Description: Much needed today, the singularly potent Christology of Colossians and the application of key doctrines in Philemon put the sufficiency of Christ for salvation and transformed living on full display.
Brief description: Richard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary; DD, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. The author of over forty books, he is coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series, a trustee of Westminster Theological Seminary, and a council member of the Gospel Reformation Network.
Review Quotes: At first thought, linking Colossians to Philemon seems to be a mismatch. Few of Paul's letters are more Christological and theological than Colossians, and none are more specifically personal than Philemon. But herein lies the connection that is so frequently missed both in preaching and in practice. Genuine Christian conduct can happen only when people are thinking correctly about Christian truth, and Christian truth cannot be correctly understood apart from an accurate knowledge of Jesus Christ--who he is and what he has done. The resounding theme of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ in all things, and Philemon illustrates what that truth will look like in the experiences of life. Phillips, with exegetical and theological precision along with pastoral insight, effectively explains deep theological truths in conjunction with the implications of truth to life. His sermonic style sets an example for preachers in how to handle deep doctrine as well as providing a guide for laymen in their personal study of the Scripture.--Michael P. V. Barrett, Senior Research Professor of Biblical Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary