Colossians 1:15-28

In Colossians, we meet a Christian community that contains both strife and promise. Maybe you know of a Christian community like that. The community in Colossians was founded by a fellow named Epaphras, whom the author of Colossians calls a “beloved fellow servant” (NRSV verse 7), though the Greek probably should be rendered “slave”. The authors endorsement of Epaphras likely serves to support Epaphras in the face of other teachers. ‘In the cacophony of competing messages, listen to Epaphras,’ the author says. ‘It was his teaching that brought you hope in the “word of truth” (verse 5).’

The body of the letter does not really begin until verse 24, and in the following weeks those arguments will be considered. But for this week, we have part two of the introduction plus a snippet of the body. In standard Pauline form, the introduction contains a prayer for the recipients and establishes a basic evangelistic or theological truth which will anchor the bulk of the letter. The introduction in Colossians contains a prayer for the people of Colossae, encouraging their patience and their fruitfulness (reviewed last week). The introduction also establishes a basic truth concerning the nature of Christ. This week we begin there.

Verses 15-20 are thought to be taken from a hymn familiar to the recipients. In The New Interpreter’s® Bible, the commentator on Colossians, Andrew T. Lincoln, outlines the current debate surrounding the origins of the hymn. Does it have Gnostic origins, now used in a letter that will refute Gnosticism? What about the wisdom tradition in Hellenistic Judaism, which seems to heavily influence the piece? It is a fascinating read and better left to Mr. Lincoln’s explanation. Whatever its origin, the author of Colossians employs the hymn to make clear to all the scope and universality of Christ’s appearance on earth.

Christ is both the firstborn of all creation and the firstborn from the dead, so that all creation is reconciled to God through Christ. As the firstborn of creation, Christ is the rightful heir of creation. As the firstborn from the dead, Christ demonstrates the all-encompassing authority of God, so that nothing is outside God’s reach. The ultimate aim of this reach is to reconcile all things to God. As the church is Christ’s creation, the church is the instrument through which God’s reconciling aim is realized, with Christ as her head.

The employment of a hymn to underscore these truths should not be dismissed. It’s hard enough explaining the mystery of God in human language. Recalling the hymn (presumably something familiar) adds a mood to the argument, it underscores the author’s attempt to convey an idea that is not just mysterious but beautiful as well.

The hymn contains the truth of Christ that Epaphras preached to the people of Colossae, and perhaps should have been included in last week’s lectionary reading (perhaps there should be one reading: Col. 1:3-20). God desires reconciliation and has appointed the church as agents of that desire. Did the people of Colossae know that the power of Christ was available to the church? At one point they had heard the story. And they were known for their fruit-bearing success. It is this truth that underscores the author’s prayer for the people of Colossae (vss. 9-14). Equipped with the power of Christ, the author contends, strive for fruitfulness. This gospel is bearing fruit around the world and born fruit among you already (vs. 6). Continue to grow in wisdom and good works, as is the task of those who “share in the inheritance of the saints of light” (verse 12).

Whereas 15-20 may be better served joining 1-14 in the lectionary, in the letter itself they serve as an axis between two points. The regards the Christological basis for the church’s power (i.e. the expectation of the reconciled). The verses following the hymn serve as further analysis on the nature of Christ, in terms of how Christ remedies the human condition. The reconciliation won by Christ allows us to appear acceptably before God. The caveat is that we are expected to continue steadfastly in the faith (verse 23). This is not quite Wesley’s sanctifying grace but seems to me to be an early ancestor to that idea.

Verse 24 introduces the body of the letter. The author solidifies his own authority confessing his own sufferings for the message he is about to deliver. Before he enters his main argument, the author wants it known that the words that follow stem from a clear calling from God to evangelize Gentiles. This section of Colossians seems a strange inclusion in the lectionary. Certainly, 15-20 go together, and clearly 21-23 stems from the authors teachings in 15-20. Yet the selection of 24-28 enters the listener into the body of the letter only to be abruptly cut off.

Preaching Possibilities

Churches have conflict. Is this a bad thing? Not always. The author bell hooks says that conflict can be a breeding ground for progress. Muslim scholar Eboo Patel, notably engaged in interfaith dialogue, says true peace among religions can be gained when we speak authentically with one another (instead of falling into niceties and fearful politeness). When we engage each others’ differences (patiently and graciously), then true progress and growth can be had by all. Too often churches hide their internal differences under a guise of “civility”. Yet that is not true unity and many churches choose slow deterioration rather than truthfully admitting their differences.

In the midst of conflict, Colossians teaches, draw back to your core. Reestablish clarity about who you are and who you serve. The church is to serve the God without boundaries or blockades, who desires reconciliation with creation and has worked through Christ to make that reconciliation possible. This truth takes us to a God who is compassionate, active, determined and powerful. This God has not only made reconciliation possible through Christ, but continues to make reconciliation possible through the church. The call to fruitfulness, back in verses 9-14, is based on the notion that the gift given to you through Christ is not to be wasted but shared.

How then shall reconciled people live? Reconciliation is a collaborative effort between God and those who have been reconciled. The people of Colossae were reconciled through Christ and the efforts of Epaphras. Today, the people of God stand as heirs to that collaborative effort, with the same call to fruitfulness before us. In your place and time, what is preventing people from being able to appear before God as holy and irreproachable? What are the already-reconciled doing about it?

Questions to Consider:

1. How clearly do you (you personally and the church collectively) understand the God you serve? What remains a mystery?
2. What conflicts are brewing in your faith community? What core beliefs or values are at stake in this conflict? Is there creative potential in this conflict?
3. How shall the reconciled people of your town/church live?
4. In what ways are you collaborating with God to bring about reconciliation? How can you improve?

Colossians 1:1-14

Background on Colossians

Thought to be written by a disciple of Paul’s, Colossians is written with many similarities to Pauline letters. The major differences, which many say point to a different author, include a shift in theological language and the inclusion of household rules. It is thought that Paul never made it there himself.

Colossae was a city in what is now southwest Turkey. Although a bit inland from the Mediterranean Sea, it sat on a major road between Laodicea and the southern portion of Turkey. In the fourth century BC, it was involved in the Persian Wars.

The letter is prompted by new teachers within the community advocating new practices. It is unclear whether these were Jewish mystical practices or local religious customs. In any case, the author of Colossians is concerned that these new practices may serve as distractions to the growth of the community. Though clearly concerned with these new practices, this letter to the church is Colossae is generally warm in tone.

1:1-14

The introduction to the letter sets the stage for the arguments within the body. In this case, the author begins with a concise recounting of how the good news reached Colossae (vss. 3-8). Epaphras (vs. 7) was an associate of Paul’s who brought the gospel to the people of Colossae. The crux of the message was about God’s grace, made known through Jesus Christ. Apparently, this message caught on quite well, as the author notes that it has been “bearing fruit”. The message that Epaphras brought was the word of truth, and it is in that truth that your hope is firmly grounded. This introduction serves to remind the Colossians of the roots of their faith, especially in the face of competing views. The introduction delicately endorses the instruction of Epaphras. The author’s firm confidence in Epaphras’s serves as the touchstone for the prayers that follow in verses 9-14.

The prayer is bracketed with references to the wisdom traditions of both Judaism and Hellenism. The first thing the author requests for the Colossians is “knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and understanding” (NRSV 1:9). As a budding Christian community, likely containing a mixture of Greeks and Jews, understanding was not always easy to gain. Many aspects of Greek culture were dismissive of the physical world, while Judaism taught that the earth was good. The understanding the author requests is wisdom of how to live in the world “…that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord” (verse 10). This life is characterized by good works that bear fruit, power, patience and thanksgiving. The author competes his prayer by teaching that God has rescued his people out of the darkness, which immediately reminds me at least of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. The rescue is from darkness and to the Kingdom of God. This is through the redemption brought by Christ.

Preaching Possibilities

How do you address a conflict in a Christian community? When is it necessary to speak strongly, and when is it best to use a gentler approach? This introduction to the Letter to the Colossians serves to highlight the strengths of the community…namely its fruitful reception of the gospel brought to them by Epaphras. Our roots are important, and when discord arises, perhaps it is wise to step back and reestablish an appreciation of your history. Recalling your ‘first love’ is often the first step to reclaiming your vitality as a Christian community. (Let me also add that there are times when the present day calls for a departure from one’s historical roots.)

And it is often wise to bathe a conflict in prayer. How often do we follow convention rather than stepping back to request and listen for God’s guidance? The author of Colossians smartly opts to reestablish some basic, non-negotiable elements of the Christian community. Pray, even with simplicity, for God’s wisdom. And from that shall flow energy in bearing fruit for the kingdom, thanksgiving for how God has watched over you and patience to endure the tension within. ‘You have already been enfolded into God’s grace,’ the author encourages, ‘so allow that grace to guide you.’

The letter does not end there. It is only just beginning. Reminded of their roots and bathed in prayer, the letter shifts to a poignant interpretation of the Messiah at the center of their new community…to be continued next week.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the role of wisdom in leading lives “worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:10)?
2. In what ways do the historical roots of your local Christian community shape the way it functions today? Is it a help or a hindrance?
3. What is encouraging or hindering your (personal or congregational) ability to bear fruit?
4. What does it mean to “share in the inheritance of the saints of light” (verse 12)?