INTRODUCTION

(JESUS IS THE ROOT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD) 'For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.' (Key Verse, 2:9) Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, whom he had not met in person (1:1-2; 2:1; 4:13). Paul likely wrote it circa A.D. 60-62 during his first imprisonment in Rome (Ac 28:16-31; Col 4:3,18). Colossae was a city located in modern day Turkey, 100 miles east of Ephesus (12 miles east of Laodicea, which was 9 miles from Hierapolis). These churches had been started by Epaphras (1:7), who might have been converted through Paul's ministry in Ephesus (Ac 19:10). Epaphras visited Paul in Rome and shared with him the spiritual condition of the churches (4:12). False teachers had introduced heresies into the churches, claiming that Jesus was not enough for their salvation, thus denying that Jesus is the only way. They emphasized things like worldly philosophy that was hollow and deceptive (2:4,8), Jewish ceremonialism (2:11,16-17), angel worship (2:18-19), and asceticism (2:21,23). Paul emphasized the supremacy of Christ, who is the fullness of God (1:18-19; 2:9-10). He wrote to encourage the believers in heart and unite them in love so that they could have the full riches of complete understanding to know the mystery of God (2:2). Our situation and time are very similar to the Christians in Colossae. There seems to be no absolute truth in the world. Relativism and pluralism are abounding. Young people are spiritually confused by human ideas and fine-sounding arguments, wondering if Jesus really is the only way. Through this study, may we know the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ and be rooted and built up in him (2:7).

First, greetings, thanksgivings and prayers (1-12). Paul in chains wrote to the church of Colossae pioneered by Epaphras in around AD 60. Paul had nothing to thank for his situations in prison but he thanked God for the gospel that spread among the Colossians to have faith, love and hope in Jesus bearing fruit throughout the whole world. Therefore, Paul kept praying for them; to know God's will; to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; to have great endurance and patience and give joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance in the kingdom of light. Second, Jesus our redeemer (13-14). All his thanks came from Jesus. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness. He brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In Jesus we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Application: Lord, thank you for your redemption, the forgiveness of our sins and for qualifying us to inherit your kingdom in spite of us.
One Word: Jesus our redeemer