The canonical shape of Colossians

Although many critical commentators have correctly seen both the elements of similarity and differences in respect to the undisputed Pauline letters, the canonical implications for understanding the function of Colossians within the Pauline corpus have seldom been addressed. Simply to focus on ideological differences between so-called ‘genuine’ and ‘deutero-Pauline’ letters is to overlook the effect of the New Testament canon. Rather, the shape of the letter to the Colossians provides a Pauline warrant for translating his theology into a different idiom which is faithful to the gospel. The letter establishes the parameters within which the continuing theological task is carried on. The fact that the corpus of Pauline letters contain material whose shape shows evidence of a process of expanding and adapting Paul’s thought to a new and different situation indicates that Paul’s letters were not regarded as a static deposit of unchanging doctrine, but as a living voice of apostolic instruction, supported by the authority of the exalted Christ, which was given to guide the church continually toward the obedient life. The final instruction of the epistle to have the letter read in other churches (4.16) already indicates the beginning of the canonical process at work. The letter functions as authority for Christians who do not share in the original historical situation of those at Colossae, but whose context within the community of faith is nevertheless addressed with a continuing word from God through his apostle.

Brevard Childs, The New Testament as Canon: An Introduction (p. 348)