In continuation of Matt’s brief theology of Colossians, which focused on the nature of the Church’s new existence in Christ, this entry will focus on a major Christological theme of the letter.  The main Christological message is summed up in the famous “Christ Hymn” of Col 1.15-20.  Many interpreters of Colossians regard the hymnic material as influenced by Hellenistic-Jewish Wisdom traditions (cf. Philo, Wisdom of Solomon).  However, I have argued in the Spring 2011 issue...