New book on Colossians
Here is where you can get the book directly from CreateSpace:
https://www.createspace.com/4060776
This is a brief exposition based on lengthy study of the letter. Sometimes exegetical, sometimes practical, there is something here for everyone. If you want to grasp Paul’s meaning from a close analysis of the structure, then look no further.
My prayer is that God is glorified and Christ exalted in the book and from its use.
Here is a sampling:
Commentary
3:1-2. Paul here provides some general conclusions from his previous discussion. Central is the focus on the spiritual salvation that the Colossians had received. This real redemption is foundational to his opening statement. If you have been raised, as Paul exclaims, does not put the matter in doubt. In contrast, since they have been raised spiritually, they are to seek those things which are above. Jesus Himself said something akin to this exhortation: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21). Because Christ due to being raised bodily is sitting at the right hand of God, believers should be looking to Jesus (cf. Heb 12:1-2) rather than seeking worldly wisdom. Christians must constantly think on things above, not on things of the earth. So seeking and thinking on things above appear conceptually parallel. . .
3:3. In further explaining the true spiritual position of the saints in Colossae, Paul adds that they had died (metaphorically; cf. Gal. 2:20) and that their life is hidden with Christ in God. Indeed, the Christians had died so they could live out a new life with Christ. Paul captures the irony of Christian truth: It is death to self that brings fulfillment (cf. John 12:24-26).
3:4. When Christ our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. The fullness of what Christ has accomplished for believers is to be revealed in the future. Certainly we are already possessors of eternal life as saved people, but our resurrection is still future. At the time of Jesus’ return, “The dead in Christ will rise first” (See 1 Thess. 4:13-17). Any Christians still living at the time of the rapture will be “transformed” (Cf. 1 Cor. 15:51-56) to appear with Him in glory.
