Publisher's Synopsis
Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian believers to combat a complex mixture of heresy that threatened the life of the church. The Colossian heresy blended together some elements of Christianity with Jewish legalism, Greek philosophical speculation and Oriental mysticism. This joining of religions together in exotic hybrids is happening today in both eastern and western countries with the increasing "globalization" of religion. Consequently, Paul's words are of great significance to today's church around the world. In Colossians, Paul highlights the divine Person and creative and redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. His answer to the false teachings is very simple - the Person of Jesus! The Christian life is Jesus Christ. Nothing is higher or more important than Him. There is no other way to the deep things of God. Jesus is preeminent and all-sufficient. In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Only through the apprehension of Jesus - in experienced union and fellowship with Him - will these treasures ever be revealed. He, truly, is all we need. In Him is the fullness of the Godhead, and we are complete in Him. We need no path to holiness or spiritual maturity other than inward union with Christ.
