Paul Writes from Rome.ppt

Paul Writes from Rome This letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae in the Lycus Valley in Asia Minor, east of Ephesus. At the time of writing, Paul had not visited there, the letter says (Col 1:4; 2:1). The community had apparently been established by Epaphras of Colossae (Col 1:7; 4:12; Phm 1:23). Introduction Who? Paul, the author (1:1,23; 4:18) Colossians, the recipients (1:1,21,27) Epaphras, the minister (1:7-8) Tychicus, the letter carrier (4:7-8) Introduction Why? To warn against human philosophy (2:8) To tell the Colossians about Paul (4:7-8) Their Conversion and Corruption Paul reminds them of their conversion to CHRIST Their Conversion and Corruption Paul reminds them of their conversion to CHRIST Paul is greatly concerned about their possible corruption FROM Christ Introduction What? Salutation (1:1-2) Paul’s Prayers in Christ (1:3-12) The Preeminence of Christ in Christian Doctrine (1:13 - 3:4) Person (Preeminence) of Christ (1:13-23) Paul’s Preaching of Christ (1:24-29) Prize in Christ (2:1 - 3:4) The Preeminence of Christ in Christian Conduct (3:5 - 4:17) Putting On of Christ (3:5-17) Personal Practices in Christ (3:18 - 4:6) Partners of Christ (4:7-17) Benediction (4:18) Introduction How? Paul addressed the danger of human philosophy by reminding the Colossians of the preeminence of Christ Theme: the “All-Sufficiency of Christ” (1:9,11,15-19,20,28; 2:2-3,9-10; 3:11,16; 4:12) The Colossian Heresy Gnosticism = gnosis = knowing one 1. Its Content It was beguiling seduction (2:4) It was based on human philosophy and tradition (2:8) It was according to the rudiments of the world (2:8,20) Human feelings and human wisdom is enough The Colossian Heresy 2. Its Practice (part Jewish) It involved physical circumcision (2:11) It involved observing dietary restrictions of meat and drink (2:16) It involved observing the Sabbath and special days (2:16) It involved man-made rules and regulations (2:20-22) The Colossian Heresy 2. Its Practice (part Gre