Colossians (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary | AYBC)
Overview
The Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Colossians offers a valuable and intimate glimpse into the life of a fledgling Christian community as it struggled to define Christian doctrine and theology. Paul was prompted to write to the Colossian assembly when he heard that “false teachers” had joined the congregation and were advocating dangerous, non-Christian practices. In an effort to appear superior, these heretical teachers were luring Christians to exercise asceticism, moral rigorism, and esoteric rituals—hallmarks of other “mystery” and pagan cults. In his passionate letter, Paul denounces these extreme and elitist practices and firmly defends a life in Christ. He proclaims that pure, simple worship of Christ alone is the most powerful statement of faith.
In their astute and lucid commentary, eminent New Testament scholars Markus Barth and Helmut Blanke re-create the turbulent age of the birth of Christianity and examine the myriad “outside” influences—from cold, rational Hellenistic philosophy to exclusive, ethereal Gnostic thought—that often threatened the evolution of Christian theology. Colossians not only provides a new and carefully balanced analysis of this pivotal New Testament text but also chronicles the development of Christian thought as it gradually spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Along with your English translations, all Scripture passages are linked to Greek and Hebrew texts. What’s more, hovering over a Scripture reference will instantly display your verse! The advanced tools in your digital library free you to dig deeper into one of the most important contributions to biblical scholarship in the past century!
- Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
- Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
- Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
- Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature
- The Epistolary Address (1:1–2)
- Thanksgiving, Intercession, and Hymn (1:3–23)
- Thanksgiving (1:3–8)
- The Intercession (1:9–14)
- The Hymn (1:15[12]–20)
- The Conclusion of the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (1:21–23)
- Paul, Servant of the Colossians (1:24–2:5)
- The Threat to the Community (2:6–23)
- The Messiah and “The Deceitful Religion” (2:6–15)
- The Opponents (2:16–23)
- Exhortations (3:1–4:6)
- The Old and the New Self (3:1–17)
- The Haustafel (3:18–4:1)
- Concluding Petitions and Exhortations (4:2–6)
- The Conclusion of the Epistle (4:7–18)
Top Highlights
“Sabazius, Dionysus, Men, Attis, more rarely Mithras, figure prominently, and beside them the earth- and mother-goddess Cybele, upon whom honors formerly reserved for Anahita, the companion of Mithras in Persia, were conferred.” (Page 11)
“1. Hosos is in the nominative, and not in the genitive construction (hosōn” (Page 273)
“The hymnic glorification in 1:15(12)–20 is the high point of Col. It celebrates in song the Jewish Messiah as creator and reconciler of the universe, who has now acceded to his reign not only over Israel, but over all of creation.” (Page 194)
“The suffering of a servant of the gospel cannot be separated from the people for whose sake it is endured: apostolic suffering is a social suffering.” (Page 253)
“This passage is not dealing with a subjective peace of mind or an inner peace but a decisive measure for correct action.” (Page 425)
- Title: Colossians
- Authors: Markus Barth and Helmut Blanke
- Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Publication Date: 2005
- Pages: 580
Markus Barth, the son of Karl Barth, held the New Testament chair at the University of Basel, Switzerland, until his death in July 1994. He is coauthor of The Letter to Philemon in the Eerdmans Critical Commentary Series (4 vols.).
About Helmut Blanke
Helmut Blanke was a student of Markus Barth’s and earned his ThD at the University of Basel. He is coauthor of The Letter to Philemon in the Eerdmans Critical Commentary Series (4 vols.).