Interpretive Study of Colossians 1-2

Epistle theme: Gospel of Christ: Don't be Ignorant of it

God's Way to Study His Word:

In 2Timothy 2:15 we read: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The true definition of the word dividing is: 'a Mathematical function whereby we separate pre-defined units according to a precise procedure which produces a precise result'. However, while most people understand that 'there is one interpretation but many applications of The word of God', they fail to separate the procedures of each. And, as a result, they fail to separate the 'one interpretation of The word of God' from the 'many applications of The word of God'. This leads to many errors which people blame on the perfect word of God instead of their using the wrong procedure.

The result, of men using the wrong way, is that men claim that there are errors and conflicts in God's word. In Isaiah 28; God tells us how to understand His word. In addition, God preserved the message of His word; He preserves every word of His sentences; and God preserves every punctuation mark (jot and title) of His sentences. Therefore, God preserved what He wanted us to understand and God told us how to understand His word so that we have no errors and no conflicts. Unfortunately, for at least one hundred and fifty (150) yeare, men have been taught to use the wrong way to interpret God's word instead of using God's way.

In Isaiah 55:9 we are told For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Thus, God warns us that our ways are wrong and that using God's way produces better results, which have no errors and no conflicts.

In addition, 1Corinthians 2:14 tells us: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Therefore, we can not properly understand the spiritual word of God using man's way. We must use God's way to understand God's preserved word of God. And, the basics of God's way is to understand His preserved word of God using the sentence format and true Biblical definitions for Bible words.

This Study follows the Biblical Way to understand God's Word. It applies precepts ('truths that never change for any circumstance'). It then goes through the epistle sentence-upon-sentence (line upon line [Isaiah 28 ]). This is different from the ways of men which use verse-upon-verse or some other method which generates errors. God's sentence-upon-sentence method also pays attention to what 'The word of God' tells us that God preserved, which are the true Biblical meanings of words and the Biblical usage of punctuation. (These two are the components of sentences and do not give us verses.) the 'The word of God' tells us that God preserved punctuation (one jot or one tittle) in Matthew 5:18 and Luke 16:17. And 'The word of God' tells us that God preserved every word when he wrote: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).

The summary of the epistle comes from the summary of each chapter and each chapter summary within that book. Every chapter summary comes from the summary of each sentence within that chapter. And, the sentence summaries come from analysis using the punctuation and true word definitions, as already explained. As a result, we have what God literally had written and see that there are no conflicts even when we consider the smallest part of a sentence compared to the entire Bible book. God is consistent from the start of a Bible book to the end and is consistent in His doctrines and word definitions across the entire Bible. What we have is an integrated whole (single) message, with no errors and no conflicts. This particular book Study is part of a detailed analysis of the entire New Testament which shows this truth.

Other than cults, all claims of errors and conflicts are based upon the New Testament. This Study is part of a series which interprets the preserved word of God using God's way and proving that there are no errors, nor any conflicts, if we obey God and use His way to interpret His word. And, this series concentrates on the New Testament, since that is the basis of these lies about the perfect word of God.

I have read, or at least skimmed, every book which has been written in the last hundred and fifty (150) years and which claims to teach people how to study and understand The word of God. In every case, they use a method which comes from man and do not use God's way (Isaiah 55:8) to study and understand The word of God. And, while there are variations from one man-written method to another man-written method, every one of them ends up with problems. The end result of those problems is that people blame God's perfect word for their own problems and either turn to a man-written 'bible' or skip verses. (By skipping the interpretation of certain verses, they can hide the conflict which their method has produced.)

Now, many people find that the Detail Studies to be overwhelming because they have everything required to prove that there are NO errors in The perfect word of God. This summary level is easier to understand for most people. At the same time, if someone has an argument with what is presented here, the matching Detail Study provides all of the proof required in order to show that what is here matches exactly what God wrote in His word. Again, this is not a matter of my opinion versus their opinion. I have over thirty (30) years' experience as a professional Systems Analyst with an international reputation for accuracy in how to prove things. And, this series of books are the result of using recognized methods of analysis to prove what God actually wrote. This series does not present a religious opinion. Therefore, a religious opinion, which was arrived at from using wrong methods, is not superior to a true analysis of what God wrote.

People have looked for over twenty (20) years and failed to find any other work that covers everything this series cover. In addition, no one has found any other work which covers the level of detail found in the Detail Studies. Further, the Detail Studies literally have several million Bible references to support the interpretation provided and to show that The perfect word of God is consistent all across it for word definitions and doctrines. Again, no one has found any other work which has this quantity of Bible references supporting what is presented. I do not write this to brag but to inform the reader the depth of study which supports what is presented in this series.

Let any who disagree show their method and the results of their method and try to explain how their method, which produces errors, is greater that God's way which produces no errors and no conflicts.

Overview of Colossians

Epistle theme: Gospel of Christ: Don't be Ignorant of it

Click on the following links to jump to a chapter within this study: Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; God in Colossians.

Other people have written all kinds of commentaries on this epistle. You can find many disagreements between these commentaries. The commentaries that teach doctrinal error ignore the context as they try to justify their doctrine. Such action is motivated by devils and the resulting doctrinal error can bring the judgment of God upon His people instead of the blessings that God wants to give. 1John 4:1 tells us Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. The commentaries which do base their comments upon what is actually written, with consideration of context and proper methods of interpretation, will agree on doctrine even while presenting different views of that doctrine.

This epistle teaches us detailed practicalities of the gospel of Christ. The epistle to Galatians and the epistle to Ephesians also teach the gospel of Christ but they teach it from different perspectives. In addition, the epistle of 2Corinthians teaches us the application of the gospel of Christ. The believers at Colosse did not know what was available to them when they were in Christ. Therefore, they needed instructions. The believers at Ephesus knew what was available to them when they were in Christ, but they were confused by people teaching doctrinal error. Therefore, they needed correction and admonition to drive off the people teaching doctrinal error. The believers at Galatia had been in Christ, but they turned aside to follow doctrinal error. Therefore, they needed to be rebuked and old to repent.

Since many people do not know what God requires of them in order for them to receive certain blessings, God used Paul to instruct ignorant, but saved, people in what God requires. That is, this epistle specifies the blessings which are available because of the gospel of Christ. And, it also specifies the requirements which must be fulfilled if people wish to receive those blessings. Within this gospel, we are told that God requires us to become spiritually mature (perfect in Christ Jesus). And, that this requires our maintaining our personal relationship that is in Christ and allows Christ to be in us.

After the opening statement, Paul writes what our proper relationship with God is, the blessings which people receive only if they do their part to maintain that relationship, the proper position of Jesus Christ in that relationship, and the responsibilities of each person within this God-given relationship.

In Chapter 2, Paul expresses his personal concern as the minister of Christ. He is worried that men should beguile you with enticing words. With this in mind, he tells us how to stay in Christ. First, we must be aware that we can be spoiled if we get our doctrine from anyone except Christ Jesus the Lord. Next we are told about physical and spiritual things which will be removed from our life if we truly get our doctrine from Christ Jesus the Lord. (God always removes sin before adding in blessings.) then Paul warns us about losing the things from God if we do wrong religious acts. After this, Paul asks a question designed to make us seriously think about what he just wrote and he ends the chapter by telling us that religion only looks good to the world.

In Chapter 3, Paul provides the detailed instructions on how to be in Christ. First we are to seek the things of Christ. Then we are to set (our) affection on the things of Christ. We need to understand that our glory will come later with Christ. In order to receive that glory, we must separate ourselves from our sins and past walk of life. We must put off certain things and we must then put on certain things. Our behaviour that others see must show our change. In particular, we must show charity to all people. Instead of fretting, we must let God's peace rule you and be thankful for all circumstances and things which happen in life. Finally, we must let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. After these general instructions that are to all Christians, Paul gives instructions to different people based upon their roles in life. Then Paul ends the chapter with a disclaimer for those who claim reward without the required service.

Chapter 4 is Paul's summary and recognition of the people who will carry on the work of the ministry. Paul is no longer asking for prayer for his own freedom but is only asking that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ. Paul is actually doing that exact thing through the letters (epistles) that he is writing from prison. Paul might not have fully understood what God was doing but he served to the best of his ability in spite of the limits. If free, he probably would have personally ministered instead of working through letters. While that is better for the people personally ministered to, it would not have produced the written record which we have in the New Testament. In addition, as much as highly effective people hate it, Paul had to turn the work over to others.

Notice that the people he recommends, in Chapter 4, are not all preachers. Sometimes preachers forget how important non-preachers are to God's ministry. Back in 2Timothy 4:10, Paul complained about people leaving him and asked Timothy to bring Mark. Now, in this chapter, we see that Mark is there along with several others. Apparently, God needed Paul to be alone for a while before Paul could/would turn the ministry over to others and God wanted a smooth transition. Quite often churches and other organized groups of people are thrown into disarray with the passing of an effective leader because they do not effectively pass on the work before they leave or die. in this chapter we see Paul passing on the ministry for an effective, and smooth, transition.

Please see the Doctrinal Study called Significant New Testament Events about promises found in this epistle and similar promises found in other epistles.

Outline by Sentences.

Chapter 1 :

The Chapter theme is: What is available to us when we are in Christ.

in this chapter, we have our opening salutation which tells us who the epistle is written to, the men that God used to write this epistle, and the blessings that God has available for those saved people who obey the commandments of this epistle. This is the standard form of an opening for an epistle from Paul. In addition to the items just mentioned, our opening also states the God-given authority for the doctrine in this epistle. Those people who oppose the doctrine, found in this epistle, do not have matching authority nor do they have greater. Therefore, any such are lying ministers of Satan.

In addition to providing the introductions, Paul uses this chapter to express a concern and then tells us how to avoid the problem that he foresees. His concern was that He could not fulfill his responsibility as an Apostle and that the Gentiles would miss out on what God had available to them. The main reason for this concern was that religious people would lead us astray from following our ongoing personal relationship that is in Christ and that we would, therefore, miss out on the blessings available to us. As a result, we need to get these things from in Christ, and not anywhere else. In addition to having this relationship, we also have to act in it according to God's way or we won't receive what God has available for us.

Since many people do not know what God requires of them in order for them to receive certain blessings, God used Paul to instruct ignorant, but saved, people in what God requires. That is: this epistle specifies the blessings which are available because of the gospel of Christ. And, it also specifies the requirements which must be fulfilled if people wish to receive those blessings. Within this gospel, we are told that God requires us to become spiritually mature (perfect in Christ Jesus). And, that this requires our maintaining our personal relationship that is in Christ and allows Christ to be in us.

This chapter has only six (6) sentences in it but two of them are very complex and they introduce some very important doctrines. In the first sentence we see that Paul is writing to The saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse. This is an assumption that his audience is all saved with some spiritual maturity and is not written to the lost nor to the carnal. The second sentence is somewhat complex and deals with the basic things that we all have in salvation. The third sentence is more complex and tells us what we should all have as a result of what we received when we were initially saved. Our fourth sentence tells us that the Son of God was/is human like us and, therefore, is the head of our human church. The fifth sentence tells us that everything is in him because He paid the cost through the blood of his cross. Our sixth sentence is the most complex and introduces the theme of this epistle. After our initial profession all further blessings and spiritual maturity are in Christ. However, receiving these blessings is conditional. We will not receive them unless we have Christ in us and that is not guaranteed because of our initial salvation.

C1-S1 (Verse 1-2) this sentence provides the opening and purpose of this epistle.
1. In the first verse, Paul specifies his God-given authority and includes Timothy because Timothy agrees with the doctrine of Paul and will be taking over the ministry of Paul after Paul dies.
2. Paul limits his letter to those who saved people who are in Christ (saints and faithful brethren in Christ) because the promises given in this letter are not to all saved.
3. In the second verse, Paul specifies the blessings (Grace and peace) which are given to people who fulfill the requirements of this epistle.
C1-S2 (Verse 3-8): Paul wrote this epistle to explain the true relationship with God.
1. Church leaders are to pray for those who follow them.
2. Disciples are to have faith in Christ Jesus: ('a faith which brings spiritual maturity').
3. Disciples are to have love to all the saints: ('action to bring long-term good to others').
4. Disciples are be motivated by hope in heavenly rewards.
5. Disciples are listen to The word of the truth of the gospel and not just religious doctrine which opposes the gospel.
6. Disciples are to have spiritual fruit in their lives.
7. Disciples are to knew the grace of God in truth.
8. Disciples are to listen to their God-given pastor.
9. Disciples are to have a testimony that their pastor can tell others about.
C1-S3 (Verse 9-17): the gospel of Christ provides specific blessings to those who obey it.
1. Prayers by others to help.
2. Being filled with the knowledge of his (God's ) will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
3. being able to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.
4. being able to be fruitful in every good work.
5. increasing in the knowledge of God.
6. be Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power.
7. have all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.
8. be Giving thanks unto the Father.
9. be able (hath made us meet) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
10. have been delivered us from the power of darkness.
11. have been translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
12. we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
13. recognize that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:.
14. recognize that Jesus created all things that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:.
15. recognize that all things were created by him, and for him.
16. recognize that Jesus has preeminence before all things.
17. recognize that Jesus keeps things existing.
C1-S4 (Verse 18): the position of the Son of God.
1. he is the head of the body, the church.
2. He is the beginning.
3. He is The firstborn from the dead.
4. Why: that in all things he might have the preeminence.
5. The result: All of those blessings come through the Son of God.
C1-S5 (Verse 19-20): Why God gave Jesus the preeminence.
1. it pleased the Father.
2. Jesus Christ made peace through the blood of his cross.
3. Jesus Christ reconciled all things unto himself.
4. Jesus Christ did it all by himself.
5. Jesus Christ did it for everything that exists anywhere (whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven).
C1-S6 (Verse 21-29): As a result, we need to be in Christ and have Christ in us.
1. What we were like before.
2. What Christ. did.
3. Why Christ. did.
4. The requirement for us to have this change (If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel).
5. These truths were preached to them and all others (which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven).
6. Paul knows this truth as the primary source of the message.
7. Paul suffered to deliver the message.
8. Christ required the suffering for the sake of the church.
9. Christ gave Paul his position and message.
10. The church and message fulfilled prophecy ( to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints).
11. God is now revealing mysteries: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
12. Christ is preached, taught and men are warned about.
13. Why: so we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:.
14. It is Christ Who works in and through a Godly minister.

Chapter 2

The Chapter theme is: Paul's personal concern that men should beguile you with enticing words.

Paul expresses his personal concern as the minister of Christ. He is worried that men should beguile you with enticing words. Therefore, he was sending this epistle to tell us that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ. As a result, we need to get these things from our relationship that is in Christ, and not anywhere else. In addition, we also have to do it God's way or we won't receive what God has available for us.

With this in mind, he tells us how to stay in Christ. First, we must be aware that we can be spoiled if we get our doctrine from anyone except Christ Jesus the Lord. Next, we are told about physical and spiritual things which will be removed from our life if we truly get our doctrine from Christ Jesus the Lord. Then Paul warns us about losing the things from God if we do wrong religious acts. After this Paul asks a question designed to make us seriously think about what he just said and he ends the chapter by telling us that religion only looks good to the world.

in this chapter, Paul warns us about doctrines which will spoil us and also warns us about being beguiled. Think of a fruit which looks good on the outside but is written on the inside. That is one way that religion spoils Gods people. It excuses internal sin and rot so long as we look good on the outside. Another way is revealed by the fact that things taken by a conquering army are called spoils. Satan wants to take the riches that Christ wants to give us. Satan uses religion and false doctrines to do this.

Other New Testament writers had the same concern. links to other places in the Bible where this subject is dealt with can be found in the Study called False things According to the Bible. Please also see the Message called Mystery of God, the Father and Christ for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

C2-S1 (Verse 1-3): Paul expresses his personal concern as the minister of Christ.
Paul was conflicted because he could not go personally and minister to them. Paul wanted them to have:
1. their hearts might be comforted.
2. being knit together in love.
3. all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.
4. all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
C2-S2 (Verse 4): Paul warns about men who should beguile you with enticing words.
C2-S3 (Verse 5): Paul's lack of physical presence does not mean lack of spiritual presence.
1. Paul was with them spiritually even though he was not there physically.
2. Paul was joying and beholding your order,.
3. Paul was observing The stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
C2-S4 (Verse 6-7): How to stay in Christ.
1. We are to received Christ Jesus the Lord. That is: 'Obey His personal commands to us personally (given by Christ Jesus) with the knowledge that we will be judged (by The Lord) for our level of obedience'.
2. As...so walk ye in him. That is, 'Our every-day small repeated actions are to be in obedience to Christ Jesus the Lord'. That was how you received Christ Jesus the Lord. Therefore, we are to continue in the same attitude of submission.
3. The basis of our spiritual life and growth (Rooted and built up) is to be in Christ.
4. We are to be stablished in the faith. That is: not moving.
5. We are to continue as ye have been taught.
6. We are to be abounding therein with thanksgiving, regardless of the situations of life.
C2-S5 (Verse 8): A warning to beware of spoiling doctrines. They come from:
1. philosophy.
2. vain deceits.
3. The tradition of men.
4. The rudiments of the world.
5. Anything that is not after Christ.
C2-S6 (Verse 9): Everything is only in Christ Jesus the Lord.
C2-S7 (Verse 10-12): Physical things that God removed from our life with salvation.
1. We do not need anything more if we are truly: complete in him (Christ).
2. Why: Christ is the head of all principality and power. This is based upon Matthew 28:18; which says: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
3. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands. This means: 'It is only when we are in Christ that God cuts away the sins of the flesh'.
4. Our next phrase repeats the same message as the prior phrase only more explicitly. This doubling makes it part of the law that God will use to judge us.
5. Our next phrase is: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God. This means: 'The Gospel is to be applied to our life. We are to burry our old sin nature and rise to walk in the character of Christ'
6. Our next phrase is: who hath raised him from the dead. This means: 'God raised Christ to teach us how to have a changed life'.
C2-S8 (Verse 13-15): What God did at our salvation.
1. First, Paul reminds us of our condition when we were lost.
2. Next, Paul tells us that God made us spiritually alive (quickened), but it was with him (Jesus Christ). People who claim salvation separate from Jesus Christ are claiming a lie. People who claim sanctification separate from Jesus Christ are claiming a lie.
3. Next, Paul tells us that Jesus Christ has 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. That is: He called court into session, in Heaven, and had the angel court recorder change to legal record of our sins by Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us.
4. Next, Paul tells us that Jesus Christ proved that He is more powerful than any devil.
C2-S9 (Verse 16-17): the first practical application of doctrine in this chapter.
1. Our sentence starts with: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days. This means: 'Don't let anyone say that you sin because you don't keep their religious rules'.
2. Next, Paul tells us that those religious rules are based upon a shadow and they are not a true spiritual rule.
3. Next, Paul writes: but the body is of Christ. This means that Christ is to personally guide and rule the church.
C2-S10 (Verse 18-19): We can lose our spiritual nutrition and reward by doing the wrong religious acts.
1. Our sentence starts with: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels. This phrase includes so-called saints and any form of a spiritual being.
2. Next, Paul writes that such people have nothing to base their claims on. They are: vainly puffed up by (their) fleshly mind
3. They are not keeping with the true source of all spiritual nourishment.
4. Christ is the true head and He increaseth with the increase of God. Religion does not make people more Godly.
C2-S11 (Verse 20-22): Asks: Why is what you live opposite to what you claim?
1. If you're really dead with Christ then why are you responding to prompts that you are supposed to be dead to?
2. Why are you subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not) about physical things?
3. Why are you subject to the commandments and doctrines of men?
4. If we are subject to those things, then we are not truly dead with Christ.
C2-S12 (Verse 23): Religion only looks good to the world.
1. Our sentence starts with the phrase Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body. This means: 'It looks good on the outside'
2. Next, the phrase not in any honour means: 'Those activities do not bring us honour with God'.
3. Next, our last phrase tells us that those things do not even satisfy of the flesh.

Chapter 3 :

The Chapter theme is: the detailed instructions on how to be in Christ.

This chapter provides the detailed instructions on how to be in Christ. First we are to seek the things of Christ. Then we are to set (our) affection on the things of Christ. We need to understand that our glory will come later with Christ. In order to receive that glory, we must separate ourselves from our sins and past walk of life. We must put off certain things and we must then put on certain things. Our behaviour that others see must show our change. In particular, we must show charity to all people. Instead of fretting, we must let God's peace rule you and be thankful for all circumstances and things which happen in life. Finally, we must let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. After these general instructions that are to all Christians, Paul gives instructions to different people based upon their roles in life. Then Paul ends the chapter with a disclaimer for those who claim reward without the required service.

In the First chapter Paul laid down his foundation for this epistle. In the first sentence we saw that Paul is writing to The saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse. From there the first chapter went from the things of salvation that we receive at our initial profession through telling us that receiving further blessings is conditional upon us being in Christ. Our second chapter warned us about false teachers who would try to keep us from being in Christ. It also told us some things to not do and old us about things that Christ removes from our life so that God can bless us. Now in this chapter Paul is going to tell us things to do and tell us about things that we need to let Christ add to our life as part of the blessings from God. Once more we see that these things are conditional and require our active participation. Please notice that the first sentence starts with an If and commands us to do the action verb of seek. in this chapter do / doeth occurs six (6) times. Put off occurs twice and put on occurs three (3) times. A search of this chapter will find several other action verbs. A search will also find that every sentence has some action within it. God had to remove some sinful things from our life before He could add some good things so that the sinful would not corrupt the good that He is trying to add to our life.

Please see the detailed chapter for another outline of this chapter which is simpler than what is below.

C3-S1 (Verse 1): Specifies that this chapter only applies to people who are truly in Christ.
1. Our sentence starts by saying: 'If you're really spiritually alive with Christ then seek the things of Christ'.
2. Next, our sentence tells us that those things are above. All such will be in complete agreement with God.
C3-S2 (Verse 2): Where to place our affections if we want to be alive in Christ.
1. Our first phrase repeats the message of the prior sentence.
2. Our second phrase tells us to not set your affection on things on the earth.
C3-S3 (Verse 3): Why we are to Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
1. We are to be dead to the things of this life.
2. We are to realize that our true life will be with Christ when He returns to rule for 1,000-years.
C3-S4 (Verse 4): Our promise of future glory.
1. Our eternal glory is coming later with Christ.
C3-S5 (Verse 5-7): Separate yourself from your sins and past walk of life so that you don't suffer God's wrath.
1. Our first phrase says: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth. This means: 'Kill these things and make sure that they stay dead'
2. Next, we see examples of the members which we are to mortify. Notice that these are not members of the Body but are members of the soul.
  1. fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
  2. Please see the Words index for definitions of these words.
3. Our next phrase tells us that The wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. These are not lost people but saved people who disobey the command of this sentence.
4. Our last phrase says that we used to do these things but should no longer do them.
C3-S6 (Verse 8): Put off sins of the soul. Please see the detail note for the definitions of thee words and for references to where the Bible uses the phrase put off.
C3-S7 (Verse 9-11): Our behaviour that others see must show our change.
1. Our first phrase tells us that the next step is to stop lying.
2. Next, our sentence tells us to put on The new man.
3. Our new man is to be renewed in knowledge after the image of (Jesus Christ).
4. We are to reject all fleshly divisions between people who are in Christ.
C3-S8 (Verse 12-13): Put on the new man who acts like Christ.
1. We are to do this as the elect of God. This means: 'As people who are in God's way for dealing with the things of this Earth'.
2. We are to realize that God calls us: holy and beloved. That is to control how we deal with others.
3. We are to have the following character traits: bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.
4. Our treatment of others is to be defined as: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.
5. Finally, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Please see the detail note about the phrase even as Christ forgave you.
C3-S9 (Verse 14): More than anything else put on charity which shows spiritual maturity. Please see 1Corinthians 13 about the word charity.
C3-S10 (Verse 15): the basic attitudes which are to control our lives..
1. Our sentence starts with: let the peace of God rule in your hearts. This is the peace that God gives while we are in terrible circumstances.
2. Next, our sentence says: to the which also ye are called in one body. This means: 'We are to accept differences, use what we can do to help all of the church, and let them help us'.
3. Next, our sentence says: and be ye thankful. This means: 'Always have an attitude of gratitude'.
C3-S11 (Verse 16): the final step for all people to obey if they want Christ in their lives.
1. Our sentence starts with: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. The word of Christ is the part of God's word which teaches spiritual maturity. The word wisdom speaks of application. We are to use The word of Christ as our guide for how to apply he The word of God in our life and the lives of others.
2. Next, our sentence says: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. This means: 'Use scripture in a pleasant way to help others'.
3. Next, our sentence says: singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord We are to use God's grace to respond to our Lord in a right way.
C3-S12 (Verse 17): Our basic guide for all actions.
1. Everything that we do, in word or deed, is to be done in 'The power and authority of The Lord Jesus'. We are to follow the example of Jesus with the knowledge that we will be judged (by the Lord) for how well we followed His example. Please see the Doctrinal Study called: What Did Jesus Do?.
2. Next, our sentence says: giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Jesus). We are to thank God fort when He
C3-S13 (Verse 18): Instructions to wives.
1. Please notice that our sentence says: unto your own husbands. This does not mean every male out there.
2. Next, our sentence says: as it is fit in the Lord. This phrase imposes a limit which many people have been taught to ignore. Please see the detail note for more on this truth.
C3-S14 (Verse 19): Instructions to husbands.
1. Our sentence starts with: Husbands, love your wives. The true Biblical meaning is not: 'lust their body for sex'
2. Next, our sentence says: and be not bitter against them. Husbands need to be careful about how they respond when the wife fights against them.
C3-S15 (Verse 20): Instructions to children. Most adults can explain this sentence without any additional help,
C3-S16 (Verse 21): Instructions to fathers.
Many men are foolish and disobey this command. They will reap what they sow.
C3-S17 (Verse 22-24): Instructions to servants (employees).
1. The detail note deals with the various parts of this sentence. However, the main thing to keep in mind is the phrase as to the Lord, and not unto men. If we use our job to serve The Lord, then we can expect Him to provide for us. However, if we use our job to serve men, then then The Lord will not provide for us.
2. Next, the phrase Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, means that our reward is promised in Heaven and we may not see it in this life.
3. Next, the phrase for ye serve the Lord Christ not only means that we will be judged for how well we mature spiritually, but it also means that our reward will be given at The judgment seat of Christ: (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10).
C3-S18 (Verse 25): the disclaimer for those who claim reward without the required service. Our sentence denies the lie that The judgment seat of Christ: is a 'Bema Seat with loss of rewards but no punishment'. The phrase there is no respect of persons is a direct reference to our own personal judgment. Our current sentence, and other places in the Bible, literally tell us that saved people, who are in Heaven, will be punished.

Chapter 4 :

The Chapter theme is: Current events of that day.

The first sentence should really be in Chapter 3 since it finishes that subject. These chapter and verse divisions weren't really added until (reportedly) some times in the 200's (A.D.) and there have been several different divisions by 'verses' since the first attempt. That said, chapter 4 is Paul's summary and recognition of the people who will carry on the work of the ministry. Paul is no longer asking for prayer for his own freedom but is only asking that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ. Paul is actually doing that exact thing through the letters (epistles) that he is writing from prison. Paul might not have fully understood what God was doing but he served to the best of his ability in spite of the limits. If free, he probably would have personally ministered instead of working through letters. While that is better for the people personally ministered to, it would not have produced the written record which we have in the New Testament. In addition, as much as highly effective people hate it, Paul had to turn the work over to others.

Notice that the people he recommends are not all preachers. Sometimes preachers forget how important non-preachers are to God's ministry. Back in 2Timothy 4:10, Paul complained about people leaving him and asked Timothy to bring Mark. Now, in this chapter, we see that Mark is there along with several others. Apparently, God needed Paul to be alone for a while before Paul could/would turn the ministry over to others and God wanted a smooth transition. Quite often churches and other organized groups of people are thrown into disarray with the passing of an effective leader because they do not effectively pass on the work before they leave or die. in this chapter we see Paul passing on the ministry for an effective, and smooth, transition.

C4-S1 (Verse 1): Instructions to masters (bosses). Simply put, people who take advantage of God's children will find out that God hurts them in return.
C4-S2 (Verse 2-4): the basis of an effective ministry: prayer.
1. Our sentence starts with: Continue in prayer. That is, pray always and for everything.
2. Next, our sentence says: and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Added to our prayer is being a watchman. We are to be constantly thanking God for the promise of answered prayer and, when God answers, we are to report it to others.
3. Next, our sentence tells us to pray for preachers and everyone who is preaching. We are to pray that God would open unto us a door of utterance.
4. Next, our sentence tells us to pray for anyone who speaks the mystery of Christ.
5. Next, our sentence tells us to pray for anyone who is in bonds, or being persecuted, for preaching the gospel.
6. Next, our sentence tells us to pray that (they) may make it manifest, as (they) ought to speak.
C4-S3 (Verse 5): We are to walk in the way that Christ directs us (in wisdom) so that we may lead the lost to salvation.
C4-S4 (Verse 6): Talk like Christ would talk.
1. Our sentence starts with: Let your speech be alway with grace. This means: 'Find the most acceptable way to express everything'. The gospel is offensive enough without our adding to the offense.
2. Next, our sentence says: seasoned with salt. This means: 'Remove corruption and brings healing'.
3. Next, our sentence says: that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Trying to say things in an acceptable way teaches us how to say things in an acceptable way.
C4-S5 (Verse 7-9): Paul names his people who will return to the ministry.
1. Tychicus was part of Paul's missionary team and went where Paul sent him.
2. Onesimus was Philemon's slave who was returned by Paul, after he was saved and trained, so that Philemon could send him out as a missionary. He was probably involved in starting this work.
3. Our sentence tells us the type of character that Paul's messengers had.
C4-S6 (Verse 9): They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Paul assured them that they would get an honest update.
C4-S7 (Verse 10-11): Paul sends support for the people who will continue the ministry.
C4-S8 (Verse 11): Why Paul recommends them.
C4-S9 (Verse 12-14): Paul recognizes the service of non-preachers.
C4-S12 (Verse 15): Paul sends greetings to home churches.
C4-S13 (Verse 16): Instructions to share doctrinal truths. Notice that we do not have the other epistle. Paul felt that they were equal doctrinally, but God disagreed since God preserved the one epistle but not the other.
C4-S14 (Verse 17): Instructions to do the ministry given to us.
C4-S15 (Verse 17): Proof that Paul wrote this epistle.
C4-S16 (Verse 18): 'Out of sight' should not be 'out of mind'.
C4-S17 (Verse 18): Final blessing.
C4-S18 (Verse 18): Amen.

Details of Chapter 1.

The Chapter theme is: What is available to us when we are in Christ.
Please see the Summary Chapter Outline using this link. It gives the overview of this chapter.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C1-S1 (Verse 1-2), C1-S2 (Verse 3-8), C1-S3 (Verse 9-17), C1-S4 (Verse 18), C1-S5 (Verse 19-20), C1-S6 (Verse 21-29)'.

Another outline for this chapter (from Treasure of Scripture Knowledge) is:

1-6 : After salutation Paul thanks God for their faith.
7-8 : confirms the doctrine of Epaphras.
9-13 : prays further for their increase in grace.
14-20 : describes the true Christ.
21-29 : encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.
A.M. 4068. A.D. 64.

C1-S1 (Verse 1-2) Paul limits his letter to those who are in Christ because the promises given in this letter are not to all saved.

Equivalent Section: Who the epistle is fRomans to.

Paul,
an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
and Timotheus our brother,
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:.

Equivalent Section: What the epistles is supposed to accomplish.

Grace be unto you,
and peace,
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are three extensive notes on this sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study. One is under Jesus Christ, one is under Christ, and the third is under Lord Jesus Christ. Please see each of them for details on this sentence

The opening of this epistle is different from the opening of other epistles from Paul. As explained in the notes mentioned, this epistle was written from the Roman prison (bonds in 4:3 and 4:18) after 2Timothy because Timothy was asked to bring Mark (in 2Timothy 4:11) and 4:10 says that Mark is at Rome when this epistle was written. The next sentence indicates that Paul had never met the people he is writing to. By including Timothy as a author of this epistle, Paul is giving him the authority to take over Paul's position. Notice that the next sentence says that Epaphras is our dear fellowservant (and) for you a faithful minister of Christ (pastor) but he was not elevated to author of this epistle like Timothy was. Within this sentence Paul is not contending with other people who would claim his authority even though in Christ had not given them the position. Paul is secure within his position and is using it to elevate the position of Timothy. Please see the note for this sentence within the Word Study on Apostle for the use of this word within the Bible.

As mentioned above and in the note under Christ in the Lord Jesus Christ Study, this epistle is written to The saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse. That is not everyone who made a profession. There is a doctrinal error that claims all saved are Christians. This doctrine is part of a denial of the Trinity because the Holy Ghost and in Christ (The Son of God) are two different persons in the Trinity. All saved (during the Church Age) have the Holy Ghost for all time, but that does not mean they have in Christ. Further, the verses accessed from this link show that being in Christ is conditional and not always true for all saved at all times. In addition, those verses also show that having Christ in us is also conditional and not always true for all saved at all times. One of the requirements is found right in this sentence. Those saved who are in Christ are faithful brethren and many saved are not faithful brethren. Many saved do not act like brethren and fewer still are faithful. The promises and instructions in this epistle are to those saved people who have spiritually matured enough to be considered faithful brethren.

This epistle is written to faithful brethren who are already in Christ and have Christ in them. Since Paul can not go and instruct them, he writing them to tell them how to live in the flesh while remaining in Christ. Please see the note for Romans 16:21 which tells us where the Bible talks about Timotheus (Timothy). Please also see the note for Philippians 2:19 for links to every verse in the New Testament where we find his name.

In our Second Equivalent Section we see the blessings that are offered to those saints who obey what is in this epistle. We find, essentially, this same phrase in: Romans 1:7; 1Corinthians 1:3; 2Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1Thessalonians 1:1; 2Thessalonians 1:2; 1Timothy 1:2; 2Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 2John 1:3. In the personal letters of 1Timothy 1:2; 2Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4 and 2John 1:3; we find mercy also added in. Please also see the notes at these links if you need more explanation of this phrase. As with the titles that Paul gives himself in the opening of his various letters, we also find some differences in the exact title of our Lord Jesus Christ within these opening sentences.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:12 for links to where Paul is named within the Bible. Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 for links to every place where the phrase I Paul is used. Please also see the second half of the book called SbS-Preacher Missionaries about how God used Paul to show us how He uses a pastor / missionary to build the ministry. We see Paul mentioned 163 times in the Bible but this is the only place in Colossians.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. It has the definition from Webster's 1828 along with links from other commentators. We find forms of the word will within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:9; 2:23 and 4:12. The simple definition of the word will is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'.

The meaning of the word wilt, does not match what is found in a man-written dictionary. The true Biblical meaning is: 'The will applied at a lifestyle level. That is: a decision of will which does not change throughout the life'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about the word will. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:15 about the phrase will of God. That note has links to every place in the Bible where we find this phrase along with notes on each reference. In particular, that note explains that the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God are not three different levels of the will of God but, in fact, are three attributes of the single will of God. As that note explains, there is only one will of God for each circumstance in life but we receive variable rewards or punishment based upon how well we obey the will of God or how much we disobey the will of God. Please also see the Message called The Will of God for the application of these verses in the life of the believer.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S27; Philippians 2:19 about the names Timothy / Timotheus. He is mentioned within Colossians only in our current sentence.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S10 and Galatians C1-S1 about the word brother. Please also see the note for Romans C16S1 about the word sister. These are both used for: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. Please see the note for RomansC12S8 about the word brotherly.

Please see the note for Romans C16S1 about the word saint. The New Testament definition is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church'. Please also see the Message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible in order to understand the difference between a saint and other saved people. We find forms of the word saint within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:4; 1:12 and 1:26. Please also see the Messages called: Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible and Called to be Saints for more details.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word saint as: 'Contrasted with Sinners: Pr 10:6,16,25; 11:5; 12:7; 13:21; 14:32; 15:6; 21:15; Ro 2:9; 1Pe 4:18. Death of: Despised: 1Sa 17:42; 2Sa 6:16; Ne 2:19; 4:2; Job 12:4; Ps 119:141; 1Co 1:28; 4:13. Exalted: Ps 91:14; Isa 33:16; 58:14; Da 12:3; Hab 3:19; Mt 19:28; Lu 19:17; 1Co 6:2; Re 3:21; 5:10; 11:12. The Feet of: 1Sa 2:9; 2Sa 22:34; Ps 40:2; Isa 52:7; Eph 6:15. Fellowship of: Ps 119:63; Mal 3:16; Lu 24:15; Ac 2:42; Ro 1:12; Php 1:3,5; 1Jo 1:7. Glorified: Mt 13:43; Lu 9:30-31; Ro 8:17; Php 3:21; Col 3:4; 1Pe 5:1; Re 7:9; 14:1; 22:5. Hated: Isa 66:5; Mt 24:9; Lu 6:22; 21:17; Joh 15:19; 17:14; 1Jo 3:13. They cannot be Moved: Ps 15:5; 16:8; 21:7; 46:5; 55:22; 66:9; 112:6; 121:3; 125:1; Pr 10:30. Carnal.: When Obedient were Invincible: De 7:24; 11:25; 28:7; Jos 1:5; 10:8; 21:44; 23:9; Song 6:10. God's Knowledge of the Saints: In Time of Trouble: Na 1:7. At every day Tasks: Joh 1:48. Their Individual Names: Joh 10:3. Intimate Acquaintanceship: Joh 10:14. True Love Recognized: 1Co 8:3; Ga 4:9. The Sure Foundation of Christian Hope: 2Ti 2:19. Pillars, as: Jer 1:18; Ga 2:9; Re 3:12. Portion of: Ps 16:5; 73:26; 119:57; 142:5; La 3:24. Promises to: Ps 37:28; 97:10; 116:15; 132:16; 149:9; Da 7:27; 1Co 6:2; Re 11:18. Remembered: Ge 8:1; 19:29; Nu 10:9; Ps 98:3; 136:23; Isa 49:14-16. Scattered: (abroad): Mt 8:11; 26:31; Mr 13:27; Joh 11:52; Ac 8:1; Jas 1:1. Sealed by God: Eze 9:4; 2Co 1:22; Re 7:3; 9:4; 14:1; 22:4. Security of: Job 11:18; Ps 91:5; 112:7; 125:1; Pr 1:33; 3:24; Isa 33:16; 43:2; Heb 13:6; 1Pe 3:13. Steps of: Job 14:16; 31:4; Ps 18:36; 37:23; 40:2; Pr 4:12; 16:9'.

We find forms of the word faithful occurring 82 times in 78 verses of the Bible, 54 times in 50 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:7 and 4:7,9. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines faithful as: 'a. 1. Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2. 2. Firmly adhering to duty; of true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiance; as a faithful subject. 3. constant in the performance of duties or services; exact in attending to commands; as a faithful servant. 4. Observant of compact, treaties, contracts, vows or other engagements; true to one's word. A government should be faithful to its treaties; individuals, to their word. 5. True; exact; in conformity to the letter and spirit; as a faithful execution of a will. 6. True to the marriage covenant; as a faithful wife or husband. 7. Conformable to truth; as a faithful narrative or representation. 8. Constant; not fickle; as a faithful lover or friend. 9. True; worthy of belief. 2Tim. 2'. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines faithful as: 'as a designation of Christians, means full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy (Ac 10:45; 16:1; 2Co 6:15; Col 1:2; 1Ti 4:3,12; 5:16; 6:2; Tit 1:6; Eph 1:1; 1Co 4:17, etc.). It is used also of God's word or covenant as true and to be trusted (Ps 119:86,138; Isa 25:1; 1Ti 1:15; Re 21:5; 22:6, etc.)'. Morrish Bible Dictionary defines faithful as: 'This word in both the O.T. and the N.T. is from the same root as 'faith.' It is being true to oneself, to one's nature, to any promise given, and to any trust committed. It is in various connections often applied to God Himself. De 7:9; Isa 49:7; 1Co 1:9; 10:13; 1Th 5:24; 2Ti 2:13; Heb 10:23; 1Pe 4:19; 1Jo 1:9. The Lord Jesus also is faithful. He is 'a faithful high priest' and 'a faithful and true witness.' 2Th 3:3; Heb 2:17; Re 1:5; 3:14; 19:11. The commandments and testimonies of God are called faithful. Ps 119:86,138. The words of the gospel are also faithful: the promises attached thereto will unquestionably be fulfilled. 1Ti 1:15; 4:9; 2Ti 2:11; Tit 3:8; Re 21:5. Christians are exhorted to be faithful as stewards to any trust committed to them, and faithful as witnesses to an absent Lord. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Re 2:10'. Please see the note for 1:21-29 about the word faith.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word faithful as: 'Sayings: 1Ti 1:15; 4:9; 2Ti 2:11; Tit 3:8. Servants: Ex 21:5; Ps 123:2; Pr 17:2; 25:13; 27:18; Mt 24:45'. please also see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about the phrase Christ Jesus is faithful.

The word brethren occurs, in this book, in our current sentence and 4:15. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:2 about the word brethren. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Spiritually used for God's people: the Jews and the people are saved, baptized and active members of the church'. When Paul uses brethren he is reminding them that they are all children of God and, as such, are to regard others as the same.

Please see the note for Romans C4S5 about the word grace. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'that which makes the source look good'. The word grace is usually presented as 'God's riches at Christ Expense'. However, that obviously does not fit in James 1:11. So while that is the main application within the Bible, the true definition is: 'that which makes the source look good'. We are given God's grace for the expressed purpose of making God look good. In addition, the New Testament definition of the word gracious is: 'Favorable; kind; friendly; as,the envoy met with a gracious reception'. Please see the note for Galatians C5S4 about the phrase fallen from grace. Please see the note for Galatians C6S18 about the phrase grace through Christ. Please see the note for 11:5 about the phrase election of grace. We also find this word, within this book, in: 1:6; 3:16; 4:6 and 4:18.

We find forms of the word peace occurring 450 times in 420 verses of the Bible, 116 times in 109 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, only in our current sentence 1:20 and 3:15. The note for Romans C12S16 gives us the definition from Webster's 1828 along with a link and short note for every place that peace is used within Romans. Please also see the note for Galatians 1:1 and 2Corinthians 1:2 which have links to where peace is used within that epistle along with links from other commentators. The notes for Romans 10:15 and Hebrews 12:14-LJC tells us how to have peace with God. The functional Biblical definition of peace is: 'a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind'.

Grace and peace are offered to The saints and faithful brethren in Christ. This promise is not given to people who do not fulfill those requirements. For example, they are not offered to the lost nor to the carnal. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'. We also find this word, in this Bible book in: Colossians 1:3; Colossians 1:12; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:2; Colossians 3:17; Colossians 3:21.

Please be sure to follow the links that are within the sentence outline above to find notes related to those words and to find links to other places where that word is used. Where those links lead to another Study, please also go to the top of the Study (or section within the Lord Jesus Christ Study) to get the definition, the particular application of this verse, and links to other verses with the same application.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'he. Col 1:15; Pr 8:22-23; Isa 43:11-13; 44:6; Mica 5:2; Joh 1:1-3; 8:58; 17:5; 1Co 8:6; Heb 13:8; Re 1:8,11,17; 2:8. and by. 1Sa 2:8; Ps 75:3; Joh 5:17-18; Ac 17:28; Heb 1:3.
(verse 2)
The saints. Ps 16:3; 1Co 1:2; Ga 3:9; Eph 1:1 exp: Jude 1:3, faithful. 1Co 4:17; Eph 6:21. Grace. Ro 1:7; Ga 1:3; 1Pe 1:2; 2Pe 1:2; Jude 1:2; Re 1:4 exp: Tit 1:4'.

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C1-S2 (Verse 3-8) Paul wrote this epistle to explain the true relationship with God.

Equivalent Section: Paul and others prayed for those at Colosse who proved that they had responded to the gospel.

How Paul and others prayed for those saved people at Colosse.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you,
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus,
and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;.

Why Paul and others prayed for those saved people at Colosse.

Which is come unto you,
as it is in all the world;.

The results in the lives of those saved people at Colosse.

and bringeth forth fruit,
as it doth also in you,
since the day ye heard of it,
and knew the grace of God in truth :.

Equivalent Section: Epaphras taught the Colossians and reported their response.

Each and every one of you personally learned from a faithful minister of Christ.

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant,
who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;.

Their response to a faithful minister of Christ.

Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

(Note: one New Testament that I have seen puts a 'period' at the end of verse 1:4; instead of a 'comma' like most KJV1611 Bibles that I have seen. The period there does not make sense and I have been warned that the 'script' of that (supposed) KJV1611 New Testament is known to have other minor spelling errors in it. However, 1:5 starts with a For, which connects it to 1:3-4 and with either 'script' we are justified with treating 1:3-8 as a single thought.)

The concept of these minor errors is dealt with more in the documents under the Hermey tab of the Main Menu. But, a simple explanation of the concept can be presented here.

Our entire life is a test. In Matthew 13:10-11 we read: And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. When the KJV was considered finished, and turned over to printers, history claims that two different printers were chosen for the job. One was in Oxford and the other in Cambridge. The one printer introduced a couple of minor spelling errors which make technical differences at a level beyond the understanding of most people. Therefore, these spelling differences do not affect the message that most people receive from their Bible. ForThe people who can understand the difference, God provided the printing with zero errors. Forothers, God allowed a test similar to Jesus teaching in parables.

Lost and carnal people, who don't understand the differences, claim that we can not trust any form of the KJV-1611. The truth is that, just because one print version has minor spelling errors, that does not mean that neither can be trusted. And, the differences are at a level that few people understand. Further, if we throw out all form of the KJV-1611, what is left are the perversions written by devil motivated men. Devil motivated people claim that the perversions are better.

If someone points out these minor differences, ask them to identify all of the differences, and explain why those differences are spiritually significant. If they can not do that, then they are simply trying to get you to stop trusting the God of the Bible and to transfer your trust to a devil motivated liar who claims to be more powerful and more reliable than the God of the Bible.

For people who truly understand the differences, they have the print with no errors and understand that you don't throw away both versions just because one version has minor spelling errors. Forsaved people who don't understand the differences, they have a test from God. Are you going to trust devil motivated liars who claim that the man written perversions are better, or you going to trust God and accept that you don't understand the difference so it does not change the message that you get from The word of God. Such saved people, who truly trust what God preserved to them, will also understand that God will explain the differences, to them, when they mature enough spiritually. Until such time, they will understand that those differences are not critical to their own understanding. Thus, this entire problem cones down to a simple test: 'Who are you going to trust?'.

Now, returning to the main message of our sentence, we can see that 1:3-8 tells us why Paul wrote this epistle. The people at Colosse were reported to have spiritual fruit that others heard of because they acted upon the faith and hope that was preached to them. Paul wanted to encourage them to continue to bear spiritual fruit and to increase their spiritual fruit. This epistle tells us how to grow in Christ after we are initially saved.

This sentence tells us what motivated Paul to write this epistle. Paul wrote this epistle to explain the true relationship that saved people are supposed to have with God. It has one colon which divides it into two equivalent sections. The first section tells us that Paul and others prayed for these saints at Colosse who proved that they had responded to the gospel (of the Lord Jesus Christ) (saints and faithful brethren in Christ). The second section of this sentence tells how Paul and others knew that they had responded to the gospel. There are several different gospel in the Bible. The gospel of Christ, which this epistle teaches details of, is a subset of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which they responded to. (Please follow those links for more details.) this sentence tells us about Paul and others thanking God for the things that were evidence of God working in their lives. It is God who brings spiritual changes in the lives of the saved. We do not make the changes ourselves. What we do is act in faith upon the promises of God and act in hope upon the character of God that is revealed to us. Paul acknowledged these actions by these people at Colosse.

Now, there is a simple outline of this sentence which is:

Church leaders are to pray for those who follow them.
Disciples are to have faith in Christ Jesus: ('a faith which brings spiritual maturity').
Disciples are to have love to all the saints: ('action to bring long-term good to others').
Disciples are be motivated by hope in heavenly rewards.
Disciples are listen to The word of the truth of the gospel and not just religious doctrine which opposes the gospel.
Disciples are to have spiritual fruit in their lives.
Disciples are to knew the grace of God in truth.
Disciples are to listen to their God-given pastor.
Disciples are to have a testimony that their pastor can tell others about.

Our sentence has a couple of promises. But, like other promises made for the 'Church Age', people must fulfill the requirements in order to receive the promises. Thus, our sentence promises hope is laid up for you in heaven when saved people obey this epistle and mature spiritually. Such people will produce true spiritual fruit. Next, The grace of God is promised to people who accept and obey The truth. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

In the first section of this sentence we are told how, and why, Paul and others prayed for those saved people at Colosse. Notice that Paul explains his prayer in three steps. In the first step Paul mentions the evidence of their salvation. In the second step Paul mentions the source of their salvation. in the third step Paul mentions the results of their salvation.

in this first step Paul mentions their faith and their hope. Hope is like faith in that it requires us to act in order to get the results (fruit). Where Faith is based upon a specific promise from God and a specific result that is promised, hope is based upon the character of God and the promise of hope is not specific. This difference can be seen in the parable of Matthew 20:1-16. Notice that Matthew 20:2 says, And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. they went to work before they received their wage based upon a specific promise of a penny for a specific set of labor. This is an example of faith. Now notice that Matthew 20:3-4 says, And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. they had no reason to expect a full day's wage, since they were going to work less than a day. They did not have a specific promise but trusted the character of the land owner. These workers who started later in the day worked based upon hope, not faith. All that worked for hope received more per hour than those that worked by faith. Even so, Paul is telling these people in Colosse that they have a hope which is laid up for you in heaven, which is a greater reward than if they worked by faith. If you look at the note for 1:7 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study; you will see the explanation that these saints at Colosse had been personally spiritually matured by the ministry of in Christ to the point that their actions of love displayed the Spirit of God. This first step of this section tells us that those actions were based upon this hope that Paul is talking about.

Going on, in 1:4 Paul said that he had heard of their faith and now he tells them that he is thanking God (1:3) for this hope, which goes beyond faith, and is based upon God's grace (1:6) and which bringeth forth fruit (1:6). Just as James 2:20 tells us that faith without works is dead, so also is hope without works dead because hope is supposed to result in fruit but those results are not guaranteed. The fruit is based upon the work. Also, just like the fruit of faith is not a direct result of the work, so also is the fruit of hope. That is, the fruit of hope is all produced by God. It is not produced by our work. But, as we work for God He recognizes our efforts to please Him and gives us far more than we can expect to earn. Paul tells us more about this hope in 1:23; which tells about The hope of the gospel and in 1:27; which tells about The hope of the glory. in this verse, Paul tells us that the results of our hope are laid up for you in heaven. Yes, we probable will get some blessings (results) here in this life, but the majority of those blessings will be given to us in heaven. This is the same thing as Peter taught in 1Peter 1:3-9 where he says God...hath begotten us again unto a lively hope...to an inheritance...reserved in heaven for you and goes on to describe the things that people do because of their true Biblical faith. Notice that Peter says that God...hath begotten (we are born again) unto a lively hope. Something that is lively is living and causes change. God does not give hope that is to be unrealized. We serve a God who believes in put up or shut up. People can run their mouths all they want here but the rewards in heaven will be based upon what people do. True Biblical hope acts upon that hope.

I know that it may seem like I am going on quite a bit about hope, but it takes more spiritual maturity to faithfully act upon true Biblical hope than it does to act upon faith. A lot of people come to this epistle and miss that it was written to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ. They try to 'claim the promises' found here and obey the commandments found here when they don't have the spiritual maturity of these saints and faithful brethren in Christ. They end up discouraged and defeated. A child can't run as well as an adult but he can run. If people realize that this letter was written to saints who had some spiritual maturity, they might be less discouraged at their failures after they recognize that they just need to increase in spiritual maturity. They can grow in spiritual maturity if they start examining the character of God and acting in hope instead of waiting to find a promise so that they can act in faith.

Please also see the notes under Lord Jesus Christ and under Christ Jesus within the Lord Jesus Christ Study for different perspectives on this sentence. There is quite a bit of detail in those notes also.

In the second step of this section, Paul mentions the source of their salvation. This step starts with which and refers back to The word of the truth of the gospel which ended the prior step. (Please see the note for this sentence in the Word Study on Truth for details about that phrase. Please also follow the link to the Word study on Gospel.) Paul says, in this small step, that The word of the truth of the gospel had come unto you. He is reminding them that others had sacrificed and spiritually matured and obeyed God in order to bring them the source of their salvation. Then he says as it is in all the world which is a reference to the 'Great Commission' (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-49 and Acts 1:8). Paul was praying for the people who had brought them the source of their salvation and praying that they would see the need for them to personally take the source of salvation to others.

In the third step of this first section, Paul mentions the results of their salvation. As we have seen in so many other places in the Bible, and as is mentioned in very many notes on this site, true Biblical salvation results in a changed life which displays the fruit of God. The people who claim to be saved for years and live for Hell have believed a lie of the devil. This step starts with an and which means it is added unto (comes after) the prior step. So many people believe the lie that they have everything from God the instant that they say a prayer. A major lesson of this epistle is that we receive increased blessings from God as we mature spiritually and those saved people who refuse to mature miss out on the blessings. In particular, the bringeth forth fruit occurs after our initial profession and is not an automatic process. It was automatic then we would all match the testimony of Paul.

In the last phrase of this step we read that ye (each and every one of you personally) knew the grace of God in truth We have seen repeatedly that the Biblical definition of know results in a spiritual birth (Genesis 4:1; Genesis 4:25; Luke 1:34). A lot of people talk about The grace of God but they don't know it in Biblical truth. (Please see the note for this phrase in the Word Study on Truth for details about that phrase.) Biblical truth is personified in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those saved people who have truly known the grace of God in truth have learned to be truly in Christ. Those who truly have been in Christ know that all saved are not always in Christ.

In the second equivalent section of this sentence, we find two steps. In the first step we again see Paul emphasizing the personal nature of their salvation and subsequent sanctification by the use of ye (each and every one of you personally). in this first step, Paul acknowledges that their pastor is a faithful minister of Christ. Little is known about Epaphras other than that he is mentioned in the epistle to Philemon, in 4:12 and here. The fact that he was known by the church in the home of Philemon and that he was at Rome indicates that he had traveled with Paul and others on missionary trips. Also, he was at Rome with Timothy after others had left Paul even though he was pastor of this church at Colosse speaks of his dedication to the ministry and to Paul personally. Further, this sentence acknowledges him as a faithful minister of Christ and 4:12 says that he always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Thus, we have a very diligent missionary preacher whose main concern was the spiritual growth of people after they make their initial profession. Many of our churches today are full of spiritual babes because so many preachers are more concerned about numbers than they are about the spiritual maturity of the saved in their ministry. Epaphras had a different emphasis as can be seen in these few references.

In 4:12 we see that the prayer of Epaphras was that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. We again see the emphasis on personal (ye) relationship to God. We also see emphasis on spiritual maturity (perfect and complete). This is what Paul is talking about in the first step of this section of this sentence when he says that Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ. If you look at all of the things that the Bible says are available to those saved people who are in Christ you will see things that babes in Christ don't have. (Please look at just the outline of references to Christ in the verses section of the Lord Jesus Christ Study.) An honest person will acknowledge that only the spiritually mature have many of these things, which is why this site continually points out that the ministry of in Christ is to bring spiritual maturity through an ongoing personal relationship after our initial profession. Please also see the note for this verse in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details about this subject.

In the second step of this second section, we see that Epaphras declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Like any good pastor, he gloried in what God was doing in and through the lives of the people that he ministered to. Notice that this phrase uses a capitalized Spirit, which means the Holy Spirit. The saved do not always have Christ in them but do have the Holy Spirit in them. Claiming that the saved always have Christ in them is a lie from the devil which denies the Trinity. However, just because the saved have the Holy Spirit in them, that does not mean that they always act in the Spirit. These saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse did express love in the Spirit often enough for their pastor to brag about it. Please also see the note for this verse in the Word Study on Spirit for more details about this subject.

So, in our second section of this sentence we saw two steps. The first step told us about a pastor who emphasized the spiritual maturity of saved people. The second step tells us about the mature response of the people. This is equivalent to the first section which had three steps and old us more details of how they proved their spiritual maturity after their initial profession. This sentence lets us know that Paul's purpose in writing this epistle is to give us written instructions while using the authority of a true Apostle of the Jesus Christ. In these instructions we see that spiritually mature Christians are told how to stay and grow in Christ.

Please see the note for Romans C5S9 about the following words. The New Testament definition of the word give is: 'Bestowed; granted; conferred; imparted; admitted or supposed'. The New Testament definition for the words gave and given are: 'the past-tense form of the word give'. The New Testament definition of these words is:'the past-tense form of the word give'. The New Testament definition of giving is: 'the ongoing form of the word give'. The New Testament definition of giveth is: 'a life-style of giving'. The New Testament definition of the word giver is: 'the person who gives'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S19 about the phrase giving of thanks. We also find this word, within this book, in: Colossians 1:12; Colossians 1:25; Colossians 3:17; Colossians 4:1.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about giving of thanks. The New Testament definition is: ' to express gratitude for a favor; to make acknowledgments to one for kindness bestowed'. We find forms of the word thanks within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:12; 2:7; 3:15; 3:17 and 4:2. Please see the note for 4:2-4 about the word thanksgiving. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the notes for Romans C15S25 and and the Doctrinal Study on Prayer about the word pray. We find forms of the word pray within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:9; 4:2-3 and 4:12. The New Testament definition is: ' In a general sense, the act of asking for a favor, and particularly with earnestness. 1. In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits'.

Please see the note for Matthew 28:19 about the words alway / always. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Perpetually; throughout all time; as, God is always the same. 2. Continually; without variation. the word "always" (plural) is used for several never ending continuances'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "The cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18; the great day of final judgment'. The New Testament definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The New Testament definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday.

We find forms of the word hear occurring 860 times in 811 verses of the Bible, 445 times in 405 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:9; 1:23; 2:2; 3:15; 3:16; 3:22-23 and 4:8. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. The New Testament definition is: 'Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial'. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the notes for Romans C3S25; 1Corinthians C1S3; 2Corinthians C1S17; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. The New Testament definition is: 'an action word that is based upon a belief in a promise found within the Bible with the action dictated by the Bible and the understanding that our action does not force God to act nor determines when or how God acts but proves that of our own free will we are giving God permission to act in and through our life to do what He promised within His Word'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about the phrase Christ Jesus is faithful. Please see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about the phrase faith: Abraham's. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about the phrase faith: unfeigned. Please see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed.

Please see the notes for Romans 8:39-LJC; Galatians C5-S14; Philippians 1:9-11; love in 1John; 2John 1:3-LJC about the word love. Please see the note for 1John C3S26 about the phrase love one another. Please see the note for Matthew 19:18-19 about the phrase love thy neighbour. Please see the note for 1John C4S13 about the phrase perfect love. Please see the note for Romans C9S23 about the word beloved. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:5 for links to every place where the phrase beloved Son is applied to Jesus. It is important to note that many preachers erroneously define charity as love. The first reason that this is in error is that charity and love are both Bible words and, while two different Bible words can have the same application under certain circumstances, they can not have three same definition. Secondly, while charity and love have the same actions, love is extended to people we know while charity is extended to strangers in addition to people that we know. We find forms of the word love occurring 649 times in 549 verses of the Bible, 328 times in 263 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:2 and 3:19.

Please see the note for 1:1-2 about the word saint. The New Testament definition is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church'. Please also see the Message called Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible in order to understand the difference between a saint and other saved people. Please also see the Message called: Spiritual Maturity Levels according to the Bible for more details.

We find forms of the word hope occurring 144 times in 135 verses of the Bible, 68 times in 60 verses of the New Testament, and in 1Corinthians, in our current sentence and 1:23, 27. Please see the notes for Romans C4S18; 1Corinthians C13S10; Philippians 1:19-20 about the word hope. The note for 1Corinthians C13S10 had the definition from Webster's 1828 along with links from other commentators. Many places on this site have explained that hope is an action word that is just like faith. However, where faith is based upon a promise of God found in the word of God, hope is based upon the character of God.

We find forms of the word heaven occurring 716 times in 670 verses of the Bible, 275 times in 256 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:16; 1:20; 1:23 and 4:1. In 1:23 heaven is used for the first heaven which is 'The atmosphere of the Earth'. In all other verses of Colossians, heaven is used for the third heaven which is 'God's eternal home'. Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Please see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase treasure in heaven. Please see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase things in heaven.

Please see the note for Colossians 2S2 about the word word. The New Testament definition is: 'a single component part of human speech or language'. However, The word of God is the holy scriptures and in the English language, it is only the KJV-1611. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. Please also see the note for John 1:1 for an extensive note explaining the differences, and similarities, between the capitalized and the non-capitalized word word. When a Bible reference uses an uppercase word, it is referring to Jesus Christ. The uppercase makes this a formal name of the Son of God. However, while the exact definition is different, the properties are spiritually similar to the lowercase word. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that The word of the Lord is a sub-set of The word of God. The word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of The word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord.

Please see the note for 2:8 about the word world. The New Testament definition is: 'all of the people in the world as a group'.'

We find forms of the word fruit 325 times in 289 verses of the Bible, 98 times in 87 verses of the New Testament, and, within Colossians, only in our current sentence and 1:10. Within Colossians, fruit is only used for spiritual fruit. Fruit is the end result of a long process. Please see the notes for Romans C1S5; 1Corinthians C9S10 about the word fruit. The note for 1Corinthians C9S10 has the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. Please see the note for Romans C8S21 about the word firstfruits. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the phrase fruit of righteousness.

The New Testament definition, of the word know, is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; Galatians C3-S9 and know in 1John about the word know. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. The note for Romans 6:3 has links to every place in the Bible which uses the phrase Know ye not and which (effectively) asks 'How could you not know something that is so obvious?'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge. There are different levels of knowledge which can vary based upon their source, how the knowledge is obtained and more. True Biblical knowledge includes the most intimate and personal type of knowledge which comes from personal experience.

Please see the note for Romans C4S5 about the word grace. The word grace is usually presented as 'God's riches at Christ Expense'. However, that obviously does not fit in James 1:11. So while that is the main application within the Bible, the true definition is: 'that which makes the source look good'. We are given God's grace for the expressed purpose of making God look good. In addition, the New Testament definition of the word gracious is: 'Favorable; kind; friendly; as,the envoy met with a gracious reception'. Please see the note for Galatians 1:1-3 for an outline on how grace is used in that epistle. Please see the note for Galatians C5S4 about the phrase fallen from grace. Please see the note for Galatians C6S18 about the phrase grace through Christ. Please see the note for 11:5 about the phrase election of grace.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 14:31 about the word learn. The New Testament definition is: 'To gain knowledge of; to acquire knowledge or ideas of something before unknown. We learn the use of letters, the meaning of words and the principles of science. We learn things by instruction, by study, and by experience and observation. It is much easier to learn what is right, than to unlearn what is wrong'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S25 about the word unlearned.

We find forms of the word dear in: Jeremiah 31:20; Luke 7:2; Acts 20:24; Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 1:7; Colossians 1:13; 1Thessalonians 2:8. Wright's Bible Word-Book defines this word as: 'adj. (from A. S. de're, G. theuer), like the Latin word carus, has two meanings, 'costly or precious,' and 'beloved or endeared.' In the former sense it is used in the Prayer-Book version of Ps 116:13; 72:14, where it is not meant that the death or blood of the saints is well-pleasing to God, but that He accounts it precious, and will not let it go for nought. So in Shakespeare (All's Well, ii. I. 182): thy life is dear, for all that life can rate Worth name of life, in thee hath estimate. Compare Ac 20:24'.

The word fellowservant is only used in: Matthew 18:28-33; Matthew 24:49; our current sentence; Colossians 4:7; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 19:10 and Revelation 22:9. In Matthew it is used in a parable for two servants of a master. In our current epistle it is used for another preacher. In Revelation it is used for an angel.

We find forms of the words minister / ministry is used 198 times in 183 verses of the Bible, 92 times in 83 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:23, 25; 2:19; 4:7 and 4:17. Please see the notes for Romans C13S6; 1Corinthians C3S5 and 2Corinthians 3:3 about the word minister. The note for 1Corinthians has links from other commentators. In most cases within the Bible, when describing the function of a person, the Bible is talking about a prophet or preacher. Please also see the notes for Proverbs Study and Ephesians C4S7 about the word ministry.

Please use the link in the sentence above and see the notes for Romans C8S1; Galatians C6S8 and Hebrews 8:10-LJC about the word Spirit. The New Testament definition is: 'An intelligent being from the spiritual reality which is a super-set of the physical reality'. As seen in the summary part of the Study on Spirit; 'We are made spiritually alive when God's spirit quickens our spirit'. That study also provides links to many more verses which teach the same doctrine. Please use his link for links to every usage in the Bible where we find the phrase Spirit of the Lord. Please see the note for Romans C11S13 about the phrase spirit of slumber. Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 in Word Study on Spirit for links to every place where we find the word spiritual. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40; Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers. Please see the note for 1Peter C1S11 about the phrase spiritual verses physical. Please see the notes for Word Study on Spirit; Romans C14S20 and Colossians C3S5 about the phrase unclean spirits. Please see the note for please see the Word Study on Holy Ghost for links to every place in the Bible where we find the phrase Holy Ghost.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'give. Ro 1:8-9; 1Co 1:4; Eph 1:15; Php 1:3-5; 4:6; 1Th 1:2. praying. Col 1:9,13; Eph 3:14-19; Php 1:9-11; 1Th 3:10-13; 2Th 2:16-17; 2Ti 1:3.
(verse 4)
we. Col 1:9; 2Co 7:7; Eph 1:15; 1Th 3:6; 3Jo 1:3-4. faith. Ga 5:6; 1Th 1:3; 4:9-10; 2Th 1:3; Phm 1:5; 1Pe 1:21-23; 1Jo 3:14,23; 4:16 exp: Ro 10:17; 1Th 3:6. The love. Heb 6:10.
(verse 5)
The hope. Col 1:23,27; Ac 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7; 1Co 13:13; 15:19; Ga 5:5; Eph 1:18-19; 2Th 2:16; Heb 7:19; 1Pe 3:15; 1Jo 3:3 exp: Heb 6:18. laid. Ps 31:19; Mt 6:19-20; Lu 12:33; 2Ti 4:8; 1Pe 1:3-4. The word. Col 3:16; Ac 10:36; 13:26; Ro 10:8; 2Co 5:19; 6:7; Eph 1:13; 1Th 2:13; 1Ti 1:15; 1Pe 2:2 exp: Mr 4:14.
(verse 6)
is come. Col 1:23; Ps 98:3; Mt 24:14; 28:19; Mr 16:15; Ro 10:18; 15:19; 16:26; 2Co 10:14. bringeth. Col 1:10; Mr 4:8,26-29; Joh 15:16; Ac 12:24; Ro 1:13; 15:28; Eph 5:9; Php 1:11; 4:17. since. Ro 10:17 exp: Col 1:9. knew. Ps 110:3; Ac 11:18; 16:14; 26:18; 1Co 15:10-11; 2Co 6:1; Eph 3:2; 4:23; 1Th 1:5; 2:13; 2Th 2:13; Tit 2:11-12; 1Pe 1:2-3; 5:12. in truth. Joh 4:23.
(verse 7)
Epaphras. Col 4:12; Phm 1:23. our. Php 2:19-22,25. a. Nu 12:7; Mt 24:45; 25:21; 1Co 4:2,17; 7:25; 2Co 11:23; Eph 5:21; 1Ti 4:6; 2Ti 2:2; Heb 2:17; 3:2.
(verse 8)
General references. Col 1:4; Ro 5:5; 15:30; Ga 5:22; 2Ti 1:7; 1Pe 1:22'.

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C1-S3 (Verse 9-17) the gospel of Christ provides specific blessings to those who obey it.

Equivalent Section: Paul had been praying for them to experience several steps of their salvation.

The first thing we gain in our salvation is being filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

For this cause we also,
since the day we heard it,
do not cease to pray for you,
and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;.

The second step tells us that we are to obey and walk worthy in order to be fruitful in every good work.

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God;.

The third step is our receiving and using power.

Strengthened with all might,
according to his glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;.

The fourth step is our being thankful unto the Father for His promised inheritance.

Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:.

Equivalent Section: What God the Father provides with salvation.

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son :.

Equivalent Section: What God the Son provides with salvation.

In whom we have redemption through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins:.

Equivalent Section: Who God the Son is in relation to salvation.

Who is the image of the invisible God,
The firstborn of every creature:.

Equivalent Section: Why the Son does provide salvation.

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:.

Equivalent Section: Why the Son can provide salvation.

all things were created by him,
and for him :.

Equivalent Section: Why salvation must be by the Son.

And he is before all things,
and by him all things consist.

Our sentence has a couple of promises. But, like other promises made for the 'Church Age', people must fulfill the requirements in order to receive the promises. Thus, our sentence promises we become meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light when we mature spiritually. Also, our sentence says that we are delivered us from the power of darkness when we are translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (receive the character of Jesus Christ). That is also how we receive redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins after our initial salvation. Finally, our sentence tells us that God will have others pray for us when we also display love in the Spirit. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

In the prior sentence Paul talked about how the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse had responded to the gospel (of the Lord Jesus Christ) and received spiritual maturity as a result. (Please see the note for Galatians 6:1 in the Word Study on Spirit for notes and links to other verses which deal with the Biblical definition of spiritual.) Now Paul is starting to talk about that gospel (of Christ) which brings spiritual maturity after salvation and the emphasis is all on God. This sentence is the theme of this epistle. God does not save people to leave them in the misery of their sin until they go to Heaven. God changes everyone who gets truly saved so that they 'stop their sinning' and no longer accumulate the consequences of those sins. The changes by God, and the resulting blessings, come when we are in Christ and have Christ in us. That is the true gospel of Christ which this epistle presents and it all starts by realizing that it is all about God and what he can do in and through us. Please also see the notes for this sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study under Lord and under Son.

The message of this comples sentence can be understood if we consider this simpler outline:

Prayers by others to help.
Being filled with the knowledge of his (God's ) will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
being able to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.
being able to be fruitful in every good work.
increasing in the knowledge of God.
be Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power.
have all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.
be Giving thanks unto the Father.
be able (hath made us meet) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
have been delivered us from the power of darkness.
have been translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
recognize that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:.
recognize that Jesus created all things that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:.
recognize that all things were created by him, and for him.
recognize that Jesus has preeminence before all things.
recognize that Jesus keeps things existing.

This is the third sentence of this epistle and Paul is now getting into the details of our salvation, which is the basis of all that he will say after this. in this sentence the first section is verses 1:9 through 1:12 and contains the most details of the equivalent sections. It is sub-divided into four steps by the use of semicolons. The first section will be easier to understand if we look at the shorter (simpler) sections first.

please also see the note for Romans 15:27 for the links to every place in the Bible where forms of partake are used along with the definition from Webster's 1828 .

The second section (1:13) tells us how the Father changed us from lost, blind, Hell bound, darkness controlled sinners into people fit for the kingdom of His Son. The main word of that phrase is translated. (Translated means moved across the gap from where we were [kingdom of Satan] to where the Father put us [kingdom of His Son]). When God changed our kingdom, He changed the Laws that we are to obey. where we were obeying sin unto death, our life is to now show obedience unto righteousness (Romans 6:16). But before we could obey, God had to first deliver us from the power of darkness. The power of darkness had us enslaved through the addiction of sin and God had to free us before we could obey righteousness. However, God does not take away our free will. Just because we are free to obey, God does not force us to obey. We must choose to obey the Laws of The kingdom of his dear Son. If we refuse to obey His Laws then the devil will take us captive again through the addiction of sin. Just look at all of the saved addicts which Reformers Unanimous has to help. Please see the note for This verse in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details on this subject.

The third section (1:14) uses the legal terms of redemption and forgiveness and tells us how God took care of the legalities that would have prevented us from receiving our new kingdom (mentioned in the prior part of this sentence). The legalities had to be taken care of first because God is always righteous and we violated His Law when we sinned (1John 3:4). Therefore, God had to remove the legal charges against us before He could translate us into the kingdom of his dear Son. The section on Sin in 1John explains the difference between how God deals with our sin when we were lost and how He deals with sin done by saved people. Both require redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins. Since the lost are under the Great White throne legal system and the saved are under the judgment seat of Christ, (Romans 13:1-5; 2Corinthians 5:10-11) and since these are two different legal systems of God, they require different legal solutions. God does this by making a distinction between the blood of Jesus and the blood of Christ. While we can't make this type of distinction, God can. The point being that, as explained other places on this site, we still need to receive redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins for sins that we do after our initial profession. The doctrine that claims it was all done at our initial profession and that we don't need these things after our initial profession is a lie from Satan. The good news is that, like every other equivalent section of this sentence, Paul is saying that God provided these things that we would need after our initial profession.

Please see the note for Romans 8:23 which has links to every verse which uses the word redemption along with a small note about the use of redemption within each verse. In addition, the note for Ephesians 1:7-12 has an extensive explanation of what the Bible means by redemption.

The fourth section (1:15) tells us that the Son is the image (what can be seen) of the Father. In John 14:7-11 Jesus explained to us that, as a physical man who could be seen, He was the image of the Father. He has the power, Spirit, character, etc of the Father and we can know the Father by looking at the Son. As we look to the Son and try to become like Him, we are made like the Father and the Father has our permission to change us without taking away our free will. This section uses the term firstborn which indicates that there will also be others who are born. What we see every place that the Bible deals with firstborn is that all others are to have the same image as the firstborn. We receive this image through the ongoing ministry of Christ in our lives, which is what this epistle is about. Once more we see that the equivalent sections of this sentence are talking about what we receive in our salvation after our initial profession.

The fifth section (first part of 1:16) tells us that the Son had the power and knowledge and wisdom necessary to initially create all things. Therefore, He has the power and knowledge and wisdom necessary to heal us and make us like He originally created us. He not only created us but, according to this section, He also created thrones and dominions and principalities and powers. That means that he created all of the devils including Satan. (Please see the note for Romans 8:38-30 for links to where the Bible uses principalities and powers along with providing definitions.) He chooses to allow them to continue to rebel. I believe that He allows this so that men have a credible choice of righteousness or evil. Everyone in heaven will have chosen to be there by their own free will or will have died before understood good and evil. Regardless of all the details and theology involved, the fact is that Satan introduced sin into God's perfect creation and permanently corrupted it. We are born into a corrupted world with a sin nature that desires corruption. However, those people who use their brains, instead of just believing whatever they are told, can see the end of sin and corruption. This section tells us that he provides a way of salvation because He originally created all of us. However, just as sin caused a permanent change in all of creation, so also must true salvation cause a permanent change. Paul explained all of this in much more detail in Romans 5. Please see the Book Study on Romans for Chapter 5. It has several notes related to Paul's explanation and links to other studies related to Romans 5 such as those in the Lord Jesus Christ study.

The sixth section (last part of 1:16) tells us why he created everything. He did it for him. Our only purpose is what He decides is our purpose. This implies is that as sinners, we no longer fulfill the purpose for our creation. This gives us the for the Son changing us back into what he initially planned when he created us. We are happiest when we are fulfilling our original purpose. Therefore, He saves us for our own ultimate happiness and fulfillment.

The seventh section (1:17) tells us why we don't want to fight this change. And he is before all things means He is more powerful than anything and you can't fight God. The second reason of and by him all things consist means that if He just stops keeping us alive, we're done. Only a fool continuously attacks the person holding their life-line. He decides if and how much we each personally receive of everything pertaining to life. Everyone talks about Pentecost (Acts 2) but the second preaching recorded in Acts 3 saw far more people saved. God used Peter to give healing to a man who had been lame from his mother's womb. After he was healed he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God:...and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him...all the people ran together unto them. Simply put, God healed this man who responded by gathering a crowd so that many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand (Acts 4:4). This man made it worth God's effort to heal him. Our section tells us that He is number one (he is before all things) and He controls who lives or dies and how much life each of us gets (by him all things consist). The fool fights against the Son of God and the wise man does whatever it takes to motivate the Son of God to bless his life. As we see throughout this sentence and epistle, that means maturing spiritually through maintaining our personal relationship with in Christ.

So, as we see, every part of this sentence gives us an picture of the changes in the life of a believer which occur after their initial profession but which are still part of true Biblical salvation. God the Father and the God the Son do these things for all truly saved people. It is a mandatory part of true Biblical salvation and those people who will not accept such changes are not saved no matter what religious act they perform.

Having seen the equivalency of each section of this sentence, we can now return to the first section and see how it is also equivalent to the rest. In the first section we have 4 steps of salvation that God uses to bring change into the life of the believer after their initial profession. Since God makes these changes through His role of Lord, these changes are to be in every believer's life with no exception or respect of persons. (Please see Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11 and Colossians 3:25).

In our first step of the first section we see that Paul...and Timotheus our brother prayed for them constantly. This is one of the primary responsibilities of all people in church leadership. They not only prayed but they had desires for each and every one of these people (ye) which means they had specific prayer that was aimed at a specific goal. The first thing that Paul and Timothy desired, and that all true ministers should desire, is that each and every person (that they are responsible for) might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Notice that Paul said might. We each have a personal responsibility for our own spiritual maturity and we each have to do the actions required to have that occur. The best that a minister can do is try to provide the opportunity and, like God does, see who responds. This is a major reason that we see varying degrees of blessings from God in different believers' lives. God does not force His blessings on anyone but rewards those who respond to the opportunities that He provides. For example, God gave me specific abilities, that He also gave to others. He then revealed Hebrews 11:5 to means to others. It says ...and that he (God) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. This site is a result of my diligently seeking Him. I have seen my personal knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, grow as I diligently sought Him. These blessings were given at a rate that was far beyond what I received when I just listened to preaching and participated in church activities but did not do disciplined study on my own that was always started with prayer for God to show me what he wanted me to see. During this (now 10 years) study I was in an accident where I received brain damage by hitting my head on a freeway (dropped a motorcycle) at over 70 MPH 12 times. (I counted the marks on my helmet). Most people look at me like I'm lying when I say that I have medically measured brain damage. I present God's working in my life as a personal testimony of what I am claiming here. God gives varying amounts of blessings to different saved people depending upon their response to the promises and opportunities that He provides. God promised to reward..them that diligently seek him. I have personally diligently sought Him. I survived an accident that had many of the medical staff of a major hospital talking about my receiving multiple miracles (their words), even staff that denied belief in God. You are reading the results of God's reward to a brain damaged believer which goes well beyond the reward that God gave to other believers at the same time. I say this to encourage each reader to personally seek Him in their own personal life and to be diligent about it while believing in personal rewards for acting in faith to His promises.

Returning to our first step, we see the specific blessings from God that Paul and Timothy were praying for. The first of these things is The knowledge of his will. Many believers struggle with this. Based upon personal experience and from talking to others, I have found that the people who have the greatest problem with not having The knowledge of his will do not do regular disciplined personal Bible study (more than reading) and personal prayer. Many people have also found that they have less of a problem in this area the more that they are diligent in their personal prayer and Bible study. In addition, true Biblical knowledge results in a spiritual birth, as has been shown many places on this site. When we let God's Holy Spirit apply God's Word to our personal life we know God's Will for us personally. When we obey that personal Will we see spiritual fruit that others can also see (This is the spiritual birth). After the spiritual birth, God moves on to new knowledge. When we refuse the revealed Will of God for our personal life, God keeps bringing us back to the same lesson (sometimes with punishments) until we obey His Will for our personal life.

The second thing that Paul and Timothy prayed for in this first step was wisdom. 1Corinthians teaches about the differences between God's wisdom and that from the world. The people at Corinth were still spiritual babes in Christ because they followed the wisdom of this world instead of obeying God's wisdom.

The third thing that Paul and Timothy prayed for in this first step was spiritual understanding. Again, this is different from understanding that comes from this world. This site deals more with spiritual understanding than it does with God's wisdom. True spiritual understanding comes from a disciplined study of God's Word, under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit. It has specific rules such as reading what God really wrote instead of what a religious teacher said that God meant. It also means being diligent enough to study every place that the Bible talks about a subject. For example, before starting this study I believed what most people believe about the name of Jesus in the Bible. That belief is that the Bible is always talking about the Son of God when it uses Jesus. While that is true for over 950 occurrences, there are two places where the Bible uses Jesus to identify other men. The true Biblical interpretation of Jesus is that it identifies a physical man. Every place that the Bible uses Jesus for the Son of God it is emphasizing His human nature. 1John and 2John were written because preachers in God's church were denying the humanity of the Son of God even while using the name of Jesus. The Study called Jesus used the Holy Spirit shows many of the places where the Bible teaches that Jesus lived as a weak physical human being while relying upon the Power of the Holy Ghost, just like we have to do. That's why true Biblical understanding requires disciplined study which follows the specific rules that are revealed in God's Word. These rules include being diligent enough to study 100% of the places that the Bible talks about a particular word or subject. Please see the papers on the Hermeneutics page for more details on how to get true Biblical understanding.

So in our first step we find that the first thing we need is for God's Holy Spirit to apply God's Word to our personal lives so that we can obey God's personal Will for us. This results in us personally receiving The knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Once we Have that basis we can move onto the next step. (Please note that these steps are repeated without number throughout our life). In our second step we have three parts that we need to obey. One part is that we need to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. When we walk we move one foot only a little way then we stand on that new position and repeat this possess faithfully until we get to where we need to be. Lots of people want 'a great leap of faith'. However, God doesn't want us 'leaping' around but He wants us to faithfully do the little steps of faith in order to get to the destination that He has set for us. The next part is that we need to be fruitful in every good work. As explained elsewhere, what the Bible calls good comes from God (Matthew 19:16; Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18). Fruit takes time and effort to produce and God wants us to be faithful in His good work while we wait for Him to bring forth fruit. But notice that we are to continue until the results are full of fruit (fruitful) and not quit at the first sign of the first fruit. Finally, this part says being not 'having'. We are not to possess fruit but God's fruit is what we are to be. Finally, our third part is the ongoing activity of increasing in the knowledge of God. All three of these parts are to be going on at the same time and they (together) comprise the second step in this section of this sentence.

The third step is our receiving and using power. We again have three parts. Notice that the second part says that it is his glorious power. At the same time, the third part says that the results which we experience (unto) is patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Many other places (like the Book Study on 1Peter and the Book Study on 2Peter) tell us that we are to have spiritual joy while our patience is tried and we learn to increase our longsuffering through experience. The note for Romans 5:3-5 provides links to every verse which uses the word patience along with a small note on each verse. Please also see the note for Romans 9:22 which has links to every verse which uses longsuffering along with a short note on each verse and the definition of from Webster's 1828 . Meekness is defined as 'power under God's control'. The main Bible characters who are associated with meekness are Moses and Jesus. Well, when this step says that we are to be Strengthened with all might and then limits that might with according to his glorious power the Bible is talking about true Biblical meekness. Therefore, this step is for us to receive, and act in, true Biblical meekness. Anyone who has experienced this step personally knows that it required the two prior steps and that this step ultimately leads to the last step. After truly experiencing all of the first three steps sufficiently to understand God's plan and God's provision we can truly Give thanks unto the Father...(because) of the inheritance of the saints in light. This inheritance is both now in this life and also in eternity. We can be sure of our inheritance in eternity because of what we receive here in this life. If I had never been literally out of my mind with pain and opiates I would not have heard how God used me to give Him glory even when I didn't know what I was doing. As a result of that experience, I do not fear 'losing my mind with age' like most people say they fear. Even if I 'lose my mind with age' I will still be putting up rewards in heaven. Therefore, my terrible experience resulted in God removing a fear before it even became significant to me. As a result, I better understand Romans 8:28 and have greater assurance of my eternal inheritance.

Hopefully the reader can see how these four steps provide a detailed equivalency of the other sections of this sentence. As said, every section of this sentence tells us what God has provided through our salvation after the things which we received at our initial profession. These additions only come through developing our ongoing personal relationship with God. These things are what the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse had and what we need as a basis for all that is presented in the remainder of this epistle.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C2S5 for links to every place in 2Corinthians where we find forms of the word cause along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . That definition gives this word legal implications. The New Testament definition is: 'Basically, the source of a result. It can also be an action in court, or any legal process whereby someone demands his supposed right'. In our current sentence we are told to worship God and recognize that He is the source of all power which allows us to do anything for His kingdom. Please also see the note for Romans C1S10 about the word because. Please also see the note for John 15:25 about the phrase without cause. In John 15:25; we read that the prophecy was fulfilled about Jesus that: They hated me without a cause. Please also see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Colossians 1:9 and Colossians 4:16.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. The New Testament definition is: 'Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial'. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for Hebrews 10:2 about the word cease. The New Testament definition for this word is: ' to stop moving, acting or speaking; to leave of; to give over; followed by from before a noun'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:30 about the word decease.

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word pray. The New Testament definition is: ' In a general sense, the act of asking for a favor, and particularly with earnestness. 1. In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S1; Galatians 4:19-20 and Philippians 1:23-24 about the word desire. The New Testament definition is: 'An emotion or excitement of the mind, directed to the attainment or possession of an object from which pleasure, sensual, intellectual or spiritual, is expected'. Our current sentence is the only place in Colossians where We find this word.

Please see the note for Romans 1:29 about the word fill. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Properly, to press; to crowd; to stuff. Hence, to put or pour in, till the thing will hold no more'. Please see the note for 4:18 about the word full. The New Testament definition is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the note for Romans 15:13 about the word fulfill. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'A tautological compound of full and fill. 1. to accomplish; to perform; to complete; to answer in execution or event what has been foretold or promised; as, to fulfill a prophecy or prediction; to fulfill a promise'. Please also see the Studies called Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospels and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Epistles. We also find this word, in this Bible book in: Colossians 1:24.

We find forms of the word know within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:27; 2:2-3; 3:10; 3:24; 4:1; 4:6; 4:8 and 4:9. The New Testament definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. please also see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; Galatians C3-S9 and know in 1John about the word know. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 8:1 and the rest of Chapter 8, about the difference between knowledge that comes from in Christ and other forms of knowledge. Please see the notes for 2Peter 2:20-LJC; Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word knowledge as: '( Select Reading, Pr 3:13-3:24): Pr 3:13-24. May become a Hindrance instead of a Help to Men: Desire for, a Source of Temptation: Ge 3:5-6. Tends to Presumption: Ge 3:22-23. Adds to the Burden of Life: Ec 1:18. Pursuit of, Exhausting: Ec 12:12. Begets Pride: 1Co 8:1. See Conceit. Vanity of Human: Isa 44:25; 1Co 8:2; 13:8. The Pursuit of Enjoined: Pr 2:3-5; 3:13; 4:5; 15:14; 23:23; 2Pe 1:5. Spiritual Knowledge, general references to: A Cause for Exultation: Jer 9:24; 31:34. Obtained by Acquaintanceship with God: Ho 6:3. Obedience, the Condition of Receiving: Joh 7:16-17. Liberates the Soul from all Error: Joh 8:31-32. Leads to Eternal Life: Joh 17:3. Deeds Performed by the Lord that Men might Receive: Ex 6:7; 8:10; 16:12; Jos 3:10; 1Ki 18:37; Isa 45:3; Joe 2:27; Zec 4:9; Mt 9:6; Joh 10:38; 14:31; 17:23. Seven Great Verities that May be Known by the Believer: Job 19:25; Isa 50:7; Joh 4:41-42; Ro 8:28; 2Co 5:1; 2Ti 1:12; 1Jo 3:2,14,24. Knowledge of God is Infinite.: See God; Knowledge Possessed by. General References to Intellectual: Pr 1:4; 2:10; 14:6; 15:7; 24:4; Da 1:4; 5:12; 12:4. Withheld from Man.: See Knowledge; Withheld. Christ's Knowledge of the Father: Mt 11:27; Joh 7:29; 8:55; 10:15; 17:25. Learning, examples of Men Possessing: Da 1:17; Ac 7:22; 22:3. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIMENTAL: General references to: Job 12:12; 32:7; Ps 37:25; Ec 1:16. Prepares Men for the Duties of Life: Fitted Israel to Sympathize with Strangers: Ex 23:9. Prepared the Demoniac to Witness: Mr 5:19. Christ's Message grounded in Experience: Joh 3:10-11. Qualified the Blind Man to Testify: Joh 9:25. Fitted Paul for a Ministry of Comfort: 2Co 1:4. Enabled the Apostles to Speak with Authority: 2Pe 1:16. KNOWLEDGE, DIVINE: General Reference to: 1Sa 2:3; Ps 69:5; 139:2; Isa 40:28; Da 2:22; Mt 6:8; 1Co 3:20; 1Jo 3:20. Men's Hearts Searched by Jehovah: 1Ch 28:9; Ps 44:21; Jer 17:10; 23:24; Am 9:3; Zep 1:12; Ro 8:27. The Secrets of the Heart Read by Christ: Pr 15:11; Jer 20:12; Mt 12:25; 22:18; Mr 2:8; Lu 6:8; 11:17; 16:15; Joh 2:25; Ac 15:8. All the Ways of Men are Known to God: Job 34:21; Ps 1:6; 119:168; 139:3; 142:3; Pr 5:21; Jer 16:17; 32:19. God's Knowledge of the Saints: In Time of Trouble: Na 1:7. At every day Tasks: Joh 1:48. Their Individual Names: Joh 10:3. Intimate Acquaintanceship: Joh 10:14. True Love Recognized: 1Co 8:3; Ga 4:9. The Sure Foundation of Christian Hope: 2Ti 2:19. Danger of: (May become a Hindrance instead of a Help to Men): Desire for, a Source of Temptation: Ge 3:5-6. Tends to Presumption: Ge 3:22-23. Adds to the Burden of Life: Ec 1:18. Pursuit of, Exhausting: Ec 12:12. Begets Pride: 1Co 8:1. Vanity of Human: Isa 44:25; 1Co 8:2; 13:8. Pursuit of: Pr 2:3-5; 3:13; 4:5; 15:14; 23:23; 2Pe 1:5. Spiritual Knowledge, general references to: A Cause for Exultation: Jer 9:24; 31:34. Obtained by Acquaintanceship with God: Ho 6:3. Obedience, the Condition of Receiving: Joh 7:16-17. Liberates the Soul from all Error: Joh 8:31-32. Leads to Eternal Life: Joh 17:3. Seven Great Verities that May be Known by the Believer: Job 19:25; Isa 50:7; Joh 4:41-42; Ro 8:28; 2Co 5:1; 2Ti 1:12; 1Jo 3:2,14,24. Knowledge of God is Infinite. Deeds Performed by the Lord that Men Might Receive: Ex 6:7; 8:10; 16:12; Jos 3:10; 1Ki 18:37; Isa 45:3; Joe 2:27; Zec 4:9; Mt 9:6; Joh 10:38; 14:31; 17:23. General Reference to: 1Sa 2:3; Ps 69:5; 139:2; Isa 40:28; Da 2:22; Mt 6:8; 1Co 3:20; 1Jo 3:20. Men's Hearts Searched by Jehovah: 1Ch 28:9; Ps 44:21; Jer 17:10; 23:24; Am 9:3; Zep 1:12; Ro 8:27. The Secrets of the Heart Read by Christ: Pr 15:11; Jer 20:12; Mt 12:25; 22:18; Mr 2:8; Lu 6:8; 11:17; 16:15; Joh 2:25; Ac 15:8. All the Ways of Men are Known to God: Job 34:21; Ps 1:6; 119:168; 139:3; 142:3; Pr 5:21; Jer 16:17; 32:19. God's Knowledge of the Saints: In Time of Trouble: Na 1:7. At every day Tasks: Joh 1:48. Their Individual Names: Joh 10:3. Intimate Acquaintanceship: Joh 10:14. True Love Recognized: 1Co 8:3; Ga 4:9. The Sure Foundation of Christian Hope: 2Ti 2:19. Intellectual: (General References to): Pr 1:4; 2:10; 14:6; 15:7; 24:4; Da 1:4; 5:12; 12:4. Withheld from Man.: Withheld: Reasons for Withholding: Because Perilous: Ge 2:17; De 29:29. Inability to Apprehend Truth: Joh 13:7. Human Weakness Necessitates: Joh 16:12. Earthly Limitations Fetter: 1Co 13:12. Gradual Revelation, the Divine Plan: Eph 3:5. To give Opportunity for Faith: 1Jo 3:2. Ignorance in reference to the Future: Pr 27:1; Ec 3:22; 6:12; 8:7; 9:12; 10:14; 11:2; Mt 24:43; Ac 20:22; Jas 4:14. Secret things belong to God: De 29:29; Pr 25:2; Da 12:9; Mr 13:32; Re 5:3; 10:4. Christ's Knowledge of the Father: Mt 11:27; Joh 7:29; 8:55; 10:15; 17:25. Called Learning: (Learning, examples of Men Possessing): Da 1:17; Ac 7:22; 22:3. Responsibility according to: Mt 11:22; Mr 6:11; Lu 12:48; Joh 3:19; 9:41; 15:22; Ro 2:12'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word knowledge as: 'Of good and evil: Ge 2:9,17; 3:22. Is power: Pr 3:20; 24:5. Desire for: 1Ki 3:9; Ps 119:66; Pr 2; 3; 12:1; 15:14; 18:15. Rejected: Ho 4:6. Those who reject are destroyed: Ho 4:6. Fools hate: Pr 1:22,29. A divine gift: 1Co 12:8. Is pleasant: Pr 2:10. Shall be increased: Da 12:4. The earth shall be full of: Isa 11:9. The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of: Pr 1:7. Of more value than gold: Pr 8:10. The priest's lips should keep: Mal 2:7. Of salvation: Lu 1:77. Key of: Lu 11:52. "Now we know in part": 1Co 13:9-12. Of God more than burnt offering: Ho 6:6. Of Christ: Php 3:8'.

Please see the note for 1:1-2 about the word will. The simple definition of the word will is: 'That faculty of the mind by which we determine either to do or forbear an action; the faculty which is exercised in deciding, among two or more objects, which we shall embrace or pursue'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 2:15 about the phrase will of God.

The Bible usage of the word wisdom is 'The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S12 about the word wisdom and for a fuller definition. That note has the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. 1Corinthiaqns explains the difference between God's wisdom and man's wisdom. We find forms of the word wise / wisdom occurring 632 times in 584 verses of the Bible, 189 times in 175 verses of the New Testament and, within this epistle, in our current sentence; 1:28; 2:3; 2:23; 3:16 and 4:5.

Please see the note for Galatians 6:1-LJC about the word spiritual. The New Testament definition is: 'that which is related to God's Holy Spirit'. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive. Please see the note for 1Peter C1S11 about spiritual verses physical.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understanding. The New Testament definition is: 'The sense is to support or hold in the mind. Tohave just and adequate ideas of; to comprehend; to know; as, to understand a problem '.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S1 and Ephesians C4S1 about the word walk. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. The New Testament definition is: 'To move slowly on the feet; to step slowly along; to advance by steps moderately repeated'. When applied to faith, the emphasis is upon small movements of faith and repeated continuously. We find forms of the word walk, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:6; 3:7 and 4:5.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S31 about the word worth. The New Testament definition of worthily is: 'Value; that quality of a thing which renders it useful, or which will produce an equivalent good in some other thing'. This is the only sentence within Colossians where this word is used.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:10-LJC about the word please. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S2 about the phrase well pleased. The New Testament definition is: 'The act of gratifying'. We find forms of the word please, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:19; 3:20 and 3:22. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:15 about the word displeased.

We find forms of the word fruit 325 times in 289 verses of the Bible, 98 times in 87 verses of the New Testament, and, within Colossians, only in our current sentence and 1:6. Within Colossians, fruit is only used for spiritual fruit. Fruit is the end result of a long process. Please see the notes for Romans C1S5; 1Corinthians C9S10 about the word fruit. Please see the note for Romans C8S21 about the word firstfruits. Please see the note for Philippians 1:9-11 about the phrase fruit of righteousness.

Please see the note for Romans C7S16 about the word good. Please also see the note for Romans C11S26 about the word goodness. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about Good Friday. The New Testament definition, that us used within the Bible, is: 'In the Bible, only what comes from God is called good. Therefore, the Biblical definition of good does not match what men think it should be'. This is the only place within Colossians where We find this word.

We find forms of the word works 240 times in 277 verses of the Bible, 118 times in 108 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:21, 29 and 4:11. Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; 2Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. Please see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. The New Testament definition is: 'To labor; to be occupied in performing manual labor, whether severe or moderate'.

Please see the note for 2:18-29 about the word increase. The New Testament definition is: 'To become greater in bulk or quantity; to grow; to augment'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians C1S6 about the word strengthened. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'Made strong or stronger; confirmed'.

Please see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty. The New Testament definition of might is: 'have power or liberty. Sometimes this word is used for the possibility of there being sufficient power or liberty'. We find forms of the word might, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:18; 1:29; 2:2 and 4:8.

Please also see the note for Romans C15S14 which has links to every place in Romans where we find forms of the word glory along with the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary and links from other commentators. In addition, please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C15S36 and Ephesians C1S2 which have links to where we find forms of the word glory within those epistles. The New Testament definition is: ' brightness, splendor'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. Please see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about spiritual powers. The New Testament definition is: 'The faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something. Spiritual powers are the beings which have this ability'. We find forms of the word power, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:10; and 2:15.

Please see the note for Romans C5S2 about the word patience. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where We find this word along with a small note on the usage within each verse. The New Testament definition is: 'The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness'. We find forms of the word patience, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:10; and 2:15.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word patience as: 'Enjoined: Ec 7:8; Lu 21:19; Ro 12:12; 1Th 5:14; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 2:2; Heb 10:36; Jas 1:4; 5:7; 2Pe 1:6 Examples of: 2Th 1:4; Heb 6:15; Jas 5:11; Re 1:9; 2:2; 14:12. In Waiting for God: Ge 49:18; Ps 33:20; 37:7; 40:1; 130:6; Isa 25:9; 26:8; 33:2; La 3:25; Lu 2:25; Ac 1:4'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word patience as: 'God, is the God of: Ro 15:5. Christ, an example of: Isa 53:7; Ac 8:32; Mt 27:14. Enjoined: Tit 2:2; 2Pe 1:6. Should have its perfect work: Jas 1:4. Trials of saints lead to: Ro 5:3; Jas 1:3. PRODUCES: Experience: Ro 5:4. Hope: Ro 15:4. Suffering with, for well-doing, is acceptable with God: 1Pe 2:20. ToBE EXERCISED IN: Running the race set before us: Heb 12:1. Bringing forth fruits: Lu 8:15. Well-doing: Ro 2:7; Ga 6:9. Waiting for God: Ps 37:7; 40:1. Waiting for Christ: 1Co 1:7; 2Th 3:5. Waiting for the hope of the gospel: Ro 8:25; Ga 5:5. Waiting for God's salvation: La 3:26. Bearing the yoke: La 3:27. Tribulation: Lu 21:19; Ro 12:12. Necessary to the inheritance of the promises: Heb 6:12; 10:36. Exercise, towards all: 1Th 5:14. They who are in authority, should exercise: Mt 18:26; Ac 26:3. Ministers should follow after: 1Ti 6:11. Ministers approved by: 2Co 6:4. SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY: Godliness: 2Pe 1:6. Faith: 2Th 1:4; Heb 6:12; Re 13:10. Temperance: 2Pe 1:6. Long-suffering: Col 1:11. Joyfulness: Col 1:11. Saints strengthened unto all: Col 1:11. Commended: Ec 7:8; Re 2:2-3. Illustrated: Jas 5:7. Exemplified: Job, Job 1:21; Jas 5:11. Simeon, Lu 2:25. Paul, 2Ti 3:10. Abraham, Heb 6:15. Prophets, Jas 5:10. John, Re 1:9'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word patience as: 'General scriptures concerning: Ps 37:7-9; Pr 15:18; Ec 7:8-9; La 3:26-27; Lu 8:15; 21:19; Ro 2:7; 5:3-4; 8:25; 12:12; 15:4-5; 1Co 13:4-5; 2Co 6:4-6; 12:12; Ga 6:9; Eph 4:1-2; Col 1:10-11; 3:12-13; 1Th 1:3; 5:14; 2Th 3:5; 1Ti 3:2-3; 6:11; 2Ti 2:24-25; Tit 2:1-2,9; Heb 6:12,15; 10:36; 12:1; Jas 1:3-4,19; 5:7-8; 1Pe 2:19-23; 2Pe 1:5-6; Re 1:9; 13:10; 14:12. See the following related topics See INSTANCES OF: Isaac toward the people of Gerard: Ge 26:15-22. Moses: Ex 16:7-8. Job: Job 1:21; Jas 5:11. David: Ps 40:1. Simeon: Lu 2:25. Paul: 2Ti 3:10. The prophets: Jas 5:10. The thessaloni and Christians: 2Th 1:4. The congregation at Ephesus: Re 2:2-3. The congregation at thyatira: Re 2:19. John: Re 1:9'.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S22 and Romans C2S4 about the word longsuffering. That note has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with a small note on the usage within each verse. The New Testament definition is: 'Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked'. We find forms of the word longsuffering, within Colossians, in: our current sentence and 3:12.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S23 and 1John C1S2 about the word joy. The Bible tell us that joy comes only from God. The definition from Webster's 1828 gives us definitions from man which go against that the Bible teaches. We find forms of the word joy, within Colossians, in: our current sentence and 2:5.

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word thanks. The New Testament definition of thanks is: ' to express gratitude for a favor; to make acknowledgments to one for kindness bestowed'. Please see the note for 4:2-4 about the word thanksgiving. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the note for Romans C1S15 about the word meet. The New Testament definition is: 'come together and match in every area' this is the only place where we find forms of the word meet, within Colossians.

Please see the note for Ephesians C5S5 about the word partaker. The New Testament definition is: 'One who has or takes a part, share or portion in common with others; a sharer; a participator' this is the only place where we find forms of the word partaker, within Colossians.

Please see the note for Galatians C3-S20 about the word inheritance. Please see that note for the important doctrinal discussion of this word along with the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. There is doctrinal error believed by many people about our spiritual inheritance. The New Testament definition is: 'An estate derived from an ancestor to an heir by succession or in course of law; or an estate which the law casts on a child or other person, as the representative of the deceased ancestor' We find forms of the word inheritance, within Colossians, in: our current sentence and 3:24.

Please see the note for 1:1-2 about the word saint. The New Testament definition is: 'a spiritually mature saved person who is actively involved in the ministry of the church' We find forms of the word saint, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:4; 1:12; and 1:26.

Please see the notes for Romans C13S15; 2Corinthians 4:3-4 and Ephesians C5S6 about the word light. Please see the notes for Light and Darkness in 1John and Romans C13S15 about light and darkness. Please see the note for John 11:9-LJC about the phrase Jesus is our light. The main usage of the word light, within the Bible is: 'The effect that God has in this world and in and through the lives of saved people' We find forms of the word light, within Colossians, only in our current sentence.

Please see the notes for Light and Darkness in 1John and Romans C13S15 about light and darkness. The New Testament definition is: 'The effect that Satan has in this world and in and through the lives of saved people'.

Please see the note for Matthew 8:12 about the phrase outer darkness. We find forms of the word dark, within Colossians, only in our current sentence.

Please see the note for Mark 9:31 about the word delivered. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Freed; released; transferred or transmitted; passed from one to another; committed; yielded; surrendered; rescued; uttered; pronounced'.

Forms of the word translate only occur in: 2Samuel 3:10; our current sentence and Hebrews 11:5. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines translate as: 'to bear, carry or remove from one place to another. It is applied to the removal of a bishop from one see to another. The bishop of Rochester, when the king would have translated him to a better bishopric, refused. 2. to remove or convey to heaven, as a human being, without death. By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death. Heb. 16. 3. to transfer; to convey from one to another. 2 Sam. 3. 4. to cause to remove from one part of the body to another; as, to translate a disease. 5. to change. Happy is your grace, that can translate the stubbornness of fortune Into so quiet and so sweet a style. 6. to interpret; to render into another language; to express the sense of one language in the words of another. the Old Testament was translated into the Greek language more than two hundred years before Christ. the Scriptures are now translated into most of the languages of Europe and Asia. 7. to explain'. this definition is better than found within other dictionaries and it still does not match the usage within the Bible. For example, it says 'To remove or convey to heaven, as a human being, without death'. However, this phrase tells us that this has already happened even though we are not yet in heaven. The prefix trans means 'across a division or barrier'. God has taken us from the kingdom of darkness across the spiritual barrier and into the kingdom of his dear Son / light. The problem of men's dictionaries is that they try to express spiritual truths within the limits of this physical world.

Please the notes for 1Corinthians C4S20; 1Corinthians C15S46 and Galatians C5S20; Doctrinal Study about The kingdom of God. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S16 about The kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Within the Bible we find that a kingdom reflects the character of the king. The New Testament definition is: 'The character of our true king, as displayed in our life, reveals what spiritual kingdom we truly belong to' Please also see the verses in the New Testament. Summary on the name / role of king. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth. Please also see the note for John 18:33-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews. Please also see the note for Revelation 14:14-LJC about the phrase King of kings. Please also see the note for Matthew 27:37-LJC about the phrase King of the Jews. Please also see the notes for Ephesians 5:5; 2Timohy 4:1 and 2Peter 1:11 about the phrase kingdom of Christ. Please also see the note for notes for Matthew 3:2 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase kingdom of heaven. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. We find forms of the word kingdom, within Colossians, in: our current sentence and 4:11.

Please see the note for Romans C8S21 for links to every place within the Bible where we find the word redemption. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S3 an extensive explanation of what the Bible means by the word redemption. The New Testament definition is: 'ongoing deliverance from bondage'. Our current sentence is the only place within Colossians where we find forms of the word redemption.

We find forms of the word blood occurring 465 times in 392 verses of the Bible, 101 times in 93 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence and in 1:20. Please see the note for This verse in the Lord Jesus Christ Study. It explains why this sentence uses in Christ by itself as well as providing links to every verse in the Bible which uses in Christ and blood. It also explains the difference between the blood of Jesus and the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ is directly linked to our communion with the Son of God, as also explained in that note. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 10:16-LJC about Christ and blood. The blood is one of the main things that ministers of Satan and Bible perverts try to remove and substitute another word for it because without shedding of blood is no remission (Matthew 26:28; Romans 3:25 and Hebrews 9:22) and The life of the flesh is in the blood: (Genesis 9:4-5; Leviticus 17:11; Leviticus 17:14; Deuteronomy 12:23; John 6:53 and John 6:54). Satan and his ministers want to keep all people from life and redemption. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines blood as: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life. this fluid is generally red. If the blood of an animal is not red, such animal is called exsanguious, or white-blooded; the blood being white, or white tinged with blue. 2. Kindred; relation by natural descent from a common ancestor; consanguinity. God hath made of one blood, all nations of the earth. Acts 17. 3. Royal lineage; blood royal; as a prince of the blood. 4. Honorable birth; high extraction; as a gentleman of blood. 5. Life. Shall I not require his blood at your hands? 2 Sam.4. 6. Slaughter; murder, or bloodshedding. I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu. Hosea 1. The voice of thy brother's blood crieth to me from the ground. Gen.4. 7. Guilt, and punishment. Your blood be upon your own heads. Acts.18. 8. Fleshly nature;; the carnal part of man; as opposed to spiritual nature, or divine life. Who were born, not of flesh and blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1. 9. Man, or human wisdom, or reason. Flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. Matt.16. 10. A sacramental symbol of the blood of Christ. This is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for the remission of sins. Matt.26. 11. the death and sufferings of Christ. Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Rom. 5.3. 12. the price of blood; that which is obtained by shedding blood, and seizing goods. Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood. Hab.2. Acts.1. 13. Temper of mind; state of the passions; but in this sense, accompanied with cold or warm, or other qualifying word. thus, to commit an act in cold blood, is to do it deliberately, and without sudden passion. Warm blood denotes a temper inflamed or irritated; to warm or head the blood, is to excite the passions. 14. A hot spark; a man of fire or spirit; a rake. 15. the juice of anything, especially if red; as, "The blood of grapes." Gen.49. Whole blood. In law, a kinsman of the whole blood is one who descends from the same couple of ancestors; of the half blood, one who descends from either of them singly, by a second marriage.
BLOOD, v.t. to let blood; to bleed by opening a vein. 1. to stain with blood. 2. to enter; to inure to blood; as a hound. 3. to heat the blood; to exasperate. Unusual'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The fluid which circulates through the arteries and veins of the human body, and of other animals, which is essential to the preservation of life'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:28 about the blood of Christ.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word blood as: 'Of Christ: Mt 26:28; Joh 6:56; 19:34; Ac 20:28; Ro 5:9; Col 1:20; Heb 9:14; 1Pe 1:18-19; 1Jo 1:7; Re 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11. Sprinkled: Ex 12:7; 24:8; Le 4:6; Nu 19:4; Heb 11:28; 12:24; 1Pe 1:2. Innocent, Allusions to the Shedding of: De 19:10; 1Sa 19:5; 1Ki 2:31; 2Ki 21:16; Ps 94:21; Isa 59:7; La 4:13; Joe 3:19; Jon 1:14; Mt 27:4. Forbidden to be eaten: Ge 9:4; Le 3:17; 7:26; De 12:16; 1Sa 14:34; Ac 15:20. Upon Men: 2Sa 1:16; Jer 2:34; Lu 11:50; Ac 5:28; 18:6. Of Sacrifices, Typical of the Blood of Christ: Sheltering: Ex 12:13. Atoning: Ex 30:10; Le 17:11. Liberating: Zec 9:11. Securing Pardon: Heb 9:7. Cleansing: Heb 9:22. Applied to persons: Ex 29:20; Le 8:23; 14:14,25. Redemption through: (BLOOD OF, the Atoning): Mt 26:28; Joh 6:56; 19:34; Ac 20:28; Ro 5:9; Col 1:20; Heb 9:14; 1Pe 1:18-19; 1Jo 1:7; Re 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word blood as: 'The life of animals: Ge 9:4; Le 17:11,14. Fluid: De 12:16. Red: 2Ki 3:22; Joe 2:31. Of all men the same: Ac 17:26. EATING OF, FORBIDDEN TO: Man after the flood: Ge 9:4. The Israelites under the law: Le 3:17; 17:10,12. The early Christians: Ac 15:20,29. The Jews often guilty of eating: 1Sa 14:32-33. Of animals slain for good to be poured on the earth and covered: Le 17:13; De 12:16,24. Birds of prey delight in: Job 39:30. Beasts of prey delight in: Nu 23:24; Ps 68:23. SHEDDING OF HUMAN: forbidden: Ge 9:5. Hateful to God: Pr 6:16-17. Defiling to the land: Ps 106:38. Defiling to the person: Isa 59:3. Jews often guilty of: Jer 22:17; Eze 22:4. Always punished: Ge 9:6. Mode of clearing those accused of: De 21:1-9. The price of, not to be consecrated: Mt 27:6. OF LEGAL SACRIFICES: foratonement: Ex 30:10; Le 17:11. Forpurification: Heb 9:13,19-22. How disposed of: Ex 29:12; Le 4:7. Not offered with leaven: Ex 23:18; 34:25. Ineffectual to remove sin: Heb 10:4. Idolaters made drink-offerings of: Ps 16:4. Water turned into, as a sign: Ex 4:30,9. Waters of Egypt turned into, as a judgment: Ex 7:17-21. ILLUSTRATIVE: (Washing the feet in,) of victories: Ps 58:10; 68:23. (Building with,) of oppression and cruelty: Hab 2:12. (Preparing to,) of ripening for destruction: Eze 35:6. (On one's own head,) of guilt: Le 20:9; 2Sa 1:16; Eze 18:13. (given to drink,) of severe judgments: Eze 16:38; Re 16:6'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word blood as: 'Is the life: Ge 9:4; Le 17:11,14; 19:16; De 12:23; Mt 27:4,24. Forbidden to be used as food: Ge 9:4; Le 3:17; 7:26-27; 17:10-14; 19:26; De 12:16,23; 15:23; Eze 33:25; Ac 15:20,29; 21:25. Plague of: Ex 7:17-25; Ps 78:44; 105:29. SACRIFICIAL: Without shedding of, no remission: Heb 9:22. Sprinkled on altar and people: Ex 24:6-8; Eze 43:18,20. Sprinkled on door posts: Ex 12:7-23; Heb 11:28. OF SIN OFFERING. Sprinkled seven times before the curtain: Le 4:5-6,17. On the horns of the altar of sweet incense, and at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering: Ex 30:10; Le 4:7,18,25,30; 5:9; 9:9,12. of the bullock of sin offering, put on the horns of the altar: Ex 29:12; Le 8:15. Poured at the bottom of the altar: Ex 29:12; Le 8:15. OF TRESPASS OFFERING: Sprinkled on the altar: Le 7:2. OF BURN't OFFERING: Sprinkled all around, and upon the altar: Ex 29:16; Le 1:5,11,15; 8:19; De 12:27. Used for cleansing of leprosy: Le 14:6-7,17,28,51-52. OF PEACE OFFERING: Sprinkled about the altar: Le 3:2,8,13; 9:18. Blood of the ram of consecration put on the tip of right ear, thumb, and big toe of, and sprinkled upon, Aaron and his sons: Ex 29:2,21; Le 8:23-24,30. OF ATONEMENT: Sprinkled on the mercy seat: Le 16:14-15,18-19,27; 17:11. BLOOD of the COVENANT: FIGURATIVE: Of victories: Ps 58:10. Of oppression and cruelty: Hab 2:12. Of destruction: Eze 35:6. Of guilt: Le 20:9; 2Sa 1:16; Eze 18:13. Of judgments: Eze 16:38; Re 16:6. OF SACRIFICES, TYPICAL of the ATONING BLOOD OF CHRIST: Heb 9:6-28. OF CHRIST: Mt 26:28; Mr 14:24; Lu 22:20; Joh 6:53-56; 19:34; Ac 20:28; Ro 3:24-25; 5:9; 1Co 10:16; 11:25; Eph 1:7; 2:13,16; Col 1:14,20; Heb 9:12-14; 10:19-20,29; 12:24; 13:12,20; 1Pe 1:2,18-19; 1Jo 1:7; 5:6,8; Re 1:5-6; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:7 about the word forgive. the New Testament definition is: 'To pardon; to remit, as an offense or debt; to overlook an offense, and treat the offender as not guilty. There is doctrinal error taught about this word. We are to forgive trespasses and not required to forgive felonies. In addition, God does not forgive the person who refuses to truly repent nor does He require us to forgive such a person'. The word forgiven is: 'The past-tense form of the word forgive'. We find forms of the word forgive, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:13 and 3:13.

Please see the note for Romans C7S26 about the word sin. We find this exact phrase of sin unto death: in 1John 5:16; Romans 6:16. We see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26. The New Testament definition is: 'a violation of God's law' (1John 3:4). We find forms of the word sin, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:11 and 2:13.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:3-4 about the word image. The New Testament definition is: 'A representation or similitude of any person or thing, formed of any substance. People today like to take pictures of themselves, which is an image and no matter how good that image is, it does not match the original being. Man was made in the image of God but can not match God'.

We find forms of the word invisible only in: Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:15-16; 1Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:27. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'That cannot be seen; imperceptible by the sight. Millions of stars, invisible to the naked eye, may be seen by the telescope. He endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Heb.11'. The Bible uses this word only for God and spiritual things. Please also see the note for 1:9-17 for links to every place in the Bible where we find any form of the word visible. The New Testament definition is: 'Perceivable by the eye; that can be seen'.

Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is image of the invisible God.

We find forms of the word firstborn occurring 117 times in 100 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7; Romans 8:29; our current sentence; our next sentence; Hebrews 11:28 and Hebrews 12:23. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines firstborn as: '(See BIRTHRIGHT.) Primogeniture gave princedom and priesthood in patriarchal times. So Esau and Jacob (Ge 25:23-33; Heb 12:16), Reuben (Ge 49:3; 1Ch 5:1). the oldest son in all Israelite families was regarded as sacred to God, because Israel's firstborn were exempted from the stroke which destroyed all the firstborn of Egypt on the first Passover night. the firstborn represented the whole people; Jehovah said to Pharaoh, "Israel is My son, My firstborn, and I say unto thee, Let My son go, that he may serve He; and if thou refuse to let him go, behold I will slay thy son, thy firstborn" (Ex 4:22-23). Israel, as Jehovah's firstborn, was designed to be a" kingdom of priests and an holy nation" (Ex 19:6).

It shall hereafter realize this high Calling in a degree that it has not yet realized it, standing as "The firstborn among many brethren" (like the antitypical Israel, Messiah, Ro 8:29; Heb 2:12), and priest among all nations, which in subordination to Jerusalem, the spiritual metropolis, shall be the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, then manifested (Isa 61:6; 66:21; Re 11:15; Zec 14:16; Jer 3:17). the tribe of Levi was substituted for all Israel's firstborn to minister to the Lord (Nu 3:12,45,50). there being 273 more of the firstborn in Israel than the males in Levi, the 273 were redeemed at five shekels apiece. Still, to mark the consecration of Israel to Jehovah, the redemption money was exacted for every firstborn (Nu 18:15). But the firstlings of cattle were to be offered to the Lord.

An donkey was however redeemed with a lamb, or else killed (Ex 13:13). Christ is the First-begotten. As such, He has the rights of primogeniture; for, as Heb 1:6 is in the Greek, "when God shall bring in again the First. begotten into the world, the shall be deemed worthy of not less honor, for "He saith (Ps 97:7), Let all the angels of God worship Him." His being "brought into the world" (oikoumenee, "The inhabited world"), as the theater of His power, mainly applies to His second advent. In (Col 1:16, "The Firstborn of every creature"; implying priority and superlative dignity. Ps 89:27, "My Firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth," David's antitype, the Messiah.

See Col 1:16 (proototokos pasees ktiseoos, as Joh 1:15,30; 15:18, prootos mou, "long before Me"), "begotten long before every creature"; the reason why He is so designated follows, "for He is before all things." "First-begotten" marks at once His eternal priority and His condescending to brotherhood with us (Ro 8:29). "Only begotten" marks His relation to the Father by generation from everlasting. Since He is "long before every creature," He cannot be a creature Himself but the Creator. And as He is the first begotten, originating the natural creation, so He is "The firstborn (proototokos, 'first begotten,' Re 1:5) from ("out of", ek) the dead," and therefore "The Beginning" (Col 1:18) of "The church of the firstborn" (Heb 12:23), the originating Agent of the new creation.

He was "begotten" of the Father to a new life at His resurrection (The day when the Father fulfilled Ps 2:7 according to Ac 13:33; Ro 1:4) which is His "regeneration"; so He is "The Prince-leader (archeegos) of life." "Regeneration," begun in the soul now, will extend to the body at the resurrection of the saints; and to nature, now groaning under the curse (Mt 19:28; Lu 20:36; 1Jo 3:2; Ro 8:11,19,23). As He is "The firstborn" in relation to the election church, so it is "The church of the firstborn," "a kind of first-fruits of His creatures" (Jas 1:18), in relation to the millennial church, and to the hereafter to be regenerated natural creation. As Christ is "The firstfruits," earnest and pledge of the coming resurrection, so believers are "a kind of first-fruits," a pledge and earnest of the ultimate regeneration of creation.

As He is first begotten by generation from everlasting, so believers by adoptions, "begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible," etc. (1Pe 1:3.) As Israel, on the ground of being God's "firstborn," was a king-priestly nation, so believers (Re 1:6). the figurative phrase, "The firstborn of death," means the deadliest disease that death (personified) ever gendered (Job 18:13). "The firstborn of the poor," the poorest'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word firstborn as: 'Of man and beast, reserved to himself by God: Ex 13:2,12-16; 22:29-30; 34:19-20; Le 27:26; Nu 3:13; 8:17-18; De 15:19-23; Ne 10:36. Redemption of: Ex 13:13; 34:20; Le 27:27; Nu 3:40-51; 18:15-17. Levites taken instead of firstborn of the families of Israel: Nu 3:12,40-45; 8:16-18. Of Egyptians killed: Ex 11:5; 12:12,29; 13:15; Nu 33:4. Of idolaters, sacrificed: Eze 20:26. BIRTHRIGH't of the: Authority over younger members of the household: Ge 4:7. A double portion of inheritance: De 21:15-17. Royal succession: 2Ch 21:3. Honorable distinction of: Ex 4:22; Ps 89:27; Jer 31:9; Ro 8:29; Col 1:15; Heb 1:6; 12:23; Re 1:5. Sold by Esau: Ge 25:29-34; 27:36; Ro 9:12-13; Heb 12:16. Forfeited by Reuben: Ge 49:3-4; 1Ch 5:1-2. . Set aside: that of Manasseh: Ge 48:15-20; 1Ch 5:1. Adonijah: 1Ki 2:15. Hosah's son: 1Ch 26:10'.

The New Testament definition, of this word, is: 'First physical child that is born'. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:16 about the word born. Please also see the note for 1John 3:9 about the phrase born of God. Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God', which includes Firstborn. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word begotten. The New Testament definition is: 'Procreated; generated'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:6 about the wordFirstbegotten. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Concieved life is brought into the world'. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the words birth / birthright / birthday.

We find forms of the word creature occurring 41 times in 37 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Mark 16:15; Romans 1:25; Romans 8:19; Romans 8:20-21; Romans 8:39; 2Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; our current sentence; Colossians 1:23; 1Timothy 4:4; Hebrews 4:13; James 1:18; Revelation 5:13 and Revelation 8:9. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines creature as: 'that which is created; every being besides the Creator, or every thing not self-existent. the sun, moon and stars; the earth, animals, plants, light, darkness, air, water, etc., are the creatures of God. 2. In a restricted sense, an animal of any kind; a living being; a beast. In a more restricted sense, man. thus, we say, he was in trouble and no creature was present to aid him. 3. A human being, in contempt; as an idle creature; a poor creature; what a creature! 4. With words of endearment, it denotes a human being beloved; as a pretty creature; a sweet creature. 5. that which is produced, formed or imagined; as a creature of the imagination. 6. A person who owes his rise and fortune to another; one who is made to be what he is. Great princes thus, when favorites they raise, to justify their grace, their creatures praise. 7. A dependent; a person who is subject to the will or influence of another'. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:19 about the word Creator. Please also see the note for Romans 1:20-21 about the word creation. Please see the note for Revelation 4:11-LJC about the phrase God created us. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 10:9-LJC about the phrase new creatures.

Thompson Chain Topics provides links for the phrase new creatures as: 'Ps 40:3; Eze 11:19; Ro 6:4; 7:6; 2Co 5:17; Ga 6:15; Eph 2:15; 4:24; Col 3:10'.

We find forms of the word create occurring 54 times in 45 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Mark 13:19; 1Corinthians 11:9; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 4:24; our current sentence; 3:10; 1Timothy 4:3; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 10:6. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines created as: 'Formed from nothing; caused to exist; produced; generated; invested with a new character; formed into new combinations, with a peculiar shape, constitution and properties; renewed'.

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word heaven. The New Testament definition of our current sentence is: 'God's eternal home'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. Please see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the kings of the earth. The New Testament definition is: 'The soil or ground of this planet' We find forms of the word earth, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:20; 3:2; and 3:5.

We find forms of the word visible only 5 times in the Bible, in: Romans 1:20; our current sentence; 1Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:27. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines visible as: 'Perceivable by the eye; that can be seen; as a visible star; the least spot is visible on white paper; air agitated by heat becomes visible; as the air near a heated stove, or over a dry sandy plain, appears like pellucid waves. Virtue made visible in outward grace. 2. Discovered to the eye; as visible spirits. 3. Apparent; open; conspicuous. Factions at court became more visible. Visible church, in theology, the apparent church of Christ; the whole body of professed believers in Christ, as contradistinguished from the real or invisible church, consisting of sanctified persons. Visible horizon, the line that bounds the sight'.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:5 about the word whether. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

We find forms of the word throne occurring 185 times in 165 verses of the Bible, 55 times in 46 verses of the New Testament but only in our current verse within Colossians. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines throne as: 'a royal chair or seat of dignity (De 17:18; 2Sa 7:13; Ps 45:6); an elevated seat with a canopy and hangings, which cover it. It denotes the seat of the high priest in 1Sa 1:9; 4:13, and of a provincial governor in Ne 3:7; Ps 122:5. the throne of Solomon is described at length in 1Ki 10:18-20'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word throne as: '(symbol of the kingdom): 2Sa 3:10; 7:13; 1Ki 2:4; 1Ch 29:23; Da 7:9; Lu 1:32. God's : (Symbol of Sovereignty): Ps 45:6; 103:19; Isa 66:1; Mt 5:34; Re 4:2; 20:11' thrones: 1Ki 10:18; 22:10; 2Ki 11:19; Ne 3:7; Es 5:1; Jon 3:6; Ac 12:21'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word throne as: 'Of Pharaoh: Ge 41:40; Ex 11:5. Of David: 1Ki 2:12,24; Ps 132:11-12; Isa 9:7; Jer 13:13; 17:25; Lu 1:32. Of Solomon: 1Ki 2:19; 2Ch 9:17-19. Of ivory: 1Ki 10:18-20. Of Solomon, called the thRONE of the LORD: 1Ch 29:23. Of Herod Agrippa I: Ac 12:21. Of Israel: 1Ki 8:20; 10:9; 2Ch 6:10. Abdicated by David: 1Ki 1:32-40. FIGURATIVE: Anthropomorphic use of: Of God: 2Ch 18:18; Ps 9:4,7; 11:4; 47:8; 89:14; 97:2; 103:19; Isa 6:1; 66:1; Mt 5:34; 23:22; Heb 8:1; 12:2; Re 14:3,5. Of Christ: Mt 19:28; 25:31; Ac 2:30; Re 1:4; 3:21; 4:2-10; 7:9-17; 19:4; 21:5; 22:3'.

Please see the note for Romans C6S14 about the word dominion. That note has links and a small note for every place in the New Testament where we find forms of this word. The New Testament definition is: 'Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling'. This word is only used in our current sentence within Colossians.

Please see the note for Romans C8S40 about the word principalities. That note has links and a small note for every place in the Bible where we find forms of this word. Please also see the note for Ephesians C6S8. The New Testament definition is: 'Sovereignty; supreme power; A prince and the territory of a prince' We find forms of the word principalities, within Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:10 and 2:15.

Please see the Study called Relational Prepositions about the phrases which use him for God the Father or God the Son. The particular relational preposition (in, by, for, of, etc) is doctrinally significant. within our sentence we see: all things were created by him twice, with by meaning 'The means which was used or the way that things were moved from one position to another'. God the Father provided the power of creation but He used God the Son as the actual Creator. Within our sentence we also see the phrase by him all things consist. God the Father provides the power to maintain creation but that power goes through God the Son who controls it to maintain creation. In addition, our sentence tells us all things were created...for him. The word for means 'here's why' All of creation was created for God the Son to use and control it as He wishes.

The word consist is only in our current sentence and Luke 12:15. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the word consist as: 'to stand ogether; to be in a fixed or permanent state, as a body composed of parts in union or connection. Hence, to be; to exist; to subsist; to be supported and maintained. He was before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1. 2. to stand or be; to lie; to be contained; followed by in. The beauty of epistolary writing consists in case and freedom. 3. to be composed; followed by of. A landscape should consist of a variety of scenery. Toconsist together, to coexist; to have being concurrently. Necessity and election cannot consist together in the same act. Toconsist with, to agree; to be in accordance with; to be compatible. Health consists with temperance alone'.

We find forms of the word according occurring 810 times in 731 verses of the Bible, 141 times in 135 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:25, 29 and 3:22. The New Testament definition of according is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note'

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'since. Col 1:3-4,6; Ro 1:8-10; Eph 1:15-16. do. 1Sa 12:23; Ac 12:5; Php 1:4; 1Th 1:3; 5:17; 2Th 1:11; 2Ti 1:3-4; Phm 1:4. That ye. 1Co 1:5; Eph 1:15-20; 3:14-19; Php 1:9-11. of his. Col 4:12; Ps 143:10; Joh 7:17; Ro 12:2; Eph 5:10,17; 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:21; 1Pe 2:15; 4:2; 1Jo 2:17. wisdom. Col 3:16; 4:5; Ps 119:99; Eph 1:8; Jas 1:5; 3:17 exp: Pr 14:8; Ec 2:26. spiritual. 1Jo 5:20.
(verse 10)
ye. Col 2:6; 4:5; Mica 4:5; Ro 4:12; 6:4; Eph 4:1; 5:2,15; Php 1:27; 1Th 2:12. all. Col 3:20; Pr 16:7; Php 4:18; 1Th 4:1; 2Ti 2:4; Heb 11:5; 13:16; 1Jo 3:22. fruitful. Joh 15:8,16; Ga 5:22-23; Eph 2:10; Php 1:11; Tit 3:1,14; Heb 13:21; 2Pe 1:8. increasing. Col 2:19; Isa 53:11; Da 12:4; Hab 2:14; Joh 17:3; 2Co 2:14; 4:6; 9:8; Eph 1:17; 4:13; 2Pe 1:2-3; 3:18; 1Jo 5:20.
(verse 11)
Strengthened. Isa 45:24; 2Co 12:9; Eph 3:16; 6:10; Php 4:13. his. Ex 15:6; Ps 63:2; Ac 1:8; 2Co 4:7; Jude 1:25. unto. Pr 24:10; Ac 5:41; Ro 2:7; 5:3-5; 2Co 6:4-6; 12:9-10; Eph 4:2; 1Th 3:3-4; 2Ti 2:1-3; Heb 10:34-38; 11:34-38; 12:1-2; Jas 1:2-4; 5:7-8; 2Pe 1:6; Re 14:12.
(verse 12)
Giving. Col 3:15,17; 1Ch 29:20; Ps 79:13; 107:21-22; 116:7; Da 2:23; Eph 5:4,20. The Father. Col 2:2; Joh 4:23; 14:6; 20:17; 1Co 8:6; Eph 4:6; Jas 3:9; 1Jo 1:3. made. 1Ki 6:7; Pr 16:1; Ro 8:29-30; 9:23; 2Co 5:5; Tit 2:14; Re 22:14. partakers. Ro 11:17; 15:27; 1Co 9:23; Eph 3:6; Heb 3:1,14; 1Pe 5:1; 1Jo 3:1-3. inheritance. Mt 25:34; Ac 20:32; 26:18; Ro 8:17; Eph 1:11,18; 1Pe 1:2-5. in. Ps 36:9; 97:11; Pr 4:18; Isa 60:19-20; Heb 12:23; Re 21:23; 22:5.
(verse 13)
delivered. Isa 49:24-25; 53:12; Mt 12:29-30; Ac 26:18; Heb 2:14. The power. Lu 22:53; Joh 12:31-32; 2Co 4:4; Eph 4:18; 5:8; 6:12; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jo 2:8; 3:8. and. Lu 13:24; Joh 5:24; Ro 6:17-22; 1Co 6:9-11; 2Co 6:17-18; Eph 2:3-10; 1Th 2:12; Tit 3:3-6; 2Pe 1:11; 1Jo 3:14. The kingdom. Ps 2:6-7; Isa 9:6-7; Da 7:13-14; Zec 9:9; Mt 25:34; Ro 14:17; 1Co 15:23-25 exp: Mt 6:33. his dear Son. Gr. the Son of his love. Isa 42:1; Mt 3:17; 17:5; Joh 3:35; 17:24; Eph 1:6.
(verse 141)
whom. Mt 20:28; Ac 20:28; Ro 3:24-25; Ga 3:13; Eph 1:7; 5:2; 1Ti 2:6; Tit 2:14; Heb 9:12,22; 10:12-14; 1Pe 1:19-20; 3:18; 1Jo 2:2; Re 1:5; 5:9; 14:4. The. Col 2:13; 3:13; Ps 32:1-2; 130:4; Lu 5:20; 7:47-50; Ac 2:38; 10:43; 13:38-39; 26:18; Ro 4:6-8; Eph 4:32; 1Jo 1:9; 2:12.
(verse 15)
The image. Ex 24:10; Nu 12:8; Eze 1:26-28; Joh 1:18; 14:9; 15:24; 2Co 4:4,6; Php 2:6; Heb 1:3. The invisible. 1Ti 1:17; 6:16; Heb 11:27. The firstborn. Col 1:13; Ps 89:27; Joh 1:14; 3:16; Heb 1:6. of every. Col 1:16-17; Pr 8:29-31; Re 3:14.
(verse 16)
by him were. Col 1:15; Ps 102:25-27; Isa 40:9-12; 44:24; Joh 1:3; 1Co 8:6; Eph 3:9; Heb 1:2,10-12; 3:3-4. in heaven. Col 1:20; De 4:39; 1Ch 29:11; Eph 1:10; Php 2:10; Re 5:13-14. Thrones. Col 2:10,15; Ro 8:38; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; 1Pe 3:22. by. Pr 16:4; Isa 43:21; Ro 11:36; Heb 2:10.
(verse 17)
he. Col 1:15; Pr 8:22-23; Isa 43:11-13; 44:6; Mica 5:2; Joh 1:1-3; 8:58; 17:5; 1Co 8:6; Heb 13:8; Re 1:8,11,17; 2:8. and by. 1Sa 2:8; Ps 75:3; Joh 5:17-18; Ac 17:28; Heb 1:3'.

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C1-S4 (Verse 18) All of those blessings come through the Son of God.

Equivalent Section: the Son of God is the head of the church body.

And he is the head of the body,
The church:.

Equivalent Section: the Son of God earned His position.

First Step: He opened the way for our resurrection.

who is the beginning,
The firstborn from the dead;.

Second Step: He earned the right to be in charge.

that in all things he might have the preeminence.

This sentence starts with the word: And, which adds it to the prior sentence. That sentence told us many different things that we have in our salvation which we receive after our initial profession through our ongoing personal relationship with God. (Please see note above for details.) Now this sentence is added to the prior and tells us about the person on the other side of the ongoing personal relationship. Within this sentence we see the things that He earned as a human being and not as God. 1John and 2John were written because preachers in God's church were denying the humanity of the Son of God even while using the name of Jesus. The Study called Jesus used the Holy Spirit shows many of the places where the Bible teaches that Jesus lived as a weak physical human being while relying upon the Power of the Holy Ghost, just like we have to do. He is our example on how to live in this flesh, which is what this sentence is dealing with.

In the first equivalent section we are told that He is the head of the body, the church. This section tells us that The church is The body. A body exists in this physical reality. The church is not a building but the physical people who are saved and have joined The church. Matthew 18:17 says, ...tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church.. We tell things to people and people say things to other people. We don't talk to a building and a building doesn't talk. There is much more in the Doctrine of the Church, but I will return to this sentence. As mentioned, since everyone in the church is a physical human being, this sentence is talking about Jesus being The head of the body as a physical Human being. Hebrews 4:14-15 explains an important Church doctrine that requires Jesus to be human and is also related to what this sentence is saying. That is, as The head of the church, He is also our great high priest Who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

In the second equivalent section of this sentence we have two steps. In the first step we are told that He is the beginning, which means that others will follow. It also tells us that what he started is the resurrection from the dead (The firstborn from the dead). Since this sentence is talking about physical things and is added onto a sentence which told us about things we have in our salvation while we are in this flesh, this resurrection will be a literal physical resurrection just like Jesus had. In the second step we ate told why He physically rose and made a way for our physical resurrection (that in all things he might have the preeminence). Again, 1John and 2John were written because men were denying the humanity of Jesus Christ and claiming that He did everything as God and did nothing as a human. That way they could remove Him as the best human being and claim preeminence among humans. But this sentence is telling us that He rose as a physical human being specifically so that no other man could claim preeminence among humans. That puts the Pope and many other preachers amount the antichrists. (Please see the Study on False things According to the Bible..)

We find forms of the word head 517 times within 468 verses of the Bible, 97 times within 87 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 2:9; 2:10 and 2:19. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines head as: 'The uppermost part of the human body, or the foremost part of the body of prone and creeping animals. this part of the human body contains the org and of hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling; it contains also the brain, which is supposed to be the seat of the intellectual powers, and of sensation. Hence the head is the chief or more important part, and is used for the whole person, in the phrase, let the evil fall on my head. 2. An animal; an individual; as, the tax was raised by a certain rate per head. And we use the singular number to express many. the herd contains twenty head of oxen. Thirty thousand head of swine. 3. A chief; a principal person; a leader; a commander; one who has the first rank or place, and to whom others are subordinate; as the head of an army; the head of a sect or party. Eph.5. 4. the first place; the place of honor, or of command. the lord mayor sat at the head of the table. the general marched at the head of his troops. 5. Countenance; presence; in the phrases, to hide the head, to show the head. 6. Understanding; faculties of the mind; sometimes in a ludicrous sense; as, a man has a good head, or a strong head. these men laid their heads together to form the scheme. Never trouble your head about this affair. So we say, to beat the head; to break the head; that is, to study hard, to exercise the understanding or mental faculties. 7. Face; front; forepart. The ravishers turn head, the fight renews. Unusual. 8. Resistance; successful opposition; in the phrase, to make head against, that is, to advance, or resist with success. 9. Spontaneous will or resolution; in the phrases, of his own head, on their own head. But of is more usual than on. 10. State of a deer's horns by which his age is known. the buck is called, the fifth year, a buck of the first head. 11. the top of a thing, especially when larger than the rest of the thing; as the head of a spear; the head of a cabbage; the head of a nail; the head of a mast. 12. the forepart of a thing, as the head of a ship, which includes the bows on both sides;
also, the ornamental figure or image erected on or before the stem of a ship. 13. the blade or cutting part of an ax, distinct from the helve. 14. that which rises on the top; as the head or yeast of beer. 15. the upper part of a bed, or bed-stead. 16. the brain. They turn their heads to imitate the sun. 17. the dress of the head; as a laced head. Unusual. 18. the principal source of a stream; as the head of the Nile. 19. Altitude of water in ponds, as applicable to the driving of mill-wheels. the mill has a good head of water. 20. Topic of discourse; chief point or subject; a summary; as the heads of a discourse or treatise. 21. Crisis; pitch; highth. the disease has grown to such a head as to threaten life. 22. Influence; force; strength; pitch. the sedition got to such a head as not to be easily quelled. 23. Body; conflux. 24. Power; armed force. My lord, my lord, the French have gathered head. 25. Liberty; freedom from restrain; as, to give a horse the head. Hence, 26. License; freedom from check, control or restraint. Children should not have their heads. He has too long given his unruly passions the head. 27. the hair of the head; as a head of hair. 28. the top of corn or other plant; the part on which the seed grows. 29. the end, or the boards that form the end; as the head of a cask. 30. the part most remote from the mouth or opening into the sea; as the head of a bay, gulf or creek. 31. the maturated part of an ulcer or boil; hence, to come to a head, is to suppurate. Head and ears, a phrase denoting the whole person, especially when referring to immersion. He plunged head and ears into the water. He was head and ears in debt, that is, completely overwhelmed. Head and shoulders, by force; violently; as, to drag one head and shoulders. They bring in every figure of speech, head and shoulders. Head or tail, or head nor tail, uncertain; not reducible to certainty. Head, as an adj. or in composition, chief; principal; as a head workman. By the head, in seamen's language, denotes the state of a ship laden too deeply at the fore-end.
HEAD, v.t. hed. to lead; to direct; to act as leader to; as, to head an army; to head an expedition; to head a riot. 1. to behead; to decapitate. Unusual. 2. to form a head to; to fit or furnish with a head; as, to head a nail. 3. to lop; as, to head trees. 4. to go in front of; to get into the front; as, to head a drove of cattle. 5. to set on the head; as, to head a cask. 6. to oppose; to veer round and blow in opposition to the course of a ship; as, the wind heads us.
HEAD, v.i. hed. to originate; to spring; to have its source, as a river. A broad river that heads in the great Blue Ridge of mountains'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The part of the body which holds the brain. It is also used, symbolically, for the main source of control'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:3-LJC about the phrase Christ: the head of.

Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The titles in this sentence are Beginning, Firstborn, and Head.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word head as: 'The uppermost and chief member of the body: Isa 1:6; 2Ki 6:31. All the other members necessary to: 1Co 12:21. The body supported and supplied by: Eph 4:16. Put for the whole person: Ge 49:26; Pr 10:6. Put for the life: Da 1:10; 1Sa 28:2. PARTS OF MENTIONED: . The skull: 2Ki 9:35; Mt 27:33. The crown: Ge 49:26; Isa 3:17. The forehead: 1Sa 17:49; Eze 9:4. The temples: Jg 4:21-22. The face: Ge 48:12; 2Ki 9:30. The hair: Jg 16:22; Ps 40:12. The scalp: Ps 68:21. Often anointed: Ec 9:8; Mt 6:17. BOWED DOWN: . In worshipping God: Ge 24:26; Ex 4:31. As a token of respect: Ge 43:23. IN GRIEF: . Covered up: 2Sa 15:30; Es 6:12. Shorn: Job 1:20. Sprinkled with dust: Jos 7:6; Job 2:12. The hands placed on: 2Sa 13:19; Jer 2:37. Priests forbidden to shave, etc: Le 21:5,10. Nazarites forbidden to shave: Nu 6:5. Derision expressed by shaking, etc: 2Ki 19:21; Ps 22:7; 109:25; Mt 27:39. The Jews censured for swearing by: Mt 5:36. When hoary with age to be respected: Le 19:32. LIABLE TO: . Leprosy: Le 13:42-44. Scab: Isa 3:17. Internal disease: 2Ki 4:19; Isa 1:5. Baldness: Le 13:40-41. of the leper always uncovered: Le 13:45. Of women generally covered in public: Ge 24:65; 1Co 11:5. Of criminals often cut off: Mt 14:10. Of enemies slain in war, often cut off: Jg 5:26; 1Sa 17:51; 31:9. ILLUSTRATIV: . Of God: 1Co 11:3. Of Christ: 1Co 11:3; Eph 1:22; Col 2:19. Of rulers: 1Sa 15:17; Da 2:38. Of chief men: Isa 9:14-15. of the chief city of a kingdom: Isa 7:8. (Covered,) of defense and protection: Ps 140:7. (Covered,) of subjection: 1Co 11:5,10. (Made bald,) of heavy judgments: Isa 3:24; 15:2; 22:12; Mica 1:16. (Lifted up,) of joy and confidence: Ps 3:3; Lu 21:28. (Lifted up,) of pride, etc: Ps 83:2. (Lifted up,) of exaltation: Ge 40:13; Ps 27:6. (Anointed,) of joy and prosperity: Ps 23:5; 92:10'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word head as: 'Shaven when vows were taken: Ac 21:24. Diseases of: Isa 3:17. Anointed: Le 14:18,29'.

We find forms of the word body 208 times in 180 verses of the Bible, 150 times in 125 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 1:22-24; 2:11; 2:17; 2:19; 2:23 and 3:15. The New Testament definition is: 'The frame of an animal; the material substance of an animal, in distinction from the living principal of beasts, and the soul of man. Used symbolically for the framework for sin including all parts of it'. Please see the note for Romans C7S30 about the word body. Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 about the body of Christ. In the Bible, the phrase body of Christ is used for the church which is, supposed to be, the physical bodies used by Christ to do His work in this world.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 11:22 about the word church. The New Testament definition is: 'a called out assembly of baptized believers'. Our epistle equates the church to The body of Christ. Please also see the note for 2Thessalonians 1:4 about the phrase church(es) of God. The commonly accepted definition is 'a called out assembly of baptized believers' with most of the disagreement over people including buildings in the definition and people adding or denying different definitions for a 'universal church'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:18-24 about the word churches (plural). Please also note that 1Thessalonians gives us 'The Doctrine of the Church'. We find forms of this word, in this book, in: Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:24; Colossians 4:15; Colossians 4:16.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word firstborn. The New Testament definition is: 'First physical child that is born'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:6 about the wordFirstbegotten. Please also see the note for Matthew 1:16 about the word born. Please also see the note for 1John 3:9 about the phrase born of God. Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is Firstborn.

We find forms of the words die /dead /death occurring 1062 times in 940 verses of the Bible, 375 times in 322 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 1:22; 2:12; 2:13; 2:20 and 3:3. Please see the note for Romans C6S4; 1Corinthians C15S20; Philippians 1:19-20 about the word death. Please see the note for Romans C6S4 about the word die. We find this exact phrase of sin unto death: in 1John 5:16; Romans 6:16. We see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26. Please see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive. There is a lot of confusion about this word because men insist upon defining an ongoing process as a one-time event and can not even agree when that one-time event is supposed to have happened because every test that they make proves to be wrong at some time. We keep having people who were declared to be dead to later prove that they were actually still alive. The note for Romans C6S4 has a considerable discussion on this subject and explains why all human definitions, including those accepted by fundamental Bible believers, do not match the actual Biblical definition of this ongoing process.

Basically, death, in the Bible, can be defined as: 'an ongoing process of corruption which starts at conception and continues until the body is completely destroyed. Physical death is used for the one-time point when the soul and spirit are forced to leave the corrupted body. Spiritual death is also used for the one-time point when the soul and spirit are forced to leave the presence of God. When the Bible uses death for these events, it assumes that the reader understands that the one-time-event is the pinnacle of an ongoing process. Within the Bible, death is to be understood to be an ongoing process, even while highlighting the ultimate point of victory for the process'. We see this process of corruption in our body, our soul and in our spirit. As The firstborn from the dead, we see the Son of God delivered from all forms of the corruption that the Bible calls death. Please see the note for Romans C6S4; 1Corinthians C15S20; Philippians 1:19-20 about the word death. Please see the note for Romans C6S4 about the word die. We find this exact phrase of sin unto death: in 1John 5:16; Romans 6:16. We see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26. Please see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word might. The New Testament definition is: 'have power or liberty. Sometimes this word is used for the possibility of there being sufficient power or liberty'.

We find forms of the word preeminence only in Ecclesiastes 3:19 : our current sentence and 3John 1:9. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'Superiority in excellence; distinction in something commendable; as pre-eminence in honor or virtue; pre-eminence in eloquence, in legal attainments or in medical skill. The preeminence of christianity to any other religious scheme-- 2. Precedence; priority of place; superiority in rank or dignity. That in all things he might have the preeminence. Col.1. Painful preeminence! yourself to view Above life's weakness and its comforts too. 3. Superiority of power or influence. 4. Sometimes in a bad sense; as pre-eminence in guilt or crime'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word preeminence as: 'Of Christ: Mt 3:11; Joh 3:31; 13:13; Ac 2:36; Ro 14:9; Col 1:18; Heb 1:4; 3:3; 8:6; Re 1:11. Of Love: the greatest commandment: Mr 12:30-31. The fulfilling of the law: Ro 13:10. Preeminent above: the gift of tongues: 1Co 13:1. The gift of prophecy, knowledge and faith: 1Co 13:2. Benevolence and martyrdom: 1Co 13:3. The greatest gift of all: 1Co 13:13. Of Man: (over other creatures): Ge 1:28; Ps 8:6; 82:6; Mt 6:26; 12:12'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'he is. Col 1:24; 2:10-14; 1Co 11:3; Eph 1:10,22-23; 4:15-16; 5:23 exp: Ac 10:36. The beginning. Joh 1:1; 1Jo 1:1; Re 1:8; 3:14; 21:6; 22:13 the firstborn. Joh 11:25-26; Ac 26:23; 1Co 15:20-23; Re 1:5,18 in all. or, among all. Ps 45:2-5; 89:27; Song 5:10; Isa 52:13; Mt 23:8; 28:18; Joh 1:16,27; 3:29-31,34-35; Ro 8:29; 1Co 15:25; Heb 1:5-6; Re 5:9-13; 11:15; 21:23-24'.

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C1-S5 (Verse 19-20) Why God gave Jesus the preeminence.

First Step: God decided that is what He wanted.

For it pleased The Father that in him should all fulness dwell;.

Second Step: Jesus earned preeminence among men.

And,
having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself;.

Third Step: Jesus reconciled things in heaven.

by him,
I say,
whether they be things in earth,
or things in heaven.

Our sentence tells us that Jesus Christ will reconcile us and present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. In addition, our sentence tells us that God will reveal spiritual mysteries to us after we become true saints ('fully spiritually mature children of God'). Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

This sentence starts with For which means it gives the reason why God said what He did in the prior sentence. When Satan rebelled and led many angels into damnation, the ones that were faithful would also have been upset. Imagine if the boss suddenly came through and fired one third of the staff. How worried would the rest be? the third step in this sentence lets us know that Jesus reconcile all things unto himself...in heaven. Don't make too much out of this because we don't have enough information to understand all that was going on or what Jesus had to do. All that we really need to understand is that Jesus will do whatever is necessary to reconcile all things unto himself. I say 'Jesus will do whatever is necessary' because the Second Step of this sentence tells us that He made peace through the blood of his cross. No one is going to top that which is why our First Step says it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. Anything and everything that will fulfill us is in him (Jesus Christ). Therefore, any and all fulfillment is available only in him (Jesus Christ). Thus, we see the message of this epistle: everything that we need is in him (Jesus Christ).

This sentence can be understood with this simple outline:

it pleased the Father.
Jesus Christ made peace through the blood of his cross.
Jesus Christ reconciled all things unto himself.
Jesus Christ did it all by himself.
Jesus Christ did it for everything that exists anywhere (whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven).

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word please. The New Testament definition of hearing is: 'The act of gratifying'. Please also see the note for Matthew 21:15 about the word displeased. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C10S2 about the phrase well pleased.

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

Please see the note for 2:9 about the word fulness. The New Testament definition is: 'The things and actions which make something full'.

We find forms of the word dwell 501 times in 468 verses of the Bible, 67 times in 63 verses of the New Testament and, in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:9 and 3:16. Please also see the note for Romans C7S24 about the word dwell. The New Testament definition is: 'Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention'.

Please see the note for 1:1-2 about the word peace. Please also see the Gospel of Peace in the Word Study on Gospel. The New Testament definition is: 'a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind'.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word blood. The New Testament definition is: 'The container for life'.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:11 for links to every verse in the Bible that uses the word cross along with links from other commentators. The New Testament definition is: 'The symbol of the payment for sin made by Jesus Christ'. Please also see the note for Mark 10:21 about the phrase take up your cross.

We find forms of the word reconcile only 14 times within the Bible and the note for Romans C5S7 has links to every one of them. Our current sentence is the only place within Colossians where We find this word. The New Testament definition is: 'call back into union'.

Please see the note for Romans C15S15 about the word speak. Please see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:17 and 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. The New Testament definition is: 'To speak; to utter in words; as, he said nothing; he said manythings; he says not a word'. Please see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please see the note for Ephesians C4S15 about the phrase evil speaking.

Please see the note for Matthew 9:5 about the word whether. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Which of two'.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word earth. The New Testament definition is: 'The soil or ground of this planet'.

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word heaven. The New Testament definition of our current sentence is: 'God's eternal home'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'General references. Col 2:3,9; 3:11; Mt 11:25-27; Lu 10:21; Joh 1:16; 3:34; Eph 1:3,23; 4:10 exp: Ge 25:5; Joh 16:15.
(verse 20)
having made peace. or making peace. Col 1:21-22; Le 6:30; Ps 85:10-11; Isa 9:6-7; Eze 45:17-20; Da 9:24-26; Mica 5:2,5; Zec 9:9-10; Lu 2:14; Ac 10:30; Ro 5:1; 2Co 5:19-21; Eph 2:13-17; Heb 13:20-21; 1Jo 4:9-10 reconcile. 2Co 5:18; Heb 2:17 things in earth. Eph 1:10; Php 2:10'.

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C1-S6 (Verse 21-29) As a result, we need to be in Christ and have Christ in us.

Equivalent Section: God has changed the lost from being alienated and enemies in your mind to being reconciled because they are in him [Christ].

And you,
that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works,
yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death,
to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:.

Equivalent Section: Paul rejoices at paying the price to minister for our being in him [Christ].

Our being reconciled is conditional (If) upon our personal (ye) continuing.

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled,
and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel,
which ye have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;.

Paul is a minister of teaching us to continue.

whereof I Paul am made a minister;.

Paul rejoices in sufferings for you because it is a requirement of his being a minister.

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you,
and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake,
which is the church:.

Equivalent Section: Paul is a minister of The word of God which shows us how to be in Christ.

Paul is a minister of teaching us to fulfill the word of God .

Whereof I am made a minister,
according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you,
to fulfill the word of God;.

Paul is a minister of new revelations.

Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:.

Equivalent Section: God would make known what is the riches of the glory of Christ in you.

God would make known what is the riches of the glory when we fulfill the word of God .

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;.

We fulfill the word of God when we have Christ in you.

which is Christ in you,
The hope of glory:.

Equivalent Section: Paul preaches Christ in you so that we may be perfect in Christ Jesus.

Paul preaches Christ in you.

Whom we preach,
warning every man,
and teaching every man in all wisdom;.

Paul preaches that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:.

Equivalent Section: Paul works for under Christ in us because he has under Christ in him.

Whereunto I also labour,
striving according to his working,
which worketh in me mightily.

This sentence explains why we need to be in Christ and have Christ in us. It can be understood with this simple outline:.

What we were like before.
What Christ. did.
Why Christ. did.
The requirement for us to have this change (If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel).
These truth were preached to them and all others (which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven).
Paul knows this truth as the primary source of the message.
Paul suffered to deliver the message.
Christ required the suffering for the sake of the church.
Christ gave Paul his position and message.
The church and message fulfilled prophecy ( to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints).
God is now revealing mysteries: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Christ is preached, taught and men are warned about.
Why: so we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:.
It is Christ Who works in and through a Godly minister.

Our last big sentence told us about the basics of what we have in our salvation after our initial profession. Then the next two sentences were added unto that big sentence and old us about Christ because he provides all of these things related to our salvation. Now this sentence tells us the things that we can have when we are in Christ and have Christ is in us. Jesus died to make us sons of God (holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight). However, just giving us the position isn't enough because we are all naturally sinners even after we get saved. God expects all saved to learn how to act like sons of God and Paul is the minister who was given the job of teaching Gentiles how to do that. Paul is telling us that we learn to act like sons of God by receiving the spiritual maturity that is in Christ. That is what this sentence is all about.

This large complex sentence has 5 colons which divide it into 6 equivalent sections which say the same thing different ways. Each section is talking about how in Christ spiritually matures us after our initial profession. Please see the notes for 1:24; 1:27; and for 1:28 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study as they are part of this sentence. In addition, to those notes, please also see the note for Colossians 3:11 and Ephesians 1:23 which tell us but Christ is all, and in all. where this sentence tells us how in Christ was in Paul and how in Christ is to be in us, that sentence tells us what are some of the change that will happen if Christ [is] in us.

The following note is only part of the whole explanation of this doctrine in this book and in the New Testament. One of the reasons that we were saved was so that God could bring us to spiritual maturity within this life through the ministry of in Christ. That truth is what this sentence is teaching us.

This sentence starts with And, which means that it is added onto what came before. That is: we are adding onto sentences which already told us that there are additional blessings which are given after our initial profession. However, these additional blessings are only given when the saved meet God's additional requirements. While there is a strongly held doctrine that all saved have Christ in them by virtue of their initial profession, that doctrine is not Biblical and it denies the Trinity. The Bible teaches that there are saved who are not in Christ and who also do not have Christ in them even though they have the Holy Spirit. That is what this sentence and chapter is dealing with. In the sentence of 1:9-17 Paul said that he and others were praying that each and every one of these believers personally (ye) might be filled. We are filled only when we are in Christ. Of course, what might be is not guaranteed. In the same sentence, Paul said that this might be was possible because God the Father hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. (Please see the note for 1:13 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study.) As with any kingdom, those who support the king receive greater rewards than criminals who violate the king's law. So if we want the blessings and rewards of God that might be given to the saved, then we have to support the kingdom of his dear Son and not be criminals (sinners are violators of God's Law per 1John 3:4). That leads to 1:19 which told us For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell, which means that all fulness does not dwell outside of Him (in Christ). Therefore, we are filled only when we are in Christ. In addition, that same sentence added (And) to the statement that all fulness dwells in him. The addition was peace through the blood of his cross, by him (reconciling) all things unto himself. If we are not going to be reconciled. unto the Son then there is no reason for God to give us peace or all fulness. God gave us peace before we were reconciled. unto the Son with the expectation that we would be reconciled. However, He does not give us all fulness unless we are maintaining our ongoing relationship with His Son, which requires our ongoing participation in being reconciled. In addition, if we refuse to be reconciled then we lose God's peace.

There are saved who do not have all fulness, and if we are honest, there are times that each of us do not have all fulness even though we are still saved. Those are times that, while remaining saved, we are not in Christ and do not have Christ in us and part of that reason is that we are refusing to be reconciled. unto the Son. If we had Christ in us we would have all fulness in us because all fulness dwells in Him. That's also why our current sentence has conditional parts such as If ye continue in the faith. We personally (ye) will remain saved even when we do not continue in the faith. We will remain saved even though we do not have Christ in us because we do not have all fulness in us. I'm sorry if I seem to be harping upon this truth but it is critical to understanding the truth of this epistle. Our current sentence starts with And, which means it is added to the prior truth. Therefore, we need to understand what this sentence is adding to or we will not understand it properly.

In the first part of this sentence we read And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. The And the reconciled of this part of the sentence is directly tying this sentence to the prior sentence and the conditional statements made there. Notice that this part of the sentence also says that he reconciled us to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. That obviously is not going to happen while we remain alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works. Being reconciled and being holy and unblameable and unreproveable obviously requires our stopping being alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works. In addition, sin starts in the mind (were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind) and results in action (by wicked works) which eventually leads to addiction and death. Original sin is when man ate of The tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3). Romans 6:23 (among many places) tells us that sin ends with death. Later in this sentence we learn that we are reconciled. Tofulfill the word of God. However, before we can fulfill the word of God, we first must get God's Word into our mind.

The second equivalent section of this sentence is in 1:23-24. 1:23 starts with If ye continue in the faith, which makes this part conditional. This section tells us the conditions that we need to meet in order to mature spiritually. Notice that it has three steps. The first step has the requirement that we continue in the faith...and be not moved away from,,,(what) ye have heard. There is a whole lot more on this step below which I will deal with after we get the over-all picture of this equivalent section. The second step is whereof I Paul am made a minister. This is our second condition. We must follow the minister that God gives us. The third step tells us how to identify a true minister of God. Paul suffered afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake. A true minister of God will personally suffer in his flesh in order to see the people of God's church mature spiritually.

Returning to our first step, we see that it is subdivided into 4 parts separated by comas.

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled. The word continue makes it clear that this is an ongoing relationship. ye makes it personal. grounded and settled are the results of this relationship and we will not continue if we do not become grounded and settled. The If makes it conditional which means that some people do continue in the faith and some do not with the proof being if they become grounded and settled.
and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel . This is in addition (and) to The faith. The difference between faith and hope has been detained in other notes of this study. Basically, both faith and hope require current service for future rewards with faith having a specific promise and hope being based upon the character of God with no specific promise.
which ye have heard means we are to stick with the gospel that got us saved. The past tense (have heard) means that Paul knows that he is writing to saved people who heard the gospel before it was completely written down as we have it. As 1John 5:13 says, the same gospel (have I written) that gets us saved (ye have eternal life) is to also give us spiritual maturity (and that ye may believe). There are many different examples of people moving away from that which ye have heard but the one that comes to my mind right now is those who follow someone with a better translation than the Bible and gospel which ye have heard at the time of salvation. 1John 5:13 and this sentence make it clear that we are to stick with what God used to give us eternal life.
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven could be expounded upon considerably, but I will stick with one Simple point. The devil (and his ministers) attack the character of God by claiming that God sends people to hell and never gives them a chance to get saved because they deny the truth of this phrase. If the God that you believe in would do that then you better go get a different God. These liars deny the truth of this statement because they don't understand how it is done. Yet they accept things like TV and the internet while they can't explain how those things work. If you are honest and believe in the works of man that you can't understand then you should have no problem accepting the truth of this phrase even though you don't understand it. The gospel (of God) was preached to every creature which is under heaven. (Please note that there are several gospel in the Bible. The links provided go to different spots in the Word Study on Gospel, which explains these differences.)

This section of this sentence is conditional and, unfortunately, many saved are not meeting the conditions to have the all fulness which is available is we remain in Christ and have Christ in us.

The third step of this section is subdivided into 3 parts separated by comas and tells us the requirements that God puts upon a Godly preacher. Unfortunately, many who claim to be Godly do not meet these conditions.

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you = A truly Godly preacher and minister will suffer for those that he ministers to and will rejoice in that ministering. 2Timothy 3:12 tells us Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. This verse, of course, is written to the spiritually mature preacher because the spiritually immature might be scared away By this truth. However, just as a parent or older sibling will willingly suffer in order to protect the young, so also is the spiritually mature called to suffer in order to protect the young. But it's not just a matter of suffering for others. Anyone (that I've ever met) who went through boot camp agrees that there is some suffering there but that suffering causes the person to be better at doing the job of protecting and it gives them knowledge and abilities that they would not have any other way. So, our suffering for others isn't just for their benefit but for our own. That is one way that God spiritually matures us and one reason that God gives us increased rewards in heaven. Paul could rejoice not only for the protection and spiritual growth of others but also for his own personal spiritual maturity along with his hope of increased rewards in heaven. All truly Godly ministers are willing to suffer for those that they minister to and also rejoice in that suffering.
and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake = many people think that in Christ is done with afflictions, but this phrase tells us differently. As mentioned above, all truly Godly ministers are willing to suffer for those that they minister to. Well, in Christ also suffers for us in many different ways as He ministers to the church through the bodies of His ministers. It isn't us that do the work but Christ in us does the spiritual work (Galatians 2:20). This is a spiritual warfare (2Corinthians 10:3-10). in Christ suffers disappointments, lies, scandal, betrayal and many other things and yet he keeps loving and ministering to the church through His various ministers. Yes, a minister of in Christ; like Paul, might suffer physical pain or death, but at the same time in Christ is suffering on the spiritual level in ways that are beyond our comprehension at this time. What most saved people fail to understand is that when they sin, they increase the suffering of in Christ. The suffering of Jesus are done and were completed when He rose from the grave. But, just as God the Son ministers to saved people through His role as in Christ; and just as that ministering is different than the ministering that God the Son provided through his role as Jesus, so also are the sufferings that God the Son receives through His role as in Christ different than the suffering that He received as Jesus. This can be understood if you think about the difference between the suffering that a mother goes through to give birth compared to the suffering that she goes through to bring that same child to full maturity as an adult. God the Son paid the price for our spiritual birth in His role as Jesus. He pays the price for our spiritual maturing in His role as in Christ. He pays that suffering as he works through various ministers of His.
which is the church = the which is his[Jesus Christ's] body. God makes a major difference between His saints and the lost as seen in Revelation and other places. The main message of Revelation is that Jesus Christ is Lord and that the lost are to have terror at meeting Him and the saved are to worship their Lord and rejoice at meeting Him and thank Him for what he does in their lives and how He righteously punishes the disobedient. when this phrase says which is the church, it is separating the true church from those who do not receive the blessings mentioned here. The church receives them and the lost and non-churched saved people are excluded. In Colossians, body is used to represent the church, which is the body of Christ in 1:18; 22; 24; 2:11; 17; 19; 20; 3:15. We see the same thing taught in 1Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 1:23; 2:16; 3:6; 4:4; 12; 16; 5:23; 30.

The third equivalent section of this sentence is in 1:25-26. It is divided into two parts by a semicolon at the end of verse 25. This part of this sentence tells us several things but I will stick to one truth: The mystery which...now is made manifest to his saint is in The word of God. However, in order for us to receive and understand it we must also fulfill the word of God. This part of the sentence tells us God revealed The mystery to fulfill it. By fulfill Paul means make it all happen and Paul's all can be seen by considering all of his writings and in the things reported in Acts about his personal suffering. We have already seen that a lot of Paul's suffering was due to religious people disagreeing about sanctification that happens after a person gets saved. In fact, it was a disagreement with saved Jews over sanctification by keeping religious traditions (Mosaic Law) that caused Paul to be in the Temple when they started the riot which got Paul arrested and (eventually) beheaded.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 9:17 which has links to the 4 verses in the Bible which use the word dispensation. 3 out of 4 of those times we see that God gave a dispensation to the single man named Paul. God did not give a dispensation to all men in a given age. In those 3 verses we learn that God gave Paul a right and a responsibility to reveal the mystery that was the gospel being given to the Gentiles. In our current (The fourth) verse we see that over the time involved while the gospel is dispensed ('handed out') to the Gentiles, God will reveal what He is doing for those saved people who are also in Christ. Thus, dispensation is not used in the Bible for great ages of time when God changes how He saves people but us used to tell us how God 'handed out' His grace to Gentiles through the gospel.

Within this word fulfill, Paul definitely includes what it takes to spiritually mature people after their initial profession. In verse 26 Paul tells us that the Old Testament saints didn't understand what God would do during the church age (mystery) and he said that this mystery is made manifest to his saints. That is, it is fully and completely revealed in every way. The saved can see now the fruit of God's working. If it can't be seen in our life then it is not made manifest. This fruit is the result of in Christ working in us and gives us The hope of glory, as explained in the next section and is also the result of The hope of the gospel as explained in other notes of this study. If we don't let God fulfill the word of God in our lives then we prove that God wasted His efforts to reveal it to us. Hebrews 5:8-9 tells us Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect. If the Son of God learned obedience and was made perfect by The things which he suffered, and we claim to be Christians (discipled followers of Christ) then we have to do the same thing as Jesus Christ did. Anyone who claims that they can fulfill the word of God and not suffer in order to learn obedience and be made perfect is a Biblical fool. Most people are not willing to suffer in order to learn obedience and be made perfect. Therefore, once again we see that this sentence is telling us about the all fulness of God which is only given to those who meet the conditional requirements. And again, those conditions are met when we are in Christ and have Christ in us.

The fourth equivalent section was labeled God would make known what is the riches of the glory of Christ in you. Within this section of the sentence, Paul tells us about a mystery that is new knowledge which God revealed after Christ's resurrection. Paul declared that the mystery is Christ in you (Gentiles). God wants the world to know of the riches that He provides by the world seeing changes in a person's life due to Christ's ministry. Many people misunderstand this verse and sentence because they do not understand the Biblical definition of hope. As a result they don't understand The hope of glory. In the Bible, faith is an action word that produces results based upon a specific promise of God. The Bible uses hope for a similar action that has a different basis. Where faith is based upon a specific promise, hope is based upon the character of God. Faith has a specific result which is specified by the promise. Hope does not have a specific result specified in the Bible but does specify that God will bless hope. Hope causes someone to become closer to the person of God and showing God-like characteristics that they did not previously have. Both faith and hope are action verbs. One has specific results based upon a specific promise. The other has definite, but non-specific, results based upon the character of God. If there are no results then you do not have true Biblical hope.

The results of the hope of glory are two fold: God receives glory for the change that he brings into our lives and we receive God's riches in heaven. The glory that God receives was explained by Jesus in John 15:5-8 which says Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. If hope doesn't result in fruit, then God doesn't receive the glory that is supposed to come from His hope. God puts Christ in us for the expressed purpose of obtaining that glory. Anyone who says that this hope is not supposed to create the fruit that God expects is in error. Notice that this hope is not our hope but God's hope. 1Timothy 1:1-2 says, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. Notice that within this sentence (in 1Timothy ), we are told Jesus Christ. which is our hope. Our hope is Jesus Christ, according to the proper breakdown of this sentence. Back in Colossians, the hope was The hope of glory, which is God's hope. Those who say this hope is not supposed to produce glory make the mistake of assigning this hope to us instead of assigning it to God, where it rightly belongs. God saves with His hope that we will allow Christ to work in and through our personal life. When that truly happens, God gets glory from the change in our life.

Going on to the glory that we receive, our glory is laid up for you in heaven. That means that we won't receive it until after The judgment seat of Christ. That is a full doctrine that is often misrepresented. The Bible clearly teaches that there will be punishment, tears and the terror of the Lord (Romans 13:1-5; 2Corinthians 5:10-11) attached to The judgment seat of Christ. There are rewards, but punishment or reward is determined by what we do after our profession. That's why we have a hope in in Christ. Just as a hope is not always realized, so our hope in in Christ will not result in reward if we don't let God have His hope of glory from our life. Further, we do not know exactly what reward in Christ will give to the obedient but we hope for a wonderful reward based upon His personal character. Please see the note for 1:7 for more details on the use of hope in Colossians.

This verse tells us that God would make known what is the riches of the glory. God does that by putting Christ in you. (Please see the note for Romans 11:33 for links to every verse in the New Testament which uses any form of the word riches along with the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary.) the more we get to know about in Christ; the more we get to realize the riches and glory that will be ours in heaven. However, getting to know in Christ more requires letting Him work through our lives and if we stop letting Him work through our lives, we forget what we learned. We also loose riches and glory in heaven. We are in Christ when we let the Christ in us shine into this world through our lives. However, if we refuse to let Him work through our lives, in Christ will not be in us (Romans 8:9 and Galatians 4:19) and we will not get the riches or glory when we get to heaven. We will only have the robe of righteousness (2Corinthians 5; Revelation 3:5) and tears (Revelation 21:4) until the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11). What I am saying can also be seen just a few more verses. In the first sentence of Colossians 2 we read to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Think about how we get wisdom and knowledge. How many of you would like to re-take some of the final exams that you took when you were last in school? Some things that you learned in school you've gone on and used in life and should, therefore, not have any problem retaking those tests. By using the knowledge, you've retained and even improved in the original knowledge. However, knowledge that you received in classes that you have not used for a few years is gone. We would all flunk those exams if we retook them without refreshing our knowledge. The same is true of Godly knowledge and wisdom that is in Christ as 2:2 tells us. Colossians tells us about this mystery in 3 places: this equivalent section of this sentence; 2:2 (part of the sentence in 2:1-3) and 4:3 (part of the sentence in 4:2-4). Our current equivalent section of this sentence tells us that this mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 2:1-3 tells us that this mystery holds all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4:2-4 tells us that this mystery was what Paul preached. It should be evident that this mystery gives all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge so long as we are in Christ and, like all knowledge and wisdom, we start to loose it when we stop being in Christ. (Please see the note for Romans 11:25 which has links to where the Bible talks about mystery.)

In John 14:10-11; Jesus said that He was in the Father and the Father in him. In John 15:7 Jesus said If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you. In these verses and others we see a principal of the Bible that we are in spiritually is what is in us. That is, we are in Christ only if in Christ is in us and if we are not in Christ then in Christ is not in us. We also see this in 1John 2:24 which says Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. Notice the abide in you and If...Shall remain in you. in Christ will not remain in us unless we remain in Christ (continue in the Son). Also, as pointed out in the note for 1:2; this letter was written to saved people to encourage them to let Christ remain in them. Many claim that it is not possible to be saved and not have Christ in us. If that was true, then God would not have had Paul write this warning. We can not loose our salvation but we can loose the blessings that only come when we have Christ in us. Therefore, salvation by itself does not guarantee that we will have Christ in us. We can exercise all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge only so long as we have them and if we stop using them then we will loose them. That is, we can only act in Christ if in Christ is in us and if in Christ stops being in us, then we will no longer be able to act in Christ. While we must keep Christ in us to be in Christ; we can not be separated from what Jesus provided in our salvation, as seen throughout this study. Someone can learn to walk after they are born, and then have an accident which robs them of that knowledge / ability. However, we can not loose the DNA that we are born with. That is an example of the difference between what we spiritually receive through in Christ (knowledge / ability) and what we receive through Jesus (DNA). (Please see the note for Romans 3:26 which explains how the Bible teaches this doctrinal truth.)

In the fifth equivalent section of this sentence, we are told that Paul and others preach and warn and teach that (here's why) we may (not guaranteed) present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Those who don't receive the preaching and warning and teaching or who receive other preaching and warning and teaching will not fulfill the requirements and will not be perfect in Christ Jesus. Notice that this verse uses Christ Jesus not Jesus Christ or some other name for the Son of God. That means that being made perfect in Christ Jesus is only possible for saved but requires spiritual maturity after the initial profession with the emphasis on spiritual maturity (ministry of in Christ). Since the Biblical uses perfect for 'complete spiritual maturity', it should be obvious that the ministry of in Christ is mandatory to achieve that 'complete spiritual maturity'.

The condition to be made perfect in Christ Jesus are met when we are in Christ and have Christ in us. This equivalent section of this sentence (1:28) has two steps separated by a semicolon. Paul says the same thing in Acts 20:17-21 and Ephesians 5:25-27. We must first receive and act upon the preaching and warning and teaching. Then Christ Jesus will make us perfect (spiritually mature).

Paul says he is warning every man of the consequences of rejecting the ministry of in Christ; which is done by not obeying and growing spiritually after profession. Paul is also teaching...wisdom which causes / results in spiritual maturity.
Paul also says that his goal is that every man (will be) perfect in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus is used instead of in Christ; in this part of the sentence, because this applies to all saved, but emphasizes growth after profession more than the profession itself.

That leaves us the final (sixth) equivalent section of this sentence where Paul says Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily (1:29). The Whereunto is referring to all that is in this sentence which that we have seen so far. Each section provided blessings that are conditional upon our being in Christ and having Christ in us. If these things were guaranteed at our initial profession then there would be no need for Paul to labour, as he says that he does in this part of this sentence. Further, Paul says that his labour is according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. The spiritual maturity which comes from an ongoing personal relationship with the Son of God (1:13), through His role as in Christ is what Paul said worketh in me mightily. Paul's labour was according to his [Christ's] working, which is according to the ongoing personal relationship that comes after salvation and which provides all of the conditional blessings that Paul is talking about in this sentence.

We find forms of the word alienate 16 times in 15 verses of the Bible and only 4 times in the New Testament. All of these verses are: Exodus 18:3; Deuteronomy 14:21; Job 19:15; Psalms 69:8; Isaiah 61:5; Lamentations 5:2; Ephesians 4:18 and our current sentence. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines alienate. as: 'to transfer title, property or right to another; as, to alienate lands, or sovereignty. 2. to estrange; to withdraw, as the affections; to make indifferent or averse, where love or friendship before subsisted; with from; as, to alienate the heart or affections; to alienate a man from the friends of his youth. 3. to apply to a wrong use. They shall not alienate the first fruits of the land. Ezek. 48.
A'LIENATE, a. L. alienatus. Estranged; withdrawn from; stranger to; with from. of alienate from God, of spirit accurst. The whigs were alienate from truth'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'to estrange; to withdraw, as the affections; to make indifferent or averse'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'To estrange; to withdraw, as the affections; to make indifferent or averse, where love or friendship before subsisted'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word aliens as: 'Duty to Strangers: Ex 22:21; 23:9; Le 19:34; 25:35; Nu 35:15; De 10:19; 27:19; 31:12; Jer 7:6; Mt 25:35' Estrangement from God: Ps 58:3; Jer 2:5; Eze 14:5; 44:10; Mt 15:8; Eph 2:12; 4:18'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word aliens as: '(Strangers, heathen) to be treated with justice: Ex 22:21; 23:9; Le 19:33-34; De 1:16; 10:19; 24:14,17; 27:19; Jer 7:6; 22:3; Eze 22:29; Mal 3:5. Religious privileges of: Ex 12:48-49; Nu 9:14; 15:14-15. Kindness to Edomites, enjoined: De 23:7. Jews authorized to purchase, as slaves: Le 25:44-45. Jews authorized to take usury from: De 15:3; 23:20. Jews not permitted to make kings of: De 17:15. Forbidden to eat the Passover: Ex 12:45. Partially exempt from Jewish law: De 14:21. Numerous in times of David and Solomon: 2Sa 22:45-46; 2Ch 2:17; 15:9. Oppressed: Eze 22:29. Rights of: Nu 35:15; Jos 20:9; Eze 47:22-23. David's kindness to: 2Sa 15:19-20. Hospitality to, required by Jesus: Mt 25:35,38,43'.

We find forms of the word enemies 380 times in 365 verses of the Bible, 30 times in the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C15S19 about the word enemies. The New Testament definition is: 'A foe; an adversary'.

We find forms of the word mind 145 times in 139 verses of the Bible, 91 times in 86 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 2:18 and 3:12. Please see the note for Romans C11-S37 about the word mind. It lists many different types of minds which the Bible describes. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians C1S9 which discusses the differences between the 'Eastern Mind' and the 'Western Mind'. Please also see the note for Romans C12-S2 for links to where the word mind is used in Romans. Finally, please see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the phrase mind Jesus. The New Testament definition is: 'The thinking process and conclusion of that process'.

We find forms of the word wicked 494 times in 453 verses of the Bible, 33 times in 32 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the note for Romans C1S16 about the word wicked. Please also use the link in the sentence outline, above. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 5:8 for links to related verses as provided by other commentators. Please also see the note for Ephesians C4S8 about the phrase wicked heart. The New Testament definition is: 'Departure from the rules of the divine law; evil disposition or practices; immorality; crime; sin; sinfulness; corrupt manners Wickedness generally signifies evil practices'.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. Please see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. The basic Biblical definition of work is: 'to move, or to labor'.

please see the notes for C1-S4 about the word body. The New Testament definition is: 'The frame of an animal; the material substance of an animal, in distinction from the living principal of beasts, and the soul of man. Used symbolically for the framework for sin including all parts of it'. Please also see the note for Romans C7S30 about the word body. Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 about the body of Christ. In the Bible, the phrase body of Christ is used for the church which is, supposed to be, the physical bodies used by Christ to do His work in this world.

We find forms of the word flesh 420 times in 369 verses of the Bible, 149 times in 128 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 2:1; 2:5; 2:11; 2:13; 2:18; 2:23 and 3:22. There are many applications of this word found within the definition from different dictionaries. The thing to remember is that 'many applications' is not the same as 'one definition'. Failure to separate the two, or choosing an application which disagrees with the 'one definition' is not 'rightly dividing the word of truth' and if we do that then God will make us 'ashamed'.

Please see the note for Romans 8:1 about the words flesh. The New Testament definition, of the word flesh, is: 'Our body and all influences upon our mind, our will and our emotions which come through our body and concerns for our body'. Please note that most books of the New Testament warn us about outflesh. Please also see the note for Romans 8:8 for the difference between walk after the flesh and in the flesh. Please see the note for Romans 8:8 for the difference between walk after the flesh and in the flesh. Please also see the note for Romans C8S7 about the phrase after the flesh. Please also see the note for Romans C8S7 about the phrase in the flesh. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 12:7 about the phrase thorn in the flesh. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:18 about the word fleshly.

Please see the note for 1:18 about the word death. The New Testament definition is: 'an ongoing process of corruption which starts at conception and continues until the body is completely destroyed. Physical death is used for the one-time point when the soul and spirit are forced to leave the corrupted body. Spiritual death is also used for the one-time point when the soul and spirit are forced to leave the presence of God. When the Bible uses death for these events, it assumes that the reader understands that the one-time-event is the pinnacle of an ongoing process. Within the Bible, death is to be understood to be an ongoing process, even while highlighting the ultimate point of victory for the process'. Please see the note for Romans C6S4; 1Corinthians C15S20; Philippians 1:19-20 about the word death. Please see the note for Romans C6S4 about the word die. We find this exact phrase of sin unto death: in 1John 5:16; Romans 6:16. We see this doctrine dealt with in: Acts 5; Romans 5; 1Corinthians 8:11-LJC and Galatians C3-S26. Please see the note for Romans C8S38 about the phrase dying because of the truth. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C11S34 about the phrase sleep is physically dead but spiritually alive.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:13-14 about the word present. The New Testament definition is: 'Being in a certain place; opposed to absent'.

We find forms of the word holy 663 times in 593 verses of the Bible, 201 times in 188 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 2:16 and 3:12. Please see the notes for Romans C7S16; 1Corinthians C3S17 and Philippians 1:3-7 about the word holy. Please see the notes for 1John C2S25 about the phrase Holy One. The New Testament definition is: 'Properly, whole, entire or perfect, in a moral sense. Hence, pure in heart, temper or dispositions; free from sin and sinful affections. Applied to the Supreme Being, holy signifies perfectly pure, immaculate and complete in moral character; and man is more or less holy, as his heart is more or less sanctified, or purified from evil dispositions'.

We find the word unblamable only in: our current sentence; 1Thessalonians 2:10 and 1Thessalonians 3:13. The Webster's 1828 Dictionary definition is: 'Not blamable; not culpable; innocent'. Please see the note for Philippians 2:14-16 about the word blameless. It has links to every place that the Bible uses that word along with the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators.

We find forms of the word reprove 36 times in the Bible with the exact word occurring 19 times. Please see the note for Ephesians C5S7 about the word reprove. It has links to all 19 verses which use the word reprove along with the definition from Webster's 1828 and further explanation of that word. This is the only place in the Bible where we find the word unreproveable. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines it as: 'Not deserving reproof; that cannot be justly censured. Col. 1'.

We find forms of the word sight 346 times in 333 verses of the Bible, 55 times in 53 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians, only in our current sentence. However, forms of the word see can be found within Colossians in: 2:1; 2:18; 3:1 and 3:9. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C13:12 about the word see. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word sight. The New Testament definition is: 'The act of seeing; perception of objects by the eye; view. This word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides links for the phrase Sight, In God's as: 'Doing Evil: Jg 2:11; 4:1; 6:1; 10:6; 13:1; 1Ki 14:22; 15:26; 16:7; 2Ki 8:27; 13:2; 14:24; 15:9; 17:2; 23:32; 24:9. Doing Good: De 6:18; 12:25; 2Ki 12:2; Ac 10:31; 1Th 1:3; 1Ti 2:3; Heb 13:21; 1Jo 3:22'.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:25-26 about the word continue. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'To remain in a state, or place; to abide for any time indefinitely'. Please also see the note for James 1:25 about the word continueth. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'A lifestyle of continuing'. The difference being that we can continue something once but later cease it while if we continueth the same thing then we never cease it. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians 7:5 about the word incontinent. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: Colossians 4:2

We find forms of the word faith 247 times in 231 verses of the Bible, 245 times in 229 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: 1:2; 1:4, 7; our current sentence; 2:5; 2:7; 2:12 and 4:7, 9. Please see the note for 1:1-2 about the word faithful. The definition of faith used on this site is: 'an action verb which requires us to produce evidence of what we claim to believe'. Please see the notes for Romans C3S25; 1Corinthians C1S3; Galatians C3S27; Ephesians 6:23-LJC; Philippians 1:25-26 and 2Timothy C1S2 about the word faith. Please see the note for Romans C10S12 about the phrase faith makes us not ashamed. Please see the notes for Romans 4 and James 2:21-LJC about Abraham's faith. Please see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. Please see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase The just shall live by his faith. Please see the note for about the word . Please see the note for Romans C3S29 about the phrase justification by faith. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:1-LJC about the phrase Christ Jesus is faithful. Please see the note for Romans C3S25 about Law and faith. Please see the note for 2Timothy C1S2 about faith: unfeigned.

We find forms of the word ground 196 times in 192 verses of the Bible, 31 times in the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines ground as: 'The surface of land or upper part of the earth, without reference to the materials which compose it. We apply ground to soil, sand or gravel indifferently, but never apply it to the whole mass of the earth or globe. Also, it is used to fix or set, as on a foundation, cause, reason or principle; as arguments grounded on reason, such as faith grounded on scriptural evidence. We apply ground to soil, sand or gravel indifferently, but never apply it to the whole mass of the earth or globe, nor to any portion of it when removed. We never say a shovel full or a load of ground. We say under ground, but not under earth; and we speak of the globe as divided into land and water, not into ground and water. Yet ground, earth and land are often used synonymously. We say, the produce or fruits of the ground, of the earth, or of land. the water overflows the low ground, or the low land. There was not a man to till the ground. Gen.2. The ground shall give its increase. Zech.8. The fire ran along on the ground. Ex.9. 2. Region; territory; as Egyptian ground; British ground; heavenly ground. 3. Land; estate; possession. Thy next design is on thy neighbor's grounds. 4. the surface of the earth, or a floor or pavement. Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground. 1 Sam.5. 5. Foundation; that which supports anything. this argument stands on defensible ground. Hence, 6. Fundamental cause; primary reason or original principle. He stated the grounds of his complaint. Making happiness the ground of his unhappiness. 7. First principles; as the grounds of religion. 8. In painting, the surface on which a figure or object is represented; that surface or substance which retains the original color, and to which the other colors are applied to make the representation; as crimson on a white ground. 9. In manufactures, the principal color, to which others are considered as ornamental. 10. Grounds, plural, the bottom of liquors; dregs; lees; feces; as coffee grounds; the grounds of strong beer. 11. the plain song; the tune on which descants are raised. On that ground, I'll build a holy descant. 12. In etching, a gummous composition spread over the surface of the metal to be etched, to prevent the nitric acid from eating, except where the ground is opened with the point of a needle. 13. Field or place of action. He fought with fury, and would not quit the ground. 14. In music, the name given to a composition in which the base, consisting of a few bars of independent notes, is continually repeated to a continually varying melody. 15. the foil to set a thing off. 16. formerly, the pit of a play house. Togain ground, to advance; to proceed forward in conflict; as, an army in battle gains ground. Hence, to obtain an advantage; to have some success; as, the army gains ground on the enemy. Hence, 1. to gain credit; to prevail; to become more general or extensive; as, the opinion gains ground. Tolose ground, to retire; to retreat; to withdraw from the position taken. Hence, to lose advantage. Hence, 1. to lose credit; to decline; to become less in force or extent. To give ground, to recede; to yield advantage. get ground, and to gather ground, are seldom used.
GROUND, v.t. to lay or set on the ground. 1. to found; to fix or set, as on a foundation, cause, reason or principle; as arguments grounded on reason; faith grounded on scriptural evidence. 2. to settle in first principles; to fix firmly. Being rooted and grounded in love Eph.3.
GROUND, v.i. to run aground; to strike the bottom and remain fixed; as, the ship grounded in two fathoms of water.
GROUND, pret. and pp. of grind'. The New Testament for this word is: 'The surface of land or upper part of the earth, without reference to the materials which compose it. We apply ground to soil, sand or gravel indifferently, but never apply it to the whole mass of the earth or globe. Also, it is used to fix or set, as on a foundation, cause, reason or principle; as arguments grounded on reason, such as faith grounded on scriptural evidence. We apply ground to soil, sand or gravel indifferently, but never apply it to the whole mass of the earth or globe. Also, it is used to fix or set, as on a foundation, cause, reason or principle; as arguments grounded on reason, such as faith grounded on scriptural evidence'.

Please also see the following notes about this word: Matthew 10:29; Mark 4:5; Luke 8:8; John 4:5; Acts 7:33; Ephessians 3:17 and 1Timothy 3:15.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references of: 'Man made from: Ge 2:7; 3:19,23; Job 4:19; 33:6. Animals made from: Ge 2:19. Vegetables come from: Ge 2:9. Cursed: Ge 3:17; 5:29'.

We find forms of the word settle in: 1Kings 8:13; 2Kings 8:11; 1Chronicles 17:14; Psalms 65:10; Psalms 119:89; Proverbs 8:25; Jeremiah 48:11; Ezekiel 36:11; Ezekiel 43:14; Ezekiel 43:17; Ezekiel 43:20; Ezekiel 45:19; Zephaniah 1:12; Luke 21:14; our current sentence and 1Peter 5:10. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines settled as: 'Placed; established; determined; composed; adjusted'.

We find forms of the word move 247 times in 241 verses of the Bible, 35 times in 34 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines moved as: 'Stirred; excited'.

We find forms of the word hope occurring 144 times in 135 verses of the Bible, 68 times in 60 verses of the New Testament, and in 1Corinthians, in 1:5 and our current sentence. Please see the notes for Romans C4S18; 1Corinthians C13S10; Philippians 1:19-20 about the word hope. The note for 1Corinthians C13S10 had the definition from Webster's 1828 along with links from other commentators. Many places on this site have explained that hope is an action word that is just like faith. However, where faith is based upon a promise of God found in the word of God, hope is based upon the character of God.

Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is hope of glory.

We find forms of the word preach 153 times in 145 verses of the Bible, 141 times in 134 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the notes for Romans C16S33; 1Corinthians C15S1; Galatians C1-S4 and 2Timothy 4:1-LJC about the word preach. The New Testament definition is: 'To pronounce a public discourse on a religious subject, or from a subject, or from a text of Scripture. the purpose of preaching is to get people to obey God's word'. Please also see the note for Romans C10S17 about the word preacher.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word creature. The New Testament definition is: 'That which is created; every being besides the Creator, or every thing not self-existent. the sun, moon and stars; the earth, animals, plants, light, darkness, air, water, etc., are the creatures of God'. Please also see the note for Colossians 1:9-17 about the word create. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:19 about the word Creator. Please also see the note for Romans 1:20-21 about the word creation. Please see the note for Revelation 4:11-LJC about the phrase God created us. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 10:9-LJC about the phrase new creatures.

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word heaven. The New Testament definition of our current sentence is: 'The atmosphere of the Earth'.

We see the phrase I Paul only in: 2Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 5:2; Ephesians 3:1; our current sentence; 1Thessalonians 2:18; Philemon 1:19. In each of these instances Paul is being very clear that this is him personally speaking and no other co-author can be held responsible for what Paul personally says.

Please see the note for 1:3-8 about the word minister /ministry. The note for 1Corinthians has links from other commentators. In most cases within the Bible, when describing the function of a person, the Bile is talking about a prophet or preacher.

We find forms of the word rejoice 286 times in 266 verses of the Bible, 77 times in 70 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the notes for Romans C12S8; Galatians C4-S24 and Philippians 4:4-LJC about the word rejoice. Those notes have the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators as well as further discussion on the use of this word. The New Testament definition is: 'To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult'.

We find forms of the word suffer 184 times in 178 verses of the Bible, 135 times in 130 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians only in our current sentence with 1:11 and 3:12 using the word longsuffering. Please see the notes for Romans C8S17 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word suffer. Those notes discuss this word, have the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. The New Testament definition is: 'To feel or bear what is painful, disagreeable or distressing, either to the body or mind; to undergo'. Please see the Sections called Harmony, Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled, in the Study called Significant Gospel Events; for references to verses related to the suffering of Jesus Christ.

Please see the note for 2Timothy C4S3 which provides links to every place in the Bible where we find forms of the word affliction. Our current sentence is the only place within Colossians where We find this word. The New Testament definition is: 'physical, emotional and / or mental pain and suffering up to (and sometimes including) death'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:15-17 about this word. It provides links from other commentators.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S26 about the word dispensation. It has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with a discussion of the true doctrine from the Bible. in 3 out of 4 times that the Bible uses the word dispensation, it literally says that the dispensation is given to a single man named Paul and it is not given to all men of an age. The fourth time says that we will see the result of what is in Christ through what God dispenses over time to people who are in Christ. None of these verses support the claim that God has a different plan of salvation in different ages or any of the other things which are taught as 'Bible Dispensations'. Here we see that God decided to 'hand out' His gospel, just like we see in 3 out of 4 times that this word is used.

We find forms of the word mystery in 27 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 2:2 and 4:3. Please see the note for Romans C11S29 which has links to all of these verses along with a note for each verse and a discussion of the true Biblical doctrine involved with the word mystery. The New Testament definition is: 'The wisdom of God which was hid until God choose to reveal it'. Since our Bible is complete, God will not reveal any more great mysteries until in Christ returns to rule this world.

We find forms of the word ages in: Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:5; Ephesians 3:21 and our current sentence. No dictionary defines ages (plural). It is only taught as a doctrine by commentators which claim things which do not agree with what the word of God actually says. The usage of this word, in the word of God is: 'Uncountable number of years of time in multiple thousands of years'. There is a lot of doctrinal error taught about ages. Please be sure to stick to what is actually said within the context of where you find forms of this word.

We find forms of the word generation 231 times in 212 verses of the Bible, 46 times in 41 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please also see the following notes about this word: Matthew 1:1: Mark 8:12: Luke 1:48: Acts 2:40: Hebrews 3:10: 1Peter 2:9.

Easton's Bible Dictionary defines Generation as: 'Ge 2:4, "These are the generations," means the "history." Ge 5:1, "The book of the generations," means a family register, or history of Adam. Ge 37:2, "The generations of Jacob" = the history of Jacob and his descendants. Ge 7:1, "in this generation" = in this age. Ps 49:19, "The generation of his fathers" = the dwelling of his fathers, i.e., the grave. Ps 73:15, "The generation of thy children" = the contemporary race. Isa 53:8, "Who shall declare his generation?" = His manner of life who shall declare? or rather = His race, posterity, shall be so numerous that no one shall be able to declare it.
In Mt 1:17, the word means a succession or series of persons from the same stock. Mt 3:7, "Generation of vipers" = brood of vipers. Mt 24:34, "This generation" = the persons then living contemporary with Christ. 1Pe 2:9, "A chosen generation" = a chosen people.
The Hebrews seem to have reckoned time by the generation. In the time of Abraham a generation was an hundred years, thus: Ge 15:16, "In the fourth generation" = in four hundred years (comp. Ge 15:13; Ex 12:40). In De 1:35; 2:14 a generation is a period of thirty-eight years'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The average lifespan of man. Since the lifespan of man changed throughout history, the length of years also changed from 900 years to 20 years'.

We find forms of the word manifest 52 times in 49 verses of the New Testament with Ecclesiastes 3:18 being the only verse in the Old Testament. We find the word manifest within Colossians only in our current sentence and 4:4. Please see the notes for Romans C16S33 and 1John-Manifest about the word manifest. The New Testament definition is: 'made available for extensive examination that uses multiple means to accomplish the examination'. Please also see the note for Romans C3S20 about the word manifested.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word know. The New Testament definition is: 'A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact; and the perception of the connection and agreement, or disagreement between various truths and acts. Within the Biblical usage is the knowledge that comes only from personal intimate experience'. Please also see the notes for Romans C10S25; 1Corinthians C1S11; Galatians C3-S9 and know in 1John about the word know. Please see the notes for 2Peter 1:2-LJC; 2Peter 2:20-LJC and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word knowledge. Please see the note for Romans C11S4 about the word foreknow. Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the phrase Know ye not. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C16S17 about the word acknowledge.

We find forms of the word riches 100 times in 97 verses of the Bible, 26 times in 25 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence and 2:2 within Colossians. Please see the note for Romans C11S35 about the word riches. It has links to every place in the New Testament where We find this word along with a small note for each verse. The New Testament definition is: 'Wealth; opulence; affluence; possessions of land, good or money in abundance. Riches do not consist in having more gold and silver, but in having more in proportion than our neighbors'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S2 about the word enriched.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word riches as: 'The true riches: Eph 3:8; 1Co 1:30; Col 2:3; 1Pe 2:7. God gives: 1Sa 2:7; Ec 5:19. ToGod belongs this world's riches: Hag 2:8. God gives power to obtain: De 8:18. The blessing of the Lord brings: Pr 10:22. Give worldly power: Pr 22:7. DESCRIBED AS: Temporary: Pr 27:24. Uncertain: 1Ti 6:17. Unsatisfying: Ec 4:8; 5:10. Corruptible: Jas 5:2; 1Pe 1:18. Fleeting: Pr 23:5; Re 18:16-17. Deceitful: Mt 13:22. Liable to be stolen: Mt 6:19. Perishable: Jer 48:36. Thick clay: Hab 2:6. Often an obstruction to the reception of the gospel: Mr 10:23-25. Deceitfulness of, chokes the word: Mt 13:22. The love of, the root of all evil: 1Ti 6:10. OFTEN LEAD TO: Pride: Eze 28:5; Ho 12:8. Forgetting God: De 8:13-14. Denying God: Pr 30:8-9. Forsaking God: De 32:15. Rebelling against God: Ne 9:25-26. Rejecting Christ: Mt 19:22; 10:22. Self-sufficiency: Pr 28:11. Anxiety: Ec 5:12. An overbearing spirit: Pr 18:23. Violence: Mica 6:12. Oppression: Jas 2:6. Fraud: Jas 5:4. Sensual indulgence: Lu 16:19; Jas 5:5. Life consists not in abundance of: Lu 12:15. Be not over-anxious for: Pr 30:8. Labor not for: Pr 23:4. TheY WHO COVET: Fall into temptation and a snare: 1Ti 6:9. Fall into hurtful lusts: 1Ti 6:9. Err from the faith: 1Ti 6:10. Use unlawful means to acquire: Pr 28:20. Bring trouble on themselves: 1Ti 6:10. Bring trouble on their families: Pr 15:27. Profit not in the day of wrath: Pr 11:4. Cannot secure prosperity: Jas 1:11. Cannot redeem the soul: Ps 49:6-9; 1Pe 1:18. Cannot deliver in the day of God's wrath: Zep 1:18; Re 6:15-17. TheY WHO POSSESS, SHOULD. Ascribe them to God: 1Ch 29:12. Not trust in them: Job 31:24; 1Ti 6:17. Not set the heart on them: Ps 62:10. Not boast of obtaining them: De 8:17. Not glory in them: Jer 9:23. Not hoard them up: Mt 6:19. Devote them to God's service: 1Ch 29:3; Mr 12:42-44. Give of them to the poor: Mt 19:21; 1Jo 3:17. use them in promoting the salvation of others: Lu 16:9. Be liberal in all things: 1Ti 6:18. Esteem it a privilege to be allowed to give: 1Ch 29:14. Not to be high-minded: 1Ti 6:17. When converted, rejoice in being humbled: Jas 1:9-10. heavenly treasures superior to: Mt 6:19-20. of the wicked laid up for the just: Pr 13:22. The WICKED: Often increase in: Ps 73:12. Often spend their days in: Job 21:13. Swallow down: Job 20:15. Trust in the abundance of: Ps 52:7. Heap up: Job 27:16; Ps 39:6; Ec 2:26. Keep, to their hurt: Ec 5:13. Boast themselves in: Ps 49:6; 52:7. Profit not by: Pr 11:4; 13:7; Ec 5:11. Have trouble with: Pr 15:6; 1Ti 6:9-10. Must leave, to others: Ps 49:10. Vanity of heaping up: Ps 39:6; Ec 5:10-11. Guilt of trusting in: Job 31:24,28. Guilt of rejoicing in: Job 31:25,28. ENUNCIATIONS AGAINS't thOSE WHO: Get, by vanity: Pr 13:11; 21:6. Get, unlawfully: Jer 17:11. Increase, by oppression: Pr 22:16; Hab 2:6-8; Mica 2:2-3. Hoard up: Ec 5:13-14. Trust in: Pr 11:28. Receive their consolation from: Lu 6:24. Abuse: Jas 5:1,5. Spend, upon their appetite: Job 20:15-17. Folly and danger of trusting to--Illustrated: Lu 12:16-21. Danger of misusing--Illustrated: Lu 16:19-25. Examples of saints possessing: Abram, Ge 13:2. Lot, Ge 13:5-6. Isaac, Ge 26:13-14. Jacob, Ge 32:5,10. Joseph, Ge 45:8,13. Boaz, Ru 2:1. Barzillai, 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite, 2Ki 4:8. David, 1Ch 29:28. ehoshaphat, 2Ch 17:5. Hezekiah, 2Ch 32:27-29. Job, Job 1:3. Joseph of Arimathea, Mt 27:57. Zaccheus, Lu 19:2. Dorcas, Ac 9:36. Examples of those truly rich: Mt 5:8; 8:10; 13:45-46. Php 3:8; Jas 2:5; 1Pe 2:7; Re 3:18. Examples of wicked men possessing: Laban, Ge 30:30. Esau, Ge 36:7. Nabal, 1Sa 25:2. Haman, Es 5:11. Ammonites, Jer 49:4. Tyrians. Eze 28:5. Young man, Mt 19:22'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word riches as: 'Riches of Grace: Ro 2:4; 9:23; Eph 1:7; 2:7; Php 4:19; 1Ti 1:14; Tit 3:6.
Riches, Earthly: Gift of God: (Select Readings): Lu 12:16-21; 16:19-31. The Gift of God: De 8:18; 1Ch 29:12; Ec 5:19; Ho 2:8. The Perils of: Incline to forgetfulness of God: De 8:13-14. Beget Avarice: Ps 62:10. Endanger Integrity: Pr 28:20. Hinder Entrance into God's Kingdom: Mt 19:23. Result in Barrenness of Life: Mr 4:19. Subject men to Powerful Temptations: 1Ti 6:9. Profit not in Time of Trial: Pr 11:4; Ec 6:2; Zep 1:18; Re 18:17. Good Men Possessed of: (Not Necessarily Destructive): Ge 13:2; 26:14; 30:43; 32:5; 36:7; 2Sa 19:32; 1Ch 29:28; 2Ch 1:15; 9:22; Job 1:3; Mt 27:57. Fleeting and Uncertain: Job 20:28; Ps 49:10; Pr 23:5; 27:24; Ec 2:18,26; Jer 17:11; 1Ti 6:7. The Accumulation of, Disappointing: Job 27:16-17; Ps 39:6; Ec 2:26; Eze 28:4; Mt 6:19; Lu 12:21; Jas 5:3. Belong to God: Are Deceptive Treasures: Hag 1:6; Lu 12:21; 1Ti 6:7; Heb 11:26; Re 3:17. Examples of Evil Tendency of: Trust in Riches, the folly of: Job 31:24-25,28; Ps 52:7; Pr 11:28; 18:11; Mr 10:24; Lu 12:19-20; 1Ti 6:17.
Riches, Spiritual: General References to: Enduring: Pr 8:18. God's Blessing the Source of: Pr 10:22. A Paradox: Pr 13:7. Discovered by Spiritual Vision: Eph 1:18. Unsearchable: Eph 3:8. More Precious than Earthly: Heb 11:26. The Inheritance of God's Elect: Jas 2:5. Examples of: 1Co 1:5; 2Co 6:10; 8:9; Re 2:9'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word riches as: 'General scriptures concerning: De 6:10-12; 8:10-18; 31:20; 32:15; 1Sa 2:7; Ps 37:16; Pr 10:2,22; 11:4,28; 13:7-8; 14:24; 15:6,16-17; 16:8; 19:4; 21:6; 23:4-5; 27:23-24; 28:8,20,22; 30:8-9; Ec 5:9-20; 6:1-2; 7:11-12; 10:19; Isa 5:8; Jer 48:36; Ho 12:8; Mt 6:19-21; 13:22; 19:16-29; Mr 4:19; 10:17-25; Lu 12:15; 18:18-25; 1Ti 6:4-11,17-19; Jas 2:6-7; 5:1-5; 1Jo 3:17'.

We find forms of the word glory 538 times in 439 verses of the Bible, 254 times in 220 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our 1:11; current sentence and 3:4. Please see the note for Romans C15S14 about the word glory. The New Testament definition is: 'Brightness, splendor, luster'. Please also see the note for Matthew 17:1 about the phrase Jesus Christ return in glory. Please also see the Minor Titles of the Son of God to see the title of: hope of glory. All true Biblical hope is based in Him. Think about what was revealed in the 'Mount of transfiguration'. The New Testament definition is: 'brightness, splendor'.

We find forms of the word Gentile 131 times in 123 verses of the Bible, 101 times in 93 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the note for Romans C15S13 about the word Gentile. The New Testament definition is: ' In the scriptures, a non-Jew.'. Please see the note for Luke 2:32 for links to where the word of God prophesies that God would bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. Please also see the gospel to the Gentiles.

We find forms of the word warn 31 times in 28 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament in: Matthew 2:12; Matthew 2:22; Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; Luke 12:5; Acts 10:22; Acts 20:31; 1Corinthians 4:14; our current sentence; 1Thessalonians 4:6; 1Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 11:7. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines the word warn as: 'to give notice of approaching or probable danger or evil, that it may be avoided; to caution against anything that may prove injurious. Juturna warns the Daunian chief of Lausus danger-- being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Matthew 2. 2. to caution against evil practices. 1 thessaloni and 5. 3. to admonish of any duty. Cornelius--was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee. Acts 10. 4. to inform previously; to give notice to. --Warned of th ensuing fight. 5. to notify by authority; to summon; as, to warn the citizens to meet on a certain day; to warn soldiers to appear on parade. 6. to ward off. Not in use'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word warn as: 'Warn the Wicked: (The Duty of Giving): 2Ch 19:10; Isa 58:1; Eze 3:18; 33:9; 1Th 5:14. Examples of: Ge 19:17; De 29:20; Jos 24:20; 1Sa 12:15; Isa 28:14; Jer 13:16; Jon 3:4; Heb 12:25; 2Pe 3:17. BE notDECEIVED: Mt 24:4; 1Co 6:9; 15:33; Ga 6:7; Eph 5:6; 2Th 2:3; 1Jo 3:7. BEWARE of Evil: De 6:12; Lu 12:1,15; Ac 13:40; Php 3:2; Col 2:8; 2Pe 3:17. SHUN EVIL: Job 28:28; Ps 34:14; 97:10; Pr 4:27; 14:16; Zec 7:10; Ro 12:9; 1Co 10:6; 1Th 5:22; 1Pe 3:11. TAKE HEED to conduct: Mt 6:1; 18:10; 24:4; Mr 4:24; 13:9,33; Lu 8:18; 11:35; 12:15; 21:8; 1Co 3:10; 10:12; Col 4:17; 1Ti 4:16; 2Pe 1:19. ToRulers: De 27:19; Ne 5:7; Ps 110:5; Isa 1:23; 3:14; 10:1; 28:14; Eze 22:27; 28:2; 45:9; Ho 5:10; Mica 3:1; 7:3'.

We find forms of the word teach 178 times in 170 verses of the Bible, 83 times in 76 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 3:16. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S27 about the word teach. The New Testament definition is: 'To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant'. Please also see the note for John 3:2 about the word teacher. Please also see the Study called False things According to the Bible about 'false teachers'.

The Bible usage of the word wisdom is 'The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them'. please see the note for 1:9-17 for more about the word wisdom.

We find forms of the word perfect 129 times in 124 verses of the Bible, 60 times in 57 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 3:14 and 4:12. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C2S5; 2Timothy C3S10 about the word perfect. Please see the note for 1John C4S13 about the phrase perfect love. The New Testament definition is: 'having attained spiritual maturity or complete in the manner being addressed'.

Please see the note for Luke 10:2 about the word labourer. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'One who labors in a toilsome occupation; a man who does work that requires little skill, as distinguished from an artisan'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:3 about the word fellowlabourers. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C3S9 and 1Corinthians C4S13 about the word labour. The New Testament definition is: 'Exertion of muscular strength, or bodily exertion which occasions weariness; particularly, the exertion of the limbs in occupations by which subsistence is obtained, as in agriculture and manufactures'. The main application, within the Bible, is: 'work of God's ministry'. Please also see the note for Philippians 4:3 about the word fellowlabourers. Please also see the Message called Labor for Everlasting Life which is based upon this sentence and the next couple of sentences. Please also see the Message called Labourers for the Harvest.

Please see the note for Romans 15:30-32 which has links to everywhere that the Bible uses the word strive along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . The New Testament definition is: ' to make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard; applicable to exertions of body or mind'.

We find forms of the word according occurring 810 times in 731 verses of the Bible, 141 times in 135 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: 1:11; our current sentence and 3:22. The New Testament definition of according is: 'Agreeing; harmonizing when two notes are in a music chord, they move together, up or down, to the next note'

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'sometime. Ro 1:30; 5:9-10; 8:7-8; 1Co 6:9-11; Eph 2:1-2,12,19; 4:18; Tit 3:3-7; Jas 4:4. in your mind by. or, by your mind in. Tit 1:15-16.
(verse 22)
The body. Ro 7:4; Eph 2:15-16; Heb 10:10,20. To. Lu 1:75; 2Co 11:2; Eph 1:4; 5:27; 1Th 4:7; Tit 2:14; 2Pe 3:14; Jude 1:24. in his. Job 15:15; 25:5; Ps 51:7; Heb 13:21 exp: Eph 2:15.
(verse 23)
ye continue. Ps 92:13-14; 125:5; Eze 18:26; Ho 6:3-4; Zep 1:6; Mt 24:13; Lu 8:13-15; 22:32; Joh 8:30-32; 15:9-10; Ac 11:23; 14:22; Ro 2:7; Ga 4:11; 5:7; 6:9; 1Th 3:5; Heb 3:6,14; 4:14; 10:38; 1Pe 1:5; 2Pe 2:18-22; 1Jo 2:27; Re 2:10. grounded. Col 2:7; Mt 7:24-25; Lu 6:48; Eph 2:21; 3:17; 4:16. moved. Joh 15:6; Ac 20:24; 1Co 15:58; 1Th 3:3. The hope. Col 1:5; Ro 5:5; Ga 5:5; Eph 1:18; 1Th 5:8; 2Th 2:16; Tit 3:7; Heb 6:19; 1Pe 1:3; 1Jo 3:1-3 exp: Heb 6:18; 1Pe 3:15. To. Col 1:6; Mt 24:14; Mr 16:15; Ro 10:18exp: Lu 2:10; Eph 3:9. under. De 2:25; 4:19; La 3:66; Ac 2:5; 4:12. whereof. Col 1:25; Ac 1:17,25; 26:16; Ro 15:16; 1Co 4:1-3; 2Co 3:6; 4:1; 5:18-20; 6:1; 11:23; Eph 3:7-8; 1Ti 1:12; 2:7; 2Ti 1:11-12; 4:5-6.
(verse 24)
rejoice. Mt 5:11-12; Ac 5:41; Ro 5:3; 2Co 7:4; Eph 3:1,13; Php 2:17-18; Jas 1:2 exp: Lu 6:23. fill. 2Co 1:5-8; 4:8-12; 11:23-27; Php 3:10; 2Ti 1:8; 2:9-10. For. Col 1:18; Eph 1:23 exp: Ac 21:13; 2Co 5:13; 8:9; Eph 3:1; 2Ti 2:10.
(verse 25)
I am. Col 1:23; 1Th 3:2; 1Ti 4:6. according. Ro 15:15-18; 1Co 9:17; Ga 2:7-8; Eph 3:2. Tofulfil. or, fully to preach. Ro 15:19; 2Ti 4:2-5.
(verse 26)
The mystery. Ro 16:25-26; 1Co 2:7; Eph 3:3-10 exp: Eph 6:19; Col 4:3. now. Ps 25:14; Mt 13:11; Mr 4:11; Lu 8:10; 2Ti 1:10 exp: Ro 16:26.
(verse 27)
whom. 1Co 2:12-14; 2Co 2:14; 4:6; Ga 1:15-16. The riches. Col 2:3; Ro 9:23; 11:33; Eph 1:7,17-18; 3:8-10,16; Php 4:19 exp: Es 1:4. Christ. Col 3:11; Lu 17:21; Joh 6:56; 14:17,20,23; 15:2-5; 17:22-23,26; Ro 8:10; 1Co 3:16; 2Co 6:16; Ga 2:20; 4:19; Eph 2:22; 3:17; 1Jo 4:4; Re 3:20. in you. or, among you. The hope. Col 1:5; Ps 16:9-11; Ro 5:2; 8:18-19; 2Co 4:17; 1Ti 1:1; 1Pe 1:3-4 exp: Heb 6:18; 1Pe 3:15.
(verse 28)
Whom. Ac 3:20; 5:42; 8:5,35; 9:20; 10:36; 11:20; 13:38; 17:3,18; Ro 16:25; 1Co 1:23; 15:12; 2Co 4:5; 10:14; Eph 3:8; Php 1:15-18; 1Ti 3:16 exp: Ro 1:9. warning. Jer 6:10; Eze 3:17-21; 33:4-9; Mt 3:7; Ac 20:27-28,31; 1Co 4:14; 1Th 4:6; 5:12-14. teaching. De 4:5; Eze 7:10; Ec 12:9; Mt 28:20; Mr 6:34; Eph 4:11; 1Ti 3:2; 2Ti 2:24-25 exp: Ac 15:35; Col 3:16. in all. Pr 8:5; Jer 3:15; Lu 21:15; 1Co 2:6,15; 12:8; 2Pe 3:15. we may. Col 1:22; 2Co 11:2; Eph 5:27. perfect. Col 2:10; 1Co 1:30; Eph 4:12-13; Heb 10:14; 13:21.
(verse 29)
labour. Col 4:12; 1Co 15:10; 2Co 5:9; 6:5; 11:23; Php 2:16; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8; 2Ti 2:10; Re 2:3 exp: Ro 16:12; 1Th 5:12. striving. Col 2:1; Lu 13:24; Ro 15:20,30; 1Co 9:25-27; Php 1:27,30; Heb 12:4. his. 1Co 12:6,11; Eph 1:19; 3:7,20; Php 2:13; Heb 13:21. mightily. 2Co 12:9-10; 13:3'.

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Details of Chapter 2.

The Chapter theme is: Paul's personal concern that men should beguile you with enticing words.
Please see the Summary Chapter Outline using this link. It gives the overview of this chapter.

links to sentences in this chapter:

C2-S1 (Verse 1-3), C2-S2 (Verse 4), C2-S3 (Verse 5), C2-S4 (Verse 6-7), C2-S5 (Verse 8), C2-S6 (Verse 9), C2-S7 (Verse 10-12), C2-S8 (Verse 13-15), C2-S9 (Verse 16-17), C2-S10 (Verse 18-19), C2-S11 (Verse 20-22), C2-S12 (Verse 23)'.

Another outline for this chapter (from Treasure of Scripture Knowledge) is:

1-7 : Paul still exhorts them to be constant in Christ.
8-17 : to beware of philosophy, and vain traditions.
18-19: worshipping of angels.

20-23 : and legal ceremonies, which are ended in Christ.

C2-S1 (Verse 1-3) Paul expresses his personal concern as the minister of in Christ.

Step One: Paul expresses his personal concern.

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you,
and for them at Laodicea,
and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;.

Step Two: Paul explains his concern.

That their hearts might be comforted,
being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God,
and of the Father,
and of Christ;.

Step three: Paul names the solution to his concern.

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

in this sentence, we are promised that our hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, if we acknowledge the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

This is a single sentence where Paul is saying that he has a great conflict (concern) for those who had not seen him (among the Gentiles that he was Apostle to) that they might not receive all of the blessings that are available to them. His concern was that He could not fulfill his responsibility as an Apostle and that the Gentiles would miss out on what God had available to them. Therefore, he was sending this epistle to tell them that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ.

Paul starts this sentence with For, which means he is giving the reason for what he said in the prior sentence. In the first chapter and in the last sentence of it Paul told us that receiving the blessings that are in Christ are conditional. Now in this chapter he is going to warn us about false teachers who will lead us astray and cause us to not fulfill God's conditions. The result of following false teachers is that we lose the blessings that are available in Christ. No honest person can look at what is happening today and claim that most people are in Christ. Just look at all of the political and religious leaders being caught in illegal and immoral acts. Look at all of the divorce, violence and other things done by the average man. Our religious leaders tell us that we are in Christ (that we are Christians) but we do not have the blessings of being true Biblical Christians.

In the First Step of this sentence Paul expresses his concern. Neither Christ nor Paul ignored our problem but sent us written instructions. In the Second Step of this sentence we are told the blessings that are available if we do things God's way and the results which will be in our life if we do things God's way. Our third Step tells us where to get what we need in ordered to do the Second Step.

The blessings, which are mentioned in the Second Step, are:

That their hearts might be comforted: Notice that this says heart and not flesh. My study shows me that our soul is the long-term results of the decisions of our short-term heart. Both are the way we think, the way we make decisions and the way that we respond emotionally to circumstances of life. When we know that our decisions were made according to the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5), we can have comfort in the knowledge that God will bless our decision regardless of circumstances.
being knit together in love: Knit is a form of tying strings together. When we are knit into the church by love we have comfort from the support of others in the church and we receive comfort when we give such support because our giving support gives us the assurance of receiving mutual support.
all riches of the full assurance of understanding: True understanding only comes from experience. The experience which results in full assurance of understanding is our obedience in faith to the commands of Christ followed by the blessings of God which come after our obedience. Only with repeated examples of this type of experience will we have the full assurance that God wants us to have.

The results, which are also in the Second Step, require the personal acceptance (acknowledgement) of three mysteries, which are:

The acknowledgement of the mystery of God
The acknowledgement of the mystery of the Father
The acknowledgement of the mystery of Christ

We will deal with these after a quick look at our third Step.

In his third Step Paul tells us that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ. Since they are hid, they won't be found outside of in Christ. Neither will people see evidence of these things while they not in Christ, even if the people are saved, because they are hid. Some things must be experienced to be understood. The full assurance of understanding only comes to those people who have truly experienced being in Christ for a sufficient time to have personally experienced God's blessings and have realized that the blessings only came when they were in Christ and obedient to the personal commands which they received from Christ. Those who are outside of their personal relationship, which the Bible calls being in Christ, think that those who are in Christ are foolish and do not see the true basis and benefits of faith.

The first blessing that Paul mentions is comfort. How many people are fat because of 'comfort food'? How many ulcers, heart attacks and other problems do people live with and die from because they don't have comfort or are seeking it the wrong way and from the wrong source? Our sentence tells us that true comfort is found in our heart and not in our belly (Romans 16:18). In addition, our sentence tells us that true Biblical comfort is only obtained when we accept the rest of this sentence within our hearts.

The second blessing mentioned is being knit together in love. On a global scale more and more people are going to war. Throughout our society violence has skyrocketed. Yet at the same time we see all kinds of do-good organizations because people are trying to prove that they love their fellow man. Our sentence tells us that no one will find these things outside of being in Christ.

In our third blessing Paul doesn't just say that we get understanding but he says that it is full assurance of understanding. Most of the things that people worry about come to nothing in the end if they do it God's way. However, as 1Corinthians tells us, God's wisdom is not man's wisdom and The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. God's understanding is hid in Christ and we can't even see it much less find it until after we get in Christ. It is only after we receive God's understanding that we get the full assurance of understanding. And, it is only after we get the full assurance of understanding that we get rid of the consequences of not being in Christ.

The last blessings that Paul mentions are the acknowledgement of three mysteries: one in God, one in the Father and one in in Christ. This acknowledgement is personal and the result of experiencing these mysteries personally.

The mystery of God is that religion doesn't work and that He made it so that all blessings are available only when we are in Christ even if we are saved. We see this said literally in the prior chapter where we read ...to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery...which is Christ in you (1:21-29). God had a personal relationship with Adam and Eve before they sinned. Sinful man has insisted on a formal religious relationship with God but we are told that the mystery of God is Christ in you. (Please follow that link to where there are further links all of the places in the Bible where this phrase is used.) As we have seen all throughout this site, this is the Biblical expression of an ongoing personal relationship between the saved and God. Those saved people who maintain this relationship receive things which the lost and back-slidden saved person does not receive. For example, in in Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10 we read: And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Jesus said this to His disciples. The main mystery of the kingdom of God is that God puts His character into saved disciples (Luke 17:21) and not into others. This is a change from what people understood before the church age and it makes no sense to the religious man. Thus, the Bible calls it a mystery.
The mystery of the Father is that God not only saves us and offers us an ongoing personal relationship but that he also makes that relationship one of family when He adopts us and becomes our spiritual Father. He wants to have a personal relationship with His children and the Father rejects the formalized relationship of most religions. He puts us in Christ for this personal relationship and He made it so that all blessings are available only when we are in Christ even if we are saved. This is because religion doesn't work and only justifies sin done by the religions man (Romans 5). This is a change from what people understood before the church age and it makes no sense to the religious man. Thus, the Bible calls it a mystery.
The mystery of Christ is how much the blessings are so much better than imagined and how we could have not seen those blessings before we sought to be in Christ. All of this epistle, and much of other epistles from Paul, were written to reveal this mystery of Christ.

There is more about this sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study. Please see that note. Please also see the Message called: Mystery of God, the Father and Christ.

We find forms of the word conflict only in current sentence.and Philippians 1:29-30. Please see that note for about the word conflict. The New Testament definition is: 'A striking or dashing against each other, as of two moving bodies in opposition; violent collision of substances; as a conflict of elements, or waves; a conflict of particles in ebulltion'.

We find Laodicea only in: our current sentence; 4:13; 4:15; 4:16; Revelation 1:11 and Revelation 3:14.

Please see the note for 1:21-29 about forms of the word see and forms of the word sight. That note has links to where these words are used in other Studies on this site. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C13:12 about the word see. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word sight. The New Testament definition is: 'The act of seeing; perception of objects by the eye; view. This word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'.

We find forms of the word face 489 times in 444 verses of the Bible, 63 times in 57 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. That note has the full definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. The New Testament definition is: 'In a general sense, the surface of a thing, or the side which presents itself to the view of a spectator; as the face of the earth; the face of the waters'.

We find forms of the word heart 954 times in 877 verses of the Bible, 167 times in 159 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 3:15; 3:16; 3:22-23 and 4:8. Please see the notes for Romans C10S6 and 2Corinthians C2S4 about the word heart. Each of the verses within Romans has to do with our having righteousness or unrighteousness because of our decisions, our attitudes, our thoughts and our actions are determined by our heart. In addition, to these verses, please see The note for Galatians C6-S6 for 'The LORD looketh on the heart' and The note for Ephesians C4-S8 for links to verses which deal with a 'wicked heart'. Please also see The note for Psalms 119:2 for links to where that Psalm deals with our heart and for some additional links from other commentators. Please see the note for Philippians C1S21 for links to where heart is used in Philippians along with a definition and links from other commentators. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 2:4 about the word heart. It has definitions from 3 Bible dictionaries. The New Testament definition is: 'Our heart controls the same things as our soul only where the soul deals with the long term the heart deals with the short term and we control our heart directly while the soul is the accumulated actions of our heart. Both are the way we think (mind), the way we emotionally respond to circumstances (emotions) and the method we use to make decisions (will)'.

The doctrine of the heart is too complex to deal with inside of a note for a single Book Study. However, we can say, basically, that the heart, in the Bible, is dealing with our mind, our will, and our emotions, just like Reformers Unanimous says, that our soul does. That brings up the obvious question of 'What is the Biblical difference between our heart and our soul?'.

I have not studied these enough to make a doctrinal statement but I will offer my opinion. They are both dealing with the same thing but where our heart deals with issues over a short period of time, our soul deals with them over a long period of time. Look at any stock chart and you will see a movement (up or down) over a long period of time that is different from the movement over a short period of time. The long-term movement might be in the same direction, but at a different degree, as the short-term movement or they might be opposite. The same is true for our heart and our soul. The Bible tells us to keep both. Thus, we need to check how we are doing over the short-term and also check how we are doing over the long-term.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word heart as: 'Centre of Life: Hence should be Carefully Guarded: Pr 4:23. Determines Character: Pr 23:7; Mt 6:18. The Source of Evil: Mt 15:18. Controls Speech: Lu 6:45. Source of Faith: Ro 10:10. Evil, Characteristics of: Stubbornness: Ec 8:11. Madness: Ec 9:3. Depravity: Jer 17:9. Extortion and excess: Mt 23:25. Fountain-head of all evil: Mr 7:21. Source of unbelief and covetousness: Heb 3:12; 2Pe 2:14. The Whole.: Read by Christ: Pr 15:11; Jer 20:12; Mt 12:25; 22:18; Mr 2:8; Lu 6:8; 11:17; 16:15; Joh 2:25; Ac 15:8. Renewed: De 5:29; 2Ch 11:16; Ne 9:8; Ps 57:7; Jer 24:7; Eze 11:19; 36:26; Lu 8:15. Whole: (Giving the Whole Heart to God): In Love: De 6:5; 30:2. In Obedience: Ps 119:2,34. In Trust: Pr 3:5. In Prayer: Jer 29:13. In Repentance: Joe 2:12; Mt 22:37; Ac 8:37. Hardness of: (Condemned): Ps 95:8; Pr 28:14; 29:1; Isa 42:25; Ro 2:5; Heb 3:13. Sinful: (Characteristics of): Stubbornness: Ec 8:11. Madness: Ec 9:3. Depravity: Jer 17:9. Extortion and excess: Mt 23:25. Fountain-head of all evil: Mr 7:21. Source of unbelief and covetousness: Heb 3:12; 2Pe 2:14. Heartlessness: (Examples of): Cain: Ge 4:9; Mt 15:23. The Priest and Levite: Lu 10:31-32. The Unjust Judge: Lu 18:4-5. The people who Rebuked the Blind Man: Lu 18:39. The Spectators at the Cross: Mt 27:42. Those who fail to Help the Poor: Jas 2:16 :
. Hearts Read: (The Secrets of the Heart Read by Christ): Pr 15:11; Jer 20:12; Mt 12:25; 22:18; Mr 2:8; Lu 6:8; 11:17; 16:15; Joh 2:25; Ac 15:8'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word heart as: '(Seat of the affections) RENEWED: De 30:6; Ps 51:10; Eze 11:19; 18:31; 36:26; Ro 2:29; Eph 4:23; Col 3:10. Regenerated: Joh 3:3,7. Graciously affected of God: 1Sa 10:26; 1Ch 29:18; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 16:1; 21:1; Jer 20:9; Ac 16:14. Strengthened Ps 27:14; 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Enlightened: 2Co 4:6. Tested: 1Ch 29:17; Ps 7:9; 26:2; Pr 17:3; Jer 11:20; 12:3; 20:12; 1Th 2:4; Heb 11:17; Re 2:2,10. It should render to God obedience: De 10:12; 11:13; 26:16; 1Ki 2:4; Ps 119:112; Eph 6:6. Faith: Ps 27:3; 112:7; Ac 8:37; Ro 6:17; 10:10. Trust: Pr 3:5. Love: Mt 22:37. Fear: Ps 119:161; Jer 32:40. Fidelity: Ne 9:8. Zeal: 2Ch 17:16; Jer 20:9. It should seek God: 2Ch 19:3; 30:19; Ezr 7:10; Ps 10:17; 84:2. Be joyful: 1Sa 2:1; Ps 4:7; 97:11; Isa 65:14; Zec 10:7. Upright: Ps 97:11; 125:4. Clean: Ps 51:10; 73:1. Pure: Ps 24:4; Pr 22:11; Mt 5:8; 1Ti 1:5; 2Ti 2:22; Jas 4:8; 1Pe 1:22. Sincere: Lu 8:15; Ac 2:46; Eph 6:5; Col 3:22; Heb 10:22. Repentant: De 30:2; Ps 34:18; 51:17. Devout: 1Sa 1:13; Ps 4:4; 9:1; 27:8; 77:6; 119:10,69,145. Wise: 1Ki 3:9,12; 4:29; Job 9:4; Pr 8:10; 10:8; 11:29; 14:33; 23:15. Tender: 1Sa 24:5; 2Ki 22:19; Job 23:16; Ps 22:14; Eph 4:32. Holy: Ps 66:18; 1Pe 3:15. Compassionate: Jer 4:19; La 3:51. Lowly: Mt 11:29. The UNREGENERATE: Is full of iniquity: Ge 6:5; 8:21; 1Sa 17:28; Pr 6:14,18; 11:20; Ec 8:11; 9:3; Jer 4:14,18; 17:9; Ro 1:21. Loves evil: De 29:18; Ps 95:10; Jer 17:5. Is a fountain of evil: Mt 12:34. Is wayward: 2Ch 12:14; Ps 101:4; Pr 6:14; 11:20; 12:8; 17:20; Jer 5:23; Heb 3:10. Blind: Ro 1:21; Eph 4:18. Is double (duplicity): 1Ch 12:33; Ps 12:2; Ho 10:2; Jas 1:6,8; Pr 28:14; Isa 9:9; 10:12; 46:12. Is hard: Ps 76:5; Eze 2:4; 3:7; 11:19; 36:26; Mr 6:52; 10:5; 16:14; Joh 12:40; Ro 1:21; 2:5. Is deceitful: Jer 17:9. Is proud: 2Ki 14:10; 2Ch 25:19; Ps 101:5; Pr 18:12; 28:25; Jer 48:29; 49:16. Is subtle: Pr 7:10. Is sensual: Eze 6:9; Ho 13:6; Ro 8:7. Is worldly: 2Ch 26:16; Da 5:20; Ac 8:21-22. Is judicially hardened: Ex 4:21; Jos 11:20; Isa 6:10; Ac 28:26-27. Is malicious: Ps 28:3; 140:2; Pr 24:2; Ec 7:26; Eze 25:15. Is impenitent: Ro 2:5. Is diabolical: Joh 13:2; Ac 5:3. Is covetous: Jer 22:17; 2Pe 2:14. Is foolish: Pr 12:23; 22:15; Ec 9:3.: UNCLASSIFIED SCRIPTURES DESCRIPTIVE of the SEA't of the AFFECTIONS: De 5:29; 6:5-6; 1Sa 16:7; 1Ch 28:9; 2Ch 12:14; Ps 22:26; 34:18; 51:10,17; 57:7; 112:7; Pr 4:23; 14:30; 15:13-15; 16:1; 20:9; Jer 17:1,9-10; Mt 5:8; 9:4; 12:33; 15:18-20; 23:26; Mr 7:21; Ac 8:22; Ro 2:5,14-16; Heb 3:8,15. INSTANCES OF HARDENED HEARTS: Pharoah: Ex 4:21; 7:3,13,22; 8:15,32; 9:12. Sihon: De 2:30. King of Canaan: Jos 11:20. Others: 1Sa 6:6.: KNOWN to GOD: De 31:21; 1Sa 16:7; 2Sa 7:20; 1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9; Job 11:11; 16:19; 31:4; Ps 1:6; 44:21; 51:10; 94:11; 139:1-12; Pr 5:21; 16:2; 21:2; Isa 66:18; Jer 12:3; 17:10; Eze 11:5,19-21; 36:25-26; Lu 16:15; Ac 1:24; 15:8; Ro 8:27; 1Co 3:20; Heb 4:12; Re 2:23. CHANGE OF: INSTANCES OF: Saul: 1Sa 10:9. Solomon: 1Ki 3:11-12. Saul of Tarsus: Ac 9:1-18'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word heart as: 'Issues of life are out of: Pr 4:23. GOD: Tries: 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows: Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searches: 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of: 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders: Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences: 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new: Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares: 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens: Ac 16:14. Enlightens: 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens: Ps 27:14. Establishes: Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. SHOULD BE: Prepared unto God: 1Sa 7:3. given to God: Pr 23:26. Perfect with God: 1Ki 8:61. Applied unto wisdom: Ps 90:12; Pr 2:2. Guided in the right way: Pr 23:19. Purified: Jas 4:8. Single: Eph 6:5; Col 3:22. Tender: Eph 4:32. Kept with diligence: Pr 4:23. WE SHOULD: Believe with: Ac 8:37; Ro 10:10. Serve God with all: De 11:13. Keep God's statutes with all: De 26:16. Walk before God with all: 1Ki 2:4. Trust in God with all: Pr 3:5. Love God with all: Mt 22:37. Return to God with all: De 30:2. Do the will of God from: Eph 6:6. Sanctify God in: 1Pe 3:15. Love one another with a pure: 1Pe 1:22. No man can cleanse: Pr 20:9. Faith, the means of purifying: Ac 15:9. Renewal of, promised under the gospel: Eze 11:19; 36:26; Heb 3:10. When broken and contrite, not despised by God: Ps 51:17. The pure in, shall see God: Mt 5:8. PRAY thA't I't MAY BE: Cleansed: Ps 51:10. Inclined to God's testimonies: Ps 119:36. United to fear God: Ps 86:11. Directed into the love of God: 2Th 3:5. Harden not, against God: Ps 95:8; Heb 4:7. Harden not against the poor: De 15:7. Regard not iniquity in: Ps 66:18. Take heed lest it be deceived: De 11:16. Know the plague of: 1Ki 8:38. He that trusteth in, is a fool: Pr 28:26.
Character of the Renewed: Prepared to seek God: 2Ch 19:3; Ezr 7:10; Ps 10:17. Fixed on God: Ps 57:7; 112:7. Joyful in God: 1Sa 2:1; Zec 10:7. Perfect with God: 1Ki 8:61; Ps 101:2. Upright: Ps 97:11; 125:4. Clean: Ps 73:1. Pure: Ps 24:4; Mt 5:8. Tender: 1Sa 24:5; 2Ki 22:19. Single and sincere: Ac 2:46; Heb 10:22. Honest and good: Lu 8:15. Broken, contrite: Ps 34:18; 51:17. Obedient: Ps 119:112; Ro 6:17. Filled with the law of God: Ps 40:8; 119:11. Awed by the word of God: Ps 119:161. Filled with the fear of God: Jer 32:40. Meditative: Ps 4:4; 77:6. Circumcised: De 30:6; Ro 2:29. Void of fear: Ps 27:3. Desirous of God: Ps 84:2. Enlarged: Ps 119:32; 2Co 6:11. Faithful to God: Ne 9:8. Confident in God: Ps 112:7. Sympathizing: Jer 4:19; La 3:51. Prayerful: 1Sa 1:13; Ps 27:8. Inclined to obedience: Ps 119:112. Wholly devoted to God: Ps 9:1; 119:10,69,145. Zealous: 2Ch 17:6; Jer 20:9. Wise: Pr 10:8; 14:33; 23:15. A treasury of good: Mt 12:35.
Character of the Unrenewed: Hateful to God: Pr 6:16; 11:20. Full of evil: Ec 9:3. Full of evil imaginations: Ge 6:5; 8:21; Pr 6:18. Full of vain thoughts: Jer 4:14. Fully set to do evil: Ec 8:11. Desperately wicked: Jer 17:9. Far from God: Isa 29:13; Mt 15:8. Not perfect with God: 1Ki 15:3; Ac 8:21; Pr 6:18. Not prepared to seek God: 2Ch 12:14. A treasury of evil: Mt 12:35; Mr 7:21. Darkened: Ro 1:21. Prone to error: Ps 95:10. Prone to depart from God: De 29:18; Jer 17:5. Impenitent: Ro 2:5. Unbelieving: Heb 3:12. Blind: Eph 4:18. Uncircumcised: Le 26:41; Ac 7:51. Of little worth: Pr 10:20. Deceitful: Jer 17:9. Deceived: Isa 44:20; Jas 1:26. Divided: Ho 10:2. Double: 1Ch 12:33; Ps 12:2. Hard: Eze 3:7; Mr 10:5; Ro 2:5. Haughty: Pr 18:12; Jer 48:29. Influenced by the devil: Joh 13:2. Carnal: Ro 8:7. Covetous: Jer 22:17; 2Pe 2:14. Despiteful: Eze 25:15. Ensnaring: Ec 7:26. Foolish: Pr 12:23; 22:15. Froward: Ps 101:4; Pr 6:14; 17:20. Fretful against the Lord: Pr 19:3. Idolatrous: Eze 14:3-4. Mad: Ec 9:3. Mischievous: Ps 28:3; 140:2. Proud: Ps 101:5; Jer 49:16. Rebellious: Jer 5:23. Perverse: Pr 12:8. Stiff: Eze 2:4. Stony: Eze 11:19; 36:26. Stout: Isa 10:12; 46:12. Elated by sensual indulgence: Ho 13:6. Elated by prosperity: 2Ch 26:16; Da 5:20. Studieth destruction: Pr 24:2. Often judicially stupefied: Isa 6:10; Ac 28:26-27. Often judicially hardened: Ex 4:21; Jos 11:20'.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:1 about the word comfort is used in this epistle along with links to other Studies which use this word and links from other commentators. The functional Biblical definition is: 'To strengthen; to invigorate; to cheer or enliven. Light excelleth in comforting the spirits of men'. This word is also used in Colossians in: our current sentence; 4:8 and 4:11.

We find forms of the word knit in: Judges 20:11; 1Samuel 18:1; 1Chronicles 12:17; Acts 10:11; our current sentence and 2:19. Please see the note for about the word knit. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines knit as: 'to unite, as threads by needles; to connect in a kind of net-work; as, to knit a stocking. 2. to unite closely; as, let our hearts be knit together in love. 3. to join or cause to grow together. Nature cannot knit the bones, while the parts are under a discharge. 4. to tie; to fasten. And he saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending to him, as it were a great sheet knit at the four corners. Acts.10. 5. to draw together; to contract; as, to knit the brows.
KNIT, v.i. nit. to unite or interweave by needles. 1. to unite closely; to grow together. Broken bones will in time knit and become sound.
KNIT, n. nit. Union by knitting; texture. Little used'.

We find forms of the word riches 100 times in 97 verses of the Bible, 26 times in 25 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence and 1:21-29 within Colossians. Please see the note for Romans C11S35 about the word riches. It has links to every place in the New Testament where We find this word along with a small note for each verse. The New Testament definition is: 'Wealth; opulence; affluence; possessions of land, good or money in abundance. Riches do not consist in having more gold and silver, but in having more in proportion than our neighbors'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C1S2 about the word enriched. Please see the note for 1:21-29 for links from other commentators about the word riches.

Please see the note for 4:18 about the word full. The New Testament definition is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please see the note for Romans 1:29 about the word fill. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Properly, to press; to crowd; to stuff. Hence, to put or pour in, till the thing will hold no more'. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:9 about the word fullness. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Replete; having within its limits all that it can contain'. Please also see the note for Romans 15:13 about the word fulfill. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'A tautological compound of full and fill. 1. to accomplish; to perform; to complete; to answer in execution or event what has been foretold or promised; as, to fulfill a prophecy or prediction; to fulfill a promise'. Please also see the Studies called Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospels and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Epistles.

We find forms of the word assurance 26 times in 13 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Acts 2:36; Acts 16:10; Acts 17:31; our current sentence; 1Thessalonians 1:5; 2Timothy 3:14; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 1John 3:19. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines assurance as: 'The act of assuring, or of making a declaration in terms that furnish ground of confidence; as, I trusted to his assurances; or the act of furnishing any ground of full confidence. Whereof he hath given assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Act. 17. 2. Firm persuasion; full confidence or trust; freedom from doubt; certain expectation; the utmost certainty. Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith. Heb. 10. 3. Firmness of mind; undoubting steadiness; intrepidity. Brave men meet danger with assurance. 4. Excess of boldness; impudence; as, his assurance is intolerable. 5. Freedom from excessive modesty, timidity or bashfulness; laudable confidence. Conversation with the world will give them knowledge and assurance. 6. Insurance; a contract to make good a loss. See Insurance. 7. Any writing or legal evidence of the conveyance of property. 8. Conviction. 9. In theology, full confidence of one's interest in Christ, and of final salvation'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The act of making a declaration in terms that furnish ground of confidence'. Please also see the note for Acts 2:36 about the words assure / assuredly. Please also see the Message called True Biblical Assurance. As explained in that Message, 'True assurance comes only from God through our ongoing personal relationship with Jesus Christ'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word assurance as: 'Spiritual: Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22; 1Jo 2:3; 3:19; 4:13; 5:10. Adoption into God's Family: Bearing Witness to the Spiritual Adoption of Believers: (by Holy Spirit): Ro 8:16; Ga 4:6; 1Jo 3:24; 4:13; 5:6'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word assurance as: 'Produced by faith: Eph 3:12; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22. Made full by hope: Heb 6:11,19. Confirmed by love: 1Jo 3:14; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness: Isa 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel: Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5. SAINTS PRIVILEGED to HAVE, OF: their election: Ps 4:3; 1Th 1:4. Their redemption: Job 19:25. Their adoption: Ro 8:16; 1Jo 3:2. Their salvation: Isa 12:2. Eternal life: 1Jo 5:13. The unalienable love of God: Ro 8:38-39. Union with God and Christ: 1Co 6:15; 2Co 13:5; Eph 5:30; 1Jo 2:5; 4:13. Peace with God by Christ: Ro 5:1. Preservation: Ps 3:6; 27:3-5; 46:1-3. Answers to prayer: 1Jo 3:22; 5:14-15. Continuance in grace: Php 1:6. Comfort in affliction: Ps 73:26; Lu 4:18-19; 2Co 4:8-10,16-18. Support in death: Ps 23:4. A glorious resurrection: Job 19:26; Ps 17:15; Php 3:21; 1Jo 3:2. A kingdom: Heb 12:28; Re 5:10. A crown: 2Ti 4:7-8. Give diligence to attain to: 2Pe 1:10-11. Strive to maintain: Heb 3:14,18. Confident hope in God restores: Ps 42:11. Exemplified: David, Ps 23:4; 73:24-26. Paul, 2Ti 1:12; 4:18'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word assurance as: 'Produced by faith:: Eph 3:12; 2Ti 1:12; Heb 10:22 Made full by hope: Heb 6:11,19. Confirmed by love: 1Jo 3:14,19; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness: Isa 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel: Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5. SAINTS PRIVILEGED to HAVE: of their election: Ps 4:3; 1Th 1:4. Their redemption: Job 19:25.: their adoption: Ro 8:16; 1Jo 3:2. Their salvation: Isa 12:2. Eternal life: 1Jo 5:13. The unalienable love of God: Ro 8:38-39. Union with God and Christ: 1Co 6:15; 2Co 13:5; Eph 5:30; 1Jo 2:5; 4:13. Peace with God by Christ: Ro 5:1. Preservation: Ps 3:6; 8; 27:3-5; 46:1-3. Answers to prayer: 1Jo 3:22; 5:14-15. Comfort in affliction: Ps 73:26; Lu 4:18; 2Co 4:8-10,16-18. Continuance in grace: Php 1:6. A support in death: Ps 23:4. A glorious resurrection: Job 19:26; Ps 17:15; Php 3:21; 1Jo 3:2. A kingdom: Heb 12:28; Re 5:10. A crown: 2Ti 4:7-8; Jas 1:12. Saints give diligence to attain: 2Pe 1:10-11. Strive to maintain: Heb 3:14,18. Confident hope in God restores: Ps 42:11. Exemplified. By David: Ps 23:4; 73:24-26. By Paul: 2Ti 1:12; 4:18'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 16:18 for links to every verse in the Bible which uses any form of the word acknowledge. The New Testament definition is: 'To own, avow or admit to be true, by a declaration of assent; as to acknowledge the being of a God'.'

Please see the note for Hebrews 1:5 about the word father. The New Testament definition is: 'God or the man who passes his character to the son'.

We find forms of the word treasure occurring 107 times in 98 verses of the Bible, 22 times in 20 verses of the New Testament, but only in our current sentence within Colossians. The verses within the New Testament are worth studying for a better understanding of what God means with this word. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word treasure. Please see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase treasure in heaven. The New Testament definition is: 'A great quantity of anything collected for future use'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'what. Col 1:24,29; 4:12; Ge 30:8; 32:24-30; Ho 12:3-4; Lu 22:44; Ga 4:19; Php 1:30; 1Th 2:2; Heb 5:7. conflict. or, fear, or, care. at. Col 4:13,15-16; Re 1:11; 3:14-22. not. Col 2:5; Ac 20:25,38; 1Pe 1:8.
(verse 2)
their. Col 4:8; Isa 40:1; Ro 15:13; 2Co 1:4-6; 1Th 3:2; 5:14; 2Th 2:16-17. being. Col 3:14; Ps 133:1; Joh 17:21; Ac 4:32; Ga 3:28; Php 2:1; 1Jo 4:12-13. all. Col 1:27. of the full. Isa 32:17; 1Th 1:5; Heb 6:11; 10:22; 2Pe 1:10; 1Jo 3:19. understanding. Joh 6:69; 17:3; Ro 16:25; 1Co 2:12; Eph 1:17-19; 3:9-10; Php 3:8; 2Pe 1:3; 3:18. To the. Col 1:9; 1Jo 5:7 exp: Heb 6:11. of the Father. Col 1:15-17; Isa 53:11; Jer 9:24; Mt 11:25,27; Lu 10:21-22; Joh 1:1-3; 5:17,23; 10:30,38; 14:9-11; 16:15; 17:21-23; 1Ti 3:16.
(verse 3)
In whom. or, Wherein. Col 1:9,19; 3:16; Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24,30; 2:6-8; Eph 1:8; 3:10; 2Ti 3:15-17. hid. Col 3:3; Job 28:21; Pr 2:4; Mt 10:26; Eph 3:9; Re 2:17'.

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C2-S2 (Verse 4) Paul warns about men who should beguile you with enticing words.

And this I say,
lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

in this sentence, we are promised that we can avoid having any man beguile you with enticing words, if we receive Christ Jesus the Lord, and personally walk in him and be rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith and are abounding in faith with thanksgiving. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

The prior sentence was said under direction of God but this sentence, and the next, are Paul's personal testimony. Notice that this sentence starts with And this I say. However, even this is by God's plan. Sometimes we speak for God and sometimes it is more important to let people know that you are saying something of your own free will. Here, Paul is testifying of what God has provided to him personally. Notice that the next sentence says that Paul was joying and beholding your order. He was able to do this, with people he had never met (see 1:1) because he had knowledge that could only come from God.

In addition, to God being concerned about future generations receiving the benefit of Paul's ministry, Paul had his own concern. Paul expresses his concern when he says lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. Here is the concern that motivated him to write. Many others of God's leaders had problems with false teachers as can be seen by the many Bible references found in the Study called False things According to the Bible. From the Garden of Eden through today Satan has tempter people with enticing words. 2Corinthians 11:13-14 says, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. The amazing thing is how God's people can keep falling for the same thing even with all of the warnings in the Bible and all of God's messengers to warn them. 1John 5:13 says, These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God...that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. God put His word into writing so that His people (written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God) would use His Word to determine how to live after getting saved (that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God). They are fooled because they are sure they won't be fooled and rely upon themselves instead of verifying what they believe against the Bible. Just try telling God's people that the antichrist isn't in the Book of Revelation and that he isn't a political figure and watch how quickly they cut you off to defend their belief and refuse to hear the truth from the Bible. God's people always have, and still are beguiled...with enticing words. God had His Word put into writing so that we can verify any message against His written Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. However, most people don't do that. Paul's main concern for writing this letter was that God's people would miss out on the blessings that are in Christ because men would beguile God's people into believing that they are Christians when they not only had not met God's requirements to be in Christ, but that they were Christians simply by being saved. Survey any group that you want and ask how many believe that all saved people are Christians. You will find out how many people have been beguiled. Try to tell them that the Bible teaches differently and you will find out how many people have closed their minds to the truth.

We find forms of the word beguile only in: Genesis 3:13; Genesis 29:25; Numbers 25:18; Joshua 9:22; 2Corinthians 11:3; our current sentence; 2:18 and 2Peter 2:14. Webster's 1828 defines beguile as: 'To delude; to deceive; to impose on by artifice or craft. The serpent beguiled means I did eat Gen.3. 1. to elude by craft. When misery could beguile the tyrant's rage. 2. to elude anything disagreeable by amusement, or other means; to pass pleasingly; to amuse; as, to beguile the tedious day with sleep'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C2S4 about the word enticing. It has links to every place in the Bible where we find forms of this word, the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary and an explanation on the Biblical use of this word which is not necessarily how men use this word. As explained there: 'In every Biblical use the person who was enticed received an evil result, even when God sent a spirit to entice Ahab to his death'.

We find forms of the word word 1701 times in 1583 verses of the Bible, 341 times in 318 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: 1:5; 1:25; our current sentence; 3:16 and 3:17. The Bible makes a major distinction between the words of men and The word of God. Please see the notes for Romans C10S22 and Word in 1John about the phrase word of God. The Bible also tells us: man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live (Deuteronomy 8:3; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 18:16; Luke 4:4). The note for 3:16 explains the difference between word of the LORD and word of Christ. The note for Romans C10S22 has links to every place in the Bible where we find the exact phrase of: word of God along with a doctrinal discussion of the Biblical usage of this phrase. Please see the note for 1Thessalonians 1:8 about the phrase word of the Lord. Please note that The word of the Lord is a sub-set of The word of God. The word of God contains all of God's written truth including recording the lies of Satan. The word of the Lord is that part of The word of God which will be used to judge us. The lies from Satan are not included within the word of the Lord. The note for Word in 1John explains that the capitalized Word only appears in a few places (see that note for the links) and that when Word is capitalized it is The word of God and another formal name for the Son of God just like Jesus, in Christ and other names. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines word as: 'An articulate or vocal sound, or a combination of articulate and vocal sounds, uttered by the human voice, and by custom expressing an idea or ideas; a single component part of human speech or language. thus, a in English is a word; but few words consist of one letter only. Most words consist of two or more letters, as go, do, shall, called monosyllables, or of two or more syllables, as honor, goodness, amiable. 2. the letter or letters, written or printed, which represent a sound or combination of sounds. 3. A short discourse. Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two? 4. Talk; discourse. Why should calamity be full of words? Be thy words severe. 5. Dispute; verbal contention; as, some words grew between us. 6. Language; living speech; oral expression. the message was delivered by word of mouth. 7. Promise. He gave me his word he would pay me. Obey they parents; keep thy word justly. 8. Signal; order; command. Give the word through. 9. Account; tidings; message. Bring me word what is the issue of the contest. 10. Declaration; purpose expressed. I know you brave, and take you at your word. 11. Declaration; affirmation. I desire not the reader should take my word. 12. the Scripture; divine revelation, or any part of it. this is called the word of God. 13. Christ. John 1. 14. A motto; a short sentence; a proverb. A good word, commendation; favorable account. And gave the harmless fellow a good word. In word, in declaration only. Let us not love in word only, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3. WORD, v.i. to dispute. Little used.
WORD, v.t. to express in words. Take care to word ideas with propriety. The apology of the king is the same, but worded with greater deference to that great prince'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word word as: 'Food for the Soul: De 8:3; Job 23:12; Ps 119:103; Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8; 3:1; Mt 4:4; 1Pe 2:2. As Weapon: A Devouring Flame: Jer 5:14. A Crushing Hammer: Jer 23:29. A Life-giving force: Eze 37:7; Ac 19:20. A Saving Power: Ro 1:16. A Defensive Weapon: Eph 6:17. A Probing Instrument: Heb 4:12. Despised: Ps 50:17; Isa 5:24; 30:12; Jer 6:10; 8:9; 20:8; 36:23; Zec 7:12; Mr 7:13. Endures: the Book of the Ages: Ps 119:89,152; Isa 40:8; Mt 5:18; 24:35; 1Pe 1:25. Fulfillment of: Absolutely Trustworthy: 1Ki 8:56; Ps 93:5; 111:7; Eze 12:25; Da 9:12; Mt 5:18; Lu 21:33; Ro 4:16. General References to: (Called the Scriptures, the Law, Etc.): (Select Readings Ps 119): De 6:4-12; Ps 19:7-11; 119:1. General References to: 2Sa 22:31; Ps 12:6; 119:9,50; 147:15; Mr 12:24; Lu 8:11; Eph 6:17. Despised by the Foolish: See Rejection; Of "The Word". Ignorance of, Perilous: Mt 12:3; 19:4; 22:29; Joh 20:9; Ac 13:27; 2Co 3:15. Furnishes a Light in Darkness: Ps 19:8; 119:105,130; Pr 6:23; 2Pe 1:19. Precepts Written in the Heart: De 6:6; 11:18; 30:14; Ps 119:11; Lu 2:51; Ro 10:8; Col 3:16. Divinely Inspired: Jer 36:2; Eze 1:3; Ac 1:16; 28:25; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21; Re 1:1; 14:3. Loved by the Saints: Ps 119:47,72,82,97,140,163; Jer 15:16. Of Life: Mt 4:4; Joh 6:63; Ac 5:20; Php 2:16; Jas 1:18. Perfection of the Divine: Ps 19:7; 119:142; Ro 7:12,14; 1Ti 1:8. Power of: A Devouring Flame: Jer 5:14. A Crushing Hammer: Jer 23:29. A Life-giving force: Eze 37:7; Ac 19:20. A Saving Power: Ro 1:16. A Defensive Weapon: Eph 6:17. A Probing Instrument: Heb 4:12. Preached: See Gospel. A Blessing to those Who Reverence it: Jos 1:8; Ps 19:11; Mt 7:24; Lu 11:28; Joh 5:24; 8:31; Re 1:3. Purifies the Life: Ps 119:9; Joh 15:3; 17:17; Eph 5:26; 1Pe 1:22. Purity of: Ps 12:6; 18:30; 19:8; 119:140; Pr 30:5; Isa 45:19. Purpose of: to Authenticate the Divinity of Christ: Joh 20:31. To give Hope to Men: Ro 15:4. ToRelate Human Experience as a Warning: 1Co 10:11. To give Knowledge of Eternal Life: 1Jo 5:13. Read in the Great Congregation: Ex 24:7; Jos 8:34; Jer 36:8; Lu 4:16; Col 4:16. Sacred: Its Words Sacred, not to be Altered: De 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6; Re 22:19 : the Study of Enjoined: De 17:19; Isa 34:16; Joh 5:39; Ac 17:11; Ro 15:4. Seed: Contains Seed-Corn for the Sower: Ps 126:6; Mr 4:14-15; 2Co 9:10 : It Contains the Message to be Delivered: Jer 1:7,17; 11:2; Eze 2:7; 3:17; Ac 5:20; Tit 2:15. Standard of Truth: the Standard of Faith and Duty: Pr 29:18; Isa 8:20; Joh 12:48; Ga 1:8; 1Th 2:13. Study of: the Study of Enjoined: De 17:19; Isa 34:16; Joh 5:39; Ac 17:11; Ro 15:4. Absolutely Trustworthy: 1Ki 8:56; Ps 93:5; 111:7; Eze 12:25; Da 9:12; Mt 5:18; Lu 21:33; Ro 4:16. Taught: Profitable for Instruction: De 4:10; 11:19; 2Ch 17:9; Ne 8:13; Isa 2:3; Ac 18:28. Titles of: Word: Lu 11:28; Php 2:16; Col 3:16; 2Ti 2:15; Jas 1:21; 1Pe 2:2. Book, the: Ps 40:7. Book of the Law: See Book; of the Law. De 31:26. Holy Scriptures: Ro 1:2. Oracles: De 31:26. Scriptures: Joh 5:39. Sword of the Spirit: Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12. word of God: Heb 6:5. Unbelief in: Ps 50:17; Isa 5:24; 30:12; Jer 6:10; 8:9; 20:8; 36:23; Zec 7:12; Mr 7:13.
. word of God. (Called the Scriptures, the Law, Etc.): (Select Readings Ps 119): De 6:4-12; Ps 19:7-11; 119:1. General References to: 2Sa 22:31; Ps 12:6; 119:9,50; 147:15; Mr 12:24; Lu 8:11; Eph 6:17. Despised by the Foolish: See Rejection; Of "The Word". The Book of the Ages: Ps 119:89,152; Isa 40:8; Mt 5:18; 24:35; 1Pe 1:25. See Enduring, the. Food for the Soul: De 8:3; Job 23:12; Ps 119:103; Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8; 3:1; Mt 4:4; 1Pe 2:2. Divinely Inspired: Jer 36:2; Eze 1:3; Ac 1:16; 28:25; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21; Re 1:1; 14:3. Precepts Written in the Heart: De 6:6; 11:18; 30:14; Ps 119:11; Lu 2:51; Ro 10:8; Col 3:16. Furnishes a Light in Darkness: Ps 19:8; 119:105,130; Pr 6:23; 2Pe 1:19. Loved by the Saints: Ps 119:47,72,82,97,140,163; Jer 15:16. MIGHTY IN ITS INFLUENCE: A Devouring Flame: Jer 5:14. A Crushing Hammer: Jer 23:29. A Life-giving force: Eze 37:7; Ac 19:20. A Saving Power: Ro 1:16. A Defensive Weapon: Eph 6:17. A Probing Instrument: Heb 4:12. A Blessing to those Who Reverence it: Jos 1:8; Ps 19:11; Mt 7:24; Lu 11:28; Joh 5:24; 8:31; Re 1:3. Purifies the Life: Ps 119:9; Joh 15:3; 17:17; Eph 5:26; 1Pe 1:22. WRITTEN WITH A PURPOSE: to Authenticate the Divinity of Christ: Joh 20:31. To give Hope to Men: Ro 15:4. ToRelate Human Experience as a Warning: 1Co 10:11. To giveKnowledge of Eternal Life: 1Jo 5:13. Read in the Great Congregation: Ex 24:7; Jos 8:34; Jer 36:8; Lu 4:16; Col 4:16. The Standard of Faith and Duty: Pr 29:18; Isa 8:20; Joh 12:48; Ga 1:8; 1Th 2:13. Its Words Sacred, not to be Altered: De 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6; Re 22:19. The Study of Enjoined: De 17:19; Isa 34:16; Joh 5:39; Ac 17:11; Ro 15:4. Contains Seed-Corn for the Sower: Ps 126:6; Mr 4:14-15; 2Co 9:10. Absolutely Trustworthy: 1Ki 8:56; Ps 93:5; 111:7; Eze 12:25; Da 9:12; Mt 5:18; Lu 21:33; Ro 4:16. Profitable for Instruction: De 4:10; 11:19; 2Ch 17:9; Ne 8:13; Isa 2:3; Ac 18:28. Ignorance of, Perilous: Mt 12:3; 19:4; 22:29; Joh 20:9; Ac 13:27; 2Co 3:15. It Contains the Message to be Delivered: Jer 1:7,17; 11:2; Eze 2:7; 3:17; Ac 5:20; Tit 2:15. Purity of: Ps 12:6; 18:30; 19:8; 119:140; Pr 30:5; Isa 45:19.
Word the, Christ as. Joh 1:1,14; 1Jo 1:1; 5:7; Re 19:13.
Word, God's . Divinely Inspired: Jer 36:2; Eze 1:3; Ac 1:16; 28:25; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21; Re 1:1; 14:3. Furnishes a Light in Darkness: Ps 19:8; 119:105,130; Pr 6:23; 2Pe 1:19. Purity of: Ps 12:6; 18:30; 19:8; 119:140; Pr 30:5; Isa 45:19. Its Words Sacred, not to be Altered: De 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6; Re 22:19. Contains Seed-Corn for the Sower: Ps 126:6; Mr 4:14-15; 2Co 9:10. Absolutely Trustworthy: 1Ki 8:56; Ps 93:5; 111:7; Eze 12:25; Da 9:12; Mt 5:18; Lu 21:33; Ro 4:16. Perfection of the Divine Law: Ps 19:7; 119:142; Ro 7:12,14; 1Ti 1:8.
Words: Christ's, Characteristics of: Imperishable: Mr 13:31. Gracious: Lu 4:22. Mighty: Lu 4:32. Spiritual: Joh 6:63. Life-giving: Joh 6:68. Incomparable: Joh 7:46. Words of Judgment: Joh 12:48. Divine: Joh 14:24; 1Ti 6:3. Evil: Vain: Job 16:3. Irritating: Pr 15:1. Hasty: Pr 29:20. Irreverent: Mal 3:13. Enticing: Col 2:4. Flattering: 1Th 2:5. Insincere: 2Pe 2:3. Proud: 2Pe 2:18. Malicious: 3Jo 1:10. Kept: WORDS OF CHRIST: Promises to those who Keep: Lu 2:51. Eternal Life: Joh 8:51. The Abiding Comforter: Joh 14:15-16. Divine Fellowship: Joh 14:23. Divine Disclosure: Joh 17:6. Assurance: 1Jo 2:3. Access to God: Re 3:8. Kind, examples of: Ge 50:21; 2Ch 10:7; Job 4:4; Pr 15:1; 25:15; 31:26; Isa 50:4; Jer 52:32. Spiritual: Wise: forcible: Job 6:25; Pr 15:23. Pleasant: Pr 16:24. Appropriate: Pr 25:11; Ec 9:17. Gracious: Ec 10:12. Inspiring and Unforgettable: Ec 12:11. Comforting: Isa 50:4.
Words of Christ. Characteristics of: Imperishable: Mr 13:31. Gracious: Lu 4:22. Mighty: Lu 4:32. Spiritual: Joh 6:63. Life-giving: Joh 6:68. Incomparable: Joh 7:46. Words of Judgment: Joh 12:48. Divine: Joh 14:24; 1Ti 6:3. Promises concerning: Promises to those who Keep: Lu 2:51. Eternal Life: Joh 8:51. The Abiding Comforter: Joh 14:15-16. Divine Fellowship: Joh 14:23. Divine Disclosure: Joh 17:6. Assurance: 1Jo 2:3. Access to God: Re 3:8. Remembered: Lu 24:8-9; Joh 2:22; 12:16; 14:26; 16:4; 2Pe 3:2. Authoritative: Mt 7:29; 28:18; Mr 1:27; Joh 5:27. Speaking as the Oracle of God: De 18:18; Joh 8:26; 12:49; 14:10,24; 17:8; Ac 3:22. Comforting: See Coming, Second Coming of Christ. Commending: the Syrophenician Woman: Mt 15:28. Mary of Bethany: Mr 14:6. A Centurion: Lu 7:9. John the Baptist: Lu 7:28. A Poor Widow: Lu 21:3. Concerning the Future State of the Wicked: Described as Banishment from God: Mt 7:23; 8:12; 22:13; 25:46. Compares the Suffering of, to Fire: Mt 5:22; 13:41-42; 25:41; Mr 9:43,45,47-48; Lu 16:22-24. Other References of Christ to: Mt 10:28; 23:33; 24:51; Joh 5:28-29. Enlightening: Christ Expounds the Scriptures: Mt 13:37; 24:33; Mr 4:34; Lu 8:11; 24:27. Few, in Times of Trial: Instructive: Reproving: to Peter: Mr 8:33. To theEleven, disbelieving in his Resurrection: Mr 16:14. To theDisciples Powerless to Heal the Demoniac: Lu 9:41; 24:25. To theSeekers after Loaves and Fishes: Joh 6:26. Tothose who Criticised Mary: Joh 12:7; Re 3:19'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word word as: 'A title of Jesus: Joh 1:1,14; 1Jo 5:7; Re 19:13.
WORD OF GOD: Called: BOOK: Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. BOOK of the LORD: Isa 34:16. BOOK of the LAW: Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. GOOD WORD OF GOD: Heb 6:5. HOLY SCRIPTURES: Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. LAW of the LORD: Ps 1:2; Isa 30:9. ORACLES OF GOD: Ro 3:2; 1Pe 4:11. SCRIPTURES: 1Co 15:3. SCRIPTURES OF TRUTH: Da 10:21. SWORD of the SPIRIT: Eph 6:17. The WORD: Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. WORD OF GOD: Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. WORD OF CHRIST: Col 3:16. WORD OF LIFE: Php 2:16. WORD OF TRUTH: 2Ti 2:15; Jas 1:18. Compared: to seed: Mt 13:3-8,18-23,37-38; Mr 4:3-20,26-32; Lu 8:5-15. Toa two-edged sword: Heb 4:12. Tobe read publicly: De 31:11-13; Jos 8:33-35; 2Ki 23:2; 2Ch 17:7-9; Ne 8:1-8,13,18; Jer 36:6; Ac 13:15,27; Col 4:16; 1Th 5:27. The people stood and responded by saying, "Amen,": Ne 8:5-6; Ex 24:7; De 27:12-26. Expounded: Ne 8:8. By Jesus: Lu 4:16-27; 24:27,45. Searched: Ac 17:11. Searching of, commanded: Joh 5:39; 7:52. Texts of, to be written on door-posts: De 6:9; 11:20. Not to be added to, or taken from: De 4:2; 12:32; Re 22:18-19. Conviction of sin from reading: 2Ki 22:9-13; 2Ch 17:7-10; 34. Fulfilled by Jesus: Mt 5:17; Lu 24:27; Joh 19:24. Testify of Jesus: Joh 5:39; Ac 10:43; 18:28; 1Co 15:3. Taught by the apostles: Ac 2; 3; 8:32,35; 13:27; 17:2; 18:24; 28:23. The standard of the judgment: Joh 12:48; Ro 2:16. Not to be handled deceitfully: 2Co 4:2. UNCLASSIFIED SCRIPTURES RELATING TO: Ex 13:9; 19:9; 24:3-4; De 4:2,5-6,8,10,14; 6:6-9; 8:3; 11:18-21; 17:18-19; 27:2-3,8; 29:29; 30:11-14; 31:9-13,19,21,26; Jos 1:8; 3:9; 8:32-35; 2Sa 22:31; 1Ch 16:15; 2Ch 15:3; Job 22:22; 23:12; Ps 1:2; 12:6; 17:4; 18:30; 19:7-11; 33:4,6; 37:31; 40:8; 43:3; 56:4; 78:1,7-8; 85:8; 93:5; 94:12; 102:18; 107:19-20; 111:7-8; 119:9,11-12,14-16,18-20,23-25,28,30-31,33,35,41,45-52,54,61,66-67,70,72,74,76-78,81-83,86,89,92-93,96-100,103-105,109,111,113,115,119,127-131,133,138,140-144,148,151-153,157-163,165,167,172-174; 138:2; 147:15,19-20; Pr 6:20-23; 22:21; 30:5-6; Ec 5:1; 12:10-11; Isa 2:3; 8:16,20; 28:13; 30:21; 34:16; 40:8; 51:7; 55:10-11; Jer 8:9; 13:15; 15:16; 22:29; 23:28-29,36; Eze 3:3,10; 44:5; Da 8:26; 10:21; 12:4,9; Ho 6:5; Am 8:11-13; Mica 2:7; Hab 2:2; Zec 7:7; Mt 4:4; 5:17; 7:24-25; 11:13,15; 13:23,33; 15:3,9; 22:29; Mr 4:20; 7:7,9,13; 12:24; 13:31; Lu 4:22; 6:47-48; 8:11-15; 11:28; 16:17,29,31; 24:32,45; Joh 2:22; 5:24,39; 6:63; 8:31-32; 10:35; 15:3; 17:8,14,17,19-20; 20:31; Ac 10:15; 17:11; 20:32; 26:18,22; Ro 3:1-2; 4:23-24; 6:17; 9:4,6; 10:17; 12:2; 15:4; 16:26; 1Co 2:13; 7:6,10,12; 9:10; 10:11; 11:2; 15:3; 2Co 2:17; 3:6; 8:10; Ga 1:8-9,11-12; Eph 1:12-13; 3:3-5; 5:26; 6:17; Php 2:16; Col 1:5; 3:16; 1Th 1:5,8; 2:13; 4:1-2; 5:20; 2Th 2:14-15; 1Ti 4:5-6; 6:3-4; 2Ti 1:13; 2:8-9,15; 3:15-17; Heb 1:1-2; 2:1-3; 4:2,12; 6:5; 10:7,28; 11:3; Jas 1:18-19,21-25; 1Pe 1:23-25; 2:2-3; 2Pe 1:4,19-21; 3:1-2,15-16; 1Jo 1:4-5; 2:7-8,12,14,21; 5:11,13; Jude 1:3-17; Re 1:2-3; 22:18-19. INSPIRATION OF: Ex 19:7; 20:1; 24:4,12; 25:21; 31:18; 32:16; 34:27,32; Le 26:46; De 4:5,14; 11:18; 31:19,22; 2Ki 17:13; 2Ch 33:18; Job 23:12; Ps 78:5; 99:7; 147:19; Ec 12:11; Isa 30:12-13; 34:16; 59:21; Jer 30:2; 36:1-2,27-28,32; 51:59-64; Eze 11:25; Da 10:21; Ho 8:12; Zec 7:12; Mt 22:31-32; Lu 1:1-4,68-73; Ac 1:16; 28:25; Ro 3:1-2; 1Co 2:12-13; 7:10; 14:37; Eph 6:17; Col 3:16; 1Th 2:13; 4:1-3; 1Ti 6:3-5; 2Ti 3:16-17; Heb 1:1-2; 3:7-8; 4:12; 5:12; 1Pe 1:11-12; 2Pe 1:21; 3:2,15; 1Jo 1:1-5; Re 1:1-2,11,17-19; 2:7; 19:10; 22:6-8. UNBELIEF IN: Ps 50:16-17; Pr 1:29-30; 13:13; Isa 5:24; 28:9-14; 30:9-11; 53:1; Jer 6:10; 8:9; Ho 8:12; Am 2:12; Mica 2:6; Lu 16:31; 24:25; Joh 3:20; 5:46-47; 8:37,45; 1Co 1:18,22-23; 2Ti 3:8; 4:3-4; 1Pe 2:8; 2Pe 3:15-16; Re 22:19.
WORDS: Of Jesus: Gracious: Lu 4:22. Are spirit and life: Joh 6:63. Of eternal life: Joh 6:68. Will judge: Joh 12:47-48. of the wise: As goads, and as well-fastened nails: Ec 12:11. Gracious: Ec 10:12. Spoken at the proper moment: Pr 15:23; Isa 50:4. Aptly spoken, like apples of gold in filigree of silver: Pr 25:11. of the complete man, gentle: Jas 3:2. Should be acceptable to God: Ps 19:14. of the teacher, should be plain: 1Co 14:9,19. Unprofitable, to be avoided: 2Ti 2:14. Unspeakable, heard by Paul in Paradise: 2Co 12:4. Vain, not to be regarded: Ex 5:9; Eph 5:6. Like a tempest: Job 8:2. Without knowledge, darken advice: Job 38:2. Idle, an account must be given for on the Day of Judgment: Mt 12:36-37. Hasty, folly of: Pr 29:20. In a multitude of, is sin: Pr 10:19. Fool known by the multitude of: Ec 5:3. Will swallow himself: Ec 10:12-14. Seditious, deceive the naive: Ro 16:18. Deceitful, are a snare to the one who utters them: Pr 6:2. of the hypocrite, softer than oil: Ps 55:21. of the talebearer, wounds to the soul: Pr 18:8'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'lest. Col 2:8,18; Mt 24:4,24; Mr 13:22; Ac 20:30; Ro 16:18-19; 2Co 11:3,11-13; Ga 2:4; Eph 4:14; 5:6; 2Th 2:9-11; 1Ti 4:1-2; 2Ti 2:16; 3:13; Tit 1:10-11; 1Pe 2:1-3; 1Jo 2:18,26; 4:1; 2Jo 1:7; Re 12:9; 13:8; 20:3,8. enticing. 1Co 2:4'.

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C2-S3 (Verse 5) Lack of physical presence does not mean lack of spiritual presence.

For though I be absent in the flesh,
yet am I with you in the spirit,
joying and beholding your order,
and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

This sentence gives us the reason (For) that Paul is afraid that Christians will be beguiled: and it gives us the basis of not being beguiled. Most parents go through an experience of watching their children make mistakes because the parent wasn't there to warn them. They should be able to relate to what Paul is saying in the start of this sentence. However, many parents haven't learned to do what Paul says he did which is be with you in the spirit. We read at the opening of this epistle how that Paul prayed for them. Because of the intensity of his prayers God had Epaphras come and give them a report. (Please see the note in the Study on Spirit for more details.) Notice that this sentence says that Paul has joy and that through God's Spirit he was able to behold their order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 1John 1:4 tells us how our joy may be full. 2John 1:12 tells us how we and our true pastor can share joy (that our joy may be full). 3John 1:4 tells us that our true pastor has no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. In each of these epistles we receive the same message as Paul is saying here. This joy is dependent upon God's people avoiding the errors of enticing words from false teachers and God's people being orderly in The stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

In the rest of this chapter Paul will give us details on how to keep The stedfastness of your faith in Christ once we have it to begin with. Notice that the next sentence starts with As ye have and continues with so walk ye. Being in Christ is an ongoing personal relationship whereby we each personally (ye) must constantly do our part to maintain the relationship. However, we have to receive that relationship before we can maintain it. Our current sentence tells us that being in Christ requires us doing a faith that is orderly and stedfast please see the note for this sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study for more details on this subject.

Please see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the word absent / absence. It has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . The New Testament definition is: 'A state of being at a distance in place, or not in company'.

We find forms of the word behold 1349 times in 1298 verses of the Bible, 238 times in 234 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines behold as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'To fix the eyes upon; to observe with care'. Please also see the note for 2:18-19 about the word holding.

We find forms of the word order 281 times in 247 verses of the Bible, 27 times in 26 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines order as: 'Regular disposition or methodical arrangement of things; a word of extensive application; as the order of troops or parade; the order of books in a library; the order of proceedings in a legislative assembly. Order is the life of business. Good order is the foundation of all good things. 2. Proper state; as the muskets are all in good order. When the bodily org and are in order, a person is in health; when they are out of order, he is indisposed. 3. Adherence to the point in discussion, according to established rules of debate; as, the member is not in order, that is, he wanders from the question. 4. Established mode of proceeding. the motion is not in order. 5. Regularity; settled mode of operation. This fact could not occur in the order of nature; it is against the natural order of things. 6. Mandate; precept; command; authoritative direction. I have received an order from the commander in chief. the general gave orders to march. there is an order of council to issue letters of marque. 7. Rule; regulation; as the rules and orders of a legislative house. 8. Regular government or discipline. It is necessary for society that good order should be observed. the meeting was turbulent; it was impossible to keep order. 9. Rank; class; division of men; as the order of nobles; the order of priests; the higher orders of society; men of the lowest order; order of knights; military orders, etc. 10. A religious fraternity; as the order of Benedictines. 11. A division of natural objects, generally intermediate between class and genus. the classes, in the Linnean artificial system, are divided into orders, which include one or more genera. Linne also arranged vegetables, in his natural system, into groups of genera, called order. In the natural system of Jussieu, orders are subdivisions of classes. 12. Measures; care. Take some order for the safety and support of the soldiers. Provide me soldiers whilst I take order for my own affairs. 13. In rhetoric, the placing of words and members in a sentence in such a manner as to contribute to force and beauty of expression, or to the clear illustration of the subject. 14. the title of certain ancient books containing the divine office and manner of its performance. 15. In architecture, a system of several members, ornaments and proportions of columns and pilasters; or a regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, especially of the columns, so as to form one beautiful whole. the orders are five, the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. the order consists of two principal members, the column, and the entablature, each of which is composed of three principal parts. those of the column are the base, the shaft, and the capital; those of the entablature are the architrave, the frize, and the cornice. the height of the Tuscan column is 14 modules or semidiameters of the shaft at the bottom, and that of the entablature 3 1/2. the height of the Doric order is 16 modules and that of the entablature 4; that of the Ionic is 18modules, and that of the entablature 4 1/2, that of the Corinthian order is 20 modules, and that of the entablature 5. the height of the Composite order agrees with that of the Corinthian. In orders, set apart for the performance divine service; ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. In order, for the purpose; to the end; as means to an end. the best knowledge is that which is of the greatest use in order to our eternal happiness. General orders, the commands or notices which a military commander in chief issues to the troops under his command.
OR'DER, v.t. 1. to regulate; to methodize; to systemize; to adjust; to subject to system in management and execution; as, to order domestic affairs with prudence. 2. to lead; to conduct; to subject to rules or laws. Tohim that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God. Ps. 50. 3. to direct; to command. the general ordered his troops to advance. 4. to manage; to treat. How shall we order the child? Judges 13. 5. to ordain. Not used. 6. to direct; to dispose in any particular manner. Order my steps in thy word. Ps. 119.
OR'DER, v.i. to give command or direction'.

Please see at the note for 1Corinthians 15:58 which has links to every place in the Bible where we find the word steadfast. The definition from Webster's 1828 is: 'stead and fast. 1. Fast fixed; firm; firmly fixed or established; as the stedfast globe of earth. 2. Constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering. Abide stedfast to thy neighbor in the time of his trouble. Him resist, sted fast in the faith. 1 Peter 5. 3. Steady; as stedfast sight'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the word fast. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:27-28 about the word fast. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'be. Col 2:1; 1Co 5:3-4; 1Th 2:17. and beholding. 2Ch 29:35; 1Co 11:34; 14:40. and the. Ru 1:18; Ps 78:8,37; Ac 2:42; 1Co 15:58; 16:13; 1Th 3:8; Heb 3:14; 6:19; 1Pe 5:9; 2Pe 3:17-18'.

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C2-S4 (Verse 6-7) How to stay in Christ.

Equivalent Section: A simple and direct command.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk ye in him :.

Equivalent Section: Details of the simple and direct command.

Rooted and built up in him,
and stablished in the faith,
as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Please see the note for this sentence in the Lord Jesus Christ Study since it has all of the details about the doctrine of this sentence. In addition, this sentence tells us how to stay in Christ. It can be understood with this simple outline:

We are to received Christ Jesus the Lord. That is: 'Obey His personal commands to us personally (given by Christ Jesus) with the knowledge that we will be judged (by The Lord) for our level of obedience'.
As...so walk ye in him. That is: 'Our every-day small repeated actions are to be in obedience to Christ Jesus the Lord'. That was how you received Christ Jesus the Lord. Therefore, we are to continue in the same attitude of submission.
The basis of our spiritual life and growth (Rooted and built up) is to be in Christ.
We are to be stablished in the faith. That is: not moving.
We are to continue as ye have been taught.
We are to be abounding therein with thanksgiving, regardless of the situations of life.

Please see the Romans intro about the word therefore. The New Testament definition is: 'The words which follows the word therefore is a future result (for) that will happen at the time/place specified (there) in the words preceding the therefore)'.

We find forms of the word receive 382 times in 348 verses of the Bible, 294 times in 263 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 3:24; 3:25; 4:10 and 4:17. Please see the note for Romans C14S1 about the word receive. It has the full definition from Webster's 1828 along with links to every verse in Romans with this word and a small note for each verse. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C15S1 about this word. The New Testament definition is: 'To take, as a thing offered or sent; to accept'. In addition, please see the note for Matthew 10:41; which explains that in order to truly receive a person, we must receive their character as our own.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word receive as: 'Outcasts Received: (by Christ): the Lepers: Mt 8:3. The Public and and Harlots: Mt 21:31; Lu 7:29. The Sinful Women: Lu 7:47; Joh 8:11. Despised Sinners: Lu 15:2. The Dying thief: Lu 23:43. The Excommunicated Blind Man: Joh 9:35.
Receiving Christ. Mt 10:40; Mr 9:37; Lu 8:40; 19:6; Joh 1:12,
Reception-Rejection. RECEPTION of God and truth: General References to: Mt 13:23; Ac 2:41; 17:11; 1Th 2:13. Martha received him into her house: Lu 10:39. Receiving Christ: Mt 10:40; Mr 9:37; Lu 8:40; 19:6; Joh 1:12. TEACHABLENESS: General References to: Illustrated in the Life of Ezra: Ezr 8:21; Jer 42:3. Essential to Entrance into God's Kingdom: Mt 18:3. Exhibited by the Disciples: Lu 11:1. Manifested by the Blind Man: Joh 9:36; Ac 2:37. Seen in the Ethiopian Eunuch: Ac 8:31. The Secret of Paul's Success: Ac 9:6. Results in the Philippian Jailer's Conversion: Ac 16:30. Manifested by the Disciples in Seeking Instruction: Mt 13:36; Mr 4:10; 7:17; 9:11,28; 10:10; 13:4; Lu 3:12; 11:1; 18:18; Joh 6:28. The Hearing Ear: Ps 40:6; Pr 18:15; 20:12; 25:12; Mt 11:15; 13:16. REJECTION of God and truth: Of Christ: the Gergesenes: Mt 8:34; 21:42. The People of Nazareth: Mr 6:3; Lu 4:28-29; 17:25. The Chief Priests and Rulers: Lu 23:18. The Jewish Nation: Joh 1:11; 5:43; 12:48. Of God: 1Sa 8:7; Ps 81:11; Pr 1:24; Lu 7:30; 1Th 4:8. Of Spiritual Instruction: 2Ch 30:10; 36:16; Ps 50:17; Pr 1:7,22; 5:12. of the word of God: Ps 50:17; Isa 5:24; 30:12; Jer 6:10; 8:9; 20:8; 36:23; Zec 7:12; Mr 7:13'.

Please see the notes for 1:9-17 about the word walk. The New Testament definition is: 'To move slowly on the feet; to step slowly along; to advance by steps moderately repeated'. When applied to faith, the emphasis is upon small movements of faith and repeated continuously.

Please see the notes for Romans 11:18 and 1Timothy 6:10 for links to verses in the New Testament which use forms of the word root. The New Testament definition is: 'The original or cause of anything'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S9 about the word building. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'The work and the final product of a work to make something from basic materials'. Please also see the note for Matthew 7:24 about the words build / built. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'pp. Framed and raised; constructed.
BUILT, n. bilt. form; shape; general figure of a structure; as the built of a ship. Species of building'. The word build is the present-tense form of the words built. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C3S10 and 1Peter 2:7-8 about the word builder.

Please see the note for Matthew 18:16 about the word establish. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'to set and fix firmly or unalterably; to settle permanently. I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant. Gen.17. 2. to found permanently; to erect and fix or settle; as, to establish a colony or an empire. 3. to enact or decree by authority and for permanence; to ordain; to appoint; as, to establish laws, regulations, institutions, rules, ordinances, etc. 4. to settle or fix; to confirm; as, to establish a person, society or corporation, in possessions or privileges. 5. to make firm; to confirm; to ratify what has been previously set or made. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law. Rom.3. 6. to settle or fix what is wavering, doubtful or weak; to confirm. So were the churches established in the faith. Acts.16. To theend he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness. l thess.3. 7. to confirm; to fulfill; to make good. Establish thy word to thy servant. Ps.119. 8. to set up in the place of another and confirm. Who go about to establish their own righteousness. Rom.10'. Please also see the note for Romans 16:25-27 which gives links to every place in the New Testament that uses any form of the word stablish and provides the definition from Webster's 1828 . Please also see the notes for 1Thessalonians 3:13; 2Thessalonians 2:17; 3:3 and James 5:8-LJC about this word. The New Testament definition is: 'To fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm. In lieu of this, establish is now always used'.

We find forms of the word taught 81 times in 79 verses of the Bible, 46 times in the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines taught as: 'pret. and pp. of teach. pron. taut. L. doctus. Experience taught him wisdom. He has been taught in the school of experience'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S27 about the word teach.

Please see the Piddly Words dictionary for links to every place in the Bible where any forms of the word abound is used along with a note for each word and the full definition from Webster's 1828 . The New Testament definition is: 'To be in great plenty; to be very prevalent'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'received. Mt 10:40; Joh 1:12-13; 13:20; 1Co 1:30; Heb 3:14; 1Jo 5:11-12,20; 2Jo 1:8-9; Jude 1:3. walk. Col 3:17; Isa 2:5; Mica 4:2; Joh 14:6; 2Co 5:7; Ga 2:20; Eph 4:1; 5:1-2; Php 1:27; 1Th 4:1; 1Jo 2:6 exp: Zec 10:12; 1Th 2:12.
(verse 7)
Rooted. Col 1:23; Ps 1:3; 92:13; Isa 61:3; Jer 17:8; Eze 17:23-24; Ro 11:17-18; Eph 2:21-22; 3:17; Jude 1:12. built. Mt 7:24-25; Lu 6:48; Joh 15:4-5; 1Co 3:9-15; Eph 2:20-22; 1Pe 2:4-6; Jude 1:20. stablished. Col 1:23; Ro 16:25; 1Co 15:58; 2Co 1:21; 2Th 2:17; 1Pe 5:10; 2Pe 3:17-18; Jude 1:24. with. Col 1:12-13; 3:17; Eph 5:20; 1Th 5:18; Heb 13:15'.

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C2-S5 (Verse 8) Beware of spoiling doctrine.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,
after the tradition of men,
after the rudiments of the world,
and not after Christ.

in this sentence, we are promised that we can avoid being spoiled, if we are after Christ. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

This sentence gives us a warning (Beware) and the next three sentences give us three reasons to Beware. 2:9 gives us the first reason to Beware and we can know this because it starts with For. The next two sentence start with And, which add them to 2:9. That makes 2:10-12 the second reason and 2:13-15 the third reason that we are to Beware lest any man spoil you. Please see the notes for those sentences. The first reason is God's Plan which is that He put everything in Christ Jesus the Lord. The second reason is that God removed things from our physical life which were causing us to sin and receive the consequences of sin. The third reason is that God also removed things from our spiritual life so that He could remove the consequences of sin. Please also see the This sentence and the note for 2:11 in the Lord Jesus Christ Study about these reasons.

This sentence names the main methods used by religions to say that you don't need a personal relationship with God to be sanctified. The personal relationship is the ministry of in Christ after a person makes a profession. Notice that Paul says Beware lest any man spoil you...and not after Christ. So, the first thing that we can conclude is that walking after Christ avoids our becoming spoiled. Secondly, these things spoil you by drawing you away from walking after Christ. Ephesians 4:11-32 tells us what walking after Christ is. Also, Ephesians 5:6 warns of the wrath of God coming upon those who are deceived into not walking after Christ. The main things that Paul warns us about in this sentence (that will take us away from in Christ) are philosophy and vain deceit. These work through The tradition of men (religion) and The rudiments of the world (business, science and society). There are many examples of these things, but I'll provide only a couple.

Most things called 'Christian Psychology' are a religious philosophy which teaches that the ideas of man are as good or better than obedience to the Bible. This philosophy basically tries to find verses in the Bible to support their philosophy. They force what they take from the Bible to fit their ideas instead of forcing their ideas to conform to the Bible.
Religions that teach salvation through baptism have taken the traditions of the Mosaic Law and circumcision and made a slight change to use the word baptism then presented that as a vain deceit which claims to be more spiritual than obedience to the Bible. Any means of salvation that is based upon any other religious work, including a prayer of salvation is a vain deceit.
Preachers that claim they have a better translation are presenting another vain deceit. It is pure vanity to claim that you are smarter than the God led translators of the KJV 1611. It is also vanity to claim that a God who can't preserve his word (that is used to judge us) in English did it in Greek.
The idea that God used evolution to create the world is a philosophy that works through The rudiments of the world.
The idea that God would save one group of men and send another to Hell is a vain deceit through The rudiments of the world.

Please see the note for Galatians 1:13-14 for links to every place in the Bible where the word tradition is used along with the definition from Webster's 1828 .

Each of these tell us to trust group think and what man teaches rather than going through the pain and effort required for spiritual maturity that comes with personal growth with the ministry of in Christ. Each of these tell us not to mature in in Christ but to trust the answers from men. in Christ is the role of God mentioned in this verse because it is dealing with individual spiritual maturity after profession and that maturity varies from person to person. In addition, unfortunately, some saved people do end up spoiled.

Please notice that Paul uses the word after twice and he uses not after in this sentence. We can be after Christ or after the other two but we can not be after and be not after at the same time, according to the grammar of this sentence. What this means is that The tradition of men and The rudiments of the world are against (anti) in Christ. Thus, these are the methods used by Biblical antichrists. (Please see the Study called False things According to the Bible for links to where the Bible talks about antichrists and similar things.)

The prefix anti does not just mean 'against' but it also means 'alternative'. This epistle was written to tell us that certain blessings are only in Christ. That means that we do not receive those blessings without receiving the spiritual maturity that is in Christ. However, antichrists claim to have an 'alternative' method of getting these blessings. Unfortunately, many of God's people believe the lie that antichrists are in a political office or in some other religion. However, we just need to honestly compare the spiritual maturity of the average so-called 'Christian' of today to what is reported in the Book of Acts and other places of the Bible. The same can be done for the average so-called 'Christian Church'. The evidence shows that antichrists are active in our churches and that most so-called 'Christians'. are not after Christ.

We find forms of the word beware 28 times in 26 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 7:15; Matthew 10:17; Matthew 16:6; Matthew 16:11-12; Mark 8:15; Mark 12:38; Luke 12:1; Luke 12:15; Luke 20:46; Acts 13:40; Philippians 3:2; our current sentence; 2Peter 3:17. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines beware as: 'Literally, to restrain or guard one's self from. Hence, to regard with caution; to restrain one's self from anything that may be dangerous, injurious or improper; to avoid; to take care; followed by of before the thing that is to be avoided. Beware of all, but more beware of man. Beware of false prophets; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees; beware of the concision. 2. to have a special regard to. Behold, I send an angel before thee--beware of him, and obey his voice. Ex.23. This is unusual and hardly legitimate. This word though here admitted as a verb, from the Saxon, is rarely used as a verb in fact; or if a verb, is now never used except in the imperative mode It is a compound of be and the Old Eng. ware, now wary. Be wary of danger. Hence it cannot be used with did, like a regular verb, nor with be, in any of its inflections, he is beware; for this would be to use the substantive verb twice before ware and wary, is and be. Ben Jonson however has used the word in the third person. He bewares to act. But it has no past tense or participle, and therefore, if admitted as a verb, it is defective, and used only in the imperative mode, or after an auxiliary. We must beware of excess'. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Literally, to restrain or guard one's self from. Hence, to regard with caution'. Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word beware as: 'BEWARE of Evil: De 6:12; Lu 12:1,15; Ac 13:40; Php 3:2; Col 2:8; 2Pe 3:17'.

We find forms of the word spoil 204 times in 177 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:22; our current sentence; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 7:4; Hebrews 10:34. Most of these verses are talking about what the Son of God did to devils and a review of them is worth the reader's time. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines spoil as: 'to plunder; to strip by violence; to rob; with of; as, to spoil one of his goods or possessions. My sons their old unhappy sire despise, Spoild of his kingdom, and deprivd of eyes. 2. to seize by violence; to take by force; as, to spoil ones goods. This mount with all his verdure spoild-- 3. to corrupt; to cause to decay and perish. Heat and moisture will soon spoil vegetable and animal substances. 4. to corrupt; to vitiate; to mar. Spiritual pride spoils many graces. 5. to ruin; to destroy. Our crops are sometimes spoiled by insects. 6. to render useless by injury; as, to spoil paper by wetting it. 7. to injure fatally; as, to spoil the eyes by reading.
SPOIL, v.i. 1. to practice plunder or robbery. --Outlaws which, lurking in woods, used to break forth to rob and spoil. 2. to decay; to lose the valuable qualities; to be corrupted; as, fruit will soon spoil in warm weather. Grain will spoil, if gathered when wet or moist.
SPOIL, n. L. 1. that which is taken from others by violence; particularly in war, the plunder taken from an enemy; pillage; booty. 2. that which is gained by strength or effort. Each science and each art his spoil. 3. that which is taken from another without license. Gentle gales fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole their balmy spoils. 4. the act or practice of plundering; robbery; waste. The man that hath not music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treason, stratagems and spoils. 5. Corruption; cause of corruption. Villainous company hath been the spoil of me. 6. the slough or cast skin of a serpent or other animal'. Please note: what some people believe are various definitions are, in fact, various applications of the basic definition. Each of these different applications can be used to spoil us and we should be wary of all of them. The New Testament definition is: 'to destroy with internal corruption'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word spoil as: 'Ge 34:28; Ex 12:36; Nu 31:9; De 2:35; 13:16; 20:14; Jg 5:30; 1Sa 14:32; 17:53; 2Sa 3:22; 2Ki 7:16; 2Ch 14:13; 15:11; 20:25'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word spoil as: '(Plunder, booty) Of war: Ge 14:11-12; Nu 31:9-10; De 2:35. Divided between the combatants and non-combatants of the Israelites, including priests and Levites: Nu 31:25-54; 1Sa 30:24. Dedicated to the Lord: 1Sa 15:15; 1Ch 26:27; 2Ch 15:11'.

This is the only place in the Bible where we find the word philosophy. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines philosophy as: 'Literally, the love of wisdom. But in modern acceptation, philosophy is a general term denoting an explanation of the reasons of things; or an investigation of the causes of all phenomena both of mind and of matter. When applied to any particular department of knowledge, it denotes the collection of general laws or principles under which all the subordinate phenomena or facts relating to that subject, are comprehended. thus, that branch of philosophy which treats of God, etc. is called theology; that which treats of nature, is called physics or natural philosophy; that which treats of man is called logic and ethics, or moral philosophy; that which treats of the mind is called intellectual or mental philosophy, or metaphysics.

The objects of philosophy are to ascertain facts or truth, and the causes of things or their phenomena; to enlarge our views of God and his works, and to render our knowledge of both practically useful and subservient to human happiness.

True religion and true philosophy must ultimately arrive at the same principle.

2. Hypothesis or system on which natural effects are explained.

We shall in vain interpret their words by the notions of our philosophy and the doctrines in our schools.

3. Reasoning; argumentation.

4. Course of sciences read in the schools'.

Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines philosophy as: 'The Greek manifold gropings after truth (Ac 17:27) and the failure of even the divine law of Moses to applease conscience and give peace were the appointed preparation for the Christian scheme, which secures both to the believer. Holiness toward God, righteousness toward man, and the control of the passions, rest on love, not merely to an abstract dogma, but to the person of Him who first loved us and bought us at the cost of His own blood. though "foolishness to the Greek, Christ crucified is the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1; 2). Nothing but divine interposition could have given a nation, cradled amidst the superstitions of Egypt and surrounded in maturity by the Canaanite idolaters, and in no way noted for learning and culture, a pure monotheistic religion, bringing man into holy fellowship with the personal loving God and Father.

Moses' ritual trained them for the spiritual religion which was its end. What Greek philosophy in vain tried to effect through the intellect, to know God, one's self, and our duty to God, man, and ourselves, and to do from the heart what we know, God by His Spirit revealing His Son Jesus Christ in the heart thoroughly effects by the motive of love (2Co 10:4-5; Col 2:3). After Nebuchadnezzar's capture of Jerusalem, thales traveled into Egypt and introduced philosophy thence into his native land, Greece. His theory that water was the first principle of all things, and that God was the Spirit who formed all things out of water, is evidently derived from primitive tradition (Ge 1:2). "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."

Thales brought also from Egypt the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. Brucker (Hist. Philos.) infers from the unconnected dogma-like form of the utterances of the seven sages of Greece that their wisdom was the fruit of tradition rather than independent reasonings. It is striking that the higher we trace the religions of the old world the more pure and uncorrupted they are found. the nearer we approach to the sources of Eastern tradition the more conspicuous appears the radiance of the heavenly light of original revelation; we find no mortals yet exalted to divinities, no images in their temples, no impure or cruel rites (Juvenal, Sat. 13:46; Ro 1:21); in the great pyramid on idolatrous symbol appears'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word philosophy as: 'The nature of things: Ec 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7. A philosophical discussion about wisdom: Job 28. Philosophical inductions and deductions relating to God and His providence: Job 5:8-20; 9; 10:2-21; 12:6-24; 33:12-30; 37. Reveals the mysteries of providence: Pr 25:2; Ro 1:19-20. Is not sufficient for an adequate knowledge of God: 1Co 1:21-22. Is not enough for salvation through the atonement of Jesus Christ: 1Co 2:6-10. Employment of, was not Paul's method of preaching the gospel: 1Co 1:17,19,21; 2:1-5,13. Greek schools of: Ac 17:18. Rabbinical: Col 2:8,16-19; 1Ti 6:20'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word philosophy as: 'Ac 17:18; 1Co 1:19; 2:6; Col 2:8'.

We find forms of the word vain 112 times in 102 verses of the Bible, 36 times in 33 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 2:18. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C15S1 and Galatians C2-S16 about the word . The New Testament definition is: 'Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance'.

We find the exact word of deceit 71 times in the Bible, 11 times in the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 2:18. Please see the note for Romans C1S16 about the word deceit. It has links to every verse in the New Testament which uses the exact word. The New Testament definition is: 'fraudulent'.

We find forms of the word tradition 13 times in the Bible and, within Colossians only in our current sentence. Please see the note for Galatians C1-S11 which has links to all of those verses along with the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary. The New Testament definition is: 'Delivery; the act of delivering into the hands of another. A deed takes effect only from the tradition or delivery'.

The word rudiments is only found in our current sentence and 2:20. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines rudiments as: 'roo'-di-ments (stoicheia, plural of stoicheion (Ga 4:3,9; Col 2:8,20; Heb 5:12; 2Pe 3:10,12)): this word occurs 7 to in the New Testament, and the King James Version translates it in three different ways. In the two passages in Galatians, and in the two in 2 Peter, it is rendered "elements." In the two passages in Colossians, it is translated "rudiments." In He it is rendered "first principles."

1. Etymological Meaning:

The etymological meaning of the word is, that which belongs to a row or rank, hence any first thing, an element, first principle. It denotes, specially (1) the letters of the alphabet, the spoken sounds, as the elements of speech; (2) the material elements of the universe, the physical atoms of which the world is composed; (3) the heavenly bodies; (4) the elements, rudiments, fundamental principles of any art, science or discipline; compare the phrase, "The a, b, c."

2. Use of Term in the New Testament:

(1) the New Testament use of the word, where it always occurs in the plural, is as follows: In 2 Pet 3:10,12, "The elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat," that is, the physical elements of the world and of the heavens are to be consumed, or subjected to change, by means of fire. In Heb 5:12, the King James Version "Ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God." this means that the Hebrew Christians had not made the advance expected, in grace and in the knowledge of God, but were in need of instruction in the elementary truths of the Christian faith.

(2) the Pauline use of the term is in Galatians and Colossians; see references as above. In Ga 4:3,9 the King James Version Paul writes, "When we were children, (we) were in bondage under the elements of the world"; "How turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?" the apostle here means the ceremonial precepts of the worship of the Jews. these requirements involved much and protracted difficulty in their observance; they were "a yoke.... which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear" (Ac 15:10). Yet the Galatian converts were tuning back again to these legal ordinances, and desired to be in bondage to them. these elements were "of the world," they had reference to material and not to spiritual things, they were formal and sensuous. they were "weak," for they had no power to rescue man from condemnation, and they could not save him from sin. they were "beggarly," for they brought no endowment of the heavenly riches. By these epithets Paul signifies that rites, ordinances, sacrifices, observance of days and seasons belonged to the elementary stages of the Jewish religion, which had now attained its end and purpose in the coming of Christ and His work. these things were necessary at the time they were divinely instituted, but the time had come when they were no longer required. they contained and conveyed an elementary knowledge, and were intended, from the first, to lead to an advance in the moral and spiritual life, which is now revealed in Christ.

It has been thought by some that what is meant by "elements" or "rudiments" in Galatians and Colossians is the physical elements, presided over by angels, and that this is in some way connected with the worship of angels, to which Paul refers in Col 2:18. the Jews believed that there were, angels of fire and of the wind, and of the other physical elements. the apostle therefore wished to show the foolishness of the worship of angels and of the heavenly bodies which they were supposed to control.

This latter meaning of the term is a possible, but not a probable one. the interpretation, already first given, which understands "elements" to mean the ordinances of Jewish legalism, is most in harmony with the gospel and with the teaching of Paul. "This is probably the correct interpretation, both as simpler in itself and as suiting the context better. Paul seems to be dwelling still on the rudimentary character of the law, as fitted for an earlier stage in the world's history" (Lightfoot, Commentary on Galatians, 167).

In Col 2:8The King James Version Paul writes, "Beware lest any man spoil you.... after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ"; and in Col 2:20, the King James Version "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why.... are ye subject to ordinances?" the meaning of the term here is the elements of religious training, the ceremonial precepts of the Jewish Law. In Colossians and Galatians the meaning is that the systems of the false teachers, both in Colosse and in Galatia, laid stress on Jewish ritual, ceremonial law and ascetic observances--things of this world, belonging to the visible sphere, things elementary, and intended, so far as the Jewish Law is concerned, simply as a preparation for the coming of Christ. Such were the rudiments of the world, so far as their source was Jewish. On their heathen side they were still more decidedly anti-Christian. Both of these tendencies, Jewish and heathen, were "not according to Christ." forChrist Himself who atoned for sin, and who now lives and reigns, delivers believers from all such methods, as well as from the need of them. John Ruthrefurd'.

We find forms of the word world 292 times in 252 verses of the Bible, 246 times in 206 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: 1:3-8; our current sentence and 2:20. Please see the notes for Romans C16S33; 2Timothy C4S5; 1Corinthians C1S19 and World in 1John about the word world. The New Testament definition is: 'all of the people in the world as a group'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'Beware. De 6:12; Mt 7:15; 10:17; 16:6; Php 3:2; 2Pe 3:17. spoil. Col 2:18; Song 2:15; Jer 29:8; Ro 16:17; Eph 5:6; Heb 13:9; 2Jo 1:8. philosophy. Ac 17:18,32; Ro 1:21-22; 1Co 1:19-23; 3:18-19; 15:35-36; 2Co 10:5 (Gr) 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 2:17-18; 3:13. after the tradition. Col 2:22; Mt 15:2-9; Mr 7:3-13; Ga 1:14; 1Pe 1:18. The rudiments. or, the elements. Col 2:20; Ga 4:3,9; Eph 2:2. after Christ. Eph 4:20'.

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C2-S6 (Verse 9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

This sentence is the first of 3 reasons to Beware (see verse 8 above). This sentence is the third of 3 reasons to Beware (see verse 8 above). Our first reason is God's Plan which is that He put everything in Christ Jesus the Lord. Our second reason is that God removed things from our physical life which were causing us to sin and receive the consequences of sin. Our third reason is that God also removed things from our spiritual life so that He could remove the consequences of sin.

This reason warns us that we could lose out on all the fulness of the Godhead . As explained in the note above, we will not get The fulness of the Godhead anywhere else. Hebrews 4 explains how Jesus gives us a better rest because He is our high priest. It also tells us To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts because the children of God missed out on God's rest by hardening their hearts and refusing to hear his voice. The chapter ends with the well-known verses of For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. What a lot of people miss is that the context limits the blessings of these verses to those who meet God's requirements and avoid the error of God's children who were refused these blessings.

What Hebrews 4 is telling us in detail, and what this sentence is telling us is a simpler fashion, is that God's children will miss out on God's blessings if they refuse to fulfill God's requirements for receiving those blessings. As we saw in the prior sentence, God's requirement is that we walk after Christ and not after the tradition of men nor after the rudiments of the world. What we also saw in the note above is that antichrists claim to have an 'alternative' method of getting these blessings. John 14:6 tells us Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Plain and simple: all the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth in the Son of God, and He says we're not getting any of it anywhere else. Therefore, since antichrists claim to have an 'alternative' method which will actually spoil us, we need to know how to tell the difference between Biblical antichrists and true men of God. All through this chapter Paul deals with some of their doctrine and tells us what to avoid. 1John 4:1 tells us Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. The note for it and for 1John 4:2-3 tells us how to tell the difference between Biblical antichrists and true men of God based upon the spirit that they have. If we let some Biblical antichrists to spoil us then we will miss out on all the fulness of the Godhead .

Please see the note for 1:19-20 for links to where the word dwell is used. The New Testament definition is: 'Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention'.'

We find the exact word of fulness occurring 25 times in the Bible, 13 times within the new Testament but only in our current sentence and 1:19-20 within Colossians. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines fulness as: '(1.) Of time (Ga 4:4), the time appointed by God, and foretold by the prophets, when Messiah should appear. (2.) Of Christ (Joh 1:16), the superabundance of grace with which he was filled. (3.) of the Godhead bodily dwelling in Christ (Col 2:9), i.e., the whole nature and attributes of God are in Christ. (4.) Eph 1:23, the church as the fulness of Christ, i.e., the church makes Christ a complete and perfect head'. While this lists things which are a type of fulness, it does not really define the word. We can look at the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word full. It has the full definition from Webster's 1828 . From it we get a New Testament definition of 'having within its limits all that it can contain'. from this we add the suffix of 'ness' and derive a New Testament definitionof: 'The things and actions which make something full'.

We find forms of the word fulness occurring 64 times in the Bible and 23 times within the new Testament. The similar words, which also use a form of fulness, include: faithfulness, fruitfulness, joyfulness, fearfulness, forgetfulness, slouthfulness, carefulness, deceitfulness, cheerfulness, bountifulness, skilfulness and thankfulness. If we examine these words we see different things which make us full and the description of those things is added to fulness to make up all of these words. Hopefully, the reader can see how I derived the New Testament definitionof: 'The things and actions which make something full'.

The verses within the New Testament, which use the word fulness, tell us different things which make full. Those verses are: John 1:16; Romans 11:12; Romans 11:25; Romans 15:29; 1Corinthians 10:26; 1Corinthians 10:28; Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 1:23; Ephesians 3:19; Ephesians 4:13; our current sentence and Colossians 1:19-20.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word fulness as: 'Evil: (full of evil): Ge 15:16; Ec 9:3; Mt 23:31-32; Ac 13:10; Ro 1:29. Of Christ: Joh 1:16; Eph 1:22-23; 4:13; Col 1:19; 2:9. Of Time: Da 9:24; Mr 1:15; Ga 4:4; Eph 1:10; 1Ti 2:6; Tit 1:3; Heb 9:26. Spiritual: the Overflowing Cup: Ps 23:5. Fulness of Blessing: Mal 3:10; Mt 5:6. Fulness of Joy: Joh 15:11; Ro 15:29. Fulness of God: Eph 3:19. Fulness of the Spirit: Eph 5:18. Fulness of Wisdom: Col 1:9. Warnings against Worldly Fulness: De 32:15; Ps 17:10; Jer 5:28; 50:11; Eze 16:49; Lu 6:25; Re 3:17'.

Please see the note for 1:18 about the word head. The New Testament definition is: 'This part of the human body contains the org and of hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling; it contains also the brain, which is supposed to be the seat of the intellectual powers, and of sensation. Hence the head is the chief or more important part, and is used for the whole person'. Therefore, the New Testament definition of the Godhead is: 'The chief or more important part of God when God senses, and deals with, man'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'in. Col 2:2-3; 1:19; Isa 7:14; Mt 1:23; Joh 10:30,38; 14:9-10,20; 17:21; 2Co 5:19; 1Ti 3:16; Tit 2:13; 1Jo 5:7,20. bodily. Lu 3:22; Joh 1:14; 2:21'.

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C2-S7 (Verse 10-12) things that God removed from our physical life with salvation.

Equivalent Section: He separates us from all devils (other principality and power).

And ye are complete in him,
which is the head of all principality and power:.

Equivalent Section: He separates us from all sins of the flesh.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands,
in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ :.

Equivalent Section: He separates us from all concerns of this world.

Buried with him in baptism,
wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God,
who hath raised him from the dead.

in this sentence, we are promised that we will be complete and circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, if we in Christ and have put off the body of the sins of the flesh. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

This sentence is based upon Matthew 28:18; which says, And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. This sentence tells us the hysical things that God removed from our life with salvation. It can also be understood with this simple outline:

We do not need anything more if we are truly: complete in him (Christ).
Why: Christ is the head of all principality and power. (See our quoted verse from Matthew.)
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands. This means: 'It is only when we are in Christ that God cuts away the sins of the flesh'.
Our next phrase repeats the same message as the prior phrase only more explicitly. This doubling makes it part of the law that God will use to judge us.
Our next phrase is: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God. This means: 'The Gospel is to be applied to our life. We are to burry our old sin nature and rise to walk in the character of Christ'
Our next phrase is: who hath raised him from the dead. This means: 'God raised Christ to teach us how to have a changed life'.

This sentence is the second reason to Beware (see verse 8 above). Our first reason was God's Plan which is that He put everything in Christ Jesus the Lord. Our second reason is that God removed things from our physical life which were causing us to sin and receive the consequences of sin. Our third reason is that God also removed things from our spiritual life so that He could remove the consequences of sin.

In our second reason we see that in Christ makes us different by removing the influences which cause us to sin. The blessings come after we stop our sinning and allow God to work through our life. Following another will cause you to miss the God-caused change in our life and that will prevent us from ever getting the blessings which follow the change.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Please see the note for Romans 8:38-30 for links to where the Bible uses principalities and powers along with providing definitions.) Like that verse, the first equivalent section of this sentence uses principality and power for those spiritual beings who rebelled against God and that we commonly call devils. Ephesians 6:12 told us that wrestle against them. That means they are trying to twist us into an unnatural (ungodly ) position in order to control us. Since in Christ is The head of all principality and power, He can make them leave us alone. Further, He will do that so long as we walk after Christ. However, if we choose to follow another then we no longer have His protection and we will be spoiled.

2:12 is the third equivalent part of this sentence, but the best place to start. It says the same thing as Romans 6; only Romans 6 has more details in it.) please see the notes for Romans 6 within the Book Study on Romans for more details.) Basically, Romans 6 tells us how we no longer have to respond to the demands of this world because of what Jesus Christ did for us with His death, burial and resurrection. Just as God made Jesus different after the resurrection, God pl and on making us different when we get saved. However, God will not take away our free will. We get baptized to publicly proclaim that we are going to accept the changes that God will bring into our life as we follow in Christ. (Please see the note for Romans 6:3 in the Book Study on Romans, which provides links to every place in the Bible where baptism is used along with notes on those places in the Bible. That note gives the true Biblical doctrine for baptism.) Notice that this sentence says that this change is accomplished through the faith of the operation of God. This is not our faith but the faith is part of The operation of God. When we allow God to work (The operation) in our life, He provides the faith which causes the change. Since this verse also says we are risen with him [Christ], the result is that we become more like in Christ. Someone who claims to have The operation of God in their life and is not becoming like in Christ has a problem with their claim.

The next sentence tells us the same thing as this sentence but says it a different way and a quick look at it will help us to understand 2:10; which is the first equivalent part of this sentence. Both our current sentence and the next sentence are describing changes brought into our life through our ongoing relationship with God and the ministry of Christ. The next sentence tells us that we are quickened. Part of the meaning of quicken is included in this section when it says ye are complete in him [Christ]. Basically, quicken means to 'being made spiritually alive and responsive to the Spirit of God in our physical life'. As we spiritually mature we are supposed to be more spiritually alive and responsive to the Spirit of God than we were when we first made our initial profession. Thus, quickening is part of our ongoing relationship with in Christ. That is, everything that we need (to be complete) to be spiritually alive and responsive to the Spirit of God is in him [Christ]. If we follow another being, instead of truly following in Christ; we will not be made completely spiritually alive. Imagine two female babies just born. Both have the same potential. Now picture the difference in their lives if one is crippled at birth and never grows mentally or emotionally beyond a 1 month olds development and the other becomes a great-grandmother with a dozen or more offspring serving the Lord. Being complete in him [Christ] is the spiritual equivalent of the life of the great-grandmother. That is what we have the potential for and what in Christ wants to give us, but we have to choose to accept it. We are potentially complete in him, but our own personal (ye) free will determines how much of the potential becomes actual.

2:11 is the middle equivalent part, which makes it surrounded by the other two equivalent parts. They definitely clarify the meaning of this section of the sentence. That is, the proper interpretation makes us spiritually complete and dead to the world while risen to spiritual life. Any other interpretation is wrong. This part uses circumcision as a picture of what in Christ does to make us dead to The body of the sins of the flesh and alive and responsive to God (risen/quickened). It says the same thing in Galatians 5:24. If you think about what is involved in circumcision, you realize that this is a painful process to completely cut away something that can not be demonstrated to cause any problem and it isn't done to everyone (no females) and there is no good reason other than some person tells us that God said to do it. Think of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-23; Mark 10:17-23; Luke 18:18-25). Jesus told him to get rid of 'good things' because they would interfere with his personally following Jesus. He did not make the same requirement of the parents of James and John, who were apparently rich. Our walk in Christ is personal and we will be called to do things that others aren't called to do. Your flesh is different from my flesh. As a result, The body of the sins of the flesh are going to have some differences between each of us. God deals with our personal body of the sins of the flesh. What God tells us to do is what we personally need to do in order to be dead to The body of the sins of the flesh so that we can then be personally risen with him through the faith of the operation of God.

Thus, we see that each equivalent part of this sentence tells us something bad that Christ removes from our life. We do not get rid of the results of these things unless He removes the cause. Therefore, this removal is a blessing. In the first equivalent section we were told that He removed control of devils from our life. In the second equivalent section we were told that He removed The body of the sins of the flesh. In the third equivalent section we were told that He removed worldly control of our life. What God removed are all bad things which affect our current physical life. In the next sentence we are told how God does the same thing for our spiritual life.

in this sentence Paul starts a pattern that He repeats in the third chapter which is:

recognize our God-given position - First Equivalent Section
stop our sin - Second Equivalent Section
receive a new walk - third Equivalent Section.

Paul has the same pattern in:

recognize our God-given position (3:1-4)
stop our sin (3:5-11)
receive a new walk (3:12-17).

We find forms of the word complete in the Bible only in Leviticus 23:15; current sentence and 4:12. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines complete as: 'kom-plet': In the King James Version for pleroo, the verb ordinarily used for the coming to pass of what had been predicted. the King James Version translates this "complete" in Col 2:10; 4:12 to express the final and entire attainment of what is treated, leaving nothing beyond to be desired or hoped for; otherwise rendered in the Revised Version (British and American) ("made full"). In the Revised Version (British and American), c. appears once for Greek artios, from aro, "to join," in 2Ti 3:17, in sense of "accurately fitted for," where the King James Version has "perfect."'. Thompson Chain Topics provides links for complete as: 'Work should be carried to completion: Zec 4:9; Joh 4:34; 17:4; 19:30; Ac 20:24; 2Ti 4:7' In Persevering to the End: Job 17:9; Joh 15:9; Ac 13:43; Ro 2:7; Ga 6:9; 2Ti 3:14; Heb 12:1; 1Pe 1:13; Re 3:11'. please consider how using the definition of 'The coming to pass of what had been predicted' changes what you might have previously believed about this verse/sentence.

Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is Head.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word principalities. The New Testament definition is: 'Sovereignty; supreme power; A prince and the territory of a prince'.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word power. The New Testament definition is: 'The faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something. Spiritual powers are the beings which have this ability'.

We find forms of the word circumcise / circumcision occurring 174 times in 74 verses of the Bible, 110 times in 45 verses of the New Testament. Please see the note for Galatians C2-S3 about the word circumcised and how it relates to our relationship with God. Please see the note for Romans C4S13 for links to every place in the New Testament where the word circumcision and the word uncircumcision are used. Please see the note for Acts 7:51 about the word uncircumcised. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'What Jewish believers called the non-Jews who relied on faith to make them right with God'.

We find forms of the word circumcise in Colossians, in: our current sentence; 2:13-15; 3:11 and 4:11. Please also see the following notes for how circumcise is used in their Bible book: Luke 1:59; John 7:22; Acts 7:8; Romans 4:10; 1Corinthians 7:18; Galatians C2-S3; Ephesians 2:11; Philippians 3:3 and Titus 1:10.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines circumcise as: 'To cut off the prepuce or foreskin of males; a ceremony or rite in the Jewish and Mohammedan religions. the word is applied also to a practice among some nations of performing a like operation upon females'. Morrish Bible Dictionary defines circumcision as: 'The rite appointed by God to be a token of the covenant that He made with Abraham and his seed, and also the seal of the righteousness of his faith. Every male in Abraham's house was to be circumcised, and afterwards every male of his seed on the eighth day after birth. It signified the separation of a people from the world to God. During the 40 years in the wilderness this rite was not performed, but on entering God's land all were circumcised at Gilgal, when the reproach of Egypt was rolled away. Jos 5:2-9. Circumcision became a synonym for Israel, so that they could be spoken of as 'The circumcised,' and the heathen as 'The uncircumcised.' Jg 14:3; Eze 31:18; Ac 11:3. Contrary to the design of God, circumcision became a mere formal act, when the covenant itself was disregarded, and God then speaks of Israel as having 'uncircumcised hearts.' Stephen charged the Jewish council with being 'uncircumcised in heart and ears.' Le 26:41; Ac 7:51. In Rom. 4. Abraham is shown to be 'The father of circumcision,' that is, of all that believe as the truly separated people of God.

Hence circumcision is typical of the putting off the body of the flesh by those who accept the cross as the end of all flesh, because Christ was there cut off as to the flesh: see Col 2:11: "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;" and again, "We are the circumcision which worship God by the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Php 3:3. "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth." Col 3:5'.

The New Testament definition of the phrase The circumcision made without hands is: 'The spiritually cutting away of the fleshly parts of our heart and soul'. Therefore, the New Testament definition of the word circumcise is; 'To cut off the foreskin of males. To cut off the foreskin of males. A physical ceremony which shows spiritual agreement to cut away of the fleshly parts of our heart and soul. Religiously, it is symbolic submission to God done God's way'.

This physical act was to be symbolic of spiritual submission to God of the head of the household and of the agreement to have all within the house also submit to God. Since the head of the household is supposed to be male, God specifically choose an act which is only possible for males to do without a perversion of the symbol. Please note that Abraham also had all of the males circumcised, and NO females, to show that all of his household would also submit to God and that he did God's symbolic act God's way with not perversion added. In the church age, baptism has replaced circumcision as the symbolic act of submission to Christ. Since Christ deals with each of us personally, and not just through the head of the household as God did in other times, each saved person is to personally be baptized. The functional usage as presented in our chapter is: 'symbolic submission to God done God's way'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word Circumcision as: 'General References to: Ge 17:10,14; Jos 5:3; Ac 15:1; 16:3; 1Co 7:18; Ga 2:3; 5:2; 6:12. Spiritual: De 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; Ro 2:29; Col 2:11. The Name sometimes given to the Jews: Ac 10:45; 11:2; Ro 3:30; 4:9; Ga 2:9; Col 4:11'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word Circumcision as: 'Instituted by God: Ge 17:9-10. Described: Ge 17:11; Ex 4:25. Enforced by the law: Le 12:3; Joh 7:22. CALLED the: Covenant of circumcision: Ac 7:8. Circumcision in the flesh: Eph 2:11. Concision: Php 3:2. A painful and bloody rite: Ex 4:26; Jos 5:8. Promises to Abraham previous t: Ro 4:9,13. A seal of the covenant: Ge 17:11; Ro 4:11. Introductory Jewish sacrament: Ga 5:3. Outward sign of: Ro 2:28. Inward grace: Ro 2:29. Necessary to enjoying the privileges of the Jewish Church: Ex 12:48; Eze 44:7. WAS PERFORMED: On males home-born and bought: Ge 17:12-13. On the eighth day: Ge 17:12; Le 12:3. Even on the sabbath day: Joh 7:22-23. With knives of flint: Ex 4:25; Jos 5:3 (marg.). By the heads of families: Ge 17:23; Ex 4:25. By persons in authority: Jos 5:3. In the presence of the family, etc: Lu 1:58-61. Accompanied with naming the child: Ge 21:3-4. First performed on Abraham and his family: Ge 17:24-27. Not performed in the wilderness: Jos 5:5. Performed by Joshua at Gilgal: Jos 5:2,7. Punishment for neglecting: Ge 17:14; Ex 4:24,26. Without faith, vain: Ro 3:30; Ga 5:6. Without obedience, vain: Ro 2:25; 1Co 7:19. The JEWS: Denominated by: Ac 10:45; Ga 2:9. Held it unlawful to intermarry with those not of the: Ge 34:14; Jg 14:3. Held no intercourse with those not of the: Ac 10:28; 11:3; Ga 2:12. Despised as unclean those not of the: 1Sa 14:6; 17:26; Mt 15:26-27. Sometimes performed on slain enemies: 1Sa 18:25-27; 2Sa 3:14. Abolished by the gospel: Eph 2:11,15. Performed on Timothy as a matter or expediency because of the Jews: Ac 16:3. Necessity of, denied by Paul: Ga 2:3-5. Necessity of, asserted by false teachers: Ac 15:24; Ga 6:12; Tit 1:10. Trusting to, a denial of Christ: Ga 3:3; 5:3-4. Paul denounced for opposing: Ac 21:21. Saints the true spiritual: Php 3:3; Col 2:11. ILLUSTRATIVE OF: Readiness to hear and obey: Jer 6:10. Purity of heart: De 10:16; 30:6. Purity of speech: Ex 6:12'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word Circumcision as: 'Institution of: Ge 17:10-14; Le 12:3; Joh 7:22; Ac 7:8; Ro 4:11. A seal of righteousness: Ro 2:25-29; 4:11. Performed on all males on the eighth day: Ge 17:12-13; Le 12:3; Php 3:5. Rite of, observed on the sabbath: Joh 7:23. A prerequisite of the privileges of the passover: Ex 12:48. Child named at the time of: Ge 21:3-4; Lu 1:59; 2:21. Neglect of, punished: Ge 17:14; Ex 4:24. Neglected: Jos 5:7. Covenant promises of: Ge 17:4-14; Ac 7:8; Ro 3:1; 4:11; 9:7-13; Ga 5:3. Necessity of, falsely taught by Judaizing Christians: Ac 15:1. Paul's argument against the continuance of: Ro 2:25,28; Ga 6:13. Characterized by Paul as a yoke: Ac 15:10. Abrogated: Ac 15:5-29; Ro 3:30; 4:9-11; 1Co 7:18-19; Ga 2:3-4; 5:2-11; 6:12; Eph 2:11,15; Col 2:11; 3:11. INSTANCES OF: Abraham: Ge 17:23-27; 21:3-4. Shechemites: Ge 34:24. Moses: Ex 4:25. Israelites at Gilgal: Jos 5:2-9. John the Baptist: Lu 1:59. Jesus: Lu 2:21. Paul: Php 3:5. Timothy: Ac 16:3. FIGURATIVE: Ex 6:12; De 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; 6:10; 9:26; Ro 2:28-29; 15:8; Php 3:3; Col 2:11; 3:11. A designation of the Jews: Ac 10:45; 11:2; Ga 2:9; Eph 2:11; Col 4:11; Tit 1:10. A designation of Christians: Php 3:3'.

We find forms of the word hand 2062 times in 1819 verses of the Bible, 286 times in 270 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence; 2:14; 2:21; 3:1 and 4:18. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C12S12 about the word hand. That note has the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary and also uses that definition to show why we can't use definitions from men's dictionaries when looking for the Biblical meaning of words. Fausset's Bible Dictionary gives us a more Biblically true definition which is: 'Symbol of skill, energy, and action. "Strength of hand." Also control. to "kiss the hand" expresses adoration (Job 31:27). "Fill one's hand" is consecrating him a priest (Ex 28:41 margin, Jg 17:5; 1Ki 13:33). to "lift up the hand" is to swear (Ge 14:22), the hand being raised in appeal to God above; also the attitude of benediction (Le 9:22). to "give the hand" assures of faithfulness and friendship (2Ki 10:15); also submission, "she hath given her hand," i.e. surrendered to her conqueror (Jer 50:15; La 5:6). the hand of God is His eternal purpose and executive power (Ac 4:28,30); His providential bounty (Ps 104:28); His firm hold preserving His saints (Joh 10:28-29; De 33:8). His "heavy hand," affliction (Ps 38:2).

God's "right hand" denotes His omnipotence. "The right hand," being more proficient than the left hand, is the place of honour (Ps 110:1; Mt 25:33), "The left" is the place of dishonour (Mt 26:64). the Hebrew in reckoning the four quarters faced the E. So "in front" or "before them" was E.; "at the back," or "behind," W.; "The right hand," S.; "The left hand," N. the accuser in a trial stood "at the right hand" of the accused, so Satan at Joshua's right hand (Zec 3:1; Ps 109:6); but the Advocate Messiah also is at the believer's "right hand," to defend his cause effectively (Ps 16:8; 109:31); therefore Paul could say (Ro 8:31,33-34), "If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." "The hand of the Lord on" the prophets is the Holy Spirit's extraordinary and powerful impulse, His felt impression inspiring them (1Ki 18:46; 2Ki 3:15; Ezr 1:3; 3:13). His "good hand upon" His people means His gracious help (Ne 2:8; Lu 1:66). "Laying on of hands" was usual in blessing; as the Lord Jesus blessing the infants (Mr 10:16), Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh (Ge 48:14); also in laying guilt and punishment upon persons accused (De 13:9; 17:7); also in constituting magistrates, as Moses did in appointing Joshua his successor (Nu 27:18); also setting apart the Levites (Nu 8:10).

Also the offerer put his hand upon the head of his burnt offering (Le 1:4), thereby identifying himself with it, and making it his representative to bear typically the death which his sin deserved. Also in ordaining ministers (Ac 6:6; 13:3; 1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6). the impartation of the Spirit was connected with the symbolical laying on of hands; "Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom, FOR Moses had laid his hands upon him" (De 34:9). the "gift" in Timothy was "BY (did,) the putting on of Paul's hands" as the chief instrument (2Ti 1:6), but "WITH (meta) the laying on of the hands of the presbytery," implying accompaniment rather than direct instrumentality.

Compare Ac 8:17; 9:17; 19:1-6; the apostles and others specially appointed by God had powers of miraculously conferring spiritual gifts and qualifications, such as have not been transmitted; so in confirming those already baptized. Bishops in confirming and ordaining now can only pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to be bestowed on the candidates, not give it'.

Please see the notes for Ephesians 4:22; Colossians C3S7 about the phrase put off. The New Testament definition is: 'remove from our external expression of life'. Please also see the notes for Romans 13:12; Romans 13:14; 1Corinthians 15:53-54; Ephesians 4:24; Ephesians 6:11; Colossians 3:10-14; Colossians 3:12; Galatians 3:27 about the phrase put on. Please also see the note for Galatians 3:27 about the phrase put on Christ.

please see the notes for C1-S4 about the word body. The New Testament definition is: ''The frame of an animal; the material substance of an animal, in distinction from the living principle of beasts, and the soul of man. Please also see the note for Romans C7S30 about the word body. Please see the note for Colossians C1S6 about the body of Christ. In the Bible, the phrase body of Christ is used for the church which is, supposed to be, the physical bodies used by Christ to do His work in this world.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word sin. The New Testament definition is: 'a violation of God's law'.

We find forms of the word buried 149 times in 140 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 8:21-22; Matthew 14:12; Matthew 27:7; Mark 14:8; Luke 9:59-60; Luke 16:22; John 12:7; John 19:40; Acts 2:29; Acts 5:6; Acts 5:9-10; Romans 6:4; 1Corinthians 15:4 and our current sentence. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines burry as: 'To deposit a deceased person in the grave; to inter a corpse; to entomb. 2. to cover with earth, as seed sown. 3. to hide; to conceal; to overwhelm; to cover with anything; as, to bury any one in the ruins of a city. 4. to withdraw or conceal in retirement; as, to bury one's self in a monastery or in solitude. 5. to commit to the water; to deposit in the ocean; as dead bodies buried in the deep. 6. to place one thing within another. Thy name so buried in her. 7. to forget and forgive; to hide in oblivion; as, to bury an injury. Tobury the hatchet, in the striking metaphorical language of American Indians, is to lay aside the instruments of war, forget injuries, and make peace'.

Please see the note for Romans C6S5 about the word baptism. It has links to every place that the Bible uses any form of this word organized according to each form. It also has a lot about the doctrine of baptism. Please also see the notes for John the Baptist; Matthew 3:3-LJC; Luke 1:5-LJC and John 1:25-LJC about John the Baptist. Please also see the Word Study on Baptism. Please also see the Messages called Basic doctrine of Baptism and Baptism Gets God's Mercy. The New Testament definition is: 'to be identified with another'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word baptism as: 'Of Believers, Enjoined: Mt 28:19; Mr 16:16; Joh 3:5; Ac 2:38; 10:48; 22:16. Significance of Baptism: Ro 6:3; 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27; Col 2:12; 1Pe 3:21. Examples of: Believers at Pentecost: Ac 2:41. Converts in Samaria: Ac 8:12. The Ethiopian Eunuch: Ac 8:38. Saul of Tarsus: Ac 9:18. Lydia of thyatira: Ac 16:15. Philippian Jailer and Household: Ac 16:33. Believers in Corinth: Ac 18:8. Ephesian Disciples: Ac 19:5. Of Christ: Mt 3:13; Mr 1:9; Lu 3:21. Administered by John the Baptist: Mt 3:6; 21:25; Mr 1:4; Lu 3:12; 7:29; Joh 1:26; 3:23; Ac 10:37; 13:24; 19:3'

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word baptism as: 'As administered by John: Mt 3:5-12; Joh 3:23; Ac 13:24; 19:4. Sanctioned by Christ's submission to it: Mt 3:13-15; Lu 3:21. Adopted by Christ: Joh 3:22; 4:1-2. Appointed an ordinance of the Christian church: Mt 28:19-20. Tobe administered in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Mt 28:19. Water, the outward and visible sign in: Ac 8:36; 10:47. Regeneration, the inward and spiritual grace of: Joh 3:3,5-6. Remission of sins, signified by: Ac 2:38; 22:16. Unity of the Church effected by: 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27-28. Confession of sin necessary to: Mt 3:6. Repentance necessary to: Ac 2:38. Faith necessary to: Ac 8:37; 18:8. There is but one: Eph 4:5. ADMINISTERED TO: Individuals: Ac 8:38; 9:18. Households: Ac 16:15; 1Co 1:16. Emblematic of the influences of the Holy Ghost: Mt 3:11; Tit 3:5. Typified: 1Co 10:2; 1Pe 3:20-21.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost: foretold: Eze 36:25. Is through Christ: Tit 3:6. Christ administered: Mt 3:11; Joh 1:33. Promised to saints: Ac 1:5; 2:38; 11:16. All saints partake of: 1Co 12:13. Necessity for: Joh 3:5; Ac 19:2-6. Renews and cleanses the soul: Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:20-21. The word of God instrumental to: Ac 10:44; Eph 5:26. Typified: Ac 2:1-4'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word baptism as: 'JOHN'S: Mt 3:5-8,11,13-16; 21:25; Mr 1:4-5,8-10; 11:30; Lu 3:7-8,12,21; 7:29-30; 20:4; Joh 1:25-26,28,31,33; 3:23; 10:40; Ac 1:5,22; 10:37; 11:16; 19:3-4. CHRISTIAN: Mt 28:19; Mr 16:16; Joh 3:5,22; 4:1-2; Ac 1:5,22; 2:38,41; 8:12-13,16,36-38; 9:18; 10:46-48; 16:14-15,33; 18:8,25; 19:4-5; 22:16; Ro 6:3-4; 1Co 1:13-17; 10:1-2; 12:13; 15:29; Ga 3:27; Eph 4:5; 5:26; Col 2:12; Heb 6:2; 1Pe 3:18,21. of the HOLY SPIRIT: Isa 44:3; Joe 2:28-29; Zec 12:10; Mt 3:11,16; Mr 1:8; Lu 3:16,22; 24:49; Joh 1:32-33; 3:5; Ac 1:5; 2:1-4,38,41; 8:15-17; 10:38,44-45,47; 11:15-16; 19:2,6; 1Co 12:13; Tit 3:5-6; 1Pe 3:20-21'.

We find forms of the word rise 513 times in 500 verses of the Bible, 221 times in 215 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 3:1. Please see the note for John 20:2-LJC about the risen Jesus is Lord. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines rise as: 'to move to pass upward in any manner; to ascend; as, a fog rises from a river or from low ground; a fish rises in water; fowls rise in the air; clouds rise from the horizon towards the meridian; a balloon rises above the clouds. 2. to get up; to leave the place of sleep or rest; as, to rise from bed. 3. to get up or move from any recumbent to an erect posture; as, to rise after a fall. 4. to get up from a seat; to leave a sitting posture; as, to rise from a sofa or chair. 5. to spring; to grow; as a plant; hence, to be high or tall. A tree rises to the height of 60 feet. 6. to swell in quantity or extent; to be more elevated; as, a river rises after a rain. 7. to break forth; to appear; as, a boil rises on the skin. 8. to appear above the horizon; to shine; as, the sun or a star rises. He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good. Matt. 5. 9. to begin to exist; to originate; to come into being or notice. Great evils sometimes rise from small imprudences. 10. to be excited; to begin to move or act; as, the wind rose at 12 o'clock. 11. to increase in violence. the wind continued to rise till 3 o'clock. 12. to appear in view; as, to rise up to the reader's view. 13. to appear in sight; also, to appear more elevated; as in sailing towards a shore, the land rises. 14. to change a station; to leave a place; as, to rise from a siege. 15. to spring; to be excited or produced. A thought now rises in my mind. 16. to gain elevation in rank, fortune or public estimation; to be promoted. Men may rise by industry, by merit, by favor, or by intrigue. Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall. When the wicked rise, men hide themselves. Prov. 28. 17. to break forth into public commotions; to make open opposition to government; or to assemble and oppose government; or to assemble in arms for attacking another nation. the Greeks have risen against their oppressors. No more shall nation against nation rise. 18. to be excited or roused into action. Rise up to the battle. Jer. 49. 19. to make a hostile attack; as when a man riseth against his neighbor. Deut. 22. Also, to rebel. 2Sam. 18. 20. to increase; to swell; to grow more or greater. A voice, feeble at first, rises to thunder. the price of good rises. the heat rises to intensity. 21. to be improved; to recover from depression; as, a family may rise after misfortune to opulence and splendor. 22. to elevate the style or manner; as, to rise in force of expression; to rise in eloquence. 23. to be revived from death. The dead in Christ shall rise first. 1Thess. 4. 24. to come by chance. 25. to ascend; to be elevated above the level or surface; as, the ground rises gradually one hundred yards. the Andes rise more than 20,000 feet above the level of the ocean; a mountain in Asia is said to rise still higher. 26. to proceed from. A scepter shall rise out of Israel. Numbers 24. 27. to have its sources in. Rivers rise in lakes, ponds and springs. 28. to be moved, roused, excited, kindled or inflamed, as passion. His wrath rose to rage. 29. to ascend in the diatonic scale; as, to rise a tone or semitone. 30. to amount. the public debt rises to a hundred million. 31. to close a session. We say, congress will rise on the 4th of March; the legislature or the court will rise on a certain day. This verb is written also arise, which see. In general, it is indifferent which orthography is used; but custom has, in some cases, established one to the exclusion of the other. thus, we never say, the price of goods arises, when we mean advanced, but we always say, the price rises. We never say, the ground arises to a certain altitude, and rarely, a man arises into an office or station. It is hardly possible to class or define the cases in which usage has established a difference in the orthography of this verb.
RISE, n. rise. 1. the act of rising, either in a literal or figurative sense; ascent; as the rise of vapor in the air; the rise of mercury in the barometer; the rise of water in a river. 2. the act of springing or mounting from the ground; as the rise of the feet in leaping. 3. Ascent; elevation, or degree of ascent; as the rise of a hill or mountain. 4. Spring; source; origin; as the rise of a stream in a mountain. All sin has its rise in the heart. 5. Any place elevated above the common level; as a rise of land. 6. Appearance above the horizon; as the rise of the sun or a star. 7. Increase; advance; as a rise in the price of wheat. 8. Advance in rank, honor, property or fame. Observe a man after his rise to office, or a family after its rise from obscurity. 9. Increase of sound on the same key; a swelling of the voice. 10. Elevation or ascent of the voice in the diatonic scale; as a rise of a tone or semitone. 11. Increase; augmentation'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C15S32 about raise / resurrection. Please also see the Prophecies and Prophecy Fulfilled Sections for Bible references to resurrection. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the resurrection of Christ. Please also see the note for Romans C8S11 about the resurrection of Jesus.

We find forms of the word operation only in: Psalms 28:5; Isaiah 5:12; 1Corinthians 12:6 and our current sentence. Please see the note for 1Corinthians 12:6 for the definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'complete. Col 3:11; Joh 1:16; 1Co 1:30-31; Ga 3:26-29; Heb 5:9. The head. Col 1:16-18; Eph 1:20-23; 4:15-16; Php 2:9-11; 1Pe 3:22; Re 5:9-13 exp: 1Pe 2:7.
(verse 11)
whom. De 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; Ro 2:29; Php 3:3. without. Mr 14:58; Ac 7:48; 17:24; 2Co 5:1; Eph 2:11; Heb 9:11,24. in putting. Col 3:8-9; Ro 6:6; Eph 4:22. by. Lu 2:21; 2Co 5:17; Ga 2:20; 4:4-5; Eph 2:10-18exp: 1Co 12:13.
(verse 12)
Buried. Ro 6:4-5. baptism. Ro 6:3; 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27; Eph 4:5; Tit 3:5-6; Heb 6:2; 1Pe 3:21. wherein. Col 3:1-2; Ro 6:8-11; 7:4; 1Co 15:20; Eph 1:20; 2:4-6; 5:14; 1Pe 4:1-3. The faith. Lu 17:5 (Gr) Joh 1:12-13; 3:3-7; Ac 14:27; Eph 1:19; 2:8; 3:7,17; Php 1:29; Heb 12:2; Jas 1:16-17. who. Ac 2:24; Ro 4:24; Heb 13:20-21'.

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C2-S8 (Verse 13-15) Spiritual things that God removed from our life with salvation.

Step One: God removed the control of sin so that we could respond to His life.

And you,
being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
hath he quickened together with him,
having forgiven you all trespasses;.

Step Two: God removed the legal record of our sin so that the record couldn't be used against us.

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;.

Step three: God removed control of us from all other spiritual beings.

And having spoiled principalities and powers,
he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it.

in this sentence, we are promised that we will be quickened ('made spiritually alive') together with Christ, and receive forgiveness for sins done after our initial salvation, if we are dead in our sins. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

This sentence is the third of 3 reasons to Beware (see verse 8 above). Our first reason was God's Plan which is that He put everything in Christ Jesus the Lord. Our second reason was that God removed things from our physical life which were causing us to sin and receive the consequences of sin. Now, our third reason is that God also removed things from our spiritual life so that He could remove the consequences of sin. We are told that in Christ destroyed the control of those spiritual things. God did this in three steps.

The first step of this process is when we first received salvation and it has four parts. On the first part we see And you. The And adds this to prior sentences and lets us know that this is one of the reasons that we need to Beware. Specifically, we are now subject to punishment that we were not subject to before we became sons of God (Hebrews 12:1-8). Secondly, Paul uses you instead of the personal ye because when we were lost we did not have a personal relationship with God. In the second part of this step we are reminded of our lost condition. We could not respond to God (being dead in your sins) and we were not separated from our sin and the corruption of sin (being dead in...The uncircumcision of your flesh). In the third part of this step we are reminded of God made us spiritually alive at our salvation (Please see below for quickened). In the fourth part of this step we are reminded of the forgiveness that came with our salvation.

The permutations of quicken in the New Testament are in (John 5:21; 6:63; Romans 4:17; 8:11; 1Corinthians 15:36; 45; Ephesians 2:1; 5; Colossians 2:13; 1Timothy 6:13; 1Peter 3:18). [Please see the note for Romans 8:11 which has links to every verse which use any form of quicken and provides a note on how the word is used in each verse.] Basically, quicken means to 'being made spiritually alive and responsive to the Spirit of God in our physical life'. As we spiritually mature we are supposed to be more spiritually alive and responsive to the Spirit of God than we were when we first made our initial profession. Thus, quickening is part of our ongoing relationship with in Christ. Please click on the links of this paragraph to go to other notes which explain how the Bible uses quickened. The notes for Ephesians have a lot of details and explain how we are quickened together with Christ. As we have seen throughout this Study, things that are with Christ are part of our ongoing personal relationship with God. In addition, the note for Romans explains that this is the fifth Step in a five Step plan that God has for our salvation by having us walk in the faith of Abraham.

in this step we see things that are part of our being quickened. They are:

being dead: this was our spiritual state which was changed when we were quickened.
uncircumcision of your flesh: being quickened separated us from control by our flesh.
together with him: we were joined to God when we were quickened.
forgiven you all trespasses: trespasses don't require quickening (changed life) but sins do.
triumphing over them in it: quickening gives us the triumph over the world, our flesh and the devil.

In our second step we have four parts to God removing the legal record of our sin. The first part deals with God actually removing the legal record and the note for 1John 4:3 explains this part. The second part says that this criminal record was contrary to us. That is: it fought against us trying to serve God. It caused an attitude of 'Why bother? I'm condemned to Hell anyway'. But when God removed the record we no longer had a reason for the attitude. The third part says that God took it out of the way which means it no longer stopped us from serving God. The fourth part says that He nailed it (The record of our sins) to his cross. All we have to do is look at the cross to see our sin debt paid for. Basically, our second step tells us that after God saved us He removed any obstacle that would keep us from serving Him.

Please note something before we move on. Many people look at this sentence and believe that since God was Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, they can keep on sinning. Romans 6 was written specifically to dispel this doctrinal error. God requires us to confess and forsake sins in order to have them forgiven (Proverbs 28:13; 1John 1:9). Notice that our sentence uses the word blotting, which is an ongoing action. God did not forgive all sins, past, present and future' but He declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past (Romans 3:25). Forgiveness of sins by God for His children is an ongoing process and it is ongoing because He does not blot out the handwriting of ordinances until His children agree to 'stop their sinning'. Any sins not dealt with before we get to the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 13:1-5; 2Corinthians 5:10-11) will be dealt with there.

Please also see the Message called: Lessons from John the Baptist about what truly happened at our initial salvation.

Ephesians 2:1 says, trespasses and sins, which makes trespasses and sins two different things. There is a lot of doctrinal error which is taught based upon good people not recognizing this difference. We were dead in both but our current sentence tells us that Christ hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Notice that it says that Christ forgave all trespasses but does not mention sins. Sins are felony crimes against God's laws while all trespasses are misdemeanors. Trespasses are forgiven automatically but we must confess and forsake sins in order to have them forgiven (Proverbs 28:13; 1John 1:9). God treats trespasses and sins done by His children two different ways. While He ignores trespasses, He requires us to confess and forsake sins.

In our third step we have what He did before and during the resurrection. The word spoil speaks of taking things from a conquered enemy. (Please see the word definitions below.) the principalities and powers were devils which Jesus Christ defeated by Himself after He was taken into Hell. (See rob a strong man meaning that Jesus robbed Satan of the souls he was keeping out of heaven (Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21-22) and led captivity captive Ephesians 4:8). Jesus Christ took all of the Old Testament saints out of paradise and led them to heaven where they could not go until Jesus Christ paid for their sins and redeemed them from the power of Satan.

In addition, this Step tells us that He made a shew of them openly. This is speaking of the dead saints walking in the streets of Jerusalem after the resurrection (Matthew 27:51-53) where there was an open witness of the resurrection to all in Jerusalem in spite of the ministers of Satan (religious and government) trying to hide the fact of the resurrection from the dead.

He made a shew of them openly so that we could deny their lies and false claims of control over us. (Please see the note for Romans 8:38-30 for links to where the Bible uses principalities and powers along with providing definitions.) 1Corinthians 15:55 says O death, where is thy sting? of grave, where is thy victory?. It is only part of 1Corinthians 15:53-58 and the reader is urged to read those verses in light of this step which tells us about God removing spiritual things which would keep us from serving Him.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word sin. The New Testament definition is: 'a violation of God's law'.

Please see the note for 2:10-12 about the word circumcision. That note has links to several other places where forms of this word are dealt with along with a discussion of the word, the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. The spiritual application during the church age is: 'cutting away the sins and influence of the flesh by Christ in the lives of saved people'.' Please see the note for Acts 7:51 about the word uncircumcised. Please also see the note for Romans C4S13 about the word circumcision and the word uncircumcision.

The word quicken was already dealt with in this note (see above).

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:7 about the word forgive. The New Testament definition is: 'To pardon; to remit, as an offense or debt; to overlook an offense, and treat the offender as not guilty. There is doctrinal error taught about this word. We are to forgive trespasses and not required to forgive felonies. In addition, God does not forgive the person who refuses to truly repent nor does He require us to forgive such a person'. The word forgiven is: 'The past-tense form of the word forgive'.

We find forms of the word trespass 111 times in 94 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:15; Matthew 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 17:3-4; 2Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 2:1 and our current sentence. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines trespass as: 'Literally, to pass beyond; hence primarily, to pass over the boundary line of another's land; to enter unlawfully upon the land of another. A man may trespass by walking over the ground of another, and the law gives a remedy for damages sustained. 2. to commit any offense or to do any act that injures or annoys another; to violate any rule of rectitude to the injury of another. If any man shall trespass against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him-- 1 Kings 8. See Luke 17. 3. and 4. 3. In a moral sense, to transgress voluntarily any divine law or command; to violate any known rule of duty. In the time of his disease did he trespass yet more. 2 Chron.28. We have trespassed against our God. Ezra 10. 4. to intrude; to go too far; to put to inconvenience by demand or importunity; as, to trespass upon the time or patience of another.
TRES'PASS, n. In law, violation of another's rights, not amounting to treason, felony, or misprision of either. thus, to enter another's close, is a trespass; to attack his person is a trespass. When violence accompanies the act, it is called a trespass vi et armis. 1. Any injury or offense done to another. If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matt.6. 2. Any voluntary transgression of the moral law; any violation of a known rule of duty; sin. Col.2. You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. Eph.2'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word trespass as: 'General scriptures concerning: Ex 22:9. Of an ox: Ex 21:28-36. Of a brother: Mt 18:15-18; Lu 17:3-4. A creditor must not enter a debtor's house to seize a pledge: De 24:10'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides links for trespass offering as: 'Esteemed as a sin offering, and frequently so called: Le 5:6,9. ToBE OFFERED: forconcealing knowledge of a crime: Le 5:1. Forinvoluntarily touching unclean things: Le 5:2-3. Forrash swearing: Le 5:4. Forsins of ignorance in holy things: Le 5:15. Forany sin of ignorance: Le 5:17. Forbreach of trust, or fraud: Le 6:2-5. Was a most holy offering: Le 14:13. CONSISTED OF: A she lamb or kid: Le 5:6. A ram without blemish: Le 5:15; 6:6. Two turtle doves by those unable to bring a lamb: Le 5:7-10. A meat offering by the very poor: Le 5:11-13. Being for minor offences was lessened for the poor, not so the sin offering: Le 5; 4. Atonement made by: Le 5:6,10,13,16; 6:7; 19:22. Accompanied by confession: Le 5:5. Generally accompanied by restitution: Le 5:16; 6:5. Tobe slain where the sin offering and burnt offering were slain: Le 14:13; Eze 40:39. Sometimes waved alive before the Lord: Le 14:12-13. SPECIAL OCCASIONS OF OFFERING: Cleansing of a leper: Le 14:2,12-14,21-22. Purification of women: Le 12:6-8. Purification of those with issues: Le 15:14-15. Purification of Nazarites who had broken their vow: Nu 6:12. Forconnection with a betrothed bondmaid: Le 19:20-22. Was the perquisites of the priest: Le 14:13; Eze 44:29. Illustrative of Christ: Isa 53:10; Eze 46:20'.

We find forms of the word blot in: Exodus 32:32-33; Numbers 5:23; Deuteronomy 9:14; Deuteronomy 25:19; Deuteronomy 29:20; 2Kings 14:27; Nehemiah 4:5; Job 31:7; Psalms 51:1; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 69:28; Psalms 109:13-14; Proverbs 9:7; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:22; Jeremiah 18:23; Acts 3:19; our current sentence and Revelation 3:5. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines blot as: 'a stain or reproach (Job 31:7; Pr 9:7). to blot out sin is to forgive it (Ps 51:1,9; Isa 44:22; Ac 3:19). Christ's blotting out the handwriting of ordinances was his fulfilling the law in our behalf (Col 2:14)'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12; Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. It provides several links, a definition from a Bible dictionary and a warning against just accepting definitions from dictionaries written by men. The New Testament definition is: 'Symbol of skill, energy, and action'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase The right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'.

We find forms of the word write 429 times in 400 verses of the Bible, 207 times in 194 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and the comment added by the translators to the end of this epistle. Please see the notes for Romans C15S13; 2Corinthians C1S7; Galatians C3-S12; John 20:31-LJC about the word write. In particular, please see the note for John 20:31-LJC about what is written as the Bible 'plan of salvation'. Please see the notes for Prove; Ephesians C1S3 and Romans C3S15 about the phrase it is written. Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The New Testament definition is: 'To form by a pen on paper or other material, or by a graver on wood or stone; as, to write the characters called letters or numbers'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word write as: 'General References to: Ex 31:18; 32:16; De 10:4; 31:24; 1Ch 28:19; 2Ch 2:11; 36:22; Ezr 6:18; Isa 38:9; Da 5:5. On the Heart: Pr 3:3; 7:3; Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10'.

We find forms of the word ordain /ordinance 101 times in 97 verses of the Bible, 33 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 2:20. Please see the note for Romans 13:2 for links to every place in the New Testament where the word ordinance is used, along with the definition from Webster's 1828 . Please also see the notes for Romans C7S14 and 1Corithi and C7S20. The New Testament definition is: 'Appointed; instituted; established; invested with ministerial or pastoral functions; settled'.

Please see the note for Galatians 5:17 about the word contrary. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Opposite; adverse; moving against or in an opposite direction; as contrary winds'. Please also see the note for Gallatians 2:6-9 about the word contrariwise. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:3 about the word contradiction. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Oppositely; on the other hand'.

We find forms of the word way occurring 869 times in 788 verses of the Bible, 157 times in 148 verses of the New Testament, but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C4S17 for links from other commentators related to this word. Please see the note for Psalms 119:1 for links to verses which use forms of the word way within that Psalm and for the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. Within that note, way was defined as: 'How we get from our present condition/place in life to the time that we face the judgment of God upon our life'.

We find forms of the word nail 21 times in 19 verses of the Bible but only in our current sentence and in John 20:25 within the New Testament. Within John, thomas is saying what it will take to make him believe in the resurrection. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines nailing as: 'Fastening with nails; studding'.

Please see the note for 2:8 about the word spoil. The New Testament definition is: 'To plunder; to strip by violence; to rob; with of; as, to spoil one of his goods or possessions'.

Please see the note for 1:9-17 about the word principalities. The New Testament definition is: 'Sovereignty; supreme power; A prince and the territory of a prince'.

The only forms of the word show, within the Bible, is the word showers. The word shew is the Biblical spelling for what is commonly spelled show today. We find forms of the word shew 432 times in 401 verses of the Bible, 124 times in 120 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 2:23. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines show as: 'to exhibit or present to the view of others. Go thy way, show thyself to the priest. Matt. 8. 2. to afford to the eye or to notice; to contain in a visible form. Nor want we skill of rart, from whence to raise Magnificence; and what can heaven show more? Milton. 3. to make or enable to see. 4. to make or enable to perceive. 5. to make to know; to cause to understand; to make known; to teach or inform. Know, I am sent to show thee what shall come in future days. Milton. 6. to prove; to manifest. I'll show my duty by my timely care. Dryden. 7. 'to inform; to teach; with of. The time cometh when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. John 16. 8. to point out, as a guide. Thou shalt show them the way in which they must walk. Ex. 18. 9. to bestow; to confer; to afford; as, to show favor or mercy on any person. 10. to prove by evidence, testimony or authentic registers or documents. They could not show their father's house. Ezra 2. 11. to disclose; to make known. I durst not show mine opinion. Job. 32. 12. to discover; to explain; as, to show a dream or interpretation'.

We find forms of the word triumph in: Exodus 15:1; Exodus 15:21; 2Samuel 1:20; Job 20:5; Psalms 25:2; Psalms 41:11; Psalms 47:1; Psalms 60:8; Psalms 92:4; Psalms 94:3; Psalms 106:47; Psalms 108:9; 2Corinthians 2:14 and our current sentence. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines triumphing as: 'Celebrating victory with pomp; vanquishing; rejoicing for victory; insulting on an advantage'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'dead. Eze 37:1-10; Lu 9:60; 15:24,32; Ro 6:13; 2Co 5:14-15; Eph 2:1,5-6; 5:14; 1Ti 5:6; Heb 6:1; 9:14; Jas 2:17,20,26. The uncircumcision. Eph 2:11. he. Ps 71:20; 119:50; Joh 5:21; 6:63; Ro 4:17; 8:11; 1Co 15:36,45; 2Co 3:6 (margin) 1Ti 6:13. having. Ps 32:1; Isa 1:18; 55:7; Jer 31:34; Ac 13:38-39; 2Co 5:19; Heb 8:10-12; 1Jo 1:7-9; 2:12.
(verse 14)
Blotting. Nu 5:23; Ne 4:5; Ps 51:1,9; Isa 43:25; 44:22; Ac 3:19. The handwriting. Col 2:20; Es 3:12; 8:8; Da 5:7-8; Lu 1:6; Ga 4:1-4; Eph 2:14-16; Heb 7:18; 8:13; 9:9-10; 10:8-9.
(verse 15)
having. Ge 3:15; Ps 68:18; Isa 49:24-25; 53:12; Mt 12:29; Lu 10:18; 11:22; Joh 12:31; 16:11; Eph 4:8; Heb 2:14; Re 12:9; 20:2-3,10. principalities. Col 1:16; 2Co 4:4; Eph 6:12. triumphing. Lu 23:39-43; Joh 12:32; 19:30; Ac 2:23-24,32-36. in it. or, in himself'.

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C2-S9 (Verse 16-17) the first practical application of doctrine in this chapter.

Equivalent Section: Let no man judge you in religious acts.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat,
or in drink,
or in respect of an holyday,
or of the new moon,
or of the sabbath days:.

Equivalent Section: Act according to your personal relationship with in Christ.

Which are a shadow of things to come;
but the body is of Christ.

in this sentence, we are promised that we will be free from religious rules if we personally are dead with Christ. Please also see Doctrinal Studies called Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events for links to promises given for the 'Church Age'.

Paul has been giving us doctrine up until this point in the chapter. Doctrine is general and applies to us all and gives us the spiritual perspective, but it still has to be applied to our specific lives and that takes the guidance if in Christ. Therefore, starting in this sentence, in Christ will work through Paul and show us how to apply this doctrine in our lives. The first practical application is instruction to not go back to religious laws which tell you that you're doing wrong. Instead, let in Christ control your physical and spiritual life.

This sentence starts with Let no man therefore, which means that the action which we are to prevent is a direct consequence of what was said immediately before this sentence. In the prior sentences of this chapter we have seen Christ Jesus the Lord is used once and in Christ is used by itself four additional times. This is probably one of the most concentrated use of the name of in Christ in the Bible. Paul started out this chapter telling us that he was conflicted because false religious teachers would come in and lead us a different way that in Christ was leading us. (That makes them antichrists. Please see the Study called False things According to the Bible for links to where the Bible talks about antichrists and similar things.) Paul then told us of things that are only received if we are in Christ and he warned us to not follow the methods of religious error such as enticing words, philosophy and vain deceit, tradition of men, rudiments of the world etc. Paul told us how God provided for our changed life after our initial profession and how God removed anything that would interfere with our following after Christ. The only thing that God did not do, and will not do like sin does, is take away our free will. Paul is telling us 'Here is how you walk in the new life' but we must personally choose to obey because God will not force us to obey. The first step in following after Christ is to stop following after religious traditions. However, if we do that religious men will judge us as being non-spiritual because we don't have their outward show of religion. Paul warns us to not let them do that.

in this sentence Paul is saying to not let any man judge you or say that you're not saved or that you're not spiritual because you're not keeping their religious laws, traditions or holy days. He says that this instruction is based upon what he just said (therefore). That is, Paul warned us to Beware of religious lies in 2:8; then gave us three reasons to Beware in 2:9; 2:10-12 and in 2:13-15. Paul knows from personal experience (he is in jail about to lose his head) that when we give up religious rules to personally obey in Christ that false religious leaders will judge you and claim that you aren't spiritual and are disobeying God because you aren't obeying his orders that he claims come from God. He has to do this to protect his worldly position. If he doesn't attack you and make you out to be following a devil then others will question his claim to be speaking for God.

Look at the book of Galatians and other places like where law is used in Romans. Those places teach us that obeying the Mosaic Law goes against following the personal leading of in Christ. False religious leaders of today say 'We're not following the law!' but they then make up their own laws. Standards for the church that God put them in charge of is one thing but trying to force their laws upon people that God did not put under them is different. Peter and Barnabas were fooled into following religious Law (Galatians 2) even after Peter knew better. The people who convinced Peter to have Gentiles follow the Mosaic Law were not part of the church that Barnabas was pastor to. If we're not careful we will be fooled and even if we aren't fooled, then the religious leader will try to judge us because we are following in Christ and not religious rules that everyone can see.

Paul goes on to tell us that the religious rules, including the Mosaic Law, are a shadow of things to come. Please also see Hebrews 10 and Galatians 3 and the associated notes which tell us that the Law was a schoolmaster to be obeyed until we became a full son in in Christ. The Law was given to teach us what was acceptable behaviour. For example, most parents will tell a child everything to do to straighten up their room but will expect a teen to know what to do without detail instructions.

Paul goes on to tells us that The body is of Christ. Just as we have personal control over our body from our mind, so also is in Christ supposed to have personal control over the church and over the individual. Both the church body (Colossians 1:18; 1:24; this sentence; 2:19; 3:15) and our individual bodies (1Corinthians 3:17) are to be directed by in Christ. This type of personal direction from in Christ requires spiritual maturity after profession because the newly saved people are just trying to learn basic rules. Also, the personal directions from in Christ will vary from person to person. (Otherwise they would not be personal.) In Colossians, body is used to represent the church, which is the body of Christ. We see the same thing taught in 1Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 1:23; 2:16; 3:6; 4:4; 12; 16; 5:23; 30. The word of is defined as 'belongs to'. Forlinks to other verses which use the phrase of Christ, please follow this link.

If we are following religious rules from men we are not following in Christ. If we are doing that we are interfering with His personal control of His body just like a stroke would interfere with our personal control of our personal body. We are warned to not give the body of in Christ the effects of a stroke.

Please see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; 1Corinthians 1:10 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the word judge. Please also see the notes for Romans C2S2 and Philippians 1:9-11 about the word judgment. Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the earth. Please also see the notes for Romans 14:8-LJC and 2Thessalonians 1:9-LJC about the phrase judgment without mercy. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C4S5 about the phrase we are to judge. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Ephesians C5S6 about the phrase judgment by us. Please also see the notes for Matthew 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 18:12; Acts 18:16-17; Acts 25:6; Acts 25:10; Acts 25:17 and James 2:6 about the phrase judgment seat. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S16; 2Corinthians 5:10 about the phrase judgment Seat of Christ. Our current sentence is the only place in Colossians where We find this word. This word is the source of a lot of doctrinal error and the note for 1Corinthians 1:10 deals with that doctrinal error.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C6S19; Hebrews 13:8-LJC and Philippians 2:25 about the word meat. Our current sentence is the only place in Colossians where We find this word. The New Testament definition is: ' Food in general; anything eaten for nourishment, either by man or beast'. While foods are not considered important in many religions today, diet is still controlled by many religions and the Bible has much to say about food. However, the use of the word meat or drink, in our current context, can be applied to any non-sinful religious physical restriction which claims to have a spiritual basis for the restriction. While religions claim that violating their restrictions is sin, the only true Biblical restrictions, for the Church-Age saved person, is given in Acts 15:20.

This is the only place in Colossians where we find the word drink. It is dealt with in the paragraph above. Please also see the note for Mark 14:23 about the word drink / drank. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The drinks of the Hebrews were water, wine, "strong drink," and vinegar. their drinking vessels were the cup, goblet or "basin," the "cruse" or pitcher, and the saucer. Todrink water by measure (Eze 4:11), and to buy water to drink (La 5:4), denote great scarcity. to drink blood means to be satiated with slaughter. The Jews carefully strained their drinks through a sieve, through fear of violating the law of Le 11:20,23,41-42. (See Mt 23:24. "Strain at" should be "strain out.")'. The symbolic meaning was well understood in the ancient cultures and is still considered significant by many religions of today.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:6 about the word respect. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where We find this word along with a definition and links from other commentators. The New Testament definition is: 'To regard; to have regard to in design or purpose'.'

Our current sentence and Psalms 42:4 are the only places in the Bible where we find the word holyday. Many religions claim different holydays, but the fact that the sabbath days are attached by our sentence, and that they are not kept in the Church-Age, tell us that God has put them aside and that we are not bound to them. Please see the note for Matthew 12:8-LJC about how the word sabbath is used within the Gospels. Recall that one of the things which the religious rulers were most offended about was how Jesus refused to follow their rules about the sabbath days.

While many modern religions make spiritual claims about a sabbath, I know of none which do so about a new moon, which is also in our sentence with the same emphasis. The New Testament definition is: 'a day to rest from our work and fellowship with God'.

Smith's Bible Dictionary explains the new moon as: 'The first day of the lunar month was observed as a holy day. In addition, to the daily sacrifice there were offered two young bullocks, a ram and seven lambs of the first year as a burnt offering, with the proper meat offerings and drink offerings, and a kid as a sin offering.

Nu 28:11-15: As on the sabbath, trade and handicraft work were stopped,

Am 8:5: and the temple was opened for public worship.

Isa 66:23; Eze 46:3: the trumpets were blown at the offering of the special sacrifices for the day, as on the solemn festivals.

Nu 10:10; Ps 81:3: It was an occasion for state banquets.

1Sa 20:5-24 In later, if not in earlier, times fasting was intermitted at the new moons. Judith 8:6. the new moons are generally mentioned so as to show that they were regarded as a peculiar class of holy days, distinguished from the solemn feasts and the sabbaths.

1Ch 29:30; 2Ch 2:4; 8:13; 31; 3; Ezr 3:5; Ne 10:33; Eze 45:17

The seventh new moon of the religious year, being that of Tisri, commenced the civil year, and had a significance and rites of its own. It was a day of holy convocation. the religious observance of the day of the new moon may plainly be regarded as the consecration of a natural division of time'.

We find forms of the word sabbath 172 times in 147 verses of the Bible, 60 times in 55 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. As I recall from an earlier study, there are about 50 sabbath days which are in addition to Saturday. Many religious people of today which talk about Saturday being the sabbath Day are ignorant of these other Biblical sabbath days. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines sabbath as: '(Heb verb shabbath, meaning "to rest from labour"), the day of rest. It is first mentioned as having been instituted in Paradise, when man was in innocence (Ge 2:2). "The sabbath was made for man," as a day of rest and refreshment for the body and of blessing to the soul. It is next referred to in connection with the gift of manna to the children of Israel in the wilderness (Ex 16:23); and afterwards, when the law was given from Sinai (Ex 20:11), the people were solemnly charged to "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." thus, it is spoken of as an institution already existing.

In the Mosaic law strict regulations were laid down regarding its observance (Ex 35:2-3; Le 23:3; 26:34). these were peculiar to that dispensation.

In the subsequent history of the Jews frequent references are made to the sanctity of the sabbath (Isa 56:2,4,6-7; 58:13-14; Jer 17:20-22; Ne 13:19). In later times they perverted the sabbath by their traditions. Our Lord rescued it from their perversions, and recalled to them its true nature and intent (Mt 12:10-13; Mr 2:27; Lu 13:10-17).

The sabbath, originally instituted for man at his creation, is of permanent and universal obligation. the physical necessities of man require a sabbath of rest. He is so constituted that his bodily welfare needs at least one day in seven for rest from ordinary labour. Experience also proves that the moral and spiritual necessities of men also demand a sabbath of rest. "I am more and more sure by experience that the reason for the observance of the sabbath lies deep in the everlasting necessities of human nature, and that as long as man is man the blessedness of keeping it, not as a day of rest only, but as a day of spiritual rest, will never be annulled. I certainly do feel by experience the eternal obligation, because of the eternal necessity, of the sabbath. the soul withers without it. It thrives in proportion to its observance. the sabbath was made for man. God made it for men in a certain spiritual state because they needed it. the need, therefore, is deeply hidden in human nature. He who can dispense with it must be holy and spiritual indeed. And he who, still unholy and unspiritual, would yet dispense with it is a man that would fain be wiser than his Maker" (F. W. Robertson).

The ancient Babylonian calendar, as seen from recently recovered inscriptions on the bricks among the ruins of the royal palace, was based on the division of time into weeks of seven days. the sabbath is in these inscriptions designated Sabattu, and defined as "a day of rest for the heart" and "a day of completion of labour."

The change of the day. Originally at creation the seventh day of the week was set apart and consecrated as the sabbath. the first day of the week is now observed as the sabbath. Has God authorized this change? there is an obvious distinction between the sabbath as an institution and the particular day set apart for its observance. the question, therefore, as to the change of the day in no way affects the perpetual obligation of the sabbath as an institution. Change of the day or no change, the sabbath remains as a sacred institution the same. It cannot be abrogated.

If any change of the day has been made, it must have been by Christ or by his authority. Christ has a right to make such a change (Mr 2:23-28). As Creator, Christ was the original Lord of the sabbath (Joh 1:3; Heb 1:10). It was originally a memorial of creation. A work vastly greater than that of creation has now been accomplished by him, the work of redemption. We would naturally expect just such a change as would make the sabbath a memorial of that greater work.

True, we can give no text authorizing the change in so many words. We have no express law declaring the change. But there are evidences of another kind. We know for a fact that the first day of the week has been observed from apostolic times, and the necessary conclusion is, that it was observed by the apostles and their immediate disciples. this, we may be sure, they never would have done without the permission or the authority of their Lord.

After his resurrection, which took place on the first day of the week (Mt 28:1; Mr 16:2; Lu 24:1; Joh 20:1), we never find Christ meeting with his disciples on the seventh day. But he specially honoured the first day by manifesting himself to them on four separate occasions (Mt 28:9; Lu 24:34,18-33; Joh 20:19-23). Again, on the next first day of the week, Jesus appeared to his disciples (Joh 20:26).

Some have calculated that Christ's ascension took place on the first day of the week. And there can be no doubt that the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost was on that day (Ac 2:1). thus, Christ appears as instituting a new day to be observed by his people as the sabbath, a day to be henceforth known amongst them as the "Lord's day." the observance of this "Lord's day" as the sabbath was the general custom of the primitive churches, and must have had apostolic sanction (comp. Ac 20:3-7; 1Co 16:1-2) and authority, and so the sanction and authority of Jesus Christ.

The words "at her sabbaths" (La 1:7, A.V.) ought probably to be, as in the Revised Version, "at her desolations."'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word sabbath as: 'General References to: Ge 2:3; Ex 16:23; Ps 118:24; Mt 12:1,8; Mr 2:27; Heb 4:4. Keeping of, Enjoined: Ex 20:8; 31:15; 34:21; 35:3; Le 26:2; De 5:12; Ne 10:31; Isa 56:2; 58:13-14; Jer 17:21; Eze 44:24. Lawful to do Good Deeds on: Mt 12:12; Mr 6:2; Lu 6:6; Joh 5:9; 7:23; 9:14; Ac 16:13; 17:2; 18:4. Worship Celebrated on: the Divine Command: De 12:5; 16:16. Blessing Pronounced upon: Ps 84:4; 122:4. A Refuge in Times of Trouble: Isa 37:1,14. A Place of Instruction: Mica 4:2. A Comfort in Old Age: Lu 2:36-37. The Example of Christ: Lu 4:16; 18:10. The Example of the Apostles: Lu 24:52-53; Joh 7:14; Ac 2:46; 3:1. Christian: First Day of the Week, Events that Occurred on: Christ Appeared to Mary: Mr 16:9. Christ Appeared to the Two on the way to Emmaus: Lu 24:13-14,15. Christ Appeared to the Disciples: Joh 20:19. Paul Preached at Troas: Ac 20:7; 1Co 16:2. Worship celebrated on: Desecration of, under the Mosaic Law: By Gathering Manna: Ex 16:27-28. Death Penalty for: Ex 31:14; Nu 15:32,35. By Doing Ordinary Work: Ne 13:15. Warnings Concerning: Jer 17:27; Eze 20:13; 22:8,15.
Desecration of the sabbath. By Gathering Manna: Ex 16:27-28. Death Penalty for: Ex 31:14; Nu 15:32,35. By Doing Ordinary Work: Ne 13:15. Warnings Concerning: Jer 17:27; Eze 20:13; 22:8,15.
Journey, sabbath Day's: (about two thousand cubits): Ac 1:12. Distances relating to length of a day's journey: 0.5 miles = 2000 cubits = 1 sabbath day's journey: 24 miles = 1 day's journey: In consulting these tables it must be remembered that authorities differ as to exact figures'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word sabbath as: 'Instituted by God: Ge 2:3. Grounds of its institution: Ge 2:2-3. The seventh day observed as: Ex 20:9-11. Made for man: Mr 2:27. GOD: Blessed: Ge 2:3; Ex 20:11. Sanctified: Ge 2:3; Ex 31:15. Hallowed: Ex 20:11. Commanded, to be kept: Le 19:3,30. Commanded to be sanctified: Ex 20:8. Will have His goodness commemorated in the observance of: De 5:15. Shows favor in appointing: Ne 9:14. Shows considerate kindness in appointing: Ex 23:12. A sign of the covenant: Ex 31:13,17. A type of the heavenly rest: Heb 4:4,9. CHRIST: Is Lord of: Mr 2:28. Was accustomed to observe: Lu 4:16. Taught on: Lu 4:31; 6:6. Servants and cattle should be allowed to rest upon: Ex 20:10; De 5:14. No manner of work to be done on: Ex 20:10; Le 23:3. No purchases to be made on: Ne 10:31; 13:15-17. No burdens to be carried on: Ne 13:19; Jer 17:21. Divine worship to be celebrated on: Eze 46:3; Ac 16:13. The Scriptures to be read on: Ac 13:27; 15:21. The word of God to be preached on: Ac 13:14-15; 17:2; 18:4. Works connected with religious service lawful on: Nu 28:9; Mt 12:5; Joh 7:23. Works of mercy lawful on: Mt 12:12; Lu 13:16; Joh 9:14. Necessary wants may be supplied on: Mt 12:1; Lu 13:15; 14:1. CALLED: the sabbath of the Lord: Ex 20:10; Le 23:3; De 5:14. The sabbath of rest: Ex 31:15. The rest of the holy sabbath: Ex 16:23. God's holy day: Isa 58:13. The Lord's day: Re 1:10. First day of the week kept as, by primitive church: Joh 20:26; Ac 20:7; 1Co 16:2. SAINTS: Observe: Ne 13:22. Honor God in observing: Isa 58:13. Rejoice in: Ps 118:24; Isa 58:13. Rejoice in: Ps 118:24; Isa 58:13. Testify against those who desecrate: Ne 13:15,20-21. Observance of, to be perpetual: Ex 31:16-17. Blessedness of honoring: Isa 58:13-14. Blessedness of keeping: Isa 56:2,6. Denunciations against those who profane: Ne 13:18; Jer 17:27. Punishment of those who profane: Ex 31:14-15. The WICKED: Mock at: La 1:7. Pollute: Isa 56:2; Eze 20:13,16. Profane: Ne 13:17; Eze 22:8. Wearied by: Am 8:5. Hide their eyes from: Eze 22:26. Do their own pleasure on: Isa 58:13. Bear burdens on: Ne 13:15. Work on: Ne 13:15. Traffic on: Ne 10:31; 13:15-16. Sometimes pretend to be zealous for: Lu 13:14; Joh 9:16. May be judicially deprived of: La 2:6; Ho 2:11. Honoring of--Exemplified: Moses, etc. Nu 15:32-34. Nehemiah, Ne 13:15,21. The women, Lu 23:56. Paul, Ac 13:14. Disciples, Ac 16:13. John, Re 1:10. Dishonoring of--Exemplified: Gatherers of manna, Ex 16:27. Gatherers of sticks, Nu 15:32. Men of Tyre, Ne 13:16. Inhabitants of Jerusalem, Jer 17:21-23'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word sabbath as: 'Signifying a period of rest: Ge 2:2-3; Le 23; 25; 26:34-35. Preparations for the: Ex 16:22; Mt 27:62; Mr 15:42; Lu 23:54; Joh 19:31. Religious usages on the: Ge 2:3; Mr 6:2; Lu 4:16,31; 6:6; 13:10; Ac 13:14. Sacrifices on the: Nu 28:9-10; Eze 46:4-5. UNCLASSIFIED SCRIPTURES RELATING TO: Ge 2:2-3; Ex 16:5,23-30; 20:8-11; 23:12; 31:13-17; 34:21; 35:2-3; Le 16:29-31; 19:3,30; 23:1-3,27-32; 24:8; 26:2,34-35; Nu 15:32-36; 28:9-10; De 5:12-15; 2Ki 4:23; 1Ch 9:32; 2Ch 36:21; Ne 9:13-14; 10:31; 13:15-22; Ps 92; 118:24; Isa 1:13; 56:2,4-7; 58:13-14; 66:23; Jer 17:21-22,24-27; La 1:7; 2:6; Eze 20:12-13,16,20-21,24; 22:8; 23:38; 44:24; 46:1,3; Ho 2:11; Am 8:5; Mt 12:1-8,10-12; 24:20; Mr 2:27-28; 6:2; 16:1; Lu 4:16,31; 6:1-10; 13:10-17; 14:1-6; 23:54,56; Joh 5:5-14; 7:21-24; 9:1-34; 19:31; Ac 13:14,27,42,44; 15:21; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4; Col 2:16; Heb 4:4,9. OBSERVANCE OF: By Moses: Nu 15:32-34. By Nehemiah : Ne 13:15,21. By the women preparing to embalm the corpse of Jesus: Lu 23:56. By Paul: Ac 13:14. By the disciples: Ac 16:13. By John: Re 1:10. VIOLATIONS OF: INSTANCES OF : Gathering manna: Ex 16:27. Gathering sticks: Nu 15:32. Men of Tyre: Ne 13:16. The inhabitants of Jerusalem: Jer 17:21-23'.

We find forms of the word shadow 84 times in 81 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Matthew 4:16; Matthew 17:5; Mark 4:32; Mark 9:7; Luke 1:35; Luke 1:79; Luke 9:34; Acts 5:15; our current sentence; Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:5; Hebrews 10:1; James 1:17. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines shadow as: 'Shade within defined limits; obscurity or deprivation of light, apparent on a plane and representing the form of the body which intercepts the rays of light; as the shadow of a man, of a tree or a tower. the shadow of the earth in in an eclipse of the moon is proof of its sphericity. 2. Darkness; shade; obscurity. Night's sable shadows from the ocean rise. Denham. 3. Shelter made by anything that intercepts the light, heat or influence of the air. In secret shadow from the sunny ray, On a sweet bed of lilies softly laid. Spenser. 4. Obscure place; secluded retreat. Tosecret shadows I retire. Obs. Dryden. 5. Dark part of a picture. Obs. In the last two senses, shade is now used. 6. A spirit; a ghost. Obs. in this sense, shade is now used. 7. In painting, the representation of a real shadow. 8. An imperfect and faint representation; opposed to substance. The law of having a shadow of good things to come. Heb. 10. 9. Inseparable companion. Sin and her shadow, death. Milton. 10. Type; mystical representaion. Types and shadows of that destin'd seed. Milton. 11. Protection; shelter; favor. 12. Slight or faint appearance'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word shadow as: 'Shadow, the Lord as a: Shelters God's People: In the Rock of Ages: Ex 33:22; De 32:11. In Time of Trouble: Ps 57:1; 63:7; 91:1; 121:5; Song 2:3. A Refuge from the Storm: Isa 25:4; 32:2. In the Shadow of His Hand: Isa 51:16. Under the Shadow of His Wings: Mt 23:37.
Types and Shadows: Heb 8:5; 10:1'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'judge. Ro 14:3,10,13; 1Co 10:28-31; Ga 2:12-13; Jas 4:11. in meat, etc. or, for eating and drinking. Le 11:2-47; 17:10-15; De 14:3-21; Eze 4:14; Mt 15:11; Ac 11:3-18; 15:20; Ro 14:2,6,14-17,20-21; 1Co 8:7-13; 1Ti 4:3-5; Heb 9:10; 13:9. in respect. or, in part. of an. Le 23; Nu 28-29; De 16:1-17; Ne 8:9; 10:31; Ps 42:4; Ro 14:5-6. The new. Nu 10:10; 28:11,14; 1Sa 20:5,18; 2Ki 4:23; 1Ch 23:31; Ne 10:33; Ps 81:3; Isa 1:13; Eze 45:17; 46:1-3; Am 8:5; Ga 4:10. or of the sabbath. Le 16:31; 23:3,24,32,39.
(verse 17)
a shadow. Joh 1:17; Heb 8:5; 9:9; 10:1. The body. Mt 11:28-29; Heb 4:1-11'.

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C2-S10 (Verse 18-19) We can lose our spiritual nutrition and reward by doing the wrong religious acts.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels,
intruding into those things which he hath not seen,
vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
And not holding the Head,
from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered,
and knit together,
increaseth with the increase of God.

This sentence basically tells us to not get beguiled out of our spiritual nutrition and reward by worshipping angels and religious things to puff up the fleshly mind of people who would lead us astray.

This sentence has seven parts and the easiest way to analyze it is from the end to the start. In the last part we see that we can lose The increase of God that is reserved for those who avoid this error and stay in Christ. The second last part tells us that The body is knit together. We already saw that The body is the church (1:24). Something that is knit is loose and flexible let still holds together and pretty much keeps its shape regardless of how it is abused. So this part is telling us that we can lose our very strong, resilient, helpful and dependable church family and all of the support that it provides. In the fourth section we read not holding the Head, which is the Son of God (1:18; 2:10). (Please notice that Head is capitalized.) So, all that we are seeing that we could lose we would lose because we break our personal relationship with the Son of God and these things that we can lose have to be supplied and maintained regularly through that relationship that we are giving up. But moving on, we see that the firth part tells us much more that we can lose. This part tells us from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered. This phrase has several important things within it:

from which (The Head): Everything comes from the Son of God (John 14:6).
body: this word is used 8 times in Colossians: 1:18; 1:22; 1:24; 2:11; 2:17; 2:19; 2:23; 3:15. The reader is urged to look at each of these verses and the associated notes in order to get a proper understanding of Paul's illustration.
all the body: Each one of us need to be in Christ for the body to work correctly and in order to receive nourishment. Those who are not in Christ do not receive their necessary spiritual nourishment.
by joints and bands: Bands is used 67 times in the Bible and most are describing a group of fighting men. Joints appears 10 times and is used for the connection between things meant to protect. Together these form out flexible protection like was already described for knit.
having nourishment ministered: Joints and bands (means of protection) are not normally the way that nourishment (is) ministered to a body. But that is what this sentence is saying. It should be apparent that this is not a normal physical body. It is a spiritual body and the spiritual leaders within the church are used by in Christ to provide protection and spiritual nourishment to the weaker members of the church body.

Please use This link to see the 'Minor Titles of the Son of God' found within the Bible along with links to where the Bible uses those titles. The title in this sentence is Head.

These last four parts of this sentence tell us the things which we receive by maintaining our personal relationship with the Son of God. If we follow these false teachers we will lose our fellowship with the Son of God and all of these things. The first three parts of this sentence describe the people who would beguile us. When we meet these type of people in the church or other places where religious people meet, we need to be extremely leery of them.

The third part of this sentence describes these people as vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Forms of puffed are used in:

Psalms 10:4-5 where we read that The wicked, through the pride of his countenance...as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. Psalm 10 goes on to describe a sneaky, back-stabbing type of person who acts this way.
Psalms 12 describes a person who puffeth as They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak...proud things.. Think of the typical politician.
1Corinthians 4:6 tells us that to be puffed up for one against another is to think of men above that which is written (in the Word of God). The first of several spiritually immature sins (see Test of Spiritual Maturity) dealt with in 1Corinthians was divisions within the church because of this type of attitude.
1Corinthians 4:18-19 starts a section where Paul says that some were glorying in things that they had received and acting like they themselves produced what was given to them. Paul then uses sarcasm to show them how ridiculous they are to have this attitude.
1Corinthians 5:1 continues what Paul said in the prior chapter but he is now dealing with a specific sin (fornication) that these people allowed and even used to show how 'loving and olerant' they were. We know what Paul said about that but the point is that when we are puffed up we do doctrinal error and participate in sin while claiming to serve God more than the brother who is avoiding sin.
1Corinthians 8:1 has the well-known quote of Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. People go to Bible College and other places where they gain the knowledge of men and don't use that instruction to get true spiritual knowledge from God and end up thinking they are spiritual experts. Men can not teach spiritual things. Spiritual things are taught by God working through men. Those who are puffed up don't understand this difference and go on to teach doctrinal error which comes from their own thinking instead of teaching what really comes from God.
1Corinthians 13:4-7 is the well-known definition of Charity. Among other attributes is the phrase is not puffed up. Someone who is puffed up is not loving no matter what show they put on.
This sentence is the last reference. It tells us that being puffed up comes from a fleshly mind. It also warns us that to be this way will interfere with our personal relationship with God, stop all of our spiritual nourishment and will stop our blessings from being in Christ.

Thus, we see that the word puffed, in the Bible, is used for 'swelled with pride; inflated with vanity or pride; praised'.

Our second part of this sentence tells us that these people intruding into those things which he hath not seen. Ask any mother who has been through multiple births what she thinks about a male doctor who claims he can ignore what the pregnant woman tells him because his education taught him everything there is to know about what a woman's body goes through during pregnancy. Hebrews 5:8 tells us Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.. Even the Son of God had to learn certain things through experience. I have 30 years experience programming on a mainframe computer as a professional. Yet, my one brother, who has never been on a mainframe, repeatedly claims that he knows more about programming them than I do. The Pharisees claimed to know more about God than the Son of God even though they couldn't match any of the many miracles that He did and their religion used these signs as evidence of speaking for God. I could go on with examples but the point should be clear. There are people who will insist that they are the top experts in an area of knowledge which requires experience to learn. They will insist this even though they have no experience. These are the people that Paul is warning us to not listen to because they will beguile.

This gets us to the first part of our sentence. While it says to not worship angels, we can apply that to not worshipping any other spiritual beings. (This should be obvious but sometimes we have to state what we think is obvious because some people will embrace the obviously foolish thought.) the angels are spiritual beings that did not rebel against God and Paul would not have expected God's people to be fooled into worshipping devils. However, today we find people who claim to be Christian worshipping 'saints' and other beings who are no longer physically in this world. Most reasonable people would agree that such are included in this command. Now most of these people would claim that what they are doing is not worship, but they don't know what the Biblical definition of worship includes. Please see the note for Study on Worship for the Biblical definition of worship and references to where the Bible uses this word.

The first part of our sentence not only says to not worship angels, but it also says to not have a voluntary humility...of angels. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines humility as: '(1) In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will. (2) Act of submission'. In Genesis through Revelation we see God using angels as His messengers and servants. Every place that men bow down to the true angels the true angels tell them to not do that. Every place that fallen angels find men bowing down they encourage such activity. Thus, we see that such activity is of a devil. Men encourage it because once other men are bowing to devils it is only a short step to bowing the messengers of devils. Thus, we see religious leaders demanding that people bow to them and kiss their ring of office and do other acts of voluntary humility. These are things which are reserved for God and we are to not profane the holy by refusing to make a difference between what is for God and what is given to other beings (Leviticus 21:6; 22:2; 15; 32; Ezekiel 22:26; 44:23; Amos 2:7).

This sentence follows the one where Paul told us to not let religious men judge us. (See the note for 2:16 above.) If we allow men to judge us in religious matters then the next step is that they will beguile us in the same, as this sentence warns. It all starts with knowing our God and maintaining our personal relationship with Him. Then when men try to lead us into error by separating us from our God in any way we will know what they are trying to do and refuse them. However, the person who is not maintaining their personal relationship with God can be beguiled into thinking that outwardly religious men are 'better' than they are and from that be led into wrongful worship. That is a form of idolatry that devils have loved and God has hated from the beginning. As we have seen in the details of this sentence, such activity fills the religious man with fleshly pride and separates us from God and our spiritual nourishment, our protection, our increase of God and from other things which are only available when we are in Christ.

Please see the note for 2:4 about the word beguile. It has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word. The New Testament definition is: 'To delude; to deceive; to impose on by artifice or craft. The serpent beguiled means I did eat Gen.3'.

We find forms of the word reward 112 times in 107 verses of the Bible, 38 times in 36 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 3:24. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S26 about the word reward. It has the full definition from Webster's 1828 Dictionary and links from other commentators. The New Testament definition is: 'Recompense, or equivalent return for good done, for kindness, for services and the like'.

We find forms of the word voluntary in: Leviticus 1:3; Leviticus 7:16; Ezekiel 46:12 and our current sentence. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines voluntary as: 'Acting by choice or spontaneously; acting without being influenced or impelled by another. 2. Free, or having power to act by choice; not being under restraint; as, man is a voluntary agent. 3. Proceeding from choice or free will. That sin or guilt pertains exclusively to voluntary action, is the true principle of orthodoxy. 4. Willing; acting with willingness. She fell to lust a voluntary prey. 5. Done by design; purposed; intended. If a man kills another by lopping a tree, here is no voluntary murder. 6. Done freely, or of choice; proceeding from free will. He went into voluntary exile. He made a voluntary surrender. 7. Acting of his own accord; spontaneous; as the voluntary dictates of knowledge. 8. Subject to the will; as the voluntary motions of an animal. thus, the motion of a leg or an arm is voluntary, but the motion of the heart is involuntary. A voluntary escape, in law, is the escape of a prisoner by the express consent of the sheriff. Voluntary jurisdiction, is that which is exercised in doing that which no one opposes; as in granting dispensations, etc. Voluntary affidavit or oath, is one made in an extra-judicial matter. Voluntary waste, is that which is committed by positive acts.
VOL'UNTARY, n. 1. One who engages in any affair of his own free will; a volunteer. in this sense, volunteer is now generally used. 2. In music, a piece played by a musician extemporarily, according to his fancy. In the Philosophical Transactions, we have a method of writing voluntaries, as fast as the musician plays the notes. this is by a cylinder turning under the keys of the organ. 3. A composition for the organ'.

We find forms of the word humility in: Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 22:4; Acts 20:19; our current sentence; 2:23 and 1Peter 5:5. In addition, 3:12 uses the word humbleness. Please see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word humble. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines humility as: 'In ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will. Before honor is humility. Prov.15. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind. Acts.20. 2. Act of submission. With these humilities they satisfied the young king'. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines humility as: 'a prominent Christian grace (Ro 12:3; 15:17-18; 1Co 3:5-7; 2Co 3:5; Php 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1Pe 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps 69:32-33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Php 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (La 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Pr 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps 147:6; Isa 57:15; 66:2; 1Pe 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word humility as: 'Promises Concerning: Pr 16:19; 22:4; 29:23; Isa 57:15; Mt 18:4; Lu 18:14. Enjoined: Mica 6:8; Lu 14:10; 22:26; Ro 11:20; 12:3; Php 2:5; Jas 4:10; 1Pe 5:5. General Examples of: Jacob: Ge 32:10. King Saul: 1Sa 9:21. King David: 2Sa 7:18. King Solomon: 1Ki 3:7; Ps 131:1. John the Baptist: Mt 3:14. The Centurion: Mt 8:8. The Syrophenician Woman: Mt 15:27; Joh 1:27. Paul: 1Ti 1:15. Examples of Men Humbling themselves before Men: Ge 41:16; 1Sa 18:18; 24:14; 2Sa 9:8; Da 2:30; Lu 1:43. Of Christ: General References to: Zec 9:9; Mt 11:29; Joh 13:5; 2Co 8:9; Php 2:8. He was Free from all Worldly Pride: Of Appearance He hath no form nor comeliness: Isa 53:2. Of Worldly success He is despised and rejected of men: Isa 53:3. Of Reputation He shall be called a Nazarene: Mt 2:23. Of Riches He hath not where to lay his head: Mt 8:20. Of Rank Is not this the carpenter's son?: Mt 13:55. Of Kingship He washed the disciples' feet: Joh 13:5. Penitential: (examples of): Ahab: 1Ki 21:29. Rehoboam and the Princes: 2Ch 12:6. Manasseh: 2Ch 33:12. Josiah: 2Ch 34:27. The Prodigal Son: Lu 15:18. The Publican: Lu 18:13. At Christ's Feet: Unfortunate Sufferers: Mt 15:30. An Afflicted Father: Mr 5:22-23. A Sorrowing Mother: Mr 7:25. A Sinful Woman: Lu 7:37-38. A Healed Demoniac: Lu 8:35. A Seeker after Truth: Lu 10:39. A Bereaved Sister: Joh 11:32. A Reverent Worshipper: Re 1:17'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides references for the word humility as: 'Necessary to the service of God: Mica 6:8. Christ an example of: Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14-15. A characteristic of saints: Ps 34:2. TheY WHO HAVE: Regarded by God: Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God: Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God: Isa 57:15. Delivered by God: Job 22:29. Lifted up by God: Jas 4:10. Exalted by God: Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom: Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace: Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honor: Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honor: Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honor, and life: Pr 22:4. SAINTS SHOULD: Put on: Col 3:12. Be clothed with: 1Pe 5:5. Walk with: Eph 4:1-2. Beware of false: Col 2:18,23. Afflictions intended to produce: Le 26:41; De 8:3; La 3:20. Want of, condemned: 2Ch 33:23; 36:12; Jer 44:10; Da 5:22. Temporal judgments averted by: 2Ch 7:14; 12:6-7. Excellency of: Pr 16:19. Blessedness of: Mt 5:3. Exemplified: Abraham, Ge 18:27. Jacob, Ge 32:10. Moses, Ex 3:11; 4:10. Joshua, Jos 7:6. Gideon, Jg 6:15. David, 1Ch 29:14. Hezekiah, 2Ch 32:26. Manasseh, 2Ch 33:12. Josiah, 2Ch 34:27. Job, Job 40:4; 42:6. Isaiah, Isa 6:5. Jeremiah, Jer 1:6. John the Baptist, Mt 3:14. Centurion, Mt 8:8. Woman of Canaan, Mt 15:27. Elizabeth, Lu 1:43. Peter, Lu 5:8. Paul, Ac 20:19'.

Nave's Topical Bible provides references for the word humility as: 'General scriptures concerning: De 9:4-29; 15:15; 32:7; Job 5:11; 22:29; 25:5-6; Ps 9:12; 10:17; 22:6,26; 25:9; 37:11; 69:32; 86:1; 131:1-2; 138:6; 147:6; Pr 3:34; 10:8; 11:2; 12:15; 15:33; 16:19; 18:12; 22:4; 25:6-7; 27:2; 29:23; 30:32; Ec 5:2; Isa 29:19; 51:1; 57:15; 66:2; Jer 45:5; Eze 16:63; Mica 6:8; Zep 3:11-12; Mt 5:3; 11:29; 18:2-4; 20:26-27; 23:12; Mr 9:33-37; 10:43-44; Lu 1:52; 9:46-48; 10:21; 14:10-11; 17:10; 18:13-14; 22:24-27; Joh 13:14-16; Ro 11:18,20,25; 12:3,10,16; 1Co 1:28-29; 2:1-3; 3:18; 10:12; 13:4; 2Co 11:30; 12:5-12; Ga 5:26; 6:14; Eph 4:2; 5:21; Php 2:3-11; Col 3:12; Jas 1:9-10,19; 3:1; 4:6,10; 1Pe 5:3,5-6. EXEMPLIFIED: Ge 18:27,32; 32:10; 41:16; Ex 3:11; 4:10; 2Sa 7:18-19; 1Ki 3:7; 1Ch 17:17; 29:14; 2Ch 1:10; 2:6; Ezr 9:13; Job 7:17-18; 9:14-15; 10:15; 33:6; 40:4-5; 42:4-6; Ps 8:3-4; 73:22; 131:1-2; 141:5; 144:3-4; Pr 30:2-3; Isa 6:5; 38:15; Jer 1:6; 10:23-24; Da 2:30; Mt 3:14; 8:8; 15:27; 25:37-40; Lu 7:6-7; Joh 1:27; 3:29-30; Ac 3:12; Ro 7:18; 1Co 15:9-10; 2Co 3:5; 12:7; Eph 3:8; Php 3:12-13; 4:12; 1Ti 1:15; Re 4:10. INSTANCES OF: Joseph: Ge 41:16. David: 1Sa 18:18-23; 24:14; 26:20; 2Sa 7:18-29; 1Ch 17:16-27. Mephibosheth: 2Sa 9:8. Ahab: 1Ki 21:29. Josiah: 2Ch 34:27. Elihu: Job 32:4-7. Isaiah: Isa 6:5. Elisabeth: Lu 1:43. John the Baptist: Mr 1:7; Lu 3:16. Cornelius: Ac 10:33. Paul: Ro 1:12; 16:7. Peter: Lu 5:8; 1Pe 5:1. John: Re 1:9'.

Please see the Word Study on Worship for links to every place in the Bible where we find forms of the word worship along with the definition, division of verses by application, a note on each usage within the Bible and more.

We find forms of the word angel 303 times in 289 verses of the Bible, 185 times in 180 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events and Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. It has the full definition from Webster's 1828 , links from other commentators and some discussion of this word. The New Testament definition is: 'a messenger from God'.

We find forms of the word intruding only in our current sentence. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines intruding as: 'Entering without invitation, right or welcome'.

Please see the note for 1:21-29 about forms of the word see and forms of the word sight. That note has links to where these words are used in other Studies on this site along with the New Testament definition of each word. The New Testament definition is: 'The act of seeing; perception of objects by the eye; view. This word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'.

Please see the note for 2:8 about the word vain. The New Testament definition is: 'Empty; worthless; having no substance, value or importance'.'

Earlier in this note we dealt with the word puffed.

Thge word fleshly only occurs in: 2Corinthians 1:12; Colossians 2:18 and 1Peter 2:11. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this phrase as: ''belonging to the flesh:' applied to the fallen condition of man: to his wisdom, 2Co 1:12; and to his lusts. 1Pe 2:11. The same word is translated CARNAL. In Ro 7:14 it is 'fleshly,' morally (the state of a new-born soul under bondage, doing the things he hates); in Ro 15:27 it is 'fleshly' physically; and in some passages it is the fleshly or carnal condition of the Christian as led of the flesh. The word occurs in 1Co 3:1,3-4; 9:11; 2Co 10:4; Heb 7:16. In most of these passages some MSS read σάρκινος, 'fleshy.', 'flesh:' in Ro 8:7; Col 2:18 it is 'mind of the flesh;' and in Heb 9:10 it is 'ordinances of flesh.' This Greek word is commonly translated 'flesh,' q. v.'. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this phrase as: 'Pertaining to the flesh; corporeal. 2. Carnal; worldly; lascivious. Abstain from fleshly lusts. 1Pet. 2. 3. Animal; not vegetable. 4. Human; not celestial; not spiritual or divine. Vain of fleshly arm. Fleshly wisdom. 2Cor. 1'. The New Testament definition is: '�belonging to the flesh:� applied to the fallen condition of man: to his wisdom. Carnal thinking'.

Please see the note for 1:21-29 about the word mind. The New Testament definition is: 'The thinking process and conclusion of that process'. please also see the note for Romans C11-S37 about the word mind. It lists many different types of minds which the Bible describes. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians C1S9 which discusses the differences between the 'Eastern Mind' and the 'Western Mind'. Please also see the note for Romans C12-S2 for links to where the word mind is used in Romans. Finally, please see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the phrase mind Jesus.

We find forms of the word hold 1719 times in 1648 verses of the Bible, 316 times in 311 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 2:5 where the actual word is beholding. Please see that note about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines hold as: 'v.t. pret.held; pp. held. Holden is obsolete in elegant writing. Gr. to hold or restrain; Heb. to hold or contain. 1. To stop; to confine; to restrain from escape; to keep fast; to retain. It rarely or never signifies the first act of seizing or falling on, but the act of retaining a thing when seized or confined. To grasp, is to seize, or to keep fast in the hand; hold coincides with grasp in the latter sense, but not in the former. We hold a horse by means of a bridle. An anchor holds a ship in her station. 2. To embrace and confine, with bearing or lifting. We hold an orange in the hand, or a child in the arms. 3. To connect; to keep from separation. The loops held one curtain to another. Ex.36. 4. To maintain, as an opinion. He holds the doctrine of justification by free grace. 5. To consider; to regard; to think; to judge, that is, to have in the mind. I hold him but a fool. The Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. Ex.20. 6. To contain, or to have capacity to receive and contain. Here is an empty basket that holds two bushels. This empty cask holds thirty gallons. the church holds two thousand people. 7. To retain within itself; to keep from running or flowing out. A vessel with holes in its bottom will not hold fluids. They have hewed them out broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jer.2. 8. To defend; to keep possession; to maintain. We mean to hold what anciently we claim Of empire. 9. To have; as, to hold a place, office or title. 10. To have or possess by title; as,he held his lands of the king. the estate is held by copy of court-roll. 11. To refrain; to stop; to restrain; to withhold. Hold your laughter. Hold your tongue. Death! what do'st? O, hold thy blow. 12. To keep; as, hold your peace. 13. To fix; to confine; to compel to observe or fulfill; as, to hold one to his promise. 14. To confine; to restrain from motion. The Most High--held still the flood till they had passed. 2 Esdras. 15. To confine; to bind; in a legal or moral sense. He is held to perform his covenants. 16. To maintain; to retain; to continue. But still he held his purpose to depart. 17. To keep in continuance or practice. And Night and Chaos, ancestors of nature, hold Eternal anarchy. 18. To continue; to keep; to prosecute or carry on. Seed-time and harvest,heat and hoary-frost, Shall hold their course. 19. To have in session; as, to hold a court or parliament; to hold a council. 20. To celebrate; to solemnize; as, to hold a feast. 21. To maintain; to sustain; to have in use or exercise; as, to hold an argument or debate. 22. To sustain; to support. Thy right hand shall hold me. Ps.139. 23. To carry; to wield. They all hold swords, being expert in war. Cant.3. 24. To maintain; to observe in practice. Ye hold the traditions of men. Mark 7. 25. To last; to endure. the provisions will hold us, till we arrive in port. So we say, the provisions will last us; but the phrase is elliptical for will hold or last for us, the verb being intransitive.
To hold forth, to offer; to exhibit; to propose. Observe the connection of ideas in the propositions which books hold forth and pretend to teach. 1. To reach forth; to put forward to view. To hold in, to restrain; to curb; to govern by the bridle. 1. To restrain in general; to check; to repress. To hold off, to keep at a distance. To hold on, to continue or proceed in; as, to hold on a course. To hold out, to extend; to stretch forth.
The king held out to Esther the golden scepter.Esther 5. 1. To propose; to offer. Fortune holds out these to you as rewards. 2. To continue to do or suffer. He cannot long hold out these pangs. Not used.
To hold up, to raise; as, hold up your head. 1. To sustain; to support. He holds himself up in virtue. 2. To retain; to withhold. 3. To offer; to exhibit. He held up to view the prospect of gain. 4. To sustain; to keep from falling.
To hold one's own, to keep good one's present condition; not to fall off, or to lose ground. In seamen's language, a ship holds her own, when she sails as fast as another ship, or keeps her course.
To hold, is used by the Irish, for to lay, as a bet, to wager. I hold a crown, or a dollar; but this is a vulgar use of the word.
HOLD, v.i. To be true; not to fail; to stand, as a fact or truth. This is a sound argument in many cases, but does not hold in the case under consideration. The rule holds in lands as well as in other things. In this application, we often say, to hold true, to hold good. the argument holds good in both cases. This holds true in most cases. 1. To continue unbroken or unsubdued. Our force by land hath nobly held. Little used. 2. To last; to endure. We now say, to hold out. 3. To continue. While our obedience holds. 4. To be fast; to be firm; not to give way, or part. the rope is strong; I believe it will hold. the anchor holds well. 5. To refrain. His dauntless heart would fain have held From weeping. 6. To stick or adhere. the plaster will not hold. To hold forth, to speak in public; to harangue; to preach; to proclaim. To hold in, to restrain one's self. He was tempted to laugh; he could hardly hold in. 1. To continue in good luck. Unusual. To hold off, to keep at a distance; to avoid connection. To hold of, to be dependent on; to derive title from. My crown is absolute and holds of none.
To hold on, to continue; not to be interrupted. The trade held on many years. 1. To keep fast hold; to cling to. 2. To proceed in a course. Job 17. To hold out, to last; to endure; to continue.
A consumptive constitution may hold out a few years. He will accomplish the work, if his strength holds out. 1. Not to yield; not to surrender; not to be subdued. The garrison still held out. To hold to, to cling or cleave to; to adhere. Else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Matt.6.
To hold under, or from, to have title from; as petty barons holding under the greater barons.
To hold with, to adhere to; to side with; to stand up for.hold plow, to direct or steer a plow by the hands, in tillage.
To hold together, to be joined; not to separate; to remain in union.
To hold up, to support one's self; as, to hold up under misfortunes. 1. To cease raining; to cease, as falling weather; used impersonally. It holds up; it will hold up. 2. To continue the same speed; to run or move fast. But we now say, to keep up.
To hold a wager, to lay, to stake or to hazard a wager.
Hold, used imperatively, signifies stop; cease; forbear; be still.
HOLD, n. A grasp with the hand; an embrace with the arms; any act or exertion of the strength or limbs which keeps a thing fast and prevents escape. Keep your hold; never quit your hold. It is much used after the verbs to take, and to lay; to take hold, or to lay hold, is to seize. It is used in a literal sense; as to take hold with the hands, with the arms, or with the teeth; or in a figurative sense. Sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestine. Ex.15. Take fast hold of instruction. Prov.4. My soul took hold on thee. 1. Something which may be seized for support; that which supports. If a man be upon a high place, without a good hold, he is ready to fall. 2. Power of keeping. On your vigor now, My hold of this new kingdom all depends. 3. Power of seizing. The law hath yet another hold on you. 4. A prison; a place of confinement. They laid hands on them, and put them in hold till the next day. Acts.4. 5. Custody; safe keeping. King Richard, he is in the mighty hold Of Bolingbroke. 6. Power or influence operating on the mind; advantage that may be employed in directing or persuading another, or in governing his conduct. Fear--by which God and his laws take the surest hold of us. --Gives fortune no more hold of him than is necessary. 7. Lurking place; a place of security; as the hold of a wild beast. 8. A fortified place; a fort; a castle; often called a strong hold. Jer.51. 9. the whole interior cavity of a ship, between the floor and the lower deck. In a vessel of one deck, the whole interior space from the keel or floor to the deck. That part of the hold which lies abaft the main-mast is called the after-hold; that part immediately before the main-mast, the main-hold; that part about the fore-hatchway, the fore-hold. 10. In music, a mark directing the performer to rest on the note over which it is placed. It is called also a pause'. Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word holding as: 'Hold Your Peace: (Men commanded to Keep Silent): Ex 14:14; Jg 18:19; 2Ki 2:3; Ne 8:11; Job 13:13; 33:31; Mr 10:48. (Hold Fast the Good): 1Th 5:21; Heb 3:6; 4:14; 10:23; Re 3:3'.

Earlier in this note we dealt with the words head.

We find forms of the word joints in: Genesis 32:25; 1Kings 22:34; 2Chronicles 18:33; Psalms 22:14; Proverbs 25:19; Song 7:1; Daniel 5:6; Romans 8:17; Ephesians 4:16; our current sentence and Hebrews 4:12. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines joint as: 'The joining of two or more things. 2. In anatomy, the joining of two or more bones; an articulation; as the elbow, the knee, or the knuckle. 3. A knot; the union of two parts of a plant; or the space between two joints; an internode; as the joint of a cane, or of a stalk of maiz. 4. A hinge; a juncture of parts which admits of motion. 5. the place where two pieces of timber are united. 6. In joinery, straight lines are called a joint, when two pieces of wood are planed. 7. One of the limbs of an animal cut up by the butcher. Out of joint, luxated; dislocated; as when the head of a bone is displaced from its socket. Hence figuratively, confused; disordered; misplaced.
JOINT, a. Shared by two or more; as joint property. 1. United in the same profession; having an interest in the same thing; as a joint-heir or heiress. 2. United; combined; acting in concert; as a joint force; joint efforts; joint vigor. Joint stock, the capital or fund of a company or partnership in business.
JOINT, v.t. to form with joints or articulations; used mostly in the participle; as the fingers are jointed; a cane has a jointed stalk. 1. to form many parts into one; as jointed wood. 2. to cut or divide into joints or quarters'.

Please see the note for Mark 15:16 about the word band. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'Any narrow ligament with which a thing is bound. To unite; to associate; to confederate for some common purpose'.

We find forms of the word nourishment in: Genesis 45:11; Genesis 47:12; Genesis 50:21; Ruth 4:15; 2Samuel 12:3; Isaiah 1:2; Isaiah 7:21; Isaiah 23:4; Isaiah 44:14; Ezekiel 19:2; Daniel 1:5; Acts 7:20-21; Acts 12:20; Ephesians 5:29; our current sentence; 1Timothy 4:6; James 5:5 and Revelation 12:14. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines nourish as: 'to feed and cause to grow; to supply a living or organized body, animal or vegetable, with matter which increases its bulk or supplies the waste occasioned by any of its functions; to supply with nutriment. 2. to support; to maintain by feeding. Genesis 47. Whilst I in Ireland nourish a mighty band, I will stir up in England some black storm. 3. to supply the means of support and increase; to encourage; as, to nourish rebellion; to nourish the virtues. What madness was ti, with such proofs, to nourish their contentions! 4. to cherish; to comfort. James 5. 5. to educate; to instruct; to promote growth in attainments. 1 Timothy 4.
nourish, v.i. 1. to promote growth. Grains and roots nourish more then leaves. Elliptical. 2. to gain nourishment. Unusual'.

Please see the note for 2:1-3 about the word knit. It has links to every place in the Bible where We find this word along with the full definition from Webster's 1828 . The New Testament definition is: ' to unite, as threads by needles; to connect in a kind of net-work; as, to knit a stocking'.

We find forms of the word increase 154 times in 148 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Mark 4:8; Luke 2:52; Luke 17:5; John 3:30; Acts 6:7; Acts 9:22; Acts 16:5; 1Corinthians 3:6; 1Corinthians 3:7; 2Corinthians 9:10; 2Corinthians 10:15; Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 1:10; our current sentence; 1Thessalonians 3:12; 1Thessalonians 4:10; 2Timothy 2:16 and Revelation 3:17. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines increase as: 'to become greater in bulk or quantity; to grow; to augment; as plants. Hence, to become more in number; to advance in value, or in any quality good or bad. Animal and vegetable bodies increase by natural growth; wealth increases by industry; heat increases, as the sun advances towards the meridian; a multitude increases by accession of numbers; knowledge increases with age and study; passion and enmity increase by irritation, and misery increases with vice. The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another. 1 thess.3. 2. to become more violent; as, the fever increases; the pain increases; cold, wind or a storm increases. 3. to become more bright or vivid; as, the light increases. 4. to swell; to rise. The waters increased and bore up the ark. Gen.7. 5. to swell; to become louder, as sound. 6. to become of more esteem and authority. He must increase, but I must decrease. John.3. 7. to enlarge, as the enlightened part of the moon's disk.
INCRE'ASE, v.t. to augment or make greater in bulk, quantity or amount; as, to increase wealth or treasure; to increase a sum or value. 1. to advance in quality; to add to any quality or affection; as, to increase the strength of moral habits; to increase love, zeal or passion. 2. to extend; to lengthen; as, to increase distance. 3. to extend; to spread; as, to increase fame or renown. 4. to aggravate; as, to increase guilt or trespass.
INCRE'ASE, n. Augmentation; a growing larger; extension. of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end. Is.9. 1. Increment; profit; interest; that which is added to the original stock. Take thou no interest of him or increase; but fear thy God. Lev.25. 2. Produce, as of land. Then shall the earth yield her increase. Ps.67. 3. Progeny; issue; offspring. All the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age. 1 Sam. 2. 4. Generation. 5. the waxing of the moon; the augmentation of the luminous part of the moon, presented to the inhabitants of the earth. Seeds, hair, nails, hedges and herbs will grow soonest, if set or cut in the increase of the moon. 6. Augmentation of strength or violence; as increase of heat, love or other passion; increase of force. 7. Augmentation of degree; as increase of happiness or misery'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word increase as: 'Ge 26:12; 41:47; Le 26:4; De 14:22; 16:15; Ps 67:6; Eze 36:30'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'no. Col 2:4,8; Ge 3:13; Nu 25:18; Mt 24:24; Ro 16:18; 2Co 11:3; Eph 5:6; 2Pe 2:14; 1Jo 2:26; 4:1-2; 2Jo 1:7-11; Re 3:11; 12:9; 13:8,14. beguile you. or, judge against you. Col 2:16. in a voluntary humility. Gr. being a voluntary in humility. Col 2:23; Isa 57:9. worshipping. Da 11:38(Heb) Ro 1:25; 1Co 8:5-6; 1Ti 4:1 (Gr) Re 19:10; 22:8-9. intruding. De 29:29; Job 38:2; Ps 138:1-2; Eze 13:3; 1Ti 1:7. vainly. Col 2:8; 1Co 4:18; 8:1; 13:4. fleshly. Ro 8:6-8; 1Co 3:3; 2Co 12:20; Ga 5:19-20; Jas 3:14-16; 4:1-6.
(verse 19)
not. Col 2:6-9; 1:18; Ga 1:6-9; 5:2-4; 1Ti 2:4-6. all. Eph 4:15-16. by. Job 19:9-12; Ps 139:15-16. nourishment. Joh 15:4-6; Ro 11:17; Eph 5:29. knit. Col 2:2; Joh 17:21; Ac 4:32; Ro 12:4-5; 1Co 1:10; 10:16-17; 12:12-27; Eph 4:3; Php 1:27; 2:2-5; 1Pe 3:8. increaseth. Col 1:10; 1Co 3:6; Eph 4:16; 1Th 3:12; 4:10; 2Th 1:3; 2Pe 3:18'

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C2-S11 (Verse 20-22) the included part of this sentence is separated below.

If you're really dead with Christ then why are you responding to prompts that you are supposed to be dead to?

First Step: Why are you subject to laws of this world for spiritual matters?

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world,
why,
as though living in the world,
are ye subject to ordinances,
(See Below);.

Second Step: Why are you subject to commandments of men for spiritual matters?

after the commandments and doctrines of men?.

Below is the part of the sentence from the parenthesis. Sections of sentence below are steps.

(Touch not;
taste not;
handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using).

When we are dead, we don't respond. Go ahead and test it. Poke the body in a casket. Run over a dead cat. Test it however you want but there is only one possible conclusion. Things that are dead do no respond to any promptings. in this sentence, Paul essentially says 'If you are dead from the rudiments of the world, why are you responding to promptings from The rudiments of the world?'

When we personally (ye) are subject to ordinances...after the commandments and doctrines of men we prove that we are responding to the promptings from The rudiments of the world. Thus, we are not dead to them. Ordinances, which are after the commandments and doctrines of men include Laws (ordinances) to Touch not; taste not; handle not things which all are to perish with the using. Several religions have laws, which they claim come from God, about food. Please note Paul's qualifier of are to perish with the using. Clothing does not perish with the using. Paul is not talking about standards on proper dress. People do not perish with the using. Paul is not talking about proper relationships with other people. We need to be careful about which laws we ignore. The Bible does talk about a law of Christ (Romans 8:2; Galatians 6:2) which we are to keep. Please also see the note for Romans 13:2 for links to every place in the New Testament where the word ordinance is used, along with the definition from Webster's 1828 .

An example of a religious law restricting eating (other religions with similar laws act the same) is the Roman Catholic church's restriction on eating meat on Fridays. They keeps changing their rule about not this law which they claim came from a God Who does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). When you eat meat it will perish with the using. A religious Law (ordinances) that says taste not meat on Fridays is an example of The commandments and doctrines of men. When we personally (ye) become dead with Christ, we become dead (stop responding to) The commandments and doctrines of men. As a result we can follow the things that the Spirit of God shows us in the Word of God (follow in Christ) which these religious laws are really trying to prevent our doing. The main reason that we have so many so-called 'interpretations' of the Bible is because these religious men don't want people finding the truth and leaving their religious laws to follow in Christ. God said what He meant and meant what He said but men wrest (2Peter 3:16) the Word of God to forcibly twist it into an 'interpretation' that is not natural so that they can make other men follow The commandments and doctrines of men while telling them that they are following the Word of God. The best thing to do is to pray for in Christ to show you the truth and then study the Bible for what is literally written within the context and sentence structure provided by God.

Notice that this sentence starts with Wherefore. Paul is building a logical argument where each statement is based upon prior statements and we can not get the proper interpretation without considering what led to the current statement. We have seen all throughout this study that the Bible uses for to say 'here's why' when the result is in the future. (The Bible uses because to say 'here's why' when the result is in the past.) the Bible uses therefore when it means 'here's why this result is there' or (said another way) 'This result is there because of what was just said'. The Bible uses wherefore to say 'wherever you look, this result is because of what was just said'. That is: wherefore is a more general application of therefore. The Bible also uses therefore (instead of wherefore) when it wants to limit the interpretation to what is literally said and not have it applied in a more general fashion. [Aren't word lessons fun? :)]

Colossians 1 basically told us that everything spiritual that we can gain is in Christ and old us that we have to respond to the hope that comes from having Christ in us in order to get any of these blessings. Colossians 2 starts with a warning that men are going to try and beguile us with enticing religious words that lead us away from a personal walk in Christ. It ends telling us that religion only looks good. Within this chapter, Paul warns us to beware of the authority that we follow and gives us three reasons to beware and then tells us specific actions to take starting in 2:16. These actions are to avoid being controlled by religious men who would have us disobey our personal leading from in Christ. Specifically, Paul warns us to not let religious men judge us for failing to keep their religious rules. Then he warns us to not worship spiritual beings other than God (Please see Hebrews 1 in addition to this epistle). That brings us to this verse which starts with Wherefore, which gives us a conclusion that is true wherever we look that is 'based upon what has been said'. Upon this basis, Paul asks why we feel that we have to follow The commandments and doctrines of men, especially while we are claiming to be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world.

As has been pointed out in other notes, when we claim to be one thing and do the opposite, we prove ourselves to be liars. Colossians uses in Christ in the same way as Galatians does and proved that our relationship with the Son of God through His ministry as in Christ is personal and not following a bunch of religious rules, which is what the idea of 'Lordship Salvation' or 'Lordship Sanctification'. No, God will not lead us against the clear written commandments of His Word because God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). The commandments that God gave before have not changed. Yes, God gave a different covenant to the Jews and to the Church. While both covenants required salvation by faith, the way that people demonstrated that faith was/is different under each covenant. However, that does not change the fact that God had a personal relationship with Adam and Eve and desires and offers a personal relationship to other men. If how God dealt with men did not have some differences, then the relationship would not be personal. Just as a parent with more than one child can treat each differently and yet love all the same, so also can God do.

When we try to say that God can only act within some rules created by men, we are really putting those men above God. God will not have that. Yes, when the Son of God is acting in His role as Lord, there is no difference made between men. That is proper when you are in court. However, no one lives in court and when we get outside of a court setting we do recognize the differences between people and have personal relationships with them. So does God and the Son of God has His personal relationships through His role as in Christ.

Jesus tld us that we can't serve two masters in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13. If you really respond to the things from in Christ; then you don't need a bunch of rules from men to tell you when and how to act. However, this type of responsiveness only happens after spiritual maturity due to the ministry of in Christ. A new-born infant doesn't know how to respond like a toddler does because they have not yet learned and matured. The same is true of a spiritual infant compared to a spiritual toddler or adult. Paul's question here is simple. If you aren't a liar and have really matured spiritually enough to claim a personal relationship with in Christ; why are you still messing with things (like religious rules) that directly interfere with your personal walk in Christ ? that is what the if of our sentence is showing us. The word if created a condition. in Christ does not do the things found within this sentence. If we personally (ye) are with Christ; then we will act as He acts and not respond to things which Her does not respond to. Please follow this link to find other verses which use the phrase with Christ.

Please see the note for Romans intro about the word wherefore. The New Testament definition is: Wherefore 'tells us a result (for) that occurs where ever you look'.

Please see the note for 2:8 about the word rudiments. That is the only other place in the Bible where We find this word. The definition is in that note. The New Testament definition is: 'This word occurs 7 times in the New Testament, and the King James Version translates it in three different ways. In the two passages in Galatians, and in the two in 2 Peter, it is rendered "elements." In the two passages in Colossians, it is translated "rudiments." In Hebrews it is rendered "first principles."'.

Please see the note for 2:8 about the word world. The New Testament definition is: 'all of the people in the world as a group'.

We find forms of the word life / live occurring 1035 times in 937 verses of the Bible, 338 times in 301 verses of the New Testament, and in Colossians, in: our current sentence and 2:20; 3:3; 3:4 and 3:7. Please see the note for Philippians 1:19-20 about the word life. That note has the definition from Webster's 1828 and links from other commentators. Please also see the notes for Life in 1John about the word life. Please see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC and Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life.

We find forms of the word subject 32 times in 30 verses of the Bible, 29 times in 27 verses of the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Please see the note for Romans 13:1 about the word subjected. The New Testament definition of subjected is: 'Reduced to the dominion of another; enslaved; exposed; submitted; made to undergo'.

Please see the note for 2:13-15 about the word ordinances. The New Testament definition is: 'Appointed; instituted; established; invested with ministerial or pastoral functions; settled'.'

We find forms of the word touch 167 times in 159 verses of the Bible, 59 times in 56 verses of the New Testament and, within Colossians in: our current sentence and 4:10. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines touch as: 'to come in contact with; to hit or strike against. He touched the hollow of his thigh. Gen. 32. Matt.9. Esther drew near, and ouched the top of the scepter. Esth.5. 2. to perceive by the sense of feeling. Nothing but body can be touch'd or touch. 3. to come to; to reach; to attain to. The god vindictive doom'd them never more, Ah men unbless'd! to touch that natal shore. 4. to try, as gold with a stone. Wherein I mean to touch your love indeed-- 5. to relate to; to concern. The quarrel toucheth none but thee alone. This sense is now nearly obsolete. 6. to handle slightly. 7. to meddle with. I have not touched the books. 8. to affect. What of sweet Hath touch'd my sense, flat seems to this. 9. to move; to soften; to melt. The tender sire was touch'd with what he said. 10. to mark or delineate slightly. The lines, though touch'd but faintly-- 11. to infect; as men touched with pestilent diseases. Little used. 12. to make an impression on. Its face must be--so hard that the file will not touch it. 13. to strike, as an instrument of music; to play on. They touch'd their golden harps. 14. to influence by impulse; to impel forcibly. No decree of mine, to touch with lightest moment of impulse His free will. 15. to treat slightly. In his discourse, he barely touched upon the subject deemed the most interesting. 16. to afflict or distress. Gen.26. Totouch up, to repair; or to improve by slight touches or emendations. Totouch the wind, in seamen's language, is to keep the ship as near the wind as possible.
TOUCH, v.i. tuch. to be in contact with; to be in a state of junction, so that no space is between. Two spheres touch only at points. 1. to fasten on; to take effect on. Strong waters will touch upon gold, that will not touch silver. 2. to treat of slightly in discourse. Totouch at, to come or go to, without stay. The ship touched at Lisbon. The next day we touched at Sidon. Acts 27.touch on or upon, to mention slightly. If the antiquaries have touched upon it, they have immediately quitted it. 1. In the sense of touch at. Little used.
TOUCH, n. tuch. Contact; the hitting of two bodies; the junction of two bodies at the surface, so that there is no space between them. the mimosa shrinks at the slightest touch. 1. the sense of feeling; one of the five senses. We say, a thing is cold or warm to the touch; silk is soft to the touch. The spider's touch how exquisitely fine! 2. the act of touching. the touch of cold water made him shrink. 3. the state of being touched. --That never touch was welcome to thy hand Unless I touch'd. 4. Examination by a stone. 5. Test; that by which anything is examined. Equity, the true touch of all laws. 6. Proof; tried qualities. My friends of noble touch. 7. Single act of a pencil on a picture. Never give the least touch with your pencil, till you have well examined your design. 8. Feature; lineament. Of many faces, eyes and hearts, to have the touches dearest priz'd. 9. Act of the hand on a musical instrument. Soft stillness and the night Become the touches of sweet harmony. 10. Power of exciting the affections. Not alone the death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches, Do strongly speak t'us. 11. Something of passion of affection. He both makes intercession to God for sinners, and exercises dominion over all men, with a true, natural and sensible touch of mercy. 12. Particular application of anything to a person. Speech of touch towards others should be sparingly used. 13. A stroke; as a touch of raillery; a satiric touch. 14. Animadversion; censure; reproof. I never bore any touch of conscience with greater regret. 15. Exact performance of agreement. I keep touch with my promise. 16. A small quantity intermixed. Madam, I have a touch of your condition. 17. A hint; suggestion; slight notice. A small touch will put him in mind of them. 18. A cant word for a slight essay. Print my preface in such forms, in the bookseller's phrase, will make a sixpenny touch. Not in use. 19. In music, the resistance of the keys of an instrument to the fingers; as a heavy touch, or light touch. 20. In music, an organ is said to have a good touch or stop, when the keys close well. 21. In ship-building, touch is the broadest part of a plank worked top and butt; or the middle of a plank worked anchor-stock fashion; also, the angles of the stern timbers at the counters. '.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word touch as: 'Christ's: Secured Health and Comfort for those whom He Touched: the Cleansing Touch: Mt 8:3. The Quieting Touch: Mt 8:15. The Illuminating Touch: Mt 9:29-30. The Reassuring Touch: Mt 17:7; 20:34. The Liberating Touch: Mr 7:33,35. The Touch upon Childhood: Mr 10:13,16. The Healing Touch: Lu 22:51. Faith's: CONTAC't WITH CHRIST, Brought Healing to those who Touched Him: Mt 9:20-22; 14:34-36; Mr 3:10; Lu 6:19'.

We find forms of the word taste 31 times in 30 verses of the Bible, 12 times in the New Testament but only in our current sentence within Colossians. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines taste as: 'to perceive by means of the tongue; to have a certain sensation in consequence of something applied to the tongue, the organ of taste; as, to taste bread; to taste wine; to taste a sweet or an acid. 2. to try the relish of by the perception of the org and of taste. 3. to try by eating a little; or to eat a little. Because I tasted a little of this honey. 1 Sam.14. 4. to essay first. 5. to have pleasure from. 6. to experience; to feel; to undergo. That he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Heb.2. 7. to relish intellectually; to enjoy. Thou, Adam, wilt taste no pleasure. 8. to experience by shedding, as blood. When Commodus had once tasted human blood, he became incapable of pity or remorse.
TASTE, v.i. to try by the mouth; to eat or drink; or to eat or drink a little only; as, to taste of each kind of wine. 1. to have a smack; to excite a particular sensation, by which the quality or flavor is distinguished; as, butter tastes of garlic; apples boiled in a brass-kettle, sometimes taste of brass. 2. to distinguish intellectually. Scholars, when good sense describing, Call it tasting and imbibing. 3. to try the relish of anything. Taste of the fruits; taste for yourself. 4. to be tinctured; to have a particular quality or character. Ev'ry idle, nice and wanton reason Shall, to the king, taste of this action. 5. to experience; to have perception of. The valiant never taste of death but once. 6. to take to be enjoyed. Of nature's bounty men forbore to taste. 7. to enjoy sparingly. Forage but tastes of pleasures, youth devours. 8. to have the experience or enjoyment of. They who have tasted of the heavenly gift, and the good word of God. Heb.6.
TASTE, n. the act of tasting; gustation. 1. A particular sensation excited in an animal by the application of a substance to the tongue, the proper organ; as the taste of an orange or an apple; a bitter taste; an acid taste; a sweet taste. 2. the sense by which we perceive the relish of a thing. this sense appears to reside in the tongue or its papillae. Men have a great variety of tastes. In the influenza of 1790, the taste, for some days, was entirely extinguished. 3. Intellectual relish; as, he had no taste of true glory. I have no taste Of popular applause. Note. in this use, the word is now followed by for. "He had no taste for glory." When followed by of, the sense is ambiguous, or rather it denotes experience, trial. 4. Judgment; discernment; nice perception, or the power of perceiving and relishing excellence in human performances; the faculty of discerning beauty, order, congruity, proportion, symmetry, or whatever constitutes excellence, particularly in the fine arts and belles lettres. Taste is not wholly the gift of nature, nor wholly the effect of art. It depends much on culture. We say, a good taste, or a fine taste. 5. Style; manner, with respect to what is pleasing; as a poem or music composed in good taste. 6. Essay; trial; experiment. Not in use. 7. A small portion given as a specimen. 8. A bit; a little piece tasted or eaten'.

Please see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. The New Testament definition is: 'Touched; treated; managed'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15-16 and 2Corinthians 4:16 about the word perish. The New Testament definition is: 'To die; to lose life in any manner; applied to animals'.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The New Testament definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. This word is also used in the following sentences: Colossians 4:10.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S6 and 2Timothy C3S10 about the word doctrine. Please also see the note for Lord Jesus Christ Overview about the phrase doctrine of Christ. The New Testament definition is: 'religious teaching which claims to be from God. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'if. Col 3:3; Ro 6:2-11; 7:4-6; Ga 2:19-20; 6:14; 1Pe 4:1-3. from. Col 2:8; Eph 2:15. rudiments. or, elements. living. Joh 15:19; 17:14-16; 2Co 10:3; Jas 4:4; 1Jo 5:19. subject. Col 2:14,16; Ga 4:3,9-12; Heb 13:9.
(verse 21)
General references. Ge 3:3; Isa 52:11; 2Co 6:17; 1Ti 4:3 exp: Mr 7:19; Lu 5:38.
(verse 22)
to. Mr 7:18-19; Joh 6:27; 1Co 6:13. after. Isa 29:13,18; Da 11:37; Mt 15:3-9; Mr 7:7-13; Tit 1:14; Re 17:18'.

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C2-S12 (Verse 23) Religion only looks good to the world.

First Step: religion puts on a show.

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship,
and humility,
and neglecting of the body;.

Second Step: religion fails to satisfy.

not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Did you know that religious professionals are statistically shown to have one of the highest percentage of suicide, alcoholism and drug abuse when compared to other professions? If they really had all of the wisdom that they claim to have about how to live life then why do we see these results for so many of them?

This sentences starts with Which things and refers back to the prior sentence. (Please see note above for details). The things of the prior sentence were religious ordinances, after the commandments and doctrines of men which came from The rudiments of the world. That prior sentence showed that these things are not of in Christ and are of the world. The wisdom of this world is dealt with in 1Corinthians starting at 1:20 and going through the end of 1Corinthians chapter 3. As it says in 1Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. the wisdom of this world claimed to prove that the world is flat and tried to hang Galileo when he claimed otherwise. The wisdom of this world tries to do the same to people who are in Christ. As the first phrase of this sentence says, the wisdom of this world leads to a worship that is controlled by man's will and is not in subjection and obedience to God and His written Word. While their worship looks real good, it does not satisfy, as this sentence tells us.

The worship that comes from the wisdom of this world does have a shew of...humility and it does have a shew of...neglecting of the body but it does not satisfy and it really does not give any honour. First of all, the Lord Jesus Christ is Who really makes the saved people satisfied. It is not based upon some religious act we do. The wisdom of this world refuses to acknowledge His working through a personal relationship and concentrates on the outward shew. As a result, they, first, miss the true source of satisfaction. Secondly, humility, and neglecting of the body go directly against what will satisfy the flesh It is only when the saved allow what comes from our Lord Jesus Christ to overcome that dissatisfaction that the saved end up being satisfied in spite of the dissatisfaction from their flesh.

As far as honour goes, most of the world thinks that these religious activities are foolish. They only do them because they expect reward from God. The honor that religious people get is from their position and not because they did some activity of humility, and neglecting of the body. Meanwhile, the saved who are truly in Christ have a promise from God that they will receive honour after they get to heaven.

Please see the note for Luke 3:11 about the word indeed. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'adv. in and deed. In reality; in truth; in fact. The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom.8. Indeed is usually emphatical, but in some cases more so than in others; as,This is true; it is indeed. I were a beast indeed to do you wrong. Some sons indeed; some very few we see, Who keep themselves from this infection free. There is indeed no greater pleasure in visiting these magazines of war-- It is used to note concession or admission; as, ships not so large indeed, but better manned. Indeed is used as an expression of surprise, or for the purpose of obtaining confirmation of a fact stated. Indeed! is it possible? is it so in fact?'.

Please see the note for 2:13-15 about the word shew. This is the Biblical spelling for the word that we now spell show.

Please see the note for 2:18-19 about the word humility. The New Testament definition is: '(1) In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will. (2) Act of submission'.'

We find forms of the word neglect in: Matthew 18:17; Acts 6:1; our current sentence; 1Timothy 4:14 and Hebrews 2:3. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines neglect as: 'To let, to leave, to suffer to pass. the sense of the latter words then is to leave behind, or permit to remain; I suspect the L. to be composed of the same prefix, as n is not radical in the latter. But of this I am not confident. 1. to omit by carelessness or design; to forbear to do, use, employ, promote or attend to; as, to neglect duty or business; to neglect to pay honest debts; to neglect our interest or policy; to neglect the means in our power. 2. to omit to receive or embrace; to slight. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Hebrews 2. 3. to slight; not to notice; to forbear to treat with attention or respect. Among people of good breeding, strangers seldom complain of being neglected. 4. to postpone. Not in use.
NEGLECT, n. 1. Omission; forbearance to do anything that can be done or that requires to be done. Neglect may be from carelessness or intention. the neglect of business is the cause of many failures, but neglect of economy is more frequent and more injurious. 2. Slight; omission of attention or civilities. Neglect of due notice and attention to strangers is characteristic of ill breeding. 3. Negligence; habitual want of regard. Age breeds neglect in all. 4. State of being disregarded. Rescue my poor remains from vile neglect'.

Thompson Chain Topics provides references for the word neglect as: 'Of Duty: Jg 5:23; 21:8; Ne 3:5; 9:35; Mt 7:26; 25:27; Lu 12:47; Jas 2:14; 4:17. Of Mercy and Help: Ps 109:16; Pr 21:13; Eze 34:4; Zec 11:16; Mt 25:43; Lu 16:20-21; Jas 4:17. Of Salvation, causes of: Impenitence: Eze 33:9. Absorption in Business: Lu 14:18. Procrastination: Ac 24:25. Insensibility: Ac 28:27. Perilous if Persisted in: Heb 2:3; 12:25'.

Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word honour. Please see the note for Romans C12S8 about the word dishonour. The New Testament definition of the word honour is: 'The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation'.'

We find forms of the word satisfy 59 times in the Bible but only in Mark 8:4 and our current sentence within the New Testament. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines satisfying as: 'Giving content; feeding or supplying to the full extent of desire; convincing; paying'.

Links from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge are: 'a shew. Ge 3:5-6; Mt 23:27-28; 2Co 11:13-15; 1Ti 4:3,8. will. Col 2:8,18,22. neglecting. or, punishing, or, not sparing. Eph 5:29'.

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Interpretive Study of Colossians 1-2

Epistle theme: Gospel of Christ: Don't be Ignorant of it

God's Way to Study His Word:

Overview of Colossians

Epistle theme: Gospel of Christ: Don't be Ignorant of it

Outline by Sentences.

Chapter 1 :

The Chapter theme is: What is available to us when we are in Christ.

Chapter 2

The Chapter theme is: Paul's personal concern that men should beguile you with enticing words.

Chapter 3 :

The Chapter theme is: the detailed instructions on how to be in Christ.

Chapter 4 :

The Chapter theme is: Current events of that day.

Details of Chapter 1.

The Chapter theme is: What is available to us when we are in Christ.Please see the Summary Chapter Outline using this link. It gives the overview of this chapter.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Details of Chapter 2.

The Chapter theme is: Paul's personal concern that men should beguile you with enticing words.Please see the Summary Chapter Outline using this link. It gives the overview of this chapter.

links to sentences in this chapter:

Contact: Webmaster@LJC1611KJV.com. Member of Tower Road Baptist Church, Abq., NM, U.S.A., 87121. Copyright 2009 Lord Jesus Christ in the 1611KJV. All rights reserved. Revised: 10/31/24.

The Chapter theme is: What is available to us when we are in Christ.
Please see the Summary Chapter Outline using this link. It gives the overview of this chapter.

The Chapter theme is: Paul's personal concern that men should beguile you with enticing words.
Please see the Summary Chapter Outline using this link. It gives the overview of this chapter.