(The following questions are not meant to be exhaustive, but have been formulated to lift up some of the chief concerns of Law and Gospel preachers. They are meant to be used with other fine sets of questions available to exegetes. For more on Law and Gospel preaching, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? The opening is pure thanksgiving, as Paul commends the Colossians for the fruit they are bearing, according to reports from Epaphras. In the second half of this passage, the verbs are in the subjunctive mode as Paul relates his concerns, praying that they may be filled with knowledge, that they might lead lives worthy of the Lord, and that they might be made strong. Finally Paul exclaims the Gospel word in all its fullness: "He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son."
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? I don't hear a clear word of Law here. That word, which is the Word functioning to say, "You need Jesus", is implied however in Paul's concerns. He prays that they might be filled with knowledge. Why? Because ignorance will lead them astray. He prays that they might lead lives worthy of the Lord. Why? Because other paths lead to destruction. He prays that they might be made strong because they must "be prepared to endure everything." The Law is present here, but just not obvious.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We are the Colossians. We might well be followers of Christ, but we are not yet filled with all the fullness of God. We are not yet wise or strong or beyond being led astray. We need this reminder that not merely faith, but faith, hope and love are all needed in equal measure to live lives worthy of the gospel.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? The call to obedience is more implied than commanded. Behind Paul's prayers is the call to obedience to bear fruit and live lives worthy of the Lord.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? Paul's concerns would seem to suggest several possible couplets: ignorance/wisdom; weakness/strength; despair/hope.
6. Exegetical work: Ralph Martin, in his commentary, has an interesting discussion about verses 12-14. He makes the argument that verse 12 is the beginning of a new section which leads into the hymn which begins in verse 15. He notes that Ernst Kasemann, in his discussion, argues that "at verse 12 an early Christian baptismal liturgy opens, and we are invited to overhear some of the main sentiments of that service which celebrates the realities of Christian experience." (Interpretation series, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, p. 104). Apparently some translators agree with Kasemann: "And give thanks, with joy, to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people..." (Today's English Version) The opening verb of verse 12 is a participle, which opens up its translation to many possibilities, but Martin believes it should be translated as an imperative. I love the sermon preached by Leo the Great on this text: "'Snatched from the powers of darkness' at such a great 'price,' and by so great a 'mystery,' and loosed from the chains of the ancient captivity, make sure, dearly beloved, that the devil does not destroy the integrity of your souls with any strategem." (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT, IX, p. 9)
7. How does the Crossings Community model work with this text? The analysis by Robin Morgan does a nice job of highlighting what is really at risk in this text, namely faith. Paul's concern is that the faith of the Colossians will falter. Morgan's analysis focuses on this nicely. See the entire analysis, archived under the reference at crossings.org/text-study.
Blessings on your proclamation!
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