Colossians

The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Colosse, in approximately AD 60, during Paul's first imprisonment. The city of Colosse overlooked the Lychus River in Asia Minor. This letter was hand delivered by Onesimus, the renegade slave whom Paul addresses to his master, Philemon, in the book of the same name. Paul's letters were delivered by friends and colleagues as the postal system of the time was only available to the elite.

The book of Colossians addresses the heretical, or unorthodox, teachings that were being accepted as truth there. The Judaizers were a group of traditional Jews who sought to confuse matters and cause dissent by teaching legalism. Paul addresses this situation in Galatians 2:4, "And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage” (KJV). Another heresy that Paul refutes in Colossians is asceticism, which is the thought that spirituality can be attained by self-denial. This doctrine leads to pride and self reliance.  Asceticism is, in effect, a denial of the gift of salvation by faith in Christ alone. In Colossians 2:20-22 Paul asks, “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not) Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” Yet another heresy that Paul refutes in Colossians, is that of angel worship. This practice seems humble; in that, the worshiper feels unworthy to address the Almighty God personally, and so uses an angel as an intermediary. In truth, this practice is idolatry. The open avenue to God to was bought for us at the Cross, by the Blood of Christ and He is our only intermediary. In Colossians 2:8 Paul address this issue, “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”

The heresy of Gnosticism, or the belief that one can gain spiritual freedom by knowledge, was embraced by the Greek Gnostic school of thought. This heresy is refuted in Colossians 3:16,17, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” This heresy denies Christ's preeminence, or superiority. Colossians 1:13-18 declares Christ as the One,“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence”(KJV).

I pray that God speaks these truths to your heart as you read His Word. There are many false teachings and thoughts about Christianity in the world today, as there were in the First Century. Reading and becoming familiar with the Bible will guard your heart against believing the lies and misconceptions that abound. It is God's desire that you know Him for Who He truly is and not be in the bondage of falsehood. As was true of the Judaizers, the untruth may not be very easy to discern, as it may sound plausible. The Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth as you allow Him. I pray for your relationship with God and the freedom of your walk in Him. God bless you!

Patti

Philippians

The city of Philippi, housed the believers to which the Apostle Paul penned the epistle of Philippians during his Roman captivity. Philippi boasted a long history, as the city was founded in 359 BC by Callistratus as a Greek colony named Krenides. Subsequently, it was seized by Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great's father; thus, the name Philippi. Alexander used the city as a base of operations for his conquests, until the second century BC when the area was conquered by Rome. The wealth of the city was fostered by the gold and silver mines that it contained. Philippi became a city populated by Roman veterans and it enjoyed the benefits of Roman heritage, including immunity from imperial taxation. Latin was the predominate language spoken and traditional Grecian dress was worn. The city was nestled between Asia and Europe which made it excellent for trade. There is some Theological debate as to when this epistle was written; although most scholars agree that its dating is sometime in the vicinity of AD 60-63. The evangelization of Europe began in Philippi (Acts 16:14-15).

Philippi contained no synagogue, which suggests that the Jewish population was small, as the building of a synagogue required that ten Jewish male head of households live in a city. This epistle was a personal and heartfelt correspondence which reveals much about Christ's nature and Paul's relationship with Him. In Philippians 1:21, Paul speaks of his devotion to Jesus, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”(NIV). In his commentary on the book of Philippians, Matthew Henry speaks of this scripture, “Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good”(Henry 1997, 1157). This hope is what makes the hardship of sacrifice possible for a believer. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul proclaims Christ's Glory, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”(NIV). Paul further explains his position in Christ, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith”(Phil. 3:8,9 NIV). Verse 9, as it pertains to righteousness from the law, is a refutation of the Judaizers, who were a group of Jews who legalistically contended that in order to become a good Christian, one must first become a good Jew, including circumcision. Paul contrasts worldly thought to Christian truth in Philippians 3:19-21, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body”(NIV).

The book of Philippians is an encouragement to Christians as they navigate in this fallen world. We must set our eyes only on Jesus in order to not drown in its darkness. I pray that you read the book of Philippians and ask God to show you how to live your own life in the safe haven of His will. As Paul closes the book, I bid you the same, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen”(Phil. 4:23 NIV).

Patti

I & II Timothy

I Timothy is a pastoral epistle written to Timothy, a timid native of Lystra and Paul's spiritual son. Timothy's mother was a Christian Jewess and his father was Grecian. This epistle was written in AD 66 before Paul's martyrdom. Its purpose is to instruct Timothy as to how to deal with false teachers and uphold the truth of scripture. I Timothy 1:4 instructs, “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies which minister questions, rather than Godly edifying, which is in faith so do.” Paul instructs Timothy to pray for those in authority in I Timothy 2:2, “For kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty.” Paul warns of the apostasy of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, that in latter times will cause those who depart from truth to be, “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their consciences seared with a hot iron”(I Timothy 4:2). Paul encourages Timothy, who was overwhelmed by the events taking place to, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”(I Timothy 6:12). A healthy goal of Christianity is summarized in I Timothy 6:19, “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

The book of II Timothy was also written by Paul to his spiritual son at the end of AD 66. Paul knew that his life was nearing an end, as he sent this fatherly letter of encouragement. Paul instructs Timothy in II Timothy 1:6 regarding his gift, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” He further encourages Timothy in II Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Christian warfare is addressed as Paul instructs Timothy, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”(II Timothy 2:3). Paul's personal needs are addressed in I Timothy 4:13, “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring with thee and the books, but especially the parchments.” This epistle was written in a very personal style as Paul reflected on his impending death.

The epistles, or letters, of Paul recorded in the New Testament are a treasure trove of instruction for our Christian walk. Even with the epic changes that the world has undergone since the writing of these letters by the Apostle Paul, man's heart and the truth of scripture remain unchanged. Reading the New Testament with an eye toward our own life situations will uncover much wisdom for living. I pray that you read the books of I & II Timothy and allow God to bless and edify you in the truth that they contain.

Patti

Peace Like a River Part II

Please read "Peace Like a River" Part I.

Firstly, there is peace in relationship.  Jesus replied to Nicodemus' question of how a man may be born when he is old, "Jesus answered, 'Verily verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again'" (John 3:5-7).  This new birth is our adoption as a child of God and the begining of our relationship with Him.  Our future is secured, as we are promised eternal life.  Our lives may now be lived in the peace that the cross has afforded us.  Our sins are washed away by His Blood and we have an open door to His throne of Grace.  Jesus Christ sacrificed His life for our sins and this sacrifice is payment in full for us, past, present and future, as we repent.  Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second and essential event in order to live our lives in God's fullness. 

Consider the Apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, he was a Pharisee and a murderer of Christians.  After his astonishing conversion on the road to Damascus, he was able to overcome great hardship and violence as he survived lack and imprisionment for the very cause that he once persecuted.  In the midst of these afflictions he wrote Philippians 4:12, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."  The peace that Paul experienced came out of relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  If you are a Christian, may I ask who your relationship is with?  Is it truly a relationship with Christ, or is it a relationship with a particular denomination or church?  Jesus is calling you to a deeper relationship with Him, not a building or a board of directors.  If you have never given your life to Jesus, I ask that you consider His plea as He knocks at the door of your heart.

Patti 

Mystery Revealed

The Apostle Paul speaks of the mystery of God's plan for the Church in Chapter 3 of the Book of Ephesians.  What had been veiled previously in the Old Testament is now made known.  God intends for His Church to be made up of Jews and Gentiles alike.  Ephesians 3:6 delineates this truth, "That Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel."  What could not be understood in the ages past is now revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 3:9 reveals, "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid by God, who created all things by Jesus Christ."  Now even Satan and his minions are privy to God's plan, Ephesians 3:10 speaks,, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God."  God's eternal purpose has come to fruition in the person of Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 3:11 tells us, "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."  A mystery must be revealed to be understood, Paul speaks of this revelation in Ephesians 3:3, "How that by revelation He made known the mystery. . . "  God's Divine eternal plan for the Church is the unification of all men, this is illuminated by the cross of Christ, and the price of its realization is paid by His Blood.   

Above A Servant

In verse 16 of the Book of Philemon, Paul reasons with him, “Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord.”  Paul beseeches Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would himself.  Paul again typifies Christ’s sacrifice as he offers to repay whatever Onesimus has taken.  Paul’s superb debate skills that he learned at the finest schools of the Pharisees, at the feet of Gamaliel, are showcased as he appeals to Philemon to recall that his own eternal life is owed to the ministry of Paul.

Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon’s favorable reply to this epistle.  Archaic legend asserts that Onesimus became the Bishop of Berea.  We can surmise that Philemon honored Paul’s request by Colosssians 4:7-10 as it says, "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:  Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;  With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.  They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.  Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabus. . .”

Paul expresses his faith in his own release in verse 22, as he asks Philemon to prepare a room for him when he is able to come.  Paul then mentions the prayer giant Epaphras, whose name means, “charming.”  Marcus, meaning “large hammer” is also spoken of by the apostle.  Paul then speaks of Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner and a Macedonian of Thessalonica, whose name means, “best ruler.”  Demas is spoken of by Paul, his name means “popular ruler of the people.” Finally, Paul mentions Lucas, his name means “light giving or luminous.”

Paul delivers his characteristic benediction to end this short book, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, Amen” (Philemon 25).  Paul of Tarsus, formerly Saul the Persecutor, a Jewish Pharisee, and freeborn citizen of Rome, gave his life for the cause of Jesus Christ.  The name Paul means, “small” but this great leader and apostle of the early Church was anything but diminutive.  Through the inspired books and epistles that the apostle penned, we are able to glimpse the torrid experience of the first century Church and the sacrifices that they gladly suffered for Christ.  As Christians, we owe this legacy to love to these brave men and women who lived and died for the Truth.  Legend holds that under the order of Porcius Festus, Paul was led out to the Appian Way and was beheaded there.     

Grace and Peace

"Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:3).  Paul's words resound across the centuries from his imprisionment in a first century Roman jail to our hearts, as we read his epistle written to Philemon of Colossae.  Colossae was a city in the Valley of the Lycus River, which was a branch of the Meander River in the southwest region of ancient Phrygia (Asia Minor).  The occaision of the writing of this personal letter, was Paul's entreaty to Philemon to receive the fugitive Onesimus back to himself as a brother, rather than as a slave.  The motifs of forgiveness, discretion, and restoration ring throughout this short letter, which contained only 334 words in the original Greek text.

The epistle of Philemon was hand delivered to its namesake by none other than Onesimus himself, who was accompanied by Tychicus.  Paul identifies himself as the author, as he acknowledges Timothy as his brother and Philemon as their fellow laborer.  Timothy was Paul's spiritual son, as was Onesimus, as the apostle had led both of them to salvation.  The name Timothy means "honored or valued of God, or worshipper of God."  From the Greek, Philo, means "lover," Philemon's name translates to "friendly or affectionate man."  Paul describes Philemon as dearly beloved, as well as a fellow laborer in this book.  The Greek word sunergos, which is the root of the word, synagogue, is associated with leading together, an assembly or congregation.  This is exactly what verse two of this book says that Philemon hosted in his home, "And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house."  The name Apphia, is qualified in some translations as, "our sister."  The male equivalent of this name means "revivified."  Archippus means, "master of the horse," he was a Christian of Colossae, a close friend of Philemon, and most likely the pastor of this house church.

Paul characteristically offers a prayer of thanksgiving and encouragement as he praises Philemon for his love, faith, and care of the saints.  It is interesting that this letter was written in the early 60s by a slave of Christ in bonds of men, on behalf of a renegade slave, to another slave of Christ.  Each of these men had intimate knowledge of what is means to be constrained by bonds.  Each of these men had tasted the forgiveness that Christ's sacrifice offers.  Each of these men were responsible, as we are, to extend this magnanimous forgiveness to those who have wronged them.

Building Up Or Tearing Down?

            King Saul’s paranoia was quite evident as he sat under the tamarisk tree, spear in hand, ranting about David, as he rallied his men.  King Saul’s tirade is recorded in I Samuel 22:7, “Hear now, you Bejamites!  Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds?”  To a leader who idolizes the public’s opinion, coercive tactics seem natural in order to reach their desired goal.  Matthew Henry expresses a cure for this, “Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady. . .” (Henry, CCOTWB, 1131).  Subsequently. King Saul orders his guards to slay the priests because they harbored David and his men.  These guards wisely would not carry out this evil order.  King Saul then orders Doeg, the Edomite to carry out the order and Doeg acquiesces.  The scripture records the carnage, “. . . So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests, and killed on that day eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod” (I Sam. 22:18).  Doeg also struck Nob, the city of the priests and lay waste every living thing therein.  How ironic it is that when God ordered King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites he would not; although, he has no problem ordering Doeg to destroy the priests and their city.  One may see Doeg as a particularly evil individual, and rightly so; but, the truth is that King Saul is liable for the slayings, as he commands them and stands by as Doeg destroys Nob.  Leaders are responsible for what they request and allow to transpire within their circle of authority.

            Paul addresses the Corinthian Church due to immorality in its confines.  Corinth is, “located one mile south of the narrow isthmus connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnesian peninsula” (Myers, TEBD, 235).  With this location, Corinth was well situated for trade; and consequently. many diverse people passed through the city making it a breeding ground for hedonism.  Corinth contained the temple of Aphrodite which housed the shorn temple priestesses who would roam the streets of Corinth at night to solicit prostitution from any willing party.  It is believed that Paul wrote the Corinthian correspondence from Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Myers, TEBD, 236).  Paul writes in I Corinthians 5:1, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife!”  Paul goes on to say that a believer should not fellowship with a brother who relentlessly continues in unrepented sin (I Cor.5:11).  Paul's intent is to build the church by scriptural instruction and modeling of righteous behavior.  King Saul had the priesthood murdered for his own egotistical reasons.  What a contrast between these two leaders!

  

Henry, Matthew. Concise Commentary On The Whole Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson       

 Publishers, 1997.

Myers, Allen C. The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids:  William B. Eerdmans

             Publishing Company, 1987.

Friend or Foe?

            As David returned after the slaughter of the Philistines, “. . . the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments.  So the women sang and danced, and said: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’” (I Sam. 18:6).  Proverbs 14:20 teaches, “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.”  King Saul’s seemingly bi-polar personality of narcissism and inferiority was not submitted to God and it drove his negative behavior toward David.  I Samuel 18:29 relates, “And Saul was still more afraid of David.  So Saul became David’s enemy continually.”  Saul had at his disposal a great warrior and leader in David and instead of valuing him for his abilities, he hated him out of envy.

            Paul was a master of apprenticeship; he lovingly sowed into the lives of his students and counted their victories as his own toward God.  Within Paul’s announcement of Timothy, his son in Christ, Paul writes to the Corinthian Church, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”  Paul understood well the law of duplication in the people that God entrusted to his care.  The name Timothy or Timotheus, means “honored of God, worshipping of God or valued of God” this gifted young evangelist was loved immensely by Paul (Lockyer, ATMOTB, Page 329).  Paul strengthened the body of believers by discipling and trusting young Timothy to function in the position God called him to.  Leaders must hold lightly the things of God; as, all things are His and are given for the health of the church and not for personal gain. 

Lockyer, Herbert.  All the Men of the Bible.  Grand Rapids:  Zondervan Publishing House, 1958.