166. G. K. Beale on Colossians

In this episode, we welcome Dr. G.K. Beale to discuss his commentary on Colossians (BECNT). From a defense of the Pauline authorship of this epistle, to the identity of the Colossian-heresy based on both internal and external evidence, to Paul’s use of Old Testament allusions in this epistle (contrary to what many scholars have thought) – Dr. Beale helps us think through the brilliant theology being taught to us, even today, in this epistle. Paul argues against a heresy that mingles and attempts to synthesize Old Testament terminology with what is at it’s core still Hellenistic theology: a Jesus+local mystery religion - all with the goal of making one’s self worthy of experiencing heavenly temple worship. The correcting epistle argues against this based upon Christ being “the full expression of God’s presence in the end-time temple”, and the Christian church being “part of the latter-day temple, residing in the midst of the divine tabernacling presence”. Listen in as Dr. Beale gives us a sample of the doctrinal insights we can receive in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians.

Book: Colossians and Philemon (BECNT)

Also: G.K. Beale’s Website

“The Temple and the Anti-Temple at Colossae”

“The Old Testament in Colossians: A Response to Paul Foster”

Check out: CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament as well as the conference here.

Other books and resources by Dr. Beale:

The Temple and the Church’s Mission

- God Dwells Among Us

Union with the Resurrected Christ

We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry

The Book of Revelation (NIGTC)

A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

Other resources:

The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae; Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians by Clinton Arnold

A couple of examples of LDS sources:

“Necessity of Building Temples – The Endowment” by President Brigham Young

“The Building of Temples – The Keys of the Apostleship”; “The New Birth – Baptisms for the Dead – Temples” by Elder George Q. Cannon

The Holy Temple by Elder Boyd K. Packer (also here)

Temple and Cosmos; When the Lights Went Out; “Treasures in the Heavens” by Hugh Nibley