Lesson 06 Exegetical Issues

Lesson 06
Col. 2:20 - 3:17
Exegetical Issues last revised: 03/07/08
To display the Greek text contained in this page, download and install the free BSTGreek True Type fonts from Bible Study Tools. The Greek text is based upon the United Bible Societies The Greek New Testament, fourth revised edition. By "Exegetical Issues" is intended the historical issues in understanding the meaning of the periocope. In the discussion Guidelines for Exegeting a Text from the Greek New Testament, the primary focus for this segment will be on steps 3, 5 and 6. Steps 1, 2 and 4 are treated under Rhetorical Issues since they focus on the literary aspects of the pericope.

2:20-23

1. Assess the possible identity and belief system of the opponents that Paul speaks against in vv. 20-23. Focus on the insights provided by these verses.

Begin with the insights of Peter O'Brien, Word Biblical Commentary, then check other commentaries etc. Give particular attention to the summation by Eduard Lohse, "The Teaching of 'Philosophy'," Hermeneia Commentary. Also helpful is a series of quotations from a variety of sources concerning the problem at Colossae.

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3:1-4

2. Analyze the soterialogical perspectives set forth in 3:1-4.

.Begin with the insights of Peter O'Brien, Word Biblical Commentary, then check other commentaries etc.

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3:5-11

3. Analyze the concept of "dying to the old life" as set forth in 3:5-11.

Begin with the insights of Peter O'Brien, Word Biblical Commentary, then check other commentaries etc.

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3:12-17

4. Analyze the metaphor of "putting off / putting on" in vv. 12-17 in relation to the use of this metaphor elsewhere in the New Testament.

Begin with the insights of Peter O'Brien, Word Biblical Commentary, then check other commentaries, Bible dictionaries etc.

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