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Living Under the Lordship of Christ: the Ground and Shape of Paraenesis in the Epistle to the Colossians

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Living Under the Lordship of Christ: the Ground and Shape of Paraenesis in the Epistle to the Colossians Living under the Lordship of Christ: The Ground and Shape of Paraenesis in the Epistle to the Colossians By Steven Robert Tracy Arizona State University, B.A. Western Seminary, M.Div., Th.M. A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Biblical Studies University of Sheffield Sheffield, England „ Submitted June, 1995 Living under the Lordship of Christ: The Ground and Shape of Paraenesis in the Epistle to the Colossians by Steven Robert Tracy Abstract This study examines the broad range of moral exhortations in Colossians. The paraenetical sections evaluated include 1.9-10, 21-23; 2.6-7; 3.1-4, 5-17; 3.18-4.1. My primary objective is to determine the ground or basis for paraenesis in Colossians. I submit that there is a clear and consistent relationship between theology and ethics in Colossaians, for paraenesis is repeatedly given a firm theological foundation. The ground for the Colossian paraenesis is primarily Christological (1.9-10, 20-23; 2.6-7; 3.11, 17-18, 20, 22-23), sometimes soteriological (2.11-12; 3.1-4, 9-10), and occasionally eschatological (3.1-4,24-25). My secondary aim is to analyse the shape of the Colossian paraenesis in terms of the behavioural, historical, and rhetorical nature of the exhortations. Much of the paraenesis in Colossians, particularly the vice/virtue lists and the household code, is traditional paraenetical material which reflects first century Hellenistic moral exhortation. At the same time, the traditional paraenetical material in Colossians is not traditional material simpliciter, for the role of humility (3.12), the nature of love (3.13-14), the placement of the householder under the authority of Christ (4.1), and the Christological foundation (3.11,17,18,22-23) make it distinctively Christian. To evaluate the manner in which the Colossian paraenesis has been shaped by contingency, I etfW nt the nature of the Colossian opposition. The opponents reflect a syncretistic Jewish/pagan mystery cult which the author considered to be a Christological threat. This polemical setting is seen ultimately to shape the Colossian paraenesis, for the paraenesis affirms (esp. 1.21-23; 2.6-7) and elucidates (esp. 3.5- 4.1) the nature of Christ's lordship in the face of rival powers. Acknowledgments and Dedication A Ph.D. thesis much like New Testament ethics is developed in a community, though the accounting for the final results is given individually. I will always be indebted to the many friends and family members whose prayers, encouragement and generous financial support have made this thesis possible. I specifically want to thank Vicar Philip Hacking and our many friends at Christ Church Fulwood, whose love and Christian example helped to make our time in England both enjoyable and fruitful. To my present congregation at First, Baptist Tempe, thanks for your patience and unflagging support over the past three years. My advisor Dr. Ralph Martin has provided invaluable advice and direction, and has steered me away from many hazards. He has also given me a stellar example of consummate scholarship and personal moral character. Of course, any mistakes or errors of judgment which remain are my own. Dr. Steve and Carrie Stanley provided generous assistance through their careful proofreading and judicious suggestions. Susan Morrison's proofreading was also much appreciated. Much thanks also go to Dr. John Rogerson, the long time chairman of the Department of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield, for the vision and energy to create a department which has proven warm and stimulating, yet thoroughly professional. Much thanks also go to my former teacher Dr. Gerry Breshears whose encouragement le<| me to Sheffield almost five years ago. Special thanks go to my dear children Elizabeth, Abigail, and Luke, who willingly endured numerous hardships so that I might finish my education. You are truly gifts from God. While my academic mentors have helped me comprehend New Testament ethics, you have helped me live it out. To my dear wife Celestia, I dedicate this thesis. You have sacrificed more than anyone knows so that I might finish my academic training. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for your love, encouragement, and assistance during my doctoral journey. Table of Contents C h a p t e r O n e Introduction......................................................................................................................8 I. Justification of this Study............................................................................... 8 II. Statement of the Thesis Problem......................................................................10 A. Definitions.....................................................................................10 B. Primary Problem: The Ground (Basis for) Paraenesis in Colossians.....................................................................................12 C. Secondary Problem: The Shape of Paraenesis in Colossians.....................................................................................15 HI. Research Methodology........................................................... 16 A. General Methodology: Historical, Exegetical.............................. 16 B. Text Selection......................................................... 17 IV. Thesis Assumption.......................................................................................... 18 C h a p t e r Two The Opponents.................................................................................................................. 26 L Introduction................................................................................................ 26 H. The Nature and Source of the Opposition..................................................27 A. No Actual Group of Opponents................................................... 27 B. Essene Type Gnosticism...............................................................29 C. Qumran Type Judaism..................................................................30 D. Pagan Mystery Cult.......................................................................31 E. Mystical, Apocalyptic Judaism....................................................33 1. F. Francis..........................................................................33 2. Summary and Response to Francis.................................. 34 3. Thomas S appington...........................................................37 4. Summary and Critique of Sappington..............................41 F. Syncretistic Pagan/Jewish Cult.................................................... 43 1. Mystery Religions............................................................. 45 2. Textual Evidence of Syncretistic Pagan Influence............................................................................48 a. Principalities and Powers.................................... 48 b. Elements of the World (2.8,20)..........................54 HI. Conclusion................................................................................................. 62 C h a p t e r T h r e e The Hymn: Colossians 1.15-20.........................................................................................63 I The Identity and Characteristics of Early Christian Hymns.....................64 A. General Hymnic Characteristics..................................................64 B. The Hymnic Characteristics of Colossians 1.15-20.................... 68 EL The Nature and Structure of the Colossian Hymn.................................... 70 A. Origin of the Colossian Hymn.......................................................70 1. Pre-Christian Gnosticism..................................................70 2. Christian Hellenism..........................................................73 3. Judaism............................................................................. 74 4. The Author of Colossians................................................75 5. An Earlier Christian Author.............................................78 B. Structure of the Colossian Hymn.................................................79 C. Rhetorical Purpose of the Colossian Hymn................................ 81 HI. The Content of the Colossian Hymn.......................................................83 A. First Strophe—w . 15-16............................................................. 85 B. Second Strophe—w . 17-18a...................................................... 90 C. Third Strophe—w . 18b-20..........................................................92 IV. Summary.................................................................................................. 99 t C h a p t e r F o u r Christology and Ethics: Colossians 1-2.......................................................................... 102 L Christology and Ethics: Introduction.......................................................102 A. Christology and Ethics in the Pauline Literature........................102 B. Christology and Ethics in Colossians.......................................... 106 n. Exegetical Examination of Paraenetical Passages in Colossians 1-2............................................................................................................107 A. A Worthy Walk: 1.9-12...............................................................107 B. Continuance in the Faith: 1.21-23.................................................117 1. Reconciliation in 1.20....................................................... 117 2. Cosmic Reconciliation
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