Colossians, Philemon (Word Biblical Commentary)

Religion & Spirituality

Arnold, Clinton

Christian Books & Bibles

Thomas Nelson. Inc.

<p>Our modern era is not unique in its fascination with angels and the spirit world. Paul's young converts in Colossae also had a keen interest in the subject, but some of them allowed this interest to distort their newfound Christian faith. Defining the exact nature of the Colossian heresy, however, has been a perennial challenge to interpreters. The Colossian Syncretism offers groundbreaking evidence on the true nature of the problem that the Apostle Paul opposed so vehemently. Drawing upon little-known angel inscriptions, magical texts, and archeological evidence from Asia Minor, the author argues that the Colossians tried to combine Paul's teachings about Christ with local pagan and Jewish folk beliefs. The result was a syncretism that kept them captive to the fear of evil spirits, dependent on the power of magic and amulets, and blind to the liberating power of the indwelling Christ, the supreme Creator and Lord of all spiritual principalities and powers. In addition to unearthing the historical background of Paul's letter to the Colossians, The Colossian Syncretism presents Paul's strategy for addressing the religious syncretism he faced there. It thus provides a working model for Christian missionaries and evangelists discipling converts from today's religiously pluralistic societies.</p>

The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae

Wipf and Stock

<p>"Power and Magic is one of those few books which literally cannot be ignored by any serious bible student. In fact, it makes the classical commentaries on Ephesians that I am familiar with virtually obsolete. Clinton Arnold has done us all a great favor by throwing vital new light on our understanding of what really motivated the Apostle Paul to write one of his most important epistles." Peter Wagner, Fuller Theological Seminary "This scholarly book is a valuable contribution to understanding the spiritual world we live in. Clinton Arnold helps us to understand Paul's message to the early church and consequently to the church at the end of twentieth century." Neil Anderson, Freedom in Christ Ministries "Power and Magic is one of the most helpful biblical teachings available on the subject. I know it will be helpful to any reader." John Wimber, Association of Vineyard Churches "I consider Power and Magic to be one of the most valuable books in my library. Arnold's research into the world view held by the inhabitants of the Greco-Roman world focusing on spiritual power is outstanding. I continually recommend this book to pastors, missionaries, seminary professors, students, and thoughtful Christians in all my seminars worldwide on spiritual warfare." Ed Murphy "I have found this book extremely enlightening and consistently biblical. Reading it is a definite must for those who wish to understand the biblical world view." Ed Silvoso, President, Harvest Evangelism</p>

Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians

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