Colossians 3:15-4:1(NIV)
Read by: Clayton
Today’s passage has been misread and misused many times throughout history by the church. It’s been interpreted out of context in order to justify the the abuse and neglect of women, the abuse and neglect of children, and to justify the horrors of slavery. Those with dominance have interpreted this passage in a way that maintains superiority over the vulnerable. Paul’s words have been used to build and defend empires. And this is ironic, because the way Paul encourages the church to order their household and communities is actually a part of what dismantled the Roman Empire in the end.
As you listen today, remember the context of the letter so far. Paul just got done equalizing jew and greek, male and female, slave and free, declaring that they all bear God’s image, so why would he turn around a few verses later and contradict himself? Rather he’s encouraging them to live as a new kind of family, but within the context of empire, refusing to submit to its ways or ignore its very real constraints.
Philosophers in the ancient world commonly developed household codes. And in this passage Paul suggests his own, and they are quite radical in comparison to those of his day. Where wives were once expected to obey regardless of their will, and where husbands were expected to rule… Pauls gives women agency as he encourages them to submit, not to a ruler, but to a husband who loves her. Where children were often beaten and raised harshly… Paul advocates for gentleness. And where slaves often found themselves at the mercy of their masters who could do as they pleased… Paul relativizes the master’s authority and places the slave under the authority of the LORD and tells the masters that now they are accountable to God.
With the LORDs help this passage can go from being a weapon in the hands of the dominant, to being a model of kingdom subversion.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What part of this passage stood out to you? What was your reaction?
2. Let the peace of Christ rule you hearts says Paul. What anxieties are you carrying today? Take a moment to offer these to Jesus, asking for his peace.
3. Whether you hold dominance in our society or are subordinated, this passage is challenging. How do you need the Lord’s help to live out the kind of equity and accountability that Paul suggests in this passage? Ask for that now.
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Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>
Bible Project Video: Colossians >>
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