whole body of the epistle deals with the details of the Secret of Christ. First the apostle, in one of the most sublime passages in Holy Writ, sets forth the secret glories of Christ as the Son of God. At the close of the epistle he speaks of this again, desiring to make it known. The bulk of this letter deals with correction in doctrine and deportment necessitated by departure from the Secret of Christ. A knowledge of this secret is vital to the spiritual welfare of all who know God.

Rationalism and ritual, the philosophy of the nations and the religion of Israel, are the two great enemies to the truth which find correction in Colossians. Every false theology or philosophy which places anything of human origin between God and man, is set aside by the great truth that Christ is God's Complement. As our Complement He displaces all the decrees and rites of Judaism. In Christ we are complete and need naught else to fit us for the Father's presence. The secret of Christ is presented in its future aspect in Ephesians. There is to be a harvest era in which Christ is to be supreme, not only on earth, but in the heavens also. His sway will be universal ( Eph_1:10 ; Eph_3:3 ). In Colossians, however, the emphasis is placed on His past headship in creation and His present headship in redemption with a view to a future reconciliation of the universe. The unity of creation has led philosophers to trace it back to a common origin, by some called a "primordial germ." This first element in creation, however simple it may be said to be, must possess within itself a potential universe. The Son of God, the Firstborn of Creation, is the satisfactory solution to all questions which concern creation. Creation did not begin in chaos but in Christ. It will not end in ruin wrought by man but in universal reconciliation wrought by the blood of His cross.

FRAMEWORK OF COLOSSIANS

Repeated Reversion

INTRODUCTION Col_1:1

Report of Epaphras to Paul Col_1:3-8

THE SECRET OF CHRIST

Its Realization Col_1:9 - Col_2:7

DOCTRINE

Philosophy, Col_2:8

Empty Seduction Col_2:8

Human Tradition Col_2:8

Elements Col_2:8

God's Complement Col_2:9

Our Complement Col_2:10

Circumcision, Baptism Decrees Col_2:11-14

Sovereignties and Authorities Col_2:15

Shadows, Food and Drink Col_2:16-19

Teachings of Men Col_2:20-23

DEPORTMENT Col_3:1 - Col_4:1

Christ in Heaven Col_3:1-4

Put to Death Members on Earth Col_3:5-7

Put Off the Old Humanity Col_3:8-11

Put On the Young Humanity Col_3:12-17

Modify Relationships on Earth Col_3:18-21

Master in Heaven Col_3:22-25 ; Col_4:1

THE SECRET OF CHRIST

Its Expression Col_4:2-6

Tychicus to the Col_4:7-9

CONCLUSION Col_4:10-18