The Theological Metanarrative of Paul

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Apr 3, 2024

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The Theological Metanarrative of Paul’s Thought Assignment Phillip J. Sexton III NBST520: New Testament Orientation II February 11, 2024

1 Paul was a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants kind of preacher, missionary, or evangelist. His teachings did not conform to a particular academic rigor or theology. Instead, he often spoke from a situational, contextual, or pastoral moment in time. Paul’s writings, particularly his letters, can be categorized into one of three metanarratives: soteriology, Christology, and eschatology. 1 While no single metanarrative encompasses all of Paul’s letters, most scholars would say that the one used the most frequently would be soteriology. Paul’s letter to the people in the church of Colossae is no different. While traces of soteriology can be found, Christology is what stands out the most during this written dialog to the church. Summary Paul’s introduction in his letter to the church of Colossae begins with a simple greeting to the Colossians. He introduces his companion or accomplice in writing the letter as his friend Timothy. During this time of introduction and greetings, he also gives expressions of thanksgiving for the faith, love, and hope that the people of the church of Colossae have shown (Col. 1:3-5). From this point through verse 14, Paul mentions the fruit and increases that the knowledge of the gospel brings. He also proclaims his and Timothy’s prayers and blessings over the Colossians as they endeavor to walk in the knowledge of God. The next section of Paul’s letters really conveys his metanarrative of Christology more than most sections. Verses 15-23 is a prime example of the supremacy of Christ. First, Paul lifts Christ up as the “image of an invisible God” (Col. 1:15). “The fullness of the unseen God dwelled in him as he undertook his redemptive work.” 2 Another words, Christ was God in the flesh. He was the firstborn of all creation, and the one through whom all things were created 1 Dr. Robert Wayne Stacey, “The Theological Metanarrative of Paul’s Thought”, Liberty University, February 11, 2024, 2 Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey , Third Edition., Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 244

2 (Col. 1:15-16). Following this, he establishes Christ’s role as the head of the church and establishes a sense of unity in the body of Christ by stating that Christ holds all things together. Finally, this section concludes with Paul’s declaration of the preeminence and Christ’s role in redemption and reconciliation (Col. 1:18-20). Following up on this, Paul states that his reason for becoming a minister of the gospel is because of the message of that gospel and the stewardship that God has for the people. (Col. 1:23-26). It is through Christ that Paul is able to rejoice in all situations. Paul also speaks in verse 27 of the “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” highlighting the presence of Christ that is in followers or believers and the hope that they have of glory. The next section of Paul’s letter comes as a warning against false teaching. Paul warns the people of the church of Colossae not to be deceived by “plausible arguments” (Col. 2:4). Just following this warning, Paul declares that in Christ, “all the fullness of deity dwells (Col. 2:9). This showcases once again the divine nature of Christ and the fact that He is the embodiment of God in the flesh. Chapter 3 of Colossians represents the most extensive section of this letter. Here, Paul demonstrated through his words the way that believers should live their lives. They are to set their minds on things above and to put to death the earthly desires such as sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness that they may have. After putting away those things, the believers should now don compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and most importantly, love. Followers of Christ should do all of these things in the name of the Lord Jesus. Christology is again shown in this section in the manner of a believer living their life by setting their minds and hearts on the things above, representing Christ’s position seated at the right hand of The Father above.

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