Colossians

Part One: Introduction to Colossians

The Author and Date

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse" (1:1-2). Paul wrote from prison (4:3, 10, 18), most likely in Rome around AD 60-62, at the same time as Ephesians and Philemon. Tychicus carried the letter, accompanied by Onesimus, the runaway slave who had become a believer and was returning to his master Philemon in Colosse (4:7-9; Philemon 10-12).

The City and Church of Colosse

Colosse was a small town in the Lycus River valley in Phrygia (western Turkey), about a hundred miles east of Ephesus, near the larger cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:13). Once important, it had declined by Paul's time. The region was struck by an earthquake around AD 60-61, recorded by the Roman historian Tacitus as destroying Laodicea.

Paul had not visited the church (2:1). It was founded by Epaphras, a native of Colosse (4:12), probably converted during Paul's three years in Ephesus, when "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:10). Epaphras is called "our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ" (1:7). He had come to Rome to report to Paul about the church, bringing good news of their faith and love (1:4, 8), but also concern about a dangerous false teaching.

The Colossian Heresy

Paul never names the false teaching, but its features can be pieced together from his warnings:

This mixture of Jewish ritualism, pagan philosophy and mysticism resembled the later heresy of Gnosticism, which taught that matter is evil, that salvation comes through secret knowledge, and that a chain of spiritual beings stands between God and the world. Paul's answer to every element is the same: Christ. He is the fullness of God, the Creator and Lord of every spiritual power, and believers are complete in Him. They need nothing added.

Purpose and Theme

Colossians proclaims the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. It contains one of the highest statements of Christ's deity in Scripture (1:15-20; 2:9).

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:18

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him

Colossians 2:9-10

Colossians and Ephesians

Colossians and Ephesians were written at the same time, carried by the same messenger, and share many themes and phrases. Ephesians emphasises the church as the body of Christ; Colossians emphasises Christ as the head of the body.

Comparing Colossians 3:16 with Ephesians 5:18-19 shows that being filled with the Spirit and letting the word of Christ dwell richly produce the same results: singing, thanksgiving and submission.

Outline of Colossians

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Doctrinal — The Preeminence of Christ (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1:1-14 — Thanksgiving, Prayer and Deliverance

Paul thanked God for the Colossians' "faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven" (1:4-5): faith, love and hope. The gospel was "bringing forth fruit" both in the whole world and among them (1:6). They had learned it from Epaphras (1:7).

Paul's prayer for them:

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness

Colossians 1:9-11

In contrast with the false teachers' secret knowledge, Paul prayed for true knowledge of God's will, which leads to a worthy walk, fruitfulness, growth, strength, patience and joy. He gave thanks to the Father:

Which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins

Colossians 1:12-14

God has qualified believers for their inheritance, rescued them from Satan's dominion of darkness, and transferred them into the kingdom of His beloved Son. ("Translated" was used of transporting a whole population to a new country.) In Christ they have redemption and forgiveness.

Chapter 1:15-20 — The Supremacy of Christ

This passage is one of the greatest statements about the person of Christ in the Bible.

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:15-17

Christ and God. He is "the image of the invisible God": not a copy, but the exact visible expression of the invisible God (John 1:18; 14:9; Hebrews 1:3).

Christ and creation. He is "the firstborn of every creature." "Firstborn" here does not mean the first being created; the next verse says He created all things. In Scripture, "firstborn" often means the one with the rights of preeminence and inheritance. God said of David, the youngest son of Jesse, "I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth" (Psalm 89:27). Christ is the heir and Lord over all creation. (Those who teach that Christ is a created being misread this verse.) The passage then states:

• He is the Creator: "by him were all things created," including every rank of angelic power, which the false teachers wanted people to worship. The LORD alone created all things (Isaiah 44:24), so Christ is the LORD.
• He is the goal: all things were created "for him."
• He is eternal: "he is before all things."
• He is the Sustainer: "by him all things consist," hold together. The universe does not run by itself; Christ upholds it (Hebrews 1:3).

Christ and the church.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:18-20

He is the Head of the church, the source of its life and its authority. He is the "firstborn from the dead," the first to rise in a glorified, immortal body, guaranteeing the resurrection of His people. He has first place in creation and in redemption: "in all things he might have the preeminence." All the fullness of God dwells in Him. And through His blood shed on the cross, He will reconcile all things, bringing the whole universe into harmony with God, either through salvation or through subjugation of His enemies (2:15; Philippians 2:10-11).

Chapter 1:21-23 — The Colossians Reconciled

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel

Colossians 1:21-22

Reconciliation was accomplished "in the body of his flesh through death," a real physical death, contradicting any teaching that Christ was not truly human or that the body is evil. God's goal is to present believers holy and blameless. "If ye continue in the faith" does not make salvation depend on human effort; continuing in the faith is the evidence of genuine faith, which the false teachers were threatening to undermine (compare Hebrews 3:14; 1 John 2:19). The gospel had been "preached to every creature which is under heaven" (1:23), spreading through the whole world.

Chapter 1:24-29 — Paul's Ministry: Christ in You

"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church" (1:24). Christ's atoning sufferings are complete (John 19:30). But Christ still suffers in His people (Acts 9:4), and Paul willingly bore his share of suffering for the sake of the church.

Paul was a minister of "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints" (1:26):

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus

Colossians 1:27-28

The mystery is that Christ Himself indwells Gentile believers, guaranteeing their future glory. Against the false teachers' exclusive knowledge for an elite few, Paul's aim was "every man": warning, teaching and presenting every believer mature in Christ. He laboured, "striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (1:29).

Section II: Polemical — The Sufficiency of Christ (Chapter 2)

Chapter 2:1-7 — Treasures in Christ

Paul struggled in prayer for the Colossians, the Laodiceans and others who had never met him (2:1), that they might be encouraged, united in love, and come to full understanding of "the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (2:2-3). The false teachers claimed hidden wisdom; all true wisdom is hidden in Christ. "And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words" (2:4).

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7

The Christian life continues as it began: in Christ, by faith. Believers are rooted like trees, built up like buildings, and established in the faith they were taught.

Chapter 2:8-10 — Complete in Christ

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power

Colossians 2:8-10

"Spoil" means to carry off as captives or plunder. Paul does not condemn careful thinking, but empty human philosophies and traditions that are "not after Christ." Then comes the decisive statement: "in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." The complete, undiminished essence of God permanently dwells in Christ, in bodily form, in His incarnate and glorified humanity. He is not one of many intermediaries; He is God. And believers, united to Him, are "complete," lacking nothing spiritually. They need no higher knowledge, mystical experience, angelic mediator or religious ritual.

Chapter 2:11-15 — The Work of the Cross

Believers are complete because of what Christ has done:

• Spiritual circumcision (2:11): "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ." They do not need physical circumcision; their hearts have been changed (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:29).
• Union in death and resurrection (2:12): "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Baptism pictures the believer's burial and resurrection with Christ, received "through the faith." (Immersion portrays this picture of burial and rising.)
• New life and full forgiveness (2:13): "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses."
• The debt cancelled (2:14): "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." The "handwriting" was a certificate of debt, a written record of what was owed. Our record of guilt under the law was wiped out and nailed to the cross: paid in full.
• The powers defeated (2:15): "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Christ disarmed the evil spiritual powers and paraded them as defeated captives, as a Roman general led conquered enemies in a triumphal procession. Why fear or worship angels and spiritual powers that Christ has conquered?

Chapter 2:16-23 — Freedom from Legalism, Mysticism and Asceticism

Legalism (2:16-17).

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17

The Old Testament food laws, festivals, new moons and Sabbaths were shadows pointing to Christ, the reality. Once the substance has come, believers should not be judged for not observing the shadows (Hebrews 8:5; 10:1; Galatians 4:9-11). Christians gather for worship on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, the day of Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10), finding their true rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Mysticism (2:18-19). "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind" (2:18). The false teachers practised a false humility that worshipped angels instead of approaching God directly through Christ, and boasted of visions. Despite their claims, they were "not holding the Head," from whom the whole body grows (2:19).

Asceticism (2:20-23). "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?" (2:20-22). Man-made rules about avoiding certain foods and harsh treatment of the body "have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body," but they have no power against the indulgence of the flesh (2:23). Rules imposed from outside cannot change the heart. Only Christ can.

Section III: Practical — Life in Christ (Chapters 3-4)

Chapter 3:1-4 — Seek Things Above

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

The answer to the false teachers' earthly rules is a heavenly focus. Believers have died and risen with Christ. Their true life is now hidden with Christ in God, secure and out of reach. They should set their hearts and minds on heavenly realities, where Christ reigns (Psalm 110:1). When Christ, who is their very life, appears, they will appear with Him in glory.

Chapter 3:5-17 — Put Off the Old, Put On the New

Put to death (3:5-7).

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience

Colossians 3:5-6

"Mortify" means put to death. Believers must deal ruthlessly with sexual sin, impurity, lust, evil desire and greed (which is idolatry, putting things in God's place).

Put off (3:8-11). "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (3:8-10). In the new humanity, "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all" (3:11). Every barrier of race, religion, culture and class is overcome in Christ.

Put on (3:12-14).

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:12-14

Because they are chosen, holy and loved by God, believers clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. They bear with one another and forgive as Christ forgave them. Over all these, like an outer garment, they put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Peace, the Word and thankfulness (3:15-17).

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:15-17

"Rule" means to act as umpire: Christ's peace should decide matters in the heart and in the church. Christ's word must "dwell" (make itself at home) in believers "richly," producing mutual teaching, admonition and joyful singing. Every word and deed should be done in Christ's name, under His authority and for His glory, with thanksgiving.

Chapter 3:18-4:1 — The Christian Household

Life in Christ transforms the home and the workplace:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

Every task, however humble, becomes service to Christ, done wholeheartedly and rewarded by Him. "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons" (3:25).

Chapter 4:2-6 — Prayer and Witness

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds

Colossians 4:2-3

Prayer must be persistent, alert and thankful. Paul, in chains, asked not for release but for open doors to preach Christ, and for clarity (4:4).

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 4:5-6

Believers must live wisely before unbelievers, seize every opportunity, and speak graciously and wisely. Salt preserves and adds flavour; believers' words should be wholesome and attractive, fitting each person and situation (1 Peter 3:15).

Chapter 4:7-18 — Faithful Fellow Workers

Paul's greetings give a glimpse of the network of believers around him:

• Tychicus, "a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant," carried the letter (4:7-8).
• Onesimus, "a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you" (4:9): the runaway slave, now a brother in Christ (see Philemon).
• Aristarchus, Paul's "fellowprisoner" (4:10; Acts 27:2).
• Marcus, "sister's son to Barnabas," whom Paul now commended (4:10): once the cause of a split (Acts 15:37-39), now restored.
• Jesus called Justus (4:11). These three were the only Jewish co-workers who had been a comfort to Paul.
• Epaphras, "always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (4:12-13), a model intercessor.
• Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas (4:14). Sadly, Demas later "forsook me, having loved this present world" (2 Timothy 4:10).
• Nymphas and the church in her house (4:15).
• Archippus: "Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it" (4:17; Philemon 2).

The Colossians were to exchange letters with the Laodiceans, reading the letter "from Laodicea" (4:16), which may be Ephesians. Paul signed with his own hand: "Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen" (4:18).

Part Three: Christ in Colossians

The Supremacy of Christ (1:15-20)

The Believer's Union with Christ

Christ the Answer to the Heresy

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

Colossians 1:13-14 — Delivered and Translated

God has rescued believers from Satan's kingdom of darkness and brought them into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom they have redemption and full forgiveness.

Colossians 1:15-20 — The Supremacy of Christ

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, the Creator, Sustainer and goal of the universe, the Head of the church, the firstborn from the dead, the One in whom all God's fullness dwells, and the Reconciler through His blood. He must have first place in everything, including our lives.

Colossians 1:27-28 — Christ in You

The glorious mystery is that Christ Himself lives in every believer, guaranteeing future glory. The goal of ministry is to present every believer mature in Christ.

Colossians 2:6-10 — Complete in Christ

Believers continue as they began, walking in Christ by faith. They must reject human philosophies that are not after Christ, because all the fullness of God dwells in Him, and they are complete in Him.

Colossians 2:13-15 — The Triumph of the Cross

Christ made us alive, forgave all our sins, cancelled the record of our debt by nailing it to His cross, and publicly triumphed over every evil power.

Colossians 2:16-23 — Freedom from Man-Made Religion

Food laws, holy days and Sabbaths were shadows of Christ; angel worship and visions draw people from the Head; ascetic rules cannot restrain the flesh. Christ is enough.

Colossians 3:1-4 — Seeking Things Above

Raised with Christ, believers set their hearts and minds on heaven, where their life is hidden with Christ, awaiting His appearing.

Colossians 3:5-17 — The New Life

Put to death sinful desires; put off anger and lies; put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love. Let Christ's peace rule, His word dwell richly, and do all in His name with thanks.

Colossians 3:18-4:1 — Christ in the Home and Workplace

Every relationship is transformed when it is lived "in the Lord." All work is done heartily as service to the Lord Christ.

Colossians 4:2-6 — Prayer and Gracious Witness

Pray persistently and thankfully for open doors. Live wisely before unbelievers, make the most of every opportunity, and let your speech be gracious and seasoned with salt.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of Colossians

1. The Deity of Christ

All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ bodily (1:19; 2:9).

2. Christ the Creator and Sustainer

All things were created by Him and for Him, and by Him all things hold together (1:16-17).

3. The Preeminence of Christ

He must have first place in all things (1:18).

4. Christ the Head of the Church

The church draws its life and direction from Him (1:18; 2:19).

5. Redemption and Forgiveness

Through His blood, believers are delivered, redeemed and fully forgiven (1:13-14; 2:13-14).

6. Reconciliation

Christ reconciles sinners and ultimately all things through the cross (1:20-22).

7. Victory over Evil Powers

Christ disarmed and triumphed over principalities and powers (2:15).

8. The Sufficiency of Christ

Believers are complete in Him and need no additions (2:10).

9. Freedom from Legalism and Asceticism

Rituals were shadows; man-made rules cannot sanctify (2:16-23).

10. Union with Christ

Believers died, were buried, rose and live with Christ (2:12-13, 20; 3:1-4).

11. Sanctification

Putting to death the old, putting on the new (3:5-14).

12. The Word of Christ

The Word must dwell richly in believers, producing worship and mutual edification (3:16).

13. Christian Relationships

Home and work transformed by serving the Lord (3:18-4:1).

14. Prayer and Witness

Persistent, thankful prayer and gracious, wise speech (4:2-6).

Part Seven: Connections — How Colossians Links to the Rest of the Bible

Colossians and the Old Testament

Colossians and the New Testament

Themes That Run from Colossians Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Thank God for others' faith, love and hope (1:3-5).
• Pray for true knowledge of God's will (1:9).
• Walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him (1:10).
• Rejoice that you have been delivered from darkness (1:13).
• Give Christ first place in everything (1:18).
• Remember that Christ holds all things together, including your life (1:17).
• Continue grounded and settled in the faith (1:23).
• Rejoice that Christ lives in you (1:27).
• Aim to present every believer mature in Christ (1:28).
• Keep walking in Christ as you received Him (2:6).
• Beware of philosophies and traditions not after Christ (2:8).
• Rest in being complete in Christ (2:10).
• Rejoice that your debt is nailed to the cross (2:14).
• Don't fear the powers Christ has defeated (2:15).
• Don't let others judge you by religious rituals (2:16).
• Hold fast to Christ the Head (2:19).
• Reject man-made rules as a way to holiness (2:20-23).
• Set your mind on things above (3:1-2).
• Remember your life is hidden with Christ (3:3).
• Put to death sinful desires, including greed (3:5).
• Stop lying, and put away anger (3:8-9).
• Treat all believers as equals; Christ is all (3:11).
• Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness and humility (3:12).
• Forgive as Christ forgave you (3:13).
• Put on love above all (3:14).
• Let Christ's peace decide (3:15).
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (3:16).
• Do everything in Jesus' name, with thanks (3:17).
• Live out Christ in your home (3:18-21).
• Work heartily, as to the Lord (3:23).
• Continue in prayer with thanksgiving (4:2).
• Pray for open doors for the gospel (4:3).
• Make the most of every opportunity with unbelievers (4:5).
• Let your speech be gracious and seasoned with salt (4:6).
• Labour fervently in prayer for others, like Epaphras (4:12).
• Fulfil the ministry God has given you (4:17).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

Colossians was written to a small church in the Lycus valley, threatened by a teaching that mixed philosophy, Jewish rituals, angel worship and harsh self-denial, and that reduced Christ to one spiritual power among many. Paul's answer was to lift up Christ in all His glory. He is the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, including every angelic power; all things were made for Him, and in Him all things hold together. He is the Head of the church, the firstborn from the dead, preeminent in all things, the One in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and the Reconciler who made peace through the blood of His cross. Believers are complete in Him: circumcised, buried and raised with Him, forgiven all their sins, their record of debt nailed to His cross, every evil power disarmed and defeated. The rituals of the law were shadows of Christ; man-made rules cannot conquer the flesh. So believers seek things above, where their life is hidden with Christ; they put off the old and put on the new; they let Christ's peace rule and His word dwell richly; they serve Him in their homes and their work; and they pray and speak with grace. In every sphere, Christ must have the preeminence, for Christ is all, and in all.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:18