Commentators tell us that the author of the letter to the Colossians was probably not Paul, based on both literary and theological differences. Nevertheless this letter clearly comes out of the Pauline tradition and provides further insight into the thought and experiences of the early church.
The heart of the letter is the "Christ hymn" of 1:15-20, which remind us that Christ was part of creation: "he is the image of the invisible God the firstborn of all creation." In a somewhat bold during the height of the Roman empire, "in him all things in heaven and earth were created, ... whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers..."
He is the firstborn from the dead - the first resurrected - and he is the head of the church. "In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell..." He was God incarnate.
This hymn helps remind us when we get lost in the swirls of competing demands not only in our church life but in life in general what, and Who, is most important.
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| Colossae |
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