As we have seen, Paul’s words are deep. He clearly expects us to not come under the elements of the cosmos. Jesus spoiled principalities and powers, and we are not under a religion of angels or instructions of demons. We are to live free in Christ. Jesus is the head of all and as the head we are to seize Him, not the social or religious dogma of the world. Paul tells the Colossians to put off some behaviors and to put on something else. He explains that there is no difference between people because it is Christ who is in all those who make Jesus Lord and Savior. As we know, Paul studied for about fourteen years after his Damascus Road experience. What scrolls did he study? We will explore.
Ezra was a scribe/priest/prophet during the time of Cyrus, King of Assyria, who allowed the captive Assyrian and Babylonian Israelites to go back to Israel and build a temple. During his lifetime Ezra led a second group of people back to Jerusalem. But before he did that, he had some words from Yahweh to communicate with the people. As Ezra is fellowshipping with the Lord he is receiving insight into things that we are learning about from Paul’s letters. What we want to keep in mind is that it does not matter what we think of Apocryphal writings. It does instead matter what the first century believers thought of these extra Biblical books as the first century believers read and scribed these works in the synagogues. This was their knowledge base.
2 Esdras 6:1
He said to me: “In the beginning of the earthly world—
before the world’s exits were made,
before the gathered winds blew,
2
before the voices
of the thunders sounded,
before the flashes of lightning shone,
before paradise’s foundations
were made firm,
3
before beautiful flowers were seen,
before the powers of movement
were established,
before the innumerable heavenly armies of angels were assembled,
Notice that Ezra is learning of a time when the earth was formless, void, and dark, or as the Greek texts says, unseen, unready, and dark. In an expounded understanding, the earth was invisible, unmade, and obscure. It may have become that way, or it may have been made that way, and was not in use. This is the pre-Genesis era. A time before the angels were gathered together. As we know, angels have assignments. Some were watchers, some were ministering spirits, some kept the cosmos in order. The Lord then says something interesting.
4
before the heights of the air
were lifted up,
before the measures
of the firmament were named,
before Zion’s footstool was established,
Let’s look at the KJV here.
2 Esdras 6:4 (KJVApocrypha)
4 Or ever the heights of the air were lifted up, before the measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Sion were hot,
The chimneys in Sion are hot springs. There are hot springs in Israel, as well as other places around the world. The Lord is suggesting that the time period is before hot springs were hot, which then suggests that there was a time when there was no geothermal activity from the earth’s core coming to the surface of the earth.
5
before the present years
were reckoned,
before the imaginations of those
who now sin were alienated,
before those who stored up faith
as a treasure were sealed—
There was a time before these present years were looked for. We want to remember our previous studies regarding science. Science tells us that there is a cataclysmic event every nine to eleven thousand years on the earth. This understanding fits rather nicely with the Bible’s understanding of an eight thousand year age. Before the cycle started, which today would be close to six thousand years ago, no one, meaning the heavenly sons of God, looked to a new creation. There was a time before sin entered into the universe. We know that the satan had rulership over a place where he merchandised his people, and he had his own sanctuaries. This corruption may have led to the destruction of the place that he ruled, possibly as the Hebrew points to Rahab.
There was a time that heavenly beings had not turned from the Almighty, Most High, towards sin. Those sons of God became alienated. Then there was a time when other heavenly beings stored up faith for a treasure, and they were sealed. The story of the rebellious sons of God took place before the earth was designed, when it was still formless, void, and dark. Again, whether created or recreated, there was a period of seven days, or seven heavenly days of creating the place that we live in today.
2 Esdras 6:6 then I planned these things. As they were done by me and not by another, so also the end will come by me and not through another.”
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 8 that Yahweh made the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom, before he made the earth. Then Yahweh and the Holy Spirit, made the earth habitable for man-face, or humanity. The Lord says he planned these things.
Proverbs 8:22 The Lord created me, the beginning of his ways for his works. 23 Before this age he founded me; in the beginning; before he made the earth 24 and before he made the deeps: before the fountains of water issued forth; 25 before the mountains were established; and before all the hills, he bringeth me forth. 26 The Lord made fields and uninhabited wilds; and the habitable heights of the earth. 27 When he furnished the heaven, I was with him; and when he set apart his own throne on the winds: 28 and when he strengthened the clouds above: 29 and when he secured the fountains of the earth below; And when he made the foundations of the earth strong: 30 I was harmonizing with him. I was the one in whom he delighted; 31 and I was daily gladdened by his presence on all occasions; when he finished the World and was pleased therewith; and when he was pleased with the sons of men.
Consider this. When we believe on Jesus as Lord and Savior, we receive Christ in us, and the Holy Spirit in us. It is reasonable to understand that those two spiritual parts are in us just as they were in harmony, finishing the dwelling for man-face or humanity. The loss of the Holy Spirit and the daily communion with Yahweh after the fall of the adam, is now restored in us. We can now understand Paul’s knowledge base of Colossians 1 and 2. Paul had a deep full-knowledge of the sons of God from before the creation of the earth.
The Lord says that the end will come through Him. We can see the end in Revelation. What we want to keep in mind is the predicament of the heavenly beings. If one third will be cast to earth along with the devil and the satan, we understand they will be at a disadvantage if two thirds of the angels were to fight them. However it is not heavenly angels that war in the end, it is the Lord and the saints who will fight them. This is why there is a number that we are waiting for according to Romans 11. It also explains why Paul says that humanity was created for this purpose to prove to the heavenly sons of God the multifaceted wisdom of the Creator. We were created and designed to surpass the heavenly sons of God with Christ in us. The church brings resolution to the cosmos, because of the mutiny of the rebellious sons of God. The sinful rebellious sons of God attempted a coup against their creator. The church is the group who helps to overthrow the coup, and as the Lord says, the end will come through Him.
Ezra asks what separates the ages, as we were just speaking of things prior to the establishing of the earth, in the seven days of creation.
2 Esdras 6:7 I answered, “What separates the times? When is the end of the first and the beginning of that which follows?”
8 He said to me: “From Abraham to Abraham, because Jacob and Esau were born from him, but Jacob’s hand held Esau’s heel from the outset. 9 Esau represents the end of this age, and Jacob represents the beginning of the following. 10 The beginning of the one man is his hand, and the end of the other man is his heel. Don’t look for anything else between heel and hand, Ezra.”
Don’t look for anything else, or don’t ask any more questions. Why? in other words don’t think too deeply because the birthing of the first is not the end there will be a birthing of the second.
Let’s think about the story of Jacob and Esau. Rebecca was concerned during her pregnancy because her stomach moved around so much. She went to Shem, Eber, and Abraham, for a word from the Lord. Rebecca was told that she had two children in which would arise two nations. The greater shall serve the younger. The greater larger nation, Esau, would eventually serve the heirs of Jacob. As we know their history, Esau was a hunter, and Jacob was a worshipper of Yahweh, serving in the tents of Shem and Eber in Salem. Esau is the end of this age. Jacob is the beginning of the next age. Man is between the heel and the hand. An old age with heavenly beings who were alienated is corrupting the time of Esau. But those who found treasure in faith, and stored it up, will enter the new age, along with those humans who made Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. This is the time period we are in, the end of Esau, but close to the beginning of Jacob.
2 Esdras 6:11 I answered: “Supreme Lord, if only you looked so favorably upon me 12 that you would show your servant your final signs, which you showed me in part on a previous night.”
13 He answered: “Get up on your feet. You’ll hear a loud, echoing voice. 14 Don’t be afraid if the place on which you stand is greatly moved 15 while the voice is speaking. Since the word concerns the end, and since the foundations of the earth will understand 16 that the speech is about them, the place will tremble and shake, because it knows that it is destined to be transformed.”
17 When I heard, I rose on my feet and listened. There was a voice speaking, and its sound was like the sound of deep waters. 18 It said: “Look! The days are coming when I will begin to come near to visit those who live on earth, 19 when I will begin to examine those who unjustly inflicted harm in their cruelty. When the humiliation of Zion is complete, 20 when the seal is placed on the age that begins to pass away, I will perform these signs: Scrolls will be opened in view of the firmament, and all will see together.
Is there a time written about in the Bible regarding a scroll being opened? We know that the earth is groaning and travailing until the apocalypse of the sons of God, the day that the saints come back with Jesus at the end of the tribulation. The Lord will begin to examine those who inflict harm and cruelty. Notice what will take place.
2 Esdras 6:21 Infants a year old will speak with their voices, and pregnant women will give birth to premature babies of three and four months, but they will live and dance.
Interestingly, premature babies are able to live. There seems to be more premature births in our age, and those babies are growing up and living normal lives. It would seem that the Lord had a plan in place for babies as we get closer to the Day of the Lord.
2 Esdras 6:22 Fields that were not sown will suddenly appear sown, and full warehouses will suddenly be found empty.
The KJV says something a little different here.
2 Esdras 6:22 (KJVApocrypha)
22 And suddenly shall the sown places appear unsown, the full storehouses shall suddenly be found empty:
This seems to make a little more sense as we are speaking of unusual hardships.
2 Esdras 6:23 A trumpet will sound with a blast; when all hear it they will suddenly be terrified. 24 In that time friends will make war on friends like enemies, the earth along with those who live on it will be terrified, and the sources of rivers will stand still so that they don’t run for three hours.
This sounds like the chaos of Revelation during the seals and trumpets.
2 Esdras 6:25 Then everyone who is left after all these things that I have foretold to you will be saved. These will see my deliverance and the end of my age.
The ones left on the earth during the tribulation had initially rejected Jesus. But if they receive Jesus during the tribulation and survive, or are martyred, they they will receive deliverance for the next age. Now notice what those who endure until the end of the tribulation will see.
2 Esdras 6:26 They will see the people who have been taken up and who haven’t tasted death from their birth. …
Who are the people who didn’t taste death? They are the one’s harpazo’d before the tribulation. The harpazo’d saints will become kings and priests, and then the one’s who survived the tribulation will be changed for the millennial kingdom. This tells us that those who were left on the earth weren’t left for more than seven years, as they will remember the harpazo’d ones.
…..The hearts of those who live on earth will be changed and converted to a different spirit, 27 for evil will be erased and grief extinguished. 28 Faith will flourish, and corruption will be overcome. Truth that was without fruit for so long will be displayed.”
Ezra gives us the details of our time. The children of the Almighty, Most High God, are Jacob; while the children of the devil, living during the time that the devil is the god of this world, are Esau. The age of Esau is winding down, the age of Jacob is ready to rise.
It should give us comfort to know that our Lord and Savior had a plan all along. Long ago when the earth was formless, void, and dark, there was a plan. Long before the rebellion of the sinful sons of God in the heavens became alienated from the Lord. Long before the righteous sons of God in the heavens were sealed. The Lord knew all along he would form humanity and that humanity could be delivered from the power of darkness and having redemption by His blood. Jesus created it all, he is the prototype, and the head of the church. We are thoroughly complete in Him, with Christ in us and the fullness of the Godhead residing in us. There are no debts against the child of God, there are no rules and dogma from the authorities in the cosmos for us to follow. We are not bound to the devil’s rules on this earth. We live under a higher authority, Jesus Christ.
Technically, we don’t need permission to live like the first century church did, we have the Holy Spirit in us and Christ in us. We don’t have to worry about what another person may say or do if we preach Christ, heal the sick, or curse the enemies of Jesus. We do not need permission from any man, or any spiritual being. We are fully equipped and capable because we have been immersed and baptized. We are dead to the dogma of the elements in the cosmos.
Since we died in immersion, we then came out of the water and rose up.
Colossians 3:1 G1487 If G3767 then G4891 you were raised up together with G3588 the G5547 Christ, G3588 [2the things G507 3upward G2212 1seek]! G3739 where G3588 the G5547 Christ G1510.2.3 is G1722 at G1188 the right hand G3588 G2316 of God G2521 sitting down.
4891 LSJ Gloss:συνεγείρω to help in raising
Dodson:συνεγείρω I raise along with.
Thayer:
1) to raise together, to cause to raise together
2) to raise up together from mortal death to a new and blessed life dedicated to God
συνεγείρω
sunegeirō soon-eg-i'-ro From G4862 and G1453; to rouse (from death) in company with, that is, (figuratively) to revivify (spiritually) in resemblance to
KJV Usage: raise up together, rise with.
507 LSJ Gloss:ἄνω to accomplish, achieve, finish up, upwards
Dodson:ἄνω up, above, things above, heaven up, above, up to the top, up to the brim, things above, heaven, the heavenly region.
Thayer:
1) up, upwards, above, on high
2) of the quarters of the heaven, northward
3) of countries, inland, up from the coast
4) of time, formerly
ἄνω
anō an'-o Adverb from G473; upward or on the top KJV Usage: above, brim, high, up.
2212 LSJ Gloss:ζητέω to seek, seek for
Dodson:ζητέω I seek, search for, desire I seek, search for, desire, require, demand.
Thayer:
1) to seek in order to find
1a) to seek a thing
1b) to seek [in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into
1c) to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after
2) to seek i.e. require, demand
2a) to crave, demand something from someone
ζητέω
zēteō dzay-teh'-o Of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specifically (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life) KJV Usage: be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means).
When we came up out of the water of immersion, we were raised up together with Christ. Seek what is up. Search for what is on high. Not only are we to search for it, we are to think upward too.
Colossians 3:2 G3588 [2the things G507 3upward G5426 1Think], G3361 not G3588 the things G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth!
5426 LSJ Gloss:φρονέω to think, to have understanding, to be sage, wise, prudent
Dodson:φρονέω I think, judge, observe
(a) I think, (b) I think, judge, (c) I direct the mind to, seek for, (d) I observe, (e) I care for.
Thayer:
1) to have understanding, be wise
2) to feel, to think
2a) to have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty
2b) to think or judge what one's opinion is
2c) to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
3) to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for
3a) to seek one's interest or advantage
3b) to be of one's party, side with him (in public affairs)
φρονέω
phroneō fron-eh'-o From G5424; to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience) KJV Usage: set the affection on, (be) care (-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind (-ed, regard, savour, think.
We are to have understanding and be wise to what us above. We want to exercise our mind on the things of the heavenly realm. This is why we are looking onto Ezra’s visions. He has insight for us. He points out that Yahweh our Lord planned the earth and humanity. He planned for humanity to be a remedy for the sins of the fallen angels, long before they actually fell. He knew that some heavenly beings would become rebellious, and he knew that he would come to earth and be a sacrifice for us. But he also knew within that he would make an open public display of triumph over the rebellious heavenly sons of God.
Colossians 3:3 G599 For you died, G1063 G2532 and G3588 G2222 your life G1473 G2928 has been hid G4862 with G3588 the G5547 Christ G1722 in G3588 G2316 God.
2928 LSJ Gloss:κρύπτω to hide, cover, cloak
Dodson:κρύπτω I hide, conceal, lay up.
Thayer:
1) to hide, conceal, to be hid
2) escape notice
3) metaph. to conceal (that it may not become known)
κρύπτω
kruptō kroop'-to A primary verb; to conceal (properly by covering) KJV Usage: hide (self), keep secret, secret [-ly].
You died in immersion and rose up, and when we did rise up he covered over the debits that we had. Our life is concealed in Christ. All the enemy can do now is cause us to stumble, then he will accuse us, and attempt to punish us. However we have been covered by the blood of Jesus, there is no sin and no debt that has not been covered.
Colossians 3:4 G3752 Whenever G3588 the G5547 Christ G5319 should be manifested G3588 in G2222 our life, G1473 G5119 then G2532 also G1473 you G4862 with G1473 him G5319 shall be manifested G1722 in G1391 glory.
5319 LSJ Gloss:φανερόω to make manifest
Dodson:φανερόω I make clear, visible, or manifest I make clear (visible, manifest), make known.
Thayer:
1) to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way
1a) make actual and visible, realised
1b) to make known by teaching
1c) to become manifest, be made known
1d) of a person
1d1) expose to view, make manifest, to show one's self, appear
1e) to become known, to be plainly recognised, thoroughly understood
1e1) who and what one is
For Synonyms see entry G5812
φανερόω
phaneroō fan-er-o'-o From G5318; to render apparent (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self).
When Christ is exposed in our life, we are exposed in glory. When we receive Jesus as Lord and Messiah, Christ appears in us and we appear in glory. This should make seducing spirits and demons nervous. We are visible in glory. Now Paul goes into a bit of practical teaching regarding conduct. It is wonderful that Jesus Christ is in us, but we should not abuse that privilege. We are to deaden our body parts.
Colossians 3:5 G3499 Deaden G3767 then G3588 G3196 your members! G1473 G3588 the ones G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth --
3499 LSJ Gloss:νεκρόω to make dead
Dodson:νεκρόω I put to death, render weak lit. and met: I put to death, make as dead; I render weak, impotent.
Thayer:
1) to make dead, to put to death, slay
2) worn out
2a) of an impotent old man
3) to deprive of power, destroy the strength of
νεκρόω
nekroō nek-ro'-o From G3498; to deaden, that is, (figuratively) to subdue
KJV Usage: be dead, mortify.
3196 LSJ Gloss:μέλος a limb
Dodson:μέλος a limb, member a bodily organ, limb, member.
Thayer:
1) a member, limb: a member of the human body
1a) of bodies given up to criminal intercourse, because they are as it were members belonging to the harlot's body
μέλος
melos mel'-os Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body KJV Usage: member.
We are to deprive our body. Now remember that he just told us in chapter two that we are not under the dogma of the elements of the cosmos, and that we are not subject to the rules of food and drink, religious holy days, tasting, touching, or handling, basically asceticism. We are not subject to those ordinances. But here is the qualifier. We are not to behave in an all out sinful manner either. The idea of self deprivation on the one side of the scale, and all out physical lust on the other, we are to be balanced.
5...G4202 harlotry, G167 uncleanness, G3806 passion, G1939 [2desire G2556 1evil], G2532 and G3588 the G4124 desire for wealth, G3748 which G1510.2.3 is G1495 idolatry;
4202
πορνεία
porneia por-ni'-ah From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry KJV Usage: fornication.
167
ἀκαθαρσία
akatharsia ak-ath-ar-see'-ah From G169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally KJV Usage: uncleanness.
3806
πάθος
pathos path'-os From the alternate of G3958; properly suffering (“pathos”), that is, (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence) KJV Usage: (inordinate) affection, lust.
1939
ἐπιθυμία
epithumia ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden) KJV Usage: concupiscence, desire, lust (after).
2556
κακός
kakos kak-os' Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious KJV Usage: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.
4124
πλεονεξία
pleonexia pleh-on-ex-ee'-ah From G4123; avarice, that is, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion KJV Usage: covetous (-ness) practices, greediness.
1495
εἰδωλολατρεία
eidōlolatreia i-do-lol-at-ri'-ah From G1497 and G2999; image worship (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: idolatry.
Here is the summation, deaden or kill off your body parts that want to participate in adultery or incest, porneia, and akatharsia, lustful impurity.
Deaden your body from pathos, depraved passions and wicked inordinate cravings. Kill off your body and mind from pleonexia, greedy wealth which is idolatry. Jesus said to cut off the offending body part. He said it would be better if we entered the kingdom without an eye or a leg than to not enter at all.
Colossians 3:6 G1223 through G3739 which G2064 comes G3588 the G3709 wrath G3588 G2316 of God G1909 upon G3588 the G5207 sons G3588 G543 of disobedience,
3709 LSJ Gloss:ὀργή natural impulse
Dodson:ὀργή anger, wrath, passion anger, wrath, passion; punishment, vengeance.
Thayer:
1) anger, the natural disposition, temper, character
2) movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but esp. anger
3) anger, wrath, indignation
4) anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself
4a) of punishments inflicted by magistrates
ὀργή
orgē or-gay' From G3713; properly desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by analogy) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment KJV Usage: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
543 LSJ Gloss:ἀπείθεια disobedience
Dodson:ἀπείθεια willful unbelief, obstinacy, disobedience.
Thayer:
1) obstinacy, obstinate opposition to the divine will
ἀπείθεια
apeitheia ap-i'-thi-ah From G545; disbelief (obstinate and rebellious)
KJV Usage: disobedience, unbelief.
Clearly these characteristics are those of the sons of apathy, unbelief. Paul is saying that the sons of disobedience do these things, but we should not be doing what they do.
Colossians 3:7 G1722 among G3739 whom G2532 also G1473 you G4043 walked G4218 at some time or other, G3753 when G2198 you were living G1722 in G1473 these things .
8 G3568 But now G1161 G659 put aside, G2532 even G1473 you, G3588 G3956 all G3709 anger, G2372 rage, G2549 evil, G988 blasphemy, G148 obscene talk G1537 from out of G3588 G4750 your mouth! G1473
3709
ὀργή
orgē or-gay' From G3713; properly desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by analogy) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment KJV Usage: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
2372
θυμός
thumos thoo-mos' From G2380; passion (as if breathing hard) KJV Usage: fierceness, indignation, wrath.
2549
κακία
kakia kak-ee'-ah From G2556; badness, that is, (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble KJV Usage: evil, malice (-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.
988
βλασφημία
blasphēmia blas-fay-me'-ah From G989; vilification (especially against God) KJV Usage: blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.
148
αἰσχρολογία
aischrologia ahee-skhrol-og-ee'-ah From G150 and G3056; vile conversation KJV Usage: filthy communication.
Since we are no longer sons of apathy we should put off the behaviors of the sons of apathy. Renounce the natural impulse of anger, orgē. Renounce outbursts of the soul, thumos. Renounce malice, kakia. Renounce vilification, blasphēmia. Renounce abusive language, aischrologia.
Colossians 3:9 G3361 Do not G5574 lie G1519 to G240 one another! G554 But be divesting G3588 the G3820 old G444 man G4862 with G3588 G4234 his actions; G1473
5574 Dodson:
ψεύδομαι
I lie
I deceive, lie, speak falsely.
Thayer:
1) to lie, to speak deliberate falsehoods
2) to deceive one by a lie, to lie to
ψεύδομαι
pseudomai
psyoo'-dom-ahee
Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood
KJV Usage: falsely, lie.
554 Dodson:ἀπεκδύομαι I strip, divest, renounce.
Thayer:
1) wholly put off from one's self
1a) denoting separation from what is put off
2) wholly to strip off for one's self (for one's own advantage)
3) despoil, disarm
ἀπεκδύομαι
apekduomai ap-ek-doo'-om-ahee Middle voice from G575 and G1562; to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil KJV Usage: put off, spoil.
Again, since we are no longer sons of apathy we should not speak deliberate falsehoods, pseudomai. Divest or renounce the old man, the old you, and your old deeds. If we can put off our old nature and behavior, we can then put on the new one.
Colossians 3:10 G2532 and G1746 putting on G3588 the G3501 new, G3588 the one G341 being restored G1519 in G1922 full knowledge, G2596 according to G1504 the image G3588 of the one G2936 creating G1473 him;
1746 LSJ Gloss:ἐνδύω to go into
Dodson:ἐνδύω I put on, clothe I put on, clothe (another).
Thayer:
1) to sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one's self
ἐνδύω
enduō en-doo'-o From G1722 and G1416 (in the senese of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
341 LSJ Gloss:ἀνακαινόω to renew, restore:—
Dodson:ἀνακαινόω I renew, amend, change I renew, make new again.
Thayer:
1) to cause to grow up, new, to make new
1a) new strength and vigour is given to one
1b) to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state
ἀνακαινόω
1922 LSJ Gloss:ἐπίγνωσις full knowledge
Dodson:ἐπίγνωσις knowledge, discernment, recognition knowledge of a particular point (directed towards a particular object); perception, discernment, recognition, intuition.
Thayer:
1) precise and correct knowledge
1a) used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine
ἐπίγνωσις
epignōsis ip-ig'-no-sis From G1921; recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement KJV Usage: (ac-) knowledge (-ing, -ment).
1504 LSJ Gloss:εἰκών a likeness, image, portrait
Dodson:εἰκών an image, likeness, bust.
Thayer:
1) an image, figure, likeness
1a) an image of the things (the heavenly things)
1a1) used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God
1a2) the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
1b) the image of one
1b1) one in whom the likeness of any one is seen
1b2) applied to man on account of his power of command
1b3) to Christ on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence
εἰκών
eikōn i-kone' From G1503; a likeness, that is, (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance KJV Usage: image.
2936 LSJ Gloss:κτίζω to people
Dodson:κτίζω I create, form, shape, make I create, form, shape, make, always of God.
Thayer:
1) to make habitable, to people, a place, region, island
1a) to found a city, colony, state
2) to create
2a) of God creating the worlds
2b) to form, shape, i.e. to completely change or transform
κτίζω
ktizō ktid'-zo Probably akin to G2932 (through the idea of the proprietorship of the manufacturer); to fabricate, that is, found (form originally) KJV Usage: create, Creator, make.
We clothe ourselves in new, renewed, full knowledge and discernment according to the likeness, image, and representation, of the one who created, shaped, and formed, us. In other words, we put on the new nature that is made for us and that looks like Jesus, the one who created us. Now understand what Paul says next. If we are putting on this new man, we are all in Christ.
Colossians 3:11 G3699 where G3756 there is not G1762 G* Greek G2532 and G* Jew, G4061 circumcision G2532 and G203 uncircumcision, G915 barbarian, G* Scythian, G1401 bondman, G1658 free; G235 but G3588 [2 is the G3956 3all G2532 4and G1722 5in G3956 6all G5547 1Christ]!
It makes no difference what nationality a person has come from, (as if one can change their parental heritage). There are no longer people who are special because they are circumcised. Also people are no longer unclean for being uncircumcised. People who have a different language other than Greek, Roman, or Hebrew, are not foreigners. By the time of the first century, Scythian was a term used for nomadic people. Nomadic people are no longer to be looked down upon. There are no class differences between slaves and free people. Christ is in all people who confess Him as Lord and Savior. Christ is in everyone due to that confession, regardless of their prior religious service, their heritage, their language, or their profession. There were many systems of social superiority in the first century just as there are today. Christ is in all who confess Jesus as Lord and believe he died and rose up on the third day.
Continuing with 2 Ezra 6:
2 Ezra 6: 75 I replied: “If I have found favor with you, Lord, show this also to your servant: After death, as soon as each person gives up his or her soul, will we be kept asleep until the time comes for you to begin to renew creation, or will we be tormented right away?”
Great question.
2 Ezra 6:76 He replied to me: “I will show you this too. But don’t associate yourself with those who have shown contempt, and don’t count yourself among those who are tormented. 77 You have a treasure of works stored up with the Most High, but it won’t be shown to you until the last times.
The new creation in Jesus should also not associate themselves with those who show contempt to the Lord because there are different places for the righteous and unrighteous.
2 Ezra 6:78 “Now a word about death: When the final sentence goes forth from the Most High that a person should die, when the spirit recedes from the body so that it may be sent again to him who gave it, the first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High.
The first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High. The righteous will be rewarded later.
2 Ezra 6:79 If the spirit belonged to one of those who showed contempt and didn’t keep the Most High’s way, if it was one of those who despised his Law and who hates those who fear God, 80 these spirits don’t go into their dwellings but will immediately wander about in torments. They will constantly grieve and be sorrowful for seven reasons:
81 The first reason—because they despised the Law of the Most High.
82 The second reason—because they can’t now effectively change their hearts and lives so that they might live.
83 The third reason—because they will see the reward laid up for those who have believed the Most High’s testimonies.
84 The fourth reason—because they will consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days.
85 The fifth reason—because they will see the dwelling places of others, guarded by angels in great silence.
86 The sixth reason—because they see the torment coming upon them from now on.
87 The seventh reason, which is greater than all the previously mentioned reasons—because they will melt away in confusion and be consumed in disgrace.
“They will wither in fear when they see the glory of the Most High, before whom they sinned when they were alive and before whom they are to be judged in the last times.
The unrighteous will be tormented in hades and then they will be in fear when they are judged at the white throne judgment. If there is ever a time for regret, it will be at the time of the death of the unrighteous. There will be no time to change anything and regret will be all that is left. Remember Jesus telling us about the rich man and Lazarus? All the rich man had was regret. This should inspire us to preach the good news to others.
The righteous are a different story. Notice the first order here, all those who are a new creation in Christ must work hard to overcome evil thoughts.
2 Ezra 6:88 “The arrangement for those who kept God’s ways is this when they begin to be separated from the corruptible body. 89 In the time of their exile here they labored hard to serve the Most High. Every hour they endured danger so that they might keep the Law of the lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore, this is the word about them: 91 First, they will see with great joy the glory of him who receives them. They will have rest on account of seven orders:
92 The first order—because they have struggled hard to overcome the evil thought fashioned within them so that it wouldn’t lead them astray from life to death.
Paul just explained this to us, not only thoughts but deeds as well.
2 Ezra 6:93 The second order—because they see the panic in which the souls of the wicked wander and the punishment that awaits them.
94 The third order—seeing the testimony that their maker has testified on their behalf, because when they were alive, they kept the Law that was given through faith.
95 The fourth order—understanding the peaceful rest that they now enjoy, gathered in their resting chambers, guarded by angels in deep silence, and understanding the glory that awaits them in their last days.
96 The fifth order—rejoicing at how they have now escaped the corruptible and how they will have a future inheritance; moreover, seeing the narrow space, full of labor, from which they have been freed, and the spacious place they are about to receive and enjoy, now that they are immortal.
97 The sixth order—when they are shown how their face begins to shine like the sun and how they begin to be like the stars, as beings of incorruptible light.
98 The seventh order, which is greater than all those mentioned—because they will rejoice with confidence and will trust without being disappointed and will rejoice without fear; for they hasten to see the face of him whom they served when they were alive and from whom they are about to receive a reward now that they are glorified.
Jesus our maker has testified on behalf of the righteous. We will then finally see the face of Jesus Christ who we served. This is the knowledge that the first century church had. This is what they understood.
As Paul writes to the Colossians and Laodiceans, we recognize that they had a better understanding of the cosmos and the disobedient sons of God. Where as we have not been taught some of these important subjects. We humans are not the center of the story. We are a small part of a bigger story that took place before the earth was created, as in the seven days of creation. We are the race that brings an end to the sins of the rebellious sons of God. With that in mind, we have a higher calling than we recognize. We have Christ in us so we can put on a new nature, deadening ourselves to our bodies and controlling our minds as to what we say and do. We are all the same, there is no caste system between humans who are in Christ. Paul gives us a better understanding of our new nature and how our new nature should inspire us to behave. We will look at those ideas next week.
