Interpretation of Colossians

Contents

Reading pages: 0–1.25 · 2.1–3.19 · 4.2–4.18

1. 0Theodoret sets out the occasion of Colossians, argues that Paul had already preached at Colossae, and explains the opening greeting and thanksgiving.
2. 1.5Theodoret explains the hope laid up in heaven, the gospel's fruit and growth, and Paul's praise of Epaphras.
3. 1.9Theodoret explains Paul's prayer that the Colossians grow in the knowledge of God's will and his thanks for their share in the light of the saints.
4. 1.10Theodoret explains that the Son of God's love is the true and beloved Son, through whom we have redemption and forgiveness in baptism.
5. 1.15Theodoret argues that Christ, the image of the invisible God, shares the Father's being, and that "firstborn of all creation" means begotten before creation, not a creature.
6. 1.16Theodoret explains that the Son created all things visible and invisible, including the angelic powers, renews them through his incarnation, and exists before all things.
7. 1.18Theodoret explains that Christ is head of the church according to his humanity and firstborn from the dead as the first to rise.
8. 1.19Theodoret explains the reconciliation of all things through Christ's blood, the Colossians' share in it, and Paul's sufferings that complete what remained of Christ's afflictions by preaching to the Gentiles.
9. 1.25Theodoret explains Paul's ministry as steward of the mystery long hidden and now revealed to the Gentiles, through which Christ, not the law, makes people perfect.
10. 2.1Theodoret explains Paul's concern for those who had not seen him and that the treasures of wisdom are hidden in Christ, not in the law's observances.
11. 2.4Theodoret explains that Paul writes to keep the Colossians from being deceived by persuasive words.
12. 2.5Theodoret explains Paul's praise of the Colossians' order and his call to walk in Christ, rooted, built up, and abounding in thanksgiving.
13. 2.8Theodoret explains that the philosophy and elements Paul warns against are the untimely observance of the law and its days.
14. 2.9Theodoret argues that the fullness of the divinity dwells bodily in Christ, not in the church, since the Only-begotten's divinity is united to his visible body.
15. 2.11Theodoret explains that the circumcision of Christ is baptism, a spiritual putting off of sin that foreshadows the incorruption to come.
16. 2.12Theodoret explains that baptism is a type of burial with Christ and a pledge of the resurrection awaited in faith.
17. 2.13Theodoret explains that God gave the Colossians life and forgiveness, and that the true uncircumcision to be removed is wickedness, not the body's foreskin.
18. 2.14Theodoret explains the cancelled handwriting as the debt of our sinful body paid on the cross, rejects food laws, feasts and angel worship as shadows or conceit, and urges seeking the things above.
19. 3.5Theodoret explains that the members to be put to death are sinful inclinations worked through the body, and that covetousness is idolatry because it serves wealth as a god.
20. 3.6Theodoret notes that Paul adds a threat of God's wrath to his exhortation.
21. 3.7Theodoret compares Paul's reminder of the Colossians' former life with his words to the Corinthians about being washed and sanctified.
22. 3.8Theodoret explains that the old man put off in baptism is the former way of life, and the new man renews in us the image that sin had corrupted.
23. 3.11Theodoret explains that the life to come, of which baptism is the type, knows no distinctions of race or rank, and urges forgiveness after Christ's example.
24. 3.14Theodoret explains love as the bond that guards the other commandments and holds the body together.
25. 3.15Theodoret explains the peace of God as umpire of the church's concord and urges constant meditation on Scripture and the singing of spiritual songs.
26. 3.17Theodoret explains that thanks must be offered to God through Christ, not through angels, as the Synod of Laodicea also ruled, and that wives' subjection is limited by the Lord's law.
27. 3.19Theodoret explains the duties of husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters, stressing that slaves serve the Lord and that masters owe fitting care.
28. 4.2Theodoret notes that thanksgiving for gifts received should come before petition.
29. 4.3Theodoret notes Paul's humility in asking for prayer and explains that his bonds make the preaching more manifest.
30. 4.5Theodoret urges wise conduct toward unbelievers and the buying back of the present time with good deeds.
31. 4.6Theodoret explains speech seasoned with salt as spiritual understanding that fits its teaching to each hearer.
32. 4.7Theodoret explains why Paul sends Tychicus and the former slave Onesimus, and why Aristarchus and Mark are commended.
33. 4.11Theodoret notes the high praise of those who comforted Paul.
34. 4.12Theodoret explains Paul's commendation of Epaphras's prayers and zeal for the churches of Phrygia.
35. 4.14Theodoret explains the closing greetings, argues that the letter "from Laodicea" was written to Paul, not by him, and places Archippus at Colossae.
36. 4.18Theodoret explains Paul's autograph greeting and urges remembering his bonds, bearing trials, and relying on grace.