…the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing…
Colossians 1:3-14
There have been and are different heresies taught throughout church history. As an example, Islam insists that Jesus is only a prophet, not deity, and Mormonism contends that Jesus is a man who has achieved the exalted status of a god. Both of these falsehoods are based on the assumption that Jesus is not who the New Testament says He is, God Incarnate, who came to redeem sinners. Another assumption of all heresies is the belief that the Bible is an insufficient revelation and, more is needed from God to know Him and His plans truly. This “extra” revelation is usually in written form, like the Qur’an of Islam or the Book of Mormon. Some claim a secret knowledge known only to a select group of elites is needed. The Colossians were being plagued by various heretics in their day, Judaizers, Gnostics and others who “preached another gospel.” Paul takes care to assert that the true gospel had come to Colossae in the past, before the arrival of the false teachers, by Epaphras, the man who brought it to them, who was a faithful servant of the truth as it has been revealed in Christ Jesus. Epaphras is unknown except that he was a co-laborer of Paul’s who was willing to suffer with the apostle in prison if need be. He had a fruitful evangelistic mission there and in nearby cities like Laodicea. Epaphras’ presentation of the gospel was true, according to Paul, as is seen not only in the fact that there is a self-evident truth to the content of the gospel, but also to the transformative effects of its preaching among the Colossians and the whole world. Paul’s point is that God’s chosen recognize the gospel’s truth claims as it is preached accurately and effectively, changing its hearers. May the truth of the gospel continue to transform us. If there is no change from smug self-righteousness to humble, selfless repentance in those who profess the gospel, then the church should consider whether it is in fact preaching the gospel and its application to all of life. Of course, the Holy Spirit may take longer to work than we would like to see change through the gospel, so, a lack of apparent transformation does not automatically mean the gospel is being compromised.
Source: S C Ball February 21, 2024
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