CHAPTER ONE

 

 

1:7:  “Epaphras” = My Philemon 1:23 Note explains that Epaphras was with Paul at Colossae.  Here it is thus clarified to be true.

 

1:9:  “knowledge” = Paul uses here the Greek word “epignosis,” meaning, “precise and correct knowledge; full discernment; superior insight.”

 

“His Will” = Context would hold that this is the “will” of Epaphras.  But, we know Paul to mean “God’s Will,”  and as such the context changes to “God’s Will” in the following verses.

 

1:9-11:  “walk worthy of the Lord” = “[Verses quoted].  Such are the fruits of Bible sanctification.”  4SP:306.

 

1:12:  “saints in light” = If we look at Matthew 6:22:  “The light of the body is the eye:  if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”  Where the eye is absent, or where it has become impaired for any cause, light is useless.  Spiritual understanding is gone.

 

1:13:  “hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son” = We are to live as though we are in Heaven on earth; for we have been transformed (“translated”) into His image.

 

1:15-17:  “firstborn” = From my Bible Study:  “CHRIST, FIRST-BORN, THE PHRASE:”

 

The Greek word for “first born” is “prototokos.”  In Hebrews 1:6, “prototokos” clearly refers to the incarnation of Christ.  In Matthew 1:25 and Luke 2:7, “prototokos” is also usen of Christ as being the “first-born of Mary.”  In Hebrews 11:28 the word is used to refer to the “first-born of Egypt.”  And in Hebrew 12:23, the word describes the members of the “Church of the first-born.”  When the word applies to Christ, as we find it here, Paul is also using it in Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 1:6.

 

The true meaning of “prototokos” is in reference to “priority of position,” as opposed to “priority of origin.”  If we were to look at its five uses in Scripture (noted above), we can clearly see how “position” is its clearly distinguishable application.  The literal translation of the Greek would be, “Pre-eminent.”

 

We can clearly see this demonstrated in Genesis 48:14 and Jeremiah 31:9, where “Ephraim” is certainly not the “firstborn.”  But rather, the “first in rank or position” at that time.  Also, in Genesis 22:2, we have the concept of “only son.”  Surely, we realize that “Isaac” was not the “only son” of Abraham.  But rather, the “Pre-eminent” son.  Compare to Zechariah 12:10 and then Hebrews 11:17.

 

Thus, how can you be the “firstborn” of creation (as some argue) and yet be the creator of all of creation (see Col. 1:16)?  Impossible!  Therefore, it should be understood here, that Christ is really pictured as the Creator and preceding creation itself.  Looking the Colossians 1:16 again with that understanding, and then comparing it to John, Chapter One, Ephesians 3:9, Hebrews 1:2 & 10, we can come to the same conclusion.

 

Colossians 1:17 is too hard to reconstruct with any other understanding:  “He [Jesus] is before all things, and by Him [Jesus] all things consist.”  That would exclude Himself as far as being a created being, or created at all, is concerned.  Thus, Paul’s main point here (verses 15-17), is that Christ is God Himself.  Else why should the Corinthians care what Paul is talking about?

 

A clear mistake by all denominations and anyone attempting to understand the Bible correctly, is to misunderstand when the Bible is referring to Christ’s Divinity, or to His Humanity.  Since the Bible is clear as to Christ being God (even Jehovah’s Witnesses admit that Christ is “a god”), then He cannot be the Creator of “all things” and yet be a created being Himself.

 

The Hebrew equivalent langue structure is found in Psalm 89:27, where it states:  “Also I will make him (king David; staying in the context of verse 20) My firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.”  Surely you can clearly see that David was not the “first” king who was ever “born.”  Nor was he the “first” king that God “created.”  Thus, the context and meaning are clear, i.e., “first in priority.”

 

Another thing to consider is that Christ was not the “firstborn” in Heaven; for there is no procreation in Heaven (see Mat. 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35).  Therefore, since Christ created all things, He could not possibly be a “created being.”  You cannot be both the Creator or all things and be the “first-borne of creation.”  For Christ to be a “created being” in Heaven, He could not have been created by being a “firstborn” child (or being) in Heaven.

 

Therefore, “First in Priority” or “Rank” is the correct translation or this passage; based upon the context, i.e., contextual context of the sentence and paragraph structure in both the Hebrew and Greek.  It is clear that “first-borne (Greek “prototokos”), is a figurative expression which better describes Christ as being “First in Rank and Authority.”  Based upon John 1:1-13 and other Biblical texts, Christ is indeed God Himself.  And God Himself CANNOT be a “created being,” or else He would not be able to hold the Title of God.

 

A LITTLE HISTORY:  The Arians were the first ones to apply this verse to show that Christ was a “created being.”  Jehovah’s Witnesses have been the best denomination to continue on with that interpretation.  Although such an interpretation may be possible when being “farfetched,” as far as the grammar of this passage is concerned (when you twist it), it is elsewhere contradicted in Scripture (comparing Scripture with Scripture).  It is best to understand this passage as being a figurative expression, describing Jesus as being the “First in Rank,” or “first-born” of the human family (Christ’s Humanity, not His Divinity); as in “Royalty, First in Rank,” which is authoritative and absolute.

 

An example would be that of the president’s wife being called the “First Lady.”  Certainly, we would not consider her to be the “First Lady” that was ever born or that ever lived in the capital building.  If you are going to quote Colossians 1:15 to prove Christ’s non-Divinity, or to treat Him as a “created being,” then you have to stay in context and go the Colossians 2:9 where the very same author stresses the fullness of the Deity Living in Christ.  No way would the author contradict himself, else he would have no validity to continue teaching us (in other words, the Book of Colossians should be thrown out as unreliable).  Thus, since he would not contradict himself, Paul is establishing here in this passage that he clearly means, “First in Rank.”

 

1:16:  “For by Him [Christ] were all things created” = The discussion and context is most definitely referring to Christ; and this verse is mostly used to “prove” that Christ is the Creator of all things; meaning none of the other Two figures of the Godhead did.  However, Genesis 1:26 usage of “Us… Our Own,” would mean that ALL created.  And Genesis 2:7 usage of “breathed” would include the Holy Spirit.  While Psalm 33:6 also uses “breath” and Psalm 140:30 & Job 26:13 & 33:4 show the same result.

 

“principalities” = The Greek word used here for “principalities” is “G746; arche,” which means Jesus also created “rulers, commanders, leaders, superiors, chiefs, supervisors,” over Heavenly beings.  Thus, in that sense, Satan was also considered to be an “archangel.”  That Jesus is the “G746; arche” over all creation is seen in this Greek words use in Revelation 3:14, where “beginning” should have been translated as “Arche; Ruler, Commander, Leader, Superior, Chief, Supervisor.”

 

1:18:  “firstborn from the dead” = Again, following along the lines of my explanation of “firstborn,” in verses 15-17(see that again), this “firstborn” is also meaning, “in priority,” or better, “in preeminence.”

 

1:19:  “For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell” = That the “Him” in this verse refers to none other than Christ, no one argues.  But what often is failed to be noticed is that “the Father” is added and not in the original.  For all we know, it could have “pleased the Divinity of Christ” for this attribute.  Either way, we are talking about the “Humanity of Christ” and not His Divinity when we read the word “Him” here.  Consider verse 20.  Only God can “reconcile” what He has made to Himself.  Never a “created being” that didn’t create the created.  Now we are getting into the ridiculousness of the arguments to the contrary when we consider any doctrine attempting to promote that Jesus is/was a “created being.”

 

1:21-22:  “in” = Grammatically these two verses should only be one verse (sentence).

 

1:23:  “the Gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven” = In some form or another, all could have known there is a Living God (see Psa. 19:1 & Rom. 1:20-21).

 

1:26:  “the mystery” = This “mystery” is explained in verse 27, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Here is my Romans 16:25 Note:  The “mystery” here is the same as that found in Ephesians 3:3-6 (see especially verse 4).  And the Colossians “mystery” is explained in verse 27, “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Thus the “mystery” of Ephesians, i.e., “the mystery of Christ,” is clarified more clearly in Ephesians.  In the New Testament the usage of “mystery” is not some hidden secret, but a truth heretofore unknown that has been revealed by God in His Own time through the Holy Spirit.  The “mystery of understanding and knowing God’s Will.

 

“[159] To him {Paul} had been given the ministry of making known ‘the mystery’ which had been ‘kept secret since the world began’ (Romans 16:25), -- ‘the mystery of His [160] Will’ (Ephesians 1:9),” AA:159-160.

 

“Mysteries which had been hidden for ages were revealed to him [Paul], and as much as he could bear of the workings of God, and of His dealings with human minds, was made known.  The Lord told Paul that he must preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.  Light was to be given to the Gentiles.  This is a mystery which had been hidden for ages.”  ST January 30, 1912; ST, March 25, 1897; 6BC:1107.

 

“The covenant of grace is not a new truth, for it existed in the mind of God from all eternity.  This is why it is called the Everlasting Covenant.  The plan of redemption was not conceived after the fall of man to cure the dreadful evil; the Apostle Paul speaks of the Gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ, as ‘the revelation of the mystery, which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the Commandment of the Eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith.’  R. V.”  ST, August 24, 1891; DA:22.

 

“You can but be charmed with the matchless attractions of the Son of God.  Christ was God manifest in the flesh, the mystery hidden for ages, and in our acceptance or rejection of the Saviour of the world are involved eternal interests.”  RH, November 17, 1891; CE:76; FE:179.

 

“God will make known the mystery which hath been hidden for ages.  He will make known what are the ‘riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory:  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:  whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.’”  RH, March 20, 1894; 1SM:386.

 

“The incarnation of Christ is a mystery.  The union of Divinity with humanity is a mystery indeed, hidden with God, ‘even the mystery which hath been hid from ages.’ ”  BC:1082.

 

“This additional power and efficiency Christ’s Disciples have in lifting up a crucified Redeemer before a fallen race, and pointing them to Heaven to declare Him at the right hand of God.  These are the greater things upon which the mind lays hold, the mystery hidden from eternal ages.”  RH, October 3, 1899.

 

“Christ may abide in our hearts by faith.  God manifested in the flesh is the mystery that has been hidden ‘from ages and from generations.’ ”  ST, May 18, 1891.

 

“The incarnation of Christ is a mystery.  The union of Divinity with humanity is a mystery indeed, hidden with God, ‘even the mystery which hath been hid from ages.’  It was kept in eternal silence by Jehovah, and was first revealed in Eden, by the prophecy that the Seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head, and that he should bruise His heel.  To present to the world this mystery that God kept in silence for eternal ages before the world was created, before man was created, was the part that Christ was to act in the work He entered upon when He came to this earth.  And this wonderful mystery, the incarnation of Christ and the atonement that He made, must be declared to every son and daughter of Adam, whether Jew or Gentile.”  ST, March 25, 1897.

 

“They do not realize the sacredness of the Word of the infinite God.  That Word opens to them the mystery of the incarnation of Christ.  But unless the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness illuminate its pages, revealing by the Spirit the relation which Christ sustains to God and to humanity, it will remain a mystery to them, and will not be accepted as truth.  But with this light upon it, those things that have been hidden for ages are revealed.”  YI, February 11, 1897.

 

1:27:  “Christ in you, the hope of glory” = If there be just ONE VERSE that TOTALLY explains how it is that anyone is saved, THIS IS IT.  When Christ Comes the Second time, what is it that you think He is looking for?  “HIMSELF IN YOU.”

 

Compare with John 15:4-5; Second Corinthians 4:10-11; 13:5; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13; 4:13; First John 3:5.

 

“His work was to unite the finite with the Infinite.  This was the only way in which fallen men could be exalted, through the merits of the blood of Christ, to be partakers of the Divine nature.”  2SP:39.

 

“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will Come to claim them as His Own.”  COL:69.1.

 

1:28:  “that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” = Here is the purpose of Paul’s ministry.

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

 

 

2:2:  “the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ” = This is a continued conversation carried over from Chapter One, and as such, “the mystery” is the same as in Colossians 1:26-27:  “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

 

2:6:  “As ye have therefore received Christ” = This, as you know, is improper English.  The “therefore” should always come first, such that you should not read any further until you have understood the previous section it is referring to.  Thus, it should read:  “Therefore, as ye have received Christ.”

 

2:8:  “through philosophy and vain deceit” = “I was directed to this Scripture as especially applying to modern spiritualism,” 1T:297.

 

“Phrenology and mesmerism are very much exalted.  They are good in their place, but they are seized upon by Satan as his most powerful agents to deceive and destroy souls.”  RH, February 18, 1862.

 

“after the tradition of men” = See verse 22; Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7.

 

Colossians 2:9:  “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” = Proof text for the God Man.

 

2:11-13:  “[11] circumcision made without hands [equals] [12] Buried with Him in baptism. . . [wherein you become] [13] dead in your sins” = The ceremony of Baptism has replaced circumcision.  See John 3:5.

 

2:14-17:  “ordinances” = For those who want to cancel the Biblical Sabbath, see my Bible Study:  “SABBATH, STILL VALID TODAY.”

 

2:14:  “handwriting of ordinances” = The literal Greek when these two words are put together literally means, “a certificate of death.”  The Greek being “G5498; cheirographon,” meaning “certificate; handwritten note; legal document;” and “G1378; dogma,” meaning “decree; doctrine; ordinance; dogma; command; principle.”  It is in the context of a debt that is owed.  And according to Romans 6:23, we owe “death.”

 

“contrary to us” = Colossians 2:14 discusses something that is “contrary to us.”  And just what is/was “contrary to us?”  According to Ephesians 2:15 it was “the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances.”  And that Law was placed “in the side of the Ark of the Covenant. . . [to be] a witness against thee,” as explained in Deuteronomy 31:26.  The weekly Seventh-Day Sabbath was placed in (Deu. 10:2) the “Ark of the Covenant,” not “in the side of” it.  In other words, the sacrificial system; which at this point (Christ already being sacrificed, satisfying the Sacrificial Lamb), Paul is explaining, was fulfilled/canceled when Christ died.  Hebrews 9:12 explains that Christ now ministers in the Heavenly Sanctuary for us with His shed blood; instead of the animals sacrificed in the ceremonies of the earthly Sanctuary contained in ordinances.

 

The “ordinances,” were canceled; NEVER the Ten Commandment Law of God.  However, you may say that the “ordinances” refer to the Ten Commandments of God.  Let’s stay in context with what Paul is talking about.  If you go to verse 20, Paul tells you that “if ye be dead with Christ,” you are dead to “the rudiments of the world,” or else you are “subject to [the world’s] ordinances,” which Paul explains what that is in verse 22, which is “the commandments and doctrines of men.”

 

Therefore, if you stay in context with what Paul is truly discussing and teaching here, you can learn that Paul does not want his Corinthian brethren to be trapped into the world’s standards, laws, and customs.

 

2:15:  “triumphing over them in it” = The “it” is referring to the cross.  Because of our Lord’s sacrifice upon the cross, Christ “triumphs” over “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us,” verse 14.

 

2:16:  “Let no man therefore judge you in meat [offerings], or in drink [offerings], or in respect of an holyday [Greek; “G1859;” meaning “Feast day”], or of new moon [when a month begins], or of the Sabbath [When the Sabbath fell upon the ceremonial] days.”  For examples see Leviticus 16:30-31; 23:24 & 32.

 

Let us be aware that Paul is actually quoting Ezekiel 45:17 in Colossians 2:16.  And if you believe that Ezekiel is canceling or referring to the Biblical Seventh-Day Sabbath, nobody can convince you different from your un-Biblical arguments.  Ezekiel is speaking of the Festival (ordinance) Sabbaths.  These offerings were in place in order “to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.”  Ezekiel 45:17.  Ezekiel clearly sets forth the ceremonial Sabbaths from the Weekly Sabbath.  Better explained by seeing Chapter 46 of Ezekiel.  The Seventh-Day Sabbath was NEVER considered to be an “ordinance.”

 

Therefore, let us not ignore the context (“context, context, context”) of this passage; which is “reconciliation” towards God.  We find it in Ezekiel 45:17 and Colossians 2:13, “having forgiven you all trespasses.”  How?  By “Blotting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us,” Colossians 2:14, etcetera.

 

This, as you know, is improper English in Colossians 2:16.  The “therefore” should always come first, such that you should not read any further until you have understood the previous section.  Thus, it should read:  “Therefore, let no man judge you,” in regards to the previous instruction about no longer observing the “ordinances” that you are now to be no longer keeping.

 

In fact, if I were to read this in its true English form, and not spiritually understand it, the sentence would really be saying, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you are wrong in celebrating any of these the way you want to.”  Funny how nobody notices this line of thinking (because that is not the spiritual meaning), as surface readers should conclude.  Therefore, the judging of “meat” offerings, and “drink” offerings, and “feast days” kept, and “new moon” sightings in order to begin the “Feast Day” observances, and the “High Sabbath” celebrations when the Biblical Sabbath fell upon the prescribed “Feast Day” celebrations, are now no longer to be observed, because Christ has come, died, and fulfilled that “Ceremonial Law,” thus, making any judgment for no longer observing them in error.

 

“Sabbath” = Again, the Biblical FACT that Paul is addressing festival Sabbath’s and not the weekly Commanded Biblical Sabbath should be well noticed (as most Biblical scholars agree upon this point).  Again, see my Bible Study:  “SABBATH, STILL VALID TODAY.”  The proof is in the pudding, as they say, when compared to Ezekiel 45:17, of which Paul is quoting.

 

2:17:  “shadow of things to come” = Paul uses this same verbiage in Hebrews 10:1.  Thus, we can conclude that the “shadow” here, as there, is referring to the ceremonial services.

 

“but the body of Christ” = These are the only ones who are to “judge you.”  Those filled with the Spirit; who do not judge of their own wills, but of the will of God.

 

2:19:  “not holding the Head” = Although applying to taking care of our physical “head” so we will know the truth, Paul really is speaking of Christ as being our “Head,” for the passage is nearly identical to his same statement in Ephesians 4:15-16.

 

2:20:  “why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances” = In other words, “Why do you allow worldly minded people to influence you, as though you were living and acting under their worldly principles, knowing that the sacrificial system [“ordinances”] died with Christ.”

 

2:22:  “after the commandments and doctrines of men” = See Matthew 15:9 & Mark 7:7.

 

2:23:  “will worship” = One’s own will as to what they are going to worship, i.e., worship beyond that which God strictly requires.

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

 

 

3:3:  “For ye are dead” = You are only “dead” when you “die” to self and let Christ live within you, which is your “hope of glory,” Colossians 1:27.

 

3:5:  “concupiscence” = Which is an irregular desire of sexual pleasure.

 

3:6:  “wrath of God” = Here is my Revelation 14:10 Note:  = This metaphorical expression of our Lord’s “wrath” [included in some of them about the “cup”] occurs elsewhere in the Scriptures in Job 21:20; Psalm 60:3; 75:8; 78:31; Isaiah 51:17, 21-23; Jeremiah 25:15-29; 49:12-13; Obadiah 1:15-16; Matthew 20:22; 26:39; John 3:36; 18:11; Romans 1:18; 3:5; 12:19; Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6; Revelation 14:10 & 19; 15:1 & 7; 16:1 & 19; 19:15.  However, here in Revelation 14:10, two Greek words for wrath are used:  “thumos,” meaning, “anger, fury,” and “orge,” meaning “wrath.”

 

The Greek word “thumos” is a strong or passionate indignation or anger, whereas “orge” denotes a demonstration of displeasure and righteous indignation.  The Greek word “orge” is the usual word used for Divine wrath in the New Testament, especially by Paul (see Rom. 1:18; 3:5; 12:19; Col. 3:6).  In the Book of Revelation however, both “thumos” and “orge” are used for the eschatological “wrath of God. . . into the cup of His indignation” (see Rev. 14:10 & 19; 15:1 & 7; 16:1 & 19; 19:15).

 

These two words are often used together in the Septuagint as well in the Book of Revelation and once in the Book of Romans (Rom. 2:8; Rev. 14:10; 16:19; 19:15).  Obviously, this is for the purpose of intensifying the reality of God’s “wrath” being manifested in judgment and disgust.

 

3:10:  “image of Him that created him” = Explaining the “him’s,” in this verse, “image of Him [Christ] that created him [the new man in Christ].”

 

3:12:  “the elect of God” = This Greek word for “elect,” i.e., “eklektos,” has reference to the act of selecting them. However, without throwing any light on the question as to why it was done.  Mark 13:20 has the same concept within its context.  And Colossians 3:12 clarifies that the “elect” must put on characteristics of God, or else they will not remain as “elect” (see also John 15:16).  For those who disagree, see my Bible Study:  “ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED.”

 

3:14:  “charity” = Which equals “Love.”  Since “God is Love,” First John 4:8 & 16, only Godly Love can be allowed in the new universe (or cosmos; which ever you prefer).  Many places in God’s Word, the word “charity” is spoken of as the final solution.  As examples see First Corinthians 13:1 & 2 &3 &13; this verse (“above all things”); First Timothy 1:5.

 

3:18:  “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands” = Never leave the last part out when quoting this verse, i.e., “as it is fit in the Lord.”

 

3:23:  “do it heartily, as to the Lord” = The reason you should do any of the above verses Commandments, or better, anything you do, is because you are doing it for the Lord’s glory.  Men may not glorify you for it, but God will.  Learn to do things for Him and not just for yourself.

 

 

CHAPTER FOUR

 

 

4:3:  “mystery of Christ” = See my Colossians 1:26 Note.

 

4:6:  “that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” = First Peter 3:15 states:  “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”

 

4:7:  “Tychicus” = See my Colossians Introduction Notes.

 

4:9:  “Onesimus” = See my Colossians Introduction Notes.

 

4:10:  “Aristarchus” = Mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Philemon 1:24.  From the “International Standard Bible Encyclopedia” we learn:  “He is suddenly mentioned along with Gaius as having been seized by the excited Ephesians during the riot stirred up by the silversmiths (Acts 19:29).  They are designated ‘men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.’  We learn later that he was a native of Thessalonica (Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2).  They were probably seized to extract from them information about their leader Paul, but when they could tell nothing, and since they were Greeks, nothing further was done to them.

 

“When Aristarchus attached himself to Paul we do not know, but he seems ever after the Ephesian uproar to have remained in Paul’s company.  He was one of those who accompanied Paul from Greece via Macedonia (Acts 20:4).  Having preceded Paul to Troas, where they waited for him, they traveled with him to Palestine.  He is next mentioned as accompanying Paul to Rome (Acts 27:2).  There he attended Paul and shared his imprisonment.  He is mentioned in two of the letters of the Roman captivity, in the Epistle to the Church at Col (Eph. 4:10), and in the Epistle to Philem (Phm. 1:24), in both of which he sends greetings.  In the former Paul calls him ‘my fellow-prisoner.’  According to tradition he was martyred during the persecution of Nero.”

 

“Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas” = Thus we learn that John Mark is the cousin to Barnabas.  According to Acts 12:12, John Mark’s mother is names Mary.  The husband is not mentioned and as such, most Bible commentators consider him to be deceased at this time.

 

4:13:  “Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis” = These were cities in Phrygia, which were near to Colosse (Colossians).  Laodicea was situated by the river Lycus, while Hierapolis was by the river Macander.

 

4:15:  “Nymphas” = The name is feminine in nature, and therefore some have supposed “Nymphas” to be a woman.  In the original Greek the word would signify a spouse.  However, the Laodicean Church is said to be “in his house.”  Noting the word “his,” we can therefore conclude that “Nymphas” is one of the brethren.

 

4:16:  “when this Epistle is read” = This statement makes this “letter” more than just a typical, every day common “letter.”  Paul intended that “this Epistle” was to be counted as being [from] “the Word of God.”

 

4:17:  “Archippus” = Mentioned also in Philemon 1:2, he was a member of Philemon’s family, an possibly even his son.