The overarching and resounding theme of Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae is the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all of creation and in the provision of redemption. While ministering in Ephesus, Paul influenced Epaphras who became instrumental in starting an assembly of Christ-followers in Colossae.
As time progressed, this group of believers became enamored by a fusion of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophical speculation, and Eastern mysticism. This was all a forerunner of the Gnostic heresy. Epaphras travelled to see Paul, now in a Roman prison, to ask advice of his mentor. Paul’s answer emphasized the cosmic significance of Jesus Christ as Lord.
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the fullness of deity in the flesh. He is the Word of God and the Mystery of God where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge reside. He has rescued, redeemed, and reconciled us to Himself, making peace by the blood He shed on the cross. He is the Head of the Body, the Church, based on the fact that he is the firstborn and prototype of resurrection. True reality is in Christ. Christ is our life. Christ is all and in all. He is head over every power and authority. Jesus is Lord and King. Christ is in us, the hope of glory. And it is the Lord Christ that we serve.
We shall remain in Colossians in our next post…”Spilling Over, Springing Forth”