The Hope of Glory: Education and Exhortation in the Epistle to the Colossians

This study explores the background, character and function of Colossians as a form of the theological education and appeal in the Pauline tradition. A historical, literary, rhetorical, and narrative analysis of the text gives evidence of how its theological affirmations and claims were presented so as to engage the life of its readers in practical ways and in practical contexts, especially in order to direct their moral formation as Christians and their self-understanding as a Christian community in a time of controversy. The author finds specific strategies adopted by Paul in designing his message and instructing the reader, similiar to Hellenistic conventions of moral and spiritual guidance associated with philosophic paraenesis or moral exhortation for recent converts.