Colossians
Christ is preeminent over all creation, and in him believers are complete, needing nothing more
Colossians at a glance
Christ is preeminent over all creation, and in him believers are complete, needing nothing more
Colossians is a letter from the apostle Paul, joined by Timothy, to the church at Colosse, a town in the Lycus valley of Asia Minor. Paul had never visited this congregation; it was founded by Epaphras, one of his co-workers, who brought Paul news of the church while he was imprisoned, most likely in Rome around A.D. 60-62. The letter was carried by Tychicus along with Onesimus, and it is a close companion to Ephesians and Philemon among the Prison Epistles.
Paul writes to counter a creeping error at Colosse, a mix of human philosophy, legalistic rules about food and holy days, worship of angels, and harsh treatment of the body. His answer is not argument by argument but a towering portrait of Christ: the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, the creator and sustainer of all things, the head of the church in whom all fulness dwells. Because believers are complete in him, they need no additions. The letter then turns practical, calling Christians to set their affection on things above and to live out the new man at home and at work.
Colossians matters because it contains some of the loftiest statements about the person of Christ in all of Scripture. Its message endures: every substitute for Christ, however impressive, is a shadow, and he is enough.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 1:15 King James Version
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How Colossians unfolds
7 sections- 1Thanksgiving and prayer (ch. 1:1-14)Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith and love, first reported by Epaphras, and prays that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will and strengthened with all might.
- 2The supremacy of Christ (ch. 1:15-23)The great Christ hymn: he is the image of the invisible God, creator of all things, head of the body, the firstborn from the dead, and the one who has reconciled believers through the blood of his cross.
- 3Paul's ministry of the mystery (ch. 1:24-2:5)Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the church and labours to present every man perfect in Christ, declaring the mystery hidden from ages: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- 4Complete in Christ, beware of deceit (ch. 2:6-23)Paul warns against philosophy and vain deceit, legal ordinances, and worship of angels. Believers are complete in Christ, buried and risen with him, and the handwriting of ordinances was nailed to his cross.
- 5Risen life: seek things above (ch. 3:1-17)Since believers are risen with Christ, they must mortify earthly sins, put off the old man, and put on mercy, kindness, humility, and above all charity, letting the peace of God rule in their hearts.
- 6The Christian household (ch. 3:18-4:1)Instructions for wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, and masters, all summed up in doing everything heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
- 7Prayer, wisdom, and greetings (ch. 4:2-18)Paul calls for steadfast prayer and gracious speech seasoned with salt, then sends greetings involving Tychicus, Onesimus, Mark, Luke the beloved physician, Epaphras, and Archippus.
People to know
5 figures- PaulThe author, writing from prison to a church he had never met face to face.
- TimothyPaul's companion, named with him in the letter's greeting.
- EpaphrasThe Colossians' own founding evangelist, who reported their faith to Paul and laboured fervently for them in prayers.
- Tychicus and OnesimusThe letter carriers: Tychicus a faithful minister, Onesimus the converted servant also sent back to Philemon.
- The saints at ColosseThe recipients, a faithful young church in the Lycus valley facing pressure from false teaching.
Words worth carrying with you
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 1:15 · KJV
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 · KJV
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Colossians 3:23 · KJV
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Colossians Bible Quiz: The Supremacy of Christ | 30 Questions