The Reign of Christ in a Rebellious World

With respect to authorship, Paul wrote Colossians to the church of Colossae (Col 1:1-2). Although Paul never directly states the purpose of this letter, there are four key passages that illuminate the purpose. First, in Colossians 2:4 Paul writes, “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” Paul acknowledges that there are individuals within the Colossians’ community that have made contentions – though he does say what regarding – that would draw them away from that which they were taught and had accepted. Moving down to verse 8, “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,” Paul points his finger to these cunning philosophies. Lastly, Paul says, beginning in verse 16, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath,” and then in verse 18, “Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.” We are able to pull out from the text that Paul is addressing some variation of false practices or teachings, whether through Gnostic thinking or Jewish tradition, which is fighting with conceivable logic for the church of Colossae to place a higher emphasis and faith on “elemental spirits of the world” (e.g. asceticism, self-made religion).

Who is the main subject of the Colossians 1:15-20? First, we must define the “he” used in verse 15. Consider the context we know that “he” refers to Jesus. “He” does not refer to God the Father as verse 15 says, “He is the image of the invisible God.” Theref...

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...ed, and rejoice.

Just the same, all pain and suffering, which ultimately was brought on by our sin and rebellion from King Jesus, will be absolutely conquered. Therefore, when a young wife and mother is faced with emotional pain, confusion, and grief after her husband and 3 year old son died in a car wreck 6 months ago, she can rest in the hope that she has through Jesus, and trust that he rules over creation, defeated death (though we are in a state of “now, but not yet”), and will make all things new in him keeping his promise of peace.

Though, as believers, we still sin and face suffering each and every day, we can rejoice and have hope knowing that Jesus, the mediator and King of creation, forever defeated sin, death, and evil through his bloody cross and glorious resurrection. Indeed, there is a joyful resurrection and hope awaiting all those that are in him!