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COL front intro d9hy Introduction to Colossians 0 # Introduction to Colossians<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of Colossians<br><br>1. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-12)<br>1. The person and work of Christ<br>- Deliverance and redemption (1:13-14)<br>- Christ: the Image of the invisible God, and the One who is over all creation (1:15-17)<br>- Christ is the Head of the Church, and the Church trusts in him (1:18-2:7)<br>1. Tests of faithfulness<br>- Warnings against false teachers (2:8-19)<br>- True godliness is not rigid rules and unbending traditions (2:20-23)<br>1. Teaching and living<br>- Life in Christ (3:1-4)<br>- Old and new life (3:5-17)<br>- Christian family (3:18-4:1)<br>1. Christian behavior (4:2-6)<br>1. Closing and greetings<br>- Paul thanks Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)<br>- Paul sends greetings from his associates (4:10-14)<br>- Paul gives directions to Archippus and the Christians in Laodicea (4:15-17)<br>- Paul's personal greeting (4:18)<br><br>#### Who wrote the Book of Colossians?<br><br>Paul wrote the Book of Colossians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.<br><br>#### What is the Book of Colossians about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the Asia Minor city of Colossae. The main purpose of this letter was to defend the gospel against false teachers. He did this by praising Jesus as the image of God, sustainer of all things, and head of the church. Paul wanted them to understand that only Christ is needed for God to accept them.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Colossians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Letter to the Church in Colossae," or "A Letter to the Christians in Colossae." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### What were the religious issues that the church in Colossae struggled with?<br><br>In the church in Colossae, there were false teachers. Their exact teaching is unknown. But they probably taught their followers to worship angels and to obey strict rules about religious ceremonies. They probably also taught that a person must be circumcised and can only eat certain types of food. Paul said these false teachings came from the minds of men and not from God.<br><br>#### How did Paul use the imagery of heaven and earth?<br><br>In this letter, Paul frequently spoke of heaven as "above." He distinguished it from the earth, which Scripture speaks of as being "below." The purpose of this imagery was to teach Christians to live in a way that honors God who lives in heaven above. Paul is not teaching that the earth or the physical world is evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>#### How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in Colossians in the ULT?<br><br>The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In Colossians, these words usually indicate a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. So Colossians in the ULT uses "believers" or "those who believe in him." (See: 1:2, 12, 26)<br><br>#### Was Jesus created or is he eternal?<br><br>Jesus was not a created being but has always existed as God. Jesus also became a human being. There is potential for confusion in Colossians 1:15 where it says Jesus "is the firstborn of all creation." This statement means that Jesus is dominant over all of creation. It does not mean that he was the first thing God created. Translators should be careful not to imply that Jesus is a created bei
COL 01 intro gtm3 Colossians 01 General Notes 0 # Colossians 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.<br><br>Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br><br>#### Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>##### Images for Christian living<br>Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of "walking" and "bearing fruit." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Paradox<br><br>A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you." People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. ([Colossians 1:24](../../col/01/24.md))<br>
COL 01 01 h5gl figs-inclusive 0 General Information: Though this letter is from Paul and Timothy to the Colossian believers, later in the letter Paul makes it clear that he is the writer. Most likely Timothy was with him and wrote the words down as Paul spoke. Throughout this letter the words "we," "our," and "ours" include the Colossians unless noted otherwise. The words "you," "your," and "yours" refer to the Colossian believers and so are plural unless noted otherwise. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
COL 01 01 fny3 0 an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God "whom God chose to be an apostle of Christ Jesus"
COL 01 03 q1su figs-exclusive 0 We give ... our Lord ... we always These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 04 km8w figs-exclusive 0 We have heard Paul is excluding his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 04 z6eb 0 your faith in Christ Jesus "your belief in Christ Jesus"
COL 01 05 n1qz figs-metonymy 0 because of the certain hope reserved for you in heaven Here "certain hope" stands for what the believer can confidently expect, that is, the things that God has promised to do for all believers. These things are spoken of as if they were physical objects that God was keeping in heaven for the believers to possess later. Alternate translation: "because you are certain that God, who is in heaven, will do the many good things that he has promised you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 01 05 xn8s 0 the word of truth, the gospel Possible meanings are 1) "the message about the truth, the gospel" or 2) "the true message, the gospel."
COL 01 06 wk21 figs-metaphor 0 This gospel is bearing fruit and is growing "Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "This gospel is having good results, more and more" or "This gospel is having increasing results" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 06 z3g5 figs-hyperbole 0 in all the world This is a generalization referring to the part of the world that they knew about. Alternate translation: "throughout the world" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
COL 01 06 ait7 0 the grace of God in truth "the true grace of God"
COL 01 07 f8t1 figs-exclusive 0 our beloved ... our behalf The word "our" does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 07 mjv5 0 gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who "gospel. It is exactly what you learned from Epaphras, who is our beloved fellow servant and who" or "gospel. It is exactly what Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, taught you. He"
COL 01 07 q8gt 0 Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf Here "on our behalf" means that Epaphras was doing work for Christ that Paul himself would have done if he were not in prison.
COL 01 07 pz3h translate-names 0 Epaphras the man who preached the gospel to the people in Colossae (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
COL 01 08 k2k9 figs-exclusive 0 to us The word "us" does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 08 e7ez figs-metaphor 0 your love in the Spirit Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a place in which the believers were located. Alternate translation: "how the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love believers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 09 iyq4 Connecting Statement: 0 Because the Spirit has enabled them to love others, Paul prays for them and tells them here how he prays for them.
COL 01 09 s83e 0 Because of this love "Because the Holy Spirit has enabled you to love other believers"
COL 01 09 f2xd figs-exclusive 0 we heard ... we have not stopped ... We have been asking The word "we" does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 09 u7zh 0 from the day we heard this "from the day Epaphras told us these things"
COL 01 09 w2a7 figs-metaphor 0 that you will be filled with the knowledge of his will Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as though they were containers. Alternate translation: "that God will fill you with what you need to know so that you can do his will" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 09 mzz8 0 in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ", so that the Holy Spirit will make you wise and able to understand what God wants you to do"
COL 01 10 cz4a figs-exclusive 0 We have been praying The word "we" does not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 10 m4hf figs-metaphor 0 that you will walk worthily of the Lord Walking here signifies behavior in life. Alternate translation: "that you will live the way God expects you to" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 10 vv4g 0 in pleasing ways "in ways that will please the Lord"
COL 01 10 vfp3 figs-metaphor 0 will bear fruit Paul is speaking of the Colossian believers as if they were trees or plants. As a plant grows and bears fruit, so also believers are to keep getting to know God better and doing good deeds. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 11 gxv6 figs-exclusive 0 We pray The word "we" refers to Paul and Timothy but not to the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 11 mzf2 figs-metaphor 0 into all perseverance and patience Paul speaks of the Colossian believers as if God would move them into a location of perseverance and patience. In reality, he is praying that they will never stop trusting in God and that they will be completely patient as they honor him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 12 t5lw 0 has made you able to have a share "has allowed you to share"
COL 01 12 lt2q 0 has made you able Here Paul is focusing on his readers as receivers of God's blessings. But he does not mean that he himself has no share in those blessings.
COL 01 12 r2zw figs-metaphor 0 inheritance Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 12 hkf5 figs-metaphor 0 in light This idea is opposite to the idea of the dominion of darkness in the next verse. Alternate translation: "in the glory of his presence" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 13 g9d3 Connecting Statement: 0 Paul talks about the ways in which Christ is excellent.
COL 01 13 mv87 0 He has rescued us "God has rescued us"
COL 01 13 dw5k figs-metaphor 0 the dominion of darkness "Darkness" here is a metaphor for evil. Alternate translation: "the evil forces that controlled us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 13 zav6 guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 his beloved Son "Son" is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
COL 01 14 wh6q figs-metaphor 0 in whom Paul often speaks as if the believers were "in" Jesus Christ or "in" God. This can be translated as the beginning of a new sentence. Alternate translation: "by means of whom" or "By means of his Son" or "Because of his Son" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 14 v5d8 0 we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins The nouns "redemption" and "forgiveness" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "we are redeemed; our sins are forgiven" or "God redeems us; he forgives our sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnoun])
COL 01 15 j5u9 figs-metaphor 0 He is the image of the invisible God "His Son is the image of the invisible God." Here "image" does not mean a representation of something that is visible. Instead, "image" here means that by knowing the Son, we learn what God the Father is like. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 15 h945 figs-metaphor 0 the firstborn of all creation The expression "firstborn" does not refer to when Jesus was born. Instead, it refers to his position as the eternal Son of God the Father. In this sense, "firstborn" is a metaphor meaning "most important." Jesus is the most important and the unique Son of God. Alternate Translation: "God's Son, the most important one over all creation" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 15 af6b figs-abstractnoun 0 all creation The noun "creation" can be translated with a verb. Alternate Translation: "all that God created" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnoun]])
COL 01 16 kru3 figs-activepassive 0 For by him all things were created This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For by him God created all things" or "God caused the Son to create all things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 01 16 zl7j figs-activepassive 0 all things were created by him and for him This can be stated in active form. God caused the Son to create all things for the Son's glory. Alternate translation: "For by him and for him God created all things" or "God caused him to create all things for himself" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 01 17 wk9y 0 He himself is before all things "It is he who existed before all things"
COL 01 17 m4lp figs-activepassive 0 in him all things hold together Paul is speaking here of the Son controlling all things as if he were physically holding them together. "he holds everything together" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 18 qsf3 0 He is the head "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the head"
COL 01 18 q8i3 figs-metaphor 0 He is the head of the body, the church Paul speaks of Jesus' position over the church as if he were the head on the human body. As the head rules the body, so does Jesus rule the church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 18 j6uq 0 the beginning "the originating authority." He is the first chief or founder.
COL 01 18 s12x 0 firstborn from among the dead Jesus is the first person to die and come back to life, never to die again.
COL 01 20 zh4u guidelines-sonofgodprinciples 0 Son This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
COL 01 20 as3p 0 through the blood of his cross "by means of the blood Jesus shed on the cross"
COL 01 20 x5av figs-metonymy 0 the blood of his cross Here "blood" stands for the death of Christ on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 01 21 kv5u Connecting Statement: 0 Paul makes it clear that God has now revealed that Christ exchanges the sin of Gentile believers for his holiness.
COL 01 21 imq1 0 At one time, you also "There was a time when you Colossian believers also"
COL 01 21 wp3t 0 were strangers to God "were like people whom God did not know" or "had pushed God away"
COL 01 22 ejt4 figs-metaphor 0 to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach before him Paul is describing the Colossians as though Jesus had physically cleaned them, put them in clean clothes, and brought them to stand before God the Father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 22 u94j figs-parallelism 0 blameless, and above reproach Paul uses two words that mean almost the same thing to emphasize the idea of perfection. Alternate translation: "perfect" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
COL 01 22 lf5a figs-metaphor 0 before him This expression of location stands for "in God's view" or "in God's mind" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 23 d9kg figs-activepassive 0 that was proclaimed that believers proclaimed (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 01 23 q21b 0 to every person created under heaven "to every person in the world"
COL 01 23 g8iq figs-metonymy 0 the gospel of which I, Paul, became a servant Paul was actually a servant of God. Alternate translation: "the gospel that I, Paul, serve God by proclaiming" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 01 24 rcw3 0 I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ Paul speaks about the suffering that he continues to experience. He may be acknowledging here that there is much suffering that he and all other Christians must endure before Christ comes again, and that Christ in a spiritual sense joins with them in experiencing these hardships. Paul certainly does not mean that Christ's sufferings alone were not enough to provide salvation for the believers.
COL 01 24 fm9y figs-metaphor 0 I fill up in my flesh Paul speaks of his body as if it were a container that could hold suffering. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 24 mge9 figs-metaphor 0 for the sake of his body, which is the church Paul often speaks of the church, the group of all Christian believers, as if it were Christ's body. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 25 t6ud figs-metaphor 0 to fulfill the word of God This means to bring about the purpose of God's gospel message, which is that it be preached and believed. "Word of God" here is a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: "to be obedient to what God has instructed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 01 26 f3mt figs-activepassive 0 This is the secret truth that was hidden This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "This is the secret truth that God had hidden" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 01 26 z8gv 0 for ages and for generations The words "ages" and "generations" refer to the time period from the creation of the world until the time when the gospel was preached.
COL 01 26 a9kw figs-activepassive 0 now it has been revealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "now God has revealed it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 01 27 c8yb figs-metaphor 0 the riches of the glory of this secret truth Paul speaks of the value of this secret truth about God as if it were a treasure of material wealth. "riches" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 27 c7ln figs-metaphor 0 Christ in you Paul speaks of the believers as if they were actual containers in which Christ is present. This is one of his ways of expressing the union of the believers with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 01 27 mr83 0 the hope of glory "so you can confidently expect to share in God's glory"
COL 01 28 va1x figs-exclusive 0 we proclaim ... We admonish ... we teach ... we may present These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 01 28 na8w 0 We admonish every person "We warn everyone"
COL 01 28 lyz1 figs-explicit 0 so that we may present every person You may need to make explicit to whom they will present every person. Alternate translation: "so that we may present to God every person" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 01 28 uk2i figs-metaphor 0 complete Being complete is a metaphor for being spiritually mature. Alternate translation: "spiritually mature" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 intro p3uc Colossians 02 General Notes 0 # Colossians 02 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Circumcision and baptism<br>In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Flesh<br><br>This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses "flesh" in this chapter to refer to the physical body.<br><br>##### Implicit information<br>Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])<br>
COL 02 01 tt6v Connecting Statement: 0 Paul continues to encourage the believers in Colossae and Laodicea to understand that Christ is God and that he lives in believers, so they should live in the same way they received him.
COL 02 01 dqg5 0 how great a struggle I have had for you Paul has exerted much effort in developing their purity and understanding of the gospel.
COL 02 01 fn4z 0 those at Laodicea This was a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church for which Paul was praying.
COL 02 01 rj7d figs-synecdoche 0 as many as have not seen my face in the flesh Here "face in the flesh" represents the person as a whole. Alternate translation: "all those who have never seen me personally" or "all those whom I have never met face to face" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
COL 02 02 ge1w figs-pronouns 0 so that their hearts Paul includes the Galatians even though he uses a different pronoun. Alternate translation: "so that their hearts and yours" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns]])
COL 02 02 a4px 0 brought together This means brought together in a close relationship.
COL 02 02 kdg8 figs-metaphor 0 all the riches of full assurance of understanding Paul speaks of a person who is completely sure that the good news is true as though that person were rich in physical things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 02 qgi2 0 the secret truth of God This is knowledge that can be revealed only by God.
COL 02 02 v13e 0 that is, Christ Jesus Christ is the secret truth revealed by God.
COL 02 03 w74d figs-activepassive 0 In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden Only Christ can reveal God's true wisdom and knowledge. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 02 03 w4mr figs-metaphor 0 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Paul speaks of God's wisdom and knowledge as if they were material wealth. Alternate translation: "the very precious wisdom and knowledge" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 03 vd98 figs-doublet 0 wisdom and knowledge These words mean basically the same thing here. Paul uses them together to emphasize that all spiritual understanding comes from Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
COL 02 04 j8di 0 trick This means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, so he acts on that belief, and suffers harm as a result.
COL 02 04 y4r3 0 persuasive speech speech that will make a person think differently
COL 02 05 g1rp figs-metonymy 0 not with you in the flesh The person's flesh, or physical body, is a metonym for the person. Alternate translation: "not physically present with you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 02 05 bz56 figs-idiom 0 I am with you in spirit Being with someone in spirit is a metaphor for thinking continually about that person. Alternate translation: "I continually think about you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 02 05 ev9p 0 good order doing things properly
COL 02 05 hth1 0 the strength of your faith "how nothing and no one can cause you to stop believing"
COL 02 06 m3f1 figs-metaphor 0 walk in him Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. The words "in him" refer to being in close relationship with Christ and so doing what pleases him. Alternate translation: "live your lives the way he wants you to" or "live so that people can see that you belong to him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 07 e2x6 figs-idiom 0 Be rooted ... be built ... be established ... abound These words explain what it means to "walk in him." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 02 07 fw47 figs-metaphor 0 Be rooted in him Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a tree growing in solid ground with deep roots. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 07 tb5m figs-metaphor 0 be built on him Paul speaks of a person with true faith in Christ as if that person were a building that has a strong foundation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 07 yh83 0 be established in faith "trust in Jesus for everything"
COL 02 07 l1is 0 just as you were taught This is best stated without naming or otherwise calling attention to the teacher, who was Epaphras ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)). Alternate translation: "just as you learned" or "just as they taught you" or "just as he taught you"
COL 02 07 j47d figs-metaphor 0 abound in thanksgiving Paul speaks of thanksgiving as if it were objects that a person could obtain more of. Alternate translation: "be very thankful to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 08 cbw5 Connecting Statement: 0 Paul urges the believers to be careful not to turn to the words and rules of others because nothing can add to the fullness of God that believers have in Christ.
COL 02 08 lm1v 0 See that "Make sure that"
COL 02 08 ga9l figs-metaphor 0 captures you Paul speaks of the way a person can believe false teachings (because they believe false things or love the wrong things) as if someone had physically caught and held that person by force. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 08 p3vx 0 philosophy religious doctrines and beliefs that are not from God's word but are based on man's thoughts about God and life
COL 02 08 t8xx figs-metaphor 0 empty deceit Paul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 08 l9jt 0 the tradition of men ... the elements of the world Both Jewish traditions and pagan (Gentile) belief systems are worthless. "The elements of the world" perhaps refers to evil spirits that claimed to rule the world and that were adored by people. But some interpreters view "the elements of the world" as people's basic teachings about the world.
COL 02 09 ahq5 0 in him all the fullness of God lives in bodily form "God's total nature lives in physical form in Christ"
COL 02 10 lbk7 figs-metaphor 0 You have been filled in him Paul speaks of people as though they were containers into which God has placed Christ. Alternate translation: "You are made complete in Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 10 je36 figs-metaphor 0 who is the head over every power and authority Christ is the ruler over every other ruler (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 11 xeq7 figs-metaphor 0 In him you were also circumcised Paul is speaking of those who belong to Christ as if they were inside Christ's body. This can also be made active. Alternate translation: "When you joined the church in baptism, God circumcised you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 02 11 ii43 figs-metaphor 0 a circumcision not done by humans With this metaphor, Paul says that God has made Christian believers acceptable to himself in a way that reminded him of circumcision, the ceremony through which Hebrew male babies were added to the community of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 12 ln8e figs-metaphor 0 You were buried with him in baptism Paul speaks of being baptized and joining the assembly of believers as if it were being buried with Christ. This can be made active. Alternate translation: "God buried you with Christ when you joined the church in baptism" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 02 12 g1rq figs-metaphor 0 in him you were raised up With this metaphor, Paul speaks of the new spiritual life of believers that God made possible by making Christ come alive again. This can be made active. Alternate translation: "because you have joined yourself to Christ, God raised you up" or "in him God caused you to live again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 02 12 rec6 figs-activepassive 0 you were raised up Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God raised you up" or "God caused you to live again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 02 13 v6vi figs-metaphor 0 When you were dead Paul speaks of unresponsiveness to God as if it were death. Alternate translation: "When you Colossian believers were unable to respond to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 13 f9ms figs-metaphor 0 you were dead ... he made you alive With this metaphor Paul speaks of coming into new spiritual life as if it were coming back to life physically. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 13 wh4z 0 dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh You were dead on two accounts: 1) you were spiritually dead, living a life of sin against Christ and 2) you were not circumcised according to the law of Moses.
COL 02 13 k2hw 0 forgave us all of our trespasses "he forgave us, both us Jews and you Gentiles, of all our trespasses"
COL 02 14 w22z figs-metaphor 0 He canceled the written record of debts that stood against us Paul speaks of the way God forgives our sins as if it were the way a person, to whom many people owe money or goods, destroys the record of that debt so they do not have to pay him back. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 15 gh24 figs-metaphor 0 made a public spectacle of them In Roman times, it was common practice for the Roman armies to have a victory parade when they returned home, displaying all the prisoners they had captured and goods they had obtained. God was victorious over the evil powers and authorities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 15 cg37 figs-metonymy 0 by the cross Here "the cross" stands for Christ's death on the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 02 16 cii9 0 in eating or in drinking The law of Moses included what one can eat and drink. "for what you eat or what you drink"
COL 02 16 b4kd 0 about a feast day or a new moon, or about Sabbath days The law of Moses specified the days to celebrate, to worship, and to offer sacrifice. "for the way you celebrate feast days or new moons or the Sabbath"
COL 02 17 ip3a figs-metaphor 0 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is Christ A shadow shows the shape of an object, but it is not the object itself. In a similar way, the festivals, celebrations, and Sabbath show us something about how God would save people, but those things do not save people. The savior is Christ. Alternate translation: "These are like a shadow of what would happen, but the reality is Christ" or "These are like a shadow of the savior who would come, but the savior is Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 18 zv2t figs-metaphor 0 Let no one ... judge you out of your prize Here Paul refers to false teachers as if they were corrupt judges at an athletic contest who would unjustly disqualify the believers from winning the prizes they deserve, and he speaks of Christ saving a person as if Christ were giving a prize to the winner of such a contest. Alternate translation: "Let no one ... disqualify you from winning a prize" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 18 b5ce figs-metonymy 0 who wants humility The word "humility" is a metonym for actions one does to make others think that one is humble. Alternate translation: "who wants you to do things to show that you are humble" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 02 18 kn5d figs-metaphor 0 enters into the things he has seen Here Paul speaks about people who claim to have dreams and visions from God and who talk proudly about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 18 p7q4 figs-activepassive 0 becomes puffed up by his fleshly thinking Here Paul says that sinful ways of thinking make a person arrogant. Alternate translation: "puffs himself up by means of his fleshly thinking" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 02 18 wp42 figs-metaphor 0 puffed up Here a person who boasts is spoken of as if he were an object into which someone had blown air to make it larger than it should be. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 18 if94 figs-metaphor 0 his fleshly thinking Here the idea of flesh stands for the sinful human nature. "the sinful thoughts he naturally thinks" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 19 m2dz figs-metaphor 0 He does not hold on to the head A person not trusting in Christ is spoken of has if they do not hold firmly to the head. Christ is spoken of as if he were the head of a body. Alternate translation: "He does not firmly grasp Christ, who is like the head of a body" or "He does not cling to Christ, who is like the head of a body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 19 r4ca figs-metaphor 0 It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is supplied and held together Paul speaks of the church, which is ruled and empowered by Christ, as if it were a human body. Alternate translation: "It is from the head that God supplies the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments and holds it together" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 20 yg7h figs-metaphor 0 If you died together with Christ to the elements of the world With this metaphor, Paul speaks of a believer as a person who is spiritually united with Christ: as Christ died, so the believer has spiritually died; as Christ has come back to life, so the believer has come back to spiritual life, that is, to responsiveness to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 02 20 uu77 0 live as obligated to the world "think you must obey the desires of the world"
COL 02 20 fe1k figs-metonymy 0 the world the thoughts, desires, and assumptions of the sinful majority of the world's people (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 02 21 v9e7 Connecting Statement: 0 The rhetorical question that begins with the words "why do you live as obligated to the world" in verse 20 ends here.
COL 02 21 n3ne figs-rquestion 0 "Do ... touch"? The rhetorical question that begins with the words "why do you live as obligated to the world" in verse 20 ends here. Paul uses this question to rebuke the Colossians for following the false beliefs of the world. "you should not live as obligated to the world: 'Do ... touch'!" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
COL 02 21 b392 0 "Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch" Paul is quoting what other people have been telling the Colossians. "why do you believe them when they say, 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch'?" or "you should not obey them when they say, 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch'"
COL 02 23 y2dc 0 These rules have the wisdom of self-made religion and humility and severity of the body "These rules seem wise to unbelieving people because they allow those who follow them to appear humble because they hurt their own bodies"
COL 02 23 e7p5 0 have no value against the indulgence of the flesh "do not help you stop following your human desires"
COL 03 intro qtl2 Colossians 03 General Notes 0 # Colossians 03 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Old and new self<br>The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Character<br>Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])<br><br>##### "The things above"<br><br>Where God dwells is often pictured as being located "above." Paul says to "seek the things above" and to "think about the things above." He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.<br>
COL 03 01 ya97 Connecting Statement: 0 Paul warns the believers that because they are one with Christ, they ought not do certain things.
COL 03 01 r5yh figs-idiom 0 If then This is an idiom that means "because." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 03 01 t1jv figs-pastforfuture 0 God has raised you with Christ Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Possible meanings are 1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given the believers in Colossae new spiritual life. Alternate translation: "God has given you new life because you belong to Christ" or 2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Colossae can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: "you can be sure that God will give you life as he has caused Christ to come alive again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
COL 03 01 p3fw 0 things above "things in heaven"
COL 03 03 l9yk figs-metaphor 0 For you have died As Christ actually died, so God counts the Colossian believers as having died with Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 03 gkz6 figs-activepassive 0 your life is hidden with Christ in God Paul speaks of people's lives as if they were objects that can be hidden in containers and speaks of God as if he were a container. Alternate translation: Possible meanings are 1) "it is as though God has taken your life and concealed it with Christ in God's presence" or 2) "only God knows what your true life really is, and he will reveal it when he reveals Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 04 n4nj figs-metonymy 0 who is your life Christ is the one who gives spiritual life to the believer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 05 p9w9 0 uncleanness impure behavior
COL 03 05 e65k 0 passion strong, lustful desire
COL 03 05 h5v4 0 greed, which is idolatry "greed, which is the same thing as idolatry" or "do not be greedy because that is the same as worshiping idols"
COL 03 06 s9lm 0 wrath of God God's anger against those who do evil as shown by what he does to punish them.
COL 03 06 bxk8 figs-idiom 0 the sons of disobedience This is an idiom that means they were characterized by disobedience. The abstract noun "disobedience" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "disobedient people" or "people who disobey him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 03 07 p4q8 figs-metaphor 0 It is in these things that you also once walked Paul speaks of the way a person behaves as if it were a road or path a person walks on. Alternate translation: "These are the things you used to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 07 s824 figs-metaphor 0 when you lived in them Possible meanings are 1) "when you practiced these things" or 2) "when you lived among the people who disobey God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 08 d3wr 0 evil intentions "desire to do wicked deeds"
COL 03 08 lgz1 0 insults speech used to hurt others
COL 03 08 f59z 0 obscene speech words that do not belong in polite conversation
COL 03 08 n23c figs-metonymy 0 from your mouth Here "mouth" is a metonym for talk. "in your talk" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 09 c6tk Connecting Statement: 0 Paul continues to tell the believers how to live and reminds them that Christians should treat everyone according to the same standard.
COL 03 09 vsd8 figs-metaphor 0 you have taken off the old man with its practices Here Paul is speaking of a Christian's rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 10 brx6 figs-metaphor 0 and you have put on the new man Here Paul is speaking of a Christian's rejecting his old sinful life as if it were an old garment that he takes off (verse 9) in order to put on a new garment. It was very common for Israelites such as Paul to speak of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 10 d15v figs-metonymy 0 the image This refers to Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 11 t2w2 figs-metonymy 0 there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman These terms are examples of the categories of people that Paul says do not matter for God. God sees every person alike, not by race, religion, nationality, or social status. Alternate translation: "race, religion, culture, and social status do not matter" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 11 vt4t 0 barbarian a foreigner who does not know local customs
COL 03 11 n7by 0 Scythian This is someone from the land of Scythia, which was outside the Roman Empire. Greeks and Romans used this word for someone who grew up in a place where everyone did wicked things all the time.
COL 03 11 i964 figs-explicit 0 Christ is all, and is in all Nothing is excluded or left out of the rule of Christ. Alternate translation: "Christ is all important and lives in all his people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
COL 03 12 b5ti figs-activepassive 0 as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved This can be made active. Alternate translation: "as those whom God has chosen for himself, whom he desires to see live for him alone, and whom he loves" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
COL 03 12 d217 figs-metaphor 0 put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience The "heart" is a metaphor for feelings and attitudes. Here it is spoken of as if it has certain feelings and attitudes, and as if it were clothing to wear. Alternate translation: "have a merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient heart" or "be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 13 r8iy 0 Bear with one another "Be patient with one another" or "Accept each other even when you disappoint each other"
COL 03 13 rts1 0 Be gracious to each other "Treat each other better than they deserve for you to treat them"
COL 03 13 p474 figs-abstractnouns 0 has a complaint against The abstract noun "complaint" can be stated as "complain." Alternate translation: "has a reason to complain against" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 03 14 x5g8 figs-metaphor 0 have love, which is the bond of perfection Here "bond of perfection" is a metaphor for something that causes perfect unity among people. Alternate translation: "love one another because it will unite you perfectly together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 15 hdg5 figs-metonymy 0 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts Paul speaks of the peace that Christ gives as if it were a ruler. Possible meanings are 1) "Do everything so that you can have peaceful relationships with each other" or 2) "Allow God to give you peace in your heart" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 15 i9hg figs-metonymy 0 in your hearts Here "hearts" is a metonym for a people's minds or inner being. Alternate translation: "in your minds" or "inside of you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 16 w9dv figs-metaphor 0 Let the word of Christ live in you Paul speaks of Christ's word as if it were a person capable of living inside other people. "Word of Christ" here is a metonym for the teachings of Christ. Alternate translation: "Be obedient to the instructions of Christ" or "Always trust Christ's promises" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 16 h5k9 0 admonish one another "caution and encourage one another"
COL 03 16 ubi5 0 with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs "with all sorts of songs to praise God"
COL 03 16 cnj1 figs-metonymy 0 Sing with thankfulness in your hearts Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds or inner being. Alternate translation: "Sing with thankfulness in your minds" or "Sing and be thankful" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 17 g8p8 0 in word or in deed "in speaking or in acting"
COL 03 17 uix9 figs-metonymy 0 in the name of the Lord Jesus Acting in the name of a person here is a metonym for acting to help other people think well of that person. Alternate translation: "to honor the Lord Jesus" or "so that others will know you belong to the Lord Jesus and think well of him" or "as if the Lord Jesus himself were doing it" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 17 bv84 figs-metaphor 0 through him Possible meanings are 1) because he has done great deeds or 2) because he has made it possible for people to speak to God and so give him thanks. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 18 flu9 Connecting Statement: 0 Paul then gives some special instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
COL 03 18 tt9u 0 Wives, submit to "Wives, obey"
COL 03 18 b2y3 0 it is appropriate "it is proper" or "it is right"
COL 03 19 lc4a 0 do not be bitter against "do not be harsh with" or "do not be angry toward"
COL 03 21 bvi3 0 do not provoke your children "do not needlessly make your children angry"
COL 03 22 cx6a 0 obey your masters according to the flesh "obey your human masters"
COL 03 22 iy1n 0 things, not with eyeservice as people pleasers "things. Do not obey only when your master is watching, as though you need only to please people"
COL 03 22 r22m figs-metonymy 0 with a sincere heart "Heart" here is a metonym for a person's thoughts or intentions. Alternate translation: "with all honest intentions" or "with sincerity" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 03 23 arw4 0 as to the Lord "as you would work for the Lord"
COL 03 24 f3ed 0 the reward of the inheritance "the inheritance as your reward"
COL 03 24 p3pw figs-metaphor 0 inheritance Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 03 25 u5lx 0 anyone who does unrighteousness will receive the penalty The phrase "receive the penalty" means to be punished. Alternate translation: "anyone who does unrighteousness will be punished" or "God will punish anyone who does what is unrighteous"
COL 03 25 ak8j 0 who does unrighteousness who actively does wrong of any kind
COL 03 25 c9fx figs-abstractnouns 0 there is no favoritism The abstract noun "favoritism" can be expressed with the verb "favor." To favor some people is to judge them by different standards so the result is better for them than for others who do the same actions. Alternate translation: "God does not favor anyone" or "God judges everyone by the same standard" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 04 intro nm3y Colossians 04 General Notes 0 # Colossians 04 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### "In my own hand"<br>It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])<br>
COL 04 01 qhd2 Connecting Statement: 0 After speaking to masters, Paul ends his special instructions to the different kinds of believers in the church at Colossae.
COL 04 01 ae3y figs-doublet 0 right and fair These words mean almost the same thing and are used to emphasize the things that are morally correct. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
COL 04 01 t9wy 0 you also have a master in heaven God wants the relationship between an earthly master and his slave to be loving the way God, the heavenly master, loves his earthly servants, including the earthly slaves' masters.
COL 04 02 sct4 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here the word "us" refers to Paul and Timothy but not the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 04 02 wx86 Connecting Statement: 0 Paul continues to give instructions to believers on how to live and speak.
COL 04 02 pp1c 0 Continue steadfastly in prayer "Keep praying faithfully" or "Keep praying consistently"
COL 04 03 ub1i figs-metaphor 0 God would open a door Opening a door for someone is a metaphor for giving that person the opportunity to do something. Alternate translation: "God would provide opportunities" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 04 03 lj4f 0 open a door for the word "make an opportunity for us tp preach his message"
COL 04 03 ce37 0 the secret truth of Christ This refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was not understood before Christ came.
COL 04 03 q4jx figs-metonymy 0 Because of this, I am chained up Here "chained" is a metonym for being in prison. Alternate translation: "It is for proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ that I am now in prison" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 04 04 hm5w 0 Pray that I may make it clear "Pray that I might be able to speak the message of Jesus Christ clearly"
COL 04 05 z3ax figs-metaphor 0 Walk in wisdom toward those outside The idea of walking is often used for the idea of conducting one's life. Alternate translation: "Live in such a way that those who are not believers will see that you are wise" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 04 05 b525 figs-metaphor 0 redeem the time To "redeem" something means to restore it to it's rightful owner. Here time is spoken of as something that can be restored and used to serve God. Alternate translation: "do the best things you can with your time" or "put the time to its best use" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 04 06 fuv5 figs-metaphor 0 Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with salt Food with salt is a metaphor for words that teach others and that others enjoy hearing. Alternate translation: "Let your conversation always be gracious and attractive" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 04 06 c1w4 0 so that you may know how you should answer "so that you may know how to answer questions from anyone about Jesus Christ" or "so that you may be able to treat every person well"
COL 04 07 vtb1 0 General Information: Onesimus was a slave of Philemon in Colossae. He had stolen money from Philemon and run away to Rome where he became a Christian through the ministry of Paul. Now Tychicus and Onesimus are the ones bringing Paul's letter to Colossae.
COL 04 07 ut91 Connecting Statement: 0 Paul closes with special instructions about certain people as well as greetings to and from individual believers.
COL 04 07 xzz4 0 the things concerning me "everything that has been happening to me"
COL 04 07 p7c1 0 fellow slave "fellow servant." Though Paul is a free man, he sees himself as a servant of Christ and sees Tychicus as a fellow servant.
COL 04 08 vyq5 figs-exclusive 0 about us These words do not include the Colossians. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])
COL 04 08 fr1z figs-metaphor 0 may encourage your hearts The heart was thought to be the center of many emotions. Alternate translation: "may encourage you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 04 09 yqh9 0 the faithful and beloved brother Paul calls Onesimus a fellow Christian and servant of Christ.
COL 04 09 n15d 0 They will tell "Tychicus and Onesimus will tell"
COL 04 09 vb7j 0 everything that has happened here They will tell the Colossian believers all that is taking place where Paul is currently living. Tradition says Paul was in Rome under house arrest or in prison at this time.
COL 04 10 wmf4 0 Aristarchus He was in prison with Paul in Ephesus when Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians.
COL 04 10 cg3a 0 if he comes "if Mark comes"
COL 04 11 bm6s 0 Jesus who is called Justus This is a man who also worked with Paul.
COL 04 11 ci74 figs-metonymy 0 These alone of the circumcision are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God Paul uses "circumcision" here to refer to Jews because, under the Old Testament law, all male Jews had to be circumcised. Alternate translation: "These three men are the only Jewish believers working with me to proclaim God as king through Christ Jesus" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 04 11 p8e9 0 These alone of the circumcision "These men—Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus—alone of the circumcision"
COL 04 12 et2g 0 General Information: Laodicea and Hierapolis were towns close to Colossae.
COL 04 12 gg86 0 Epaphras Epaphras was the man who had preached the good news to the people in Colossae ([Colossians 1:7](../01/07.md)).
COL 04 12 rq61 0 one of you "from your city" or "your fellow townsman"
COL 04 12 ek51 0 a slave of Christ Jesus "a committed disciple of Christ Jesus"
COL 04 12 p8ff 0 always strives for you in prayer "earnestly prays for you"
COL 04 12 nuh9 0 you may stand complete and fully assured "you may stand mature and confident"
COL 04 13 k8vv 0 I bear witness of him, that he works hard for you "I have observed that he has worked very hard for you"
COL 04 14 hq1k 0 Demas This is another co-worker with Paul.
COL 04 15 sc5g 0 brothers Here this means fellow Christians, including both men and women.
COL 04 15 zkp3 0 in Laodicea a city very close to Colossae where there was also a church
COL 04 15 wyk3 0 Nympha, and the church that is in her house A woman named Nympha hosted a house church. Alternate translation: "Nympha and the group of believers that meets in her house"
COL 04 17 d39x figs-you 0 Say to Archippus, "Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you should fulfill it Paul reminds Archippus of the task God had given him and that he, Archippus, was under obligation to the Lord to fulfill it. The words "Look," "you have received," and "you should fulfill" all refer to Archippus and should be singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
COL 04 18 an7s Connecting Statement: 0 Paul closes his letter with a greeting written in his own handwriting.
COL 04 18 h3kx figs-metonymy 0 Remember my chains Paul speaks of chains when he means his imprisonment. Alternate translation: "Remember me and pray for me while I am in prison" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
COL 04 18 w2vm figs-metonymy 0 May grace be with you Here "grace" stands for God, who shows grace or acts kindly to believers. Alternate translation: "I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would continue to act graciously toward you all" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])