Last updated on December 9, 2024
Yesterday’s reading finished the book of Acts, but it’s not the end of Paul. During his two years under house arrest Paul will write several letters, both to churches and to individuals.
Today’s reading is on the letter to the Colossian church and to Philemon. In this reflection I’ll just share a thought or two about Colossians. The first sermon series I ever preached was on this letter. It’s one of my favorites.
There are two things to bear in mind when reading this letter. First, as I mentioned yesterday, Epaphras has shared with Paul challenges that this church is going through, so Paul is going to address those. Second, this is not a church that Paul started. And we have no indication that Paul has visited them either. So this is one of the few letters that Paul writes to a group of people who he has never met nor will meet.
But Epaphras has told him stories, and it feels like he’s known them. Paul is grateful for how God’s love has worked in their lives. The stories
Paul begins by praying for these people he’s never met. It’s a beautiful prayer. He then reminds them who they were before Christ entered their lives. He says…
At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence.
Colossians 1:21-22, The Message
Before the letter is over Paul is going to give some warnings and reprimands. And he’s going to bring up the challenges that Epaphras has told him about. These mostly concern other leaders sharing with this young church that they once again need more than simply Jesus. They need to participate in certain rituals. Paul wants them to know that even though he’s never met them, he knows them, and he’s for them. He believes in him. And he knows that they already have everything that they need. He says…
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving!
Colossians 2:7-8, The Message
And then a little later in the letter…
So, chosen by God for this new life of live, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ – the Message – have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Colossians 3:12-17, The Message
More than anything else, Paul believed that when Christ changed a person, he truly changed them. They were a new creation, enabled to live and to love in new and beautiful ways. This is what he wanted for these people.
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