Robert M. Royalty, «Dwelling on Visions.On the Nature of the so-called ‘Colossians Heresy’», Vol. 83 (2002) 329-357
This paper argues that Revelation provides a social-historical, theological, and ideological context for the reconstruction of the Colossian opposition. The proposal is that the author of the Apocalypse arrived in Asia after the Jewish-Roman war; his "dwelling on visions" and prophetic activity challenged the emerging hierarchy within the churches, provoking a response in Paul’s name from the church leadership. Correspondences and parallels between the description of the opposition in Colossians and Revelation are developed exegetically, showing that eschatology and Christology were key issues in the dispute. This paper reexamines the heresiological rhetoric of Colossians, raising methodological questions about other scholarly reconstructions of the opposition as non-Christian.
tradition 45. First, when applying the Christ Hymn to the Colossian situation, the author warns his audience to stay within the boundaries of established faith (th=| pi/stei teqemeliwme/noi) and not to shift from the message of the gospel that they had heard (tou= eu)aggeli/ou ou| h)kou/sate, 1,23). Second, and even more directly, the author cites established tradition as a warrant and guide for the Christian life (Col 2,6; note peripatei=te)46. The Colossians are to live their lives in Christ, "rooted and established", "as you have received" (w(j ou]n parela/bete) and "just as you were taught" (kaqw_j e)dida/xqhte 2,6)47. The connection of Col 2,6-7 to what precedes, especially 2,4-5 (note the ou|n in 2,6), and to what follows in 2,8 and 2,16-23 needs to be emphasized48. Why this extensive appeal to tradition? Col 1,23 and 2,6-7 suggests that something new has come to the Christian churches of the Lycus Valley in Asia. Tradition functions rhetorically as an "external proof" for the audience in the face of this perceived threat49.
In 2,8, the author turns directly to his Christian opponents. The key here is deciding which elements are accurate descriptions of the opponents and which are negative characterizations of the opponents by the author50. Understanding the structure of the sentence is crucial