E-Mail Bible Class
Colossians
BC Weekly Digest Monday, December 1 1997 In this issue: Colossians 1:1,2 Colossians 1:1,2 Colossians 1:3-8 Colossians 1:1,2 Colossians 1:1,2 Colossians 1:9-14 Colossians 1:5 Colossians 1:6 Colossians 1:15, 16 Colossians 1:9 Colossians 1:15-17 Colossians 1:20 Colossians 1:23 Colossians 1:24 Colossians 1:26 Colossians 1:29 Colossians 1:18-20 Colossians 1:21-23 Colossians 1:21-23 Colossians 1:18-20 Colossians 1:1,2 PAUL'S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS Colossians 1:1,2 (OPV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Introduction Although Paul had never met the brethren at Colossae (1:4) he knew about them from his fellow-worker, Epaphras (1:7,8). Colossae, a city of Phrygia, was on the Lycus River, a tributary of the Meander River. It was located about 170 km southeast of Ephesus in the Roman Province of Asia Minor. Colossae was near Laodicea (2:1) [presently Denizli in Turkey] and Hierapolis (4:13). Because of certain parallels, this letter may have been written and sent at the same time as the letter to Philemon (compare Col. 4:7-17 with Philemon 2,23,24). Paul was in prison for his faith when he wrote (4:18) but the location is not known. The letter contains encouragement and instruction in addition to warnings about certain false teachings that were being spread about. 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus" "Apostle" means "one who is sent" an "emisary". 1:2 "to the saints and faithful brethren" "Saint" as used in Scripture means "a sanctified one." All true Christians are "saints" in the Biblical sense because they are sanctified (purified and made holy) by the blood of Jesus Christ. Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:1,2 The question has been asked: Is there at present a modern town in the place where Colossae was? The ruins of Colossae are about 5 km north of the modern town of Chonas or Chonum. Denizli (formerly Laodicea) is the closest city of any size (171,000 population). Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:3-8 Colossians 1:3-8 (OPV) 3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying for you always, 4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, which you heard about beforehand in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you; just as it is also bearing fruit and increasing in all the world, as [it does] in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-slave, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. == These six verses are all one sentence! Long sentences were customary when the New Testament was written. Paul makes use of this practice to communicate grand truths. Modern versions often break up these sentences, but something is always lost when this is done. 1:3 "Praying for you always" Paul's letters show vital concern for the welfare of all the brethren, in this case people most of whom he had never even met personally. 1:4 "The love which you have for all the saints" The church at Colossae was known for their faith and their love. Jesus had said that His followers would be recognized by their love for one another (John 13:35). 1:5 "The word of the truth of the gospel" Paul commends these brethren for their faith, love and hope. The word "gospel" means "good news." It is true! Jesus died to pay the price for our sins. He rose from the dead the third day. Through Him we can have hope of eternal life in the heavens. This hope, based on our faith in the promises of God, fills our hearts with love. 1:6 "Bearing fruit and increasing" The word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It is dynamic. It grows and bears fruit not only in the hearts of individual believers, but in the whole world! 1:6 "The grace of God in truth" Notice how truth is continually emphasized. As the Eternal Father told John in the Revelation: "Write, for these words are true and faithful" (Rev. 21:5). "These words are faithful and true" (Rev. 22:6). The grace of God is what every soul on earth needs most urgently. And in truth, His grace is available through the blood of Jesus Christ. That is indeed good news! 1:7 "Epaphras" The brethren at Colossae had been taught the truth of the gospel by Epaphras. When Paul wrote his letter to Philemon, which might have been the same time he wrote this letter, Epaphras was his "fellow prisoner" in Christ (Philemon 23). Along with Paul, he had been praying fervently for the believers at Colossae (4:12,13). Paul and Epaphras were in chains. But their spirits were free, and prison walls could not stop the power of their prayers that ascended to God on behalf of their fellow believers. A significant portion of the New Testament was written behind prison walls! 1:7 "Fellow-slave" Possibly because of the negative idea connected with being a 'slave' many translations soften this word to 'servant' or 'bond-servant'. But the word used is SLAVE. The first Christians were proud to be slaves of Christ! He had purchased them with His own blood (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:19,20; 7:23) and they belonged to Him. Do we really 'belong' to Christ? Or do we want to hold on to our own life? Jesus said we must deny ourselves to be His disciples (Mark 8:34,35). Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:1,2 The question has been asked: How long did the church continue in this area? Is there a church of Christ in the Denizli region now? - -- I asked a Turkish Tourist service what church services could be attended by tourists who were visiting Denizli (Laodicea). The reply was: "As far as I know there is no church in Denizli, but this is not one hundred percent sure." The former population figure I gave is out-dated. In the 1990 census the population of Denizli was 203,000. One tourist guide states: "There are some not-particularly-impressive ruins at Laodicea of one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor in the hills near Denizli. At Pamukkale (Hierapolis) several church buildings are among the tourist attractions, one being "a church from forth century." A "church council" was held at Hierapolis in the 4th century. Because the Christian faith is based on individual conviction, and considering the warnings and predictions of apostasy made by Jesus and His apostles, it need not surprise us that throughout the centuries one certain local congregation has seldom remained true to the New Testament for more than a few generations. As Paul warned the elders at Ephesus: "I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them" (Acts 20:29,30 ASV). Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:1,2 The question has been asked: What is the version (OPV) that is being used? --- The Old Paths Version is a new translation I am making for use in a commentary by Charles Hess to be published in The Old Paths Archive. A copy of the entire book of Colossians can be found at http://www.oldpaths.com When after six months of effort and delay we were denied permission to use an existing reliable translation for the commentary (several major publishing companies now have a policy of not giving permission for their works to be published on the Internet at all), we decided to produce our own translation. To avoid copyright problems, it is also being used as the main text for the Old Paths E-Mail Bible Class. This also gives me an opportunity to 'test' the translation. Suggestions for improvement are welcome and will be given careful consideration. Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:9-14 Colossians 1:9-14 (OPV) 9 For this reason, since the day we heard, we also do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 to walk in a way worthy of the Lord, pleasing [Him] in everything, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, unto all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has prepared us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love; 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. == 1:9 "May be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" Many false religions and false forms of Christianity are mainly concerned with superficial rituals. The foundation of true Christianity, however, is the knowledge of the will of God. We are disciples. This means that we are both learners and followers of Christ. Jesus said, "learn from Me" (Matt. 11:29) and "you shall know the truth" (John 3:32). Moreover, a knowledge of facts is not enough. There must be spiritual understanding and wisdom, as well. 1:10 "To walk in a way worthy of the Lord" This knowledge, understanding and wisdom must result in a way of life. There is a popular song: "I did it my way." The Christian does it God's way and strives to please Him, even if this brings the displeasure of others and inconvenience to himself. 1:10 "Bearing fruit in every good work" The good works of a Christian are an outgrowth of his faith and way of life. A Christian does not just try to "be good," he "does good" to the glory of God. Every good work is a good work for a Christian! 1:11 "Endurance and patience with joy" Remember that Paul wrote this from prison! Endurance and patience require some source of inner strength and power. The might of God's glory is the Christian's source of strength, giving him all the power he needs to meet the challenges of life! A follower of Christ can rejoice even while chained to a prison wall! 1:12 "Giving thanks to the Father" Enemies of God can take away our physical freedom, they can even take our physical life, but they cannot take our inheritance. Unbelievers associate the end of their lives with darkness, the darkness of death, the darkness of the grave. The Christian has already been translated from this dark world into a kingdom of light! He has both feet firmly planted on the other side of the grave! 1:13 "Into the kingdom of the Son of His love" Both John the Baptizer and Jesus had preached that the kingdom of God was at hand (Matt. 3:2; 4:17). After He rose from the dead, Jesus was exalted to the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33). Christ's kingdom is eternal (Luke 1:33). It is not of this world (John 18:35). Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). 1:14 "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins" Sin is the power of darkness. Our sins separate us from the light of the glory of God. But on the cross, Jesus redeemed us, He paid the price for our sins, allowing us to appear before God in His glory. We can indeed be thankful and rejoice in the knowledge of eternal salvation in Christ. Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:5 The question has been asked: Paul mentions that the Colossians have already heard about the "hope that is stored up for you in heaven" in the "word of truth." What is that "word of truth?" Does this phrase suggest that there was some rudiments of a canon that existed at the time, perhaps orally (noting verse 7a)? Or was it perhaps what we call the Old Testament, which they simply called "Scripture?" The expressions "the word of truth," "the truth," "the truth of the gospel" and "the gospel" or "the good news" are used interchangeably in the New Testament (see Romans 2:8; 10:16; Galatians 2:5, 14 Ephesians 1:13). Although the "good news" was foretold in the Old Testament by types and shadows, such things as confessing Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9, 10) and being baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) were not spelled out until the New Testament age. Was there a canon when Paul wrote the Colossian letter? Yes, if by "cannon" one means a list of authoritative Scriptures but not all New Testament books were written by AD 62. The church at Colossae was not lacking in revealed truth. The Colossian letter plus the one to Philemon were sent together to Colossae. The Ephesian letter was sent to them "from" Laodicea. Most likely Epaphras, their primary teacher, was inspired, along with others upon whom an apostle had laid hands. The faith was "once for all delivered" (Jude 3). What had not been written down was given orally to them by inspiration. Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:6 The question has been asked: It seems that in this passage the "gospel" is most particularly equated with "grace." Do we misuse the term "gospel" at times? Certainly some misuse the word while others misuse the term "grace." Notice, "The grace of God . . . teaches us" several things about righteous living, the hope of heaven and the sacrifice of Christ (Titus 2:11-14). The gospel is good news because it brings to mankind information not only about the saving grace of God but also about his justice, love and mercy. It is good news because it makes forgiveness of sins possible, and gives hope for a resurrection from the dead unto eternal life. Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:15, 16 The question has been asked: Does "Him" in verse 16 refer to God or Christ? Was Christ in this passage the creator, or is it referring to God the Father? I believe verse 19 answers this, but there is come confusion about this and with justifiable reason. "Him" refers to Christ, the Creator. He is the Word through whom all things were made (Joh 1:3; compare Joh 1:14). Through Him also God "made the worlds" (Heb 1:2). Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:9 The perceptive question has been asked: In what ways can we expect that God will "fill [us] with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding?" Do the following verses answer this question by themselves? Yes, these verses do answer the question. However, it is wise to notice that it is those who hunger after righteousness who will be filled (Matthew 5:6). God always gives knowledge and understanding in connection with His revealed will and never apart from it. Therefore, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16). "Wherefore be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17 ASV). The Greek present tense of "understand" implies that Christians are to keep on understanding. They gain understanding as they continue to study the word. Charles Hess. ------------------------------ Colossians 1:15-17 Colossians 1:15-17 (OPV) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, 16 for in Him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created by Him and for Him; 17 and He is before all things, and everything has its existence in Him. == 1:15 "The image of the invisible God" Worldly people tend to think that visible things are 'sure' and that invisible things are 'questionable'. In reality, however, everything visible is temporary, and everything eternal is invisible: "We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18 ASV). Because our physical vision is limited to this finite physical realm, God, who is infinite, MUST be invisible in this sense. Consider these beautiful words of praise by Paul: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17 ASV). Although God is invisible, He allows Himself to be 'seen' in various ways. "For the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, [even] His everlasting power and divinity" (Romans 1:20 ASV). God's creation demonstrates His power and deity. Of Moses it is said: "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27 ASV). There is visible evidence of the invisible God. Jesus Christ is God expressed as man: "He is the image of the invisible God." As John says: "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared [Him]" (John 1:18). In Hebrews 1:3 we read that Christ is "the radiance of His glory, and the very image of His substance." 1:15 "The firstborn of all creation" The backgound of this statement is the custom in Biblical times that the firstborn son was highest in rank after his father. Christ being the 'firstborn' of all creation refers to His authority over all creation because of His relationship with the Father. 1:16 "In Him all things were created" EVERYTHING, without exception, was created by Christ: "All things were made through Him; and without Him was not anything made that has been made" (John 1:3). Therefore, Christ Himself cannot be a created being, as is falsely claimed by some. ALL things were created IN Him, BY Him and FOR Him. 1:17 "He is before all things" He 'is' before all things. As Jesus told the Jews: "Before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:58). In the Revelation Christ says: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:13,16 ASV). "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). 1:17 "Everything has its existence in Him" This helps us understand verse 16 where it says that all things were created 'in' Him. The same truth is expressed in Hebrews 1:3. Christ is Creator and Sustainer of all things "upholding all things by the word of His power." Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:20 The question has been asked: God's fullnes dwells in Christ in order "to reconcile to Himself all things on earth and in heaven." But not all things WILL be reconciled to Himself, will they? How is this to be explained? Will God's purpose fail? "All things" is used in a limited sense. To cite another example, God promised to pour out His Spirit upon "all flesh" (Joel 2:28; compare Acts 2:17). He did not pour out the Spirit upon every individual but upon certain ones among both Jews and Gentiles. Obviously, God does not reconcile the mentally deficient, innocent children or righteous angels. Neither does He reconcile Satan or "things under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). Certainly He reconciles those who are "called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). The meaning of reconciliation is clarified by the statement that Jesus made peace by the blood of His cross. God would have all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) but those who know not God and who do not obey the gospel call are lost (see 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2:14). Man's part may fail but God's does not. Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:23 The question has been asked: Christ will present us unblemished and holy, but with an "IF" attached. What does it mean to "continue in your faith?" Were these primarily Jewish converts and Paul is pointing to what we call Christianity as the true continuance of the faith of Abraham, and thus they should continue in their faith by accepting Christ? First, may I point out that, according to the Greek text, it is "the" faith, not "your" faith, as loosely rendered by the NIV translators and others. It is true that Christians, even Gentile Christians, are "sons of Abraham" and are "blessed with faithful Abraham" (Galatians 3:7, 9). Surely Paul was concerned about his own faithfulness (1 Corinthians 9:27) and the faithfulness of others (2 Corinthians 13:5). However, in Colossians 1:23, "the faith" is used synonymously with "the gospel." Paul is teaching that Christians must remain true to the gospel. Of course, those who turn from the truth cannot, at the same time, remain faithful (see John 8:31, 32). Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:24 The question has been asked: The phrase that Paul uses that he "fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ" is confusing. Perhaps it is idiomatic, but it doesn't make immediate sense. Do you have any insight into this? The verse does not even remotely suggest that Paul or anyone except Christ needed to suffer in order to atone for sins. Christ did that completely. He suffered for the whole world once for all (see John 1:29; Hebrews 9:27, 28; 1 Peter 3:18). What is under consideration are the sufferings assigned to Paul in his commission (see Acts 9:16). In his zeal to preach the gospel, he suffered greatly and repeatedly (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). He suffered "for the furtherance of the gospel" (Philippians 1:12). At the time he wrote the Colossian letter, he had not completed the suffering that Christ had assigned to him. Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:26 The question has been asked: Is it correct to understand this verse as saying that the message of the gospel has been around from the Old Testament but was simply not understood by the people there and that that is what the "Mystery that has been kept hidden for ages" is? There is no doubt that the gospel was foreshadowed and foretold by God through the patriarchs and prophets in Old Testament days, though not in great detail. Jesus pointed out that the Old Testament Scriptures bore witness of Him (John 5:39). It is also true that in the New Testament "the mystery" sometimes means "the gospel." However, in the very next verse (Colossians 1:27), Paul gives "the mystery" a limited meaning. He says it is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." He refers particularly to the salvation of Gentiles. This same idea is alluded to in other New Testament passages (see Romans 16:25, 26; Ephesians 3:4-6; 1 Timothy 3:16). Several Old Testament verses point toward Gentile salvation (see Genesis 22:18; Psalm 22:27; 86:9; Isaiah 9:2; 42:1; 49:6; 55:5; 60:3; Daniel 7:14; Hosea 2:23; Malachi 1:11). How was this hidden? In the sense that people just did not understand it. Some of the Jews thought it meant Gentiles could only be blessed if they became Jews by circumcision and keeping other parts of the Law (see Acts 15:1, 2; Colossians 2:16, 17). Evidently Peter himself did not understand what he preached in Acts 2:39 about the promise being to those "afar off" (Gentiles) because it took a miracle to convince him that Gentiles could be saved by faith and baptism just like the Jews (see Acts 10:9-16, 19, 20). Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:29 The question has been asked: What is the struggle Paul refers to (and in the opening verses of chapter 2)? Paul had miraculous powers but, in addition, he labored and toiled to spread the gospel. He had God's power but he himself struggled. His "struggle" was to fulfill his goal stated in Colossians 1:28, that is, proclaiming, admonishing and teaching in order to "present every man perfect in Christ." Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:18-20 Colossians 1:18-20 (OPV) 18 And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence. 19 For in Him the Whole Fulness was pleased to dwell, 20 and to reconcile all things to Himself through Him, having made peace through the blood of His cross; [yes] through Him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens. == 1:18 "The head of the body, the church" "There is one body" (Eph 4:4). [See also Rom 12:4,5; 1 Cor 10:17; 12:12,13,20; Eph 2:16; Col 3:15.] They who hear the voice of Christ form "one flock" which has "one shepherd" (John 10:16). Christ is the only head of the one church. 1:18 "The firstborn from the dead" "For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming" (1 Cor 15:22,23 ASV). Christ leads the way, not only in life, but also into the grave and out again, giving us assurance of resurrection through His power over death. 1:18 "The preeminence" After His resurrection, before He ascended to the Father, Jesus said: "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" (Mat 28:18). 1:19 "The Whole Fulness" This is a descriptive title for God. Complete deity resides in Christ, "For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col 2:9). 1:20 "To reconcile all things to Himself through Him" In 2 Cor 5:19 Paul states "that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses" (ASV). Our sins separate us from God. Reconciliation is possible because of redemption through the blood of Christ (see verse 14). Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:21-23 Colossians 1:21-23 (OPV) 21 And you, who formerly had been alienated and were hostile in mind through your evil works, 22 He has now reconciled in His body of flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and irreproachable before Him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which is preached in all creation under heaven, of which I Paul was made a minister. +++ 1:21 "Were hostile in mind through your evil works" Our actions influence our thoughts, and our thoughts express themselves in actions. In our evil works we become enemies of God. 1:22 "In His body of flesh through death" "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Rom 8:3). "Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 3:18). 1:23 "If indeed you continue in the faith" Paul returned to churches that had recently been established "confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith" (Acts 14:22). The blessing of salvation is conditional. To appear "holy and without blemish and irreproachable before Him" we must continue in the faith. Continuing in the faith is not limited to what we believe in our heart but includes a way of life and service to God that is in agreement with that faith. There is only one faith (Eph 4:5) and it requires constant effort to continue in it. As Jude wrote: "Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3 ASV). Roy Davison ------------------------------ Colossians 1:21-23 The Greek passive voice of "having been alienated" implies someone or some thing alienated the unconverted Colossians. That "thing" was sin (see Isaiah 59:1, 2). The sin of idolatry was a main cause of their estrangement from Him (compare Ezekiel 14:5). A prime example of alienation from God is the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden because of their sin. Estrangement occurs when any accountable person commits sin. Thank God there is a way to be reconciled to Him through the blood of the cross! In Paul's day, the gospel was "preached in all creation under heaven." Without modern means of communication, the Great Commission was literally being carried out. Inspired men with ability to speak in unlearned foreign languages were preaching everywhere. "Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, and their wods unto the ends of the world" (Romans 10:18 ASV). When Paul wrote, "of which I Paul was made a minister," he implied he was a minister of the church (see Colossians 1:24, 25). Other passages indicate he was a minister of the gospel. His fervor in spreading the good news to Gentiles brought on much of the persecution described in verse 24 and following. Charles Hess ------------------------------ Colossians 1:18-20 Christ is the head of the church. Men and women are totally out of order when they take their theological scissors and try to clip the reins with which He guides His church and take over the headship for themselves. Popes, councils, false apostles and even humanly written creeds have to be suspect because the headship of the church belongs to Christ and to Him alone. He is head over ALL things to the church (Ephesians 1:22). As "firstborn" Christ is "the highest of the kings of the earth (Ps 89:27). Some have argued that His headship does not imply that He rules the church. Nothing could be more wrong. He is King! He is ruler "of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). God "reconciles" all things to Himself through Christ. Both Thayer and Zodhiates suggest that the meaning of reconciliation includes the idea of making friends or making peace AGAIN. Babies are not born estranged from God. When they reach a certain age and commit sins, they are estranged from Him and even become His enemies (Romans 5:10). They must be brought back again to God. This is done by the reconciling them in the one body of Christ (see Ephesians 2:16). Charles Hess