All Over the World
St. Paul, perhaps the world’s greatest missionary, is now in Rome and being held prisoner. Not a prisoner of sin, but in the physical sense. Historians are not totally sure exactly where several of his “prison letters” were written, but Rome is certainly a strong choice.
As we continue down the road of reviewing how the early Christian Church was taking shape, we can take refuge that even though the missionary is no longer there, God’s Holy Spirit continues among His church to guide its members in their ongoing ministry of the Gospel.
During his time in prison, Paul wrote several letters—Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon (a/k/a Prison Letters). The missionary always concerned about the flock, continues to pray for the young churches as they face external forces that may move them from the truth.
The book of Colossians contains good instruction for us today just as it did to this early church.
The City of Colossae
Colossae was located in the southwest corner of Asia Minor in what was then the Roman province of Asia. Hierapolis and Laodicea were situated only a few miles away. All three were in the Lycus River valley. A main road from Ephesus to the east ran through the region.
Colossae was prominent during the Greek period. By Paul’s day it had lost much of its importance, perhaps due to the growth of the neighboring cities. Extremely detrimental to all of the cities of the region were the earthquakes which occasionally did severe damage. Shortly after Paul wrote Colossians, the entire Lycus Valley was devastated by an earthquake (about A.D. 61) which probably ended occupation of the city.
The region included a mixture of people native to the area, Greeks, Romans, and transplanted Jews. The church probably reflected the same diversity. (Source: Holman Bible Dictionary)
As you can see from this historical review of the city, an earthquake may have destroyed much of the city. Remember, God tells us to “be ready.”
Read Colossians 1:1-14
- Notice how Paul opens his letters
- Who wrote the letter? _____________________
- To whom was it addressed? _________________
- What does it mean to you when someone offers God’s grace and peace?
- Verses 3-8 are full of good news. In this section we see local and worldwide news of the Gospel’s gains.
- What does Paul tell us about the local church? _______________________
- How does Paul describe the Gospel’s successes worldwide? ____________________
- How long did it take for the Gospel to make gains locally? _____________________
The notes below were voiced by The Reverend Samuel Ruiz, the Hispanic missionary, sent from God to Indianapolis to bring these people the Word of God.
Missionary Ruiz: 2001
Well, yesterday in my radio ministry one person accepted Jesus as his Savior. It means, he was empty of God now he finds the road to the grace of Jesus Christ.
Surprise!!! You are going to find a lot of people even in USA who never have been in a church before. You are going to find people who need just a person to let them know the way to Salvation. Here we see one case. You might know as a LCMS pastor I have to explain it. It is amazing to work in mission and seeing people open their empty soul to the good news.
He will be willing to be the first family for a cell group in his neighborhood in Carmel. He wants a group in Spanish, I think he found it. Let us pray for Carlos and his family. He lives in Carmel, IN, which is 20 min. north from the City. I will need to talk to the pastors of Carmel Lutheran Church right away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My sermon was about the power of prayer. Also I talked about one important green card: The green card to heaven. The lights in the studio where crazy. We got a lot of calls, more than we could handle. (The producer and myself)
Three people came to get their prize for the question I gave the last Sunday. One of them want to be part of our Ministry. Arlet was blessed with Uncle Julio show, God’s word and praising songs. She told me to have found something she could not get since she came from El Paso, TX.
She told me that she was for a while searching the radio looking for some Christian shows. Nothing until now. She wants to help by giving music for the program as well.
One person came to receive a bible after he called me asking me for one bible. He did not want it free. I said to him: you can give a offering to the church and he gave me $15.00 for the bible. He was more than happy with his bible back to home. He brought me clothes and other items for people in need.
Today another lady called. Hilda: she is new in town. She is a mature lady looking for a church. She call me crying for the great need she sees in the City. She also needs some help. We would need transportation when the services would begin.
The person that help me in the studio of the radio station was touched spiritually when he saw Carlos almost crying accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ in his heart. After the radio show we got a time of pastoral counseling with him. To God the glory.
Keep all theses things in your prayers. Also keep Cuba in your prayers after the last Hurricane Michelle. Amen. (2001)
- What is the tone of Missionary Sam’s message? How is it similar to Paul’s opening to the church at Colossae?
- The church at Colossae learned of Jesus from God’s servant, Epaphras. Historians tell us that he probably visited Paul in prison. ONe could assume that this pastor returned to the church with Paul’s letter.
- Paul prayed that God would fill them with all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Go to Proverbs 9:10. What is the source of wisdom and understanding?
- Verse eleven reminds us that God is all-powerful. What does God’s power enable us to do?
- God’s power is not to be taken lightly. It is “all-powerful.” It is we that sell the power of God short! Go to Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
- This diagram may help you in this study: Faith –> Wisdom and Understanding –> Walk in faith –> Fruits of faith –> Power of God –> Endurance and Patience –> Increase in faith –> Courage to continue in God’s path of righteousness.
- God’s power is not to be taken lightly. It is “all-powerful.” It is we that sell the power of God short! Go to Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Heavenly Father, we knowingly and unknowingly sell you short in our daily walk. Help my unbelief. Increase my faith so that my daily walk will produce fruit through Your Almighty power. As with the Apostle Paul, give me patience to endure what may confront me, knowing full well that our citizenship is in heaven prepared for us by your Son and our Lord. In His name we pray, Amen.
Footnote: The Reverend Samuel Ruiz is a pastor who has been called to the greater Indianapolis area to serve the Latino population. He is Cuban by birth and was reborn and entered the Holy Ministry as he left Cuba for Canada to attend seminary. From there, he entered the U. S. A. and became a missionary to the Spanish speaking people. (2022 Update: Pr. Ruiz continues to serve the Latino population in the greater Indianapolis area working out of two local congregations).