Theological Themes in Colossians
Intercession
The prayer of intercession in Colossians 1:9-12 calls forth words significant to various cults and religious practices of the time and within the context of life in Colossae. Paul takes this language and uses these words to proclaim the lordship of Christ, who alone is the source of “the knowledge of God,” the true source of “spiritual wisdomWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, "The fear of the... More and understanding,” the one in whom is “the strength that comes from his [God’s] glorious power,” (1:9-11), and the one in whom the Colossians “share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (1:12).
Knowledge
The letter contains language that reflects philosophical and religious thought of its day, especially ideas about acquiring special knowledge that can serve for salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More. Paul takes the language of the time and transforms its understanding so that it serves the proclamation that Christ is the source of all knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding (1:9-10). Christ is the one in whom God’s mysteryA mystery is something secret, hidden and not perceived by ordinary means. In the book of Daniel a significant mystery is revealed through divine revelation (Daniel 2); Paul speaks of a mystery of God in Romans 11 and again in Ephesians 3. In speaking of... More has been revealed (1:26, 27; 2:2; 4:3) and the one in whom “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (2:9).
Thanksgiving
Typical of Paul’s letters, Colossians expresses thanksgiving for the relationship in Christ that Paul and Timothy share with the readers (1:3-8). The relationship for which Paul gives thanks is based in the familiar triad of faith, love, and hope: “for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven” (1:4-5). This is the gospel that is “bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the graceGrace is the unmerited gift of God's love and acceptance. In Martin Luther's favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it. More of God” (1:6).
Universal powers
A group of words that center around references to “rulers” and “powers” (or “authorities”) and “elemental spirits [or elements] of the universe” (1:16; 2:8, 10, 15, 20) is important in the letter. Paul adopts language of universal powers and spirits, transforming prior references and understandings by now using them to proclaim that Christ is Lord of all rulers, powers, authorities, and elemental spirits of the universe. There is nothing outside of Christ’s sovereignty and lordship in the universe.