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The Problems in Colossae and Galatia Can Become Our Problems
No one has figured out exactly what is the problem in Colossae. I am smart enough to know I am not smart enough to outsmart those smarter. Yes, I had fun writing that. So, I would like to tackle it from a different angle. Instead of looking only at Colossians or comparing Colossians to Ephesians, let’s compare it Galatians.
What do they have in common?
- Circumcision (Col.2:11; Gal.5:6-12)
- Special Days (Col.2:16; Gal.4:10)
- “Elemental” things (Col.2:8; Gal.4:3,9)
Where did all this come from? In Galatians, the false teachers are described as coming in secretly (Gal.2:4). In Colossians, the teachers are guilty of taking people “captive”. Heretical doctrines come from false teachers (even if we are the false teacher ourselves).
The differences between the two heresies are important too. Paul’s tone is more personal and harsher in Galatians than Colossians; but then again, he personally knew the churches in Galatia. Often we are harsher out of love with those we know. Other differences go into the areas where there is disagreement, as to whether this is an early stage of Gnosticism or Eastern Mysticism. This is where the mystery begins which I cannot begin to solve. So, what is the different direction into which I want to go?
First, read both letters and you find the answer is always a greater focus on Christ, whether his purpose (Gal.3:24-27) or His being (Col.2:9).
Second, read both letters and you find the change in relationship and identity between Christ’s people. No one is better than another. False teachers often elevate themselves and their disciples or factions or sects. But notice this similar language in both letters:
- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal.3:28)
- “There is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free, but Christ is all, and in all” (Col.3:11)
Third, and this is the intent of this whole short article. We know the heresy in Galatians – Judaizers. We don’t know the heresy in Colossians; but now we do know they have similarities. The direction I wanted to take us is beware of allowing any false teaching (especially centered around the gospel) because heresies often begin with something familiar which even sounds good and holy; but it can take us places wherein we know not where we are going, and what it, and we will become.
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