Questions tagged [colossians]
Questions about Paul's letter to the church in Colossae.
62
questions
3
votes
4answers
80 views
What are the “things above, where Christ is seated” as said in Colossians 3:1-2?
What are the "things above, where Christ is seated" as said in
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the
things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right ...
3
votes
9answers
197 views
What does “baptism now saves you” mean in 1 Peter 3:21
What does baptism now saves you mean in
1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the
removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good
conscience—through the ...
3
votes
2answers
100 views
Why do many English translations of Colossians 1:29 not translate the Greek word “KAI”?
Col 1:29 εις ο και κοπιω αγωνιζομενος κατα την ενεργειαν αυτου την ενεργουμενην εν εμοι εν δυναμει
Is there any good reason why the 'kai' is ommitted in so many modern English translations? For ...
0
votes
2answers
61 views
In 1 Corinthians 9:9;13 why does Paul quote the Torah for justifying fiscal support from the church?
All quotes from the NASB
In canvassing for fiscal support from the church the apostle Paul quotes the Torah to buttress his narrative
1 Corinthians 9:9-10
[9]For it is written in the Law of ...
1
vote
1answer
30 views
Why do the NASB translators add the word 'mere' in Colossians 2:17?
Colossians 2 NASB
[17]things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
Colossians 2 NKJV
17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of ...
4
votes
4answers
107 views
Colossians 1:6 - translating the present active participle παροντος as past tense
I noticed this morning the construction of Col 1:5-6
τω λογω της αληθειας του ευαγγελιου του παροντος εις υμας
I am curious why all my English translations have some variant of 'which has come to ...
-2
votes
3answers
188 views
Did Paul indicate in Ephesians 1:3 and Colossians 1:13 that he was writing from Heaven? [closed]
The brilliant, learned and compassionate Goethe and Nobel Prize winning Dr. Albert Schweitzer, in his book "The Search for the Historical Jesus" concluded that Jesus' prophecies concerning his visible ...
1
vote
1answer
55 views
What is the textual evidence for 'of the sins' in Colossians 2:11?
Please Note : This is a question about the TR, not about the Westcott and Hort text or the Nestle Aland text.
Stephens, Beza, Elzevir and Scrivener all include των αμαρτιων 'of the sins' in the text ...
2
votes
3answers
244 views
What does 'translated' mean in Hebrews 11:5 and Colossians 1:13?
The words μετατιθημι and μεταθεσις are used in Hebrews 11:5 and are rendered as follows in the KJV :
By faith Enoch was translated (μετατιθημι) that he should not see death; and was not found, ...
1
vote
1answer
27 views
Can εις αυτον mean 'to itself' in Colossians 1:20?
οτι εν αυτω ευδοκησεν παν το πληρωμα κατοικησαικαι δι αυτου αποκαταλλαξαι τα παντα εις αυτον
(Colossians 1:19 and 20a - TR - Stephens, Beza, Elzevir and Scrivener all identical.)
The literal ...
4
votes
4answers
136 views
What does “in one body ” mean in Colossians 3:15?
Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Now, according to Meyer's NT Commentary, "in one body" means: ...
2
votes
4answers
838 views
What was nailed to the cross in Colossians 2:14?
Colossians 2:14 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, ...
2
votes
1answer
927 views
Based on the Greek word ‘prōtotokos’ in Colossians 1:13, does “firstborn” mean “first created”? [duplicate]
If Jesus was the first created, as some people claim, surely the Greek word ‘protoktistos’ would have been used instead – or is my information incorrect? I do not pretend to understand Greek and so I ...
2
votes
1answer
42 views
Does Paul thank God for the faith and love of the Colossians or for the hope laid in heaven?
In Colossians 1:3-5, Paul writes of his thanks to God (ESV translation):
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus ...
2
votes
2answers
227 views
Colossians 3:5 - akatharsía means heresy?
http://biblehub.com/greek/167.htm
'Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. '
Colossians 3:5
...
4
votes
1answer
85 views
What is the significance of μέρει in Colossians 2:16?
Μὴ οὖν τις ὑμᾶς κρινέτω ἐν βρώσει καὶ ἐν πόσει ἢ ἐν μέρει ἑορτῆς ἢ νεομηνίας ἢ σαββάτων, NA27
The list of items in which not to allow yourselves to be judged is delimited by ἐν: «ἐν βρώσει...ἐν πόσει....
7
votes
4answers
3k views
In Colossians 1:15, what does “firstborn of every creature” mean?
I was studying passages on the Bible about Jesus and its origin. One verse is, to me, somewhat hard to understand (Colossians 1:15, in King James version):
Who is the image of the invisible God, ...
3
votes
1answer
150 views
Why do some translations use “every creature” in Colossians 1:15?
Colossians 1:15: ὅς ἐστιν εἰκὼν τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου,
πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως (NA28). Some translations render "πάσης κτίσεως" as "every creature" most as "all creation."
Who is the image of the ...
1
vote
7answers
9k views
What does the word “prototokos” mean in Colossians 1:15?
What does the Greek word "prototokos" mean in English as used in Colossians 1:15?
Col 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn [prōtotokos] over all creation. [NIV]
...
10
votes
15answers
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What does John 1:3 mean by “through” Jesus everything is made?
Do any parts of the Bible definitively claim that everything is made by Jesus?
I have read already that some people say that Colossians 1:16 does not mean Jesus was the agent of creation, but of his ...
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votes
2answers
139 views
How can we reconcile Colossians 4:11 & Titus 1:10?
Colossians 4:11(KJV)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
Titus 1:10 (...
1
vote
0answers
230 views
what is the mystery of Christ in Colossians 4:3? [duplicate]
Colossians 4:3 (KJV)
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
What was the mystery of Christ that ...
2
votes
3answers
228 views
What has value against self-indulgence in Col 2:23?
Colossians 2:23 (HCSB)
Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence. ...
0
votes
2answers
338 views
Sharing of Paul epistles amongst churches
In Colossians 4:16, Paul explicitely instructs the sharing of epistles between the Laodiceans and Colossians:
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also
in the church ...
0
votes
2answers
536 views
In Colossians 2:20-23, is the author of Colossians saying that precepts from the Torah are of human origin?
In Colossians 2:20-23, is the author of Colossians saying that precepts from the Torah are of human origin?:
ISV
Col 2:20 If you have died with the Messiah to the basic principles of
the world,...
0
votes
1answer
163 views
Did the author of Colossians know Paul’s Epistle to Philemon?
The majority of critical scholars now believe that Colossians was written in Paul’s name decades after his death. Are the parallels between Colossians 4:14-17 and Philemon 23-24 sufficient evidence ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
In Colossians 1:16, what is the meaning of the phrase “in him” (ἐν αὐτῷ)?
Sorry if this seems like a really simple question but this always confuses me. For example Colossians 1:16:
For it was in Him that all things were created.
Would it mean the same thing if the word ...
6
votes
6answers
501 views
'In all the world' - are Matthew 24:14 & Colossians 1:6 talking about the same scope?
"This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations. And then the end will come." - Matthew 24:14 (HCSB)
καὶ κηρυχθήσεται τοῦτο τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς ...
6
votes
2answers
294 views
What is known about the letter to the Laodiceans mentioned in Colossians 4:16?
Paul references a letter to the Laodiceans in his epistle to the Colossians:
And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the
church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also ...
4
votes
1answer
281 views
Is it necessary to assert that Paul has never been to Colossae when this letter is written?
Commentaries and NT introductions all like to state that Paul has never been to Colossae. It is generally founded in this passage:
Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I ...
2
votes
1answer
219 views
In Colossians 3:23, what is the meaning of «ἐκ ψυχῆς» and the distinction between «ποιῆτε» and «ἐργάζεσθε»?
The Greek text of Col. 3:23 according to the Textus Receptus states,
ΚΓʹ καὶ πᾶν ὃ τι ἐὰν ποιῆτε ἐκ ψυχῆς ἐργάζεσθε ὡς τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις TR, 1550
What does «ἐκ ψυχῆς» mean in this context?...
1
vote
1answer
454 views
What does the 'body of flesh' mean in Colossians 2:11?
and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without
hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision
of Christ;
Colossians 2:11 (NASB)
When you came ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
What does 'love in the Spirit' mean in Colossians 1:8?
and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
Colossians 1:8 (ESV)
What does 'love in the Spirit' means in Colossians 1:8?
0
votes
2answers
656 views
What is the difference between the indwelling of God in Christians and the indwelling of the Godhead in Christ?
for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,
Colossians 2:9 (ASV)
and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be
filled unto all the fulness of God.
...
4
votes
2answers
10k views
Who are “the sons of disobedience” in Colossians 3:6?
If this variant represents the original text, then who are "the sons of disobedience" (τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας, tous huious tēs apeitheias) in Colossians 3:6?
NA28:
δι᾿ ἃ ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ ...
3
votes
2answers
594 views
Colossians 2:16 speaks of holy days, festivals or weekly sabbaths?
LITV says
Then do not let anyone judge you in eating, or in drinking, or in part of a feast, or of a new moon, or of sabbaths,
GW says clearly
weekly worship days.
for "Sabbath." However, ...
7
votes
6answers
3k views
In Colossians 1:27, what is the meaning of “this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”?
In Col. 1:24-29, it is written,
24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is ...
12
votes
5answers
2k views
What does the Greek word θεότητος in Colossians 2:9 mean?
The Greek word θεότητος is translated differently in English Bibles:
Colossians 2:9
New Living Translation For in Christ lives all the fullness of God
in a human body.
New American ...
3
votes
3answers
165 views
Why doesn't St. Paul use LOVE for each of the members, when he lays out the Rules for a Christian Households [Col 3:18-20]?
In laying out Rules for a Christian Households, St. Paul says in:
Colossians 3:18-20 (RSVCE)
Rules for Christian Households
18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
...
4
votes
4answers
279 views
Is Colossians 1:17 an allusion to Sirach 43:26?
Sirach 43:26 (KJV) “By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his word all things consist.”
Colossians 1:17 (KJV) “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
Is ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Defining Idolatry according to Col 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Col 3:5 ESV)
According to this verse in the Greek is ...
3
votes
1answer
256 views
What is the Godhead? [duplicate]
Colossians 2:9 (DARBY):
For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
What is meant here by Godhead?
Does Godhead composed of Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit)?
4
votes
3answers
2k views
“Slave” vs. “servant” in Colossians [duplicate]
The translators of the NET note for Colossians 1:7 and 4:12,
The Greek word translated “fellow slave” is σύνδουλος (sundoulo"); the σύν- prefix here denotes association. Though δοῦλος is normally ...
1
vote
2answers
355 views
Is Paul communicating that all their future sins were forgiven in Colossians 2:13-14?
Exegetically, without bringing theology to the text, is Paul stating that all their sins, including future sins were forgiven in Colossians 2:13-14? Would the recipients of this letter understand "...
1
vote
1answer
287 views
Were the household tables in Peter and Paul counter-cultural in their day?
The household tables in Paul's letters and in 1 Peter pair up sets of people:
Wives submit to your husbands : Husbands love your wives
Children obey your fathers : Fathers don't exasperate your ...
2
votes
3answers
813 views
What is the origin of the household tables?
The household tables in Colossians 3:18-4:1, in Ephesians 5:21-6:9, and in 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 all have a distinct rhetorical form bearing resemblance to one another. The general form seems to be:
A[1], ...
5
votes
3answers
9k views
What does it mean when it says that Christ is “the head of the body”?
In Gen. 2:23, we see that Chavva (Eve) was taken out of Adam, built from his rib, and concerning her, Adam said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called "Woman" (Ishah)...
6
votes
1answer
2k views
How sure can we be that Archippus was a church leader?
Paul twice mentions Archippus. In Philemon he is a fellow soldier, and, in Colossians, he has some sort of ministry to fulfill.
Colossians 4:17 "Say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which ...
2
votes
1answer
92 views
Why does the household table in Colossians spend so long on slaves?
In the household table in Colossians 3:18-4:1, almost half the words are directed towards slaves. This seems significant, especially since in the house table in Ephesians it is much more even (perhaps ...
6
votes
5answers
4k views
In Colossians 2:18 what is the “worship of angels”?
In Colossians 2:18, Paul warns his readers, "Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize" (NIV emphasis mine). Of course, that it is in the ...
