By Philosophy and Empty Deceit: Colossians as Response to a Cynic Critique

This book identifies Cynic philosophers as the opponents addressed by the epistle to the Colossians. This identification permits new solutions to old interpretative problems in Colossian studies. In particular, Martin offers a new translation and interpretation of Col. 2.16-23 as well as other problematic passages. Martin contends that the author of Colossians contrasts the hope of the gospel with his opposition's empty deceit and emphasizes important distinctions between Christian ethics and Cynic ethics. The study concludes that Christian ethics as articulated in Colossians transforms societal structures instead of simply rejecting them as Cynic ethics did.