Colossians

Emphases of Colossians

How to Read the Bible Book by Book Orienting Data for Colossians

the absolute supremacy and all-sufficiency of Christ, the Son of God; that Christ both forgives sin and removes one from the terror of “the powers”; religious rules and regulations count for nothing, but ethical life that bears God’s own image counts for everything; Christlike living affects relationships of all kinds

1. the absolute supremacy and all-sufficiency of Christ, the Son of God

2. that Christ both forgives sin and removes one from the terror of “the powers”

3. religious rules and regulations count for nothing, but ethical life that bears God’s own image counts for everything

4. Christlike live affects relationships of all kinds

Overview of Colossians

Paul, himself, had never actually been to Colossians, he knows a lot about the believers and considers them to be one of his churches.

His primary concern is that they stand on what they have been taught (1:23; 2:6-16; 3:1).

Paul, like he has done in other letters, begins the body of the letter by speaking about the truth of the Gospel they have received.

Rules and Regulations have an appearance of wisdom, but no real value.

There are four elements that we must notice in the letter:

The most obvious is its Jewish flavor.

You cannot read this letter and not notice Paul’s emphasis on the absolute supremacy of Christ over all things.

The situation in the church.

It will help to have knowledge that Onesimus is being returned to Philemon for forgiveness, so Paul is preparing the church to receive him back as well.

Walkthrough of Colossians

1:1-2 Salutation

1:3-14 Thanksgiving and Prayer

1:15-23 The Supremacy of the Son of God

1:24-2:5 Paul’s Role

2:6-23 Christ Over Against Religious Seductions of All Kinds

3:1-11 The New Basis for (Christian) Behavior

3:12-4:6 What Christian Life Looks Like

4:7-18 Final Greetings