Alan J. Thompson. Colossians and Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary

Abstract

The Tyndale New Testament Commentary series is being revised for a third time, showing that these volumes have stood the test of time, having been read now for generations. Alan Thompson’s volume on Colossians and Philemon fits admirably with the purpose and rationale for the series as a whole, as he has written a lucid commentary on these letters, one that is familiar with scholarship but focuses on unpacking the text for pastors, teachers, and lay readers. The commentary is exegetically insightful, theologically rich, and practically applicable, and I can imagine many passing on Thompson’s insights in all kinds of venues. Thompson is relentless in unpacking the text, effectively and repeatedly drawing attention to how different parts of the letters relate to one another. He also draws connections between Colossians and Philemon in quite a few places in a way that is illuminating and instructive.The commentary centers on explaining the text and not introductory questions. Still, such questions are addressed. The authenticity of Colossians has sometimes been questioned, but Thompson presents a number of arguments in support of Pauline authorship. Some scholars have said that Colossae was an insignificant city, but evidence for this assertion isn’t decisive. The place from which Paul wrote both Colossians and Philemon is also disputed, and Thompson argues for the traditional view that they both hailed from Rome. The nature of the Colossian false teaching has been the subject of controversy for years. Thompson rejects the notion that the false teaching can be traced fundamentally to a gentile or Greek background. The false teachers have some kind of Jewish background mixed with local practices and beliefs that were legalistic in nature and ascetic in character. He identifies the stoicheia as elementary principles and regulations instead of seeing them as spiritual powers. Perhaps Thompson underestimates the role of angels and spiritual powers in contrast to other commentators. In any case, Paul responds to the alien teachers by emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ, rejecting any notion of Jesus plus theology. The Colossian believers have everything they need in Jesus Christ by whose death they have been reconciled to God.A number of different theories have also been promulgated about the situation informing Philemon. Thompson opts for a traditional reading where Onesimus fled from Philemon for some kind of malfeasance. Still, Onesimus was converted when he encountered Paul, and Onesimus’s conversion and his interaction with Paul bring us to the purpose for the letter. Paul’s main concern in writing was to encourage Philemon to welcome Onesimus just as he would welcome Paul. His main aim wasn’t to ask Philemon to send Onesimus back for ministry, nor was his purpose to request Onesimus’s freedom, although it is possible, according to Thompson, that Paul hints that such a release would be fitting. Thompson doesn’t proffer new theories in interpreting Colossians and Philemon, but I was reminded in reading this excellent commentary that the first task is always careful exegesis. We can be grateful to Thompson, then, for an excellent exposition of these two letters where we are reminded of Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency and also of the love that should characterize the relationships of believers.