Colossians, meaning “monstrosities,” has much in common with Ephesians. However, it does not present the saints as seated in heavenly places, but rather considers them as still walking through a wilderness world. Yet provision for the journey is heavenly, and the blessed fullness of this provision in the person of Christ is beautifully seen. “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (2:9).

In connection with this fullness, the word “all” is constantly used. This was needful in warning the Colossians against the dangers of philosophy on the one hand, and of religious mysticism on the other. The first appeals merely to intellect; the other insults the intellect; though they are often found curiously intermixed, a monstrosity indeed with two heads in contradiction. The preeminent headship of Christ is the blessed answer to this.

Christ is seen as Head of all creation and also as Head of the body, the Church. He will reconcile all things in earth and in heaven, but He has now reconciled all believers. He has provided the ministry of both the gospel and the Church through the apostle Paul. In all of this, there is double provision: that toward the world and that for His saints. Nourishing heavenly food is found in this book. Such food will preserve us from evil, even in its most refined forms.