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COLOSSIANS - Christ in you, the hope of glory!
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians
Part 1 - The Foundations of Christian Faith (Colossians 1:1-29)
2. The prayer of thanksgiving of Paul and his co-workers for the church in Colosse (Colossians 1:3-8)
The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
Paul described his preaching about Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Saviour, as being “his” original gospel (1 Cor. 9:16; 15:1; 2 Cor. 4:3; 10:14; 11:7; Gal. 1:8 etc.). In his day the word gospel (evangelion) had already long been in usage. Every special announcement from the house of Caesar was described as an “evangelion”. When a son as heir was born to the emperor or when his army had gained a victory, placards were hung up in central places and the significant event was proclaimed with trumpets, so that all others might rejoice with him. This “emperor gospel” offered no philosophy to discuss, but the announcement of a historical fact, which one could either accept or reject. Jesus and His apostles filled this Greek word with the promises of the Old Testament (cf. Is. 61:1 with Luke 4:18) and testified to exciting special announcements from the throne of God. Above all, the only begotten Son of God had become man in Bethlehem and, on the cross, had gained the victory over sin, Satan and death. These are no theories, but historical facts, not meant to be discussed but simply accepted. Since the birth of Christ, the gospel of God has been spreading throughout the world. The one who receives it rejoices, while others harden their hearts and reject the victory of God (Luke 2:10).
Paul called this gospel the word of truth. The verses and words of the gospels were unshakeable facts that could neither be doubted nor drawn into question. These words had not been falsified, for God Himself watches over His word (Jer. 1:12). Truth, in the Orient, also means reality and law, which make up the basis for the nation and all people. Philosophies, political party programs, religions and cultural manifestations may be well intentioned suppositions and aspirations. They do not, however, make up the truth. There are no lies or falsifications in the truth of the gospel, which remains the foundation of our faith. Jesus Himself prayed and said to His Father: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17b). These definitive words of Christ condemn all other deviant words of man and mark them as unrealistic self-deception.
Furthermore, Jesus testified: “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death unto into life” (John 5:24). Whoever reads and understands this fundamental witness of the Son of God recognizes that the truth of the gospel is not just in its purity and genuineness. It is the very power of the Son of God at work, realizing itself in those who put their faith and trust in His words of truth. Through their faith-connection with Jesus, Christ´s followers have been mercifully rescued from the last judgment and been translated from death to eternal life. This is no philosophy, but rather, the truth that makes up the new spiritual existence Jesus Christ brought into our world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we worship You, for You have spoken the absolute truth to us – truth about us, and truth about God, Your Father. We rejoice in Your gospel, the special announcement from heaven, full of power and life. Help us to read and understand Your word, to memorize it and to obey it, for in so doing we will honour You and offer up thanksgiving for Your gracious gospel. Amen.
Question 15: What does the word “gospel” mean?