One of the most popular scriptures in the book of Colossians is Colossians 3:12-14:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
This passage encourages believers to live out their identity as God’s chosen people by embodying virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. It emphasizes the importance of love as the unifying principle that binds all these virtues together.
The Book of Colossians (PDF download)
An Overview
The Epistle to the Colossians, often referred to as Colossians, is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Here’s an introduction to the Book of Colossians:
- Authorship: The letter is attributed to the Apostle Paul, who identifies himself as the author at the beginning of the letter (Colossians 1:1). Paul wrote the letter during his imprisonment, likely in Rome, around AD 60-62.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Colossians is to combat false teachings and philosophies that were threatening the doctrinal purity and spiritual well-being of the Colossian believers. Paul writes to affirm the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ and to encourage believers to remain rooted and established in him.
- Background: The church in Colossae faced challenges from various false teachings and philosophies, including Jewish legalism, asceticism, and early forms of Gnostic thought. These teachings undermined the sufficiency of Christ and sought to add human traditions and spiritual practices to the gospel message.
Themes
- The Supremacy of Christ: The central theme of Colossians is the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things. Paul emphasizes Christ’s preeminence as the image of the invisible God, the creator and sustainer of all things, and the head of the body, the church.
- Freedom in Christ: Paul addresses the believers’ freedom from the bondage of legalism, human traditions, and elemental spirits. He emphasizes that believers have been buried and raised with Christ and are complete in him, having received forgiveness and redemption through his blood.
- Christ-Centered Living: Paul encourages believers to live lives that are centered on Christ, rooted and built up in him, and overflowing with gratitude and thanksgiving. He exhorts them to put to death earthly desires and to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
- Ethical and Relational Instructions: Paul provides practical exhortations for Christian living and relationships, including instructions for husbands and wives, children and parents, and slaves and masters. He emphasizes the importance of love, humility, and mutual submission in all relationships.
- The Mystery Revealed: Paul speaks of the mystery that has been hidden for ages but is now revealed to the saints—the mystery of Christ in them, the hope of glory. He emphasizes the universal scope of the gospel and the call to proclaim Christ to all nations.
Structure
The Book of Colossians is structured as a letter from Paul to the Colossian believers, with an emphasis on Christ’s supremacy, freedom in Christ, and ethical living. It includes:
- Introduction and Greeting (Colossians 1:1-14)
- The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-23)
- Paul’s Ministry to the Church (Colossians 1:24-2:5)
- Warning Against False Teaching (Colossians 2:6-23)
- Living as Those Made Alive in Christ (Colossians 3:1-17)
- Instructions for Christian Households (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
- Final Exhortations and Greetings (Colossians 4:2-18)
In summary, the Book of Colossians is a powerful exposition of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ and a call to believers to remain rooted and grounded in him. It addresses theological and practical issues facing the Colossian church and challenges believers to live lives that are centered on Christ and characterized by love, unity, and thanksgiving.