PREFACE ΤΟ THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. COLOSSE was an ancient and populous city of the Greater Phrygia, an inland country in the Lesser Asia. It was situated near the place where the river Lycus begins to run under ground, before it falls into the river Meander, now called Meinder. Laodicea and Hierapolis, mentioned chap. iv. 13 of this epistle, were also cities in the same country, situated not far from Colosse, and in them also there were Christian churches at the time this epistle was written. Of these cities, Laodicea was the greatest, being the metropolis of Phrygia; but Colosse, though. inferior in rank to Laodicea, was, however, a large and wealthy city, in which the Christian church was probably more considerable than those in Laodicea and Hierapolis, on account of the number and quality of its members; and therefore it merited the peculiar attention which the apostle paid to it in writing this excellent epistle to its members. It is remarkable that, according to Eusebius, these three cities were buried in ruins by an earthquake, about A. D. 66, a year or two after the writing of this epistle. It has generally been supposed, though St. Paul resided at Ephesus no less than three years, and preached in divers parts of the Lesser Asia, and even in many parts of Phrygia, yet that he had never been in Colosse, but that the Colossians received the gospel by the preaching of Epaphras, who was with St. Paul when he wrote this epistle. This opinion, however, has been much controverted of late, and Dr. Lardner and Dr. Macknight in particular have endeavoured to prove that the churches of Christ, both at Colosse and Laodicea, were founded by Paul. The reader will not expect the arguments which they urge in favour of that opinion to be stated, or a controversy of so little importance to be introduced here. Those who wish for information on the subject, must be referred to the works of those divines; which, when they have consulted, they will probably be of Mr. Scott's mind, "that the evidence against the apostle's having been at Colosse is far stronger than any which has been adduced on the affirmative side of the question." It has been observed in the preface to the epistle to the Ephesians, that there is a great similarity between that epistle and this, both with respect to their subject matter, and the very form of the expression; and that there is great reason to suppose they were both written at the same time, and sent together by Tychicus, who, however, was attended by Onesimus when he delivered this to the Colossians, Col. iv. 9. Upon maturely considering the contents of this epistle, we shall see reason to conclude that, at the time when the apostle wrote it, the Colossian believers were in danger of being seduced from the simple and genuine doctrine of Christ, by persons who strove to blend Judaism, and even heathen superstitions, with Christianity, pretending that God, because of his great majesty, was not to be approached except by the mediation of angels, and that there were certain rites and ceremonies, chiefly borrowed from the law, whereby these angels may be made our friends. The apostle, therefore, in this epistle, with great propriety, warns the Colossians against vain philosophy and Jewish ceremonies, and demonstrates the excellence of Christ, the knowledge of whom he shows to be more important than all other knowledge, and so entire and perfect, that no other was necessary for a Christian. He proves also that Christ is above all angels, who are only his servants; and that, being reconciled to God through him, we have free access to him in all our necessities. It is justly observed by Professor Franck, that the controversy treated of in this epistle was the principal one in the apostolic age, and therefore engaged the special attention of this apostle of the Gentiles: and his discussion of it has proved a considerable blessing to posterity, setting in a clear light the mode of obtaining salvation; so that if we weigh the apostle's scope and design, and attend to the process of his reasoning as he advances to a conclusion. we must necessarily set a PREFACE TO THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. high value upon this epistle, as being one that embraces the order, structure, and harmony of the Christian system with such peculiar propriety, that not only the young convert cannot desire a more excellent confirmation of the doctrines he has espoused, but even the more established believers may revert with delight to the first principles here maintained, and find that satisfaction and repose which, in an hour of temptation, they had vainly sought elsewhere. The contents of this epistle may be set forth in order more particularly as follows: We have, 1. The inscription, chap. i. 1, 2. II. The doctrine, wherein the apostle pathetically explains the mystery of Christ, by thanksgiving for the Colossians, verses 3-8; by prayers for them, verses 9–23; with a declaration of his affection, verses 24-29; chap. ii. 1–3. III. The exhortation: 1. General, wherein he excites them to perseverance, and warns them not to be deceived, verses 4-8. Describes again the mystery of Christ in order, verses 9-15; and in the same order draws his admonitions from Christ the Head, verses 16-19; from his death, verses 20-23; from his exaltation, chap. iii. 1-4: 2. Particular, to avoid several vices, verses 5-9; to practise several virtues, verses 10, 11; especi ally to love one another, verses 12-15; and study the Scriptures, verses 16, 17; to the relative duties of wives and husbands, verses 18, 19; children and parents, servants and masters, verses 20, 21–25; chap. iv. 1. 3. Final, to prayer, verses 2-4; to spiritual wisdom, verses 5, 6. IV. The conclusion, verses 7-16. b 361 THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. CHAPTER I. After saluting the Colossian believers, 1, 2, the apostle (1,) Declares his thankfulness to God for their faith, love, and hope, of which Epaphras had given him an account, 3–8. (2,) He prays for their increase in divine knowledge and grace, in order to their walking worthy of the blessings they had received, by being fruitful in all good works, and exemplary in patience, long-suffering, joy, and gratitude, 9–14. (3) To engage their steady adherence to the gospel, he represents the dignity of its author, and the methods he hath taken to effect the reconciliation of sinners to God, 15–23. (4,) He delineates his own character as the apostle of the Gentiles, and shows what was the sum and substance of his preaching, and his solicitude to fulfil his ministry among them in the most successful manner, 24-29. NOTES ON CHAPTER I. e f A. D. 64. 4 Since we heard of your faith in A. M. 4068. Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel: 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the k of God in truth : the grace € 2 Tim. iv. 8; 1 Pet. i. 4.- h Matt. xxiv. 14; Mark xvi. 15; Verse 23. Mark iv. 8; John xv. 16; Philippians i. 11 k 2 Cor. vi. 1; Eph. iii. 2; Tit. ii. 11; 1 Pet. v. 12. Verses 3-8. We give thanks, &c.—See on Rom. Verses 1, 2. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ- i. 8; to God and the Father-Or, even the Father To convince the Colossians that all the things con- of our Lord, &c.; or, as the original expression is tained in this epistle were dictated by the Spirit of || still more literally rendered, To the God and Father God, and therefore were at once infallibly true, and of our Lord Jesus Christ: praying always for you deeply important, the apostle begins with assuring-Making express mention of you in all our addressthem both that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ, es to the throne of grace; since we heard―Aksσavand that he was made such by the will of God the||res, having heard; of your faith, &c.—See on Eph. Father, an honour which none of the false teachers i. 15; for the hope which is laid up for you-Namecould claim. And Timothy our brother—“Timo-ly, the hope of eternal life. The apostle's meaning thy's early piety, his excellent endowments, his ap- seems to be, that he gave thanks for this their hope, proved faithfulness, and his affectionate labours in the gospel with the apostle, well known to most, if || not to all, the Gentile churches, rendering him highly worthy of their regard, Paul allowed him to join in writing several of the letters which he addressed to these churches: not, however, to add any thing to his own authority, but rather to add to Timothy's influence; for which purpose also he calls him here his brother, rather than his son."-Macknight. To the saints and faithful brethren-The word saints expresses their union with God, and brethren, their union with their fellow-Christians. || the fourth verse coming in as a parenthesis; whereof-Of which blessedness in heaven; ye heard before I wrote to you, in the word of the truth of the gospel-The true gospel preached to you; which— Through the singular goodness of God to the Gentiles, whom he seemed so long to have neglected; is come to you-At Colosse; as it is in all the world— In all parts of the Roman empire. So the phrase often signifies; and bringeth forth fruit-Is instrumental in turning men from idolatry, and all vicious practices, and of producing in them faith and holi || ness. At the time this epistle was written, probably n might increase in divine grace. A. D. 64. 10 That ye might walk worthy of A. M. 4068 the Lord unto all pleasing, "being t fruitful in every good work, and increasing in 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the knowledge of God; the Spirit. X 11 * Strengthened with all might, according 9° For this cause we also, since the day we heard to his glorious power, unto all patience and it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that || long-suffering with joyfulness; ye might be filled with the knowledge of his 12 a Giving thanks unto the Father, which will 'in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; hath made hath made us meet to be partakers of A. D. 64, the gospel had been preached and received || manner suitable to his nature and attributes, the rein most of the countries within the Roman empire, || lation in which you stand to him, the benefits you and had produced a great change in the manners of || have received from him, and the profession you those who received it. The apostle made this ob- || make of believing in, loving, and serving him; unto servation to confirm the Colossians in the faith of || all pleasing-So as actually to please him in all the gospel, which, by its rapid progress, and happy things. The apostle mentions next four particulars influence in reforming mankind, was plainly declared || included in this walking worthy of the Lord. 1st, to be from God. As also in you-Among whom it || The being fruitful in every good work—Or embrachath produced a great reformation; since the daying all opportunities of doing good to the bodies and Je heard it, and knew, or acknowledged, the grace souls of men, according to our ability, and thus of God in truth-Truly experienced its efficacy in showing our faith continually by our works, and our your hearts. As ye learned of Epaphras-From|| love by our obedience, James ii. 14-18; 1 Johniii. 17. the epistle to Philemon, (verse 23,) which was || And, 2d, Increasing in the knowledge—The exsent at the same time with this to the Colossians,perimental practical knowledge; of God-That is, it appears that Epaphras was in prison at Rome while we are diligent in performing good works outwhen the apostle wrote. But it is probable he did wardly, taking care that we increase in vital religion not choose to mention that circumstance in a letter || inwardly, even in a participation of the divine nature, directed to the whole church of the Colossians, lest and a conformity to the divine image. 3d, Receiving it might have grieved them too much. Our dear Our dear and bearing with patience, long-suffering, and joyfellow-servant-Of Paul and Timotheus; who is for || fulness-All the sufferings which come upon us in the you a faithful minister of Christ-Appointed by course of divine providence: in other words, that we him to labour among you and to watch over you: sustain, with entire resignation to, and acquiescence the apostle bore this honourable testimony to Epa- in, the divine will, and with a calm and tranquil phras, that the Colossians might not suffer them- mind, all the chastisements of our heavenly Father, selves to be drawn away from the doctrine which knowing they are for our profit; and all the trials by they had received from him; who declared your love which it is his will our faith and other graces should in the Spirit-That is, the love wrought in you by be exercised, and all the purifying fires through the Spirit of God. which he is pleased to lead us; that we patiently bear with the infirmities, failings, and faults of our || || Verses 9-11. For this cause-The report of your || faith and love; we do not cease to pray for you- || fellow-creatures, saints or sinners, and receive even We fail not to remember you in all our prayers. their injuries and provocations without resentment; This was mentioned in general, verse 3, but now and that in the midst of all these apparent evils, we more particularly; that ye might be filled with the rejoice on account of the present blessings we pos knowledge of his will-That is, his revealed will sess, and especially in the knowledge we have that concerning the salvation of mankind by faith, (Eph. all these, and such like things, however afflictive to i. 5, 9, 11,) or the gospel of Christ, the truths declar- flesh and blood, shall infallibly work together for our ed, the blessings offered, and the duties enjoined in good, while we love God. Well might the aposit; in all wisdom-That ye may have just, clear, and tle signify, that, in order to all this, we need to full views of every part of it; and spiritual under- be strengthened with all might, or very mightily standing—That understanding which proceeds from strengthened, according to God's glorious power. the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, spoken of always ready to be exerted in behalf of his suffering Eph. i. 17, (where see the notes,) and is a spiritual people. The fourth particular mentioned by the and experimental, and therefore a practical know- apostle, as included in walking worthy of the Lord, ledge of divine things, very different from that mere is continual gratitude for the blessings enumerated speculative and notional knowledge of them with in the three next verses; blessings which whosoever which many rest satisfied, though it neither changes enjoys, has unspeakable reason for thankfulness, their hearts nor governs their lives. That-Know- || whatever his state or condition may be as to the ing his will, and complying with it; you may walk || present world. worthy of the Lord-May conduct yourselves in a Verses 12-14. Giving thanks unto the Father || e over the highest angels. A. D. 64 14 In whom we have redemption A. M. 4068. through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: f 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, g the first-born of every creature : 1 Gr. the Son of his love. e Ephesians i. 7.- 2 Cor. iv. 4. g Rev. iii. 14. and Spirit, from the power of Satan and of sin, and made the loyal subjects of Christ's kingdom. 4th, Being thus justified and adopted into God's family, we are also renewed in the spirit of our minds, and, in a measure at least, sanctified, and made meet for the heavenly inheritance, as is observed in verse 12. Of all mercy and grace, who, by justifying and sanctifying us through faith in his Son, and the influence || of his Spirit, hath not only entitled us to, but wrought || in us, a meetness, that is, an increasing meetness, for the inheritance of the saints in light-For, being in Christ, we are, in a measure at least, new creatures, old things being passed away, and all things, in a Verse 15. Who-That is, the Son of God, in whose great degree, become new, 2 Cor. v. 17; where see blood we have redemption; is the image of the inthe note. Who-In order to this meetness for the visible God-By the description here given of the heavenly inheritance; hath delivered us from the|| glory of Christ, and his pre-eminence over the highpower of darkness-That is, the power of the prince est angels, the apostle lays a foundation for the reof darkness, and all his infernal legions, called, (Eph. || proof of all worshippers of angels. The Socinians vi. 12,) the rulers of the darkness of this world; and contend that Christ is here styled the image of we are delivered from their power when, being res- the invisible God, merely because he made known cued from that state of ignorance and error, of im- || to men the will of God; and that in this sense only penitence and unbelief, in which we naturally lie in- Christ said to Philip, (John xiv. 9,) He that hath volved, we are brought to know the truth, and the seen me hath seen the Father. But it should be contruth makes us free from the guilt and power of sin, || sidered, that in other passages in Scripture, the word John viii. 32; Rom. viii. 2. Some commentators ||image denotes likeness, if not sameness of nature have supposed, that by the power of darkness here, and properties, as 1 Cor. xv. 49: As we have borne the apostle principally, if not only, intended that || the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image power which Satan had over the heathen world, to of the heavenly. Certainly, as Dr. Whitby observes, keep them in their various idolatries and other vi- the more natural import of the phrase is, that Christ cious practices, and that the apostle speaks of him- is therefore called the image of God, because he self as if he had been one of the Gentile converts. made him, who is invisible in his essence, conspicuBut we have great reason to believe that when di- ous to us by the divine works he wrought, they bevine grace opened the eyes of his understanding, and ing such as plainly showed that in him dwelt the fulmade him sensible what he had been in his Pharisa- || ness of the Godhead bodily; for the invisible God can ical state, he saw himself to have been under the || only be seen by the effects of his power, wisdom, and power of darkness, as Christ represents those of the goodness, and of his other attributes. He who, by Jews to have been, who, influenced by the spirit of || the works both of the old and new creation, hath darkness, were combined against him, Luke xxii. 53; || given such clear demonstrations of the divine power, as indeed all, even the professors of Christianity are, || wisdom, and goodness, is, upon this account, as much while under the power of known sin, John viii. 34, || the image of God as it is possible any person or 44; 1 John iii. 8. None can doubt, however, that, as || thing should be; and to this sense the expression Dr. Doddridge observes, "the ignorance and sin, seems here necessarily restrained by the connective confusion and misery, which reigned in the Gentile particle ori, for. He is the image of God, for by him world, were also in the apostle's thoughts when he all things were created. Moreover, this passage is used this expression." And hath translated us into exactly parallel to that in the beginning of the episthe kingdom of his dear Son-The kingdom of tle to the Hebrews, as will evidently appear on a grace, preparatory to that of glory. Of the Father's comparison of the two. Here he is said to be the dear or beloved Son, the apostle proceeds to speak image of God; there, the brightness (añavyaoμa, efin the 15th and following verses. In whom we have|| fulgence) of his Father's glory, and the express redemption through his blood—See on Eph. i. 7,||image of his person, or substance, as vñoçaσɛws more where the contents of this verse are fully explained. || properly signifies: here he is called the firstborn, or The subject is treated of also from the middle of the Lord, of every creature; there, the heir of all 18th verse of this chapter. The reader will observe, things: here it is said that all things were created that the work of redemption and salvation is here by him; there, that he made the worlds: here, that spoken of in an inverted order. The natural order || by him all things do consist; and there, that he upis this: 1st, We have redemption through the blood || holdeth all things by the word of his power. Now, of Christ; 2d, In consequence of this, and by repent- || that he is there styled the image of God's glory, and ance and faith therein, we have the forgiveness of the express image or character of his person, or sins; 3d, Being forgiven, and taken into favour with || substance, by reason of that divine power, wisdom, God, we are delivered, by the influence of his word || and majesty, which shone forth in his actions, some |