COLOSSIANS BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTER: PAUL’S MESSAGE TO COLOSSAE
This letter was written by Paul to the church in Colossae. Although Paul did not start this church or know the Colossians, Paul deeply cared about followers of Jesus and the gospel message. After hearing an encouraging report from his friend Epaphras, who had recently visited the church in Colossae, Paul wrote to the Colossian believers to encourage and challenge them to live their lives in response to Jesus. Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, possibly during his time in Rome. Despite having limited freedoms, Paul continued to advance the gospel through his writing. Throughout the letter, Paul emphasized the supremacy of Christ and cautioned against false teachings, urging the Colossians to remain rooted in their faith in Jesus.
Paul wrote the letter of Philemon around the same time as he wrote Colossians. Philemon was a Colossian whom Paul addressed personally, asking him to forgive Onesimus, a runaway servant who had come to faith after meeting Paul. Although Colossians and Philemon were addressed to different audiences, Philemon shows a specific example of following Jesus in the way Paul urged the Colossians to respond. Paul wrote the letter of Philemon around the same time as he wrote Colossians. Philemon was a Colossian whom Paul addressed personally, asking him to forgive Onesimus, a runaway servant who had come to faith after meeting Paul. Although Colossians and Philemon were addressed to different audiences, Philemon shows a specific example of following Jesus in the way Paul urged the Colossians to respond.
MAIN IDEAS: WALKING WITH CHRIST
Jesus was the physical image of the invisible God. (Colossians 1:15)
After receiving the forgiveness of Christ, believers are called to walk alongside Jesus. (Colossians 2:6)
Paul encouraged Jesus’ followers to set their mind on eternal things. (Colossians 3:2)
Christians are instructed to take off their old ways and embrace their new selves. (Colossians 3:9-10)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: PROVIDER OF CLARITY
In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul stated that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. In Colossians, Paul clarified that peace and clarity come from Jesus, the Savior. God is not vague or secretive about His plan for redemption through Jesus. Furthering the gospel message, Paul boldly declared the clear truth of the gospel: Jesus is the Savior, the Son of God. Jesus was not a man who became God; He is God who humbly became man. During his time on Earth, Jesus boldly declared His divine identity. In John 14:5-14, Jesus said that no one could come to the Father except through Him and that whoever had seen him had seen the Father.
In Colossians, Paul confirmed this message by explaining that the fullness of God was pleased to dwell within Jesus (Colossians 1:19). Although God’s full character is beyond comprehension, the mystery of God’s plan for salvation was revealed in Jesus (Colossians 2:3). God does not leave salvation up to guesswork; He has made it clear that eternal life is offered through faith in Jesus as the Savior. Paul wrote to the Colossians to provide assurance of the fulfillment of God’s promises through the complete work of Jesus.
JESUS IN COLOSSIANS: ALL DEBT CANCELLED
In Colossians 2:13-15, Paul reminded believers that they were once dead in their sins. Although they may not have been physically dead, they were spiritually dead and headed towards destruction. Through faith in Christ, believers have been brought back to life. When Jesus died on the cross, His innocent life paid the price for humanity’s sin. By His death and resurrection, all debts were cancelled and condemnation removed. Jesus was the ultimate triumph over sin and death - and all believers are invited to share in His new life and resurrection!
Paul warned the Colossians not to be swayed by the religious rule followers who diligently kept the law. Although keeping the law was not sinful, it was no longer necessary - and it certainly was not a source of salvation. Similarly, Paul warned the believers not to be swayed by other beliefs. Paul emphasized that nothing needs to be added to the good news of Jesus. He is fully sufficient!
