Book of Colossians

Click here for the previous book, Philippians.

CHAPTER 1

According to Biblical scholarship I’ve read, this is one of the books that many don’t think Paul actually wrote.  That said, when I read it, this didn’t strike me as very different from the other letters.  If anything, it was too similar – there isn’t much new ground being covered here.  I guess I could look up what grounds the legitimacy of Paul is questioned, but I’m feeling too lazy to do that right now.

Here in Chapter 1, Paul gives greetings, thanks and prayers.  Then he gives us a poem, which is unusual for Paul, but not unprecedented.  (He did likewise in the previous book, Philippians, and everyone agrees that’s a legitimate Paul letter).  It’s a pretty poem, but it’s all about the glory of Christ.  As I noted in Psalms, poems in praise of God just don’t do much for me.  I like the Bible when it focuses on humans, not on any eternal being I don’t necessary believe in. It is a pretty poem, though.

CHAPTER 2

Paul covers more ground that we’ve already gone over.  He warns against false teachers with their, “empty, seductive philosophy according to human traditions .  . .  and not according to Christ.”  Sounds like Paul is upset at people preaching the Mosaic Law again.

CHAPTER 3

If this is a forged letter in Paul’s name, the author sure knows Paul’s previous letters.  In fact, he largely repeats them here.  At one point he tells us about how there is neither Greek nor Jew in Christ. Yeah, that’s Galatians Chapter 3.  Then he tells wives to obey their husbands.  That’s Ephesians Chapter 5.  Oh, and slaves must obey their masters in all things.  That’s Ephesians Chapter 6.  (Actually, this might be a problem for our letter writer, as Ephesians is another letter that’s supposed to be forged – and that one read like a forgery, too.  A completely different style in that one).

The main problem with this letter isn’t if it’s forged or not.  It’s that it’s saying absolutely nothing new so far.

CHAPTER 4

Oh, Paul is in prison when he writes this.  Huh.  He notes that, and then gives his conclusion, where he thanks people.  It reads a little like an Academy Awards acceptance speech – and is about as memorable.

Oh, one random trivia note – we finally get our first mention of Luke: “Luke, the beloved physician sends greetings, as does Demas.” 

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

If this was a letter forged in Paul’s name, I’m not sure why the guy bothered.  All he did was repeat things noted in other letters.  Yawn.

Click here for the next book, Thessalonians I.