Pauline Dispensationalism

[God's Trombone]

Paul's answer to the question in verse 24 "who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" is in the next verse:

Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

It is done by Christ.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Paul speaks in verse 8:2 of his own distinct salvation, in which he became the "pattern" for those whom would follow him and form the Body of Christ.Paul desires that they believe this Gospel, and that they might know who they are in Christ.
That is also what WE must do--- know who we are in Christ.
When Christ saved Paul, had Paul done anything other than be Christ's worst enemy? Had Paul repented? Was Paul doing anything to gain God's favor? No, Paul would later call his religious efforts "filthy rags" in comparison with God's glory. This is why Paul says he is the "pattern" for us in that we too can add nothing to the gift of salvation. It is all of God.

Before Paul was saved in Acts 9, all this was hidden wisdom in God. What Paul calls the mystery. It is distinct from the prophetic scriptures, i.e., not contained in them.What are the "prophetic scriptures?" Just imagine removing all of Paul's letters from your Bible-- what remains is the Prophetic scriptures. OT, 4 Gospels, Acts, Peter, John, James, Hebrews, Jude, Revelation. All these are prophetic scriptures concerning Israel and her place in God's plans.

Paul's writes to those in Rome who before had faith in Messiah, but knew not the mystery of Christ's cross.
The remainder of Chap. 8 is a wonderful presentation of Paul's Gospel.

Because he writes to those Gentiles in Rome who have come into association with Israel, Paul begins in chapter 9 to explain what is transpiring in Israel's relationship to God.

Verses 8:29-39 contain words that are appropriate IMO to show unto the "yabutts and naysayers" who trouble us saints even today with the same old story: "You make grace a license for sin" or " you say you are saved and go on sinning etc. etc.."

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness Romans 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;.

Israel didn't "attain to the law of righteousness. " Israel had not faith in God. Israel "stumbled" at the rock.

11:26,27Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:Romans 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Israel's sins will be "taken away" at the future coming of Christ. Compare that with the Gospel Paul preached for us, apart from Israel. "We now have the atonement."

Note that this future day for Israel's atonement is the same as preached in Peter's circumcision Gospel.

Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

To be continued.

[God's Trombone]

Chap. 15:25Romans 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

This helps coordinate the writing of Romans with the portion of Acts where Paul says he wants to go again to Jerusalem.

In Acts 26 Paul did not preach his full counsel before King Agrippa but rather only the Gospel that was in prophecy and preached in Judea by Jesus and the 12. This is borne out in verse 26:26
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.So Luke, the writer of Acts is apparently with Paul on the trip to Rome.
27:10
10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

Paul's gift of prophecy (foretelling the future) is evident at this point.

27:2222 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

Another prophecy by Paul.

Note: Here I have to stop and ask: Why this day to day coverage of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome in these last chapters of Acts and nothing at all about what is transpiring back in Jerusalem with the other Apostles, Peter, John, and James et al?

The conclusion that makes sense is that since Israel was nearing being cast out, the most important thing to include in Acts was the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The casting out of Israel and their scattering into the nations made Jew and Gentile on the same ground. The ground "is level at the cross." By God's grace, both Jew and Gentile could then be saved by believing Paul's Gospel.

Rom. 28:8,9Acts 28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

Paul heals by the laying on of hands. In later letters he speaks of "leaving Trophimus sick" so we see that this gift went away. Paul lost the ability to heal as the dispensation of Grace was fully in place. "My grace is sufficient for thee."

Acts 28:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

"Brethren" could be Jewish believers.

28:17 Paul talks to Chief Jews then preaches the Gospel of God- Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

Acts 28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,Acts 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.Acts 28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.The bolded verses could be the final word to Israel before they are cast out by God.

Next: Ephesians

[God's Trombone]

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Paul writes to Ephesian Gentiles whom he has not known nor met. These are not the Jews and Gentile proselytes Paul preached to in the synagogues in Ephesus. These are Gentiles not associated in any way with Israel or Judaism. (see verse 15.)

In verse 3 Paul speaks of their spiritual blessings in heavenly places; not an earthly kingdom.

Verse 4- "Chosen before the foundation of the world."
Verse 5- "Predestinated" according to God's will.
6- He has "made us accepted."
7- We have redemption now.
9- The mystery made known to us.
10- The "dispensation of the fullness of times" is future.
1:15-15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Paul didn't preach his Gospel directly to them. They heard it from other of Paul's converts.
Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

This "church" (called out ones-from Greek " ekklesia")is the Body of Christ with Christ as the head of the body.

Eph. 2:5-9 is very instructive:

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

This refers back to verses above about Christ being raised and going to the right hand of the Father, and it says we are "raised up together and made to sit together" with Christ.(vs. 2:6)

This ties to Paul's teaching in Rom. 6 where we are dead to sin and alive unto God. The one spirit baptism into Christ's body has done this. It is effected by grace through faith. A mystery, completely new and unseen in prophecy.

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and ostrangers from the covenants f promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Again, these Ephesians are not like the ones Paul preached to in the synagogues, whom were certainly not "strangers from the covenants."
2:13- Made nigh in Christ, not nigh to the promises to Israel.

2:1414 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

They have been "made nigh" because all are now one.

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ordinances, such as came out of the Jerusalem council have no effect on these saints. They are completely free of any Jewish influence.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Because they have believed Paul's Gospel of grace, preached to them, they are in the Body of Christ. The circumcision (kingdom) believers are not in this body. Here is why I say this: Paul wrote to the Romans who were of the "household of God" , were believers in the circumcision Gospel. Paul aspired to establish those Romans in his Gospel; therefore they were not in the Body until established in Paul's Gospel which he preached to them in Romans.

Eph. 3:1-81 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

The new dispensation, that of the Grace of God, given by Christ to Paul, not from any man. Verse 5 indicates who Paul means when he says "apostles and prophets." He doesn't mean the 12 apostles, but his own ministry. Verse 8- "unsearchable." Means not to be found in scriptures.Never prophesied.

Eph. 4:22-2422 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph. 5:1919 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Written from prison in Rome. An instruction to saints just like us. Far off Gentiles, not in the promises of Israel, but in the Body of Christ.Instructions on how to live as members of the church. These instructions could be called the "law of Christ." But they are not Moses Law.

[God's Trombone]

Obviously my review of Acts and Paul's letters is not meant to be exhaustive, or even comprehensive.

I only intended to "zero in" on the question of this thread: WERE THERE TWO GOSPELS SIMULTANEOUSLY
DURING THE PERIOD OF ACTS?

I have tried to pick out verses that I thought appropriate for building the case that Paul's Gospel is distinctive and completely separate from the prophetic Gospel for Israel was.

I Timothy:
1:8- The law is good if a man uses it lawfully. 1:9-It is made for the unrighteous.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

This last is so very important, and so many just glide over it without getting its message- i.e., apply II Tim. 2:15 to those verses. Christ is telling us through Paul to "divide out" our salvation as revealed through Paul, from what has before been preached to Israel. This is the Gospel of OUR salvation (Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,)

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Here is a challenge for those who consider the flock in early Acts with the Body of Christ. Reconcile verse 5:8 with the requirement in Acts 3 for sharing everything and owning nothing. "No one called anything his own."

Clearly one cannot call these the same.

%:23- Paul no longer can heal miraculously, and tells Timothy to stop drinking water so he will not suffer his "many infirmity's."

Why did Paul lose this capability? Because signs were for Israel, and Israel was being cast out as God turned to the Gentiles.

II Timothy

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the w
ord of truth.
One of the Bible's most important verses.

2:23- Foolish questions engender strifes.

2:24- Be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

3:12- All who live righteous shall be persecuted.

3:15-15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

4:6- Paul is ready to die.

2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

[God's Trombone]

Next, a look at Collossians.

[God's Trombone]

There are a few points to mention in Titus as well:

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Contrast this verse with Peter's summary of his Gospel in Acts 10:35
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Clearly different "good newses."

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

Paul here declares that the "eternal life" which God promised "before the world began" has now been committed to the preaching of ONE MAN, that is Paul.

Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Boy and man! Paul is talking to both those of his day and surely it applies to many today. They are not called the "circumcision" today, but they sure fit the bill. :heh:nod

[BlessedinHim]

GT, it looks like you are taking scripture out of context to say what you believe. If there were 2 gospels, and they were preached to both Gentiles and Jews, that would promote confusion. I showed, in context, how the Apostles preached to both Jew and Gentile, as did Paul. God is not a god of confusion. If Paul preached a different gospel than what the Apostles did, one of them is wrong. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. There is only one gospel.

[CarolLyn]

You're right, BIH.


There are a few points to mention in Titus as well:

Titus 3:5Contrast this verse with Peter's summary of his Gospel in Acts 10:35
35.[/B]
Clearly different "good newses."


Let's look at Acts 10:35 in context and see what it really says:

Acts 10: 34. And opening his mouth, Peter said:
"I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
35. but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him. 36. "The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)
37. you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed.
38. "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.
39. "And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross.
40. "God raised Him up on the third day, and granted that He should become visible,
41. not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
42. "And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
43. "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." 44. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message

In the first place, there is nothing contradictory to "salvation by grace through faith alone" in Acts 10:35. It is a true and accaurate statement that " in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him" There is nothing here that is referring to requirements for salvation. We should not add to the scriptures by applying something that the text does not apply.

Now, look at verse 43. This verse is talking about salvation. "through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." This is proclaiming forgiveness based on faith. This is the same gospel that Paul preaches.

It is important to 'rightly divide' the scriptures!

[God's Trombone]

GT, it looks like you are taking scripture out of context to say what you believe. If there were 2 gospels, and they were preached to both Gentiles and Jews, that would promote confusion. I showed, in context, how the Apostles preached to both Jew and Gentile, as did Paul. God is not a god of confusion. If Paul preached a different gospel than what the Apostles did, one of them is wrong. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. There is only one gospel.

BIH,

I am really sorry you come to that conclusion. If you actually read my work I can't understand you concluding "You take scripture out of context."
My whole point in the above work was to go through the verses in context and point out each place I found that clearly shows Paul had a message from Christ that Christ gave to no one else.

It's all there, I don't choose to repeat it.

[God's Trombone]

Colossians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,(Epaphras, a apostle with Paul had preached to them)5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;


Now, from prison in Rome Paul has reached the culmination of his revelation from Christ and wants them to know allof it.[/B]

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and [B]increasing in the knowledge of God;11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Again, Paul alone was given the ministry and he tells it to faithful men.

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Colossians 2
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

(Again, "mystery" means something hidden up til now


3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

(No ordinances from Jerusalem for these folks
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Colossians 3
1 If ye then be risen with Christ(Paul has already said he knows they are), seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 4

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.