Colossians is a wonderful book, filled with lots of great teaching. These are just a few notes given to provide a broader understanding of some of the concepts involved. May they help you understand YAHWEH's Word more clearly. Get your Bible and read Colossians, referring to these notes as you go. May YAHWEH bless your study of these verses.
NOTE: YAHWEH = God The Messiah = Christ YAHUSHUA = Jesus Sovereign = Lord There are reasons for using these terms. YAHWEH is God's personal name (God is His title. See God in English "Translations"...) YAHUSHUA is the proper Hebrew name for Jesus. "Jesus" is a Greek 'invention'. (See Letter "J"...) Each name has a very specific meaning in Scripture. We should be careful to distinguish YAHWEH and YAHUSHUA from other "gods", and even from those who falsely use the biblical names for less than honorable purposes. Sovereign is the correct meaning of the Greek term kurios. It is not the same as "THE LORD" as used in the English Old Testament (Covenant)
1:2 Written to 'the saints', and to 'the faithful brethren'. If you are among these this letter is for you.
1:5 There is a hope laid up for us in heaven. It is a great hope. And it is revealed in THE WORD OF TRUTH, The Gospel! This is an essential part of the message of Messiah - that there is something to hope for beyond this life.
1:6 The Gospel is CONSTANTLY bearing fruit 'in all the world'. YAHWEH is always at work teaching people about Himself. And the fruit comes as people hear The Word of YAHWEH, understand it, and believe it.
1:9 Paul, and others in fellowship with him, did not cease to pray for the other Believers. This is part of the fellowship we are called to. And this prayer was specific. They asked YAHWEH to do a number of vital things for every Believer.
As a Believer, this prayer is also intended for you, that you might be built up in your faith. There are three things mentioned first: (1) knowledge of His will, (2) wisdom, (3) understanding - and each in its fulness.
1:10 These things are requested so that seven things (spiritual perfection) might be found in your life. So that: (1) you may walk in a manner worthy of The Sovereign, YAHUSHUA (2) you may please Him in ALL things, (3) you may be fruitful for Him in every GOOD work, (4) you may increase in the knowledge of YAHWEH, (5) you may be strengthened with all might (power, ability) in accordance with the very power of YAHWEH Himself, (6) you may attain endurance founded on patience, (7) you may joyously give thanks to YAHWEH The Father for His gifts to you.
1:12 YAHWEH has made us partakers (past tense - done deal)) of the inheritance of the 'saints in the light' - those who live according to the Light given them, YAHUSHUA, The Light of the world.
1:13 YAHWEH HAS DELIVERED (past tense, accomplished already) from the power of darkness (Satan and his hosts), and INTO the kingdom of The Messiah!
1:14 It is IN THE MESSIAH (through Him) that we have (not will have) redemption - through His shed blood - and that includes the forgiveness of our sins. Note that we already have this forgiveness - we already have this redemption! It is FINISHED! Those were the words of The Messiah (The Word of YAHWEH made flesh) from the Cross! For each True Believer, who understands and believes what YAHWEH says, this IS the reality right now! THIS is how YAHWEH sees us, because the shed blood of The Messiah covers ALL of our sin! Hallelu-Yah!!!
Note: The mind of man, accompanied by the lies of Satan, finds it difficult to comprehend this Truth. Somehow we find it difficult to believe that YAHWEH actually sees us this way. After all, we know how we live. We know the daily shortcomings of our own lives. And we wonder how it is possible for YAHWEH to continue to see us as forgiven when we screw up so often. But, the Word of YAHWEH declares this as Truth! In this you must walk by faith, not by sight! You must simply believe/trust YAHWEH's Word, even though you can't perceive it yourself. This is what true faith is really about!
1:15 The Messiah is the image (the identification of what YAHWEH is) the of the invisible YAHWEH! He is the Firstborn of every creature (actually everything created).
In The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, YAHWEH has revealed all of Himself to us!!! By taking the time to carefully study the life and teachings of YAHUSHUA, guided by the Holy Spirit, you will discover the very essence of who and what YAHWEH is! This is a most remarkable disclosure to mankind, the Mystery of The Messiah, of the Eternal Holy YAHWEH!!! And this is why the rejection of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, is seen as the rejection of YAHWEH Himself! This is why there is no redemption for one who believes in YAHUSHUA, and then turns his back on Him! It is the rejection of everything YAHWEH stands for and is!
1:16 By HIM - YAHUSHUA, The Messiah - everything was created! How can this be? YAHUSHUA is the son of YAHWEH!! He was with Him in the very beginning John 1.1ff) They are One - a unity. While we can't comprehend what this really means, this is what His Word says to us.
Note the inclusions here: things in heaven, things on earth, things visible, things invisible, thrones, rulers, dominions, authorities - all things.
And, they were created BY HIM and FOR HIM!! That includes you - and everything you have, everything you are! YOU belong to The Messiah, from the moment He created you.
Wrapped up in these few Words of YAHWEH, is the most astounding Truth of Scripture!! It is the most fundamental understanding of our entire existence! YAHWEH, through YAHUSHUA, created YOU! YAHWEH, through YAHUSHUA, created EVERYTHING you can see, or even not see! You are HIS, for He created you! And ALL of your existence, all of the meaning of your life, is tied up IN THE MESSIAH!!! Without Him you have NO meaning! Without Him you have NO existence! Without Him you have NO redemption from your sin!
This then, finally explains the longing in your soul for meaning, for belonging, for existence! you were created BY HIM, and FOR HIM! You cannot be a completed, fulfilled person WITHOUT HIM!!!
1:17 HE, YAHWEH, The Messiah, is before (and above - He PRECEDES, is the forerunner of - it all comes from Him) all things! Without Him nothing came into existence! NOTHING!!!
This is quite a remarkable understanding for those who have a deep awareness of science and the very atoms of our existence - HE HOLDS ALL THINGS TOGETHER!!! Scientists have discovered there is some 'unknown force' that holds atoms together. If this force did not exist the atoms would literally blow apart. But they are completely unable to explain what this force is or how it works. So much for man's knowledge. Here YAHWEH explains in His Word of Truth exactly who that force is that holds everything together!! YAHUSHUA! The Messiah! ALMIGHTY YAHWEH!
1:18 The Messiah is the head of the body. And The Church (the assembly, or gathering, of True Believers, and not the local organization called a church) is the Body of The Messiah!
The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, is the beginning of The Church, the first member of it so-to-speak. He is the firstborn from the dead. (The Church consists completely of 'dead people' who have been given new life.)
The Messiah is the firstborn, the beginning, the foundation stone, of The Church - for the specific purpose of being preeminent in it - its ruler - the One who is first in power and authority over it! YAHUSHUA is Sovereign!
1:19 It was pleasing to YAHWEH, the Father, that in YAHUSHUA , The Messiah of YAHWEH, all the fulness should dwell!
What this reveals is what was stated before - He is the image of YAHWEH - the fulness of the revelation of YAHWEH!! If you want to know more about YAHWEH you simply need to know more about YAHUSHUA!
1:20 YAHUSHUA 'made peace with YAHWEH' - for our sin! It was the purpose of His shed blood on the cross. He paid the price of the penalty that is required for the sin of unbelief and rebellion against YAHWEH's authority over us - His precious blood. He allowed this to happen willingly in order to reconcile us to YAHWEH once again - to restore us to fellowship with the One who created us!
Not only this, but everything - things in heaven and things on earth - can be reconciled to Him as a result. YAHUSHUA satisfies the requirements for reconciliation for all things - including the creation itself - back unto YAHWEH the Father!
Note: I'm sure we have absolutely no comprehension of the full extent of the meaning identified here. This has such far-reaching consequences that no human mind could ever comprehend the significance of this statement. And I further believe that even the angels of heaven are included in this statement, in ways we simply cannot know - yet.
1:21 Here we find the same idea that Paul presented in Ephesians. It is a powerful reminder that we were at one point completely alienated - separated - from YAHWEH, and even hostile toward Him in our minds. We engaged in evil deeds! We did not believe YAHWEH, and therefore we even rebelled against Him and His instructions that were intended for our well-being.
Yet now, after the death and resurrection of YAHUSHUA, The Messiah, we are reconciled to Him! We are His friends, no - His FAMILY, once again - entitled by His grace and mercy to enter into His Holy Presence once more!
This is what the death of YAHUSHUA means to us! This is what His resurrection means to us! Now - through belief in YAHuSHUA's life and work, belief in His death and resurrection - for our sakes - we are presented before YAHWEH as holy, blameless, and beyond reproach!
Can you comprehend this? Do you recognize the power of this Truth of the Word of YAHWEH? Do you want to know what is awesome? This is! Absolutely nothing else you will ever discover in life compares to this in any manner! Praise and glory be to YAHWEH for all eternity!! AMEN!
1:23 But there is one condition to this acceptance by YAHWEH. Please note that the gift of reconciliation, redemption, is totally free - no strings attached. It's yours simply as a result of truly believing what YAHWEH says to you. Receiving the gift costs you nothing. Retaining the gift, however does cost you something. It demands that you remain faithful to YAHWEH! You cannot retain the gift if you do not remain faithful, for you have made YAHWEH a liar! You have mocked the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son!
Paul spells it out here: If you continue if the faith, grounded (The Messiah as your foundation), settled (no longer interested in discovering new ideas or things to believe in and give your life to), and not moved away from the hope of The Gospel! (You do not leave YAHWEH and go after the things of the world or anything else to 'devote your life to'.) YAHWEH is to be everything to you from this moment on!
Note also that this gospel - of The Messiah, YAHUSHUA - was (past tense - accomplished) preached to every creature that is under heaven (on earth). This is already finished! It is not something that 'must yet happen' before The Messiah can return to earth the second time. It is already completed! Those who teach otherwise simply do not accept The Word of YAHWEH in its entirety as Truth.
1:25 You are to minister to fulfill the word of YAHWEH. It is a gift from YAHWEH to be in ministry.
1:26 Paul’s ministry was all about this mystery, hidden for many generations, but now made known to the saints (the True Believers in The Messiah) - even the mystery of The Messiah in you!! The indwelling Messiah! The Resurrected Messiah!
1:27 To the 'saints' (Believers) YAHWEH desired to make known - it was His will to reveal these things - the riches and the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles.
This is also quite remarkable. YAHWEH dwelt in the midst of Israel - in the center of Jerusalem - where He 'lived' in the Tabernacle first, then in The Temple. Yet for the Gentiles - not national Israel - YAHWEH did a new thing - something which you would not believe if you were a Jew and it was told to you. YAHWEH, the God of Israel, (because of their rejection of Him and their crucifixion of His Messiah) provided the Gentile Believers with His very indwelling presence individually - in the Believer, who becomes The Temple of The Holy Spirit!
The Messiah in you - the hope of Glory! Astounding!
1:28 We (Believers) proclaim Him. We preach, we teach, we bear witness to YAHUSHUA, The Messiah of YAHWEH! We do this to every person we encounter in order that they may be presented to YAHWEH as perfect, complete, and mature, because of their relationship with The Messiah, YAHUSHUA!
1:29 This was Paul's ministry. This is what motivated him constantly. This is why he endured beatings, shipwrecks, etc. He had a focus to his ministry.
But it's vital to understand that even Paul could not do this in his own strength. Paul could only do this through the power of YAHWEH - which worked mightily within him. And this in yet another reminder that it is all of YAHWEH, all of grace - and nothing of our own efforts! Without YAHWEH we could make no effort whatsoever.
2:2 Part of the purpose of Paul's ministry, and ours, is encouragement of fellow Believers. It is to bring them together in love (agape - deep abiding love, not the supreficial stuff). It is to help them attain all the riches of the full assurance of faith - the complete understanding of all YAHWEH has done and is yet doing for them.
Our spiritual growth has a goal - the True Knowledge of YAHWEH's Mystery, The Messiah! For in Him are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
Take note of that! All the treasures or wisdom and knowledge. There is no other place or person you can go to in order to discover these things. They are all in The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, The Creator of all things. Since He alone is the source of all things (that would include knowledge and wisdom) there os no other source for them. If you desire to have these things you must seek Him to find them.
2:4 Paul's reminder here is crucial. There is always the concern about being deluded, deceived, tricked into believing the lie of Satan. This lie began in Genesis at the Garden of Eden. "Did YAHWEH really say that?" "You won't really die if you gain the knowledge of good and evil."
Do not be deceived! Yahweh is not mocked (with impunity)! The Messiah, YAHUSHUA is the source of all things. You can bet your life on it!
2:6 As you have received The Messiah (as your personal Sovereign and Master, The Savior of your soul, The Creator of all things) so you are to 'walk' (one step at a time, day by day, moment by moment) in Him - in total dependence upon Him for everything you need - firmly established (rooted) and built up (taught and cared for), unwavering, and abounding in thanksgiving for all He is to you and for you!
2:8 Beware lest any man deceive you through philosophy and vain arguments after the tradition of men. Again the warning about deception. it is the agenda of the Enemy!
2:9 In The Messiah dwells all the fulness of the godhead - in bodily form! The Messiah is YAHWEH incarnate, in the flesh! Consider the huge ramifications of this Truth!
2:10 In Him you are complete (have been made complete, fulfilled, perfect)! You need nothing else!
He is the head over all rule and authority. There is no power that can rule over you that is any higher than YAHUSHUA, or His Father, YAHWEH.
2:11 Colossae was a Gentile community. Paul is speaking to Gentiles. Now he connects the Gentile community with circumcision (the sign of YAHWEH's unconditional covenant made with Abraham). But in this case it is a spiritual circumcision, not a physical one. What is removed is the 'body of the sins of the flesh' by the 'circumcision' (the act of being made holy and righteous) of The Messiah.
How was this accomplished? You were 'buried with The Messiah' in your baptism (the submersion, the total surrender) into YAHUSHUA. You were also 'raised up with Him' (promised, guaranteed your own resurrection to new life) through your faith (belief in YAHWEH's Word) in the working of YAHWEH to reconcile you to Him through The Messiah, YAHUSHUA.
There is more in view here. For in this circumcision you are joined to The Circumcision that believes in The Messiah. The two become one in The Messiah. The division is removed, and the Gentiles are granted access to the presence of Almighty YAHWEH, who has raised The Messiah from the dead, and will also raise you up in the last days.
2:13 These The Messiah has taken away, having nailed it to the (staurus) stake, or pole, not a cross!! YAHUSHUA took our punishment! We are no longer guilty because YAHUSHUA accepted in Himself all the punishment that was due to us, in order that He might set us free from the guarantee of death and eternal separation from YAHWEH, the Father, for all eternity!
2:15 YAHUSHUA 'spoiled' (stripped, disarmed) 'principalities and powers' (demonic leadership and their strongholds in your life). He made a public display of them! He declared to the entire Creation that He is YAHWEH and no being shall have the ability to deny that Truth! Through the death and resurrection of The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, YAHWEH triumphed over all the forces of evil - for all eternity! IT IS FINISHED!!!
2:16 Therefore - because you understand all of this clearly - let no one judge you in regard to what you eat or drink, or in relation to festivals (holiday celebrations) of any kind. Do what is right before YAHWEH and stop worrying about what others think of you. It is what YAHWEH thinks that is important.
2:17 Here we have a reminder that the regulations YAHWEH gave to Israel concerning their unique eating habits and their specially appointed feasts are a 'shadow' of things to come. They point towards things Yahweh wants us to understand, but they are not the real thing. They have 'the shape' but not the substance.
The 'body', the real substance, is of The Messiah. He is the real thing! And all the feasts point toward Him as The Messiah!!
2:18 Let no man beguile you (literally, steal your prize) by criticizing your commitment to YAHWEH. All the thoughts and ideas of men's minds are to be ignored. You are to hold fast to The Messiah, The Head, from whom everything is supplied and held together, and from whom all true spiritual growth comes.
2:20 If... Important recognition. If you have died with The Messiah to the rudiments (the elementary principles) of the world then why would you submit yourself to these irrelevant ideas and practices? (Even The Law of Moses is in view here, and especially so for the Gentile Believers who were often encouraged to submit themselves to The Law after they became Believers in The Messiah.)
2:23 These things - The Law, and teachings of the Jewish faith - have the appearance of wisdom, ii self-made worship and false humility, but they are of no value against fleshly indulgences. Only The Messiah is of value here! Only His indwelling presence can help you conquer the deeds of the flesh.
3:1 If you have been raised with Messiah then seek the things which are above, where The Messiah is - the heavenly things found at the right hand of YAHWEH.
3:2 Set your mind - be fully convinced and fully convicted - on the things of YAHWEH, not the things of the earth (they will pass, but the things of Yahweh will endure for eternity.)
3:3 YOU ARE DEAD!! (You died with The Messiah, in Baptism.) And your Life (eternal) is hidden (for the time being) with The Messiah, and in YAHWEH!
3:4 When The Messiah, who is our Life, shall appear (be revealed) then we also shall be revealed with Him in Glory!!! Hallelu-Yah!!! Praise YAHWEH!!
3:5 Mortify (put to death) the earthly parts of your nature. It may seem like a strange idea to you, but it is YAHWEH’s desire that you stop doing what normally is part of your fleshly desires. These actions (what you do, even supposedly for YAHWEH, amount to idolatry) The next few verses confirm the intention expressed here. Precisely because of these things (v. 5) the wrath of YAHWEH will come!
These were part of your own behavior! Now, you are to stop them!
3:9 One of the specially identified issues is lying. No lie is of The Truth. Every lie has its source in the Devil! Therefore, do not lie to one another. (Speak The Truth - The Messiah - in love!)
3:10 You have put on the new man as a believer in The Messiah! You are being renewed in knowledge after the image of The Messiah!!
3:12 As the elect of YAHWEH (the Chosen - this was Israel's place as a nation. This 'choosing' does not erase Israel's national standing. It does not replace it. It is simply part of the New Thing YAHWEH is now doing - in addition to His working with Israel. This is an individual choosing for us, not a national one.) Put on (command, not a request - take upon yourself as a responsible act of personal choice) a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. (Seven things = spiritual perfection.) These are the fruits of The Spirit.
3:13 Forgive, even as YAHWEH, in The Messiah, has forgiven you – totally
3:14 Above all, put on love (agape). In this is found the bond of perfection (maturity).
3:15 Let, permit, the peace of YAHWEH rule in your hearts. It is to control everything in your life! But it is an act of will on your part for this to happen. You have to choose to let it rule.
This is what you are called for and into - into the One Body -The Assembly (Church). And rather than be irritated that you are called to do this, give thanks that you have the privilege!
3:16 Let (again permit, by an act of your free choice) The Word of YAHWEH dwell in you richly (let The Messiah dwell in you richly, or abundantly) in all wisdom. And let this indwelling presence of The Messiah and His wisdom help you teach and admonish one another with 'The Word of YAHWEH' (psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing - rejoicing, with grace in your hearts).
3:17 WHATSOEVER YOU DO - do it ALL in the name of The Messiah (YAHUSHUA)! For HIS sake, not for your own. And always give thanks through The Messiah, YAHUSHUA, to YAHWEH, The Father!
3:18 Ah, Paul had to go and meddle now, didn't he. Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, masters - you have a responsibility now before YAHWEH as to how you are to live!
3:23 WHATEVER you do, do it with all you heart, unto The Sovereign, and not unto men (including your self).
3:24 You know that from The Sovereign you shall receive the reward of the inheritance He has promised to you. You serve The Sovereign, The Messiah, and His Word is absolutely certain!
3:25 You also know that the one who does wrong shall receive the consequences of his actions - without any favoritism on YAHWEH's part. Sin will be punished.
4:2 Continue in prayer- always! As you pray be alert. Watch for what YAHWEH will reveal to you. And thank Him for all things He does for you.
4:3 Pray also that YAHWEH will open the door for The Word, so that ministers of The Word may speak boldly The Mystery of The Messiah, and that they will know what words to use so their teaching is plain and understandable to those who are listening to it.
4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are 'outside' who do not yet Believe YAHWEH. Redeem the time. (How do you 'redeem' the time? You make the most of it by bearing witness to The Messiah.)
4:6 Let your speech always be with grace - seasoned with salt (salt was a sign of the covenant, it was a preservative which in effect guaranteed the covenant.). This grace would provide the wisdom to know how you should answer every man, in every matter. (Grace, The Messiah in you!)
4:12 Epaphras was a servant of The Messiah. He labored fervently in his prayers for other Believers, that they might be found perfect and complete in all the will of YAHWEH. That's what you call a prayer ministry!
4:17 Take heed to the ministry you have received from YAHWEH so that you might fulfill it.
Every Believer has a ministry from YAHWEH. It's important to discover what your ministry is and to do it well.