Colossians: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture (Concordia Commentary)

Rating:
Summary: The Centraility of Christology
Review: When one gets into the Book of Colossians one finds that its themes are so major and vital and defended and emphasized in this important Biblical book.

Besides of course all revolving around Christology, Deterding's commentary sees further the vital doctrines of creation and eschatology. Thus, this commentary will certainly serve a major place in the life of Christ's church.

The false teaching that Paul exposes and condemns in this letter to the church at Colossae is herein expounded upon by Deterding's fine exegesis. He sees one of the greater benefits of this letter as Paul's contribution to the relationship between Christology and cosmology. He in the author's view: "Colossians expounds upon the relationship of Jesus Christ to the created order, for the letter presents Christ as both Creator and Reconciler of the universe."

Further, this work ackowledges that Colossians presents serious textual problems. Thus, a proper commentary will treat this issue carefully and thoughtfully, as this volume certainly does.

The structure of this Commentary Series is delightful to use: Translation from the Original language, followed by Textual Notes which address the formal issues as the textual criticism and other exegetical highlights; followed by the Commentary section which seeks to provide a running interpretive description of what the Lord of the church wants to communicate through Paul; finally, various excursus supplement the rest of this commentary with well done essays on such as "Pauline Anthropology, The Powers," etc.

This commentary addresses the heresy in the Colossians with the resounding clear message of Christ for the Colossians and all people in the reconciliation of the cross. This reviewer truly appreciated the fine work given to one of the favorite evangelism sections of the NT, Col. 4:2-6! One of the strong attributes of this commentary is the emphasis on the pure proclamation of the Gospel, e.g. "As this mystery is proclaimed, God the Holy Spirit works through it to create and sustain in the hearer saving faith; through such faith the mystery becomes known. Thus the power for understanding the mystery of the Gospel comes from the proclamation of the Gospel mystery itself."

This is well done, faithful to the Word tool for the life of Christ's church. Deterding's research and insights into this letter will benefit the church and any Christian who wishes to delve deeper into this book.