154 The fullness of God in Christ in Col 2

The lectionary epistle for Trinity 6 is Colossians 2.6-15 (and the gospel is Luke 11.1–13, Jesus' teaching on prayer). Paul continues to expand on the implications of who Jesus is for our discipleship.

He draws strong parallels in his language with the Spirit in Ephesians 5, and deploys metaphors of plants, buildings, and athletes to talk about the Colossians' growth in faith.

We need to think carefully about what he means by the 'elemental spirits', but read aright, there are strong parallels here with other parts of the New Testament, and Paul reiterates the creation/new creation paradigm from chapter 1. We find parallels with his teaching on baptism from Romans 6, and the use of the 'triumph' imagery from 2 Cor 1. It is a passage full to busting with theological ideas!

Come and join Ian and James as they explore these questions! Revd James Blandford-Baker is vicar of Histon and Impington, two villages just north of Cambridge. Revd Dr Ian Paul is Associate Minister of St Nic's, Nottingham, and writes the widely-read blog www.psephizo.com.

For the video on the gospel reading, Luke 11.1–13, see here: https://youtu.be/tvvljcgrJrI

And for the written commentary on Luke 11, see here: https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/how-can-we-pray-like-jesus-in-luke-11/