A note from the desk of our Pastor:

“And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”

Colossians 2:19

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The writings of the Apostle Paul are highly complex. One aspect that drives the complexity is the use of connected ideas that build on one another through unique thoughts. This is true in our study verse this week. The Apostle introduced one analogy in verse 17 and now presents a new metaphor in verse 19. The ideas in the two verses are connected, they build on one another, but the figurative language is unique in each verse. 

A level of foundational knowledge is necessary to interpret this verse correctly. The Apostle references a metaphor he used elsewhere in scripture but does not clearly define that metaphor in this instance. The Bible student must go back to the previous chapter, Colossians 1:18, to find the definition of this metaphor. In that verse, the Apostle explains that Christ is the head of a figurative body and the body is the universal church. The Body of Christ is not limited to a single local assembly but encompasses the universal community of all who adhere to Christ and His doctrine.

The Apostle is addressing a complex movement of false teachings often referred to by scholars as the “Colossian Heresy.” This teaching was dangerous because it didn’t necessarily reject Christ outright, but rather sought to supplement him with other requirements. In teaching this, the false teachers were essentially instructing the believers to let go of Christ as the head of the church.

The phrase “joints and bands” as used in this verse refers to the internal connectedness of the universal church and also of the local assembly. The “joints and bands” are the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the ordinances of the gospel, the gifts of the Spirit, and the bonds of Christian love. Through these “joints and bands,” believers are knit together into one spiritual body. 

The loss of focus on Christ as the head of the church results in the body’s connectedness being broken as well. This breakdown impacts the flow of grace. Christ does not just bless individuals in isolation. Jesus flows grace through the interconnectedness of the members to provide what the entire body needs. By observing and sometimes experiencing the blessings received by others we are reminded of the grace of God that flows to us all.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah