Colossians

Study Notes

Paul, an apostle of Christ, and Timothy, his brother, write this letter to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae.
They extend greetings of grace and peace from God the Father.

Paul and Timothy express gratitude to God for the Colossians' faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all believers.
They pray for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, to walk in a way that pleases Him, and to bear fruit in every good work.
Paul and Timothy learned about the Colossians' love for God through Epaphras, a faithful minister of Christ.

Christ is described as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Through Christ, all things were created - both in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.
Christ is the head of the church, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.
God's fullness dwells in Christ, and through Him, He reconciled all things to Himself.

Paul warns against being deceived by plausible arguments, human traditions, or elemental spirits.
The Colossians are encouraged to continue walking in Christ, rooted and built up in Him.
The Colossians are warned against those who insist on asceticism, worship of angels, and elaborate visions.
These practices are seen as empty and harmful, diverting attention from Christ, the Head of the body.

The Colossians are encouraged to seek things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
They are reminded of their death and resurrection with Christ.
The Colossians are called to put off the old self – characterized by sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and covetousness – and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of God.

The Colossians are urged to practice compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love.
They are encouraged to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly.
Specific instructions are given for wives, husbands, children, fathers, and slaves, emphasizing the importance of submission, love, obedience, and working diligently as for the Lord.

Paul shares about his ministry and activities through Tychicus.
He sends greetings from himself, Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas.
Paul asks for prayers for him and his ministry.
He instructs the Colossians to share the letter with the church at Laodicea and to read the letter from Laodicea.
He encourages Archippus to fulfill his ministry.
Paul ends with a heartfelt greeting, reminding the Colossians of his chains and wishing them grace.