Episode 5: The saints below

Most Christians, if they hang around the church long enough, discover that we’re a pretty flawed bunch. By the grace of God, we’re capable of moments of Spirit-led fellowship. But we’re also capable of…well, all the things Paul has to deal with in his letters, the letter to the Colossians included. And yet, Paul addresses the Colossians as “saints,” or “God’s holy people.” How should we understand this?

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)