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Colossians
Chapter One
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Introduction of the
Book
A. The writer (v.1);
B. The receiver (v
C. Greeting (v.2b);
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayers for the
Church
A. Thanksgiving and Prayers (v.3);
B. Reasons for the Thanksgiving and Prayers:
1. For having heard of their faith
love and hope (v.4-5);
2. For the bringing forth of the fruit of the gospel among
them (v.6);
3. For their learning
from Epaphras (v.7);
4. For the report of Epaphras (v.8);
C. Items of the Thanksgiving and Prayers
1. Pray for them to increase
in the knowledge of God (v.9-10);
2. Pray for them to be strengthened with all might and joy (v.11);
3. Thank for being
partakers of the inheritance (v.12);
4. Thank for being conveyed into
the kingdom (v.13);
5. Thank for having
redemption (v.14);
The Transcendence and Fulfillment of Christ
A. He is the image of God and is the firstborn
(v.15);
B. All things are created by Him
and through
Him and for Him (v.16);
C. In Him all things consist (v.17);
D. He is the head and the fullness of the
church (v.18-19);
E. He has made peace and presented us in the
sight of God (v.20-22);
Paul
the Minister of the Gospel and the
Church
A. Preach the gospel to every creature under heaven (v.23);
B. Suffer for the church to fill up what
is lacking in the afflictions of Christ (v.24);
C. Fulfill the word of God (v.25-27);
D. Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (v.28-29);
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
Col. 1:1 “Paul
an apostle of Jesus
Christ by the will of God
and Timothy our brother
”
YLT: “Paul
an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of
God
and Timotheus the brother
”
Meaning of Words: “apostle”: he that is sent
ambassador; “Paul”: little;
Literal
Meaning: “by the will of God”
it indicates that such identity is
totally of God
not of himself.
“An apostle
of Jesus Christ”
it shows that: 1)
he is of the Lord; 2) he is sent by the Lord; 3) he has received the authority
of preaching the truth from the Lord; 4) he is not proud of it
but fulfills
what the Lord has entrusted to him in faithfulness.
“And
Timothy our brother”
this epistle is
written by Paul only (Col. 4:18)
but here Paul also mentions Timothy
showing
that the words in the epistle were by no means Paul’s personal views
but were
also approved by Timothy.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The author of this epistle changed his name
to “Paul” after he was saved
willing to be “little” (the original meaning of
the word Paul).
2) The position of the preacher is not out of
his talent or biblical knowledge
but of God’s calling and sending.
3) If we do not know the will of God
we are
unworthy of God’s workers.
4) Everyone who serves God should put down his
own will
but focus on the will of God. Therefore
he shall serve for the
purpose of pleasing God only
not for the likes or dislikes of him or others.
5) He who is sent shall speak and walk
according to the command of the one who sends him. What the Lord’s worker
preaches should not be of him
but of what God has entrusted to him.
6) What the preacher shall introduce is not his
worldly status or title
but the proof that he is really the one who speaks by
the will of God.
7) The servant of Christ by the will of God
should be convinced that God will be with him to help him to fulfill the great
mission.
8) The apostle of Christ should be firstly with
Him and abide in Him and let the Lord’s words dwell in him (John 15:7). Then he
is able to go to preach the Lord’s words for Him.
9) Just like the relationship between Paul and
Timothy
the fellow workers should honor one another first and then the church
shall honor them. He who is haughty and despises others shall be in no wise
worthy of the Lord’s servant.
Col. 1:2 “To the saints and faithful
brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
YLT: “to the saints in Colossae
and to the faithful brethren
in Christ: Grace to you
and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus
Christ!”
Meaning of Words: “saints”: those who are consecrated to God;
“faithful”: trustworthy
firm in faith
faithful unto the end; “grace”:
graciousness
favour
gift
gratitude
pleasure;
Literal
Meaning: “the saints and faithful
brethren”
“saints” it relates to identity and character; “brethren”
it relates to life and blood relationship; both the words share the same
definite article
so both of them refer to the same group of men.
“In Christ”
it means that we
have the relationship and union with Christ in life; 2) Christ is the sphere of
our fellowship and life (Col. 2:6 “walk in Him”).
“Faithful”: hold fast and
stand firm in faith and truth. Paul firstly mentions the faithfulness of the
saints in Colosse before mentioning the wrong heretical doctrines. This is a
positive encouragement.
The saints in the church of Colosse have two
kinds of identity: 1) according to the flesh
they abide in “Colosse” and own
the citizenship of Rome; 2) according to the spirit
they are “in Christ” with
the citizenship of the heavenly kingdom.
“Grace”
graciousness
which is the free gift bestowed
by God; The greatest grace for men
is that God is willing to
let Him be
possessed and enjoyed by men.
“Peace”
it does not refer to peaceful and smooth
environment
but quite and restful mood in one’s heart. In other words
peace
is a kind of mood of those who have already enjoyed God’s salvation
which
brings peace between God and men
and among
men
themselves.
“From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
God is the God of all
and is also our Father. God is the origin of grace and peace. And
we believers are vessels that take part in grace and peace.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Sanctification (the saints)
and the union
with the Lord (in Christ) and the faithfulness to God (faithful) are three
secrets of holding fast the truth and dealing with the heresy.
2) Unless we have realized that we are “saints”
and we have significantly honorable position and nature in the Lord
we cannot
live a holy and triumphant life on the earth.
3) This book is written to “the brethren who
are faithful in Christ”. All those who are faithful to God should learn the
will of God to the church from the words of this book.
4) “Saints” and “brethren” show the position
and responsibility of believers. We shall not only be saints before God ----
live a holy life
but also be brothers before men ---- fulfill the
responsibilities of brothers.
5) The true believers not only believe on the
Lord Jesus but also live a life that is united with Him.
6) Every believer should have dual identities.
According to the flesh
we are on the earth; but according to the spiritual
reality
we are in the heaven (in Christ)!
7) Believer should not despise the life
responsibility that he has to take in the world. And besides
he should not be
ruled by this world
but transcend this world and live in Christ.
8) Whatever a man who lives in Christ does
it
is done for the Lord. Therefore
every work should be done diligently.
9) Since Christians are those who have enjoyed
the grace of God
their life must have its pleasantness. Christianity that is
of no attraction is not true Christianity.
10) Grace is a gift that men can not obtain by
themselves
for men are unworthy of receiving grace through themselves
11) Grace is the source of peace
and peace is
the fruit of grace. It is impossible for men to obtain peace before receiving
grace
12) We shall not seek peace outside of God. The
shortcut of true peace is keeping the will of God.
13) The “peace” of believers has nothing to do
with objective environment or external things.
Col. 1:3 “We give thanks to the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
praying always for you
”
YLT: “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ
always praying for you
”
Meaning of Words: “give thanks”: be grateful
express
gratitude; “always”: often
all the time;
Literal
Meaning: “the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ”
“Father”
it indicates that He is the origin of
life ---- He gives us the life and disposition of Him through the Lord Jesus
Christ.
“Praying always for you”
it shows that Paul’s intercession is responsible
and sincere
not flippant
and is also out of love.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Paul gives thanks to God for the good
spiritual condition of believers in Colosse (see v.4)
which reveals that he
confesses that it is not of his merit
but the grace of God.
2) A common believer may pray first and give
thanks afterwards. However
he who knows God gives thanks first and prays
later.
3) Paul gives thanks for the spiritual favor
that believers have received
not for his own profit. A believer shall not
always be a receiver of spiritual grace
but a giver.
4) Thanks and prayers are the foundation of serving
God. All works should be started from thanks and prayers.
Col. 1:4 “since we heard of your
faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;”
YLT: “having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and of the
love that to all the saints
”
Literal
Meaning: “faith in Christ Jesus”
this verse emphasizes Christ as the
sphere where the faith works
not as the object. In other words
faith has its
value only when it is “in Christ”.
Paul mentions faith
love and hope in verse four and five
which are
great elements of Christian life ---- faith in “God”; love toward “men”; and
hope toward “one’s own” future.
Believers in Colosse should have faith in God and love to all the
saints. Faith maintains our normal fellowship with God
and love keeps our
normal communication with men.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Christ Jesus is the source of faith. Only
when we live in Christ can we have true faith. At the same time
the more we
know Christ
the more faith we will have.
2) A true Christian should keep balance ----
have faith in God and have love to men. All those who have true faith in God
will surely have love to all the saints.
3) This verse mentions “faith” first and “love”
afterwards
for true faith is the basis of true love. If we have no right faith
in God
we will have no right love to men.
4) Love brings forth through faith. And faith
is manifested by love. Faith is internal and invisible. However
faith can be
expressed through love.
5) The love of believers should be started from
the love to “all the saints” and then to “all” (2Pet. 1:7).
6) If believers have only love but no faith
they are just swayed by their emotions.
7) Paul do not call “all believers” but “all
the saints”
which indicates that those who are of the Lord Jesus are separated
by God and thus holy in the sight of God.
8) The saints in Colosse have faith and love
and Paul still often prays for them to God (see v.3). Therefore
it is not
enough to have faith and love only.
Col. 1:5 “because of the hope which
is laid up for you in heaven
of which you heard before in the word of the
truth of the gospel
”
YLT: “because of the hope that is laid up for you in the
heavens
which ye heard of before in the word of the truth of the good news
”
Meaning of Words: “because of”:
on account of; “be laid up”: reserve
retain;
Literal
Meaning: “because of the hope”
“because of”
it shows that the “faith”
and “love” in the previous verse are built upon the foundation of “hope”.
“The
hope which is laid up for you in heaven”
according to the objective facts
the hope
refers to the heavenly possession that believers shall receive in the future
(1Pet. 1:3-4). According to the subjective experience
the hope relates to the
Christ who sits in the heaven and abides in believers (see v.27).
“The
word of the truth of the gospel”
it refers to the
word that God reveals to men in the message of the gospel. The word of the truth of the
gospel may bring hope to the hearers.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Both faith and love are produced by men’s
teachings
but because of the hope in the gospel
namely
Christ. He is the
accordance of our faith and source of love.
2) The world may rise up to oppose our faith in
Christ or despise our love to men. However
the hope laid up for us in heaven
makes us transcendent and triumphant.
3) Faith is based on the past
and love is
substantiated at present and hope is in expectation of the future. In other
words
faith looks backwards and inwards. Love looks outwards. Hope looks
forwards and upwards.
4) Since the hope of believers is “laid up in
heaven”
we shall not expect earthly things. Disappointment and distress are
unavoidable in the hope of earthly things. However
the hope of things in
heaven will fail.
5) The more we enjoy Christ and experience
Christ
the more hope we will have (see v.27).
6) Hope comes from the gospel. Only those who
have received the word of the truth of the gospel have hope.
7) The gospel that we believe can not only meet
our present need but also bring us hope in the future. The preciousness of the
gospel is just here.
8) The word of the gospel is “the word of the
truth”
not “vain words” (Col. 2:8). The gospel does not make men guess God
but helps men to know God
so it is true and reliable.
9) “Hearing” the word of the truth will bring
us hope. Therefore
we shall not “hear” the Lord’s words with a flippant
attitude. “Hearing” is an extremely important step in spiritual experience.
10) If one is only a hearer of word and not a
doer
he just hears in vain (James 1:23-24). Therefore
we shall shift the hope
heard in the gospel into the motive power in our practical life.
Col. 1:6 “which has come to you
as
it has also in all the world
and is bringing forth fruit
as it is also among
you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;”
YLT: “which is present to you
as also in all the world
and
is bearing fruit
as also in you
from the day in which ye heard
and knew the
grace of God in truth;”
Meaning of Words: “bringing forth fruit”: be fertile (it is continuing); “know”: really
know
fully know
understand;
Literal
Meaning: the heretical
doctrine at that time holds that only a few people who have the particular
“root of wisdom” can receive the mysterious knowledge. Paul here especially
mentions “all the world” in order to show the universality of the gospel
which
is different from the heretical doctrine.
“Is
bringing forth fruit”
it means that the
gospel is like a seed with the nature and power of life.
“Know the
grace of God in truth”
“know…in truth”
it is not knowledge only
but knowledge that is proved and confirmed. The whole
verse means “knowing what the grace of God really is according to sure proof”
(see 1Pet. 5:12).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The gospel is not a patent for some certain
men “who specially have the root of wisdom”
but a good news shared by “all the
world”. This verse reveals the universality and reliability of the gospel.
2) There is “the word of life” in the gospel
so it is able to “bring forth fruit”.
3) Only if the gospel is preached by the
testimony of life
there will be the effect of “bringing forth fruit”.
4) Faith comes by hearing
and hearing by the
word of Christ (Rom. 10:17).
5) “In all the world”
and “among you” reveals two features of the gospel ---- universality and
individuality. Both of them should be kept in balance. If believer emphasizes
the universality of the gospel
he may ignore the truth and the pursuit in
life. If one emphasizes the individuality of the gospel
he may become lonely
and discouraged and passive in works and life.
Col. 1:7 “as you also learned from
Epaphras
our dear fellow servant
who is a faithful minister of Christ on your
behalf
”
YLT: “as ye also learned from Epaphras
our beloved
fellow-servant
who is for you a faithful ministrant of the Christ
”
Literal
Meaning: “learn”
this word
shares the same etymon with the word “disciple”. A disciple learns from hearing
as well as practical life. Epaphras shows in his life that he is really a
believer who lays the hope in the heaven.
There are four features of Epaphras according to this verse: 1) he is
the dear fellow servant of Paul and his fellow workers; 2) he is the fellow
work of Paul “for the kingdom of God” (Col. 4:11); 3) he lives in the hope of
the gospel; 4) he can discern the heresy and keep the faithfulness to what the
Lord has entrusted to him unto the end.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Our hope comes from not only “hearing” and
“knowing” (see v.6) but also “learning”. The knowledge in truth and with
assurance must be obtained from learning.
2) Every true Christian should be the
bondservant of the Lord. It is not difficult to be the Lord’s bondservant
for
the Lord’s yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matt. 11:30).
3) The true “minister of Christ” is not only a
servant who serves Christ but also a supplier who provides Christ to others and
thus serves others.
Col. 1:8 “who also declared to us
your love in the Spirit.”
YLT: “who also did declare to us your love in the Spirit.”
Literal
Meaning: love is the first
fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) He who has no spiritual life can never have
true love.
2) The Spirit is the source of all the love of
believers. The more we are filled with the Spirit
the more love we will have
(Rom. 5:5).
3) The “declaration” of Epaphras produces
Paul’s prayer and burden of writing. Therefore
it is rather important to have
fellowship and communication among the saints.
Col. 1:9 “For this reason we also
since the day we heard it
do not cease to pray for you
and to ask that you
may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual
understanding;”
YLT: “Because of this
we also
from the day in which we
heard
do not cease praying for you
and asking that ye may be filled with the
full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding
”
Meaning of Words: “wisdom”: intelligence; “understanding”: consider
comprehensive power; “be filled
with”: make replete
make full
perfect; “knowledge”: full discernment
recognition
acknowledgement;
Literal
Meaning: it is one sentence
from verse nine to fourteen
which starts from the phrase “for this reason”
showing that Paul prays for them and teaches them according to the fact
recorded from verse three to eight of this chapter ---- they have already had
the three Christian features in their inner life and daily life
namely
faith
hope and love.
“Pray”: prayers in a general realm;
“Ask”: it refers to the
prayers focused on particular items;
“All wisdom and spiritual understanding”
it is not a kind of transient
inspiration. “Spiritual”
it can be interpreted as “in Spirit” or “gifted by the
Spirit”. “Wisdom”: the power of discerning the facts; “Understanding”: the
power of arranging and distinguishing the acquired facts;
“Be filled with the knowledge”
“knowledge”:
the knowledge in experience
not some materials only; “Be filled with the
knowledge”: the knowledge because of being filled with the knowledge of God
so
it is the knowledge with assurance.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is “you heard” in verse six and “we
heard” in this verse. The trouble of many workers of the Lord is ---- being
able to “speak”
but not to “hear”.
2) Once we have believed the gospel and have
been saved
we shall seek to know the will of God. God does not want us to be
fools
but delights in our knowing His will (Eph. 5:17).
3) The primary purpose of prayers and supplications
is not speaking to God but hearing God.
4) We cannot always persist in prayers
but
Paul “does not cease” to pray.
5) “Pray” indicates we confess that spiritual
growth is not out of man’s power
but of God’s works.
6) Knowledge in truth cannot exist outside of
the will of God. And the will of God is not too mysterious to understand
but
can be sought and can be known.
7) If we get rid of the earthly wisdom and seek
with a humble heart (Matt. 11:25-26)
we can obtain the wisdom from the above
(James 3:17) and have deeper knowledge of God in truth.
8) In the journey of life
what we Christians
need is the knowledge full of the will of God in truth. If one is filled with
the knowledge of God’s will in truth
his life must be controlled by the will
of God.
9) The “perfect knowledge” that believers
should have is personal experience of God and complete acceptance of God’s word
to him and obedience to the word.
10) The knowledge of God’s will for men is more
important than anything. Keeping the will of God is the only valuable work for
believers.
Col. 1:10 “that you may walk worthy of
the Lord
fully pleasing Him
being fruitful in every good work and increasing
in the knowledge of God;”
YLT: “to your walking worthily of the Lord to all pleasing
in every good work being fruitful
and increasing to the knowledge of God
”
Meaning of Words: “walk”: walk around
tread all around; “worthy of”: as becomes
after a godly sort
appropriately; “increase”: grow
enlarge; “knowledge”: recognition
full discernment
acknowledge;
Literal
Meaning: “that”
it
indicates that verse nine is the reason for this verse. If we have really been
“filled with the knowledge of God’s will”
there will be four results: 1) walk
worthily of the name of “Christian” ---- “walk worthy of the Lord”; 2) do anything in accordance with His
will ---- “fully
pleasing Him”; 3) bear fruit of
works ---- “being
fruitful in every good work” 4) have deeper
knowledge of God
---- “increasing in the knowledge of God”;
“Being
fruitful in every good work”
it does not mean
we believers shall practice in all the good works
but that as we have
occasion
we shall catch the opportunity to do our best so as to bring good
effects.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Once we believers have known the will of
God
we have to put it in practice in life.
2) He who is able to “know” may not be able to
“do”. He who has really “done” is counted to have really “known”. If we really
desire to know God
we shall not rely on reasoning or knowledge only
but shall
obey God in our walking.
3) Right daily life is built on the right
knowledge of God. Only those who have really known God can discern the heresy
and walk worthily of the Lord.
4) If a believer wants to walk worthily of the
Lord
he has to be in accordance with the will of God
not his own judgment or
zeal.
5) The standard of believers’ conversation is
God’s “delight”
not His “permission” or “tolerance”.
6) The more we believers bear fruit in good
works
the more will we know God from “experience”.
7) Bearing fruit is the manifestation of the
maturity of life. The more one has grown in spiritual life
the more is he
enabled to bear fruit in good works ---- not in “some” good works
but in
“every” good work.
8) “Increasing in the knowledge of God”
it can also be interpreted as “growing due to the knowledge of God”. Therefore
spiritual knowledge brings
about spiritual growth.
9) The most urgent need of the church at
present is seeking the increasing and full knowledge of the holy Trinity.
10) “Increasing” in the knowledge of God
it reveals that our knowledge of God is
not accomplished in one action
but is accumulated gradually and step by step.
Col. 1:11 “strengthened with all
might
according to His glorious power
for all patience and longsuffering with
joy;”
YLT: “in all might being made mighty according to the power
of His glory
to all endurance and long-suffering with joy.”
Meaning
of Words:
“power”: vigor
mighty power; “all”: every; “strengthened”: full of power; “with joy”: with a joyful heart; “patience”: endurance
constancy; “longsuffering”: forbearance
fortitude;
Literal
Meaning: “strengthened with all
might
according to His glorious
power”
here it indicates
three features of God’s power: 1) “according to His glorious power”
no enemy cannot be conquered by this power; 2)
“all”
it is in all things
not one thing or some things; 2) “strengthened…with
all might”
it is unceasing.
“According to”
it is different from the word “from”. It is not drawing
some power “from” his power
but being strengthened “according to” His power.
No matter how much we need
we can draw from Him.
“Patience”: endure the external pressure in adverse
situation;
“Longsuffering”:
treat those who oppress us with a large heart;
Generally speaking
“patience” is toward
things; “longsuffering” is toward men; or “patience” is not dealing with the
things or men that we are unable to deal with; “longsuffering” is not dealing
with the things or men that we are able to deal with;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The biggest trouble in practical life is
that we often feel that our “strength” does not match our ambitions
no matter
physically
or mentally or spiritually. Therefore
we need to be strengthened
by God.
2) The whole life of believers is experiencing
the grace of God’s “giving” power and God’s “strengthening”.
3) Patience needs the power of faith
and
longsuffering needs the power of love. Both of the two sorts of power are not
of believers themselves. Therefore
we need to be strengthened with all might
according to God’s power.
4) No matter how great and how difficult the
work is
those who work according to the will of God must be strengthened by
God. This is a precious promise to the servants of the Lord.
5) “Patience and longsuffering” are rather difficult. “All” patience and longsuffering are more difficult. All patience and longsuffering “with joy” is the most difficult.
6) “With joy” shows that the true patience and
longsuffering are not done reluctantly with clenched teeth.
7) Patience and longsuffering makes us
conquerors. And patience and longsuffering with joy makes us more than conquerors.
8) God bestows us the cross
and yet God also
bestows us joy so that we can have all patience and longsuffering with joy. The
joy of Christians is true in any circumstance (adverse situation or favorable
situation)
Col. 1:12 “giving thanks to the Father
who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the
light.”
YLT: “Giving thanks to the Father who did make us meet for
the participation of the inheritance of the saints in the light
”
Meaning of Words: “qualified”: enable
make
able; “partakers”: share; “inheritance”: lot
portion;
Spiritual Meaning: “light” symbolize holiness (1John 1:5-6)
truth (Ps. 119:105
130)
love (1John 2:9-10) and life (John 1:4).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Thanksgiving is the summit of prayer
and is
the most powerful prayer.
2) Christ is the portion of all the saints
and
is given to us for possession and enjoyment.
3) Only those who live in “light” (Eph. 5:8-14)
can have part in this inheritance.
4) The inheritance in the heaven is not given
to any “individual” believer
but is commonly shared by all the saints.
Therefore
we have to learn to be “fellow servants” with others together today
(Col. 1:7; 4:7).
Col. 1:13 “He has delivered us from
the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love
”
YLT: “who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness
and did translate into the reign of the Son of His love
”
Meaning of Words: “deliver”: draw
rush
rescue; “power”:
authority
privilege; “convey”: translate
turn away
remove;
The Background: “convey”: in the original
the word means the
whole people in a certain nation or region translate into another nation or
region. In the old times
if one nation defeated another one
the victorious
nation would customarily make the people of the vanquished nation shackled and
then drive them to the land of the victorious nation to inhabit there.
Literal
Meaning: “from the power of darkness”
it means that we have been totally
delivered from the power of darkness and split from the king of this world
Satan
and will be no longer dominated by it.
“The king of the Son of His love”
it indicates that this kingdom is set
by the beloved Son and is governed by the beloved Son.
“The Son of His love”
it reveals that Christ is the center
object and
manifestation of God’s love.
“Has delivered” and “conveyed”
it is an accomplished
fact.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is a great translation of our being saved
in the spiritual realm. We need longer to be controlled by the power of
darkness.
2) Since believers have been translated into
His kingdom
we shall let Christ reign in us.
3) All those who are unwilling to abandon the
works of darkness may have not really lived in light.
Col. 1:14 “in whom we have redemption
through His blood
the forgiveness of sins.”
YLT: “in whom we have the redemption through his blood
the
forgiveness of the sins
”
Meaning of Words: “redemption”:
ransom in full
riddance; “sin”: miss the mark; “forgiveness”: freedom
pardon
remission
liberty;
Literal
Meaning: this verse points
out the redemption of Christ: 1) price: “through His blood” ---- blood is a
proof of being punished
which indicates that the beloved Son of God has borne
the penalty of our sins; 2) meaning: “redemption” ---- it means that we have
been redeemed by the price of the blood of the Lord Jesus from the position of
being condemned by God and worthy of penalty; 3) result: “the forgiveness of sins” ---- the accordance of forgiveness is
redemption ---- no redemption
no forgiveness.
The word “delivered” in verse thirteen refers to the
deliverance from the power of the sin. And the “redemption” in this verse
relates to the remission of the results of “sins”.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The Christ that God bestows to us is not the
son whom God does not love or desires to forsake
but the beloved Son in whom
God has found His delight. And nevertheless God delivered His Son up for us.
2) Since God has delivered His beloved Son to
redeem us
such redemption will redeem us to be like His Son.
3) “Redemption” is the accordance of
“forgiveness”. No “redemption”
no “forgiveness”. And “forgiveness” is the
result of the “redemption” upon sinners.
4) Both “redemption” and “forgiveness” are
obtained “in the beloved Son”. In other words
if we have abandoned Christ
we
can be in no wise redeemed or forgiven (Heb. 6:4-6).
5) Redemption and forgiveness are not due to
our good works
but “through His blood”. Therefore
it is free grace (Rom.
3:24).
6) After believers have been saved
they may
also be stumbled. However
the effect of Christ’s redemption has never ceased.
One should immediately confess his sins and repent so as to restore the
fellowship with God (1John 1:6-10).
Col. 1:15 “He is the image of the
invisible God
the firstborn over all creation.”
YLT: “who is the image of the invisible God
first-born of
all creation
”
Meaning of Words: “image”: likeness
statue
resemblance;
The Background: “the Song of the Beloved Son” (v.15-20) is an
inserted paragraph here. Many Bible scholars think it was a hymn that
Christians in early church time sang the praises of Christ. And Paul dealt with
the wrong heretical teachings in Colosse through this hymn. However
this
paragraph might also be composed by Paul himself.
Literal
Meaning: “the image of God”: resemble God
manifest God and represent God (Heb.
1:3);
“The firstborn”
it does not mean that Christ is the first created one
but that Christ is
distinct from all creation. In the old days
the “firstborn” enjoyed the
particular position and right among all the children (Ps. 89:27). Therefore
the word “firstborn” indicates that He is the particular and the first One.
“The firstborn over all creation”: He is “the beginning of the creation of
God” (Rev. 3:14).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The more we believers are transformed into
the image of the beloved Son (Christ) (Rom. 8:29)
the more we will resemble
God and thus manifest God.
2) Since we believers have become the sons of
God through faith
we have to set the firstborn as our example.
3) Christ is “the firstborn of all creation”
(the original). Among all creation
He is worthy of the highest position.
Col. 1:16 “For by Him all things were
created that are in heaven and that are on earth
visible and invisible
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created
through Him and for Him.”
YLT: “because in him were the all things created
those in
the heavens
and those upon the earth
those visible
and those invisible
whether thrones
whether lordships
whether principalities
whether
authorities; all things through him
and for him
have been created
”
Meaning of Words: “all things”: the whole;
Literal
Meaning: “by Him … were created”:
“be created in Him”
which indicates that Christ is the foundation and the
sphere of all creation.
“Through Him”: all things are created through Christ.
“For Him”: Christ is the
purpose of all creation and He will inherit all things.
As regards the above-mentioned three
different points
please refer to the
Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (11:36).
“Thrones or dominions or principalities or powers”
the four words were used to refer to the
ranks of the angels at that time. Angels occupy a high position in the heresy
of Colosse (Col. 2:18).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Since Christ is the source of all creation
he
is in no wise a creature.
2) We are “created for Him”
and therefore He
is the center and purpose of our life. We shall live and die for the Lord (Rom.
14:8).
Col. 1:17 “And He is before all
things
and in Him all things consist.”
YLT: “and himself is before all
and the all things in him
have consisted.”
Meaning of Words: “before”: in front of
prior to
ago;
“consist”: form
constitute
set together
stand near
exhibit;
Literal
Meaning: “He is before all things”
He is the Lord who
exists before all is created.
“And in Him all things consist”: He is the sustainer of all things (Heb. 1:3)
which means that “it is Christ that makes all things work in good order”.
Col. 1:18 “And He is the head of the
body
the church
who is the beginning
the firstborn from the dead
that in
all things He may have the preeminence.”
YLT: “And himself is the head of the body -- the assembly --
who is a beginning
a first-born out of the dead
that he might become in all
-- himself -- first
”
Meaning of Words: “have the preeminence”: be first;
Literal
Meaning: from verse fifteen
to seventeen
it indicates that Christ is the head and source of the old
creation. Likewise
He is also the head of the new creation (the church) ---- “He is the head and source of the body
the church” ---- “He is the beginning
the firstborn from
the dead”.
“Beginning”
in the original
it is not only the
beginning in time but also the first in position and in authority.
Here it mentions that Christ is the head of the church in order to show not only the head is the
most important part that governs the whole body (Eph. 1:22) but also “the
subsistence of the body relies on the head and the strength of the body lies in
the head”.
According to the original
Christ is not only the “firstborn” of the old
creation (v.15) but also the “firstborn” of the new creation
so He is worthy
of having the preeminence
“in all things” (no matter the old creation or the new creation
the order in
the natural world or the spiritual world). Christ is the excellent and
transcendent one!
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If the body is not controlled by the “head”
it will be paralyzed. If the church does not governed by Christ
she will have
nothing worthy of boast.
2) Since Christ is the “beginning” of the
church
all things in the church should be started and promoted by Him.
3) Death is the most terrible enemy of all
creation (no matter the old creation or the new creation). However
we have
triumph in Christ because of the victory of Christ over death through resurrection
(1Cor. 15:54-55).
4) If believers uphold or adore anyone or
anything
they have just depreciated their position supposed to be in Christ.
Col. 1:19 “For it pleased the Father
that in Him all the fullness should dwell
”
YLT: “because in him it did please all the fulness to
tabernacle
”
Meaning of Words: “fullness”: abundance
completion
what is
filled; “live”: reside
dwell;
The Background: “fullness”
it is also a term used in the
heretical doctrines
which refers to the sum of the supernatural power that
controls man’s fate. They hold that the complete “fullness” of God runs between
the heaven and the earth and is distributed by “the small gods”
like the
angels or the spirits of stars
all the way down to human beings along
successive layers. Therefore
the spirits like angels have the right of
controlling man’s fate and life. And this is the origin of the teachings of
“worshipping the angels” (Col. 2:18).
Literal
Meaning: “for”
it indicates
that this verse is the reason why God makes Christ the head of all things.
Christ is superior to all and is more honorable than all
for in him dwells all
the fullness of God.
Paul quotes the heretical term “fullness” to refer to the sum of all the
power and nature of God (Col. 2:9).
This verse tells that Christ has the complete nature of God ---- life
power and divinity. Once we have received Christ
we will have all the fullness
of God and need not any distribution of others spirits in the heaven.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Position is decided by quality. All the
fullness of God is in Christ
so He is worthy of the highest position.
2) However
the majority of believers in the
church only pays attention to authority or position
but ignores whether
believers have full measure of life. This is abnormal.
Col. 1:20 “and by Him to reconcile all
things to Himself
by Him
whether things on earth or things in heaven
having
made peace through the blood of His cross.”
YLT: “and through him to reconcile the all things to himself
-- having made peace through the blood of his cross -- through him
whether the
things upon the earth
whether the things in the heavens.”
Meaning of Words: “reconcile”: make peace; “make
peace”: harmonize;
Literal
Meaning: this verse shows
that the death of Christ on the cross has fulfilled the foundation of
reconciling all things to God. But it does not mean that all things have
already been saved. The world should receive the salvation through “faith”. All
things shall be delivered from corruption (Rom. 8:19-23) until the Lord comes again.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The blood of Jesus is the accordance of our
drawing near to God (Heb. 10:19). Every time we come to God
we shall rely on
the effect of the Lord’s blood.
2) The effect of Christ’s redemption on the
cross covers all things. If any believer still has the narrow concept of
denomination or religion or individualism
he has not sufficiently known the
fullness of the salvation.
Col. 1:21 “And you
who once were
alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works
yet now He has reconciled”
YLT: “And you -- once being alienated
and enemies in the
mind
in the evil works
yet now did he reconcile
”
Meaning of Words: “alienate”: estrange away
be
non-participant; “works”: toil
act
labor;
Literal
Meaning: “He has reconciled”
it is not God has reconciled Himself to
us
but He has reconciled us to Himself (2Cor. 5:18-21). The problem does not
lie in God
but in us.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Men’s sins are “the middle wall of
partition” between God and men. If believers do not deal with sins
they cannot
draw near to God.
2) Man’s thoughts are closely relevant to
works. Sometimes
works influence thoughts ---- the evil works make man hostile
to God in his mind. And sometimes
thoughts influence works ---- “be alienated and enemies in one’s mind by wicked works”.
3) In the world that is not of God
there is no
thought that is less popular or less mentioned than “God”. The infidels can
bear wicked things or men but cannot bear God.
Col. 1:22 “in the body of His flesh
through death
to present you holy
and blameless
and above reproach in His
sight--”
YLT: “in the body of his flesh through the death
to present
you holy
and unblemished
and unblameable before himself
”
Meaning of Words: “holy”: separated
consecrated; “blameless”: unblemished
faultless; “above reproach”: irreproachable
without charge;
Literal
Meaning: “blameless”
it is a word used in offering in the Old
Testament. According to the law of the Jews
the animal should be tried
carefully before being sacrificed. Any tiny blemish will make it fail to be
sacrificed to God.
“Holy
and blameless
and above reproach”
it refers to the position of believers in Christ
not the perfection in
morality.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The cross is not only redemption
but also
power that can subdue our heart to be reconciled to Him.
2) The will of God is to bring men to “His
sight”. If our service brings men to the spiritual giants
or knowledge or
group
our service has just
run counter to God.
3) Christ makes us reconciled to God so that we
can be holy
not presumptuous.
4) The salvation accomplished by Christ for us
is rather beyond imagination ---- from filthiness to holiness
from utter
corruption to total perfection
from condemnation to blamelessness.
5) The works of God is not to attain an anticipant
ideal
but to accomplish an accomplished goal.
6) Though we are unclean and live in
uncleanness
we are holy and blames in the sight of God in Christ.
7) It is purely the grace of God
not our own
effort that we can “be holy” and brought to the sight of God to draw near to
Him and have fellowship with God.
Col. 1:23 “if indeed you continue in
the faith
grounded and steadfast
and are not moved away from the hope of the
gospel which you heard
which was preached to every creature under heaven
of
which I
Paul
became a minister.”
YLT: “if also ye remain in the faith
being founded and
settled
and not moved away from the hope of the good news
which ye heard
which was preached in all the creation that under the heaven
of which I became
-- I Paul -- a ministrant.”
Literal
Meaning: “if”
it shows that
the following words are the conditions of keeping the salvation: 1) “continue in the faith”
it refers to the
faith that is living
and goes forward and keeps unto the end; 2) “grounded
and steadfast”
it is the faith that is calm and takes root
downward; 3) “are not moved away from the
hope of the gospel which you heard”
faith is closely related to hope. If the faith is not steadfast
the hope may
be moved away and lost.
The features of “faith” are seen in this verse: 1) faith is not sudden
impulsion; 2) faith can not lose its “foundation”
lest it should be moved
away; 3) once faith is not “grounded”
the “hope” will be moved away.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Though salvation is accomplished by God
man
should fulfill his duty so that he can enjoy the salvation. We shall not only
have faith but also continue in the faith.
2) Believers should be on the principle of
faith to faith (Rom. 1:17). The faith of persistence is real faith.
3) If a believer has lost the hope
he has lost
all ---- this is the constant teaching in the Bible.
Col. 1:24 “I now rejoice in my
sufferings for you
and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions
of Christ
for the sake of His body
which is the church
”
YLT: “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you
and do fill up
the things lacking of the tribulations of the Christ in my flesh for his body
which is the assembly
”
Meaning of Words: “suffering”: hardship
pain; “rejoice”:
joy; “affliction”: pressure
persecution
burdened; “lacking”: that which is
behind
deficit;
Literal
Meaning: “my sufferings for you”
it means that “I
labor and strive and even have been put into prison for the purpose of
preaching to all including you”.
“And fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions
of Christ”
it does not mean
that the life of Christ on the earth and His suffering on the cross are
insufficient that His redemption is incomplete. On one hand
the salvation
fulfilled by Jesus Christ who came to the world and suffered and died is
complete
and no one can add any thing. On the other hand
the salvation
accomplished by Christ should be preached out by us so that there will be more
people who will be favored and become the body of Christ
namely
the church.
And the preachment of the gospel needs men to pay the price: humiliation
suffering and be martyred for faith. Therefore
we are fellow-partakers “in the
tribulation of Jesus” (Rev. 1:9). Therefore
from this perspective
all the
tribulations we suffer for the sake of the church “have filled up what is lacking in the afflictions
of Christ”.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The way of being fellow-partakers in the
tribulation of Christ for believers is preaching the gospel diligently.
2) Today
we can enjoy the good of the gospel on
account of the price of tribulations paid by the people of former times.
3) He who suffers for the sake of preaching the
gospel is filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. Rejoice
inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings (1Pet. 4:13).
4) If believers suffer for their sins
faults
or failure
there is no joy. However
if one suffers for preaching the gospel
and the truth
it is worthy of joy (1Pet. 2:19-20).
5) Tribulation seems to be indispensable to the
service of the Lord’s workers. The more one suffers
the more true love can he
bestow.
6) The church is produced because of the
tribulation of Christ’s cross. He who persecutes the church persecutes Christ
(Acts 9:4-5). Therefore
the suffering of the church because of being
persecuted has partaken in the tribulations of Christ.
7) The tribulation suffered for the sake of the
birth and building of the church is excellent service to the Lord.
Col. 1:25 “of which I became a
minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you
to fulfill the word of God
”
YLT: “of which I -- I did become a ministrant according to
the dispensation of God
that was given to me for you
to fulfil the word of
God
”
Meaning of Words: “stewardship”:
administration
stewardship
dispensation; “minister”: deacon
servant; “fulfill”: make replete
complete;
Literal
Meaning: ““of which I became a
minister”: the “steward” of
the house of God (1Cor. 4:1).
“Fulfill
the word of God”
preach the word
of God completely;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The stewardship of a preacher is not for his
own status and future
but for the benefit of others and the reward of God.
2) The first mission of the Lord’s workers is
not dealing with the administration of the church or social solitude
but
preaching the word of God.
3) The Lord’s servant should “not shrink from
announcing” (Acts 20:27) the word of God or scruple about the opposition of
others.
4) The preachers are “the ministers of Christ”
(v.7)
and “the ministers of the gospel” (v.23) as well as “the ministers of
the church”. The preachers preach the gospel to serve Christ for the purpose of
building the church.
Col. 1:26 “the mystery which has been
hidden from ages and from generations
but now has been revealed to His saints.”
YLT: “the secret that hath been hid from the ages and from
the generations
but now was manifested to his saints
”
Meaning of Words: “hidden”: conceal away
keep secret; “mystery”: secret; “reveal”: manifest
show
appear;
Literal
Meaning: “ages”: since time begins; “generations”: since human beings have been exist; the
mystery hidden in God has been revealed until the times of the New Testament
(Eph. 3:3-9).
“Mystery”
it is a popular term in the heretical teachings
referring to
some mysterious things that only a small group of men with particular “wisdom”
can understand. Paul uses this word to refer to the things hidden in the heart
of God in the past. However
it is “manifested” through “revelation”.
Therefore
all the “saints” who believe Christ can know. Therefore
the
“mystery” in this verse refers to the content and nature of the gospel
namely
Christ (see v.27; Col. 2:2).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Christ is no longer a hidden mystery to
believers.
2) God pleases to let His saints know His
mystery. If we are unwilling to share our spiritual insight with others
we
have gone against the will of God.
Col. 1:27 “To them God willed to make
known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:
which is Christ in you
the hope of glory.”
YLT: “to whom God did will to make known what the riches of
the glory of this secret among the nations -- which is Christ in you
the hope
of the glory
”
Literal
Meaning: “what are the riches of the
glory of this mystery among the Gentiles”
“this mystery”
it indicates that Christ becomes the life of all the Gentile believers in them.
How “rich” the life of Christ is to those who have received. And when this
mystery is manifested
there is unspeakable “glory”.
“Which
is Christ in you
the hope of glory”
Christ is living in believers and will grow and be formed and manifested (Eph.
4:13; Gal. 4:18; Phil. 1:20). When He comes again
the manifestation of Christ
in believers shall reach perfection
that is
be transformed into His image and
be glorified (Rom. 8:29-30). Therefore
Christ is our hope of glory.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Though we can not possess many things in the
world
we can possess the full and glorious Christ. The possession of Him is
better than all.
2) Christ is our life in us ---- it is
mysterious and glorious!
Col. 1:28 “Him we preach
warning
every man and teaching every man in all wisdom
that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus.”
YLT: “whom we proclaim
warning every man
and teaching every
man
in all wisdom
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus
”
Meaning of Words: “perfect”: full
complete
mature;
Literal
Meaning: “preach”: it includes “exhortation” and “teaching”;
“exhortation”: correct someone so as not to go astray; “teaching”: open the
truth;
“Perfect”
it is also a heretical term
which relates to “those who know
all the mysteries” with a meaning of boasting. Paul here uses the word to refer
to believers in Christ ---- every man can be perfect in the sight of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Christ is the topic and content of the
preachment. Any sermon without Christ is merely a common speech
or sweet words
or vain words.
2) He who preaches Christ shall be in “all
wisdom”. Any sermon devoid of good preparation is not a responsible sermon.
3) Charles Jefferson said
“no one can be
interested in the sermon without any consideration long; and those who do not
labor can seldom think wisely”.
4) The preachers cannot be like spiders that
spin silk unceasingly and yet are unable to keep it
not be like ants that
accumulate materials only and yet are unable to know how to apply them
but
shall be like bees that collect flower juice laboriously and make honey ----
translate the word of God into spiritual bread of provision in wisdom.
5) The preachers shall pay attention to the
preachment in public not only and the personal exhortation and teaching in
private.
6) The preachers are not presenting men to
their own
but “to God”. It is not presenting them “just about”
but “perfect”.
7) It is not the end of our being saved
but a
beginning of coming to God.
8) The previous verse mentions that Christ is
in us
and this verse tells that we are in Christ. The more believers live in
Christ
the more Christ will be manifested in us. The more He manifests in us
the more we will live in Him.
Col. 1:29 “To this end I also labor
striving according to His working which works in me mightily.”
YLT: “for which also I labour
striving according to his
working that is working in me in power.”
Literal
Meaning: “striving”
it is used to describe the striving of
the athletes in the arena who will never be sluggish before arriving at the
destination.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The workers of the Lord shall not only be
“in all wisdom” (v.28) but also “labor” and “strive. How much intellect and
labor have we devoted to the Lord on earth?
2) Our talent may be less than others
but our
striving should not be less to others.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The
Object and Origin of the Faith
Hope and Love
A. Objects:
1. Faith is toward God;
2. Love is toward men (v.4);
3. Hope is toward oneself;
B. Origin:
1. Faith is of Christ (v.4);
2. Love is of the Spirit (v.8);
3. Hope is of God (v.6);
The Characteristics
of the Gospel
A. The gospel is the “good news” of God (v.5).
B. The gospel helps men to know the “truth” of
God (v.5).
C. The gospel is preached to all the world
(v.6).
D. The gospel can bring forth
fruit (v.6).
E. The gospel declares “the grace of God”
(v.7).
F. The gospel can bring “hope” to men (v.23).
G. The gospel is preached by men ---- “the
ministry” (v.23).
The Effect of Being
Filled with the Knowledge of the Will of God (v.9-11)
A. Walk worthy of the Lord;
B. Fully pleasing Him;
C. Being fruitful in every good work;
D. Increasing in the knowledge of God;
E. Strengthened with all might;
The Four Great
Aspects of the Salvation (v.13-14)
A. From darkness to light;
B. From bondage to liberty;
C. From condemnation to forgiveness;
D. From the power of Satan to the power of God;
The Relation of
Christ with All Things
A. Christ is above all creation ---- firstborn (v.15);
B. Christ is before all creation ---- (v.15
17);
C. Christ is the foundation of all creation
---- by Him (v.16);
D. Christ is the medium of all creation ----
through Him (v.16);
E. Christ is the goal of all creation ---- for
Him (v.17);
F. Christ keeps all creation ---- in Him all
things consist (v.17);
The Great Redemption
Fulfilled by Christ
A. The peace is accomplished by the Lord alone through the blood of His
cross (v.20);
B. The effect of the redemption reaches unto
the whole universe
and things
on earth and things in heaven are reconciled to God (v.20);
C. The redemption makes the enemies of God turn
back and be reconciled to God (v.21-22).
D. The redemption makes men holy
and blameless
and
above reproach (v.23).
E. The above-mentioned four points are the
content of the gospel
which can be obtained by faith only (v.23).
F. The gospel gives men hope
and the condition
is to continue in faith (v.23).
G. The object of the gospel is all the people
in the world
not a small group of men (v.23).
Things that the
Lord’s Servants Have Done for the Church
A. Suffering in the flesh (v.24);
B. Fulfill the word of God (v.25-28);
C. Striving (v.29)
Be Strengthened
With all Might
A. The Elements of Being Strengthened with all
Might ---- Faith
Love and Hope (v.1-8):
1. To God ---- faith;
2. To men ---- love;
3. To things ---- hope;
B. The Elements of Being Strengthened with all
Might ---- the Knowledge of
God
(v.9-12);
1. The aspect of the inner life ---- be filled with the
knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
2. The aspect of the daily life ---- walk worthy of the Lord
fully pleasing Him;
3. The aspect of service ---- being fruitful in every
good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
C. The Foundation of Being Strengthened with
all might ---- the Beloved
Son
Christ (v.13-22):
1. The kingdom of the beloved Son ---- deliver
men from darkness;
2. The image of the beloved Son ---- the image
of the invisible God;
3. The power of the beloved Son ---- create all
things;
4. The person of the beloved Son ---- the head
of the old creation and the new creation;
5. The connotation of the beloved Son ---- all
fullness dwells in Him;
6. The achievements of the beloved Son ----
make peace;
D. The Way of Being Strengthened with all Might
---- Persevere to the End
(v.23):
1. Continue in the faith ---- the inner life grows all the time;
2. Grounded and steadfast---- the daily life is not moved;
3. Be not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you
heard ---- the service
focuses on the gospel;
E. The Effect of Being Strengthened with all
Might ---- Glory (v.24-29):
1. Fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ;
2. Fulfill the word of God;
3. Reveal the mystery which has been hidden from ages
and from generations;
4. Christ has become men’ hope of glory;
5. Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou