A Study on the Book of Colossians.

Bible translation used: [Berean Literal Bible: https://literalbible.com/ & NKJV]

Colossians 1:  The Son of His Love.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy the brother, To the saints in Colossae and faithful brothers in Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. [vs. 1-3]

The letter to Colossians was written by Paul and Timothy. The Colossians came to know the Lord, on Paul’s third mission trip. During the period Paul ministered for two years in Ephesus. “this continued for two years, so that all those inhabiting Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:10 Colossae is located within Asia, with close proximity to Laodicea. At the end of this epistle Paul commands them to read the letter to the Laodiceans and for them to read the letter he has written to Laodicea. Laodicea which is one of the seven churches named in Revelations along with, “to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” Revelations 1:11 All of whom seem to have come to the knowledge of the Lord during this period of Paul’s ministry.

The letter to Colossae was written at the same time as the letter to Philemon was written. Onesimus was a Colossian slave whom Paul begot in the Lord while in prison. “who is one of you,” Col 4:9 The same person is the subject of the letter written to Philemon, who also must be a resident of Colossae. Paul writes to  Philemon, “Whom I have sent back to you in person.” Philemon 1:12 And in his letter to the Colossians Paul seeks to introduce Onesimus as “a beloved brother,” to the church. Paul sent Tychicus and Onesimus to Colossae, each with the respective letter. And the same people, Mark and Aristarchus are listed as being Paul’s fellow prisoners, in both letters.

Because, Paul’s next intended visit when released from prison was [to Philemon’s house], we have good grounds to think he is in prison in [Asia: with close proximity to Colossae]. Also because, Onesimus [who seems to be] put in prison for some indiscretion to his master was with him. Paul says of him, “once useless to you, but now useful both to you and to me,” [vs.11] and “he was separated from you for a time,” [vs.15] and “if in any way he has wronged you or he owes you.” [vs. 18] Therefore there is more grounds to assume Onesimus was a disobedient slave, whom Philemon saw no service and had put him in prison to punish him. And Onesimus having served the allotted time was released. It is doubtful a run away slave would be released under his own care.

Though it seems Paul had a great time in Ephesus ministering for whole two years, it was not without its trouble. Paul to the Corinthians writes, “I too above measure: more abundantly in labours, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings above measure, in deaths often.” 2 Corinthians 11:23 However, Acts only records the first time and the last time Paul was bound in prison and none of the in-betweens. The letter to Colossians was written during the two years period, Paul ministered to the whole of Asia, some of the times he spent in prison.

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying continually for you, having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have toward all the saints, because of the hope being laid up for you in the havens, which you heard of before in the word of truth, the gospel, the one being present unto you, just as also in all the world its is bearing fruit and increasing, just as also among you from the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth, just as you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on behalf of us, the one also having made known to us your love in the Spirit. [vs. 4-8]  

Paul had ministered to the Colossians; So when Paul says, “having heard of your faith” it is on the account of the update he received, from Epaphras in regards to the state of their faith. Paul speaking of Timothy in his letter to Philippians writes, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be encouraged, having known the things concerning you.” Philippians 2:19 He is also addressing those whom he has not met, as the church continued to grow, “as many as have not seen my face in the flesh.” [Col 2:1]

[Faith in Christ Jesus and the love toward all the saints]: John in his epistles associates the product of knowing the truth of God in the gospel, must also produce love for the brethren [the saints]. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one not loving abides in death.” 1 John 3:14 Paul in his letter to the Corinthians expresses, the fruit of the grace of God is shown in the care that is demonstrated for the saints. “through the proof of this service, glorifying God at your submission of confession to the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of the participation toward them and toward all.” 2 Corinthians 9:13

[Because of the hope laid up in haven]: The gospel is the promise of eternal possession [inheritance] of the world to come in Christ Jesus, for which they have become partakers. Peter writes, “the One according to His great mercy having begotten us again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ out from the dead, to an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, being reserved in the heavens for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 For this we give thanks to God, that is of their obedience to [The word of truth: the Gospel] which is preached to them and in the world and is bearing fruit and increasing everywhere.

[Just as you learned from Epaphras]: Paul had co-labourers, whom he sent out to various places, in order to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. He has sent Timothy with such tasks in almost all places he ministered. Paul writing of Titus to the Corinthians says, “Thanks to God, the One putting into the heart of Titus the same earnestness for you. For indeed he accepted our appeal, but being very earnest, of his own accord he has gone out to you.” 2 Corinthians 8:16-17 To the same extent Epaphras has ministered to the Colossians to confirm the word of truth, they have been taught.

Just as much as his co-labourers were among them to impart the truth of God, they also are examining to see the state of the church to bring back word to Paul. Paul writing of the burden he carried for all the churches writes, “Besides the external things, the pressure on me on every day is my care for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn inwardly?” 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 In his letter to Thessalonians he shows how he sent Timothy to enquire of their state, “Because of this I also, enduring no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the one tempting had tempted you, and our labour would be in vain. But presently Timothy having come to us from you and having brought good news to us of your faith and love.” 1 Thessalonians 3:5-6

So we give thanks to God, having received a report from Epaphras, that you are growing in faith and bearing fruit.  

Because of this also, we from the day we heard, do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk worthily of the Lord: pleasing in all, bringing forth fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, unto all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, the One having qualified you for the share of the inheritance of the saints in light, who had delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. [vs. 9-14]

Paul makes similar prayers, to the Romans, Ephesians, Philippians and here as well. The components of Paul’s prayer consists of these three main concept; knowledge and understanding of God’s will, to act in a manner consistent with His will: be without fault, and to produce good works which are works of righteousness.

[Knowledge of His will]: Paul in Romans writes, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, for you to prove what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 The knowledge of the will of God is not according to mind of the world. If we have our mind set according to the dictates of the world we are not according to the mind of the Spirit.

[Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding]: There is a natural wisdom and there is spiritual wisdom. Paul in Corinthians writes, “we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, that we may know the things having been granted to us by God, which also we speak, not in words taught of human wisdom, but in those taught of the Spirit, communicating spiritual things by spiritual means.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 That is the same plane text word of God proclaimed, produces truth in one according to the spiritual truth, while another is mislead, by interpreting the same text according to human natural wisdom.

We are not of the flesh but of the Spirit, therefore we ought to be able to understand spiritual matters. And we are instructed to walk worthy of the redemption we have received through the knowledge of His will. Not according to a law written on stone, but what is written in our hearts by the Spirit of God. God is Spirit and we know Him only through spiritual truth. “God is Spirit, and it behooves those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 Paul writing to Ephesians on same teaching says, “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:17 That is God makes Himself known to us, by the Spirit that we may walk according to the reality of His truth born in us. It is the marrying of His Word and Sprit, in us.

[Walk worthy of the Lord]: Walking worthy of the Lord is a product of spiritual knowledge and understanding. It is through [spiritual]: thinking, understanding, maturity we are able to walk worthy of the Lord. Peter seeking to exhort us in the manner we ought to walk writes, “And if you call on as Father the One judging impartially according to the work of each, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourn, knowing that you were redeemed from your futile manner of life handed down from your fathers, not by perishable things—by silver or by gold—but by the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:17 His point being know the value of the price Christ paid to save us from our sins, therefore he says conduct yourselves with fear.

It is to know what is required of us, it is in understanding the purpose of our redemption. Paul in Ephesians writes, “for us to be holy and blameless before Him, in love having predestined us for divine adoption as sons to Himself through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:4-5 The result of which is the casting off the old [way of life] and the putting on of the new, which is in the likeness of the Son of God. Jesus Christ did not come to justify us in our sins but to save us from it.

• “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those being His,” and, “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19

[Bringing forth fruit in every good work]: God is pleased when we produce good works. Paul in Ephesians writes, “We are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 We are not saved by good works as to justifies us before Him in righteousness. No amount of works merits that only faith in Jesus Christ. So that no past account of a person can be held against [or for] them, be good or bad. Only faith in Jesus Christ allows all to come to God. But this grace of God, is for the purposes that we walk worthy of the Lord, and to bear fruits of righteousness.

The writer of Hebrews also points out there are things that accompanying salvation which are the good works we are saved for. “But even if we speak like this, beloved, we are persuaded of better things concerning you, [things accompanying salvation.] For God is not unjust to forget your work and the love that you have shown toward His name, having ministered to the saints, and still ministering.” Hebrews 6:9-10 This desire to meet the needs of the saints, to share in their burden, he sees it to be proof of salvation. He says this because this desire in them came from God, “For God is the One working in you both to will and to work.” Philippians 2:13 Giving is the most basic, and fundamental aspect of walking with God. It shows trust in God, it shows we value the work of God. And it is an evidence of a heart that is turned towards God.

Paul instructing Titus writes, “Trustworthy is the saying, and I want you to affirm strongly concerning these things, so that those believing God may take care to be devoted to good works. ….And also let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they should not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:8,14 [Here Paul urges the importance of good works and continuing in them.]

[Growing in the knowledge of God]: We grow in knowledge of God when we have matured beyond the basic concept of the faith to take part in every purpose of God. The basic concept of spiritual wisdom is to walk worthy of Him, that is shunning all things that defile. And the basic concept of good works is sharing in the needs of the saints. Hebrews says, “For even by the time you ought to be teachers,” That is to attain to level as to share in His purpose, in contributing to the growth of the body of Christ. “The perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12

• “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because all things that I heard from My Father, I have made known to you.” John 15:15

Paul instructing Timothy says, “This is good and acceptable before God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth…Therefore I desire the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, apart from anger and dissension.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4,8 The desires of God is for all men everywhere to be saved, so he instructs a basic method all can take part in this effort in prayer.

[Being strengthened with His might: unto endurance and patience]: Peter writing of the same purpose of God says, “The Lord does not delay the promise, as some esteem slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 That is for us to preserver with the Lord, to the same purpose. Therefore, if we know this we labour with Him, bearing with those who insult being patients with those who are wayward, for the longest possible of time, that they may obtain the desire of the Father. In the presence of all things that try our patience and strain the limits of our perseverance, our own strengthened being depleted. Yet we endure being strengthened in the inner-man by the power of His might.

Paul describing all manner of things that strained them, in His service says, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing-ness of the power may be from God, and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 [AND] “Therefore we do not lose heart; but indeed if our outward man is being brought to decay, yet our inner self is being renewed day and day. For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far surpassing to excessiveness.”  2 Corinthians 4:16-17 We grow in patience, we grow in endurance, we grow in perseverance that we may bear even more fruit. The Lord said, “Every branch not bearing fruit in Me, He takes it away; and every one bearing fruit, He prunes it that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2

Pruning is the cutting back of branches, which is not pleasant but painful. We will be hard pressed to find in the new testament, of a servant of God who has borne as much fruit as Paul did. Yet he served his ministry in much adversity, persecution, affliction, reproach and need. He writes, “We the living are always being delivered to death on account of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:11 Then pruning is everything that humbles our natural tendencies, reliance, strength in order to give way for the power of Christ to be manifested. The Spirit of God does not uphold what we are in ourselves, but builds up what Christ is in us, we ourselves being delivered to death. 

[With Joy]: Jesus said, “My food is that I should do the will of the One having sent Me, and should finish His work.” John 4:34 [And] David in Psalms writes, “I delight to do your will, O my God.” Psalms 40:8 There is much joy to be gained in following Christ which includes working for God. Paul is a prime example of one with patient endurance completed his course with joy. Who suffered long with great persecution and affliction, yet was never deterred but had so entangled his heart with the purpose of God, he says, “I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:10 But in his effort he recognises the grace of God that is at work in him. 

[Giving thanks to the Father]: Paul had described what his prayer for them entails, in which he has expressed his request to God, that is they may be filled with knowledge of God, in spiritual wisdom, being fruitful in every good work and to be strengthened by His might. And now closes his prayer giving thanks to the Father.

There is always something to be thankful for, and Paul expresses his thankfulness to God, in the most fundamental aspect of the faith, the eternal inheritance we all share in Christ through the redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. The Lord said to His disciples, “Yet do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subjected to you; but rejoice that your names are written in the heavens.” Luke 10:20 That is we always ought to rejoice and giving thanks to God for this eternal gift. Paul instructing the Thessalonians writes, “Rejoice always. Pray unceasingly. Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God toward you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

• “When the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us, not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by that grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, [because in Him] were created all things in the heavens and upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and unto Him. [vs. 15-16]

[He is the image of the invisible God]: Paul now is explaining who the “beloved Son,” is, in whom we have our redemption. And he says He is the express image of the Father [the invisible God]. John in his introduction of Jesus says, “No one has ever yet seen God. [The only begotten God,] the One being in the bosom of the Father, He [Jesus] has made Him [the Farther] known.” John 1:18 And the Lord speaking to His disciples says, “If you had known Me, you would also have known My Father. From now you know Him, and have seen Him.” [And] “The one having seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:7,9 That is Jesus embodies God, in all the way He has shown Him to be, His love, mercy, words and deeds.

• “His Son [Jesus], whom He [the Father] appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the ages, who, being the radiance of His glory and the exact expression of His substance, and upholding all things by the power of His word.” Hebrews 1:2-3

[Firstborn over all creation]: The first point to address is that, he is [Not] saying, the Son of God [the Word] was created. God had existed from the beginning in One form [Spirit] but in three Persons: The Father, The Word and The Holy Spirit. God is one in that He is Spirit. Jesus said, “God is Spirit” John 4:24 The Holy Spirit is Spirit that is evident. And Paul speaking of Jesus says, “Who, existing in the form of God.” Philippians 2:6 that is in the form of Spirit. Therefore, every Divine Person of the Godhead is of the same substance, Spirit and have existed without a beginning. The illustration that best represents this in the natural is the ocean. There are several great oceans yet one body of water, and in whom exists all the worlds.

Then the term “Firstborn over all creation” is better explained  if we read it in parallel with the words of Isaiah through whom God speaks and says, “I am He; I am the first, and I am the last. Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens;” Isaiah 48:12-13 To the same degree here also Paul says, the Firstborn over all creation and continues to make the point “because in Him were created all things in the havens and upon the earth.” Therefore he is not saying as if God came to be, but just that He is the first and before Him there is none. “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.” Isaiah 44:6 [And] “I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come.” Isaiah 43:10 In Revelation also the Lord says, “Fear not. I am the First and the Last,” Revelation 1:17   

We can also consider the wording, it does not say, “the firstborn [of] creation,” as the first to be created. But “[over all] creation,” that is He is outside of creation, and if outside of creation then He has no beginning but has His being in God and with God. The point is God is outside of all creation, creation exists in Him. He manifests Himself in His creation but He is outside of it. We think of haven and we think He lives in it, but that is not so. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 Heaven and earth have their being in Him. Therefore it says, everything that has it being came through Him, for Him and in Him.

[Consider]: When he says, firstborn over all creation, he is not speaking in terms that, as if the Word existed before in the form of Jesus Christ, the Man. Because Jesus is the Seed of the woman. And the Word has to be born to be the Son of Man, that is to take on flesh and blood of created man, in order to redeem man. Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God in a Man. Hebrews says, “since the children have partaken of blood and of flesh, He also likewise took part in the same things, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death, that is, the devil,” Hebrews 2:14 Therefore the firstborn over all creation is not speaking of Jesus as such, but as God before whom there is none other.

And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead, so that He might be holding pre-eminence in all things, because all the fullness was pleased to dwell in Him, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace by the blood of His cross through Him, whether the things on the earth or the things in the havens. [vs. 17-20]

[He is before all things — in Him all things hold together]: is the same concept described in the previous verses, that is He is the firstborn over all creation and all things where created by Him, in Him and exist because of Him. The point is He is the very fabric creation exist on. The Word is the very platform on which creation stands on. “By faith we understand the universe to have been formed by the word of God, so that the things being seen have not been made from the things being visible.” Hebrews 11:3 [And] He upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:3

[He is the Head of the body: the church]: The picture that expresses, that truth of the relationship of Christ to His church is marriage. It is mirroring the point of creation of Adam and Eve, in which Eve was taken out of Adam, from his rib. Therefore the wife is expressed as the body and the husband to be the head. “Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will be into one flesh. Ephesians 5:31

• “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water by the word, so that He might present to Himself the church in glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any of the such things, but that it would be holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:25-27

Every member is redeemed and joined in Spirit with Him, and collectively form His body. We are His spouse as we are joined to be one in Spirit with Him, in one body. “So also is Christ. For also in one Spirit we all were baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 [AND] “one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called into one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 

[Who is the beginning, firstborn out from the dead]: When saying [the beginning], he is speaking of the church as a collection of new creations, “If anyone be in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 He is the head, [as Adam was to Eve], we are of His make up, He being the first of this creation. The entrance of which is through death and raised to life in Him. He is the firstborn from the dead, that is He is the first of the body of clay that has ever risen having conquered death. The first and through Him many are redeemed from the power of death. “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised up out from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer rules over Him. For that which He died, He died to sin once for all; but that which He lives, He lives to God.” Romans 6:9-10

• “Truly, truly, I say to you that the one hearing My word and believing the One having sent Me, he has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24

[He may have pre-eminence in all things]: That is to say just as He was before all creation and all things came to be and consist in Him, [Now] He is also the firstborn from the dead, “I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. And I was dead, and behold I am living to the ages of the ages, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.” Revelation 1:18 Whether it be in life or from death to life He is first, and has pre-eminence in all things.

[All the fullness was pleased to dwell in Him]: That is God is represented fully in Him in bodily form, “For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.” Colossians 2:9 God the Word, took on flesh and blood to be the Man Jesus Christ [John 1:14]. And was baptised by the Holy Spirit, “I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and it remained upon Him.” John 1:32 Jesus had the fullness of God in Him, the Spirit was in Him without measure. Jesus speaking to Philip said, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I speak to you, I do not speak from Myself; but the Father dwelling in Me does His works.” John 14:10 That is God is fully represented, The Word in the body & the Father through The Spirit of God.

We are the body of Christ and are members of one another. And just as each body member of the body has blood flowing in it, yet does not possess the entire allotment of the blood in the body. So  it is with us. But together through one Spirit we are made into one body. “And there appeared to them dividing tongues as of fire and sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit was giving to them to utter forth.” Acts 2:3-4 But in Christ the Holy Spirit remained on Him alone in the form of a Dove. The fullness was pleased to dwell in Him.

[To reconcile all things to Himself]: God gave mankind domain on earth and Adam in turn gave it away to the devil. So God sent His Son, in the form of Man Jesus Christ to redeem the world. “For God so loved the world that He gave the only begotten Son, so that everyone believing in Him should not perish, but should have eternal life.” John 3:16 Jesus Christ through His death, made an end of sin and death. And was given all authority both in heaven and on earth. [Matthews 28:18] That is through Him God is in all and through all. Through a new creation [Spirit-mankind: the church] that is God and mankind joined as one He brought peace both in heaven and earth through the one Jesus Christ.

• “For the administration of the fullness of the times, to bring together all things in Christ—the things in the heavens and the things upon the earth—” Ephesians 1:10

[Having made peace by the blood of His cross through Him]: The enmity between God and mankind was sin. And Christ brought an end to sin, “He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Hebrews 9:26 That is God Himself through Christ worked our redemption for us, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning their trespasses to them.” 2 Corinthians 5:19 So God may freely grant eternal life to all who come to Him through Christ.

• “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a showing forth of His righteousness, because of the forbearance of the sins having taken place beforehand,” Romans 3:24-25

In Ephesians he expresses the same point in terms of bringing peace to Jew and Gentiles through the removal of the hostility. “He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, by it having slain the hostility. “ Ephesians 2:16 Here it might seem the hostility was the law, but it is sin. Both Jew and Gentile are reconciled to God  through the forgiveness of sin in Jesus Christ. The separation that then existed was on the account only Israel had the law, therefore the hostility was in recognition of sin, Israel knew it and Gentiles did not. Israel kept away from what they considered unclean, but through His justification He says, “What God has cleansed, you do not call common.” Acts 10:15 therefore removing the hostility. And now the precepts of the law are upheld by both under the One, the Spirit of God.

Similarly now the enmity is between the Spirit and the flesh. Those born of the Spirit upheld the precepts of God, whom those of the world have enmity with. Because the way of God and the way of the world are at odds.

[Whether the things on the earth or the things in the heavens]: So when he says here things in haven it is to point to the fact that, heaven was never before made subject to a son of man. Adam’s rule was of the earth only but through Christ, the Spirit Man all things are brought under His feet. That is one who is born a Son of Man sits at the highest throne in haven at the right hand of God, and us with Him. Therefore frail mankind is elevated to the highest in Christ Jesus.

The point is, God the Word ruled in heaven before but the difference here is Jesus Christ, One born as Man, a little lower than the angles for the suffering of death was lifted up, to give access to all who were once flesh to the very throne room of God through Him.

• “So that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the purpose of the ages, which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:10-11

Jesus is God, and Everything is subject to Him, and everyone who carries His spirit in them walks in the authority He has given, so all things in heaven and earth are also made subject to us. [Because He lives in us]. So he says, the entire rulers and authorities, may it be angels in heaven or demons on earth. Therefore, the works and wisdom of God is revealed through the body of Christ, the church to whom they all are made subject in Christ Jesus. “Yet do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subjected to you;” Luke 10:20

And you, being once alienated and hostile in mind, in the evil deeds, but now He has reconciled in His body of flesh through death, to present you holy and unblemished and blameless before Him, if indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm, and not being moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, having been proclaimed in all creation under haven, of which I Paul have become a minster. [vs. 21-23]

[Once alienated and hostile in  mind, in the evil deeds]: Here Paul is describing the state of the Gentiles prior to the knowledge of God through Christ. At that time he says, you were alienated, “Therefore remember that formerly you—the Gentiles in the flesh,… at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, not having hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:11,12 That was through the law, exhibited in the circumcision of flesh being without covenant with God and having no recourse in this world. That was your condition.

Though all [both Jew and Gentiles] were under sin, yet the lack of knowledge of God is a cause for all manner of depravity. Paul writing of the condition of fallen mankind says, “For having known God, they glorified Him not as God, or were thankful; but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish heart was darkened…. And as they did not see fit to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do things not being proper;” Romans 1:21, 28 and follows it with a list of all manner of human ills. While the law acted as guardian to the Jews, to direct and admonish in the ways of God, Gentiles had free reign in acts of sin.

Their manner of conduct was hostile to the law of God, which was manifested in evil deeds, which was caused due to lack of knowledge of God. The concept is not hostility to God in a direct sense. But the acts of evil manifested from not knowing the only one God. We may professes we love God but if we do not know Him, not the version of god we make, our deeds will manifest to exhibit the natures of our act. Which Paul lists in Romans 1:29-32 So “hostile in minds in evil deeds,” the state of a mind that produces the works of evil, through lack of knowledge of God. Paul also gives insight to the Gentile condition in his letter to the Ephesians. Gentile in the sense of being without knowledge of God, since his letter is addressed to former Gentiles and says,

• “You are no longer to walk as also the Gentiles are walking, in the futility of their mind, darkened in the understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance being in them on account of the hardness of their heart, who, having cast off all feeling, have given themselves up to sensuality for the working of all impurity, with greediness for more. Ephesians  4:17-19

[He has reconciled in His body of flesh through death]: This was your condition, you did not know God and you were alienated from Him but without you asking for Him, He made a way for you to be justified before Him through the sacrifice of Himself. “For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved in His life!” Romans 5:10 So that He may justify you before Himself to be  holy unblemished and blameless; to all who call on Him in faith.

[If indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm]: That is what you heard at the very beginning  will also see you to the end, that is Christ has died to save you from the depth of darkness, without you having to do any work. And He will also [lead you] forward by His Spirit to present you blameless [But] do not be moved from the simplicity of the faith. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14 [AND] “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.” Galatians 5:18 The Spirit works from within to bring about lasting change that is manifested in our life through grace. His Spirit works in us through grace, by the hearing of faith.

Being led by the Spirit, is simply this; Israel went out of Egypt and God gave them laws in stone to walk in and be judged. We are saved from sin and the world through Christ and God gives us His Spirit in us to help us walk in His ways. It is not the observance of outside law in the flesh, but the obedience to His Spirit’s leading in us. Therefore if you walk by the Spirit then the [judgement of] law is not applicable. However the introduction of laws of the flesh will result in, [HIM] not being able to present us holy and blameless before Him. Because we are no longer in faith but are in works, and by the works we have established we have made ourselves to be transgressors. “For if I build again these things that I had torn down, I prove myself a transgressor.” Galatians 2:18

Paul has strove hard to maintain the purity of the gospel, for it not to be tainted by any false or unhelpful teachings. And has sought to draw back those who are being misled, withstood those who propagate false doctrines, and he ensured his people adhered to things that are of importance, severely rebuking those who are entertaining concepts that results in the stumbling of others. So he instructs Timothy saying:

• “Not to teach other doctrines, nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which bring speculations rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith. [Now the goal of our instruction is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and a sincere faith,] from which some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to meaningless discourse, desiring to be teachers of the Law.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7

The most prominent example of such struggle is recorded in his letter to the Galatians. The Galatians were being enticed by those who were defenders of the law, to bring the Gentiles under the dictates of the law, by teaching them they needed to be circumcised. Mixing of law and grace is one of the most destructive teachings he encountered, which he fought against in all the places he ministered and says, “Even because of the false brothers brought in secretly, who came in by stealth to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus that they will enslave us, to whom we did not yield in subjection for even an hour, so that truth of the gospel would be preserved with you.” Galatians 2:4-5 Grace and Law do not mix, one cancels the other.

“And if by grace, it is no longer from works; otherwise grace no longer would be grace.”

Romans 11:6

In his letter to the Galatians he showed that the simple introduction of a tradition [law], was a prelude to falling away from Christ. Paul asks, “Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being perfected in the flesh?” Galatians 3:3 To those who have known the Spirit, to them he says, “Now again I testify to every man receiving circumcision that he is a debtor to keep the whole Law. Whoever are being justified in the Law, you are severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:3-4 Paul saw circumcision as a gateway to the covenant of the law; circumcised in the flesh to say, “The man having done these things will live by them.” Leviticus 18:5  Contrasted against baptism, which is circumcision in Christ, that says, “the just shall live by faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

Paul was so distressed at their condition, as ones who were being led away from Christ, though they continued to confess Him and says, “You were running well. Who hindered you, not to obey the truth? This persuasion is not of the One calling you.” Galatians 5:7-8 He says, this teaching that has come to you is not of God, it has so risen to hinder you from the obedience of faith to works of law.

[Not being moved away from the hope of the gospel]: The Hope of the Gospel, is Christ died for our offences and was raised to life for our justification, that we having been forgiven of sins, might be inheritors along with those having been sanctified by faith in Him.  [Acts 26:18, Romans 4:24-25]

Paul in his letter to Corinthians, speaking against those who propagated false teachings says, “But I am afraid, lest by any means, as the serpent in his craftiness deceived Eve, your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 The devil sought to trick Adam and Eve into thinking they needed to do something to be what they were already. By the same respect, this justification through works of the flesh is intended to acquire what is already freely given to us in Christ Jesus through grace. [B.J] Therefore any effort made in the flesh to pay for what is freely given invalidates what is offered, [it invalidates grace.]

Truth is an important part of worship of God. But we like the world have taken on the view, truth to be relative, subject to our own interpretation and is not of any significance. James speaking of a falling away of a brother or sister says, “My brothers, if anyone among you might wander from the truth, and someone should bring him back, let him know that the one having brought back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20 Will save his soul from death, not his flesh but His soul, from being lost, and this he says of a believer. That is through false teachings souls can be lost. The gospel is truth, and being moved from the hope of the gospel is to wander from the truth.

Paul is speaking in of those who propagate false teachings, says of them “But avoid worldly, empty babblings, for they will lead on to more ungodliness, and their talk will have pasture to grow like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have gone astray concerning the truth, asserting the resurrection already to have taken place; and they are overthrowing the faith of some.” 2 Timothy 2:16-18 They having departed from the truth have become means by which false teaching is propagated to the point to cause others to fall. And he instructs Timothy in what manner he should conduct himself, “In gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth, and they might come to their senses out of the snare of the devil, having been captured by him for his will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26

False teaching will lead to false worship, the worship of God in vain. Jesus Speaking of those tasked to keep the law and serve God says of them, “This people honours Me with the lips, but their heart is kept far away from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Matthew 15:8-9 The vanity of their worship was a product of departure from the truth of the word of God. The implementation of manmade, conceived doctrines which leads to  meaningless, purposeless and empty worship, a prelude to a fall.

• “This testimony is true, for which cause rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish myths and [the commandments of men turning away from the truth.”] Titus 1:13-14

The problem of introducing laws for justification is one that would persist through the ages. Paul in his letter to Timothy says, “But the Spirit expressly states that in later times [some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,]  in the hypocrisy of liars, having been seared in the own conscience, forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving.” 1 Timothy 4:1-3 Here the apparent godliness represented in abstaining from foods and even abstaining from marriage, and he says these are doctrines of demons by which many are misled to depart from the faith. Here the departure from the faith is not [the cessation of belief] but the practice of religion through false doctrines. Since these also will continue to appear to worship God, though they have departed from the path, these perceived harmless  false doctrines, the traditions of men being the very noose.

Therefore being moved away from the gospel, is to be moved away from the simplicity and purity of Christ. Grace is no longer grace if works is added to it, and we are saved by grace through faith.  What we believed of Him at beginning must persist to the end.

• Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold fast to the good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved, entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One calling you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24

The point is that to be preserved blameless is conditional, [if you continue in the faith] & [are not moved from the hope of the gospel]. It is not something that happens regardless, and we do not achieve it by our own efforts, “He preserves us blameless.” Yet it requires our participation in faith, the Spirit Helps in our weakness, “For if you live according to flesh, you are about to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13 Through faith in Him working in us, we have brought our bodily deeds into subjection. Not through works of the flesh, but working with the strength He gives us, our hearts know the strength He provides, we either work with Him or we quench Him by allowing ourselves to go against our conscience.  [We do not forfeit grace, we walk by the Spirit through faith.]

Now I rejoice in the sufferings for you, and I am filling up in my flesh that which is lacking of the tribulations of Christ for His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the administration of God having been given me toward you, to complete the word of God, the mystery having been hidden for the ages and from the generations, but now having been manifested to His saints, to whom God has willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ. Unto this also I toil, striving according to His energy, working in me in power. [vs. 24-29]   

[I rejoice in the sufferings for you]:  Paul was called to minister to the Gentiles, in Galatians he says, “For the One having worked in Peter for apostleship of the circumcision, did also in me toward the Gentiles— Galatians 2:8

On this account he had to endure great sufferings in the service of the gospel of Christ. To bring this message of grace to the Gentiles, he had to be ostracised from his nation and people. He had to endure things that goes against the comfort of his flesh to bring the message of salvation. And in his letter to the Corinthians, he lists the things he had to endure for the sake of the service of the gospel of Christ, not including being beaten by the crowds in Jerusalem, the  subsequent imprisonment, shipwreck and martyrdom he has yet to suffer. 

• “I too above measure: more abundantly in labours, more abundantly in imprisonments, in beatings above measure, in deaths often. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have passed a night and a day in the deep sea; in journeying-s often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers; in perils from my own race, in perils from the Gentiles; in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness; in perils on the sea, in perils among false brothers; in labour and toil, often in watching-s; in hunger and thirst, often in fasting-s; in cold and nakedness.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-27

Yet in all these he says, “I rejoice in my suffering.” In all the conflict he encountered because the message of Christ is proclaimed, and he was able to fulfil the ministry Christ has given him.

• “Remember Jesus Christ, having been raised out from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel, in which I suffer hardship even to chains as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound! Because of this, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” 2 Timothy 2:8-10

Paul’s ministry has taken him to the forefront of the gospel. The revelation he had received in his ministry to gentiles required him to set aside the traditions of his people. If he preached grace while in observance of the law, he will compel the Gentiles to do likewise. There was no grounds for compromise for him, he had to preach the whole counsel of God, that the law has come to an end and that there is no wall of separation between Jew and Gentile. And for the truth of grace in Jesus Christ to be preached, Moses had to die. Which made him a target above all the other apostles. And these are the charges that were brought against him, “This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place; and furthermore he also brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”  [Acts 21:28]

Paul preached against circumcision, “in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor un-circumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6 He preached against the law, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans  10:4 [AND] “By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight.” Romans 3:20 Preached against [the temple, in Jerusalem], while in the law, proselytes were compelled to journey to Jerusalem to worship, in Christ such practice were no longer necessary. “You are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you.” 1 Corinthians 3:16 The final charge, though it was based on assumption, was that he brought Gentiles to the temple, and defiled it. “For He Himself is our peace, having made both one and having broken down the barrier of the partition of hostility, having annulled in His flesh the law of commandments in ordinances, so that He might create in Himself the two into one new man, making peace.” Ephesians 2:14-15

[Which is lacking of the tribulations of Christ]: The suffering of Christ is to redeem us from sin and to bring us to God. Which the Lord accomplished on the cross, in His death and resurrection. What is lacking was to bring this message of deliverance to the world. The Lord said to His disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you into the courts and they will flog you in their synagogues. And you will be brought also before governors and kings on account of Me, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” Matthew 10:16-18 These pioneers of the Lord, were to go into hostile grounds, to preach the gospel of Christ, they would have to endure sufferings battling against resistance, suffer persecution, and even pay with their lives. Filling up in their flesh, the ministry of Christ’s salvation.

• “Go, for this man is My vessel of choice to carry My name before the Gentiles, and also kings, and the sons of Israel. For I will show to him how much it behoves him to suffer for My name.” Acts 9:15-16

[To complete the word of God, the mystery]: He is saying this is the ministry given me, to fulfil the promise of God, in bringing the gentiles to the obedience of faith. This has always been God’s intention to bring both Jew and Gentiles to salvation which is in Christ. Paul in Romans gives insight to his revelation to this mystery and says, “For I declare Christ to have become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for mercy, as it has been written: “Because of this I will praise You among the Gentiles, and will I sing to Your name.” And again it says: “Rejoice you Gentiles, with His people.” Romans 15:8-10

Of this mystery which was prophesied by Isaiah yet was not yet revealed by the Holy Spirit until now, of the far reaching ministry of the Christ is, “It is too small of a thing that should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 And the Lord also had taught, saying, “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one Shepherd.” John 10:16  That the purpose of God from the very beginning has been to bring salvation to the world.

[Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory]: In Ephesians Paul demonstrates how Christ has brought those who are far and those who are near to be one under His cross. That both near and far may come to God through one Spirit. “He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, by it having slain the hostility. And having come, He proclaimed the gospel: peace to you, the ones far off, and peace to those near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Ephesians 2:16-18 

• “You are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,.. that the Gentiles are joint-heirs, and a joint-body, and joint-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus, through the gospel.” Ephesians 3:4,6

The mystery of Christ, [opinion] is that while Israel has sought to draw near to God through the law, and had served Him through the generations, the Gentiles who have not known Him are brought to the family of God through Christ, even as for Him to dwell in them. That there be no difference between the two, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

[Admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom]: To this end without making any exceptions we preach to all, Jew and Gentile alike, that all may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. And as ambassadors of Christ we persuade and implore all to be reconciled to God. 

• “How I did not shrink back from declaring to you anything being profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, earnestly testifying both to the Jewish and to Greeks repentance in God and faith in our Lord Jesus.” Acts 20:20-21

[Present every man perfect in Christ]: To the ministry of bringing salvation to all, he adds teaching that all may grow to a perfect man in Christ. In the letter to the Ephesians speaking of the purposes of the offices of the church, he says, “Toward the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all may attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12-13 The purpose of our salvation is that we may grow to be in the likeness of our Lord and Saviour which is attained through the knowledge of Him. 

[According to His energy, working in me in power]: Though Paul speaks of his tireless labour to bring all to obedience of the faith in Christ Jesus, he recognises it is the Spirit of God, working through Him. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me has not been void. Rather, I toiled more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 And acknowledges his success and competency in the ministry is the work of God, “Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, who also has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Many have laboured and studied the law, Paul himself being one of them yet has not seen the riches that were contained within until the Spirit revealed it to him.

• “For it is God, having said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” who shone in our hearts for the radiance of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing-ness of the power may be from God, and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7