Colossians Introduction

Season 2: Episode 1

Background:

1. Where is Paul writing this from with Timothy?

2. Where is Colossae? What is it known for and what’s happening there?

   1. Colossian Heresy: false teaching in the form of philosophy/elemental spirits

   2. Cultural Pressures: tempting the church

   3. Polytheism: the worship of many gods

      1. Hermes (money): god of commerce; displaying wealth, elaborate pieces, rare & unique

      2. Aprhodite (sex): god of sex; artwork depicts nudity, from trad. to secular

      3. Apollo (music): god of music; arts was a big part of the culture(intellect, wisdom, knowledge)

Characters:

1. Paul

2. City of Colossae (Phrygians & Greeks, Jews)

3. Church of Colosse (Gentile church w/ some Jews)

4. Christ Jesus

5. Epaphras

6. Those leading believers away 

7. Church at Laodecia

8. Church at Heirapolis

9. Tychicus

10. Onesimus

11. Aristarchus

12. Mark

13. Justus

14. Luke

15. Demas

16. Nympha

17. Archippus

Key Words:

1. Faith, faithful 

2. Created 

3. Firstborn 

4. Hope

5. Pray

Questions:

1. What cultural pressures (inside or outside of the church) are you tempted by & have given into recently? 

2. Would you identify as a participator, sideliner, benchwarmer or a spectator in living faithfully as an Urban Christian Woman?

3. What have you witnessed the Holy Spirit multiply through your faithfulness to Jesus?