These notes prepared for a [[Fellowship Group]] study at [[All Souls Langham Place]] on [[2025-09-30]]. > [!NOTE] > These notes are compiled from studies and materials presented by [[Campbell Patterson]] and [[David Zong]], who in turn were inspired by [[Douglas Moo]]. I don't take credit for the info, but I do take credit for any mistakes in my summarization > [!summary] Key Takeaways > - **Original meaning:** [[Paul]] outlines his God-given commission to make known the mystery to all peoples, and his ministry to the [[Colossians]] for them to know the glorious riches of [[Christ]] and be fully mature in Him > - **Contemporary message:** We too should receive the word of [[God]] in its fullness and seek ever deeper knowledge of [[Christ]] standing firm in our faith and participating in the church's mission to make [[Christ]] known to all people. # Context - Following intro greetings and thanksgiving ([[Colossians 1]]:1-23), [[Paul]] shares details about current situation (typical letter format) - [[Paul]] never met [[Colossians]] (see [[Colossians 2]]:1), so uses this to: - Introduce self and ministry credentials—**why listen to him versus false teachers?** - Explain ministry: making known mystery of [[God]] revealed in [[Christ]] - Show commission is for all people, including [[Gentile]]s - Apply to [[Colossians]] who need to stand firm and grow in knowledge of [[Christ]] to avoid false teaching deception - Follows [[Jesus Hymn]] (1:15-20) which established [[Christ]]'s supremacy in creation and redemption - [[Paul]] writing from prison (likely [[Rome]], see [[Colossians 4]]:3, 18) because of gospel preaching # Structure of the Passage **Simple:** - A. Paul's ministry: [[Paul]] struggling for proclamation of [[Christ]] (1:24-29) - B. Paul's goals: [[Paul]] struggling for progress of [[Colossians]] (2:1-5) **Shift:** Autobiographical (1:24-29) to aspirational (2:1-5), general ministry to specific goals for [[Colossians]] ## Detailed Mirroring Table | | [[Colossians 1]]:24-29 | [[Colossians 2]]:1-5 | Key Insights / Theological Significance | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Line 1: Struggle** | "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you" | "I want you to know how hard I am contending for you" | [[Paul]]'s suffering gives credibility—why listen versus false teachers? Contending means intense prayer, letters, sending co-workers (see [[Colossians 4]]:12-13) | | **Line 2: Commission** | "...by the commission [[God]] gave me to present to you the word of [[God]] in its fullness..." | "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding..." | [[Paul]]'s global commission to [[Gentile]]s (see [[Acts 9]]:15) applied to [[Colossians]]. "In fullness" means complete, sufficient revelation in [[Christ]]. Understanding happens in community, not isolation | | **Line 3: Mystery** | "...the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the [[Lord]]'s people" | "...in order that they may know the mystery of [[God]], namely, [[Christ]], in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" | Central point: not *that* [[Gentile]]s included ([[Genesis 12]]:3), but *how*—through [[Christ]]'s death and resurrection. "[[Christ]] in you, hope of glory"—intimate union with him means hope for future glory | | **Line 4: Maturity** | "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in [[Christ]]" | "I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments" | "all" (*pas*) 4x in v.28—gospel for all people, not spiritual elites. Maturity through knowing [[Christ]] means protection vs false teaching's persuasive but hollow rhetoric | | **Line 5: Discipline in Christ** | "To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy [[Christ]] so powerfully works in me" | "...I... delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in [[Christ]] is" | Balance: human effort enabled by divine power. [[Paul]]'s affinity with them in spirit despite physical absence ‖ [[Christ]] works powerfully in [[Paul]] though absent in body (v.29) | | **Overall Focus** | Autobiographical: [[Paul]] as [[Apostle]], ministry and commission | Aspirational: [[Paul]]'s hopes/desires for [[Colossae]], addressing false teachings | 1st part is credentials; 2nd part applies them to combat deception. Both target false teaching offering secret knowledge and added requirements beyond [[Christ]] | **Why mirroring matters:** - [[Paul]] establishing apostolic credentials so [[Colossians]] should listen to him vs false teachers - Suffering for gospel, God-given commission, strenuous efforts give him authority to speak about mystery revealed in [[Christ]] ## [[Chiasm]]ic structure **First Half (1:24-29):** - **A** [[Paul]]'s sufferings for [[Christ]]'s body (1:24) - **B** [[Paul]]'s commission to present word of [[God]] in fullness (1:25) - **C** Mystery is [[Christ]] in you, hope of glory (1:26-27) - **B'** [[Paul]]'s commission to present everyone fully mature in [[Christ]] (1:28) - **A'** [[Paul]]'s sufferings empowered by [[Christ]] (1:29) **Second Half (2:1-5):** - **A** [[Paul]] contending for those he hasn't met (2:1) - **B** [[Paul]]'s goal is full riches of complete understanding (2:2a) - **C** Mystery is [[Christ]] (2:2b) - **B'** [[Paul]]'s goal is to withstand deception by fine-sounding arguments (2:3-4) - **A'** [[Paul]] present in spirit though absent in body (2:5) # Paul's Struggling for the Proclamation of Christ (1:24-29) ## Paul's Suffering (1:24) - [[Paul]] rejoices in sufferings "for you" and "for sake of his body which is the church" - Suffering from prolonged physical and emotional hardship throughout apostolic ministry (see [[Acts 9]]:16; [[2 Corinthians 11]]:23-29), including current imprisonment - Suffering is "for you" and "for church"—somehow benefits [[Colossians]] christians and wider church (he's "servant"/"minister" v.25) - Goal is to grow spiritual maturity of church (present them mature in [[Christ]] v.28) - Only happens if [[Paul]] fulfills commission to make known mystery of [[God]] in [[Christ]] - But doing so means inevitably facing opposition and suffering > [!note] Understanding "What is Still Lacking in Christ's Afflictions" > This is NOT calling [[Christ]]'s atoning work insufficient—would contradict entire [[Jesus Hymn]] ([[Colossians 1]]:15-20). Rather: > - [[Christ]]'s suffering on cross is **complete atonement** > - Church as [[Christ]]'s body now continues his work of **witness** in world > - Witness involves suffering and opposition, just as [[Christ]] experienced > - Church collectively continues [[Christ]]'s suffering (echoes [[Isaiah 53]]—suffering servant) > - [[Paul]]'s apostolic ministry is "extension" of [[Christ]]'s work > - His suffering modeled on [[Christ]] but NOT redemptive/substitutionary - [[Paul]]'s suffering is not masochistic asceticism (contra false teaching's "harsh treatment of body" [[Colossians 2]]:23), but inevitable result of faithfully proclaiming gospel in hostile world - No resentment or self-pity - [[Paul]] sees suffering as worthwhile and necessary for church's growth/maturity - Enables him to rejoice in it (not despite it or only after deliverance) - [[Paul]] rejoices to participate in continuing witness through affliction (see [[Acts 5]]:41—privilege of being "counted worthy" to suffer) ## Paul's Commission (1:25) - [[Paul]] is "servant"/"minister" of church with God-given commission "to present to you the word of [[God]] in its fullness" - Commission has global scope—take gospel to [[Gentile]]s (see [[Acts 9]]:15), including [[Colossians]] - "to you" could be just Christians in [[Colossae]], but more likely is global commission - "in its fullness" is complete, sufficient revelation now given in [[Christ]] **How [[Paul]] Fulfills Commission (vv.28-29):** 1. **Through strenuous effort:** [[Paul]] uses athletic language ("toil," "struggling") which means intense labor. But also [[Christ]]'s energy works powerfully in him, enabling work 2. **By proclaiming [[Christ]]:** Involves: - **Admonishing:** Warning and discipline - **Teaching:** Communication of truth - **With all wisdom:** Practical and pastoral sensitivity to those being ministered to 3. **With universal scope:** "all" (*pas*) **4x** in v.28 means gospel for all nations and all kinds of people—never exclusive spiritual elite (false teachers in [[Colossae]] suggested this). Echo of [[Colossians 1]]:6 and 1:23 indicates global reach of gospel commission 4. **Toward clear goal:** Present everyone fully mature in [[Christ]]—spiritual maturity for all believers ## The Mystery Revealed (1:26-27) - Central point of 1st subsection (see [[Chiasm]]ic structure) - [[Paul]] defines core message of word of [[God]] he's presenting in fullness: "mystery" > [!note] What "Mystery" Means > - "Mystery" does not mean incomprehensible or particularly "mysterious" (modern sense) > - Emphasis is on something once hidden but now revealed **Key Characteristics:** - **Previously hidden:** Concealed for ages and generations - **Now disclosed:** Revealed with [[Christ]]'s coming and gift of Spirit - **Revealed to all God's people:** "Lord's people"—everyone with faith in [[Christ]]. NOT secret knowledge for elite few (false teachers claimed) - **Made known among [[Gentile]]s:** Gospel is truly international, glorious riches made known among all peoples - **Its glorious riches:** Mystery is precious and valuable beyond measure **Content of Mystery:** > "[[Christ]] in you, the hope of glory" (v.27b) - **NOT surprise *that* [[Gentile]]s included** ([[Genesis 12]]:3 promised from beginning) - **Mystery is *how*:** Through [[Christ]]'s death and resurrection—mechanism [[Jew]]s never figured out (got stuck in ritual and rule) - While [[Ephesians]] emphasizes *that* [[Gentile]]s included (see [[Ephesians 3]]:4-6), [[Colossians]] focuses on *how* God's new covenant people is completely identified with representative [[Christ]] - Intimate union with [[Christ]] in present age gives us: - Hope for future (see [[Colossians 1]]:5, 23) - Assurance of final glory when [[Christ]] returns - Present transformation and spiritual life - "[[Christ]] in you, hope of glory"—indwelling [[Christ]] among [[Gentile]]s, new identity anchored on intimate union with him # Paul's Struggling for the Progress of the Colossians (2:1-5) - 2nd section applies [[Paul]]'s general apostolic commission specifically to [[Colossians]] and nearby churches like [[Laodicea]] - Recall parallels from previous section ## Contending in Ministry (2:1) - "Contending" has same Greek root as "wrestling" (see [[Colossians 4]]:12-13) which means athletic struggle/fight - For [[Paul]] and [[Epaphras]] this involved: - **Intense prayer** for churches in Lycus valley - **Writing letters** to teach God's truth (including "letter from [[Laodicea]]," see [[Colossians 4]]:16) - **Sending trusted co-workers** to encourage and teach (see [[Colossians 4]]:7-9) - [[Paul]] emphasizes struggling for those never met personally shows depth of apostolic care ## Encouragement, Unity, and Understanding (2:2) - Goal of [[Paul]]'s contending is for [[Colossians]] to be "encouraged in heart" and "united in love" which is needed for "full riches of complete understanding" (v.2) **[[Paul]]'s goal is 3 interconnected elements:** 1. **Encouraged in heart:** Believers strengthened vs discouragement 2. **United in love:** Community remains together vs division 3. **Full riches of complete understanding:** Deep, comprehensive knowledge **Progression makes sense because:** - False teaching could discourage and divide church in [[Colossae]] - Individual believers need mutual encouragement when struggling - Unity is strength vs common enemies - Growth in knowledge/understanding happens in community, not isolation - Local church as [[Christ]]'s body is where believers mature together **Key principle:** - [[Colossians]] learn truths together as community, as local manifestation of body of [[Christ]] - Individual believers encourage each other when weak/struggling - Must remain united vs common enemy - **Growth in knowledge and understanding happens in community** ## All Treasures Hidden in Christ (2:3-4) - v.3 is the end of typically long [[Paul]] sentence with numerous run-on clauses, difficult to follow - This is another Christological high point of letter - Ultimately all treasures of wisdom and knowledge accessed by knowing [[Christ]] himself (see [[Colossians 1]]:10b) - Implication: need not look elsewhere **Key Implications:** - **Sufficiency:** [[Christ]] alone contains everything needed to understand spiritual reality and live life pleasing to [[God]] - **Exclusivity:** Need not—must not—look elsewhere for spiritual enlightenment - **Accessibility:** Treasures "hidden" in [[Christ]] NOT as secret knowledge for elites, but as valuables safely stored/protected in him (see [[Colossians 3]]:3, lives hidden with [[Christ]]). NOT "secret knowledge" only some believers have, still less achieved by following false teachers' rules/practices - **Security:** Access comes through knowing [[Christ]] by Holy Spirit's work ([[Colossians 1]]:9b), NOT through false teachers' rules/practices **Direct counter to false teaching** offering additional wisdom/knowledge/spiritual experiences beyond [[Christ]]. ALL treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in [[Christ]] **Threat of Deception (v.4):** - [[Paul]]'s purpose emphasizing [[Christ]]'s sufficiency is protective: "so no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments" - False teaching used persuasive rhetoric which sounded impressive but hollow - [[Paul]]'s goal is for believers in [[Colossae]] to avoid deception by fine-sounding false teaching - Instead access treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge by knowing [[Christ]] through Holy Spirit's work - Antidote is contending in prayer for growth in knowing [[Jesus]] more deeply through his word ## Paul's Spiritual Presence (2:5) - Though physically absent (in prison), [[Paul]] is present with [[Colossians]] "in spirit" - Parallels how [[Christ]], though absent in body, works powerfully in [[Paul]] (1:29) - [[Paul]] delights in: - **Orderliness:** Good organization and structure in church - **Firm faith in [[Christ]]:** Stability and steadfastness in believing # Application Themes ## For Original Audience [[Colossians]] needed to: - Understand [[Paul]]'s credentials and authority to combat false teaching - See how hard he's working for them even though away - Treasure [[Christ]] above all, who is completely sufficient - Grow in wisdom and knowledge of [[Christ]], not seeking enlightenment elsewhere - Mature as believers able to resist deception - Stand firm and united as community of faith - Receive teaching and admonishment from [[Paul]]'s representatives ## For Contemporary Believers **Receive God's Word in Fullness:** - We have access to more Scripture than [[Colossians]] had - Should delight in studying God's word to know [[Christ]] more deeply/intimately - Encourage each other as loving and united community of believers - Growing in understanding of word of [[God]] helps know [[Christ]] more deeply/intimately - He lives in us and gives hope of glory **Pursue Maturity in [[Christ]]:** - Spiritual growth happens in community, not isolation - Requires both teaching (instruction) and admonishing (correction) - Must encourage each other and remain united in love - Maturity comes through [[Christ]]'s empowering energy, not human effort alone - Aspire to grow in maturity and live lives pleasing to Lord **Recognize [[Christ]]'s Sufficiency:** All wisdom and knowledge found in [[Christ]] alone. Modern "fine-sounding arguments" might include: - Self-help philosophies replacing [[Christ]] - Spiritual practices disconnected from [[Christ]] - Religious requirements adding to faith in [[Christ]] - Any teaching diminishing [[Christ]]'s supremacy/completeness **Participate in Gospel Mission:** - Church collectively continues [[Christ]]'s work in world - Inevitably involves opposition and suffering for witness - Should be willing to make costly sacrifices for others' spiritual maturity - Gospel ministry is proclaiming, teaching, admonishing with wisdom - Mission is global—making [[Christ]] known to all peoples - Body of [[Christ]] now undertakes work of [[Christ]] and will suffer opposition just as its head/master did **Balance in Application:** - Should not automatically apply text by seeking to emulate [[Paul]] - Nevertheless, encouraged by [[Paul]]'s dedication to gospel ministry even at high price - Equally the pattern for church today carrying out great commission **Pattern of Ministry:** Though not apostles, [[Paul]]'s priorities instruct us: - Goal: Build up church and magnify [[Christ]] at his own expense - Method: Strenuous effort enabled by [[Christ]]'s power - Content: Proclaiming [[Christ]] with wisdom - Scope: For all people to become mature in [[Christ]] - Cost: Willing to suffer for others' growth **Application for All Believers:** - [[Paul]] not afraid of suffering, but also didn't seek it deliberately - Goal always is to build up church and magnify [[Christ]] at his own expense—worthy aim not exclusive to apostolic office - Few of us are church leaders, but should all desire to participate in church's mission to make known mystery of [[Christ]] to all peoples - Involves admonishing and teaching each other so everyone grows to be fully mature in [[Christ]] - Work of evangelism and discipleship means all believers are called to be part of, in variety of roles and utilizing variety of gifts