J. L. Terveen Colossians 2
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Union With Christ: Pauline Christological Touchstone in Colossians 2:8-15
Dr. J. L. Terveen Multnomah Biblical Seminary
Pauls thematic call to the Colossian believers to "walk in him" (2:6), announced
at the outset of the body of his epistle, draws immediate attention to the distinctive
Pauline "in him/Christ" terminology. It is Paul's christologically framed conception of
the believer's personal intimate union with Christ that dominates and provides the
hermeneutical key for his initial response in Col. 2:8-15 to the threat of the Colossian
"philosophy." The purpose of this study, therefore, will be to demonstrate exegetically
how Paul does employ union christology in Col. 2:8-15 as the dominant theological motif
providing solid grounding for his major charge to the faith community at Colossae.
Since Col. 2:6-23 presents the core of Pauls concern in Colossians, and since the
first and most significant movement in this argument in 2:8-15 presents the reader with a
passage virtually bristling with exegetical difficulties, close attention to lexical and
syntactical details are invaluable for an adequate understanding the passages argument
and theological value. In this text, complexities of grammar, awkwardly overlapping
terminology and concepts, a cascade of variously understood participles, and a veritable
kaleidoscope of metaphors almost falling over each other present the interpreter with an
exegetical minefield to be navigated with great care. But this passage provides the
Pauline theological launching pad for his initial apostolic gospel counterstrike to the
religious and philosophical teachings threatening to undermine the gospel hope of the
Colossian believers. The Pauline response offers a sound paradigm for ongoing Christian
response to similar challenges antagonistic to authentic Christian faith.