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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 Revolutionary Knowledge of the Grace of God
Paul wrote the church in Colosse that their spiritual growth was driving them on to deeds of love. These deeds, however, were not their own personal “good works”, brought about by their sacrifice and achievement; much more, it was the word of truth that had created new life in them and given them the righteousness that is valid before God. By nature the Colossians were true sinners, like all of us, and lived in the works of their flesh, which Paul had described in detail to the churches in Galatia (Gal. 5:19-26). Christians need to beware and not honour themselves when they no longer steal, lie or get involved in immorality. It is grace alone that sets them free from sin and causes the culture of Christ to be manifested in their behaviour. The overcoming of hypocritical pride in Christians reveals itself in their prayers of thanksgiving, when they give the Holy Trinity alone the honour for their salvation and their new manner of life.
Paul and his circle of praying friends offered thanksgiving unceasingly for this working of the Holy Spirit, for the glorious existence of the risen Christ, and for His blessing in the churches of the Roman Empire. The apostle wrote that these fruits of the Holy Spirit were the true and new “reality” that was breaking into our world from God. The apostle was not talking of some idealistic philosophy of faith or creed, but of the reality of the love of God, as well as of our praise and thanksgiving.
Epaphras
Paul wrote to the church in Colosse that the word of truth, as the gospel, had come to them from Epaphras. This man resembled a water pipe, through which the water of eternal life flowed to them. Epaphras had not only evangelized and revived the church, but also systematically taught them the new faith, so that they would not be dependent upon emotions and enthusiasm, but rather, remain anchored in the word of God.
In the letter to the Colossians, Epaphras is given several honorary titles, so that in the present crisis in the church in Colosse there might be more trust placed in him and in his preaching. The apostle called him his co-worker, who did not instruct the unlearned as a proud master, but rather, as one who faithfully ministered as a servant on their behalf. He was not the only servant ministering to them, for Paul, too, described himself in the same way – as a servant of Christ. Together they and others made up a partnership of service. Furthermore, Paul called him a dear servant, who sensed when, where and what needed to be done. He saw and suffered with the needs in the church, and gave concrete help wherever possible. He was no philosopher, but an active representative of the Apostle Paul in Colosse.
The apostle to the nations went still further in his description of Epaphras, calling him a minister of Christ, a chosen witness who had been appointed by his exalted Lord to be a deacon. Paul confirmed, therein, that Epaphras was faithful in his service, full of faith, love and hope, and not just for himself, but for every member of the church. He was the appointed messenger of Christ for Colosse. The spiritual care of the church had been assigned to him by Jesus, so that he might care for her just as a mother cares for her children.
Epaphras was the mediator between Paul and the church in Colosse. It was he who reported to Paul what Christ had done in this church. At the same time, he also informed him about the difficulties, problems and questions that had arisen. The witness of Epaphras was first and foremost concentrated on the fact that the church in Colosse was full of love in the Holy Spirit. He spoke of no earthly sentiments in any sense of respect, erotic or sympathy, but rather, spoke of the love the Spirit of God brought about in the followers of Jesus. Epaphras possessed the gift of spiritual discernment and had a pastor´s heart. He was not one for long, enthusiastic discourse. He knew the life of a church was dependent alone upon the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus Christ and His working.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You that Your servant Epaphras spread the gospel of Paul in Colosse and that the love of the Holy Spirit flowed into some of his hearers. Help us not to become spiritual egoists, but rather, enable us to humbly pass on Your word to those searching in the area where we live.
Question 17: Who evangelized the church in Colosse and what methods did he use? What titles of honour did Paul apply to him?