Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/chunks-pauls-letter-to-the-colossians The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.) Copyright 2026 Cameron Lee. All rights reserved. d5678db5-53c4-51fc-badf-5ba8713171b2 yes en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:38:54 -0700 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:39:05 -0700 https://chunks-colossians.transistor.fm/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/4H-xvh8uM9TJ3K57JYcTQYZO1hJH-6SEY-sVbW8El8Q/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jYzRj/ZmQ1OGJhNWViZjUw/NTA4NjNmNDQ1YWFh/OGI4ZS5qcGc.jpg https://chunks-colossians.transistor.fm/ serial Cameron Lee The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.) The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. Bible, New Testament, Colossians Cameron Lee drcameronlee@gmail.com No No 1 1 Episode 1: Reading someone else’s mail full 348a4c36-8a48-47d6-bcf8-fb441862b356 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6bb5c77 Have you ever noticed? Twenty-one of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are letters,  and thirteen of the twenty-one are traditionally attributed to Paul. Letters have their own kind of style and content, and we need to read them against the background of the relationship between the writer and the recipient. In this first episode, therefore, we’ll begin exploring the who, what, when, where, and why of the letter to the Colossians.

]]> Have you ever noticed? Twenty-one of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are letters,  and thirteen of the twenty-one are traditionally attributed to Paul. Letters have their own kind of style and content, and we need to read them against the background of the relationship between the writer and the recipient. In this first episode, therefore, we’ll begin exploring the who, what, when, where, and why of the letter to the Colossians.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:26:47 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 462 Have you ever noticed? Twenty-one of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are letters,  and thirteen of the twenty-one are traditionally attributed to Paul. Letters have their own kind of style and content, and we need to read them against the background of the relationship between the writer and the recipient. In this first episode, therefore, we’ll begin exploring the who, what, when, where, and why of the letter to the Colossians.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 2 2 Episode 2: Letters from prison full 0cb9a045-bba8-4038-9e59-7a705e94dd22 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7e02f31 The letter to the church in the city of Colossae is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul. But where and when did he write it? It’s one of the so-called “Prison Letters,” one of four letters Paul wrote from prison. But scholars disagree as to where he was imprisoned, and the answer to when depends on the where.

]]> The letter to the church in the city of Colossae is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul. But where and when did he write it? It’s one of the so-called “Prison Letters,” one of four letters Paul wrote from prison. But scholars disagree as to where he was imprisoned, and the answer to when depends on the where.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:27:19 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 431 The letter to the church in the city of Colossae is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul. But where and when did he write it? It’s one of the so-called “Prison Letters,” one of four letters Paul wrote from prison. But scholars disagree as to where he was imprisoned, and the answer to when depends on the where.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 3 3 Episode 3: Cross-contamination full 7717747f-5b30-49c2-9b14-23d35744c365 https://share.transistor.fm/s/51a8ae41 If you were a fan of Alton Brown’s Good Eats, you know the danger of cross-contamination in the kitchen—of letting bacteria spread from one food or surface to another. But there can be a kind of theological cross-contamination as well. Reading between the lines, something like this was probably part of Paul’s reason for writing to the Colossians. Their newfound faith was being contaminated by worldly ideas; what could he say to them to keep it pure?

]]> If you were a fan of Alton Brown’s Good Eats, you know the danger of cross-contamination in the kitchen—of letting bacteria spread from one food or surface to another. But there can be a kind of theological cross-contamination as well. Reading between the lines, something like this was probably part of Paul’s reason for writing to the Colossians. Their newfound faith was being contaminated by worldly ideas; what could he say to them to keep it pure?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:27:58 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 525 If you were a fan of Alton Brown’s Good Eats, you know the danger of cross-contamination in the kitchen—of letting bacteria spread from one food or surface to another. But there can be a kind of theological cross-contamination as well. Reading between the lines, something like this was probably part of Paul’s reason for writing to the Colossians. Their newfound faith was being contaminated by worldly ideas; what could he say to them to keep it pure?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 4 4 Episode 4: “Dear Colossians…” full d3c84f25-97d3-4890-826c-8cdcaf132bbe https://share.transistor.fm/s/e89569cb In this age of electronic communication, the art of writing out letters longhand is becoming a lost art. It may be hard for us to appreciate the subtleties of meaning involved in the way people of Paul’s time began and ended letters. In this episode, therefore, we’ll begin exploring Paul’s two opening verses, and how he pastorally reworks the letter-writing conventions of his day for gospel purposes.

]]> In this age of electronic communication, the art of writing out letters longhand is becoming a lost art. It may be hard for us to appreciate the subtleties of meaning involved in the way people of Paul’s time began and ended letters. In this episode, therefore, we’ll begin exploring Paul’s two opening verses, and how he pastorally reworks the letter-writing conventions of his day for gospel purposes.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:28:31 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 469 In this age of electronic communication, the art of writing out letters longhand is becoming a lost art. It may be hard for us to appreciate the subtleties of meaning involved in the way people of Paul’s time began and ended letters. In this episode, therefore, we’ll begin exploring Paul’s two opening verses, and how he pastorally reworks the letter-writing conventions of his day for gospel purposes.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 5 5 Episode 5: The saints below full 27fddadb-e37c-4852-8540-35b1d66320a0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3016f856 Most Christians, if they hang around the church long enough, discover that we’re a pretty flawed bunch. By the grace of God, we’re capable of moments of Spirit-led fellowship. But we’re also capable of…well, all the things Paul has to deal with in his letters, the letter to the Colossians included. And yet, Paul addresses the Colossians as “saints,” or “God’s holy people.” How should we understand this?

]]> Most Christians, if they hang around the church long enough, discover that we’re a pretty flawed bunch. By the grace of God, we’re capable of moments of Spirit-led fellowship. But we’re also capable of…well, all the things Paul has to deal with in his letters, the letter to the Colossians included. And yet, Paul addresses the Colossians as “saints,” or “God’s holy people.” How should we understand this?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:29:07 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 445 Most Christians, if they hang around the church long enough, discover that we’re a pretty flawed bunch. By the grace of God, we’re capable of moments of Spirit-led fellowship. But we’re also capable of…well, all the things Paul has to deal with in his letters, the letter to the Colossians included. And yet, Paul addresses the Colossians as “saints,” or “God’s holy people.” How should we understand this?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 6 6 Episode 6: A next-level greeting full 76c7d42c-dbbd-4e16-afef-0d6b944f090e https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1229443 What do we mean when we say, “Hi”? We say it when we greet someone; we often put it at the beginning of our emails.  But does the word itself mean anything, or is it like saying “Ouch” when we hurt ourselves? Similarly, how meaningful is it for Paul to say “Grace and peace to you” at the beginning of his letters? It’s much more than “Hi.”

]]> What do we mean when we say, “Hi”? We say it when we greet someone; we often put it at the beginning of our emails.  But does the word itself mean anything, or is it like saying “Ouch” when we hurt ourselves? Similarly, how meaningful is it for Paul to say “Grace and peace to you” at the beginning of his letters? It’s much more than “Hi.”

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:29:39 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 410 What do we mean when we say, “Hi”? We say it when we greet someone; we often put it at the beginning of our emails.  But does the word itself mean anything, or is it like saying “Ouch” when we hurt ourselves? Similarly, how meaningful is it for Paul to say “Grace and peace to you” at the beginning of his letters? It’s much more than “Hi.”

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 7 7 Episode 7: Grateful prayer full 25daba46-094c-43d7-864f-d19dee755915 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9416a6f As we’ve seen, Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting that both follows and yet meaningfully transforms the conventions of his day. Immediately after, as he begins the main body of the letter, he tells the Colossians how he prays for them (Col 1:3-12). Here, we’ll consider what Paul himself says about his prayer, and consider what we might learn from this for our own prayer lives.

]]> As we’ve seen, Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting that both follows and yet meaningfully transforms the conventions of his day. Immediately after, as he begins the main body of the letter, he tells the Colossians how he prays for them (Col 1:3-12). Here, we’ll consider what Paul himself says about his prayer, and consider what we might learn from this for our own prayer lives.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:30:11 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 474 As we’ve seen, Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting that both follows and yet meaningfully transforms the conventions of his day. Immediately after, as he begins the main body of the letter, he tells the Colossians how he prays for them (Col 1:3-12). Here, we’ll consider what Paul himself says about his prayer, and consider what we might learn from this for our own prayer lives.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 8 8 Episode 8: Faith, hope, and especially love full e81556ab-983c-4311-83ec-ae38709bcc57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/542016c9 Even as Paul tells the Colossians how he prays for them, he is again both following and transforming convention. It was common for letter-writers to express their gratitude to the recipient of the letter. But Paul’s gratitude has theological significance. He is grateful for the way the gospel is bearing fruit throughout the empire—and he sees that fruit in the faith, hope, and especially the love of the Colossians (Col 1:3-8).

]]> Even as Paul tells the Colossians how he prays for them, he is again both following and transforming convention. It was common for letter-writers to express their gratitude to the recipient of the letter. But Paul’s gratitude has theological significance. He is grateful for the way the gospel is bearing fruit throughout the empire—and he sees that fruit in the faith, hope, and especially the love of the Colossians (Col 1:3-8).

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:30:43 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 467 Even as Paul tells the Colossians how he prays for them, he is again both following and transforming convention. It was common for letter-writers to express their gratitude to the recipient of the letter. But Paul’s gratitude has theological significance. He is grateful for the way the gospel is bearing fruit throughout the empire—and he sees that fruit in the faith, hope, and especially the love of the Colossians (Col 1:3-8).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 9 9 Episode 9: Bearing fruit full 75fa0a80-f977-4c2d-9ea7-5fd69a8b5522 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6aed9d69 Paul speaks of the gospel “bearing fruit” (Col 1:6) in a way that’s reminiscent of Jesus’ parable of the sower and the soils. And despite the problems he must address in the letter, Paul commends the Colossians for the fruit he sees in their lives. Consider the implications. If Paul can do that, then perhaps when we’re tempted to complain about what’s wrong with a congregation, we could begin instead by celebrating what’s right?

]]> Paul speaks of the gospel “bearing fruit” (Col 1:6) in a way that’s reminiscent of Jesus’ parable of the sower and the soils. And despite the problems he must address in the letter, Paul commends the Colossians for the fruit he sees in their lives. Consider the implications. If Paul can do that, then perhaps when we’re tempted to complain about what’s wrong with a congregation, we could begin instead by celebrating what’s right?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:31:27 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 484 Paul speaks of the gospel “bearing fruit” (Col 1:6) in a way that’s reminiscent of Jesus’ parable of the sower and the soils. And despite the problems he must address in the letter, Paul commends the Colossians for the fruit he sees in their lives. Consider the implications. If Paul can do that, then perhaps when we’re tempted to complain about what’s wrong with a congregation, we could begin instead by celebrating what’s right?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 10 10 Episode 10: Knowing God’s will full 1eb5d966-b3ab-4e6a-b7ea-d8f4483ebb1e https://share.transistor.fm/s/951dae63 When Paul prays for the Colossians, he prays with gratitude for the way the gospel is transforming them. He prays that they would continue to grow spiritually, particularly in their “knowledge of God’s will” (Col 1:9-12). But “knowledge” may have been a loaded word for the Colossians, just as the phrase “God’s will” can be loaded for us. What did Paul mean?

]]> When Paul prays for the Colossians, he prays with gratitude for the way the gospel is transforming them. He prays that they would continue to grow spiritually, particularly in their “knowledge of God’s will” (Col 1:9-12). But “knowledge” may have been a loaded word for the Colossians, just as the phrase “God’s will” can be loaded for us. What did Paul mean?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:31:58 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 452 When Paul prays for the Colossians, he prays with gratitude for the way the gospel is transforming them. He prays that they would continue to grow spiritually, particularly in their “knowledge of God’s will” (Col 1:9-12). But “knowledge” may have been a loaded word for the Colossians, just as the phrase “God’s will” can be loaded for us. What did Paul mean?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 11 11 Episode 11: Walking God’s way full 32e723c1-2bf9-44f2-a575-04e5cf0d4995 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de52aeaa As we’ve seen, Paul prays that the Colossians would know God’s will. But the Christian life isn’t just about what we know, but how we live—or to use a biblical metaphor, how we walk (Col 1:10). The two go together in a reciprocal relationship: we must know God’s will to walk in God’s way, but walking in God’s way also deepens our knowledge of God’s will. Knowing our destination but also navigating the road are both part of how we grow.

]]> As we’ve seen, Paul prays that the Colossians would know God’s will. But the Christian life isn’t just about what we know, but how we live—or to use a biblical metaphor, how we walk (Col 1:10). The two go together in a reciprocal relationship: we must know God’s will to walk in God’s way, but walking in God’s way also deepens our knowledge of God’s will. Knowing our destination but also navigating the road are both part of how we grow.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:32:28 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 397 As we’ve seen, Paul prays that the Colossians would know God’s will. But the Christian life isn’t just about what we know, but how we live—or to use a biblical metaphor, how we walk (Col 1:10). The two go together in a reciprocal relationship: we must know God’s will to walk in God’s way, but walking in God’s way also deepens our knowledge of God’s will. Knowing our destination but also navigating the road are both part of how we grow.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 12 12 Episode 12: Enduring with joy and gratitude full f5c5dafe-d514-4c00-aba4-9cde25a27894 https://share.transistor.fm/s/169f95b3 Sooner or later, we all find ourselves having to endure some ongoing situation we don’t want, sometimes knowing that it’s the price we pay for doing the right thing. We grit our teeth; we grind it out. Likewise, Paul prays that the Colossians would grow in endurance and patience as they face their challenges. But he also seems to think that they can do so with joy and gratitude as well (Col 1:10-12). What does it take to bring those together?

]]> Sooner or later, we all find ourselves having to endure some ongoing situation we don’t want, sometimes knowing that it’s the price we pay for doing the right thing. We grit our teeth; we grind it out. Likewise, Paul prays that the Colossians would grow in endurance and patience as they face their challenges. But he also seems to think that they can do so with joy and gratitude as well (Col 1:10-12). What does it take to bring those together?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:33:12 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 429 Sooner or later, we all find ourselves having to endure some ongoing situation we don’t want, sometimes knowing that it’s the price we pay for doing the right thing. We grit our teeth; we grind it out. Likewise, Paul prays that the Colossians would grow in endurance and patience as they face their challenges. But he also seems to think that they can do so with joy and gratitude as well (Col 1:10-12). What does it take to bring those together?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 13 13 Episode 13: Welcome to the family full 5df97556-0477-474c-952c-d0b00ef15395 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4da1afb0 Many families divide, unfortunately, over issues of inheritance, and this was true even in New Testament times. The importance of inheritance goes back even further into the Jewish traditions we find in the Old Testament. It’s significant, then, that Paul uses the language of inheritance (Col 1:12) to tell the Gentile believers in Colossae that they have now been adopted into God’s family, and share in the inheritance of God’s people.

]]> Many families divide, unfortunately, over issues of inheritance, and this was true even in New Testament times. The importance of inheritance goes back even further into the Jewish traditions we find in the Old Testament. It’s significant, then, that Paul uses the language of inheritance (Col 1:12) to tell the Gentile believers in Colossae that they have now been adopted into God’s family, and share in the inheritance of God’s people.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:33:43 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 431 Many families divide, unfortunately, over issues of inheritance, and this was true even in New Testament times. The importance of inheritance goes back even further into the Jewish traditions we find in the Old Testament. It’s significant, then, that Paul uses the language of inheritance (Col 1:12) to tell the Gentile believers in Colossae that they have now been adopted into God’s family, and share in the inheritance of God’s people.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 14 14 Episode 14: Rescued from the darkness full 32db1590-ec3f-4c3b-92e1-136cd17634bb https://share.transistor.fm/s/36082a3f When we’ve heard the gospel presented clearly, our response may be to believe—because it seems like the sensible thing to do. We may not have a sense of being rescued or set free, because our lives don’t seem all that bad. But the Bible routinely contrasts righteousness with sin, light with darkness. The apostle Paul, for his part, says that through Jesus, we have been rescued “from the dominion of darkness” (Col 1:13). What does he mean?

]]> When we’ve heard the gospel presented clearly, our response may be to believe—because it seems like the sensible thing to do. We may not have a sense of being rescued or set free, because our lives don’t seem all that bad. But the Bible routinely contrasts righteousness with sin, light with darkness. The apostle Paul, for his part, says that through Jesus, we have been rescued “from the dominion of darkness” (Col 1:13). What does he mean?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:34:17 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 441 When we’ve heard the gospel presented clearly, our response may be to believe—because it seems like the sensible thing to do. We may not have a sense of being rescued or set free, because our lives don’t seem all that bad. But the Bible routinely contrasts righteousness with sin, light with darkness. The apostle Paul, for his part, says that through Jesus, we have been rescued “from the dominion of darkness” (Col 1:13). What does he mean?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 15 15 Episode 15: Thy will be done full 7d36159e-2042-4d62-8f3a-def85967883c https://share.transistor.fm/s/67525677 We’re about to begin exploring the main body of Paul’s letter, in which he repeatedly emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus over all. Before we do, however, I want to take this episode to give a bit of theological perspective. Paul has prayed that the Colossians would know God’s will and have fruitful lives. Similarly, Jesus taught his followers to pray that the Father’s will would be done. But how should we understand “God’s will” in relationship to who we are in Christ?

]]> We’re about to begin exploring the main body of Paul’s letter, in which he repeatedly emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus over all. Before we do, however, I want to take this episode to give a bit of theological perspective. Paul has prayed that the Colossians would know God’s will and have fruitful lives. Similarly, Jesus taught his followers to pray that the Father’s will would be done. But how should we understand “God’s will” in relationship to who we are in Christ?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:34:53 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 497 We’re about to begin exploring the main body of Paul’s letter, in which he repeatedly emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus over all. Before we do, however, I want to take this episode to give a bit of theological perspective. Paul has prayed that the Colossians would know God’s will and have fruitful lives. Similarly, Jesus taught his followers to pray that the Father’s will would be done. But how should we understand “God’s will” in relationship to who we are in Christ?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 16 16 Episode 16: Why we worship full 0c6b597c-6781-4598-98cd-5d39e9c90f3b https://share.transistor.fm/s/ddb8255c If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, why do you follow him? Is it out of gratitude for what he did for you, for all of us, on the cross? That’s certainly an excellent reason. But there’s more to it than that; he is not only Savior, but Lord. Colossians 1:15-20 may be the most exalted description of Jesus in the New Testament, one which will take several episodes to unpack. Paul doesn’t just want the Colossians to be thankful—he wants them to be amazed, just as we should be.

]]> If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, why do you follow him? Is it out of gratitude for what he did for you, for all of us, on the cross? That’s certainly an excellent reason. But there’s more to it than that; he is not only Savior, but Lord. Colossians 1:15-20 may be the most exalted description of Jesus in the New Testament, one which will take several episodes to unpack. Paul doesn’t just want the Colossians to be thankful—he wants them to be amazed, just as we should be.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:35:20 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 456 If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, why do you follow him? Is it out of gratitude for what he did for you, for all of us, on the cross? That’s certainly an excellent reason. But there’s more to it than that; he is not only Savior, but Lord. Colossians 1:15-20 may be the most exalted description of Jesus in the New Testament, one which will take several episodes to unpack. Paul doesn’t just want the Colossians to be thankful—he wants them to be amazed, just as we should be.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 17 17 Episode 17: Firstborn, with a capital F full c12899e9-5f51-44f8-a443-fea6aea8c400 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6c1ea6f In Jewish families of biblical times, to be the firstborn son was to have a position of status and privilege. That’s still true in many cultures today. As Paul begins his exalted description of Jesus, he calls him both “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation” (Col 1:15). Not only does Jesus show us the very character of God, but as Paul will also say in the very next verse, it was through the Son and for the Son that all things were created. 

]]> In Jewish families of biblical times, to be the firstborn son was to have a position of status and privilege. That’s still true in many cultures today. As Paul begins his exalted description of Jesus, he calls him both “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation” (Col 1:15). Not only does Jesus show us the very character of God, but as Paul will also say in the very next verse, it was through the Son and for the Son that all things were created. 

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:35:51 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 466 In Jewish families of biblical times, to be the firstborn son was to have a position of status and privilege. That’s still true in many cultures today. As Paul begins his exalted description of Jesus, he calls him both “the image of the invisible God” and “the firstborn over all creation” (Col 1:15). Not only does Jesus show us the very character of God, but as Paul will also say in the very next verse, it was through the Son and for the Son that all things were created. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 18 18 Episode 18: From creation to new creation full 271be8a7-6385-46d9-ad08-886896c075c3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/97e2ecbd Compare how the four gospels begin. John has the earliest starting point, traveling back in time past the birth of Jesus, past the birth of Abraham, all the way to the very beginning of all things, to the creation itself. Paul’s portrait of Jesus is cosmic in this way: all things were created in him, through him, and for him (Col 1:16). In some ways, what Paul portrays is beyond human comprehension, but it’s still worthwhile pondering what those three little prepositions convey when taken together.

]]> Compare how the four gospels begin. John has the earliest starting point, traveling back in time past the birth of Jesus, past the birth of Abraham, all the way to the very beginning of all things, to the creation itself. Paul’s portrait of Jesus is cosmic in this way: all things were created in him, through him, and for him (Col 1:16). In some ways, what Paul portrays is beyond human comprehension, but it’s still worthwhile pondering what those three little prepositions convey when taken together.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:36:17 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 463 Compare how the four gospels begin. John has the earliest starting point, traveling back in time past the birth of Jesus, past the birth of Abraham, all the way to the very beginning of all things, to the creation itself. Paul’s portrait of Jesus is cosmic in this way: all things were created in him, through him, and for him (Col 1:16). In some ways, what Paul portrays is beyond human comprehension, but it’s still worthwhile pondering what those three little prepositions convey when taken together.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 19 19 Episode 19: The body of Christ full 53df549c-faf2-4209-9f4b-da707c312e4b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cbe1be42 When New Testament writers speak of the “church,” they’re not referring to a place or a building; they’re referring to a people. Moreover, as Paul teaches in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, those people together are “the body of Christ.” He uses the same metaphor in Colossians 1:18. There, however, his point is to insist that Christ is the “head” of the body. And later, in chapter 2, we’ll have to ask ourselves the hard question: if the so-called church isn’t truly connected to the head, is it still his body?

]]> When New Testament writers speak of the “church,” they’re not referring to a place or a building; they’re referring to a people. Moreover, as Paul teaches in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, those people together are “the body of Christ.” He uses the same metaphor in Colossians 1:18. There, however, his point is to insist that Christ is the “head” of the body. And later, in chapter 2, we’ll have to ask ourselves the hard question: if the so-called church isn’t truly connected to the head, is it still his body?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:37:01 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 439 When New Testament writers speak of the “church,” they’re not referring to a place or a building; they’re referring to a people. Moreover, as Paul teaches in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, those people together are “the body of Christ.” He uses the same metaphor in Colossians 1:18. There, however, his point is to insist that Christ is the “head” of the body. And later, in chapter 2, we’ll have to ask ourselves the hard question: if the so-called church isn’t truly connected to the head, is it still his body?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 20 20 Episode 20: The cosmic cross full 4654acb2-657a-4668-b92b-7db9331c56fd https://share.transistor.fm/s/7177c613 Many presentations of the gospel emphasize our need to be saved from our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It’s the core truth that led many of us to pray for our salvation. But the larger story, as Paul teaches in both Romans 8 and Colossians 1:19-20, is not merely that humanity needs to be redeemed and reconciled to God; creation itself does. My sin isn’t just about me; nor is my redemption.

]]> Many presentations of the gospel emphasize our need to be saved from our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It’s the core truth that led many of us to pray for our salvation. But the larger story, as Paul teaches in both Romans 8 and Colossians 1:19-20, is not merely that humanity needs to be redeemed and reconciled to God; creation itself does. My sin isn’t just about me; nor is my redemption.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:37:28 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 441 Many presentations of the gospel emphasize our need to be saved from our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It’s the core truth that led many of us to pray for our salvation. But the larger story, as Paul teaches in both Romans 8 and Colossians 1:19-20, is not merely that humanity needs to be redeemed and reconciled to God; creation itself does. My sin isn’t just about me; nor is my redemption.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 21 21 Episode 21: He is our peace full e55bd10e-0724-44f2-8361-4d8a260ff018 https://share.transistor.fm/s/462c9193 In Paul’s cosmic portrait of Christ and his work, Jesus didn’t just make peace between sinful humanity and God; through his blood, he made peace for all of creation (Col 1:19-20). This points to God’s ongoing work of restoring shalom, that is, restoring the goodness and wholeness that God intended for everything created. Is the church a place of shalom? Are we willing to be part of that work?

]]> In Paul’s cosmic portrait of Christ and his work, Jesus didn’t just make peace between sinful humanity and God; through his blood, he made peace for all of creation (Col 1:19-20). This points to God’s ongoing work of restoring shalom, that is, restoring the goodness and wholeness that God intended for everything created. Is the church a place of shalom? Are we willing to be part of that work?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:38:03 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 427 In Paul’s cosmic portrait of Christ and his work, Jesus didn’t just make peace between sinful humanity and God; through his blood, he made peace for all of creation (Col 1:19-20). This points to God’s ongoing work of restoring shalom, that is, restoring the goodness and wholeness that God intended for everything created. Is the church a place of shalom? Are we willing to be part of that work?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 22 22 Episode 22: The fullness of God full 5f797689-0ddf-4b57-93a3-5e7d10277565 https://share.transistor.fm/s/182515ab Imagine being one of the disciples of Jesus. You’ve heard him say amazing things, and seen him do amazing deeds. You see him in a way that few do; you know how unique he is. And then he does something that astonishes you even more—and you’re flustered, even afraid. So it was when Jesus calmed the storm. And thus too does the apostle Paul want to challenge the Colossians to understand something they may not yet grasp: all of the fullness of God was in Jesus (Col 1:19; 2:9-10).

]]> Imagine being one of the disciples of Jesus. You’ve heard him say amazing things, and seen him do amazing deeds. You see him in a way that few do; you know how unique he is. And then he does something that astonishes you even more—and you’re flustered, even afraid. So it was when Jesus calmed the storm. And thus too does the apostle Paul want to challenge the Colossians to understand something they may not yet grasp: all of the fullness of God was in Jesus (Col 1:19; 2:9-10).

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:38:33 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 505 Imagine being one of the disciples of Jesus. You’ve heard him say amazing things, and seen him do amazing deeds. You see him in a way that few do; you know how unique he is. And then he does something that astonishes you even more—and you’re flustered, even afraid. So it was when Jesus calmed the storm. And thus too does the apostle Paul want to challenge the Colossians to understand something they may not yet grasp: all of the fullness of God was in Jesus (Col 1:19; 2:9-10).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 23 23 Episode 23: Alienation full 0fc8741d-0bcf-453e-8672-15488ec58bf6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a061661 All of us, I suspect, have experienced broken relationships, even within our families; sometimes, we long for reconciliation. But have we ever thought of ourselves as needing to be reconciled to God? The apostle Paul is often thought of as teaching the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was to pay the penalty for our sin, and this is true. But as he teaches in Colossians, it was also overcome our alienation from God (Col 1:21-23).

]]> All of us, I suspect, have experienced broken relationships, even within our families; sometimes, we long for reconciliation. But have we ever thought of ourselves as needing to be reconciled to God? The apostle Paul is often thought of as teaching the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was to pay the penalty for our sin, and this is true. But as he teaches in Colossians, it was also overcome our alienation from God (Col 1:21-23).

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:39:05 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 438 All of us, I suspect, have experienced broken relationships, even within our families; sometimes, we long for reconciliation. But have we ever thought of ourselves as needing to be reconciled to God? The apostle Paul is often thought of as teaching the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was to pay the penalty for our sin, and this is true. But as he teaches in Colossians, it was also overcome our alienation from God (Col 1:21-23).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 24 24 Episode 24: The enemies of God full 6227c77b-4238-446b-a70e-7324ca91f525 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67607577 In the previous episode, we considered what it meant to be alienated from God and in need of reconciliation. But have we ever considered ourselves to be among God’s “enemies”? We all know we have our faults and weaknesses. Still, we like to think of ourselves as more or less good people, and certainly not as bad as others whom we could name. So, what does it mean for Paul to say that we were God’s enemies because of our evil behavior (Col 1:21)?

]]> In the previous episode, we considered what it meant to be alienated from God and in need of reconciliation. But have we ever considered ourselves to be among God’s “enemies”? We all know we have our faults and weaknesses. Still, we like to think of ourselves as more or less good people, and certainly not as bad as others whom we could name. So, what does it mean for Paul to say that we were God’s enemies because of our evil behavior (Col 1:21)?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:39:33 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 427 In the previous episode, we considered what it meant to be alienated from God and in need of reconciliation. But have we ever considered ourselves to be among God’s “enemies”? We all know we have our faults and weaknesses. Still, we like to think of ourselves as more or less good people, and certainly not as bad as others whom we could name. So, what does it mean for Paul to say that we were God’s enemies because of our evil behavior (Col 1:21)?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 25 25 Episode 25: What God sees in us full 0f6fc577-aa1a-4de1-b542-dadc9247cb7c https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f5351a8 Previously, we considered what it would mean to think of ourselves as having been God’s enemies. That can be a challenge to our self-concept. But here’s the other side. If we’re at all aware of our sin, if we feel the guilt and shame of things we’ve done, it may also be hard to accept that God sees us as “holy and without blemish” (Col 1:22). What does Paul mean by this?

]]> Previously, we considered what it would mean to think of ourselves as having been God’s enemies. That can be a challenge to our self-concept. But here’s the other side. If we’re at all aware of our sin, if we feel the guilt and shame of things we’ve done, it may also be hard to accept that God sees us as “holy and without blemish” (Col 1:22). What does Paul mean by this?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:40:10 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 414 Previously, we considered what it would mean to think of ourselves as having been God’s enemies. That can be a challenge to our self-concept. But here’s the other side. If we’re at all aware of our sin, if we feel the guilt and shame of things we’ve done, it may also be hard to accept that God sees us as “holy and without blemish” (Col 1:22). What does Paul mean by this?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 26 26 Episode 26: These fragile, beautiful bodies full 133a2f9e-f81c-4a3b-ad04-3a410a083b2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cfc5f667 You have a body; I have a body. That is how God created us, and that creation was good in God’s sight. But sometimes, we spiritualize the Christian life in a way that makes it sound like our physical bodies are nuisances to be endured rather than things of beauty in need of redemption. Paul speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus in a way that emphasizes the bodily nature of the act (Col 1:22)—and this suggests that the Colossians, too, were being tempted to devalue their own physical existence.

]]> You have a body; I have a body. That is how God created us, and that creation was good in God’s sight. But sometimes, we spiritualize the Christian life in a way that makes it sound like our physical bodies are nuisances to be endured rather than things of beauty in need of redemption. Paul speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus in a way that emphasizes the bodily nature of the act (Col 1:22)—and this suggests that the Colossians, too, were being tempted to devalue their own physical existence.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:42:02 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 423 You have a body; I have a body. That is how God created us, and that creation was good in God’s sight. But sometimes, we spiritualize the Christian life in a way that makes it sound like our physical bodies are nuisances to be endured rather than things of beauty in need of redemption. Paul speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus in a way that emphasizes the bodily nature of the act (Col 1:22)—and this suggests that the Colossians, too, were being tempted to devalue their own physical existence.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 27 27 Episode 27: Rooted in hope full 15eccf5f-8af4-459d-a29e-781c0db321dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/0660dc7e Because of what Jesus has done, we are not who we once were; thanks be to God. At the same time, we’re not yet who we will be. Paul’s perspective on the Christian life doesn’t just look backward to the cross, but also forward to the day of Jesus’ return (Col 1:21-23). The gospel is thus a story of hope that has a glorious ending. Learning to think that way can help us endure the challenges of the present, as we seek to live in a way that is consistent with what Christ both has done and will do. 

]]> Because of what Jesus has done, we are not who we once were; thanks be to God. At the same time, we’re not yet who we will be. Paul’s perspective on the Christian life doesn’t just look backward to the cross, but also forward to the day of Jesus’ return (Col 1:21-23). The gospel is thus a story of hope that has a glorious ending. Learning to think that way can help us endure the challenges of the present, as we seek to live in a way that is consistent with what Christ both has done and will do. 

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:42:29 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 445 Because of what Jesus has done, we are not who we once were; thanks be to God. At the same time, we’re not yet who we will be. Paul’s perspective on the Christian life doesn’t just look backward to the cross, but also forward to the day of Jesus’ return (Col 1:21-23). The gospel is thus a story of hope that has a glorious ending. Learning to think that way can help us endure the challenges of the present, as we seek to live in a way that is consistent with what Christ both has done and will do. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 28 28 Episode 28: The man behind the letter full 939d3d8d-665d-483f-8564-9ed2c80354d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d58b095a The Colossians have never met Paul in person. They know him only by reputation and from whatever stories Epaphras must have told them. Paul has already introduced himself at the beginning of chapter 1, and at the end of that chapter (Col 1:24-29) he says even more about himself. Before exploring that description in detail, however, we need a little biographical context. In this episode, therefore, we’ll reach back to the story of Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road.

]]> The Colossians have never met Paul in person. They know him only by reputation and from whatever stories Epaphras must have told them. Paul has already introduced himself at the beginning of chapter 1, and at the end of that chapter (Col 1:24-29) he says even more about himself. Before exploring that description in detail, however, we need a little biographical context. In this episode, therefore, we’ll reach back to the story of Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:43:01 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 488 The Colossians have never met Paul in person. They know him only by reputation and from whatever stories Epaphras must have told them. Paul has already introduced himself at the beginning of chapter 1, and at the end of that chapter (Col 1:24-29) he says even more about himself. Before exploring that description in detail, however, we need a little biographical context. In this episode, therefore, we’ll reach back to the story of Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 29 29 Episode 29: A suffering servant full 07f71f92-2748-4841-84d2-e36c2c1e6b3a https://share.transistor.fm/s/3933b10e Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, had once been a zealous and violent persecutor of the church. You can hear what sounds like regret over his past in some of his letters. When you remember his story, and imagine that regret, it helps make sense of the way he repeatedly speaks of his willingness to suffer for the gospel, including in his letter to the Colossians. But what does he mean when he says that he’s “completing what is missing from Christ’s sufferings” (Col 1:24)?

]]> Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, had once been a zealous and violent persecutor of the church. You can hear what sounds like regret over his past in some of his letters. When you remember his story, and imagine that regret, it helps make sense of the way he repeatedly speaks of his willingness to suffer for the gospel, including in his letter to the Colossians. But what does he mean when he says that he’s “completing what is missing from Christ’s sufferings” (Col 1:24)?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:43:29 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 488 Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, had once been a zealous and violent persecutor of the church. You can hear what sounds like regret over his past in some of his letters. When you remember his story, and imagine that regret, it helps make sense of the way he repeatedly speaks of his willingness to suffer for the gospel, including in his letter to the Colossians. But what does he mean when he says that he’s “completing what is missing from Christ’s sufferings” (Col 1:24)?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 30 30 Episode 30: It’s a mystery full 6f9c4dfe-f97f-478c-ad15-62c01af1b3dd https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1491349 As Christians, there are many things we believe that we will never fully comprehend. Even if we trust what we read in Scripture, we also know that we don’t understand all of it. “What does this mean?” we might wonder. “How can this be?” And in response, someone may simply say, “It’s a mystery.” It can be said flippantly, as if to communicate, “Nobody knows, so don’t ask.” But Paul himself calls the gospel a mystery (Col 1:25-27). What does he mean?

]]> As Christians, there are many things we believe that we will never fully comprehend. Even if we trust what we read in Scripture, we also know that we don’t understand all of it. “What does this mean?” we might wonder. “How can this be?” And in response, someone may simply say, “It’s a mystery.” It can be said flippantly, as if to communicate, “Nobody knows, so don’t ask.” But Paul himself calls the gospel a mystery (Col 1:25-27). What does he mean?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:44:07 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 463 As Christians, there are many things we believe that we will never fully comprehend. Even if we trust what we read in Scripture, we also know that we don’t understand all of it. “What does this mean?” we might wonder. “How can this be?” And in response, someone may simply say, “It’s a mystery.” It can be said flippantly, as if to communicate, “Nobody knows, so don’t ask.” But Paul himself calls the gospel a mystery (Col 1:25-27). What does he mean?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 31 31 Episode 31: Striving toward perfection full f0f2d59d-b5b9-4697-92b7-0bba2ed6d3a8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b00df05e Some of us, in one way or another, are perfectionists. It’s not just wanting to do things well, but partly a fear of failure, of being “not good enough.” Thus, when Paul speaks of working strenuously to help make every believer in the church “fully mature in Christ” (Col 1:28), that might sound a little intimidating, just as Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount—“Be perfect…as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48) may sound impossibly stringent. How should we understand this?

]]> Some of us, in one way or another, are perfectionists. It’s not just wanting to do things well, but partly a fear of failure, of being “not good enough.” Thus, when Paul speaks of working strenuously to help make every believer in the church “fully mature in Christ” (Col 1:28), that might sound a little intimidating, just as Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount—“Be perfect…as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48) may sound impossibly stringent. How should we understand this?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:44:39 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 472 Some of us, in one way or another, are perfectionists. It’s not just wanting to do things well, but partly a fear of failure, of being “not good enough.” Thus, when Paul speaks of working strenuously to help make every believer in the church “fully mature in Christ” (Col 1:28), that might sound a little intimidating, just as Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount—“Be perfect…as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48) may sound impossibly stringent. How should we understand this?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 32 32 Episode 32: Unburied treasure full ee0469ab-ee18-482e-a9e7-8fdb3ddab75b https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ef176d8 When we read Paul, we can often hear echoes of the teaching of Jesus. Jesus spoke of the secrets of the kingdom, and in parables, likened the kingdom to a great treasure. As we’ve seen, Paul uses similar language to speak of the “mystery” that’s been uncovered or revealed to God’s people (Col 1:26). He then uses the language of hidden treasure (Col 2:3) to help the Colossians appreciate the value of what they already have in the gospel they’ve been taught.

]]> When we read Paul, we can often hear echoes of the teaching of Jesus. Jesus spoke of the secrets of the kingdom, and in parables, likened the kingdom to a great treasure. As we’ve seen, Paul uses similar language to speak of the “mystery” that’s been uncovered or revealed to God’s people (Col 1:26). He then uses the language of hidden treasure (Col 2:3) to help the Colossians appreciate the value of what they already have in the gospel they’ve been taught.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:45:12 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 440 When we read Paul, we can often hear echoes of the teaching of Jesus. Jesus spoke of the secrets of the kingdom, and in parables, likened the kingdom to a great treasure. As we’ve seen, Paul uses similar language to speak of the “mystery” that’s been uncovered or revealed to God’s people (Col 1:26). He then uses the language of hidden treasure (Col 2:3) to help the Colossians appreciate the value of what they already have in the gospel they’ve been taught.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 33 33 Episode 33: The knowledge that matters full c5a4ea85-f7ab-49dc-8379-eb61b96e844a https://share.transistor.fm/s/05588915 As a professor helping to train people for various ministries, I value knowledge. But I am also keenly aware of the ways in which knowledge can be pursued for its own sake, as a way of bolstering our pride. Paul wants the Colossians to have the knowledge they need and receive it as a gift, or indeed, as a valuable treasure (Col 2:1-3). But he teaches this against the background of what was probably their more self-centered approach to knowledge.

]]> As a professor helping to train people for various ministries, I value knowledge. But I am also keenly aware of the ways in which knowledge can be pursued for its own sake, as a way of bolstering our pride. Paul wants the Colossians to have the knowledge they need and receive it as a gift, or indeed, as a valuable treasure (Col 2:1-3). But he teaches this against the background of what was probably their more self-centered approach to knowledge.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:45:32 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 415 As a professor helping to train people for various ministries, I value knowledge. But I am also keenly aware of the ways in which knowledge can be pursued for its own sake, as a way of bolstering our pride. Paul wants the Colossians to have the knowledge they need and receive it as a gift, or indeed, as a valuable treasure (Col 2:1-3). But he teaches this against the background of what was probably their more self-centered approach to knowledge.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 34 34 Episode 34: With you in spirit full 3f8cac79-9135-4cd9-a4f0-266ee023a930 https://share.transistor.fm/s/916dafb5 Paul has never met the Colossians, and is writing to them from a distance. Yet he tells them that he is with them in spirit (Col 2:5). He’s not scolding them, as if to say, “I’m watching you”; quite the contrary, he continues to commend them for their faith. Yet he’s also concerned that they not be misled by other who are trying to deceive them. So, think: who has been with you in spirit, in a way that helped you grow as a Christian?

]]> Paul has never met the Colossians, and is writing to them from a distance. Yet he tells them that he is with them in spirit (Col 2:5). He’s not scolding them, as if to say, “I’m watching you”; quite the contrary, he continues to commend them for their faith. Yet he’s also concerned that they not be misled by other who are trying to deceive them. So, think: who has been with you in spirit, in a way that helped you grow as a Christian?

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:46:26 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 439 Paul has never met the Colossians, and is writing to them from a distance. Yet he tells them that he is with them in spirit (Col 2:5). He’s not scolding them, as if to say, “I’m watching you”; quite the contrary, he continues to commend them for their faith. Yet he’s also concerned that they not be misled by other who are trying to deceive them. So, think: who has been with you in spirit, in a way that helped you grow as a Christian?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 35 35 Episode 35: What we’ve received full 866fd5e9-253a-4183-a537-1284e169afbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/11715d5f In some traditions, it’s common to speak of “receiving Jesus” by inviting him to take up residence in our hearts. Paul, too, speaks of the Colossians as have “received Christ Jesus as Lord” (Col 2:6). But does Paul mean that they received him into their hearts? Probably not: his way of using the word suggests not only receiving Jesus, but receiving a tradition about Jesus that’s been passed on through the church. 

]]> In some traditions, it’s common to speak of “receiving Jesus” by inviting him to take up residence in our hearts. Paul, too, speaks of the Colossians as have “received Christ Jesus as Lord” (Col 2:6). But does Paul mean that they received him into their hearts? Probably not: his way of using the word suggests not only receiving Jesus, but receiving a tradition about Jesus that’s been passed on through the church. 

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:47:06 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 427 In some traditions, it’s common to speak of “receiving Jesus” by inviting him to take up residence in our hearts. Paul, too, speaks of the Colossians as have “received Christ Jesus as Lord” (Col 2:6). But does Paul mean that they received him into their hearts? Probably not: his way of using the word suggests not only receiving Jesus, but receiving a tradition about Jesus that’s been passed on through the church. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 36 36 Episode 36: Rooted and grateful full 28d2ce0b-c5fe-4737-9091-858329cd4cca https://share.transistor.fm/s/bdef57c0 In a highly individualistic culture, “tradition” can be a dirty word, suggesting the pressure to do things a certain way “just because.” But Paul thinks of the apostolic tradition as something in which believers should be rooted, for the sake of their growth in Christ. He wants the Colossians to be grateful for what the tradition passed on to them, and to get themselves firmly established in it so they can sort out right belief from wrong (Col 2:6-7).

]]> In a highly individualistic culture, “tradition” can be a dirty word, suggesting the pressure to do things a certain way “just because.” But Paul thinks of the apostolic tradition as something in which believers should be rooted, for the sake of their growth in Christ. He wants the Colossians to be grateful for what the tradition passed on to them, and to get themselves firmly established in it so they can sort out right belief from wrong (Col 2:6-7).

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:47:45 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 461 In a highly individualistic culture, “tradition” can be a dirty word, suggesting the pressure to do things a certain way “just because.” But Paul thinks of the apostolic tradition as something in which believers should be rooted, for the sake of their growth in Christ. He wants the Colossians to be grateful for what the tradition passed on to them, and to get themselves firmly established in it so they can sort out right belief from wrong (Col 2:6-7).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 37 37 Episode 37: Captivated full 43f66a58-b987-4929-9679-53fd4ad825bc https://share.transistor.fm/s/f345f664 The apostle Paul could not possibly have imagined the online, virtual world we live in now. Some have called it an “attention economy,” in which marketing experts design “clickbait” to capture your attention and get you to click their link. But Paul did know about how new converts, having been raised in a pagan world, could have their attention captured by “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (Col 2:8). He wants the Colossians to be rooted in right teaching so as not to be deceived.

]]> The apostle Paul could not possibly have imagined the online, virtual world we live in now. Some have called it an “attention economy,” in which marketing experts design “clickbait” to capture your attention and get you to click their link. But Paul did know about how new converts, having been raised in a pagan world, could have their attention captured by “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (Col 2:8). He wants the Colossians to be rooted in right teaching so as not to be deceived.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:48:12 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 463 The apostle Paul could not possibly have imagined the online, virtual world we live in now. Some have called it an “attention economy,” in which marketing experts design “clickbait” to capture your attention and get you to click their link. But Paul did know about how new converts, having been raised in a pagan world, could have their attention captured by “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (Col 2:8). He wants the Colossians to be rooted in right teaching so as not to be deceived.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 38 38 Episode 38: Do, don’t, and why full f4dbe223-0754-4865-bf47-3abea391904a https://share.transistor.fm/s/46887a5d As we might expect in a letter such as this, filled with pastoral counsel, Paul gives the Colossians a number of dos and don’ts. On the one hand, they should walk in Jesus, be rooted in him, and be grounded in the apostolic gospel. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be carried away by fine-sounding but deceptive alternatives. More importantly, he’s given them the why in his portrait of the absolute supremacy of Christ—and memorably reiterates that theme in Colossians 2:9-10.

]]> As we might expect in a letter such as this, filled with pastoral counsel, Paul gives the Colossians a number of dos and don’ts. On the one hand, they should walk in Jesus, be rooted in him, and be grounded in the apostolic gospel. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be carried away by fine-sounding but deceptive alternatives. More importantly, he’s given them the why in his portrait of the absolute supremacy of Christ—and memorably reiterates that theme in Colossians 2:9-10.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:48:44 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 443 As we might expect in a letter such as this, filled with pastoral counsel, Paul gives the Colossians a number of dos and don’ts. On the one hand, they should walk in Jesus, be rooted in him, and be grounded in the apostolic gospel. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be carried away by fine-sounding but deceptive alternatives. More importantly, he’s given them the why in his portrait of the absolute supremacy of Christ—and memorably reiterates that theme in Colossians 2:9-10.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 39 39 Episode 39: Circumcision of the heart full 2302626a-9e5b-45b6-8304-3acbc2574ed4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f38e59f2 Throughout the Old Testament and continuing into the days of Jesus and Paul, circumcision was a distinguishing mark of God’s people. Through the ministry of Paul and others, Gentiles were evangelized throughout the Roman Empire. But the question of whether Gentiles should be circumcised lingered. Paul seems to address this issue in Colossians 2:11-12, telling the Colossians that they’ve already been circumcised, though not in the way some might expect.

]]> Throughout the Old Testament and continuing into the days of Jesus and Paul, circumcision was a distinguishing mark of God’s people. Through the ministry of Paul and others, Gentiles were evangelized throughout the Roman Empire. But the question of whether Gentiles should be circumcised lingered. Paul seems to address this issue in Colossians 2:11-12, telling the Colossians that they’ve already been circumcised, though not in the way some might expect.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:49:55 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 481 Throughout the Old Testament and continuing into the days of Jesus and Paul, circumcision was a distinguishing mark of God’s people. Through the ministry of Paul and others, Gentiles were evangelized throughout the Roman Empire. But the question of whether Gentiles should be circumcised lingered. Paul seems to address this issue in Colossians 2:11-12, telling the Colossians that they’ve already been circumcised, though not in the way some might expect.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 40 40 Episode 40: Baptism, not circumcision full eb2e56f2-4a0d-4619-9f77-c0a2c0cb39ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/53ae42fd When we read the book of Acts as well as Paul’s letter to the Galatians, it’s abundantly clear that the apostle was vehemently opposed to requiring Gentile converts to be circumcised. In Colossians 2:11-12, he backs this up with a theological argument. But what Paul means precisely is an ongoing subject of scholarly debate; we’ll begin exploring the possibilities here.

]]> When we read the book of Acts as well as Paul’s letter to the Galatians, it’s abundantly clear that the apostle was vehemently opposed to requiring Gentile converts to be circumcised. In Colossians 2:11-12, he backs this up with a theological argument. But what Paul means precisely is an ongoing subject of scholarly debate; we’ll begin exploring the possibilities here.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:50:36 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 463 When we read the book of Acts as well as Paul’s letter to the Galatians, it’s abundantly clear that the apostle was vehemently opposed to requiring Gentile converts to be circumcised. In Colossians 2:11-12, he backs this up with a theological argument. But what Paul means precisely is an ongoing subject of scholarly debate; we’ll begin exploring the possibilities here.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 41 41 Episode 41: Forgive us our debts full f9af8cb1-a425-424c-abd3-291ca72ecc25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/acdaecb3 One of the themes of Jesus’ teaching was forgiveness; he himself embodied the compassion of God and expected his followers to be people of love and forgiveness themselves. Similarly, the forgiveness of sin is at the center of Paul’s understanding of the gospel, as we see clearly in Colossians 2:13-14. But some of Paul’s language is difficult to translate. What does he mean when he refers to the “charge of our legal indebtedness”? 

]]> One of the themes of Jesus’ teaching was forgiveness; he himself embodied the compassion of God and expected his followers to be people of love and forgiveness themselves. Similarly, the forgiveness of sin is at the center of Paul’s understanding of the gospel, as we see clearly in Colossians 2:13-14. But some of Paul’s language is difficult to translate. What does he mean when he refers to the “charge of our legal indebtedness”? 

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:51:03 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 449 One of the themes of Jesus’ teaching was forgiveness; he himself embodied the compassion of God and expected his followers to be people of love and forgiveness themselves. Similarly, the forgiveness of sin is at the center of Paul’s understanding of the gospel, as we see clearly in Colossians 2:13-14. But some of Paul’s language is difficult to translate. What does he mean when he refers to the “charge of our legal indebtedness”? 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 42 42 Episode 42: The charge full 6e24dd1d-5be1-42b7-a7e2-9f1bbadc2164 https://share.transistor.fm/s/23e04f8e When the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of falsely claiming to be the King of the Jews, Pontius Pilate knew they were forcing his hand. To have last word in the debate, he prepared a sign to be nailed to the cross along with Jesus: “Jesus the Nazarene, The King of the Jews.” Some scholars, then, believe that when Paul refers to a canceled “charge” in Colossians 2:13-14, he’s envisioning the sign that was posted above the crucified Jesus.

]]> When the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of falsely claiming to be the King of the Jews, Pontius Pilate knew they were forcing his hand. To have last word in the debate, he prepared a sign to be nailed to the cross along with Jesus: “Jesus the Nazarene, The King of the Jews.” Some scholars, then, believe that when Paul refers to a canceled “charge” in Colossians 2:13-14, he’s envisioning the sign that was posted above the crucified Jesus.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:57:44 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 403 When the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of falsely claiming to be the King of the Jews, Pontius Pilate knew they were forcing his hand. To have last word in the debate, he prepared a sign to be nailed to the cross along with Jesus: “Jesus the Nazarene, The King of the Jews.” Some scholars, then, believe that when Paul refers to a canceled “charge” in Colossians 2:13-14, he’s envisioning the sign that was posted above the crucified Jesus.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 43 43 Episode 43: The triumph of the cross full ddfde912-c6da-47b6-8676-7f896bc4f62a https://share.transistor.fm/s/646cc74b In Colossians 2, Paul uses different metaphors to speak of what God has done through the cross of Christ. The Colossians have been spiritually circumcised; they have had the charge against them taken away and nailed to the cross. In verse 15, he introduces yet another metaphor, reminiscent of conquering Roman generals—and to me, of C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.  

]]> In Colossians 2, Paul uses different metaphors to speak of what God has done through the cross of Christ. The Colossians have been spiritually circumcised; they have had the charge against them taken away and nailed to the cross. In verse 15, he introduces yet another metaphor, reminiscent of conquering Roman generals—and to me, of C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.  

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:58:19 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 444 In Colossians 2, Paul uses different metaphors to speak of what God has done through the cross of Christ. The Colossians have been spiritually circumcised; they have had the charge against them taken away and nailed to the cross. In verse 15, he introduces yet another metaphor, reminiscent of conquering Roman generals—and to me, of C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.  

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 44 44 Episode 44: Religion versus gift full 75e2bffb-a7b3-4ae3-bbec-7648c8ea9b54 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2c5b85d We’ve already seen how Paul speaks of the cross in a way that teaches the Gentile converts in Colossae that they have no need to be circumcised; they’ve already been circumcised spiritually in Christ. But what about other Jewish customs? Sabbath observance was the other mark of a true Jew; were the Colossians being pressured here too? As he did with respect to circumcision, Paul gives the Colossians some freedom with respect to the Sabbath (Col 2:16).

]]> We’ve already seen how Paul speaks of the cross in a way that teaches the Gentile converts in Colossae that they have no need to be circumcised; they’ve already been circumcised spiritually in Christ. But what about other Jewish customs? Sabbath observance was the other mark of a true Jew; were the Colossians being pressured here too? As he did with respect to circumcision, Paul gives the Colossians some freedom with respect to the Sabbath (Col 2:16).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:59:00 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 448 We’ve already seen how Paul speaks of the cross in a way that teaches the Gentile converts in Colossae that they have no need to be circumcised; they’ve already been circumcised spiritually in Christ. But what about other Jewish customs? Sabbath observance was the other mark of a true Jew; were the Colossians being pressured here too? As he did with respect to circumcision, Paul gives the Colossians some freedom with respect to the Sabbath (Col 2:16).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 45 45 Episode 45: Foreshadowing the future full 8f0fb8cd-9cb0-4de6-8fd0-64817e431259 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9e31950 As we’ve seen, Paul gives the Colossians freedom in Christ with respect to the Jewish regulations of circumcision and Sabbath observance. In Colossians 2:17, he then adds the various customs that were probably being urged on the Colossians were just “a shadow of the things that were to come,” whereas “the reality…is found in Christ.” Paul’s wording is difficult to translate into sensible English; what was he trying to say?

]]> As we’ve seen, Paul gives the Colossians freedom in Christ with respect to the Jewish regulations of circumcision and Sabbath observance. In Colossians 2:17, he then adds the various customs that were probably being urged on the Colossians were just “a shadow of the things that were to come,” whereas “the reality…is found in Christ.” Paul’s wording is difficult to translate into sensible English; what was he trying to say?

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:59:36 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 431 As we’ve seen, Paul gives the Colossians freedom in Christ with respect to the Jewish regulations of circumcision and Sabbath observance. In Colossians 2:17, he then adds the various customs that were probably being urged on the Colossians were just “a shadow of the things that were to come,” whereas “the reality…is found in Christ.” Paul’s wording is difficult to translate into sensible English; what was he trying to say?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 46 46 Episode 46: Humblebragging full 5d9d90be-a2bf-4191-b720-fb0c68f23f8a https://share.transistor.fm/s/a880e4ee What Paul has taught in chapter 2 seems to suggest that people were teaching the Gentile converts in Colossae that they needed to observe certain religious rituals. If that is indeed what was happening, such folks may have done so in a way that was sincere but mistaken. What Paul says next, however, suggests another motive: pride. Their own spiritual experiences may have inflated their egos (Col 2:18).

]]> What Paul has taught in chapter 2 seems to suggest that people were teaching the Gentile converts in Colossae that they needed to observe certain religious rituals. If that is indeed what was happening, such folks may have done so in a way that was sincere but mistaken. What Paul says next, however, suggests another motive: pride. Their own spiritual experiences may have inflated their egos (Col 2:18).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:05 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 436 What Paul has taught in chapter 2 seems to suggest that people were teaching the Gentile converts in Colossae that they needed to observe certain religious rituals. If that is indeed what was happening, such folks may have done so in a way that was sincere but mistaken. What Paul says next, however, suggests another motive: pride. Their own spiritual experiences may have inflated their egos (Col 2:18).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 47 47 Episode 47: Boasting in weakness full 2b8123eb-0dc7-4703-88a9-6ae6e1835194 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f49602aa Paul has warned the Colossians to not listen to those who are boasting of their spiritual experiences as if such experiences made them better than other people, and the apostle has more to say on the subject. In this episode, however, we pause to consider the example of Paul himself, who has had his own remarkable spiritual experiences, but refuses to let this be a reason for boasting.

]]> Paul has warned the Colossians to not listen to those who are boasting of their spiritual experiences as if such experiences made them better than other people, and the apostle has more to say on the subject. In this episode, however, we pause to consider the example of Paul himself, who has had his own remarkable spiritual experiences, but refuses to let this be a reason for boasting.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:35 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 389 Paul has warned the Colossians to not listen to those who are boasting of their spiritual experiences as if such experiences made them better than other people, and the apostle has more to say on the subject. In this episode, however, we pause to consider the example of Paul himself, who has had his own remarkable spiritual experiences, but refuses to let this be a reason for boasting.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 48 48 Episode 48: Disconnected full 9868fc66-18f1-46b0-ba0b-67525add0de7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de1814e9 Over the years, I have heard story after story of people who felt alienated and excluded within their congregations. One imagines that the Colossians may have felt that way in the face of what some people were teaching about the necessity of various religious observances or the importance of certain spiritual experiences. But Paul has a withering indictment of such false teachers: they think they’re an important part of the body of Christ, but have lost connection with its head (Col 2:19).

]]> Over the years, I have heard story after story of people who felt alienated and excluded within their congregations. One imagines that the Colossians may have felt that way in the face of what some people were teaching about the necessity of various religious observances or the importance of certain spiritual experiences. But Paul has a withering indictment of such false teachers: they think they’re an important part of the body of Christ, but have lost connection with its head (Col 2:19).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:01:09 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 378 Over the years, I have heard story after story of people who felt alienated and excluded within their congregations. One imagines that the Colossians may have felt that way in the face of what some people were teaching about the necessity of various religious observances or the importance of certain spiritual experiences. But Paul has a withering indictment of such false teachers: they think they’re an important part of the body of Christ, but have lost connection with its head (Col 2:19).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 49 49 Episode 49: Don’t eat that! full b3eb9d2d-27af-45e7-a4d5-fa4088418f36 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e1245eb Again, every religion has its dos and don’ts. In Colossians 2, Paul has dealt with some of the religious “dos” being pushed on the Colossians, and he will end the chapter by addressing the “don’ts.” Before we look at these verses, however, let’s locate his teaching against the background of what both Jesus and the Old Testament prophets taught about a true religion that isn’t just about following a restrictive set of rules.

]]> Again, every religion has its dos and don’ts. In Colossians 2, Paul has dealt with some of the religious “dos” being pushed on the Colossians, and he will end the chapter by addressing the “don’ts.” Before we look at these verses, however, let’s locate his teaching against the background of what both Jesus and the Old Testament prophets taught about a true religion that isn’t just about following a restrictive set of rules.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:01:36 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 408 Again, every religion has its dos and don’ts. In Colossians 2, Paul has dealt with some of the religious “dos” being pushed on the Colossians, and he will end the chapter by addressing the “don’ts.” Before we look at these verses, however, let’s locate his teaching against the background of what both Jesus and the Old Testament prophets taught about a true religion that isn’t just about following a restrictive set of rules.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 50 50 Episode 50: Beyond mere rules full a739e146-d77c-4ba8-9ad2-30c25dd4daa2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6cc3c04b Anyone who has raised kids (or tried to maintain a sense of order anywhere!) knows the importance of rules. What we want is for people to internalize the rules, not just obey them in some slavish and resentful way. Paul isn’t telling the Colossians that rules are entirely unnecessary. But to combat the kind of legalistic spirituality they’re being taught, Paul puts such rules in their proper perspective (Col 2:20-23).

]]> Anyone who has raised kids (or tried to maintain a sense of order anywhere!) knows the importance of rules. What we want is for people to internalize the rules, not just obey them in some slavish and resentful way. Paul isn’t telling the Colossians that rules are entirely unnecessary. But to combat the kind of legalistic spirituality they’re being taught, Paul puts such rules in their proper perspective (Col 2:20-23).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:02:15 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 414 Anyone who has raised kids (or tried to maintain a sense of order anywhere!) knows the importance of rules. What we want is for people to internalize the rules, not just obey them in some slavish and resentful way. Paul isn’t telling the Colossians that rules are entirely unnecessary. But to combat the kind of legalistic spirituality they’re being taught, Paul puts such rules in their proper perspective (Col 2:20-23).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 51 51 Episode 51: What’s the point? full 9e47be7f-9a78-4fe6-9a8e-eb3c3972c769 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f70c52bd We may impose all kinds of rules on ourselves and others, and the rules may seem to make perfect sense. The question, though, is what such rules are meant to accomplish and whether they do, in fact, work. Paul has already suggested that the rules with which the Colossians were being confronted had their origin in pride. Now, as he ends chapter 2, he adds that the rules are also useless, because they do nothing to help the Colossians grow spiritually (Col 2:23).

]]> We may impose all kinds of rules on ourselves and others, and the rules may seem to make perfect sense. The question, though, is what such rules are meant to accomplish and whether they do, in fact, work. Paul has already suggested that the rules with which the Colossians were being confronted had their origin in pride. Now, as he ends chapter 2, he adds that the rules are also useless, because they do nothing to help the Colossians grow spiritually (Col 2:23).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:02:43 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 423 We may impose all kinds of rules on ourselves and others, and the rules may seem to make perfect sense. The question, though, is what such rules are meant to accomplish and whether they do, in fact, work. Paul has already suggested that the rules with which the Colossians were being confronted had their origin in pride. Now, as he ends chapter 2, he adds that the rules are also useless, because they do nothing to help the Colossians grow spiritually (Col 2:23).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 52 52 Episode 52: Resolve full ffe1ef6e-4fe2-4a23-a3a2-c87555078a3b https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6eed819 Have you ever made New Year’s resolutions? Did you resolve to start doing something, or to stop? Prohibitions based on sheer will don’t tend to work terribly well, and this may be part of the reason that Paul is skeptical about the usefulness of religious rules. In fact, he seems to portray the restrictive rules of the false teachers a bit sarcastically, setting up the positive teaching of chapter 3 (Col 3:1-4). 

]]> Have you ever made New Year’s resolutions? Did you resolve to start doing something, or to stop? Prohibitions based on sheer will don’t tend to work terribly well, and this may be part of the reason that Paul is skeptical about the usefulness of religious rules. In fact, he seems to portray the restrictive rules of the false teachers a bit sarcastically, setting up the positive teaching of chapter 3 (Col 3:1-4). 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:11:13 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 460 Have you ever made New Year’s resolutions? Did you resolve to start doing something, or to stop? Prohibitions based on sheer will don’t tend to work terribly well, and this may be part of the reason that Paul is skeptical about the usefulness of religious rules. In fact, he seems to portray the restrictive rules of the false teachers a bit sarcastically, setting up the positive teaching of chapter 3 (Col 3:1-4). 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 53 53 Episode 53: Aim higher full 0637634c-1f30-43e5-9f86-09f04057e711 https://share.transistor.fm/s/17696409 In Colossians 2, Paul dealt with the do’s and don’ts being urged on the Colossians, putting them in their proper perspective. At the beginning of chapter 3, then, he begins with his own “dos,” that is, what the Colossians should do instead. He doesn’t begin with behavior, but with the mind and heart: both should be “set…on things above” (Col 3:1-2).

]]> In Colossians 2, Paul dealt with the do’s and don’ts being urged on the Colossians, putting them in their proper perspective. At the beginning of chapter 3, then, he begins with his own “dos,” that is, what the Colossians should do instead. He doesn’t begin with behavior, but with the mind and heart: both should be “set…on things above” (Col 3:1-2).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:11:35 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 465 In Colossians 2, Paul dealt with the do’s and don’ts being urged on the Colossians, putting them in their proper perspective. At the beginning of chapter 3, then, he begins with his own “dos,” that is, what the Colossians should do instead. He doesn’t begin with behavior, but with the mind and heart: both should be “set…on things above” (Col 3:1-2).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 54 54 Episode 54: The hope of glory full 80054c56-bd21-4178-abae-2e260d050c83 https://share.transistor.fm/s/557e0120 True Christian hope is much more than mere optimism; it looks forward with confidence to the future God has promised. As Paul has already said in chapter 1 the revealed mystery of the gospel itself is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). Then, in chapter 3, though he doesn’t use the word “hope,” Paul refers against to the glory that will come with the return of Christ (Col 3:1-4). That’s part of what he means by setting our hearts and minds on things above.

]]> True Christian hope is much more than mere optimism; it looks forward with confidence to the future God has promised. As Paul has already said in chapter 1 the revealed mystery of the gospel itself is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). Then, in chapter 3, though he doesn’t use the word “hope,” Paul refers against to the glory that will come with the return of Christ (Col 3:1-4). That’s part of what he means by setting our hearts and minds on things above.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:12:18 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 489 True Christian hope is much more than mere optimism; it looks forward with confidence to the future God has promised. As Paul has already said in chapter 1 the revealed mystery of the gospel itself is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). Then, in chapter 3, though he doesn’t use the word “hope,” Paul refers against to the glory that will come with the return of Christ (Col 3:1-4). That’s part of what he means by setting our hearts and minds on things above.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 55 55 Episode 55: You’re not that person anymore full 9848fe9b-f1c1-43d1-b105-5dd319ac14ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ec4c6aa Many of us may have experienced what it’s like to live with a religion of “don’ts,” with a litany of all the things that a “good Christian” doesn’t do. And Paul does seem to lean that way in chapter 3, telling the Colossians all the things they must “put to death” (Col 3:5-7). But as he will continue to argue, it’s not just about what they shouldn’t do, but about living in a way that’s consistent with their new nature, with who they now are in Christ.

]]> Many of us may have experienced what it’s like to live with a religion of “don’ts,” with a litany of all the things that a “good Christian” doesn’t do. And Paul does seem to lean that way in chapter 3, telling the Colossians all the things they must “put to death” (Col 3:5-7). But as he will continue to argue, it’s not just about what they shouldn’t do, but about living in a way that’s consistent with their new nature, with who they now are in Christ.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:12:46 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 420 Many of us may have experienced what it’s like to live with a religion of “don’ts,” with a litany of all the things that a “good Christian” doesn’t do. And Paul does seem to lean that way in chapter 3, telling the Colossians all the things they must “put to death” (Col 3:5-7). But as he will continue to argue, it’s not just about what they shouldn’t do, but about living in a way that’s consistent with their new nature, with who they now are in Christ.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 56 56 Episode 56: The old and the new full 419226fc-439f-4387-bc13-8d851c149127 https://share.transistor.fm/s/faff0f58 If we’re honest with ourselves, the list of behaviors and attitudes Paul associates with our “earthly nature” is intimidating; no one is innocent of such a list. But when Paul teaches that we must “put [them] to death,” it’s because he’s already taught that we have died to such things and raised to new life in Christ. That’s the background to one of the most well-known ethical teachings of the New Testament: we are to take off the “old self” to put on the “new” (Col 3:9-10).

]]> If we’re honest with ourselves, the list of behaviors and attitudes Paul associates with our “earthly nature” is intimidating; no one is innocent of such a list. But when Paul teaches that we must “put [them] to death,” it’s because he’s already taught that we have died to such things and raised to new life in Christ. That’s the background to one of the most well-known ethical teachings of the New Testament: we are to take off the “old self” to put on the “new” (Col 3:9-10).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:13:40 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 479 If we’re honest with ourselves, the list of behaviors and attitudes Paul associates with our “earthly nature” is intimidating; no one is innocent of such a list. But when Paul teaches that we must “put [them] to death,” it’s because he’s already taught that we have died to such things and raised to new life in Christ. That’s the background to one of the most well-known ethical teachings of the New Testament: we are to take off the “old self” to put on the “new” (Col 3:9-10).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 57 57 Episode 57: Our new family full eb2e4f8e-6c0c-48d0-a008-e4e42291af7b https://share.transistor.fm/s/f904b5df As Christians, we may be used to speaking appreciatively of our “church family,” a metaphor which suggests a caring community. But families in Scripture are often marked by conflict and division, the our church families are no exception. As Paul teaches, those who have put on their new nature in Christ will remember how the cross should overcome all of our divisiveness—and to make his point, he refers to some of the most fundamental prejudices of his day (Col 3:9-11).

]]> As Christians, we may be used to speaking appreciatively of our “church family,” a metaphor which suggests a caring community. But families in Scripture are often marked by conflict and division, the our church families are no exception. As Paul teaches, those who have put on their new nature in Christ will remember how the cross should overcome all of our divisiveness—and to make his point, he refers to some of the most fundamental prejudices of his day (Col 3:9-11).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:14:17 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 476 As Christians, we may be used to speaking appreciatively of our “church family,” a metaphor which suggests a caring community. But families in Scripture are often marked by conflict and division, the our church families are no exception. As Paul teaches, those who have put on their new nature in Christ will remember how the cross should overcome all of our divisiveness—and to make his point, he refers to some of the most fundamental prejudices of his day (Col 3:9-11).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 58 58 Episode 58: Chosen full b91e655d-6d96-4c66-a011-4211425143ee https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1b1200d In putting aside their old nature and their former pagan lifestyles, the Colossians must forsake a whole, sorry list of sinful attitudes and behaviors: greed, anger, and the like. Conversely, putting on their new nature in Christ means adopting godly character qualities such as compassion, humility, and patience. In teaching this, Paul uses language that the Jews in the congregation would have understood: even the Gentiles are now God’s “chosen” people (Col 3:12).

]]> In putting aside their old nature and their former pagan lifestyles, the Colossians must forsake a whole, sorry list of sinful attitudes and behaviors: greed, anger, and the like. Conversely, putting on their new nature in Christ means adopting godly character qualities such as compassion, humility, and patience. In teaching this, Paul uses language that the Jews in the congregation would have understood: even the Gentiles are now God’s “chosen” people (Col 3:12).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:15:03 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 424 In putting aside their old nature and their former pagan lifestyles, the Colossians must forsake a whole, sorry list of sinful attitudes and behaviors: greed, anger, and the like. Conversely, putting on their new nature in Christ means adopting godly character qualities such as compassion, humility, and patience. In teaching this, Paul uses language that the Jews in the congregation would have understood: even the Gentiles are now God’s “chosen” people (Col 3:12).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 59 59 Episode 59: Who we are together full 47ffd152-d464-4027-aaff-9495eeb10c8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/c9cb24c2 The do’s and don’ts of Paul’s letter are similar to the lists of virtues and vices that can be found in other writings of his day. The vices are like ratty clothing to be stripped off; Christian virtues, like a new wardrobe, are to be put on in their place (Col 3:12-14). It’s important, however, to not read these verses too individualistically. It’s not just about the spiritual transformation of individual Colossians, but of who they are together, as a community. 

]]> The do’s and don’ts of Paul’s letter are similar to the lists of virtues and vices that can be found in other writings of his day. The vices are like ratty clothing to be stripped off; Christian virtues, like a new wardrobe, are to be put on in their place (Col 3:12-14). It’s important, however, to not read these verses too individualistically. It’s not just about the spiritual transformation of individual Colossians, but of who they are together, as a community. 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:15:26 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 459 The do’s and don’ts of Paul’s letter are similar to the lists of virtues and vices that can be found in other writings of his day. The vices are like ratty clothing to be stripped off; Christian virtues, like a new wardrobe, are to be put on in their place (Col 3:12-14). It’s important, however, to not read these verses too individualistically. It’s not just about the spiritual transformation of individual Colossians, but of who they are together, as a community. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 60 60 Episode 60: Finding fault full c697a9a4-7b6c-47c3-809b-bed483b10449 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f28f166 Anyone who’s ever been part of a family or church family knows that people offend each other—intentionally or otherwise—take offense, and carry grudges. This was surely true in Colossae as well, and some of those offenses may have been related to the prejudices that have been eliminated by the cross. Paul therefore tells the Colossians to put on character qualities like compassion and humility—and pragmatically speaking, this may begin with learning to put up with one another (Col 3:13).

]]> Anyone who’s ever been part of a family or church family knows that people offend each other—intentionally or otherwise—take offense, and carry grudges. This was surely true in Colossae as well, and some of those offenses may have been related to the prejudices that have been eliminated by the cross. Paul therefore tells the Colossians to put on character qualities like compassion and humility—and pragmatically speaking, this may begin with learning to put up with one another (Col 3:13).

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:15:56 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 453 Anyone who’s ever been part of a family or church family knows that people offend each other—intentionally or otherwise—take offense, and carry grudges. This was surely true in Colossae as well, and some of those offenses may have been related to the prejudices that have been eliminated by the cross. Paul therefore tells the Colossians to put on character qualities like compassion and humility—and pragmatically speaking, this may begin with learning to put up with one another (Col 3:13).

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 61 61 Episode 61: Forgiven and forgiving full 8370997e-ea39-4092-a147-14ca061a1926 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab80db10 Reading between the lines of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we can imagine that the congregation had its conflicts and disagreements, that people carried grudges and grievances. Paul teaches that they must not only put up with each other, but forgive (Col 3:13). In so doing, he not only echoes the teaching of Jesus, but writes as one who knows without a doubt how much he himself has been forgiven.

]]> Reading between the lines of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we can imagine that the congregation had its conflicts and disagreements, that people carried grudges and grievances. Paul teaches that they must not only put up with each other, but forgive (Col 3:13). In so doing, he not only echoes the teaching of Jesus, but writes as one who knows without a doubt how much he himself has been forgiven.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:16:25 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 460 Reading between the lines of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we can imagine that the congregation had its conflicts and disagreements, that people carried grudges and grievances. Paul teaches that they must not only put up with each other, but forgive (Col 3:13). In so doing, he not only echoes the teaching of Jesus, but writes as one who knows without a doubt how much he himself has been forgiven.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 62 62 Episode 62: The bond of perfection full db6303c4-7f1a-48c3-8b4d-1514e47a6ebd https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bded55d Despite their old attitudes and habits, despite their ingrained prejudices, the Colossians are to be compassionate and kind with one another; they are to put up with and forgive one another. These are practical expressions of the love commanded of all Christians (Col 3:12-14). Given Paul’s language, we can think of love as the “overcoat” that goes over the other virtues they are to “put on,” or the “ligaments” that hold the body together. 

]]> Despite their old attitudes and habits, despite their ingrained prejudices, the Colossians are to be compassionate and kind with one another; they are to put up with and forgive one another. These are practical expressions of the love commanded of all Christians (Col 3:12-14). Given Paul’s language, we can think of love as the “overcoat” that goes over the other virtues they are to “put on,” or the “ligaments” that hold the body together. 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:17:04 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 442 Despite their old attitudes and habits, despite their ingrained prejudices, the Colossians are to be compassionate and kind with one another; they are to put up with and forgive one another. These are practical expressions of the love commanded of all Christians (Col 3:12-14). Given Paul’s language, we can think of love as the “overcoat” that goes over the other virtues they are to “put on,” or the “ligaments” that hold the body together. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 63 63 Episode 63: Grace and peace full 38888385-7700-4a37-94ec-0964f042c303 https://share.transistor.fm/s/39fca504 We do not live in a peaceful world; it is therefore appropriate to pray for peace, for God’s shalom. As we saw back at the beginning of our study, Paul begins his letter by wishing “grace and peace” for the Colossians. Now, in chapter 3, Paul echoes his earlier language, teaching the Colossians to live in a way that embodies shalom in their relationships with one another.

]]> We do not live in a peaceful world; it is therefore appropriate to pray for peace, for God’s shalom. As we saw back at the beginning of our study, Paul begins his letter by wishing “grace and peace” for the Colossians. Now, in chapter 3, Paul echoes his earlier language, teaching the Colossians to live in a way that embodies shalom in their relationships with one another.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:29:55 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 467 We do not live in a peaceful world; it is therefore appropriate to pray for peace, for God’s shalom. As we saw back at the beginning of our study, Paul begins his letter by wishing “grace and peace” for the Colossians. Now, in chapter 3, Paul echoes his earlier language, teaching the Colossians to live in a way that embodies shalom in their relationships with one another.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 64 64 Episode 64: The attitude of gratitude full 291512de-f5c8-4725-8fea-f05d0752dfb2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bde5af3 Whatever problems were confronting the Colossians, Paul’s letter to them consistently conveys a sense of joy and gratitude. As we’ve seen, he’s urged them to let the “peace of Christ rule in [their] hearts,” echoing his opening greeting of “grace and peace.” Now he urges them also to live with “gratitude in [their] hearts” (Col 3:16), an echo of the grace of God that pervades the letter. 

]]> Whatever problems were confronting the Colossians, Paul’s letter to them consistently conveys a sense of joy and gratitude. As we’ve seen, he’s urged them to let the “peace of Christ rule in [their] hearts,” echoing his opening greeting of “grace and peace.” Now he urges them also to live with “gratitude in [their] hearts” (Col 3:16), an echo of the grace of God that pervades the letter. 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:30:20 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 466 Whatever problems were confronting the Colossians, Paul’s letter to them consistently conveys a sense of joy and gratitude. As we’ve seen, he’s urged them to let the “peace of Christ rule in [their] hearts,” echoing his opening greeting of “grace and peace.” Now he urges them also to live with “gratitude in [their] hearts” (Col 3:16), an echo of the grace of God that pervades the letter. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 65 65 Episode 65: A life of worship full 1d35ff53-3bb2-4012-a5fc-c8a05bb433e9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3dbdb9d6 There’s a tendency in some churches to speak of “worship” as if it meant “worship music.” Worship is more than that. But there’s no denying the importance of music in our lives generally and in worship particularly. Paul thus tells the Colossians to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” to one another (Col 3:16). We don’t need to distinguish these from each other; the more important point is that these are tangible expressions of their heartfelt gratitude.

]]> There’s a tendency in some churches to speak of “worship” as if it meant “worship music.” Worship is more than that. But there’s no denying the importance of music in our lives generally and in worship particularly. Paul thus tells the Colossians to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” to one another (Col 3:16). We don’t need to distinguish these from each other; the more important point is that these are tangible expressions of their heartfelt gratitude.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:30:40 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 419 There’s a tendency in some churches to speak of “worship” as if it meant “worship music.” Worship is more than that. But there’s no denying the importance of music in our lives generally and in worship particularly. Paul thus tells the Colossians to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” to one another (Col 3:16). We don’t need to distinguish these from each other; the more important point is that these are tangible expressions of their heartfelt gratitude.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 66 66 Episode 66: In the name of Jesus full a065bae4-4938-404a-89ae-c25f219fc96c https://share.transistor.fm/s/a48b6c36 Most of us have probably been taught to pray “in the name of Jesus,” which usually means ending our prayers with words to that effect. And there are good biblical reasons for doing so. But Paul teaches that we should do everything in the name of Jesus, and with gratitude (Col 3:17). He’s not suggesting that we say the words “In Jesus’ name” all day long. But what does he mean?

]]> Most of us have probably been taught to pray “in the name of Jesus,” which usually means ending our prayers with words to that effect. And there are good biblical reasons for doing so. But Paul teaches that we should do everything in the name of Jesus, and with gratitude (Col 3:17). He’s not suggesting that we say the words “In Jesus’ name” all day long. But what does he mean?

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:31:08 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 406 Most of us have probably been taught to pray “in the name of Jesus,” which usually means ending our prayers with words to that effect. And there are good biblical reasons for doing so. But Paul teaches that we should do everything in the name of Jesus, and with gratitude (Col 3:17). He’s not suggesting that we say the words “In Jesus’ name” all day long. But what does he mean?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 67 67 Episode 67: The Christian household full 0d11ffc3-6db1-42d1-8d0a-8255a24c7d35 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b59c23a You may already be familiar with the famous (or infamous) passage in Ephesians 5 that teaches wives to submit to their husbands. Colossians contains a similar passage, in which he seeks the transformation of households from the inside out. But before we begin our exploration of what Paul says in 3:18—4:1, we’ll use this episode to give the historical background we need to read the passage rightly.

]]> You may already be familiar with the famous (or infamous) passage in Ephesians 5 that teaches wives to submit to their husbands. Colossians contains a similar passage, in which he seeks the transformation of households from the inside out. But before we begin our exploration of what Paul says in 3:18—4:1, we’ll use this episode to give the historical background we need to read the passage rightly.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:31:34 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 436 You may already be familiar with the famous (or infamous) passage in Ephesians 5 that teaches wives to submit to their husbands. Colossians contains a similar passage, in which he seeks the transformation of households from the inside out. But before we begin our exploration of what Paul says in 3:18—4:1, we’ll use this episode to give the historical background we need to read the passage rightly.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 68 68 Episode 68: On wives and husbands full 37a03de0-a704-4f5b-aafb-2f2ee4e3f2a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8a7efc2 Paul has taught the Colossians to be people of compassion, humility, and love, and naturally he would expect to see their relationships at home reflect the same godly character. In Colossians 3:18-21, he has important pastoral counsel for wives and husbands, children and parents, beginning with the instruction to wives that they should “submit” to their husbands. To read this rightly, we need to also consider how the parallel passage in Ephesians 5 is often mis-read.

]]> Paul has taught the Colossians to be people of compassion, humility, and love, and naturally he would expect to see their relationships at home reflect the same godly character. In Colossians 3:18-21, he has important pastoral counsel for wives and husbands, children and parents, beginning with the instruction to wives that they should “submit” to their husbands. To read this rightly, we need to also consider how the parallel passage in Ephesians 5 is often mis-read.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:32:00 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 456 Paul has taught the Colossians to be people of compassion, humility, and love, and naturally he would expect to see their relationships at home reflect the same godly character. In Colossians 3:18-21, he has important pastoral counsel for wives and husbands, children and parents, beginning with the instruction to wives that they should “submit” to their husbands. To read this rightly, we need to also consider how the parallel passage in Ephesians 5 is often mis-read.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 69 69 Episode 69: On parents and children full beabfb76-6deb-4eec-bcb1-d6b4202d7f0e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e29fc787 If Paul’s instruction to wives that they should submit to their husbands is controversial, so is his instruction to children, telling them to “obey [their] parents in everything” (Col 3:20). Some of us may have experienced how domineering or even abusive parents have used such a verse to lord it over their children. But once more, we need to read Paul’s words against the background of the culture the Colossians took for granted—and verse 20 cannot be separated from verse 21.

]]> If Paul’s instruction to wives that they should submit to their husbands is controversial, so is his instruction to children, telling them to “obey [their] parents in everything” (Col 3:20). Some of us may have experienced how domineering or even abusive parents have used such a verse to lord it over their children. But once more, we need to read Paul’s words against the background of the culture the Colossians took for granted—and verse 20 cannot be separated from verse 21.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:32:29 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 465 If Paul’s instruction to wives that they should submit to their husbands is controversial, so is his instruction to children, telling them to “obey [their] parents in everything” (Col 3:20). Some of us may have experienced how domineering or even abusive parents have used such a verse to lord it over their children. But once more, we need to read Paul’s words against the background of the culture the Colossians took for granted—and verse 20 cannot be separated from verse 21.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 70 70 Episode 70: Slavery full 526fd025-6ff0-4206-b0c6-284c9bd92bcd https://share.transistor.fm/s/361a50d7 Slavery was a prominent feature of Roman society and its households, even in Christian households. We could wish for Paul to speak out boldly against the institution of slavery, but he doesn’t. Indeed, he spends more time teaching slaves to obey their masters than he does teaching the members of the nuclear family (Col 3:22-25). Still, he attempts to transform the institution from the inside out, as he does other household relationships. And what he teaches is of particular importance, given the controversy that pit the interests of a Colossian slave against his Christian owner.

]]> Slavery was a prominent feature of Roman society and its households, even in Christian households. We could wish for Paul to speak out boldly against the institution of slavery, but he doesn’t. Indeed, he spends more time teaching slaves to obey their masters than he does teaching the members of the nuclear family (Col 3:22-25). Still, he attempts to transform the institution from the inside out, as he does other household relationships. And what he teaches is of particular importance, given the controversy that pit the interests of a Colossian slave against his Christian owner.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:32:57 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 501 Slavery was a prominent feature of Roman society and its households, even in Christian households. We could wish for Paul to speak out boldly against the institution of slavery, but he doesn’t. Indeed, he spends more time teaching slaves to obey their masters than he does teaching the members of the nuclear family (Col 3:22-25). Still, he attempts to transform the institution from the inside out, as he does other household relationships. And what he teaches is of particular importance, given the controversy that pit the interests of a Colossian slave against his Christian owner.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 71 71 Episode 71: A loving twist of the arm full dfae4906-76fe-4ae3-be9e-4ac9fbf8e835 https://share.transistor.fm/s/469f171c The shortest of Paul’s letters was written to a prominent member of the Colossian church, a man named Philemon. One of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus, had run away, and by law, Philemon had the right to see him punished or even executed. But Onesimus had met Paul and become a Christian. How should Paul handle the situation? In this episode, we explore how Paul’s words in Colossians 3:22-25 should be read in tandem with his letter to Philemon.

]]> The shortest of Paul’s letters was written to a prominent member of the Colossian church, a man named Philemon. One of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus, had run away, and by law, Philemon had the right to see him punished or even executed. But Onesimus had met Paul and become a Christian. How should Paul handle the situation? In this episode, we explore how Paul’s words in Colossians 3:22-25 should be read in tandem with his letter to Philemon.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:33:17 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 427 The shortest of Paul’s letters was written to a prominent member of the Colossian church, a man named Philemon. One of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus, had run away, and by law, Philemon had the right to see him punished or even executed. But Onesimus had met Paul and become a Christian. How should Paul handle the situation? In this episode, we explore how Paul’s words in Colossians 3:22-25 should be read in tandem with his letter to Philemon.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 72 72 Episode 72: Who’s the boss? full 251fdfe0-45c8-4c3d-96bb-0eac8a55f6b8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/faec5024 In the previous episode, we considered what Paul said to slaves (Col 3:22-25) against the background of the situation between Philemon and Onesimus. In this episode, we read the passage from Colossians in tandem with the parallel passage from Ephesians 6. To do so will raise a question for all of us: what if we were to do our work as if Jesus were our boss?

]]> In the previous episode, we considered what Paul said to slaves (Col 3:22-25) against the background of the situation between Philemon and Onesimus. In this episode, we read the passage from Colossians in tandem with the parallel passage from Ephesians 6. To do so will raise a question for all of us: what if we were to do our work as if Jesus were our boss?

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:33:47 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 467 In the previous episode, we considered what Paul said to slaves (Col 3:22-25) against the background of the situation between Philemon and Onesimus. In this episode, we read the passage from Colossians in tandem with the parallel passage from Ephesians 6. To do so will raise a question for all of us: what if we were to do our work as if Jesus were our boss?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 73 73 Episode 73: Middle managers? full 1e0aba2b-b838-40e2-9299-716970548e1f https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6ea9697 Paul wants Christian household relationships to be transformed from the inside out, and has pastoral advice for wives and their husbands, children and parents, even slaves. His final words are to the masters (Col 4:1). These words must also be read in context, and in concert with the parallel text from Ephesians. The all-powerful paterfamilias, the head of the household, was husband, father, and master, and more was expected of him than anyone else. 

]]> Paul wants Christian household relationships to be transformed from the inside out, and has pastoral advice for wives and their husbands, children and parents, even slaves. His final words are to the masters (Col 4:1). These words must also be read in context, and in concert with the parallel text from Ephesians. The all-powerful paterfamilias, the head of the household, was husband, father, and master, and more was expected of him than anyone else. 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:34:09 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 451 Paul wants Christian household relationships to be transformed from the inside out, and has pastoral advice for wives and their husbands, children and parents, even slaves. His final words are to the masters (Col 4:1). These words must also be read in context, and in concert with the parallel text from Ephesians. The all-powerful paterfamilias, the head of the household, was husband, father, and master, and more was expected of him than anyone else. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 74 74 Episode 74: Watch and pray full b68faef1-7777-474f-a512-103ffe10d645 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7143085f In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told his emotionally exhausted disciples to watch and pray. Similarly, as Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:2-4), he tells them to pray and be watchful. He asks them specifically to pray for his ministry, using language that echoes what he’s said earlier in the letter. But more generally, he also wants their prayers to be grateful ones; in their prayers, can they learn to be watchful for reasons to be thankful?

]]> In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told his emotionally exhausted disciples to watch and pray. Similarly, as Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:2-4), he tells them to pray and be watchful. He asks them specifically to pray for his ministry, using language that echoes what he’s said earlier in the letter. But more generally, he also wants their prayers to be grateful ones; in their prayers, can they learn to be watchful for reasons to be thankful?

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:34:43 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 451 In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told his emotionally exhausted disciples to watch and pray. Similarly, as Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Colossians (Col 4:2-4), he tells them to pray and be watchful. He asks them specifically to pray for his ministry, using language that echoes what he’s said earlier in the letter. But more generally, he also wants their prayers to be grateful ones; in their prayers, can they learn to be watchful for reasons to be thankful?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 75 75 Episode 75: Redeem the time full 85547460-f889-49d6-afff-fc5abd869695 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f7442b1f Have you ever heard the idea of “redeeming the time”? By that phrase, we usually mean making good use of time that would otherwise be wasted. The phrase is a biblical one, coming from the King James translation of Paul’s words in Colossians 4:5; the New International Version translates it as “making the most of every opportunity” instead. It’s not simply a matter of trying to use every moment productively, but learning to see time itself from a heavenly perspective.

]]> Have you ever heard the idea of “redeeming the time”? By that phrase, we usually mean making good use of time that would otherwise be wasted. The phrase is a biblical one, coming from the King James translation of Paul’s words in Colossians 4:5; the New International Version translates it as “making the most of every opportunity” instead. It’s not simply a matter of trying to use every moment productively, but learning to see time itself from a heavenly perspective.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:35:11 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 437 Have you ever heard the idea of “redeeming the time”? By that phrase, we usually mean making good use of time that would otherwise be wasted. The phrase is a biblical one, coming from the King James translation of Paul’s words in Colossians 4:5; the New International Version translates it as “making the most of every opportunity” instead. It’s not simply a matter of trying to use every moment productively, but learning to see time itself from a heavenly perspective.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 76 76 Episode 76: Salty language full be187810-d255-4ea1-b64a-bfbe9dfd62a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1c7ada7 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers to see themselves as the salt of the earth. Similarly, in Colossians 4:6, Paul urges the Colossians to let their conversations be “seasoned with salt.” This may be a practical extension of what he’s taught about “redeeming the time” and how the Colossians to relate to those outside the church. Do our conversations embody the character of the gospel?

]]> In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers to see themselves as the salt of the earth. Similarly, in Colossians 4:6, Paul urges the Colossians to let their conversations be “seasoned with salt.” This may be a practical extension of what he’s taught about “redeeming the time” and how the Colossians to relate to those outside the church. Do our conversations embody the character of the gospel?

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:35:38 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 382 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his followers to see themselves as the salt of the earth. Similarly, in Colossians 4:6, Paul urges the Colossians to let their conversations be “seasoned with salt.” This may be a practical extension of what he’s taught about “redeeming the time” and how the Colossians to relate to those outside the church. Do our conversations embody the character of the gospel?

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 77 77 Episode 77: From all of us to all of you full d5c1dc9c-82da-4677-a26a-3349ee999c9d https://share.transistor.fm/s/68268bae As he often does in his letters, Paul ends his letter to the Colossians by passing along greetings from other people who are with him, as well as sending specific greetings to people in the church to which he writes. We have little to no information about some of the people mentioned at the end of Colossians. But we do know a few things about the first two names on the list, Tychicus and Onesimus (Col 4:7-9), and the situation for Onesimus is a delicate one.
 

]]> As he often does in his letters, Paul ends his letter to the Colossians by passing along greetings from other people who are with him, as well as sending specific greetings to people in the church to which he writes. We have little to no information about some of the people mentioned at the end of Colossians. But we do know a few things about the first two names on the list, Tychicus and Onesimus (Col 4:7-9), and the situation for Onesimus is a delicate one.
 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:36:01 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 457 As he often does in his letters, Paul ends his letter to the Colossians by passing along greetings from other people who are with him, as well as sending specific greetings to people in the church to which he writes. We have little to no information about some of the people mentioned at the end of Colossians. But we do know a few things about the first two names on the list, Tychicus and Onesimus (Col 4:7-9), and the situation for Onesimus is a delicate one.
 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 78 78 Episode 78: Not alone (part 1) full 69db4110-7114-4bf8-94a0-731ce442c5b0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/41f76074 Among the people Paul names at the end of his letter, three are Jews: Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, whom he calls his “co-workers” (Col 4:10-11). We know nothing about Justus, but Aristarchus is mentioned five times in the New Testament, and Mark is described at the “cousin of Barnabas,” making it possible to speculate a bit about the latter two. The larger point, however, is that while ministry is often a lonely profession today, Paul didn’t do ministry alone.

]]> Among the people Paul names at the end of his letter, three are Jews: Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, whom he calls his “co-workers” (Col 4:10-11). We know nothing about Justus, but Aristarchus is mentioned five times in the New Testament, and Mark is described at the “cousin of Barnabas,” making it possible to speculate a bit about the latter two. The larger point, however, is that while ministry is often a lonely profession today, Paul didn’t do ministry alone.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:36:48 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 418 Among the people Paul names at the end of his letter, three are Jews: Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, whom he calls his “co-workers” (Col 4:10-11). We know nothing about Justus, but Aristarchus is mentioned five times in the New Testament, and Mark is described at the “cousin of Barnabas,” making it possible to speculate a bit about the latter two. The larger point, however, is that while ministry is often a lonely profession today, Paul didn’t do ministry alone.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 79 79 Episode 79: Not alone (part 2) full bb7a113a-71ed-4a8c-a9f7-5b59acc09c00 https://share.transistor.fm/s/88622854 Paul wrote to the Colossians from prison; we can’t be sure where. But wherever he was, he has others with him whom he considered his partners in the work of the gospel. He brings greetings to the Colossians from these co-workers (Col 4:10-14). Some, as we’ve seen, are Jews; presumably the rest are Gentiles. Epaphras, of course, was well known to the Colossians, and this is one of the few places that Luke is mentioned by name in the New Testament. We know little of the man named Demas, but what we do know is a sobering reminder not to take faithfulness for granted.

]]> Paul wrote to the Colossians from prison; we can’t be sure where. But wherever he was, he has others with him whom he considered his partners in the work of the gospel. He brings greetings to the Colossians from these co-workers (Col 4:10-14). Some, as we’ve seen, are Jews; presumably the rest are Gentiles. Epaphras, of course, was well known to the Colossians, and this is one of the few places that Luke is mentioned by name in the New Testament. We know little of the man named Demas, but what we do know is a sobering reminder not to take faithfulness for granted.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:37:23 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 478 Paul wrote to the Colossians from prison; we can’t be sure where. But wherever he was, he has others with him whom he considered his partners in the work of the gospel. He brings greetings to the Colossians from these co-workers (Col 4:10-14). Some, as we’ve seen, are Jews; presumably the rest are Gentiles. Epaphras, of course, was well known to the Colossians, and this is one of the few places that Luke is mentioned by name in the New Testament. We know little of the man named Demas, but what we do know is a sobering reminder not to take faithfulness for granted.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 80 80 Episode 80: More greetings full 3d1476a1-7794-4967-bd71-aa46729a5a7e https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1987fc1 Just before he ends the letter, Paul shifts his greetings: instead of sending greetings from the people around him, he sends greetings or instructions to people in and around Colossae (Col 4:15-17). These greetings reflect the nature of so-called “circular” letters, that is, letters that were meant to be circulated beyond the original recipients. His encouragement and instruction to the Colossians, apparently, was meant for the edification of others as well.

]]> Just before he ends the letter, Paul shifts his greetings: instead of sending greetings from the people around him, he sends greetings or instructions to people in and around Colossae (Col 4:15-17). These greetings reflect the nature of so-called “circular” letters, that is, letters that were meant to be circulated beyond the original recipients. His encouragement and instruction to the Colossians, apparently, was meant for the edification of others as well.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:37:54 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 470 Just before he ends the letter, Paul shifts his greetings: instead of sending greetings from the people around him, he sends greetings or instructions to people in and around Colossae (Col 4:15-17). These greetings reflect the nature of so-called “circular” letters, that is, letters that were meant to be circulated beyond the original recipients. His encouragement and instruction to the Colossians, apparently, was meant for the edification of others as well.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 81 81 Episode 81: Remember my chains full 873a5f03-df5d-416c-9ea8-b63d1dec4a57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a5470010 Paul probably used what’s called an amanuensis—essentially, a secretary who took dictation—to write to the Colossians. It may have been Timothy, but we can’t know for certain. Here at the end of Colossians and a few other letters, he takes up the pen himself to sign the letter and add a few final words. But as he does so, he becomes conscious of the shackles on his wrists, and bids the Colossians to remember his chains (Col 4:18). 

]]> Paul probably used what’s called an amanuensis—essentially, a secretary who took dictation—to write to the Colossians. It may have been Timothy, but we can’t know for certain. Here at the end of Colossians and a few other letters, he takes up the pen himself to sign the letter and add a few final words. But as he does so, he becomes conscious of the shackles on his wrists, and bids the Colossians to remember his chains (Col 4:18). 

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:38:16 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 424 Paul probably used what’s called an amanuensis—essentially, a secretary who took dictation—to write to the Colossians. It may have been Timothy, but we can’t know for certain. Here at the end of Colossians and a few other letters, he takes up the pen himself to sign the letter and add a few final words. But as he does so, he becomes conscious of the shackles on his wrists, and bids the Colossians to remember his chains (Col 4:18). 

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No 82 82 Episode 82: Beginning, middle, and end full ad76f5a4-3008-4518-b24b-c3dc5058f23a https://share.transistor.fm/s/fdaeb936 Paul’s final words to the Colossians are “Grace be with you” (Col 4:18), echoing the words with which he greeted them at the beginning, “Grace and peace to you” (1:2). Just as we should understand his opening greeting as meaning much more than “Hi” or “Dear Colossians,” so too should we take his final words as meaning much more than “goodbye.” Paul’s prayer is that the lives of the Colossians would be saturated with God’s grace and peace, and that should be our prayer for ourselves and each other.

]]> Paul’s final words to the Colossians are “Grace be with you” (Col 4:18), echoing the words with which he greeted them at the beginning, “Grace and peace to you” (1:2). Just as we should understand his opening greeting as meaning much more than “Hi” or “Dear Colossians,” so too should we take his final words as meaning much more than “goodbye.” Paul’s prayer is that the lives of the Colossians would be saturated with God’s grace and peace, and that should be our prayer for ourselves and each other.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:38:53 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 423 Paul’s final words to the Colossians are “Grace be with you” (Col 4:18), echoing the words with which he greeted them at the beginning, “Grace and peace to you” (1:2). Just as we should understand his opening greeting as meaning much more than “Hi” or “Dear Colossians,” so too should we take his final words as meaning much more than “goodbye.” Paul’s prayer is that the lives of the Colossians would be saturated with God’s grace and peace, and that should be our prayer for ourselves and each other.

]]> Bible, New Testament, Colossians No