[Greek] στερέωμα (stereōma), [Latin] firmamentum; support, firmness, steadfastness, strength, stability, bulwark (military fortification), solid front; Col.2:5
Paul exhorts the Colossians’ faith to be a strong defense against the false teachers
Background Information:
Septuagint: The development of the creation story was influenced by an ancient oriental (Egyptian) view of cosmology. The vault of heaven is depicted as a solid bowl or canopy. Gen.1:6-8 describes a dome separating the waters. God called the dome the sky. God established this vault of heaven in its solidity. Eventually, God becomes associated with constancy and firmness. Psalm 15:1 describes the mighty dome of heaven as a giant plate separating the inhabited world from the waters of the heavens. A military unit would often form a defensive fortification or bulwark to protect against the enemy’s attack. This provides a metaphor for the Colossian’s defense against false teachings.
Hebrew culture: However, the Hebrew term raquia means “strectched-outness” or “spread-outness”, like a sail. This word comes from the Hebrew verb raka, meaning to beat out. Yet, the translators of the Septuagint seemed to have used the Greek stereoma to focus on the hardness or stability of the firmament. In a sense, the heavens are both stretched out and firm.
Colossian Church: Paul, while in prison, writes to the Colossian church. Paul was concerned about the issues facing the Colossians. Problems had arisen from false teachers who emphasized Christ’s relation with the cosmos. Their teachings stressed angels, principalities and powers, astral powers, cultic practices and ascetic disciplines. Paul insisted that these teachings detracted from the person and work of Christ for salvation. Paul urges the Colossians to be firm and steadfast in their faith. Paul admonishes them to adhere to the gospel as it was first preached.
Scripture:
“For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I observe your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” Col.2:5
Paul encourages the Colossians to stand firm in the faith. Paul admonishes them to remain true to their faith.
Conclusion:
Stereo, stereophonic, firmament, firm
Because of its sound wave properties, music in stereo provides a stronger and deeper sound. So, it should be no surprise that the ideas of soundness and strength are tied together. There is no direct reference to the firmament in the New Testament. However, in any age in history, there is always a need for sound teaching. In today’s age of thousands of religious organizations and denominations, this can sometimes be a very challenging prospect to have a firm foundation of faith.
However, in some quarters, there continues to exist an interest in the occult and astrology. More surprisingly, there are those out there who continue to believe that that earth is flat! In fact, there are several websites out there today supporting this belief. I can think I can be “firm” in saying that sometimes things never change.