Journey Through Ephesians and ColossiansSample

Overview of Colossians: Behind the Text

The presence of occultic elements (demonic worship) was significant in the region of Colossae and it influenced the churches there in dangerous ways.

The Worship of the Angels

The meaning of this reference has become better understood through the discovery of a number of inscriptions in the region of Asia Minor, where Colossae was located. One ancient metal amulet, worn for spiritual protection, has the following inscription:

Michael, Gabriel, Ouriel, Raphael, protect the one who wears this. Holy, holy, holy. PIPI RPSS. Angel, Araaph, flee O hated one. Solomon pursues you.

A tablet from this same area has the inscription below:

O angels, protect the household and lives of John and Georgia … Sabaōth, Eloeein, Ariēl, Gabriēl, Michaēl, Raphaēl, Thelchiēl, Sisiēl, Ouriēl, Raphaēl, Daniēl, Ouriēl, Boreēl, Iaō, Sabaōth, Chariēl … O power of these angels and characters, give victory and favor to John and Georgia and this household while they live.

The angels referenced in these inscriptions were believed to be part of a cosmic battle with demons for the health and well-being of human beings. Paul is encouraging the Colossians to rely on God alone and put away these superstitions and powers.

Quotes from: Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background: Volume 3, Romans to Philemon, 2002, pp. 390-391.

Angels & Demons

Paul’s reference to “the worship of the angels” in the second chapter of Colossians may seem to refer to pagan behavior, but it had roots in Jewish tradition. The Testament of Solomon is an ancient Jewish text from outside the biblical tradition that lists many angels and demons in cosmic conflict with one another. It prescribes different angels to pray to for different illnesses or crises. A few examples are given below.

Then I, Solomon, summoned the first spirit and said to him, “Who are you?” He replied, “I am the first decan of the zodiac and I am called Ruax. I cause heads of men to suffer pain and I cause their temples to throb. Should I hear only, “Michael, imprison Ruax,” I retreat immediately.

The third said, “I am called Atosael. I do much damage to the eyes. Should I hear, “Oriel (the angel), imprison Artosael,” I retreat immediately.

The eleventh said, “I am called Katanikotael. I unleash fights and feuds in homes. If anyone wishes to make peace, let him write on seven laurel leaves the names of those who thwart me: ‘Angel, Eae, leo, Sabaoth, imprison Katanikotael,’ and when he has soaked the laurel leaves in water, let him sprinkle his house with the water and I retreat immediately.

Paul wants the Colossians to replace this blur of cosmic names and identities and cures with one remedy—participation in Jesus Christ and faith and life in him.

Quotes from: Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background: Volume 3, Romans to Philemon, 2002, pp. 390-391.