Colossians

The Book of Colossians

Brief Summary. Paul had been imprisoned at Rome and received messages about heresies at the church in Colossae. Paul defended the faith by exalting the person of Jesus, and clarifying the true doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Latin: Colossenses

Greek: Kolossaeis, To the Colossians

Author: Paul (Saul) of Tarsus

Date: 49, just after Paul�s first missionary journey

Place: Rome

Writing to: Christians in Colosse

Doctrinal Classification: Christology

General Theme: Christ as Lord over the cosmos

Important Points: The Deity of Jesus. Paul focuses on the preeminence of Jesus in creation, redemption, and godliness.

Smith's Bible Dictionary: Colossians

Unger's Bible Dictionary: Colossians

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Colossians. "COLOSSE was a considerable city of Phrygia, and probably not far from Laodicea and Hierapolis; we find these mentioned together, Colossians 4:13. It is now buried in ruins, and the memory of it chiefly preserved in this epistle. The design of the epistle is to warn them of the danger of the Jewish zealots, who pressed the necessity of observing the ceremonial law; and to fortify them against the mixture of the Gentile philosophy with their Christian principles. He professes a great satisfaction in their stedfastness and constancy, and encourages them to perseverance. It was written about the same time with the epistles to the Ephesians and Philippians, A.D. 62, and in the same place, while he was now a prisoner at Rome. He was not idle in his confinement, and the word of God was not bound. This epistle, like that to the Romans, was written to those he had never seen, nor had any personal acquaintance with. The church planted at Colosse was not by Paul's ministry, but by the ministry of Epaphras or Epaphroditus, an evangelist, one whom he delegated to preach the gospel among the Gentiles; and yet, I. There was a flourishing church at Colosse, and one which was eminent and famous among the churches. One would have thought none would have come to be flourishing churches but those which Paul himself had planted; but here was a flourishing church planted by Epaphras. God is sometimes pleased to make use of the ministry of those who are of less note, and lower gifts, for doing great service to his church. God uses what hands he pleases, and is not tied to those of note, that the excellence of the power may appear to be of God and not of men, 2 Corinthians 4:7. II. Though Paul had not the planting of this church, yet he did not therefore neglect it; nor, in writing his epistles, does he make any difference between that and other churches. The Colossians, who were converted by the ministry of Epaphras, were as dear to him, and he was as much concerned for their welfare, as the Philippians, or any others who were converted by his ministry. Thus he put an honour upon an inferior minister, and teaches us not to be selfish, nor think all that honour lost which goes beside ourselves. We learn, in his example, not to think it a disparagement to us to water what others have planted, or build upon the foundation which others have laid: as he himself, as a wise master-builder, laid the foundation, and another built thereon, 1 Corinthians 3:10." - Matthew Henry (Read More)

Outline of the Book of Colossians (Scriptures and Topics Covered)
Jesus Christ Exalted - Chapter 1
Christianity Exalted - Chapters 2
Union with Christ Exalted - Chapter 3-4

Questions for further study.

Who were the Colossians?

Where was Colosse?

When did the Colossians receive Christ?

Who planted the church in Colosse?

Who was the author of the book of Colossians?

When was the book of Colossians written?

Where was the book of Colossians written?

What language was the book of Colossians written in?

What is the main theme in the book of Colossians ?

How does the Philippians give testimony to the glory of Jesus?

How is Colossians similar to Ephesians?

Colossians Resources

Map of New Testament Israel
Map of the Roman Empire
Map of the New Testament World 
Map of Paul's First Missionary Journey
Map of Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Map of New Testament Cities
Map of the 7 Churches of Revelation (Asia Minor)
Map of the Roman Empire In the Time of Jesus
Map of Asia in Roman Times
Map of New Testament Greece