CHRISTALAYA BIBLE STUDY:

COLOSSIANS

Growing Up Into the Fullness of Christ1:18-20

He is the head of the body, the church

What does it mean to say Jesus is the „head‟?

Does he control/direct the church?

Is he at the head/forefront of the battle with forces of

evil?

What does it mean to say the church is the „body‟?

sw/ma is used, not sa,rx Refers to the unity of the church, not the physicality

The beginning, the firstborn of the dead

What does „beginning‟ refer to?

With him begins the resurrection

With him begins the destruction of death

With him begins the new era in which there is no death

What does „firstborn of the dead‟ refer to?

Chronological for sure. Jesus is the first.

Could it refer to an „inheritance‟? If so, what?

In all things he might have the supremacy

How does Jesus‟ being the „head‟ and the „firstborn

of the dead‟ mean that he has supremacy?

What does „supremacy‟ mean?

Does Jesus issue commands?

Does Jesus have the final say in all things?

Is Jesus finally responsible for things that happen?

It pleased all fullness to dwell in him

The word „God‟ or „Father‟ is not in the Greek

manuscripts.

Without the reference to „God‟ or „Father‟ what would

it mean?

Given rise to the idea of „christ consciousness‟ – a view

that Jesus was an exceptionally good person

Different word from John 1:14

John: Set up tent, implying something temporary

Colossians: Set up home, implying permanence

Through him to reconcile to himself

Who does „him‟ refer to?

Jesus as the agent of reconciliation

Who does „himself‟ refer to?

Cannot be Jesus since reconciliation involves three

parties!

Hence, in v. 19, the word „God‟ or „Father‟ is required

What does reconciliation involve?

Estrangement between parties in relationship

Mediator between estranged parties

Satisfactory completion of mediator‟s work

Through the blood of his cross

Psalm 22:6 “I am a worm”

Referred to „coccus ilicis‟

The female would

attach itself to a tree

secrete a crimson gel

lay eggs in the gel and

die affixed to the tree

The crimson gel

provided nutrients for the larvae

was and is used to make crimson dye