Michael Bird's commentary on Colossians and Philemon in the New Covenant
Commentary Series pays close attention to the socio-historical context,
the flow and dynamics of the text, their argumentative strategy,
theological message, and the meaning ofColossians and Philemon for the
contemporary church today. Bird situates Colossians in the context of
Paul's Ephesian ministry and describes how Paul attempts to persuade a
congregation in the Lycus Valley to remain firm in the gospel and to
grasp the cosmic majesty of Jesus Christ over and against the views of
certain Jewish mystics who have thrown the Colossians into confusion. He
shows how, in the letter to Philemon, Paul intercedes for a slave
estranged from his master through a carefully crafted feat of pastoral
persuasion from a missionary friend of Philemon. The commentary combines
exegetical insight, rhetorical analysis, theological exposition, and
practical application all in one short volume. Bird shows Paul at work
as a theologian, pastor, and missionary in his letters to the Colossians
and Philemon.