If you’re listening to the podcast, you know that we are beginning the book of Colossians today. The book is new but those false teachers are becoming all too familiar! You’ve read about them before and I’m sorry to say this won’t be the last you hear of them. Now they have invaded the church at Colossae. And they’re insisting the people follow strict rules about what to eat and drink, and observe the religious festivals.
Paul may be writing this letter from prison, but he’s heard what’s going on and has plenty to say. He steps right up to steer the Colossian flock back in the direction of Christ. I encourage you to look up a little background on the Colossian church (Biblehub.com, perhaps?) because there’s way more going on here than what we have time to talk about. Jewish legalism, heresy, and pre-Gnosticism for openers. Gnosticism asserts that God is good but all matter is evil; that Jesus is inferior to God, and that a secret, higher knowledge is required for salvation. Can you just hear Paul’s pen scratching across the papyrus at break-neck speed?
A Visit to Rome
Now, Paul did not start this church, Epaphras did. Epaphras was saved in Ephesus and it’s believed that he traveled to Colossae to start the church there. He was so upset about what was going on with the Colossians that he went to visit Paul in that Roman prison. And he got there just about the time Paul was finishing the letter to the Ephesians. Paul was energized and ready to write. Suffice it to say, his passion for Christ permeates the letter and his disdain and intolerance for the false teachers does the same. And rightly so because they really do some twisting of the truth.
I really hope you’ll join us. It’s always a good day to read the Bible! As we go, don’t forget to let me know how God is speaking to you through this letter at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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