Colossians 2:6-15 would have been today’s first reading if not for the Feast of the Birth of Our Lady. I write about this selection for the purpose of illustrating how to outline discursive materials found in the Scriptures. This project supplements what we are doing here.

An Outline of Colossians 2:6-19

Below is an outline of Colossians 2:6-19 (click for a larger view).

 

Our liturgical selection covers only part of a whole idea: that the Colossians live rooted in Christ who is to be their all. Thus they are not to be distracted by questions surrounding circumcision since they have received the circumcision called for by the prophet Jeremiah (cf. Jeremiah 4:4) and by people who judge them according to certain practices in eating and drinking and the celebration of feasts. Notice that verse 19 mentions a disconnection with Christ the Head in contrast with the idea of being rooted in Christ in v. 6.

Some Important Insights

• Paul’s admonition to live in Christ is followed by the words “rooted, built up in Him, strengthened in the faith” and to live in thankfulness. This Christological emphasis on the life of the Christians of Colossae is based on the baptism they have received (cf. 12) See an article on vv. 12-14 here.
• Verse 15 may appear like an echo of what is contained in Col. 1:15-20. It has a specific role in its context though: to highlight the fact that Christ alone should be the life of the Colossians. In Him God dwells and therefore the Colossians need no longer to join others in a search for God. Second, in Christ one is already circumcised and therefore one need not hanker after what is peddled by other missionaries. Lastly, they don’t need to worry about observances based on the moon and the stars since these are but shadows that point to Christ. For the modern Christian, one should find here a warning against religious syncretism and a spiritualism that is alien to the Christian gospel.
• The baptism of the Christian is underlined in vv. 13-15. Through it, they have received forgiveness for sins.
• Notice too that within the context of the discussion of the grace of baptism is the mention of the cross of Christ. It is to the cross that God has nailed the note that said “I owe God for my sins”. And it was also under the cross that the principalities and powers were defeated, in an image of a battle won at the death and resurrection of Christ.

Some Articles on the Web

• A Pentecost Sermon on Colossians 2:6-15
• A Brief Lectionary Reflection by the Rev. Wanda Copeland
• An Easy to Read version of Colossians 2:6-15

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