...gracious your form and your eyes as honey : desire is poured upon your lovely face Aphrodite has honored you exceedingly... - Sappho
The power of the bleeding love of God is stronger than the power of Caesar, of the law, of Mars, Mammon, Aphrodite and the rest. This is the point that Paul grasped. And that is the reason for the Colossians' gratitude. The battle has been won. - N.T. Wright