Paul writes of a 'hidden mystery," a secret; that which was once silent is now vocal. He writes of something that was kept secret in previous ages, but now revealed to first-century Christians. Paul uses the word "mystery," not in the sense of the 'mystery cults' of his day, but the special calling out of peoples for God's namesake from the among the Gentiles. God's message of redemption is progressive; that is, God reveals His will and ways as man can comprehend them. In Ephesians 3: 3-5 Paul tells us what the mystery was, "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote before in few words, by which, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." Christ Jesus was to be the universal Savior, whether Jew or Gentile; this was God's plan from the beginning. John wrote (I John 2:2), Christ "is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ (Ephesians 3:6). Gromacki writes, "the best mystery is a revealed mystery. It is not what we know that counts, but who we are and Whom we have, namely Christ" (p. 83). "Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory" - this is the gospel in a nutshell. God made this revelation because He wanted to make known the blazing brightness of the truth of His love for all mankind.
"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. For this I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (verses 28,29). "Whom we preach," Paul writes emphasizing the Person, nature and work of Christ...He is Messiah-Savior-Lord. The apostle uses the phrase, 'in all wisdom,' "not necessarily speaking with brilliance or highly intelligence, but the manner of speaking. Preachers are to preach, warn and teach in a way that is believable, effective, honest and ethical" (Draper, pp. 57,58). There are two aspects of Paul's proclamation, negative and positive: (1) 'warning every man,' they were to watch out for false teachers, and (2) 'teaching every man,' giving instructions in both creed and conduct. The word 'warning' is also translated admonishing, reminding and alerting in other scriptures. Paul wanted every man he met to know Christ as Savior and then to develop into a full-grown Christian. This involved preaching, warning and teaching, what a challenge to the minister of the gospel!!
Paul spent his physical and spiritual energy to accomplish God's plan for his life. He uses the familiar words again - labor, striving, working, mightily. His striving was like an athlete, like a wrestler stretching and straining to the limit of endurance, reaching as far as he could. That's work!! "The Holy Spirit is the life giving One. But the Christian, who, like Paul, has the divine resources at work within him, always gives all that he has in the knowledge that when we work, He works with the power of heaven which cannot be resisted. Satan's power works in the unregenerate (Ephesians 3:2), but the Holy Spirit energizes the believer" (Yeager, Vol. XV, p. 40).
In these first few verses of chapter two, we have a poignant glimpse into the heart of Paul. Though he has never seen the majority of the Colossians, he still loves them; they are God's children. The good seed has been sown, and now as any good gardener would do, Paul wants to eradicate harmful weeds, so he endeavors to eradicate the pernicious weeds by pointing out false philosophy. Paul again refers to his agonizing for his Christian friends at Colosse; he struggles in prayer, longing to see them, to face the false teachers 'head-on.' Nothing else is left to do but pray and struggle in mind; Paul is facing trial before Nero and almost certain death. These Gnostics were spreading their evil influence in the area. They believed that evil was coeternal and coexistent with God, and concluded that since God is a Spirit, matter is the opposite, and therefore, evil. This led to the harmful conclusion that since Jesus had a material body He could not be God because He was matter and evil. Furthermore, Paul counters the Gnostics' knowledge and informs the Christians at Colosse that they have superior knowledge; he seeks to inform the Colossians that instead of their being inferior in wisdom and knowledge to the know-it-all Gnostics, it was the other way around. The superior knowledge of the child of God, however, is not something for which he can take personal credit. It is the gift of God's grace and the 'excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus...' (Philippians 3:8) (Yeager, Vol XV, p. 42).
Paul seeks, through this letter, to comfort, or as many of the versions translate the word 'encourage' his readers or even 'strengthen' them. After all the Holy Spirit is the Helper or Strengthener of all Christians, and through Paul's prayers they can be strengthened by the Spirit. He also prays that they will be 'knit together,' united or melted together in love. Love is the sphere in which encouragement operates; love truly unites hearts. Paul encourages the Colossians by telling them that they can understand the mystery of God and Christ because He has endowed them with this superior knowledge. This is full and complete knowledge or spiritual comprehension. The Gnostics have inferior knowledge; the knowledge of Christ is hidden from them because the 'god of this world has blinded their eyes.' Our Lord is the central figure in this divine mystery; His incarnation deity and humanity unite in a union which is mysterious. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world, received up into glory" so writes Paul (I Timothy 3:16). This precept is not discovered by worldly philosophy but accepted by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
"In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (verses 3-5). In Christ are hidden all wisdom and understanding. They are not hidden, however, in the sense of remaining forever out of sight or reach. They are hidden in Him to be revealed through Him. The pretended mysteries of the false teachers were only for a few favored souls; God's mystery, Christ, is openly unveiled for all those who have quickened minds to perceive the truth (McDonald, p. 71). All the goals Paul has in mind for the Colossians are in Christ where the true philosophical and scientific treasures are hidden. The ideal Christian journey begins in child-like faith (Matthew 11:25,26), and he spends the remainder of his life searching out the treasures of wisdom and knowledge which he finds in Christ.
The basic attack of all false systems throughout history has been to deny Christ's deity or His ability to save and sanctify believers. Paul urges the Colossians - don't let anyone talk you round with plausible arguments; they will try to delude, deceive, lead astray from the right path. These 'enticing words' are like the persuasive power of a lawyer's arguments enabling a criminal to escape just punishment. After all, Antichrist and his workers talk big and sophisticated. They use big words and employ cunning approaches which may delude the unwary Christian. To have the Lord Jesus Christ and to explore the full meaning of His reconciling work is to be armed against the Gnostics. The Colossians need not be tricked or deluded by the seductive speech of these false teachers. Beguiling talk and persuasive speech should not sway them from the path to peace and holiness which is in Christ Jesus. Those of us who are enlightened watch with fascination the headlong rush into hell of the world that feeds us, employs us and tries to seduce us. The strong Christian will not be deceived or duped by Satan and his ungodly tactics.
That is the reason Paul admonishes the Colossians to order and steadfastness. These are military words. The church should be like an ordered army, rank upon rank with every man in his appointed place, ready and willing to obey the word of command. He is in the army of a group that are a solid bulwark and an immovable phalanx. As long as the Colossians hold firmly to Christ Jesus, even the temptations of the false teachers cannot endanger their status with Christ; they will remain steadfast and strong. Yeager states that even though Paul was not in Colosse in person, he was there in spirit. He rejoiced because he was hearing the good reports that the Colossian Christians had not deserted the ranks of Christian warfare (Ibid., p. 51). * * * * * * * * * * *
The existence of a specifically Jewish gnosis in the first century is becoming clearer as the result
of the recent discovery and research of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It sought to undermine the basic
Christian doctrines of creation and of the incarnation and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ
(Bruce, p. 229).
Paul uses three participles in verse 7 - 'rooted,' 'built up,' and 'established.' The Colossians were already 'rooted' in Christ; because of their original conversion experience they will be victorious in walking with Him. This word (rooted) is peculiar to Paul, found only in Ephesians 3:17 and in our text and may be referred to as a botanical term. They are 'rooted' deep like a sturdy tree and firmly anchored. Secondly, they are 'built up' like a house erected on a strong and sure foundation. These words, too, (built up) are Pauline words found in I Corinthians 3:10,12, 14 and Ephesians 4:20. These words are found in Jude 20 where the writer admonishes the readers "building yourselves on your most holy faith." Metaphorically, the Christian having accepted Christ is to now go on to build a life of ethical achievement; to grow in grace. Epaphras had seen to that by his doctrinal instructions imparted to the Colossians. Thirdly, they were 'established' in the faith. This word (established) is found eight times in the New Testament (Mark 16:20; Romans 15:8; I Corinthians 1:6,8; II Corinthians 1:21; Hebrews 2:3; 13:9, and in our text). It is translated 'confirm' five times and 'established' three times. It simply means to 'make firm' and 'sure.' The Colossians were to reach onward, downward and upward, but no backward move must be contemplated, let alone be taken.
The Colossians were admonished to 'abound in thanksgiving.' Lightfoot put it this way, "Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works." We are to tell in words and show in life our gratitude to God for all He has done for us. Praise completes the circle in which the blessings that flow to us from God return to Him in the form of our praise and adoration. "By (Christ), therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thinks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).
The 'vain deceit' to which Paul refers here may be from two sources: (1) tradition passed down one to another; of course, tradition can be correct or incorrect. Bad tradition 'encrusted' the Word of God with many customs, rituals, and teachings contrary to God's Word (Mark 7:5-9), and (2) probably some false belief system comparable to abandoning biblical truths for empty philosophy (returning to kindergarten after earning a doctorate). The rudiments are childish things, the ABC's of the world's empty things. Paul warned the Galatians of these very deceptive deeds (Galatians 4:3-9). The 'rudiments of the world' and traditions of men were evidently a matter of empty sham, of idle fancy or silly trifling even of abstract thought only. "Satan's philosophy, if we listen to and accept it, seduces Christians and leads them down the primrose path" (Op. cit.)
In Christ, the Colossians and every child of God is 'complete' or filled full with the present result that we are in a state of fulness. We are complete "like a ship fully rigged, and equipped for the voyage. So it is applicable to the Christian voyaging forth on the ocean of life. "In Him" - Christ is the Captain in charge of the vessel; the Chart of the Word, to be consulted daily; the Compass of the conscience, regulated, educated by the Word; the Commissariat food for the journey from the stores of the Word; the Crew of our fellow-travelers; the Conquest of His indwelling presence and power" (King, p. 60). Christ Jesus is the Head, the Supreme Commander of all lesser authorities, be they angels, demons or politicians; furthermore, He is supreme over earthly dignitaries and VIP's.
In Christ the circumcision of the flesh is meaningless; the Christian has a circumcision that is not made by the operation of man's hands. Abbot says, "The new birth of the heart is Christian circumcision." It is not the rite but the reality, not the physical transaction but the spiritual transformation is what matters. True circumcision consists in the putting off the body of the flesh. The word "put off" means "stripped quite off." The whole body of flesh is removed (MacDonald, p. 81,82). Paul wants the Colossians to imitate Christ by 'putting off' or making a complete clean break with the past life. "Putting off" - is a metaphor - disrobing or stripping off unwelcome garments (3:9). The distinguishing features of this higher circumcision are threefold: (1) it is not external but inward, wrought by the Spirit, (2) the whole body of carnal affections is prominent, and (3) it is a circumcision of Christ and not of Moses or the patriarchs. Thus, it is distinguished as regards to its character, its extent and its author (Barclay, pp. 204,205). False teachers taught that regardless of how bad or good a man, circumcision would make him right with God and man. The Christian's circumcision in Christ destroyed the entire body of sin, not merely the prepuce.
Where does baptism fit into the picture here? In baptism the believer is identified with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. As the believer sinks beneath the baptismal waters, he buries there all his old corrupt affections and past sins; he emerges, he arises regenerate, quickened to new hopes and a new life (Lightfoot). Of course the symbol is not the reality. The true circumcision of the heart is the reality. The burial of Christ might be viewed as setting the seal upon His death, and symbolizing His descent to the realm of the dead (Ephesians 4:9,10). His own baptism in Jordan was a symbolic anticipation of this descent into death and Sheol (Mark 10:38,39; Luke 12:50).
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and, having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (verses 13-15). Man was dead in sin, utterly defeated by sin, and powerless to break the chains of sin. Only Christ can liberate and emancipate. The saving and atoning power of Christ only can make an uncircumcised Gentile acceptable to God. This death is that of moral and spiritual lifelessness. The Colossians were once dead; now they are alive in Christ. Spiritual death means devoid of any sense, unable to respond to spiritual stimuli, just as physical death means that the individual is unable to respond to physical stimuli.
MacDonald gives the characteristics of God's wonderful forgiveness in these six ways: (1) it is gracious, a free gift, unearned (Romans 3:24; Titus 3:4-7), (2) it is complete; greater than sin (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:20; I John 2:12), (3) it is eagerly imparted (Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11; Psalm 86:5), (4) it is absolutely certain (Acts 26:18), (5) it is unequaled (Micah 7:18) and (6) it is motivating (Ephesians 4:32) (p. 111). This forgiveness is possible because of God's grace. F.J. Van Alstyne wrote, "Down in the human heart/Crushed by the tempter/Feelings lie buried that grace can restore."
Man's soul has been wiped clean of the charges listed against it that were based on the ordinances of the law. God blotted out or wiped out the charge list and indictment. Herein is a beautiful illustration - sometimes to save paper a scribe would blot out or 'sponge off' papyrus that had been previously written on. Ancient ink, which did not soak into the paper, could be wiped clean away (Isaiah 43:25;44:22). This illustrated God's amazing mercy, banished from the record of our sins so completely that it was as if it had never been (somewhat like erasing a chalkboard). All our sins gone without a trace, not a trace remained. God's indictment against us was crucified or executed on the Cross. Dargan says, "the canceled bond is nailed to Christ's cross. Beautiful figure. The Savior was nailed to the cross and with Him our condemnation under the law. It was crucified and knows no resurrection" (p. 34).
"By assuming our human nature, Christ became subject to the assaults of evil which hung about Him like a poisoned cloak." Christ has defeated them and divested Himself of their attack. He stripped away their rule and showed them up for what they were - usurpers and tyrants, domineering over human beings and making them a plaything of fate and iron necessity in subservience of an astrological cult (MacDonald, p. 87). The word 'spoiled' means stripped or robbed of their power to injure. The 'principalities and powers' are identified as the evil spirits. Why worship rulers and authorities? They are defeated and humiliated beings. In His work on the cross, Jesus canceled the believer's debt and defeated Satan and all his fallen angels (Romans 8: 37-39). Like a victor in battle stripped the opponent of weapons and armor, so Jesus Christ has stripped all powers and authorities (be they angels, elemental spirits or demons - hostile, malicious, malignant to men), Jesus Christ has conquered them forever. Jesus has once and for all broken their power. "Paul thinks of Jesus as a triumphant conqueror, enjoying a kind of cosmic triumph; and in His triumphal procession are the powers of evil, beaten forever, for everyone to see" (Barclay, pp. 171,172). In this vivid picture Paul sets out the total adequacy of the work of Jesus Christ; Satan, the highest accuser, was overcome.