Colossians Magazine

COLOSSIANS
CHRIST ALL IN ALL
VOL
01
BIBLE STUDY
NATHAN S. WHITLEY

COLOSSIANS
CHRIST ALL IN ALL
OUTLINE
DOCTRINAL (1-2)
Greeting (1:1-2)
Thanksgiving (1:3-8)
Prayer (1:9-14)
The Preeminence of Christ (1:15-23)
Paul’s Ministry (1:24-2:5)
Alive in Christ (2:6-15)
Let No One Disqualify You (2:16-23)
PRACTICAL (3-4)
Put on the New Self (3:1-17)
Rules for Christian Households (3:18-4:1)
Further Instructions (4:2-6)
Final Greetings (4:7-18)
THE LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS
Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae is one of the prison letters
(Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon). Paul’s aim with this letter
was to warn this thriving church of an imminent threat of false
teaching. In doing so, Paul presented one of the New Testament’s
clearest declarations of Jesus Christ’s deity.
KEY TEXTS
“And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent”
(Col. 1:18).
“For in Him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, and you have
been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority” (Col.
2:9-10).
THEME
The letter to the Colossians is only four chapters in length. The two
great truths which the Colossians were meant to learn are: (1) all
the fullness of God is in Jesus (Col. 1-2); (2) all the fullness of Jesus is
for us (Col. 3-4).
2

CHRIST PREEMINENT
“For by Him all things were
created, in heaven and on
earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions
or rulers or authorities
- all things were created
through Him and for Him”
(Col. 1:16).
“He is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of all creation. For by him all things
were created, in heaven and on earth, visible
and invisible, whether thrones or dominions
or rulers or authorities—all things were
created through him and for him. And he is
before all things, and in him all things hold
together. And he is the head of the body, the
church. He is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, that in everything he might
be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of
God was pleased to dwell, and through him
to reconcile to himself all things, whether
on earth or in heaven, making peace by the
blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:15-20).
3

KEY CHARACTERS
The Apostle Paul The Colossians Epaphras
Although Paul did not start the church
in Colossae, he felt compelled to write
this thriving church. He wrote to the
Colossians with the authority of an
apostle to correct a dangerous doctrine
creeping into the church.
Colossae, a city in the Roman province
of Phrygia, located near Laodicea and
Hierapolis on the Lycus River and just
over 100 miles east of Ephesus. The
unexcavated site of Colossae sits near
the modern city of Honaz at the base
of Mt. Cadmus (in modern Turkey).
A Christian from Colossae (Col 4:12),
referred to by Paul as a “fellow servant”
(Col 1:7) and “fellow prisoner in
Christ Jesus” (Phlm 23). According to
Paul, Epaphras is the one who taught
the Colossians “the grace of God in
truth” (Col 1:6). From this it can be
inferred that Epaphras was the founder
of the Colossian church.
4

COLOSSIANS
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
PAGE
07
Introduction
to Colossians
PAGE
08
The Fullness
of the Godhead
PAGE
13
You Are Complete
in Him
16
PAGE
19
PAGE
PAGE
23
The Colossian
Heresy
Christ All in
All
Paul’s Pattern
for
Prayer
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised
and uncircumcised, barbarian,
Scythian, slave, or free; but
Christ is all, and in all (Colossians
3:11)
5

6

INTRODUCTION TO
COLOSSIANS
Writer
The apostle Paul identifies himself as
the writer of the Colossian letter (Col.
1:1). Paul penned this epistle, along
with Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon,
while he was imprisoned in Rome
between AD 60-62 (Acts 27-28).
Audience
Colossae was located about 100 miles
from Ephesus, and it neighbored the
cities of Laodecia, and Hierapolis. Perhaps
during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus,
Paul commissioned Epaphras to preach
the gospel in Colossae, Laodecia, and
Hierapolis (Col. 1:7; 4:12-13; Phlm. 23).
Though Paul never had the opportunity
to visit the Colossian church in person,
he desired to visit the saints there,
“For I want you to know how great a
struggle I have for you and for those
at Laodicea and for all who have not
seen me face to face” (Colossians 2:1;
cf Phlm. 23).
The Christians in Colossae were
predominantly Gentile. Paul notes
the “uncircumcision” of their “flesh”
(2:13). The phrases “among the Gentiles”
and “in you” appear to be synonymous
(1:27), and the reference to
the Colossians as “once were alienated
and hostile in mind” is similar to Paul’s
language in Ephesians 2:11-13, where
he refers to “Gentiles by birth.”
Purpose for Letter
Paul’s intent with this letter was to correct
the erroneous teachings that were
infiltrating the Colossian church. In doing
so, he presented a clear picture of
Jesus Christ as the All-Sufficient Lord,
who is the Head of the Church, and the
only Savior of humanity. We should
learn from the apostle in his approach
for correcting false teaching. He presented
Christ as all-encompassing and
all sufficient. Nothing can be added to
Jesus Christ, and nothing can be taken
from Him. Anything that attempts to
make additions to Christ, or to diminish
His person and work are futile.
That isn’t to say that we should bury
our heads in the sand when it comes
to confronting false doctrine. Rather,
we should seek to exalt Christ and His
Word and allow people to see other
alternatives as hollow. Paul’s letter to
the Colossians does exactly that.
The false teaching, also known as the
“Colossian Heresy,” was identified
as a “philosophy” (2:8), which drew
from Greek traditions as indicated by
the references to “fullness” (1:19);
“elemental spirits” (2:8, 20); “wisdom”
(2:3, 23); and “asceticism” (2:23). Additionally,
the false teaching included
Jewish overtones as circumcision
(2:11; 3:11); “human tradition” (2:8);
observing the Sabbath, Jewish festivals,
regulations concerning food (2:16); the
“worship of angels” “visions” (2:18);
and harsh human regulations (2:21-23).
With these various teachings in mind,
Paul set forth to present the gospel of
Jesus Christ as the consummate fulfillment
for humanity’s need for salvation
and eternal life.
Bible commentators cannot agree on
identifying the false teachers. Taking
into consideration the various references
to the false teachings listed above,
we can deduce that such teaching was
a melting pot of ideas. There may have
been more than one group influencing
the church in Colossae. Which might
be the better observation, considering
that Gentile cultures were influenced
by so many different ideologies. Such
could certainly be said about the 21st
Century as well. Never has there been
so many different alternatives to faith
and spirituality than our own day. But
the same message is true today, as
it was during Paul’s - Jesus Christ is
Supreme!
Colossians provides one of Scripture’s
clearest presentations of the deity and
supremacy of Jesus Christ. Paul’s hymn
in chapter one is just one example
(1:15-20). He proclaims that Jesus is
the image of the invisible God, the
Creator and sustainer of the universe,
and the Head of the church. In Jesus
Christ you can find all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge (2:3), and
that is due to the reality that in Him
dwells all the fullness of the godhead
bodily (1:19; 2:9). Christ’s supremacy
is also revealed in His work in salvation
(2:10,13, 20), and in the conduct of the
believer (3:5-4:6)
7

THE FULLNESS OF THE
GODHEAD
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy
and empty deceit, according to human tradition,
according to the elemental spirits of the world,
and not according to Christ. For in him the whole
fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:8–9)
The doctrine of the Oneness of God begins in the Old Testament.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut. 6:4–5). To
Jews, this text is known as the “Shema” which means “to
hear.” The Shema is the foundational doctrine for all of Scripture.
The truth that God is One pervades all of Scripture.
• And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: On that
day the LORD will be one and His name one (Zech. 14:9).
• Have we not all one father? hath not one God created
us? (Mal. 2:10a)
• For there is one God; and there is none other but he
(Mk. 12:32 KJV).
• Since God is one - who will justify the circumcised by
faith and the uncircumcised through faith(Rom. 3:30).
• Yet for us there is one God (1 Cor. 8:6a).
• God is one (Gal. 3:20b).
• There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you were
called to the one hope that belongs to your call - One
Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6).
• For there is one God, and there is one mediator between
God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5).
• You believe that God is one; you do well: even the demons
believe and shudder (James 2:19)!
• A throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the
throne (Rev. 4:2).
Additionally, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the Holy One more
than thirty times, while also declaring multiple times that
there is only one God (see Isa. 10:17; 12:6; 37:16; 43:15;
44:6, 8, 24; 46:5, 9; 48:11-12).
These texts are just a sample size of what the Bible says
concerning God’s Oneness. And if that’s all that was said,
surely that would be sufficient evidence to conclude God is
one. For there is no other god but Him. There is no other god
with Him (Deut. 32:39). He is above all other so-called gods
(2 Chr. 2:5). No other god was before Him, no other god was
formed, neither will there be any other god after Him (Isa.
43:10). He alone created the heavens the earth (Isa. 44:24).
There is no other god beside Him (Isa. 45:6). Finally, there is
no other god like Him (Isa. 46:9).
The Image of the Invisible God
The truth of God’s Oneness couldn’t be any clearer. The One
God and Lord of the Shema is none other than the Lord Jesus
Christ. Paul wrote that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible
God (Col. 1:15).
No man can see God with his natural eyes. Yet, men could
see Jesus Christ while He was on earth (Jn. 1:18; Heb. 1:3).
Jesus revealed God the Father incarnationally. The Greek
work for “image” is eikon, from which the English word
“icon” derives. It means, “copy” or “likeness.” Jesus Christ is
the perfect image, the exact likeness of God the Father and
is in the very form of God (Phil. 2:6; John 1:14; 14:9).
8

By describing Jesus in this manner, Paul emphasizes that He
is both the representation and manifestation of God. Thus,
He is fully God in every comprehensible fashion (Col. 2:9;
John 8:58; 10:30-33; Heb. 1:8). The very nature and character
of God has been perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. The
apostle John said that Jesus has made God known (Jn. 1:18).
Jesus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (Jn.
14:9). He also said, “I and my Father are one” (Jn. 10:30).
When you looked in the face of Jesus Christ, while He was
on earth, you were staring at the very face of God. Furthermore,
He revealed the majesty, wonder, and magnificence of
God the Father. God cannot be known except through Jesus
Christ.
Vain Philosophy
The Colossian church was being attacked with a deceptive
doctrine. The false teaching, also known as the “Colossian
Heresy,” was identified as a “philosophy” (2:8), which drew
from Greek traditions as indicated by the references to “fullness”
(1:19); “elemental spirits” (2:8, 20); “wisdom” (2:3,
23); and “asceticism” (2:23). Additionally, the false teaching
included Jewish overtones such as references to “circumcision”
(2:11; 3:11); “human tradition” (2:8); observing the
Sabbath, Jewish festivals, regulations concerning food (2:16);
the “worship of angels” “visions” (2:18); and harsh human
regulations (2:21-23).
With these various teachings in mind,
Paul set forth to present the gospel of
Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment
for humanity’s need for salvation and
eternal life. Part of the “Colossian Heresy”
was the rejection of the truth that
Jesus was God in flesh.
The phrase “spoil you” means robbery.
False teachers, who successfully
get people to believe their lies, rob
them of truth, salvation, and blessing.
“Spoil” could also be rendered, “carry
you away from the truth by false teaching.”
The Colossians were susceptible
of having their faith in Christ hijacked
by false teachers.
The apostle John wrote this: “Beloved,
do not believe every spirit, but test the
spirits to see whether they are from
God, for many false prophets have
gone out into the world. By this you
know the Spirit of God: every spirit
that confesses that Jesus Christ has
come in the flesh is from God, and
every spirit that does not confess Jesus
is not from God. This is the spirit of the
antichrist, which you heard was coming
and now is in the world already (1 Jn
4:1–3). [Continued on page 10]
9

For in Him
all the
fullness of
God was
pleased to
dwell.
The truth of God’s oneness
couldn’t be any clearer. The
One God and Lord of the
Shema (Deut. 6:4) is none
other than Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that false teachers would
increase in the last days (Matt. 24:11).
The rejection of the Lordship of Jesus
Christ is just one of many ways that
the Christian faith can be eroded. It is
vitally important that you know and
believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. If
this vital doctrine wasn’t important,
then Paul wouldn’t have warned the
Colossian church of the possibility of
being led astray from the truth.
The Greek word for “philosophy,”
which means “love of wisdom,” appears
only here in the New Testament.
The word referred to more than merely
an academic or intellectual discipline,
but described any concept about God,
the world, or the meaning of life.
Those embracing the Colossian heresy
used it to describe an apparent higher
knowledge they claimed to have attained.
Paul, however, considered the
false teachers’ philosophy as “empty”
or worthless “vain deceit.”
Paul wanted the Colossians to put their
faith in Scripture and not in “the tradition
of men.” God revealed Himself
in Jesus Christ, but it is through the
Word of God that we can get to know
Him. Consequently, Jesus is the Word
of God made flesh: “And the Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and
we beheld his glory, the glory as of the
only begotten of the Father,) full of
grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). We don’t
have time to expound on the reliability,
and trustworthiness of Scripture in this
lesson. However, our doctrine of God
must be based upon the Word of God,
and not on church councils, creeds, or
confessions (2 Tim. 3:16).
“Rudiments of the world” are elementary
religious teachings coming from
the world system. The Greek grammar
suggests that the particular “philosophy”
in view here, is “vain deceit.” Not
all philosophy is harmful. When philosophy
is presented within a Christian
worldview, it can be useful to believers.
10

Listen to how Paul applies this amazing
truth to humanity: “To wit, that God
was in Christ, reconciling the world
unto himself, not imputing their trespasses
unto them; and hath committed
unto us the word of reconciliation” (2
Corinthians 5:19). God was in Christ for
the purpose of reconciling the world
unto Himself. Again, “And through
Him to reconcile to Himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven, making
peace by the blood of His cross” (Col.
1:20).
False teachers attempted to persuade
believers that Jesus was just a man,
and not God. If part of the Colossian
Heresy was a precursor to Gnosticism,
then the Gnostics believed that flesh
(or matter) was evil, and a holy God
would not defile Himself with flesh. But
God had come in flesh!
The Fullness of God
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of
the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9). The
“Him” is Christ. In Christ, the fullness
of the Godhead dwells. For it pleased
the Father that in Him should all fullness
dwell (Col. 1:19). The Godhead
is just another phrase for “divinity” or
“deity.” It is the sum total of God. All of
God was in Jesus bodily. In Greek philosophical
understanding, matter was
evil; spirit was good. Therefore, it was
ubsurd that God would ever take on a
human body. The apostle Paul opposes
that false teaching by emphasizing the
truth of Christ’s incarnation. Jesus was
not only fully God, but fully human as
well.
Jesus Christ was both God and man
at the same time. He wasn’t half-god,
and half-man. He wasn’t all God and no
man. He wasn’t all man and no God. He
was the God-Man. It is in Jesus Christ,
and not anywhere else, that one can
find God. Jesus implied this when He
said, “I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me” (Jn. 14:6). If you are going
to find salvation and know God, then
you must believe that Jesus Christ is
the full revelation of God (Jn. 8:24). All
the attributes, titles, and roles of God
dwell in Jesus. He is the incarnation
of the one true God (Jn. 1:1, 14; 8:58;
10:30; 14:9-11, 16-18, 20:28; 2 Cor.
3:17).
The truth that God is One, and that the
One God dwells in Jesus Christ, is more
than just didactic. It is also relevant
to our life. Most of the time when the
Oneness of God is preached or taught,
it is given as information to be known
and believed. But its application is
often neglected.
Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ,
we can have peace and reconciliation.
Paul said to the church in Ephesus,
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves,
and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,
to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood”
(Acts 20:28). God was in Christ, but
so was the blood of God! The blood
of God flowed through the veins of
Jesus Christ. When the Son of God was
crucified on the cross, a covenant was
made between God and man. But that
couldn’t have taken place had God and
man not first been meshed together
in Jesus Christ. There was a chasm
between God and man because of sin.
Man could not save himself, only God
could save him. So God came in flesh
in the man Christ Jesus. On one side of
that chasm was the absolute deity of
Jesus Christ. On the other side of that
chasm was the full humanity of Jesus
Christ. But at the wooden cross of
Calvary He made a bridge between the
chasm between God and man. But that
reconciliation could only come through
blood of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is completely God, and He has
come to us complete!
11

12

YOU ARE COMPLETE
IN HIM
And you have been filled in Him
(Colossians 2:10)
The doctrine of the believer’s union with Christ is a highly
important, yet often neglected teaching. The New Testament
employs two expressions to describe union with Christ.
First, believers are in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; John 15:4, 5, 7; 1
Cor. 15:22; 2 Cor. 12:2; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:4, 2:10; Phil. 3:9; 1
Thess. 4:16; 1 John 4:13). Second, Christ is in believers (Gal.
2:20; Col. 1:27; Rom. 8:10; 2 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 3:17). Jesus
described our union with Him as abiding in the True Vine (Jn.
15:1-17). He used the phrase “in me” six times during this
discourse. The apostle John wrote, “By this we know that
we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his
Spirit” (1 John 4:13).
The Seed of Union with Christ
God had our union with Christ in mind before the creation of
the world: “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation
of the world, that we should be holy and blameless
before him” (Eph. 1:4). God chose us in Him before the
foundation of the world. God, in His infinite foreknowledge,
knew what dirty rotten lowlifes we would be, yet He chose
us for this salvation! This is not to say that God elected some
individuals for salvation and others to damnation. On the
contrary, God had predestined the means of salvation before
the foundation of the world. In other words, the Lamb of
God (Jesus Christ) was slain before the foundation of the
world (Rev. 13:8). Paul explained it further: “In him we have
obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according
to the purpose of him who works all things according
to the counsel of his will” (Eph. 1:11). It was God’s purpose
to call and save us. The elective purposes of God never fail,
and those purposes are in our lives. God chooses. God has a
plan.
And those plans are executed within us. We were chosen in
Him before the foundation of the world, to live in the will
of God (Eph. 1:4). We were predestined for the adoption
as sons through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). Believers are in the
purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His
will (Eph. 1:11), our lives are in His hands (Psalm 31:15), and
our destinies belong to Him (Ps. 139:16).
The Source of Union with Christ
It is through Jesus Christ’s work of reconciliation that we are
brought into union with Him. Paul wrote, “For in Him all the
fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to
reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven,
making peace by the blood of His cross.” Had God not
been in Christ, then our union with Christ would have been
impossible (2 Cor. 5:19). It was sin that kept us alienated
from God. The word “alienated” in the Greek means to be a
“foreigner,” or to “be estranged.” In other words, sin kept us
separate from God. It was like God and sinners were living
on two different continents separated by an ocean of sin.
Since the entirety of God was in Christ, He could reconcile
us to Him. The word “reconcile” means to “bring together.”
Christ didn’t just bring us into close proximity to Him. Rather,
He put us in Him!
The Substance of Union with Christ
Paul wrote, “and you have been filled in him” (Col. 2:10). The
word “filled” in the Greek means to be “fulfilled,” “complete”
or to “be generously supplied with.” Being in Christ
means that we have everything that we need.
13

Scripture outlines eight ways that Jesus completes us spiritually:
1. We are united to Christ through being born again (Jn. 3:3-8; Eph.
2:4-5). In regeneration God gives us a new spiritual life within (2
Cor. 5:17). Being born again of the water and Spirit gives us new life
(Acts 2:38).
2. We live out our union with Christ through faith (Gal. 2:20; Eph.
3:16-17). Christ is the source of our union with Him, and He is object
of our faith.
3. We are justified through faith and union with Christ (Rom. 3:23-
26). Justification is being made right with God. Only through Jesus
Christ’s perfect obedience can we partake of God’s righteousness
and have our sins forgiven (Rom. 4-5).
4. We are sanctified through our union with Christ (1 Cor. 1:30; Jn.
15:4-5). Sanctification is the process by which we grow in holiness
and become more like the One we are in union with (1 Thess. 5:23-
24).
5. We faithfully endure in our union with Christ (Matt. 24:13; Rom.
8:38-39; Rev. 13:10). Life in Christ provides the means to faithfully
endure land provides the assurance of salvation (1 Cor. 1:8-9).
6. We are united with Christ in death (Rom. 14:8; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev.
14:13). Scripture says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death
of His saints” (Ps. 116:15).
7. We are raised from the dead in our union with Christ (1 Cor. 15:22).
Physical death is not final for believers united with Jesus.
8. We will be glorified with Christ (Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 4:16-17). Not only
did God have our calling, justification, and sanctification in mind
from eternity past, He also had our glorification in His plans (Rom.
8:30).
It is through our union with Christ that we are made complete. The
apostle Paul wrote, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of
the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way
you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge – even as the
testimony about Christ was confirmed among you – so that you are not
lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus
Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:4–8). The word “lacking” used here means to
“fall short of” or “be in need.” The Lord Jesus Christ meets every need
for our lives. He doesn’t fall short in providing for us, because He doesn’t
lack anything within Himself. We are complete in Him, because He is
complete. Every part of our spiritual lives is affected through our union
with Jesus. Therefore, we do not need to add anything to Him, nor do we
need to add anything to Christian life. He is everything we need!
14

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15

THE COLOSSIAN
HERESYSee to it that no one takes you captive
by philosophy and empty deceit, according
to human tradition, according to the
elemental spirits of the world, and not
according to Christ (Colossians 2:8)
Bible commentators believe that Epaphras
started the church in Colossae. It’s likely he had
been converted during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus
and returned to his hometown and planted the
church (Acts 19:10; Col. 1:5-7; 4:12). Epaphras
kept Paul informed about the well-being of the
Colossian church. During one of his trips to visit
Paul in prison, he informed the apostle of an
encroaching threat.
Paul may not have planted the church in Colossae,
but he certainly cared for it. Like any good
pastor, the apostle Paul took the time to write a
letter to warn the Colossian church. Paul doesn’t
necessarily spell out exactly what the danger
was, but we can construct from his arguments
some of the threats. While we don’t have the
questions, Paul does give us the answers.
The heretical teaching being spread within the
Colossian church seemed to be a toxic brew
of beliefs or an early form of Gnosticism. It
included Christian, Jewish, Greek, and Oriental
ideals (Col. 2:8-23). It bore the name of philosophy
(2:8). It had a show of wisdom (2:23). It
paid regard to human traditions (2:8). It revered
angelic beings (2:17-18).
16

There was contempt for the human body (2:20-23). Included
deceptive arguments (2:4). And placed judgment on keeping
Jewish customs (2:16). We can see the Colossian heresy
was a hodgepodge of concepts and could disrupt the faith
of many if it was allowed to advance within the church.
Paul uses the false teacher’s heretical teachings as a sort of
framework that gives context to his thought process within
the letter. He employs terms and phrases from this heresy as
a sort of polemic to prove that Jesus is all in all.
The attempted reconciliation of different faiths still happens
today. There remains a trend to create a melting-pot of religious
ideologies. The idea is to devise an all-inclusive faith
that attracts the masses. In the twenty-first century we have
some of the Colossian heresy found in Catholicism, Scientology,
Mormonism, Unitarianism, the Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Kabbalah, and so forth.
Let us look at these false teachings closer and see how Paul
combated them with the truth of Jesus Christ.
Judaism
Colossae wasn’t just populated with Gentiles. Antiochus
the Great transported Jews to the region. Other Jews were
enticed by wool trade and other business ventures to settle
in the area. Which gives rise to the influence of Jewish
customs and practices. Paul’s reference to festivals, new
moons and the sabbath (Col. 2:16) leads us to believe a form
of Judaism was also present within the Colossian Heresy.
Paul considered the Galatian’s observance of days, months,
seasons, and years to be “weak and beggarly” (Gal. 4:9-10).
Therefore, we should’t be surprised that he considers the
thought of keeping particular Jewish customs to only be “a
shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to
Christ” (Col. 2:17).
Philosophy
Part of the heretical teaching involved an intellectual oligarchy.
In other words, it held to the belief there were a few
who set themselves above others as possessing a superior
knowledge or experience. The false teachers promised a
special insight and superior spirituality, other than what
Christianity offered. Paul considered this to be “empty
deceit, according to human tradition.” Those embracing the
Colossian heresy used it to describe the supposed higher
knowledge they claimed to have attained.
Paul also considered this philosophy to be the “elemental spirits
of the world.” Put another way, they are elementary religious
teachings coming from a world system. The Greek grammar
suggests that the particular “philosophy” in view here, is
“vain deceit.” Not all philosophy then, is bad; when presented
in a God-centered way, it can be helpful to believers.
Far from being advanced, profound knowledge, the false
teachers’ ideas were simplistic and immature like all the rest
of the world and Satan’s speculations, ideologies, philosophies,
and beliefs. Paul is trying to remind them that it was
not their superior knowledge that brought them to Christ, but
simple faith. The worldly education of man builds up the man.
This brings vanity and pride; which God is opposed to.
Mysticism
Another issue was the “worship of angels.” We aren’t sure
what such worship looked like within the Colossian church,
but church history reveals that angel worship was a problem
for centuries after the Colossian letter. The Roman Catholic
church, for example, practices the veneration (honor) of
angels. While the Bible gives many instances of angels working
on behalf of God, and on the behalf of God’s people, we are
strictly forbidden to worship angels (Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10;
22:9).
Next, the false teachers were claiming doctrinal authority
based upon visions they had received, “taking his stand on
visions he has seen” (2:18 NASB). Doesn’t this sound similar
to the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses? Special visits from
angels, and personal visions on which to claim special revelation
and authority.
Brothers, and sisters, within the Apostolic Pentecostal movement
there remains a faction of believers and leaders who
claim to have personal angels, special visions, and unchecked
revelations. Within the last few years there have been some
among us who claim to find angel feathers, and gold dust
during their prayer time. Most of the time this leads these
particular hucksters to be “puffed up without reason by his
sensuous mind.” They intend to attract crowds and accolades,
while refusing to “hold fast to the Head (Christ), from whom
the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints
and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Col.
2:18-19). While I believe in angels, visions and revelations,
it should always lead to a closer walk with Jesus Christ, an
increase in humility, and growth in personal holiness.
17

Gnosticism
From what we have already gathered, there was a multiplicity
of dangerous ideas within the heresy threatening the Colossians.
Bible scholars have associated the heresy in Colossians
with an early form of Gnosticism. Whether or not that is true,
there are some similarities between the two, as we will see.
“Gnosis” from which the word “Gnostic” is derived means
“knowledge.” This shouldn’t be confused with “Agnostic”
which means “without knowledge.” The Gnostic claimed to
have a super knowledge of the spirit realm and life itself.
Gnosticism held several dangerous views. It believed that
since the world suffered from evil, then a holy God could not
have created it. That produced the conundrum that if God
was holy and the world evil, then God was the creator of evil.
The Gnostic couldn’t seem to reconcile a holy God with an
evil world. Therefore, they contrived another theory. If God
couldn’t be blamed for the world’s evil, then a culprit remained
for the creation of evil. So, matter, as in the substance
of which any physical object consists, became the Gnostic’s
protagonist. The Gnostic reasoned that matter was the cause
of all evil, which included human beings.
This gives way to the issue of inherently evil human beings
being capable of knowing a holy God. And how can a holy God
interact with matter which is evil? To rectify these issues the
Gnostic believed that the world emanated from God, and as it
evolved further and further from God it became less and less
holy, and more and more evil. Obviously, the Gnostic rejected
the reality that Christ was the agent of creation (Jn. 1:3),
and that God placed a curse upon the world due to sin (Rom.
8:20). Their belief that matter was evil couldn’t accept that
God had come in the flesh (Jn. 1:14), further distancing itself
from orthodox Christian doctrine.
So as to “bridge the gap” between humanity and God, Gnosticism
produced two courses of action: ascetism, and unrestrained
license.
Ascetism
Ascetism is a rigid lifestyle placed upon people. The thought is
that if man is evil then man must be subdued. The strict lifestyle
included dietary restrictions, abstinence from marriage,
and a disregard for hygiene. Some believed that since the
body was evil then it should be disciplined and subdued.
The Essenes, a Jewish sect, and the Stoics, a Greek philosophical
sect, were two examples of this type of lifestyle.
Paul exposed the false concept of a strict lifestyle that lead
to a higher experience, or that tried to discipline the body
due to its inherently evil nature. This was nothing more than
an attempt to add to the message of Jesus Christ. The idea
that simple faith in Jesus isn’t sufficient has been around for
centuries. Catholicism has its forms of asceticism in monks,
nuns, convents, and the abstinence of marriage in its leaders.
Mormonism has its strict lifestyles which include dietary laws.
The Amish refuse to partake of modern conveniences. The
Colossian heresy always tries to adorn itself in new fashions,
but it’s the same old hag in a new dress.
Unrestrained License
While some believed that the body, due to its evil nature,
needed to be subjected to a strict ascetism, others took the
view that the only way to overcome the indulgences of the
body was to live without any restraint at all. The Epicureans,
for example, illustrated this behavior. Epicureanism argued
that pleasure was the chief goal in life.
Paul’s antidote to an unrestrained lifestyle, wasn’t a strict
ascetism. Rather, he stated, “If then you have been raised with
Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated
at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are
above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:1-2).
Conclusion
So, what we have within the Colossian heresy is an idea that
something more than Christ was needed. Whether that was
higher ascent in learning, a stricter lifestyle, unrestrained
pleasure, or insights into the universe’s mysteries. Such notions
were dangerous then, and they are dangerous today.
Whether we’d like to admit it, these “heresies” are prevalent
in the Christian church today. Nothing can be added to Christ,
and nothing can be taken away from Him. Furthermore, when
you receive Christ in your life, you are made complete in Him
(Col. 2:9-10).
18

Christ All in All
An Exposition of Colossians
The letter to the Colossians is only four chapters in length. The
two great truths which the Colossians were meant to learn
are: (1) all the fullness of God is in Jesus (Col. 1-2); (2) all the
fullness of Jesus is for us (Col. 3-4).
Greeting (1:1-2)
The letter begins like other customary letters of New Testament
times. The apostle Paul identifies himself and Timothy as
the writers of the letter. This letter was written to the saints
and faithful brothers in the city of Colossae. Colossae was a
small city located in modern-day Turkey, along the Lycus River
near the more significant cities of Laodicea, and Hierapolis.
A significant earthquake occurred in the Lycus Valley during
Nero’s reign (A.D. 60), from which Colossae never fully recovered.
Paul wrote this letter, along with Ephesians, Philippians,
and Philemon, while he was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:30-
31; Col. 4:3).
Similar to Paul’s other letters, he offers grace and peace from
God (1:2). Grace is the free favor of God given to undeserving
sinners. Grace is the fountainhead of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans, “for all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace,
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:23-
24). Paul added, “For by grace you have been saved through
faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not
a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).
Unrighteous sinners have been made righteous through God’s
grace. The result of God’s gift of grace is “peace.” Paul wrote,
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).
Sinful man didn’t just need his sins forgiven, he needed peace
with God. This isn’t just some tranquility. Rather, because of
sin, mankind was at war with God.
God and man were enemies. There needed to be reconciliation
between the two parties. And it should be noted
that man was not the offended party. On the contrary, it
was God who was offended at man’s perpetual disobedience
and rebellion, which was birthed in the Garden of
Eden (Gen. 3:1-24; Ps. 7:11). Sin and death reigned since
the fall of humanity (Rom. 5:12-21). Paul added, “For
while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the
death of His son, much more, now that we are reconciled,
shall we be saved by his life” (Rom. 5:10). Through grace
we have peace and reconciliation with God.
Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:3-8)
Paul was thankful for the Colossian’s faith in Jesus and
their spiritual maturity. Epaphras had taught the church
the word of truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ. From that
teaching the growth of spiritual fruit was prevalent in the
saints. Paul considered faith in Jesus, love for others, and
hope in eternal rewards as spiritual fruit.
Next, Paul prayed for the Colossians. The apostle prayed
unceasingly that they would be filled with the knowledge
of God’s will; spiritual wisdom and understanding;
walk in a manner worthy of the Lord; please God; bear
spiritual fruit with every good endeavor; increase in their
knowledge of God; strengthened with all power; and have
endurance, patience with joy, and thanksgiving.
Additionally, he gives thanks for God who qualified them;
delivered them, gave them an inheritance; and redeemed
and forgiven them. Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving is
wonderful pattern for our own prayer life. [Continued on
page 20]
19

Christ
All in All
Paul’s Ministry to the Church
(1:24-2:5)
The preeminence of Jesus is why Paul
risked everything to be a minister (1:23-
24). Paul’s ministry was based on the
truth of Jesus Christ’s person and work.
Paul suffered on behalf of Jesus and the
church. God called and commissioned Paul
to preach the whole counsel of God (Acts
20:26-27). Such a ministry that Paul had
was a constant struggle, but he was energized
by God’s power to continue (1:29).
The Preeminence of Christ (1:15-23)
Paul then outlined the preeminence of Jesus Christ. Some scholars believe this is
a quotation from an early Christian hymn. The Colossian church was dealing with
erroneous doctrines that diminished Christ’s person and work. These unidentified
false teachers sought to uncrown Jesus and implement new restrictions
upon believers. Paul presents the most poignant Christology in the New Testament.
In order for the Colossians to combat the false teaching they needed to
be familiar with the truth, and in doing so, Paul presents the supremacy of Jesus
Christ.
The apostle declares that Jesus is the image of the invisible God; the firstborn
of creation; the agent of creation; preeminent; He controls all things; He is the
Head of the Church; the beginning; the firstborn of the dead; in Christ all the
fullness of God dwells; and He is the Reconciler and Sanctifier. This is powerpacked
section. Christ is preeminent! He is preeminent in heaven. He is preeminent
in the Church. And He is the Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler and Sanctifier.
Paul used three words to describe his ministry:
proclaiming, warning, and teaching
(1:28). Paul proclaimed Jesus Christ and
Him crucified (1 Cor. 1:23). It was stumbling
block for the Jews and considered folly by
the Gentiles. But Paul proclaimed Jesus
anyway. He warned his listeners of sin and
God’s impending judgement. Paul didn’t
just preach and leave. Rather, he stayed
and taught. The Word of God is profitable
for preaching, but it is also valuable for
teaching (1 Tim. 3:16).
Alive in Christ (2:6-15)
In this section we are introduced to the
dangerous heresy infecting the Colossian
church. Before Paul deals with the false
doctrine, he begins with the positive message
of Jesus Christ. “Therefore, as you
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in
Him” (2:6). Notice the “therefore” in the
sentence, this connects to Christ’s preeminence
that Paul had previously laid out.
20

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and
the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive
together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.”
The Colossians were to walk in Christ, just as they had been taught (2:7). The
erroneous doctrines that were creeping into the church weren’t what they had
been taught. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty
deceit, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to
Christ” (2:8). Paul was calling the Colossians back to Christ and away from the
false teacher’s philosophy, empty deceit, human traditions, elemental spirits of
the world.
The Colossians had everything they needed in Jesus. They were made complete
through Jesus, who was the embodiment of God (2:9-10). They had been buried
with Christ in baptism (2:11-12). They were once dead in their sins but have
been resurrected with Him and made alive (2:13). And this was made possible
by Jesus forgiving their sins, cancelling their record of debt, and disarming rulers
and authorities (2:14-15).
Let No One Disqualify You (2:16-23)
Part of the false teacher’s doctrine was the advocation of Jewish observances
they believed advanced spirituality. These observances were only a shadow,
but Christ was the substance (2:16-17). Additionally, an emphasis on a strict
self-denial, and abstinence existed within the teaching, along with angel worship,
and mysticism (2:18).
Paul insisted on “holding fast” to the Head, who he claimed was Jesus earlier
(1:18). The false teachers were wanting their followers to cling to anything other
than Christ. Whether it was Jewish traditions, Greek philosophy, or ascetic
practices. Anything that excludes Jesus is nothing but empty legalism. Such
legalism leads to a puffed-up and prideful mind (2:18b). It has an appearance
of wisdom in promoting self-made religion, but in the end, it is of no value to
stopping a sinful nature. In other words, it never produces faith, hope, or love.
Put on the New Self (3:1-17)
The false teachers sought to promote a higher life. Part of the issue with their
doctrine was that it wasn’t based on Jesus Christ. New life in Jesus promotes
a new lifestyle rooted in faith. The Colossians were to seek the things that are
above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (3:1).
They were to set their minds on things that
are above, not on things that are below. The
Colossian’s spiritual maturity was founded
on their dying out to sin, and having their life
hidden in Christ. Notice the past and present
tense in the sentence: “For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
(3:3). As previously noted, God had delivered,
reconciled, forgiven, and redeemed the
believers in Colossae. Their present status
as being “hidden with Christ in God” was a
reality to be lived out. Paul goes on and says,
“When Christ who is your life (present tense)
appears, then you also will appear with Him
in glory” (3:4). Salvation is past, present, and
future. Like the Colossians, we have been
saved, are being saved, and will be saved.
Some would like to skip over the present
reality of continuing to be “hidden with Christ
in God.” Paul reminded the Galatians, “I have
been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I
who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the
life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the
Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me” (Gal. 2:20). The life of faith is not necessarily
about keeping rules and commandments.
Rather, it is putting aside self-interests
and living for Jesus. That means putting to
death everything sinful within us (3:5-9) and
putting on the new self (3:10-17).
Rules for Christian Households
(3:18-4:1)
Someone once asked this question to an
Amish man, “Are you a Christian?”
He replied, “You will need to ask my neighbor.”
[Continued on page 22]
21

Christ
All in All
The type of slavery that took place
before the Civil was is condemned
throughout Scripture (1 Tim. 1:10; Rev.
18:11-13). Paul doesn’t make allowance
for Roman servitude, but if a Christian
had a servant, they were to be treated
with dignity (4:1).
Further Instructions (4:2-18)
Paul begins to close his letter with a
call to prayer, “Continue steadfastly in
prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”
(4:2). Paul implored the Colossians
to pray for his continued gospel
mission (4:3). He also reminds them
to walk in wisdom toward outsiders.
Again, emphasizing that the Christian
life wasn’t restricted just towards other
Christians (4:5-6).
The Christian life isn’t a private faith, it is to be shared with others (Matt.
28:18-19). Therefore, true spirituality isn’t lived in isolation, because new life
in Christ effects relationships with others. Paul emphasized that in this next
section.
Wives were to submit to their husbands, and husbands were to love their wives
and not be harsh with them (3:18). Children were to obey their parents, and fathers
were not to provoke their children (3:20-21). You have to understand how
counter-cultural this was to the Roman world. Harsh patriarchy was commonplace
in Gentile homes. Husbands mistreated their wives and considered them
to be their slaves. Children were treated just as fiercely. A father had the power
of life and death over his children. With this in mind, Paul turned the home on
its head. Wives were to be submissive, but husbands were to lead lovingly and
as graciously as Christ lead the church. Children were to be treated as God’s
image-bearers as well.
Christlikeness extended beyond the home to the workplace Slavery was prevalent
in the Roman world. We mustn’t think of slavery in the New Testament like
antebellum slavery. Rather, a man could sell himself to another man to work or
to pay off a debt (1 Cor. 7:21).
Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians
with personal greetings. This
portion shouldn’t be overlooked. Here
we see that Paul lived out what he just
outlined. Paul worked within a thriving
community of friends and associates.
The gospel couldn’t have spread the
way that it did had it not been for these
co-laborers.
These were joints and ligaments of
the body of Christ, who were nourished
from the Head (2:19). Whether
they were delivering letters, praying
earnestly, or sharing in Paul’s afflictions
in a prison cell, they were fulfilling the
mission of God’s call to the Colossian
church.
22

Paul’s Pattern for Prayer
How to Pray for Others
1. Be thankful for their
faith and changed lives
(1:3)
2. Ask God to help them
know His will (1:9a)
3. Ask God to give them
deep spiritual understanding
(1:9b)
“We have not ceased to
pray for you” (Col. 1:9)
The apostle Paul loved people, especially the people who
populated the Church. His letters to various churches contained
doctrine, correction, and commands. Also included in
his letters were prayers. Throughout his letters he revealed
how he would pray for churches and individuals (Eph. 1:15-
23; 3:14-21; Php. 1:3-11). Colossian 1:3-14 offers one such
prayer.
Use Paul’s pattern for prayer as a guide to pray for loved
ones, missionaries, leaders, backsliders, or fellow believers.
It would also be a beneficial guide in praying for yourself!
4. Ask God to help them
live a life pleasing to
Him (1:10a)
5. Ask God to grant
them spiritual fruit and
increase in their knowledge
of Him (1:10b)
6. Ask God to give them
strength, endurance,
joy, and thankfulness
(1:11)
23

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25

NSWHITLEY.COM
Nathan S. Whitley is associate pastor at First Apostolic
Church in Knoxville, TN. He earned a Bachelors
of Science degree in Biblical Studies from Indiana
Wesleyan University. He is the author of I AM: Studies
in the I AM Declarations of Jesus Christ and The
Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines.
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