A Biblical Exegesis of Colossians 3:1-3 and Its Significance for Christians in a Postmodern-post Christian Era

Abstract

This thesis is a Biblical Exegesis of Colossians 3:1-3 investigating its significance for Christians today. It explored: the historical, cultural and literary context of Colossians and the church in Colossae; in depth exegetical analysis to determine authorship and its original meaning, including preliminary analysis, contextual analysis, verbal analysis, literary analysis, an exegetical synthesis; and its significance for Christians today, including the practical implications of setting your hearts and minds on “...things above...” rather than on “...earthly things...” (Col3:1-3). Key ideas explored are: the believer’s position in Christ, the Colossians heresy, and the Christology of Colossians. In order to explore these topics and questions, the writer employed inductive Bible study principles primarily implementing the Theological Biblical Research Model of Smith and Woodbridge (2008). Multiple scholarly works in the form of commentaries, articles, dictionaries, Biblical encyclopaedias and lexica’s were consulted throughout in establishing the socio-political context from which the Colossian text emerged. Finally, the paper explored: What difference does this passage make for Christians today? Specifically, concerning the doctrinal significance of the Col 3:1-3 pericope for teaching us about God, ourselves and our relationship with God; and its practical significance for Christians today in applying the passage and the impact or change it should have on their lives. This paper is specifically concerned with the context of ‘Generation z’ and particular implications the pericope has for ministry to this generation.