Episode 73: Middle managers?

Paul wants Christian household relationships to be transformed from the inside out, and has pastoral advice for wives and their husbands, children and parents, even slaves. His final words are to the masters (Col 4:1). These words must also be read in context, and in concert with the parallel text from Ephesians. The all-powerful paterfamilias, the head of the household, was husband, father, and master, and more was expected of him than anyone else. 

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.)