Personal Meditations

Colossians - The Epistle of Knowledge

Even the casual student of the Bible is aware of the many striking parallels between Ephesians and Colossians. We are told that out of the 95 verses in Colossians, 78 have a marked resemblance to Ephesians. This is about 75% of the book. Of the 155 verses in Ephesians, 78, or about half, are parallel to Colossians. Dr. E. W. Bullinger, of England, and Dr. Robert Hadden, of the U.S.A., have both written about the differences in the way these truths are presented. They have shown that the truths are presented as doctrine in Ephesians and by way of correction in Colossians.

The central theme of the book, however, seems to be knowledge. The word that is used several times in the epistle means a precise, accurate knowledge; a thorough acquaintance with; a true knowledge. It seems that the Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to use this word because he was dealing with the early arising of what came to be known as the Gnostic heresy, and the adherents to this heresy claimed to have special knowledge. The Apostle tells the Colossians that he rejoices in their faith, hope and love, but he desires that they might be filled with the true knowledge of God's will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Colossians 1:9). He prays that this knowledge might lead to a worthy walk, which in turn will lead to an increase in this true knowledge (Colossians 1:10). He prays that they might possess a true knowledge of the mystery (Colossians 2:2, acknowledgment), which he had discussed at length in the Ephesian letter. In the practical section, he reminds his readers that they have put on the new man, having been renewed in full knowledge after the image of Him that created him (Colossians 3:10). There are other words translated "know" and "knowledge," but these are predominant and give a summary of the epistle.