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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)
    22 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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Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

In the second chapter of Colossians, Paul makes an interesting reference to “the worship of the angels.” 

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind. 
Colossians 2:18 NASB

  1. What do you think this might mean?
The Worship of the Angels

The meaning of this reference has become better understood through the discovery of a number of inscriptions in the region of Asia Minor, where Colossae was located. One ancient metal amulet, worn for spiritual protection, has the following inscription:

 

Michael, Gabriel, Ouriel, Raphael, protect the one who wears this. Holy, holy, holy. PIPI RPSS. Angel, Araaph, flee O hated one. Solomon pursues you.

 

A tablet from this same area has the inscription below:

 

O angels, protect the household and lives of John and Georgia . . . Sabaōth, Eloeein, Ariēl, Gabriēl, Michaēl, Raphaēl, Thelchiēl, Sisiēl, Ouriēl, Raphaēl, Daniēl, Ouriēl, Boreēl, Iaō, Sabaōth, Chariēl . . . O power of these angels and characters, give victory and favor to John and Georgia and this household while they live.

 

The angels referenced in these inscriptions were believed to be part of a cosmic battle with demons for the health and well-being of human beings. Paul is encouraging the Colossians to rely on God alone and put away these superstitions and powers.

 

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