Departures are funny things in the Bible. No one ever completely leaves.
Moses dies, but Joshua, a new Moses, replaces him. Elijah flies to heaven in a chariot of fire, but Elisha is left behind, filled with the spirit of Elijah. Jesus says, I am going away, and in the next breath adds, I will come to you.
Paul tells the Colossians, “Though I am absent in the body, I am with you in Spirit.” As usual, “Spirit” needs to be capitalized.
The Holy Spirit fills gaps in space. He bridges heaven and earth so Jesus can be with the disciples even when he’s not, and He joins Paul to Colossae. Through the Spirit, Paul leaves traces of himself everywhere, people who have heard Jesus by hearing Paul, who imitate Christ by imitating His apostle. And each church left its mark on Paul.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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