Intro to Philippians and Colossians

Philippians and Colossians are two letters written by the apostle Paul while he was in prison for his faith. While different in tone, they share many common themes and help us understand the person and work of Jesus Christ as well as the nature of Christian discipleship.

Paul wrote both letters. Some modern scholars doubt he wrote Colossians because it seems to have a different style and theology from his other letters. Paul’s defenders point out that writers often use different styles and methods to communicate. In the end, there is no reason to conclude that Paul did not write it.

There is some speculation about where Paul was imprisoned when he wrote. He spent only a short time in prison in Philippi (Acts 16:23), but spent some amount of time under guard in Ephesus (2 Cor 1:8; 1 Cor 15:32; sometime between 52-55AD). He was held for two years each in Caesarea (Acts 24:27; 57-59AD) and in Rome (Acts 28:16ff.; 60-62AD), and was arrested many other times (2 Cor 6:5; 11:23). The mention of the palace guard and Caesar’s household (Phil 1:13; 4:22) suggests that Paul wrote Philippians from Rome. Many believe he wrote Colossians from Ephesus. In either case we cannot be absolutely certain.

Paul travelled to Philippi in Acts 16, where we learn that Lydia was the first convert, and he and Silas were flogged and imprisoned there for casting out a demon which predicted the future. Even in this dire situation, Paul led the jailer to the Lord after an earthquake which opened the prison doors. Paul passed through Philippi a few years later, but little of that visit is recorded (Acts 20:6).

Not surprisingly, Paul’s letter to the believers at Philippi has a very personal tone and was not his first correspondence with them (3:1; 2:26). They supported him often, (Phil 4:16) most recently through Epaphroditus (4:18). He wrote to thank them for their gifts (1:5; 4:10-19) and to encourage them. They should not despair because he is prison again (1:7,12). Rather, he wants them to understand that God is using him even while he is in chains (1:12-14). He prays that they might increase in knowledge and insight so that they would remain faithful to Jesus (1:9-11). Regardless of the motives of others (1:15-18), the gospel message continues to be proclaimed and he will do his part even though he greatly desires to be with the Lord (1:19-26). He wants to see them again (1:26), but if he does not, he hopes they will continue to be faithful even though they suffer greatly (1:27-30). They ought not to become selfish in their difficulty, but rather have the same attitude of humility as Jesus (2:1-11) and do everything without complaining or arguing (2:12-18). They should trust in the resurrection of Jesus and not become spiritually proud as Paul had once been (3:1-11). Encouraged by the knowledge that they are really citizens of heaven (3:17-4:1), they need to live up to their high calling (3:12-16), get along with each other (4:2-3), and trade anxiety for God’s peace and outlook on life (4:4-9).

Paul’s letter to Colossae has a more deeply theological tone. He knew them only through his friend Epaphroditus, who first took the gospel to the city (1:4,7-8; 2:1; 4:12-13). Nonetheless, he wrote to encourage the believers and intended that the letter also be read in the church at nearby Laodicea (4:16). Paul prays that they will know God’s will and have spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they would please the Lord and live faithful Christian lives out of gratitude to God (1:9-14). At the centre of faith is Jesus, the Creator, Ruler and Reconciler (1:15-20) who wants them to share in the “kingdom of light” (1:12). They must live holy lives and endure in their faith (1:21-23). Paul has suffered in order to proclaim the gospel and writes so that they may not be steered away by false doctrine (1:24-2:5) which does not depend on Jesus as God (2:6-12). Since Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness, they should beware of teaching which advocates the keeping of tradition and ceremony for salvation (2:13-23). Having been raised from their previous state of sinfulness, they ought to set heavenly goals (3:1-4), leaving behind patterns of old sins (3:5-11) and taking up a new lifestyle of peace and unity. This honours Jesus (3:12-17), and has implications for family and vocational life (3:18-4:1). They need to devote themselves to prayer and watch for opportunities to proclaim the gospel message (4:2-6).

The two letters share many common themes. Both have a high view of Jesus, as we see in Phil 2:5-11 and Col 1:15-20. Both aim to convey spiritual knowledge and wisdom. For Paul, this is belief tied to behaviour and he spells out very practical examples of holy living. Both letters advocate trust in Jesus for salvation and not religious forms or traditions. Both remind the believer to persevere in the faith and to imitate the character of Jesus despite hardship. Resurrection with Jesus in the afterlife provides motivation for the believer to be obedient. Thanksgiving and prayer are also important themes shared by the books.

Colossians is notable for its connection to Philemon. A common character is Onesimus, a runaway slave whom Paul sends back to Colossae, not as property, but as a brother in the Lord. An interesting feature of Philippians is that it probably contains the oldest Christian hymn of the New Testament (Phil 2:6-8).

Philippians and Colossians continue to be important reminders to us of very important matters of our Christian faith. May we read them thoughtfully and prayerfully, considering how they may spur us on in faithfulness to the Lord and love for each other.

Rev. Troy Dennis is a pastor and writer. His letter on faith and character is found at www.onfireletter.com

c. 2012