Rom 1:7, 1Cor 16:23, Eph 6:24, Col 4:18, 1Ti 6:21, 1Pe 5:14, Rev 22:21 | TSK | STEP | To all. beloved. called. Grace. peace. God. and the Lord.

Ro 16:20,24; 2Co 13:14; 1Ti 6:21; 2Ti 4:22; Heb 13:25 CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS. Colosse was a large and populous city of Phrygia Pacatiana, in Asia Minor, seated on an eminence to the south of the river Meander. It is supposed to have occupied a site now covered with ruins, near the village of Konous or Khonas, and about twenty miles N. W. of Degnizlu. By whom, or at what time, the church at Colosse was founded is wholly uncertain; but it would appear from the apostle's declaration, ch. 2:1, that he was not the honoured instrument. It appears from the tenor of this epistle to have been, upon the whole, in a very flourishing state; but some difficulties having arisen among them, they sent Epaphras to Rome, where the apostle was now imprisoned, (ch. 4:3) to acquaint him with the state of their affairs. It is remarkable for a peculiar pathos and ardour, which is generally ascribed to the extraordinary divine consolations enjoyed by the apostle during his sufferings for the sake of Christ. Whoever, says Michaelis, would understand the Epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians, must read them together. The one is in most places a commentary on the other; the meaning of single passages in one epistle, which, if considered alone, might be variously interpreted, being determined by the parallel passages in the other epistle.

1 Timothy 6:21

have.

10; 1:6,19; 2Ti 2:18; Heb 10:1-12:29

Grace.

Ro 1:7; 16:20,24; 2Ti 4:22; Tit 3:15; Heb 13:25

Amen.

Mt 6:13 CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY. This Epistle bears the impress of its genuineness and authenticity, which are corroborated by the most decisive external evidence; and its Divine inspiration is attested by the exact accomplishment of the prediction which it contains respecting the apostasy in the latter days. This prophecy is similar in the general subject to that in the second Epistle to the Thessalonians, though it differs in the particular circumstances; and exactly corresponds with that of the prophet Daniel on the same subject, (Da 11:38.) This important prediction might be more correctly rendered, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall apostatize from the faith, giving heed to erroneous spirits, and doctrines concerning demons, through the hypocrisy of liars, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats," etc. How applicable these particulars are to the corruptions of the Church of Rome need scarcely be insisted on. The worship of saints in that church is essentially the same with the worship of demons among the heathen; which has been established in the world by books forged in the name of the Apostles and saints, by lying legends of their lives, by false miracles ascribed to their relics, and by fabulous dreams and relations; while celibacy was enjoined and practised under pretence of chastity, and abstinence under pretence of devotion. None but the SPIRIT OF GOD could foresee and foretell these remarkable events.

1 Peter 5:14

with a.

Ro 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12; 1Th 5:26

Peace.

1:2; Joh 14:27; 16:33; 20:19,26; Ro 1:7; Eph 6:23

in.

Ro 8:1; 1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:17 CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER. As the design of this Epistle is excellent, remarks Dr. Macknight, so is its execution, in the judgment of the best critics, does not fall short of its design. Ostervald says of the first Epistle of Peter, "it is one of the finest books in the New Testament." Erasmus pronounces it to be "worthy of the prince of the Apostles, and full of apostolical dignity and authority;" and adds, "it is sparing in words, but full of sense.--{verbis pauca, sententiis differta.}" "As the true church of Christ," says Dr. Clarke, "has generally been in a state of suffering, the Epistles of St. Peter have ever been most highly prized by all believers. That which we have just finished is an admirable letter, containing some of the most important maxims and consolations for the Church in the wilderness. No Christian can read it without deriving from it both light and life. Ministers especially should study it well, that they may know how to comfort their flocks when in persecution and adversity. He never speaks to good in any spiritual case who is not furnished out of the Divine treasury. God's words invite, solicit, and command assent: on them a man may confidently rely. The words of man may be true, but they are not infallible; this is the character of God's word alone." To these valuable remarks on the varied excellences and uses of this inimitable Epistle, it may be only necessary to add, that it is not only important in these respects, but is a rich treasury of Christian doctrines and duties from which the mind may be enriched and the heart improved, with the most ennobling sentiments.

Romans 1:7

1 Corinthians 16:23

Ephesians 6:24

Colossians 4:18

1 Timothy 6:21

1 Peter 5:14

Revelation of John 22:21