Lexham Research Commentary

Colossians

Derek R. Brown

Author

Douglas Mangum

Series and Volume Editor

Jim LePage

Graphic Designer

Lexham Press, 2013

Preface

The variety of views in biblical studies presents a maze of complexity. There are often as many interpretations as interpreters. With the Lexham Research Commentaries, we start from the premise that the best solution is to provide a map of the maze. The series is designed to be a research tool. Each guide presents a wide range of interpretive issues raised by Bible scholars. These resources meet the needs of those studying the Bible in academic settings, but the broad scope of coverage also makes them useful for preaching preparation.

The research engages with critical biblical scholarship and explains scholarly interpretations. Undoubtedly you will agree with some interpretations, disagree with others, and encounter some for the first time. Whatever the case, these are issues you will run across. We’re here to guide you through this rough terrain.

Each volume in the series links to standard scholarly works on the Bible. The authors of the Lexham Research Commentaries have made no attempt to identify where particular interpretations fall along the theological or denominational spectrum. This is a mark of the diversity of biblical interpretation, not a mark of implicit endorsement by the guides’ authors. Interpreters from different theological perspectives often have conflicting views on the same texts. As you encounter these views, we urge you to keep the biblical text itself central to your study.

The Lexham Research Commentaries provide the information you need to reach your own conclusions. Our summary will explain the issue and the main options. The annotated links will point you to a variety of resources that engage the issue in more depth. If all you need is an overview, the guide alone will give you easy access to the essential information. If you need to research a passage in depth, we will point you to the most relevant discussions among the thousands of available resources in the Logos library. Research takes time. The Lexham Research Commentaries save time.

Introduction to Colossians

Message

Paul’s central message in Colossians is the affirmation of the sufficiency of Christ in the face of false philosophy in Colossae and the threat it posed to the truth of the gospel. Paul uses each section of the letter to address this problem. In the opening section he gives thanks for the Colossians’ acceptance of “the word of truth” (the gospel) and asks God to fill them with knowledge of His will (Col 1:3–10). The theological reality behind the great Christ hymn in Col 1:15–20 is presented as the antidote to the poisonous philosophy described in Col 2:6–23. Christ, as the head of the church and the embodiment of God’s fullness, holds together the body of believers. In Colossians 2:21–23 Paul stresses the importance of remaining secure and steadfast in the faith. He then discusses his service to ...