Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 149:594 (Apr 1992)
Article: Doctrinal Issues in Colossians Part 2: The Doctrine of Christ in Colossians
Author: H. Wayne House

BSac 149:594 (Apr 92) p. 180

Doctrinal Issues in Colossians
Part 2:
The Doctrine of Christ in Colossians

H. Wayne House

Vice-president for Academic Affairs
Western Baptist College, Salem, Oregon

The first article in this series suggested that the heresy in the church at Colosse was syncretistic, a hybrid born out of religious elements in that area. It was a mixture of Hellenistic cults and Jewish mysticism. This amalgam of religious views had infected the church to which Epaphras had faithfully brought and taught the gospel. To correct the heresy Paul emphasized the true doctrine of Christ. Orthodox Christianity depends on accurate Christology. Two passages in Colossians in which Paul placed great emphasis on the Person and work of Christ are 1:15–20 and 2:9–15. These passages speak directly to the false teachings in the Colossian church, while affirming the marvels of who Christ is and what He has done.

The Christ-Hymn

Colossians 1:15–20 has become known as the Christ-hymn. It is called a hymn because of its rhythmic prose and strophic arrangement.1 The first strophe exalts Christ’s supremacy in creation (vv. 15–17), and the second testifies to His preeminent role in redemption (vv. 18–20).2

BSac 149:594 (Apr 92) p. 181

Christ in Creation (Col 1:15-17)

Christ is the εἰκών of God (v. 15 ). Εἰκών (“image”) means more than mere likeness or similarity; it includes the ideas of representation and manifestation.3 This echoes Christ’s own words found in John 14:9, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” In Matthew 22:20, εἰκών refers to a ruler’s image on the face of a coin.4 Christ is described as the “radiance of [God’s] glory and the exact representation of His nature” (Heb 1:3), the image [εἰκών] of God (2 Cor 4:4), and the One who existed in the very form of God (Phil 2:6). As the “image” of God, Christ is...