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.
aspect of many Jewish texts during this period85. Moreover, this reading fits the immediate context of the two phrases, taking e)mbateu/wn in its root sense as "entering" without resorting to awkward translations of a$ e(o/raken e)mbateu/wn 86. The author of Colossians can hardly deny the existence of angels or that angels worship God. He can only enjoin against a Christian prophet who makes a heavenly vision of the angels, rather than received tradition, the source of authority.
Revelation contains more references to angels than any other book of the NT. The seven messages in Rev 2–3 are sent "to the angel" (tw=| a)gge/lw|) of each church87. John describes the worship of angels in the heavenly throne room (Rev 5,2.11; 7,11-12; 8,2-5; 9,14; 15,5-8; etc.), often in great detail, which he had seen upon entering heaven (Rev 4,1-2). Angels deliver the Apocalypse to John; initiate action on earth; hand John scrolls and give him instructions; interpret visions; and guide John in the New Jerusalem88. Indeed, John takes a position on the genitive in Col 2,1889. Twice, apparently as a defense against being characterized as qe/lwn e)n qrhskei/a| tw=n a)gge/lwn with an objective genitive, John is spurned by angels for falling at their feet