Colossians and Philemon by Geoffrey B. Wilson (SH)

Within three decades of the crucifixion the message of the deity and saving power of Jesus had been heralded throughout the roman empire, and already distortions of the gospel message had arisen. Those current in the city of Colossae reduced the person of Christ and emphasised a 'super spirituality' of rules and regulations for young Christians. For this reason the apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians expounds the true greatness of Christ, the significance of his work, and shows how this alone leads to a right understanding of what it means to be a Christian.

The letter to Philemon, once described as 'the most gentlemanly letter ever written' tells of a slave, absconding from his Christian master, encountering the apostle Paul, and becoming a Christian. Paul's letter accompanying the slave's return not only indicates his truly Christian spirit, but lays before the reader the challenge of warm, practical Christian living and fellowship.