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Colossians 01 General Notes
Structure and formatting
As in a typical letter, this chapter begins (1:1-3) with a formal introduction to the Christians in Colossae.
A large part of this chapter revolves around two basic ideas: who Christ is, and what Christ has accomplished for the Christian.
Special concepts in this chapter
Mystery
Paul refers to the church as a "mystery." The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown, but has now been revealed by God. Part of this mystery involves the Gentiles' equal standing with the Jews in the current plans of God. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Images for christian living
There are many different images used to describe christian living. In this chapter, two popular images are used by Paul. These are "walking" and "bearing fruit." (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/fruit)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
The use of paradox
A paradox is a seemingly absurd statement, which appears to contradict itself, but it is not absurd. A paradox occurs in 1:24: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you." Most people do not think that they will rejoice in suffering. But in 1:25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. (Colossians 1:24)
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