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Ephesians and Colossians: Prison Epistles, Part 1

  1. Lesson One
    Overview of Ephesians (Ephesians 1–6)
    22 Activities
  2. Lesson Two
    Authority and Power (Ephesians Review)
    23 Activities
  3. Lesson Three
    Author and Audience (Ephesians Review)
    16 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    Colossians Overview (Colossians 1–4)
    19 Activities
  5. Lesson Five
    Paul's Ethics (Colossians, Romans 6 Review)
    14 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    1 Activity
    |
    1 Assessment

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Paul’s reference to “the worship of the angels” in the second chapter of Colossians may seem to refer to pagan behavior, but it had roots in Jewish tradition. The Testament of Solomon is an ancient Jewish text from outside the biblical tradition that lists many angels and demons in cosmic conflict with one another. It prescribes different angels to pray to for different illnesses or crises. A few examples are given below.

Then I, Solomon, summoned the first spirit and said to him, “Who are you?” He replied, “I am the first decan of the zodiac and I am called Ruax. I cause heads of men to suffer pain and I cause their temples to throb. Should I hear only, “Michael, imprison Ruax,” I retreat immediately.

 

The third said, “I am called Atosael. I do much damage to the eyes. Should I hear, “Oriel (the angel), imprison Artosael,” I retreat immediately. 

 

The eleventh said, “I am called Katanikotael. I unleash fights and feuds in homes. If anyone wishes to make peace, let him write on seven laurel leaves the names of those who thwart me: ‘Angel, Eae, leo, Sabaoth, imprison Katanikotael,’ and when he has soaked the laurel leaves in water, let him sprinkle his house with the water and I retreat immediately.

Paul wants the Colossians to replace this blur of cosmic names and identities and cures with one remedy—participation in Jesus Christ and faith and life in Him. 

Quotes from: Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background: Volume 3, Romans to Philemon, 2002, pp. 390-391.