Die strategiese funksie van die Christus-himne in Kolossense 1:13-20

Abstract

The strategic function of the Christ hymn in Colossians 1:13-20 The author of the letter to the Colossians positions and utilizes a Christ hymn in a strategic and functional way in his writing. This hymn forms a pivotal point in his letter and mentions the crucial theological issues that are at stake. The Colossians were threatened by false teachings according to which they were subject to different powers. Christ is, however, exalted and praised as superior to all these powers. As such the hymn lays the basis for the argumentation of the letter. The hymn describes the significance of Christ: He is the mediator of creation, the reconciler of the world, the head of the church. Dependence upon Christ sets one free from ties to all the proposed powers. The author assumes that his readers would also associate with the contents of the hymn regarding the supremacy of Christ. If so, the author actually wins his argument. He, therefore, does not need to convince them of his theological viewpoint anew, but can immediately continue warning them about the dangers of false teachings threatening their community.