COLOSSIANS Mirror Study Bible - Francois Du Toit

In this marvelous work, Paul continues to eloquently celebrate the perfection of God's work in Christ, in redeeming their image and likeness in us. His aim is to make the mystery of the gospel known in its most accurate context; the unveiling of Christ in us completes our every expectation. Paul sees the whole world as his audience. He has no other agenda but to reveal Christ in the masses of humanity. During Paul's imprisonment in Rome in 61 to 63 AD, he wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. The church at Colossae was perhaps the the smallest community of believers to which Paul's epistles were addressed' [Vincent]. But here he gives a most powerful message, unveiled in the incarnate Person of Christ. Colossians 1:28 This is the essence and focus of our message; we awaken every person's mind, instructing every individual by bringing them into full understanding (flawless clarity) in order that we may prove (present) everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:15 In him the image and likeness of God is made visible in human life; in order that every individual may recognize their true origin in him; he is the firstborn of every creature. (What darkness veiled from us he unveiled. In him we clearly see the mirror reflection of our original life. The Son of his love gives accurate evidence of his image in human form. The incarnation means that God can never again be invisible.) Colossians 2:9 In him, all the fullness of 1Deity 2resides in a human body. He proves that human life is tailor-made for God. He is the Incarnate Word. In him, the fulness of the Godhead has taken up permanent residence in a human body! And your completeness as a person is only realized in him! Christ reveals that there is no place in the universe where God would rather be; All that the Father, Son and Spirit is, resides in him. Jesus proves that human life is tailor-made for God. Jesus Christ mirrors our completeness; he is I am in us. Any teaching that leaves you with a sense of lack and imperfection rather than completeness is a distraction from the truth. Colossians 2:16 Do not let anyone therefore bring a restriction to your freedom by reviving religious rules and regulations pertaining to eating and drinking; also, all Jewish festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths have come to an end in Christ. The religious facade that disguised the law of works as a means of defining a person's life, was openly defeated. The success of the cross will never be silenced. Colossians 3:1