For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Now, this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col 2:1–10)
Our previous blog posts delved into Paul's letter to the Colossian church, focusing on the first chapter. Today, we move forward to the core of Paul's message, which begins in chapter 2. Here, we witness the genuine heart of an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul expresses his care for the brethren at the Colossian and Laodicean churches, as they were located near each other. Paul urged the leaders of the Colossian church to convey his concerns to the brethren in Laodicea.
What a great conflict I have for you
An apostle is not just a church administrator, nor is he simply the CEO of a religious organization. He is more than a visionary or a gifted preacher or teacher. As we can see from the examples in this text and other passages in Paul's writings, an apostle is a loving father who cares deeply for his children. He does not act out of personal ego or seek to become a legend or superstar in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Rather, he is convinced that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have had an unparalleled impact on the world and humanity. For this reason, Paul wanted to ensure that those under his care were firmly rooted and grounded in the truth, especially given the tumultuous times in which they lived and the many philosophical ideas that were contrary to the elementary teachings of Christ. Paul aimed for the Colossians to be established a deep understanding of who Jesus is.
Paul saw himself as a spiritual father to those he ministered to
The apostle Paul carried a genuine burden for the people he ministered to. He did not view them to collect offerings or gain monetary benefits. Instead, he recognized them as a responsibility, not a revenue source. Despite being gifted with the privilege of seeing the resurrected Christ, being caught up to the third heaven, and receiving clarity and revelation, Paul did not boast in his accomplishments. In fact, he humbly referred to himself as the least of the apostles.
Paul was fully aware that his apostolic privilege also came with great responsibility. He understood that he would be held accountable for his teachings and the spiritual well-being of those who looked to him for guidance. This understanding of his commissioning and burden led Paul to express his deep concern for the brethren in the Colossian church in this passage. The subsequent verses illustrate Paul's self-perception as a spiritual father rather than a religious organization executive.
1 Corinthians 4:14-15 - "I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel."
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - "For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
Philippians 2:22 - "But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel."
Philemon 10-12 - "I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)"
Galatians 4:19 - "my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!"
As previously stated, we witness an organic community rather than a structured organization when we observe the early church in the New Testament. The early church leaders did not regard themselves as bosses or executives but rather as slaves to Jesus Christ, the ultimate authority. Despite being anointed and supernaturally commissioned to spread the Gospel, each apostle saw themselves as humble servants. They served on behalf of Jesus Christ, the greatest servant of all, and the people they ministered to as His sheep, His flock.
Aware that he would be held accountable for each soul in Colossae and Laodicea, Paul expresses a paternal concern by reminding the brethren to remain steadfast in what he taught them and not to be enticed by the popular philosophies of his time.
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