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Part 1-Background: The Writer, the City and the Purpose Part 2-Colossians 1:1 to 2:7

Part 1-Background: The Writer, the City and the Purpose Part 2-Colossians 1:1 to 2:7 Part 3-Colossians 2:7 to 4:18-Applications of Colossians to Our Culture and Times. Colossians-Christ Over the Emptiness of Human Philosophy “How does the Book of Colossians Speak to our Culture Today?”.

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Part 1-Background: The Writer, the City and the Purpose Part 2-Colossians 1:1 to 2:7

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  1. Part 1-Background: The Writer, the City and the Purpose Part 2-Colossians 1:1 to 2:7 Part 3-Colossians 2:7 to 4:18-Applications of Colossians to Our Culture and Times Colossians-Christ Over the Emptiness of Human Philosophy“How does the Book of Colossians Speak to our Culture Today?” Greg R. Prow West Valley Presbyterian Church November 2010

  2. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters[a] in Christ:    Grace and peace to you from God our Father.[b] Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,[c] who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[d] behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.  9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e]10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

  3. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 1 (Cont.) The Supremacy of the Son of God 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[g] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Paul’s Labor for the Church 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

  4. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 2 1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Spiritual Fullness in Christ 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b] was put off when you were circumcised by[c] Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

  5. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 2 (Cont.) 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[e] Freedom From Human Rules 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.  20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

  6. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 3 Living as Those Made Alive in Christ 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b]7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

  7. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 3 (Cont.) 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Instructions for Christian Households 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers,[c] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

  8. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 4 1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Further Instructions 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

  9. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians Colossians 4 (Cont.) Final Greetings 7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.  10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

  10. Background: “…we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” 1:3 • The City of Colosse • Hundreds of years before Paul, Colosse was a leading city in Asia Minor. (Present day Turkey) • Located on the Lycus River • On the great east-west trade route leading from Ephesus on the Aegean Sea to the Euphrates River • By the First Century AD it was a second rate market town • The real power at this time was the cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis

  11. Approximate Location Modern Day Turkey Colosse does not exist

  12. Background: “…we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” 1:3 • While Paul was in Ephesus, a convert named Epaphras carried the gospel message to Colosse • However, the small budding Church was plagued by heretical attack • This so frustrated Epaphras that he went to visit Paul while he was in Rome to seek assistance and many believe that is what lead to the writing of this letter

  13. Background: “…we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” 1:3 • Paul never visited Colosse • On his third Missionary journey (53-57 AD) he visited laodicea about 10 miles away • Acts 28:16-31 Put the writing in the same year as Paul’s letter to the Ephesians & Philemon-AD 60 • One of Paul’s “prison letters” (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, & Philemon) • Philemon lived in Colosse

  14. Background: “…we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…” 1:3 • The nature of the Heresy or heresies is not explicitly stated by Paul in the letter • You can glean from his writing in Colossians that the exact nature of it was diverse • Ceremonialism-Strict adherence to rules (2:16-17) • Asceticism-Severe self discipline and abstention (2:21-23) • Angel Worship (2:18) • Failure to grasp the full significance of Christ (1:15-20. 2:2-3 & 9) • Secret Knowledge-Gnostic concerns about Christ coming from a supreme being but not of the being currently ruling the earth (2:2-3) • Reliance on human wisdom and tradition. (2:4 & 8) • Each of these comes from one of two sources • Extreme Judaism or an early stage of gnosticism

  15. Background: Purpose and Theme • The letter was written by Paul around 60 AD • The purpose was to refute these Colossian heresies • His method is to • Exalt Christ as the very image of God (1:15) • Christ is completely adequate (1:17) • And contrast that to the Colossian view of Christ which is hollow and deceptively described in 2:8 • In Summary: The Adequacy of Christ Vs. the emptiness of mere human philosophy

  16. Background: Framework and Outline • Introduction (1:1-1:14) • The Supremacy of Christ (1:15-23) • Paul’s Labor for the Church (1:24-2:7) • Freedom from Human Regulations through Life with Christ (2:8-23) • Rules for Holy Living (3:1-4:6) • Final Greetings and Benediction (4:7-18)

  17. Background: The More Well Known Verses from Colossians • Colossians 1:10-12 • Colossians 1:16-18 • Colossians 1:22 • Colossians 1:28 • Colossians 2:2-4 • Colossians 2:8 • Colossians 2:13-18 • Colossians 2:20-23 • Colossians 3:5-8 • Colossians 3:11 • Colossians 3:12-14 • Colossians 3:15-17 • Colossians 3:18-21

  18. Bibliography • The NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, 1985, Zondervan Publishing. • www.bibleatlas.org • The Expositors Bible Commentary, Ephesians through Philemon, Vol 2, 1981, Zondervan • The New Interpreters Bible, Vol XI, 2000, Abington Press • Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, John Calvin, 1548. Published originally in 1581, JP Elgin editor.

  19. Part 1-Background: The Writer, the City and the Purpose Part 2-Colossians 1:1 to 2:7 Part 3-Colossians 2:7 to 4:18-Applications of Colossians to Our Culture and Times Colossians-Christ Over the Emptiness of Human Philosophy“How does the Book of Colossians Speak to our Culture Today?” Greg R. Prow West Valley Presbyterian Church November 2010

  20. An Overview 1:1 to 2:7 • Introduction • Salutation • Prayer of Thanksgiving • Prayer of Petition • The Scope of Christ’s Supremacy • As a Deity • In Creation • Over the Church • The Basis of Christ’s Supremacy • Fullness and Reconciling Work of Christ • The Ministry of Paul • Suffering • Preaching • Intercession • Exhortation

  21. Introduction (1:1-14) • V1-2 • Paul is the Author • Audience is the Colossians • Grace and Peace Greeting • “Apostle” helps Paul be set up as an authority • Apostolos –one sent; spokesman for God • Holy-Set apart for work and worship of God • Brothers-spiritually begotten of God • In Christ-used 160 times by Paul-united by Christ • Grace (Charis)-favor of God

  22. Introduction (1:1-14) • V3-8 Prayer of Thanksgiving • Thanksgiving is to God-God is responsible for ultimate success of the gospel • God is identified as Father of Lord Jesus Christ • Grounds for Thanksgiving • Good report on faith of the Christians in Colosse • The love they have for the saints • Hope stored up from the faith and love • The gospel is being spread around the world • For Epaphras and his bringing the message to the people of Colosse • Epaphras was a”dear fellow servant”; “faithful minister of Christ”, & that he had delivered a report to Paul

  23. Introduction (1:1-14) • V9-14 Prayer of Petition • First Petition-God fill the readers with knowledge of his will through spiritual wisdom & Understanding • Second Petition-Live a life Worthy of the Lord • Live a life-”to walk” • Worthy of the Lord-”commensurate with what the Lord has done for us” • Third Petition-Be Strengthened with all power • Moral conflict with cosmic powers of darkness and only divine empowerment can enable us to stand • Forth Petition-Gratitude • God rescued us and brought into communion with him

  24. The Scope of Christ’s Supremacy (1:15-18) • Three profound and sweeping statements concerning Christ • His relationship to Deity • The image of the invisible God • His Relationship to Creation • The firstborn of creation-Why because he made it! • His Relationship to the Church • Christ is the head of the body, the Church-sovereign over it

  25. The Basis for Christ’s Supremacy (1:19-23) • V 18 at the end proclaims his “supremacy” • The fullness of God in Christ • No intermediaries • No others needed when you have Christ • The reconciling work of Christ • Christ Physical Body through death-to combat those that believed it was all spiritual or that he was only human on earth • Faith and trust must be continued • Stresses the importance of the message heard • Proclaimed to every creature under heaven • Paul like Epaphras was also a servant

  26. The Ministry of Paul (1:24-2:7) • A Ministry of Suffering-1:24 • For the sake of the people • Identified with sufferings of Christ • Sphere of Paul’s Joy-Rejoiced in suffering • A Ministry of Preaching 1:25-29 • Paul’s appointment as preacher v25 • Paul’s message v25-28 • Paul’s Method 28 • Paul’s Ultimate Aim 28-29

  27. The Ministry of Paul (1:24-2:7) • A Ministry of Intercession 2:1-5 • Paul’s pastoral concern for those he served • “they may be encouraged in heart and united in love” • The mystery of God • All treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ • Fighting those in Colosse that said they knew more than the average person and were needed to provide that knowledge • V4-so that you will not be deceived

  28. The Ministry of Paul (1:24-2:7) • A Ministry of Exhortation 2:6-7 • The people of Colosse had received Christ in the right way • Paul wants them to continue in that way • Rooted and built in Christ • Strengthened in Faith • Overflowing with thankfulness

  29. Bibliography • The NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, 1985, Zondervan Publishing. • www.bibleatlas.org • The Expositors Bible Commentary, Ephesians through Philemon, Vol 2, 1981, Zondervan • The New Interpreters Bible, Vol XI, 2000, Abington Press • Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, John Calvin, 1548. Published originally in 1581, JP Elgin editor.

  30. Part 1-Background: The Writer, the City and the Purpose Part 2-Colossians 1:1 to 2:7 Part 3-Colossians 2:7 to 4:18-Applications of Colossians to Our Culture and Times Colossians-Christ Over the Emptiness of Human Philosophy“How does the Book of Colossians Speak to our Culture Today?” Greg R. Prow West Valley Presbyterian Church November 2010

  31. An Overview • Warning Against Error (2:8-23) • The Error of False Philosophy • The Error of Legalism • The Error of Angel Worship • The Error of Asceticism • The Appeal of Christian Living (3:1-4:6) • The Root Principle of the Christian Life • Guidelines for the Christian Life • Conclusion (4:7-18)

  32. Warnings Against Error (2:8-23) • The Error of False Philosophy (2:8-15) • The Warning Stated v8-”See to it” or “Be on your guard” • “No one”-intimates a real danger for someone they might know as a leader. • Captive-as in the conquered sense-slaves made as bounty for battle losses-In this case false teachers looking to trap folks • Only time the word Philosophy is used in the New Testament • Hollow and Deceptive-3 things that describe and characterize- • Tradition of men • Principles of the World • Not after or according to Christ

  33. Warnings Against Error (2:8-23) • The Error of False Philosophy (2:8-15) • The Warning Justified v9-15 • Because of who Christ is and what we find in Him, any system not after Christ must be wrong. • The full Deity of Christ • In Human Form • The complete adequacy of Christ • We are made full-Calvin and Wesley • The 3 Things Christ has done for Us • Spiritual Circumcision-the putting off of ones sinful nature; buried and raised with Christ (v 11-12) • The forgiveness of Sins (v 13-14) • Victory over the forces of Evil (v15)

  34. Warnings Against Error (2:8-23) • The Error of Legalism (2:16-17) • Rigid descriptions related to Clean and Unclean food • Their standing before God should not be based upon there observance of food regulations • Some Commentators have also said this could be not about clean and unclean but about abstinence from certain foods. • Shadow-these laws are nothing compared to the fullness of Christ

  35. Warnings Against Error (2:8-23) • The Error of Angel Worship (v2:18-19) • Disqualify you-KJV Beguile you of your reward, Knox-Cheat you, ASV rob you of your prize-Literal let no one act as an umpire against you • Worship of Angels-possibly an expression of humility; worship angels rather than God because he was to powerful and we should be subject to intermediaries • These leaders take their stand on the notion of imaginary or alleged visions • They are filled with conceit-minds really lack spiritual enlightenment

  36. Warnings Against Error (2:8-23) • The Error of Asceticism (v2:20-23) • Asceticism-the imposition of man made rules as a means of gaining favor with God • The Christian’s death to the world-”If” means “Since” as opposed to an argument. For Paul this means unquestionable. • Do not’s-The ascetics way of remaining holy. Problem is the logical conclusion is no reason to live as human. • All ascetical restriction is purely of human origin • The ineffectiveness of ascetic restrictions • On their face they appear reasonable-but the masquerade as wisdom • Purpose here is worship to gain favor above others-Calvin calls this “voluntary service which men choose for themselves at their option, without authority from God.

  37. The Appeal of Christian Living (3:1-4:6) • The Root Principle of the Christian Life (3:1-4) • Inward experience with God-outward relations with his fellow man. • Ascetic regulation are of no real value in restraining the indulgences of the flesh-the only remedy comes from God himself. • These verses are the positive counterpart to the close of Chapter 2. • V1-Seeking the things above • V2 Setting the mind on the things above • V3-4 the motivations for these actions

  38. The Appeal of Christian Living (3:1-4:6) • Guidelines for the Christian Life (3:5-4:6) • Sins of the old life are to be abandoned (5-11) • Sins are to be put to death (5-7) • Impurity and covetousness • Sins are to be put away (8) • Attitude and speech • A Sin to be discontinued (9) • The sin of Falsehood-Singled out? • Why? The reason-A new Self! (9-11) • Constantly renewed-never grow old • In Christ we are the same

  39. The Appeal of Christian Living (3:1-4:6) • Guidelines for the Christian Life (3:5-4:6) • Virtues of the new life to be cultivated (12-17) • Expressions of Love (12-14) • The Rule of Peace (15) • The indwelling of Christ’s Word (16) • The name of Christ (17) • Family Relationships to be Strengthened (3:18-4:1) • Wife’s duty to husband (18) • Husband’s duties to wife (19) • Duty of Children to parents (20) • Duty of parents to Children (21) • Duty of slaves to masters (22-25) • Duty of masters to slaves (4:1)

  40. The Appeal of Christian Living (3:1-4:6) • Guidelines for the Christian Life (3:5-4:6) • Religious duties to be faithfully performed (4:2-6) • The Duty of Prayer (2-4) • Persistence and fervor • Thankful • Pray for Paul in Prison • Be a faithful witness • Proclaim the message of the gospel • The Duty of Witnessing (5-6) • How to live • With some discretion-make use of every opportunity-defined here as Kairos • Be tactful so as to avoid antagonism or alienation of pagan neighbors • How to Speak • Grace (divine favor) seasoned with salt (purity and wholesomeness) • Why?-So that you will know how to answer everyone

  41. Conclusion (4:7-18) • Paul has met head on the false teachers threatening Colosse • Refuted their so called “philosophy” (1:15-2:23) • Set for the nature of the Christian life (3:1-17) • Shown how these principles effect relationships (3:18-4:2) • Exhorted his readers to Pray (4:2-4) • Given practical advice for living in the pagan world (4:5-6) • Now he ends with some personal matters

  42. Conclusion (4:7-18) • Commendations (4:7-9)-Insure these folks are welcomed by the Church at Colosse • Tychicus-Probably delivered this letter and the letter to the Ephesians (Eph 6:21) • Onesimus-runaway slave brought to Christ by Paul-helped deliver the offering to the poor in Jerusalem & traveled with Paul on his last visit to Jerusalem • Sent to: help understand circumstances of Paul and to encourage the people of Colosse

  43. Conclusion (4:7-18) • Greetings to people of Colosse (4:10-15) • Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus Justus-Jewish Christians • Aristarchus-From Thessalonica who was arrested in the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29)-Later accompanied Paul to Rome and was arrested. • Mark-Writer of the Gospel of Mark-Cousin of Barnabas • Jesus Justus-Only mentioned here and unknown otherwise • Only Jews-Possible reference to the feeling of betrayal of Paul’s own countryman in prison • Epaphras-Colosse native; started the Church there-concerned about them not wavering in their spirit • Luke-This is where we learn he was a physician-writer of Luke’s Gospel-and Acts-close friend of Paul • Demus-mentioned also in Philemon 1:24 & 1 Tim 4:10

  44. Conclusion (4:7-18) • Instructions (4:16-17) • The Colossian Epistle • The Epistle from Laodicea • Advice to Archippas-Mentioned in Philemon 1:2; at least two commentators think he may have been Philemon’s son • Benediction (4:18) • Paul signed • Grace be with you

  45. Bibliography • The NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, 1985, Zondervan Publishing. • www.bibleatlas.org • The Expositors Bible Commentary, Ephesians through Philemon, Vol 2, 1981, Zondervan • The New Interpreters Bible, Vol XI, 2000, Abington Press • Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, John Calvin, 1548. Published originally in 1581, JP Elgin editor.

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