Colossians & Philemon - Reformed Expository Commentaries (Phillips)

Description

Caught between Jewish legalism and pagan mystery religions—and evidently attracted to both—the young church in Colossae was struggling. The apostle Paul’s urgent letter to the congregation presents a singularly potent Christology as the cure for their confusion. In a companion letter to Philemon, a member of the church, Paul shows that embracing right doctrine leads to right relationships.

Richard D. Phillips’s devotional, pastoral commentary on these two letters presents a compelling view of apostolic apologetics and connects the false teaching of the past to the teaching and beliefs that surround believers on all sides today.

Contents

Series Introduction

Preface to Colossians and Philemon

Colossians: The All-Sufficient Christ

1. In Colossae, in Christ: Colossians 1:1–2

2. Bearing Fruit and Growing: Colossians 1:3–8

3. Strengthened with Power: Colossians 1:9–11

4. Qualified as Heirs: Colossians 1:12

5. The Great Transfer: Colossians 1:13–14

6. The Image of the Invisible: Colossians 1:15

7. The Eternal Christ: Colossians 1:16–17

8. Head of the Church: Colossians 1:18

9. Peace by His Blood: Colossians 1:19–20

10. The Gospel “If”: Colossians 1:21–23

11. God’s Word Made Known: Colossians 1:24–25

12. Christ in You: Colossians 1:26–27

13. Him We Proclaim: Colossians 1:28–29

14. With You in Spirit: Colossians 2:1–5

15. Walk in Him: Colossians 2:6–7

16. Tradition versus Christ: Colossians 2:8–10

17. The Circumcision of Christ: Colossians 2:11–12

18. Alive with Christ: Colossians 2:13

19. Nailed to the Cross: Colossians 2:14–15

20. A Shadow of Things to Come: Colossians 2:16–17

21. Self-Made Religion: Colossians 2:18–23

22. Hidden with Christ: Colossians 3:1–4

23. The Mortification of Sin: Colossians 3:5–8

24. The New Self: Colossians 3:9–11

25. The Garments of Grace: Colossians 3:12–14

26. The Peace of Christ: Colossians 3:15–17

27. Grace in the Home: Colossians 3:18–21

28. Grace in the Workplace: Colossians 3:22–4:1

29. Watch and Pray: Colossians 4:2–4

30. Grace Seasoned with Salt: Colossians 4:5–6

31. Band of Brothers: Colossians 4:7–18

Philemon: On Account of Grace

32. Grace Made Effective: Philemon 1–7

33. For the Sake of Love: Philemon 8–16

34. To My Account: Philemon 17–25

Bibliography of Commentaries Cited

Index of Scripture

Index of Subjects and Names

Endorsements
“The resounding theme of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ in all things, and Philemon illustrates what that truth will look like in the experiences of life. Phillips, with exegetical and theological precision along with pastoral insight, effectively explains deep theological truths in conjunction with the implications of truth to life.”
—Michael P. V. Barrett, Senior Research Professor of Biblical Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“In this clear and practical exposition of two prison letters from the pen of Paul, Richard Phillips shows the superiority and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ in his divine identity, glorious gospel, indwelling Spirit, and call to a transformed life (Colossians), as well as the resurrection power of Christ and the fruit of discipleship in a real-life scenario (Philemon). This commentary is ideal for both pastoral study and personal edification.”
—Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

About the Author
Richard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; DD, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. The author of over forty books, he is coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series, a trustee of Westminster Theological Seminary, and a council member of the Gospel Reformation Network.