Colossians

The book of Colossians was written by Paul to the church at Colosse in 63 AD.  Paul writes about the supremacy of Christ as head of the church.  He talks about his labor in the church and the mystery of Christ which was kept hidden through ages and generations.  Paul's prayer is that everyone be presented complete before Christ.  He speaks of the importance of being encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding.  He then wrans the church about those who are out there to deceive them.  He encourages the believers to remain rooted in Christ for he is the fullness of the Deity that lives in him in bodily form.  Apparently, the Gnostics had palnted some of their people in the church at Colosses and Paul was writing to deal with them.  The Ebionites may have also been in there because he makes references that appears to be them as well.  For more info on this cult, read my page on Galatians.  Paul speaks of the rules and guidelines for holy living and encourages the members of the church to set their hearts on the kingdom of God.  He tells them to put to death that which is of the sinful nature.  Obviously the sinful nature will be present in our lives on a daily basis and though we sin everyday we can still live above sin if we work hard towards conforming more to the image of Christ.  He talks about the peace of Christ ruling in their hearts.  Paul then talks about rules for Christian households.  He encourages the believers to devote themselves to prayer, especially for him and his minsitry.  He also speaks of the importance of how they act towards outsider.s  It is extremely important that we reach out to outsiders but that we do so keeping in mind that they have not yet signed the contract with Christ and do not know what it means.  Thus, it is our responsbility to communicate with clarity what the message of Christ means.  Paul closes with final greetings and prayer requests for other Christians who are going through difficult times.  He then tells the Ephesians to read this letter also to the Laodiceans.