Pauline Epistles · New Testament
The Book of Colossians
Colossians declares the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ over all things, countering false teachings that would diminish His person or add to His work.
- Chapters
- 4
- Testament
- New
- Category
- Pauline Epistles
- Traditional Author
- Traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul
Overview
Paul writes to the church at Colossae to combat a heresy that combined elements of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophy, and mystical practices. He exalts Christ as the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, and the head of the church. Paul declares that in Christ all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily and that believers are complete in Him. The letter instructs believers to set their minds on things above, to put off the old self and put on the new, and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Key Themes
- The supremacy and sufficiency of Christ
- Christ as the image of the invisible God and Creator of all things
- Freedom from legalism and human philosophy
- The new life in Christ
- Christ-centered relationships and conduct
Key Verses
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him."
Colossians 1:15-16 (NKJV)
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men"
Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
How It Applies Today
Colossians teaches that Christ is sufficient for every need and that nothing needs to be added to what He has accomplished. The command to set the mind on things above provides direction for daily focus and priorities. Paul's instruction to do everything as unto the Lord transforms ordinary work and relationships into acts of worship.