JOSEPH KINYUA RUCHIAKA

Brief Commentary
On

The Epistle of Paul to

Colossians

August 2017
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Table of contents

1. Brief of Colossae…………………………….…………………….3
2. Epistle to the Colossians…………………….……………………5
3. Church in Colossae………………………….…………………….5
4. Problems in the church….………………….…………………….6
5. Chapter one……………………………………..………………….7
6. Chapter two………………………………………..……………….9
7. Chapter three………………………………..……………………..11
8. Chapter four…………………………….…………………………13
9. Paul’s men in chapter four……….………………………………14

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Brief history of Colossae

Colossae was a declining commercial city in the time of the entry of Christianity in the
town and situated 160 kilometers (100 miles) inland from the port city of Ephesus and
near the towns of Laodicea which was 10 miles on the southeast and Hierapolis 10 miles
from Colossae. It was located in the region of Phrygia in the Roman province of Asia
Minor. By around 4 BC it was one of the largest cities in the region and inhabitants
comprised of Greeks and many Jewish families amongst others. This town was
positioned on the road from Ephesus to the great river Euphrates. It was known for
dyed wool and its woven products. The city was hit by an earthquake in 60 AD which
devastated a great part of the town but was rebuilt without help from Rome. Unlike
other towns in Asia Minor which lies today in Present-day Turkey, Colossae has never
been excavated by the end of 2015 though there have been some expeditions on the site.

(Maps courtesy of Wikipedia and bible org.com.)

Figure 1 showing the city of Colossae and the other surrounding cities with churches referred to
in the bible

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Figure 2. Major roads network from the port cities of Ephesus and Miletus to Colossae and other
adjoining cities.

Figure 3. Location of Colossae in relation to the other two cities named in the letter i.e.
Hierapolis and Laodicea.

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Figure 4. Showing some of the Roman provinces at the time of writing of this epistle

The epistle to the Colossians

This is a letter written by the Apostle Paul (Colossians 1:1-2) through the hands of
Timothy as his amanuensis (secretary). This was done during Paul’s first imprisonment
in Rome around 61 AD. This letter and Ephesians, Philemon and Philippians are
regarded as the Pauline prison epistles having been written at the same time and from
the same place of writing. Paul was serving his imprisonment under house arrest before
he was released. The main content of the whole letter is the sufficiency and supremacy
of Christ.
Church in Colossae
This church could have been started when Paul was in Ephesus or thereafter. Paul
himself did not set his foot in Colossae and it is assumed Epaphras played a major role
in evangelism and the ultimate expansion of the church. Unlike other places where Paul
had not visited but new the people by name, in this town he was not acquainted with
them (2:1). This church had many good things which Paul speaks about in his opening
speech. This was the home church of Philemon.

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Problems in the church.

Paul was informed on the condition of the church by others as he himself did not visit
them at any given time and furthermore, at the time of writing, he was under house
arrest in Rome and thus could not visit them personally. This church had what is called
the Colossian heresy which Paul deals with in chapter two and three. These wrong
teachings can be classified into

1. Human Philosophy

This is dealt with in chapter 2:1 to 10, the Greeks brought out many philosophic
arguments

2. Syncretism

This is the fusion of many religious influences and faiths and is characterized in this
church where they fused legalism (Jewish legalism) and Christianity as shown in
chapter 2:11-17

3. Oriental mysticism

This church now was being governed by dos and don’ts, dietary laws, etc. chapter 2:18-
19

4. Asceticism

They practiced severe asceticism as they believed the body was extremely and
inherently evil therefore needed to be dealt with in a severe manner. This is dealt with
in chapter 2:20-23

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CHAPTER ONE
Col 1:1-2 …….. Salutations
Paul starts this epistle explaining it's the source and follows up with who he is and who
was with him at the time of writing. In the following verse, he now pens the addressee
of the letter which is the church at Colossae wishing them God's grace and peace
through Jesus Christ.
Col 1:3-7……..thanksgiving for their spiritual status
In verse three Apostle Paul informs the church about his prayers of thanksgiving to
God which he offered since he heard about their faith in Christ Jesus. This gives us a
glimpse that this church was not started by Paul but he was informed of the progress
and growth of the church by Epaphras who in vs 7 Paul calls him a fellow servant.
Three things that this church had that impressed the apostle was

 Love
 faith
 hope

Paul confirms the doctrine of Epaphras as true and goes to affirm he is a minister of
Jesus Christ. In verse 8 he informs them that this brother who was their minister had
reported to him of their Spiritual progress.
Col. 1:8- ……………………………… prays for increase

He reiterated that he together with the team with him since they heard of the grace of
God at work in Colossae, they did not cease to pray that this church be filled with the
knowledge of Gods will in all wisdom and understanding. This would then result in
Colossian's joyful fruitfulness on their walk in Christ, being empowered by Gods
glorious might.
Col 1:12- 23….. Paul describes the exalted Christ and his character

In verse 12 he gives thanks to God for making him worthy to be an heir of what he had
laid in store for the saints and more so his deliverance from the power of darkness and
translated us into the kingdom of his son Jesus Christ. From verse 14 Paul describes the
exalted position and work of Jesus Christ by laying the following premises in his
arguments

1. Redemption
2. Christ as the image of the invisible God
3. Christ’s preeminence over all creation
4. Christ as the firstborn of all creation
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5. Christ as a creator
6. Christ’s relationship with the creation
7. Christ as a peacemaker and reconciler of all things

And sums up by saying it pleased God that all fullness should dwell in Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds the Colossians that it is Jesus Christ who has reconciled them to God,
though sometimes back they were separated from God that he Jesus might present
them before God as people who are holy and without blemish. This he says shall
happen if they remain faithful, settled and grounded in the hope of the Gospel which
they heard and believed, and is being spread to the whole world
Col 1:24 - ….. Paul states his ministry
Paul says that he has been made a minister of this Gospel and in his explanation, he
defends his ministry by explaining to this church his present condition which is as a
direct result of his stated ministry. In verse 24 he says he rejoices in all suffering he is
going through as this fill up the afflictions of Jesus Christ. He reiterates that this
ministry was given to him by God so as to fulfil Gods word which he calls "the mystery
which was hidden from ages and generations" but now it is revealed to the believers
who are the saints and thus revealing the riches of the glory of God among the non-
Jews. This mystery is “Christ is in you the hope of Glory”. Verse 28 Paul states that he
preaches Jesus Christ and warning all men that when the time will come he shall
present everyone mature in Christ Jesus, this he says motivates him to labour without
giving up and being empowered by Gods strength that works in him powerfully.

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CHAPTER TWO

In this chapter, Paul informs the church his desire specifically for then who have not
seen his face, for example, the Colossian church and them who were at Laodicea. In this
chapter, he deals with the heresies (wrong doctrines) being taught in Colossae and also
had seeped into the church in Laodicea. These heresies are Philosophy, legalism,
asceticism, and mystical teachings
Col 2:1-5 …… exhortation to stand firm in faith

Paul writes to this church telling them his struggle towards them and those from
Laodicea and even other who had not seen him physically that they may stand firm in
faith, held together by the love of Jesus Christ and have a good understanding of the
"mystery of God". He explains that this ministry is Jesus Christ in whom all wisdom
and the knowledge of God resides. In verse four he now starts to tackle the problems of
heresy in the church by warning them that no one should deceive them into plausible
arguments. He informs them that though he is not there in physical form yet his spirit is
present and do rejoice in their firmness in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Col 2:6-7……. Apostolic advice

In these two verses, the apostle gives a very firm advice to this church to this end that
just as they did receive Jesus Christ through the gospel preached to them, they need to
walk in in the same faith and spirit. More so they were to be rooted, this was to signify
the necessity to have a good grounding and firm foundation on their faith. And also
being built up, this was to signify the essence of growing upwards and well established
in the same faith as they had been taught. He counsels that as they grow in the areas he
had written to them they also needed to be thankful
Col 2:8-10 ………warning against philosophy

He warns them to be careful that nobody deceives them and takes them captive through
philosophical arguments which were empty human wisdom and tradition. He also
informs them that there are some spirits behind these arguments being fronted forward
and in their nature, these arguments were worldly and not after the teachings of Jesus
Christ who the fullness of the divinity dwells in a physical touchable body. He also
reminds them that it is Jesus Christ who is the head of all authority and rule.
Col 2:11 -17 ….. Warning against legalism

Paul has had a hard time with the Jewish legalists in all areas he had traversed warns
the Colossians of the same teachings of these men who fronted the teachings of
circumcision. In verse eleven he tells the Colossians that Jesus Christ had circumcised
them not with the physical acts done by humans. Theirs was done by Jesus and it
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entailed putting away the body of sin and flesh and thereafter were baptized thus
symbolically buried with Jesus Christ and rising with him through faith. Paul uses the
water baptism (immersion) symbolizing the burial and being raised to life to convince
the Colossian that their belief and baptism was very important and powerful through
God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. In verse thirteen he reminds them that
when they lived in the former state they were dead in their sins and trespasses and in
this they were uncircumcised but God made them alive by forgiving all their trespasses
and gave them life in Jesus Christ. This was done by the cancellation of all records of
evil that were against us and all the legal requirements thereof and nailed them on the
cross. He goes on to say through this Jesus Christ disarmed the rulers and the
authorities disgracing them publically and hence triumphed over them at the cross. He
cautioned the Colossians that they should not let anyone judge them about the days of
worship, drinks, feasts, or food for these are just a shadow but the reality of all is Christ.
Col 2:18 - 19 Warning against mystical teachings

He warns them also to take care not to be deceived by mystical teachings which some
were propagating and thus showing some false humility and worship of angels. These
people prided on visions and dreams which they purported to have had but these were
empty notions by their fleshly guided minds. These people did not lay hold on Jesus
Christ who is the head of the body i.e. the church which grows with a godly growth
Col 2:20 – 23…… warning against asceticism

The doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a

high spiritual or intellectual state1

Paul when warning this church against ascetic people tells them if they (Colossians)
died with Christ in respect to the things of the world why were they going back to them
and obeying the teachings restricting them from certain foods which perish and causing
severity to their bodies. He tells them all these teachings were commandments of men
which seemed to be full of wisdom and self-centered worship and thus the resultant
sense of humility was false and the wisdom applied therein was false and hence this
was self-made religion. All these led to a worship that was had no value and actually
could not defeat any fleshly desire and indulgence.

1
Wordweb dictionary
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CHAPTER THREE

In this chapter, Paul now addresses what is expected of a Christian in all sphere of life.
The earlier chapter he had addressed the many heresies but now he focusses on what is
expected and gives guidance on what to do, following it up until chapter four.
Col 3:1-4 ….. Refocusing the Colossian's faith.
In the above verses now Paul offers his counsel that this church should live in
accordance with who they already are. He tells them to seek the things that are above
where Christ who delivered them from the rudiments of the world is seated at the right
hand of God instead of focusing on the ascetic, mystic and legalistic things they were
turning back to. In verse two he advises them to set their minds on the things that are
above. Verse three he reminds them of their present situation, their lives are hidden in
Christ, and when Jesus shall appear here they shall also appear with him in glory, in
this instance, Paul refers to the second coming of Coming of Christ
Col 3: 5-11 …… advise towards sanctity

In these verses he tells them to put to death these “members “or their earthly nature in
them, and goes on to name all of them and reminds the Colossians that for the very
same worldly nature will the wrath of God be poured on those who have refused to
denounce and forsake that kind of life. He reminds them that they also walked in that
kind of life and practiced those things before they were born again, since they have now
put off the old self away with all its desire and practices they should speak the truth to
one another, and put away anger, intense anger, defamations, and obscene talk. In their
newness of life which is renewed in the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ in
whom there is no partiality whether one is a Jew, a gentile, circumcised, or not, slave or
free it did not matter as Christ was equally in them all.
Col 3:12 -17 ………profound Christian character

After counselling them on issues of sanctifying themselves he follows up with the

description of the character they are supposed to adorn, he uses the analogy of a man
putting on clothes. In verse 12 he calls them God's chosen ones, holy and beloved they
should be kind merciful humble gentle and patient. In the following verse, he requests
them to bear one another in forgiveness in case there are instances of wrongdoing as
they emulate Christ who also forgave them. He implores them as they work on having
the said virtues; they should add love which binds everything together. Verse 15 and 16
he tells them to let the peace of Jesus Christ to be in total control of their hearts and also
enrich themselves in the word of Christ from which they will be able to teach and warn
one another. The songs they were to sing should also have their base in the word of God
and as they sang they should also be empowered by God’s grace and that from the
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depth of their hearts. All their actions, be it in word or deed should be done through the
Name of Jesus Christ giving thanks to God.
Col 3:18 -21 …….. Family conduct

In these verses, Paul speaks to families and how they should conduct themselves with
respect to one another. In verse 18 he starts with wives advising them to submit to their
husband's leadership and this is good in the Lord. He thereafter proceeds to also advise
the husbands to love their wives and deal with them kindly and not harshly in verse 20
concluding the family set up in verse 21 by instructing the children to be obedient to
their parents and tells them this should be in everything and it pleases the Lord and
also cautions the fathers not to provoke their children to avoid discouraging or
disheartening them.
Col 3:22 - 25……………the servant-master relationship

Church members who had masters also did receive advice on their conduct. Whether
their master did oversee them or not they were supposed to work without supervision
and do their duty just like they were serving Christ. However detestable slavery was
the apostle does not recommend revolt or any disobedience but the dutiful fulfilment of
responsibility just as if one was serving God and with sincerity and honesty. In verse 24
he tells them there is an inheritance that awaits them as a reward of faithfulness. Verse
24 concludes the chapter by also warning them that as the faithful are repaid with an
inheritance those who do wrong shall also be repaid for his evils he or she shall have
done.

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CHAPTER FOUR

In this chapter, the apostle follows up where he had left in chapter three on relations
and finally summarizes the book by now speaking to the whole congregation and offers
personal remarks
Col 4:1…… Master-servant relationship
Paul requests all masters who had servants to treat them well, justly and fairly not
because they were just brothers but knowing that they also have a master in heaven. In
this, he cautions them that whatsoever they shall do to their human servants they shall
give an account to God
Col 4:2-6 …… Exhortation to pray
Paul exhorts the Colossians to be devoted and watchful in prayers and as they continue
in it they should be thankful. In verse three Paul requests for prayers for his mission as
God had opened doors for him to preach even if he was in prison and specifically that
he be bold and proclaim the gospel as it should be done.
Col 4:5-6…….final counsel

Paul exhorts the Colossians to walk in wisdom especially them who were unbelievers
and utilizing every opportunity they had. More so he tells them that their conversations
or speech should be full of grace and well-tempered so as they could know how to
answered every person
Colossians 4:7 -18 …….final remarks and personal greetings

In his final remarks he informs them that Tychicus and his entourage were to inform
them more on Paul’s welfare, missions and plans when they arrived at Colossae, this
informs us that this brother was one of the bearers of the letter. In the team was also
Onesimus who formerly was Philemon’s slave. Paul recommends that after the church
reads this letter they should also send it to Laodicea and Hierapolis (the sounding cities)
and also they were to receive the letter to Laodicea (which we do not have it though some
people think that this was the letter to the Ephesians). He lastly requests again their prayer
for him to be freed as he wishes them the grace of God, informing them that he
personally wrote the greetings by his own hands.

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Paul’s men in chapter four

1. Tychicus
Paul refers to him as a beloved brother and a faithful minister, sent by Paul as the chief
man among the brothers who brought this letter to Colossae. His mission was to know
how the church was faring and encourage them and thereafter inform the church how
Paul and his team's condition in Rome was. He was among the people who stood with
Paul in many instances e.g. Acts 20:4.
2. Onesimus
Paul refers to him as a faithful and beloved brother (V8). He came from Colossae and
was Philemon's slave until he stole Philemon’s property and ran away to Rome where
he met Paul and was led to Christ. He is now being sent back to the very place he once
lived, a person he might have known face to face when he was a slave in Philemon’s
house and now as a brother accompanying Tychicus. Probably the Epistle to Philemon
accompanied this letter so that Onesimus might be accepted as a brother and not as a
thief or a renegade slave.
3. Aristarchus

In verse 10 Paul calls him a fellow prisoner who sent his greetings to the Colossians. He
was a man who kept his place in the team that Paul used to travel with Acts 20:4.
4. Mark(Marcus)

This is John Mark the writer of the Gospel of Mark. He was Barnabas’ cousin (some
manuscripts refer to him as a nephew to Barnabas). He was the reason Paul separated with
Barnabas in Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15:36 – 39). His mother Mary
hosted the church when they were Praying for Peter in Acts 12:12. They first met with
Paul in Acts 12:25 in Jerusalem and together they then travelled to Antioch. He went
with Paul on his first missionary journey but went back home when Paul and Barnabas
were in Pamphylia Acts 15:38. Barnabas went with him to Cyprus. At the time of
writing this letter, he was restored to Paul’s favor and was with him in Rome. Latter
Paul requests Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:11 to bring him to where Paul was for he was
useful to Ministry. Peter the apostle refers to him as a son. In 1 Peter 5:13 when sending
his greetings.

5. Jesus Justus

Not much is known about this man apart from what's written here in Col 4:11 and he
was a Jew and a fellow worker with Paul.

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6. Epaphras

He came from Colossae and in verse 12, Paul says he labored fervently for the Church
in Colossae through prayers. Paul confirms he was a zealous man specifically for the
Colossians, them of Laodicea and Heliopolis. In this instance, he did not travel with the
team but sent his greetings.
7. Luke

Paul called him a beloved physician, he is the writer of the Gospel of Luke and the book
of Acts. His writings display great knowledge of history and accuracy.
8. Demas

This brother was with Paul (verse 14) at this time of writing this letter and the epistle to
Philemon (Philemon verse 24). Latter he deserted Paul and went to Thessalonica in 2
Timothy 4:10 where Paul says about Demas “he loved this present world”.
9. Nymphas

In verse 15 Paul confirms to us that this brother hosted the Church in his house. During
these times the Christian churches met in brethren homes. Check also Philemon 1:2,
Romans 16:5
10. Archipus

Also named in Philemon 1:2, was to be reminded to complete his ministry he had
received from the Lord. He could have belonged to the household of Philemon and
most probably his son.

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