Colossians

Lore & Background

Paul writes as an apostle by God's will (Colossians 1:1), having heard of the Colossians' faith and love (Colossians 1:4). He highlights Epaphras as the one who originally taught them (Colossians 1:7). The letter presents Christ as the agent of creation, through whom all things—visible and invisible, including thrones and powers—were made (Colossians 1:16). It affirms that the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in Christ (Colossians 1:19), and that through Christ's death believers are presented holy and blameless (Colossians 1:22).

Reader's Guide

The sampled passages portray Colossians as a letter that grounds Christian identity in the cosmic supremacy of Christ. Paul declares that believers have been delivered from darkness and transferred into Christ's kingdom (Colossians 1:13). He warns against being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition (Colossians 2:8), and against submitting to ordinances that are merely shadows of Christ (Colossians 2:17, 2:20). The letter calls for a transformed life: putting off the old self (Colossians 3:9), putting on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12), and letting the peace of Christ rule in hearts (Colossians 3:15). Specific household instructions appear for wives and fathers (Colossians 3:18, 3:21), and believers are urged to continue in prayer with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2) and to walk wisely toward outsiders (Colossians 4:5).

Did You Know?

• Paul mentions that he is a minister according to God's dispensation given to him for the Colossians (Colossians 1:25).
• The letter describes circumcision made without hands, referring to putting off the body of the flesh (Colossians 2:11).
• It states that the handwriting of ordinances against us was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
• Believers are told that their life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).