Get the app1,000,000 Chapters – Part 3 Sample
Maybe you’re wondering –how did the books of the Bible get their names?
Many, like Colossians, were named for the people in a particular city who were the audience for the letter in the first place. The followers of Jesus in a place called Colossae - a 1st century city in the Mediterranean - were the audience for this letter. The letter was most likely written by Paul, who is credited with writing at least 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament. It is called a “prison epistle” – meaning it was a letter (epistle) written by Paul while he was in prison for preaching about Jesus. There are three other “prison” letters as well: Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon.
Colossians is written to help the followers of Jesus in Colossae to know the truth about Jesus instead of a form of heresy (false teaching). Paul encourages the people in Colossae to remember who they are (Colossians 3) and because of that new identity they don’t have to live their lives in ways that are destructive and painful.
Near the end of the letter Paul has some general instructions for married couples, children, and also for slaves (3:22-4:1). It is important to note that slavery in the time of the Bible wasn’t the kind of slavery we’re familiar with from American history. It was far more beneficial to the “slave” as they had their and their family’s needs taken care of by the “master.” However, it is important to note that verses like these were used to justify slavery in the south and is often still used today to justify slavery.
Reading Colossians is a helpful practice in reminding ourselves of what matters most in our faith – that Jesus is at the center of everything (1:15-23), that we are raised & hidden with Christ and have a new identity (3:1), and that we have the opportunity to live in ways that are life giving and hopefully because of who Jesus is and what He has invited us to be a part of!
If you would like more resources on Colossians or on how to read the Bible, visit http://parkviewchurch.com/1million
Scripture
About this Plan
This is the third part of Parkview Christian Church’s series to read through 1,000,000 chapters of the Bible together. There is nothing that equips or invites the Church to live like Jesus more than reading the Bible. The pages of the Bible capture God’s story and lead those who dare to read it to live out His story for today. That’s why Parkview is making the challenge to our church to collectively read 1,000,000 chapters of the Bible together. Will you join us on the journey?
More
We would like to thank Parkview Christian Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://parkviewchurch.com/1million
Related Plans
Fully Devoted
Strong Disciples Two
The Other Five Prayer Journey
Read the Book: July - September
Word On The Street - III
Elijah. Man of Courage, Man of Faith, Man of God.
The Gospel of Mark (Part Seven)
New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in 6 Months - Thomas Road Baptist Church
Pray for Japan
