Questions tagged [colossians]
Questions about Paul's letter to the church in Colossae.
135
questions
23
votes
6
answers
43k
views
Was "Τετέλεσται" actually stamped on paid bills and debt certificates in the first century?
I've often heard some really cool explanations around the meaning for the greek word Τετέλεσται in the New Testament where Jesus said, "It is Finished". I love what I've heard, and have even preached ...
- 409
22
votes
4
answers
43k
views
What does the term "principalities and powers" mean?
In some translations, I see the term "principalities and powers." To what does this refer?
This will not be exhaustive, but for example, consider the KJV's translation of Romans 8:38-39:
For I am ...
- 363
21
votes
15
answers
7k
views
In Colossians 1:24 what "is lacking in Christ's afflictions" according to Paul?
In Colossians 1:24, I read:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church (ESV)
...
- 36.2k
16
votes
16
answers
19k
views
What does John 1:3 mean by "through" logos 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 ...
user12024
14
votes
4
answers
5k
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 ...
- 5,913
11
votes
7
answers
8k
views
What does "reconciling all things" mean in Colossians 1:20?
In Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) we read:
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by ...
- 36.2k
11
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Does Luke's supposed profession matter when interpreting his work as an author?
Paul makes reference to a physician named Luke:
Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.—Colossians 4:14 (ESV)
Tradition also assigns Luke as author of the gospel that bears its ...
- 4,952
9
votes
6
answers
8k
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, ...
9
votes
7
answers
4k
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 ...
- 868
9
votes
5
answers
289
views
Shouldn't Christ be the subject of Colossians 1:19?
ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ εὐδόκησεν πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα κατοικῆσαι
In Colossians 1:19 there is no noun or pronoun in the nominative to specify the subject of the aorist active indicative "εὐδόκησεν." Since &...
- 3,513
8
votes
7
answers
2k
views
What does "image" mean in "He is the image of the invisible God", Colossians 1:15?
Colossians 1:15
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation". ESV
1 Peter 2:24
"He himself bore our sins in his body".
If a coin has someone's head on ...
- 8,171
8
votes
2
answers
8k
views
Psalms, Hymns, Songs: What are the meanings of these words Biblically?
Verses in Question
Let the word of Christ 18 dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace 19 in your hearts to ...
- 10.3k
8
votes
2
answers
2k
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 ...
- 325
8
votes
2
answers
283
views
What restrictions would Paul have been preaching against in Colossians 2?
Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV)
20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 "Do not handle, Do not ...
user146
8
votes
4
answers
826
views
What does it mean that "it pleased the Father" for "all the fullness" to dwell in Jesus (Colossians 1:19, NKJV)?
Colossians 1:19 states (NKJV):
For it pleased [the Father that] in Him all the fullness should dwell.
Now, the New King James Version supplies "the Father," but to my knowledge, most ...
- 1,471
8
votes
7
answers
2k
views
What does it mean for Christ to be 'firstborn from the dead'?
Col 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the
beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come
to have first place in everything.
We need to establish 2 things. ...
- 6,836
7
votes
3
answers
227
views
Col 2:15 - Was the triumph over them "in him" or "in it"
Within what/who were the rulers and authorities triumphed over?
Here is an example of the two version showing different options:
English Standard Version
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and ...
- 3,513
7
votes
2
answers
363
views
What is the basis for translating Colossians 1:27-28 to “in union with Christ” and what are the theological implications?
Colossians 1:27-28 NWT: “But now it has been made manifest to his holy ones, to whom God has been pleased to make known what are the glorious riches of this sacred secret in union with you, the hope ...
- 8,426
7
votes
4
answers
4k
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 ...
- 73
7
votes
3
answers
181
views
Does Colossians 1:16 represent the creation of a sub-set of things within the universe?
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by ...
- 3,277
7
votes
2
answers
585
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 ...
- 981
7
votes
1
answer
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 ...
- 1,319
6
votes
10
answers
826
views
What does it mean that Jesus is before all things (Colossians 1:17)?
Colossians 1:17:
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [ESV]
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [KJV]
17 He is before all things, and in Him ...
user38524
6
votes
4
answers
7k
views
Meaning of στοιχεῖον (stoicheion)
What does Paul mean by the word στοιχεῖον, and in particular the phrase τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου? Here is a list of occurrences of the word in the New Testament. Feel free to respond concerning the ...
- 10.3k
6
votes
1
answer
312
views
In Colossians 1:25 how best might "οἰκονομίαν" be translated?
Οἰκονομία is often glossed stewardship; the UBS 4th edition Greek New Testament renders it management of a household in the glossary. However, I find it is often difficult to translate in a sentence. ...
- 10.3k
6
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Meaning of "Body of Flesh" in Colossians 2:11
In Colossians 2:11, what does Paul mean by τοῦ σώματος τῆς σαρκός? Paul uses σάρξ to refer to the body or the physical far less than John, and it is clear that isn't what he's referring to here: the ...
- 10.3k
6
votes
2
answers
2k
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 ...
- 1,296
6
votes
5
answers
172
views
When did Jesus disarm rulers and authorities?
“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”
Colossians 2:15
What instance is Paul referring to here?
- 3,818
6
votes
3
answers
12k
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)...
user862
6
votes
5
answers
349
views
Is the fullness in Colossians 1:19 necessarily the same as the fullness in Colossians 2:9?
19 Because in Him, it was well-pleased for all the fullness to dwell, 20 And through Him to reconcile completely all unto Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross- through Him- ...
- 3,513
5
votes
10
answers
3k
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, ...
- 22.9k
5
votes
7
answers
4k
views
What does "hidden" mean in Colossians 3:3?
Colossians 3:3 "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God". ESV.
The truth that the Christian's life is hidden with Christ appears matched with the other side of the coin, ...
- 8,171
5
votes
3
answers
270
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.
19 ...
- 392
5
votes
3
answers
271
views
Greek question Colossians 1:23
Looking at Colossians 1:23, specifically:
which was preached to every creature under heaven (KJV & NKJV)
has been proclaimed (ESV)
It looks like most translations translate "κηρύσσω - ...
- 357
5
votes
4
answers
697
views
Colossians 1:20 reconciling "things in heaven"
I am aware of the other question on this site regarding this verse, but this one is slightly different, see: What does "reconciling all things" mean in Colossians 1:20?
Yet, I want to ...
- 3,196
5
votes
5
answers
317
views
What is Jesus being credited with here? Col 1:16
Considering the significance of the phrases, "on the earth", and "in heaven", and the words, "through him and for him", what is Jesus being credited with here - if ...
- 6,836
5
votes
8
answers
792
views
Are Christians being licensed not to keep the Sabbath according to Colossians 2:16-17, Romans 14:5-8 and Acts 15?
Is Paul giving Christians license to omit Sabbath observance in Colossians 2:16-17 and Romans 14:5-8? Is this corroborated by Acts 15?
Below the passages:
Colossians 2:16-17
16 Therefore let no one ...
user38524
5
votes
2
answers
221
views
Who Demands a Ransom?
Col 1:14 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Redemption , from the Greek ‘apolytrōsis, (‘Strongs Lexicon: G729- Liberation procured by the payment of a ransom’...
- 7,813
5
votes
3
answers
63
views
Were the commands, concerning clean/unclean meats, from God or man?
Leviticus 11:1 – Starts with… "1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron: 2 “Tell the Israelites: You may eat all these kinds of land animals" then goes on to give a detailed list of which animals ...
- 51
5
votes
2
answers
88
views
All Creation under Heaven?
Col 1:23(ISV)
However, you must remain firmly established and steadfast in the faith, without being moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature ...
- 1,836
5
votes
7
answers
1k
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 ...
- 5,529
5
votes
6
answers
9k
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 ...
- 36.2k
5
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What is meant by "these are a shadow of the things to come" in Colossians 2:16-17?
Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV):
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to ...
user38524
5
votes
2
answers
148
views
Does 1 Corinthians 15:49 show we are not currently in God’s image?
We know from Genesis that we are created in God's image.
Genesis 1:26: Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness"
Genesis 1:27: So God created mankind in his ...
- 6,836
5
votes
3
answers
332
views
Colossians 1:17 Perfect Tense - What did the "all things" do and when?
In Col 1:17, συνέστηκεν is in the perfect tense. However, it seems very common for translations like NIV to treat συνέστηκεν as if it were present in tense:
"He is before all things, and in him ...
- 3,513
5
votes
0
answers
1k
views
What does "baptism now saves you" mean in 1 Peter 3:21 [duplicate]
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 ...
- 830
5
votes
3
answers
4k
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 ...
- 794
4
votes
7
answers
1k
views
Colossians 2:5 I am present with you in spirit. Is this literal or metaphor?
Romans 8:9
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Romans 8:9 is true ...
user35953
4
votes
4
answers
395
views
Buried with Him by/in baptism - Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12
Romans 6:4 (ESV),
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
...
- 2,193
4
votes
4
answers
483
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 Sirach ...
- 1,340