Who is the Beginning

Principalities, Resurrection

To the Colossians, Paul emphasized the exalted position of Jesus that he has held since his death and resurrection – Colossians 1:18-19. 

In Colossians, Paul stresses the exaltation of Jesus following his resurrection. It seems some congregants were confused about his authority over the spiritual powers that remain hostile to his people. So, Paul reminds the church of just how highly God exalted the one who became the “firstborn of the dead.” -[Photo by Paolo Robaudi on Unsplash].

First Exhortation

Angels, Apostasy

A dire warning of the consequences for failing to hear and obey the superior word of the Son – Hebrews 1:4-2:7. 

The next paragraph centers on the supremacy of Christ’s priestly reign from the “right hand of the majesty on high.” First, the eternal sovereignty of God is described (“Your throne, O God, is to times everlasting”), then the Son’s qualifications to sit on His throne are stated (“You loved righteousness and hated lawlessness”) - [Photo by Gavin Allanwood on Unsplash].

Hastening The Day

Mission, Parousia

Between Christ’s ascension and return, God has granted humanity the opportunity to repent.

Peter explains the apparent “delay” in the return of Jesus. God is characterized by mercy and has no desire for anyone to perish. But the apostle also contends that the conduct of the church may “hasten” that day’s arrival. The relationship of men with God is dynamic, not static, and He responds eagerly to repentance - [Photo by Agê Barros on Unsplash].

Redeemed and Adopted

Law, Salvation

The Law was an interim stage with a termination point. Therefore, Christians are no longer under it, and instead, are “in Christ.” 

In Galatians, Paul argues that adopting the rite of circumcision is regression to something rudimentary, a reversion to an earlier stage in the redemptive history of God’s people. If Gentiles adopt a Torah-compliant lifestyle, they will return to bondage and once more experience the social divisions inherent in the Law - [Photo by Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash].

Spirit and Covenant

New Covenant, Spirit

From the start, the promise of the Spirit has been integral to redemption and the Covenant of God with His people. 

In Galatians, Paul links the “promise of the Spirit” to the “blessing of Abraham,” the covenant promise that God would bless the Gentiles in the Patriarch. He is referring to the Spirit that the Galatians received “through a hearing of faith.” Thus, the gift of the Spirit is part of the covenant made with Abraham, and with “his seed” - [Photo by David Brooke Martin on Unsplash].