Paul’s letter to 2-churches: (Colossae and Laodicea) (chap.2)
Paul had never visited the Colossian church. Most of them had never seen his face. Even as Paul’s authority extended to those he had never met, to those who had never seen his face, so it also extends to us.
Laodicea was about 16 KM from Colossae where a few believers were meeting as the church.
The modern city Denizli in south Turkey is composed of 12 municipalities which include ancient cities viz, Colossae, Phrygia, Laodicea on Lycus, Hierapolis etc.
Paul’s wish for both the churches: (2:1-7):
- To maintain strong bond of love: (2:1-2a): Paul’s letter was to be read in Laodicea (near modern Denizli) which was about 11 miles from Colossae. Like church at Colossae, Laodicean church was probably founded by one of Paul’s converts while Paul was staying in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). The city was wealthy centre of trade and commerce, but later the Lord Jesus Christ criticized for its lukewarm condition and lack of commitment (Rev. 3:14-22). Paul had felt that the false teaching was spreading in this church also, so he wanted the letter to be read there also. Paul was counting on ties of love to bring the churches together to stand against this heresy and to encourage each other to remain true to God’s plan of salvation in Christ. In the same way our churches also must have the unity to proclaim the Gospel work to the entire world.
- To understand God’s secret plan: (2:2b-3): Greek “mystery religions” were popular in the first century, offering special rituals and passwords to advance to different levels in the spiritual world. Apparently the Colossian Christians wanted to understand mysteries, to have wisdom and knowledge. Paul uses the terminology of “mystery” but reverses it, because the “mystery” of Christ had been fully revealed. Paul gives the complete message. There is no second or third level. When we are united with Christ, we are united with the highest possible level. We are already in the palace and do not need to buy a ticket to a train station that is only halfway there. In Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3). Other religions might have part of the truth, but Christ has it all. We don’t need speculations about intermediate levels of spiritual power, what we need is a better understanding of Christ.
- To guard against theological deception: (2:4-5): Paul reiterates both the church that although he was not with them physically (of course Paul was not the founder of both the churches), when different isms are prevalent in that region, Paul longs to see them very orderly. He says that he is present with them spiritually in prayer and in supplication. He wishes them to have their faith firm and strong in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Walk in Christ (2:6): As you were saved by faith, so walk by faith. As you were saved by the Word, so walk according to the Word. As you were saved through the work of the Spirit, so walk in the Spirit. The Christian life continues as it began, by faith in God.
- Grow up in Christ (2: 7): Have roots that dig down into the richness of the Word. Have foundations that are strong, laid upon Jesus Christ. How important it is to be taught the Word of God! Believers fall prey to religious philosophies unless they are rooted in Christ, grounded in the Word, and built up in Bible truth.
Paul’s warning to both the churches: (2:8-23):
Both the churches are facing dangerous and destructive philosophies.The Colossians probably knew what Paul was talking about, but it is difficult for us to be sure. The ancient world had a wide variety of religious ideas and philosophies. Many of them offered special mysteries for the select few. Others were taught by traveling philosophers who tried to show how sensible and practical their ideas were.
- Gnosticism: (2:8-10): (Greek word for knowledge)
Gnosticism diminishes Christ to an angel. It had several wrong teaching:
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- That secret knowledge was hidden from most believers: Christ provides knowledge to all His believers.
- It taught that the body was evil: Paul countered that God Himself lived in a body, that is he was embodied in Jesus Christ.
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- It taught that Christ only seemed to be human: Paul insisted that Jesus is fully human and fully God.