Colossians survey
Book Type: Pauline Epistle, also one of Paul’s Prison Epistles, 12th book of the New Testament.
Author: The apostle Paul and Timothy (directly named in Colossians 1:1)
Audience: Colossians is one of four Prison Epistles written by the apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. This was a period of house arrest around AD 60–62. During this time, Paul also wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon. The city of Colossae was about 100 miles east of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. Christianity may have reached this city during Paul’s mission work in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). However, Epaphras was the person noted for the major growth of the church in the city. Paul knew some of the Christians in the area (Colossians 2:1), but it was his connection with Epaphras that let him know the condition of the church (Philemon 1:23).
Multiple themes are packed in the short letter of Colossians. False teachings such as Jewish legalism, blending of religions, Greek philosophy, and mysticism are decried by Paul. He mentions food, special days (Colossians 2:16), those who worshiped angels (Colossians 2:18), and ascetic practices. Paul speaks against such false teachings in this letter, affirming that Christ alone is sufficient as the basis for the believer's faith and life.
Date: Approximately AD 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (Colossians 4:18).
Overview: This four-chapter letter focuses on Paul’s teachings regarding the deity of Jesus (Colossians 1:15–20; Colossians 2:2–10), as well as key areas such as forgiveness and the nature of the church. Paul also strongly condemns various false teachings in chapter 2.
Chapter 1 includes a greeting (Colossians 1:1–2) followed by gratitude for the faith of the Colossian Christians (Colossians 1:3–8). Paul then includes a prayer intended to encourage the growth and maturity of believers in this city (Colossians 1:9–14). The letter then transitions to a focus on Christ’s greatness, including his character (Colossians 1:15–23) and notes regarding Paul's own ministry (Colossians 1:24–29).
Chapter 2 addresses various false teachings which were threatening the Colossian believers. These include ungodly philosophy (Colossians 2:1–10), Jewish legalism (Colossians 2:11–17), mysticism (Colossians 2:18–19), and ascetic living (Colossians 2:20–23).
Chapter 3 transitions to practical matters within the church. First, Paul addresses topics related to Christian conduct (Colossians 3:1–17). Second, he addresses Christian households, including bondservants or slaves (Colossians 3:18–4:1).
Chapter 4 focuses on two major themes. First, Paul discusses how a Christian speaks (Colossians 4:2–6). Finally, he presents concluding remarks, addressed to his many friends (Colossians 4:7–18).
Author: The apostle Paul and Timothy (directly named in Colossians 1:1)
Audience: Colossians is one of four Prison Epistles written by the apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. This was a period of house arrest around AD 60–62. During this time, Paul also wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon. The city of Colossae was about 100 miles east of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. Christianity may have reached this city during Paul’s mission work in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). However, Epaphras was the person noted for the major growth of the church in the city. Paul knew some of the Christians in the area (Colossians 2:1), but it was his connection with Epaphras that let him know the condition of the church (Philemon 1:23).
Multiple themes are packed in the short letter of Colossians. False teachings such as Jewish legalism, blending of religions, Greek philosophy, and mysticism are decried by Paul. He mentions food, special days (Colossians 2:16), those who worshiped angels (Colossians 2:18), and ascetic practices. Paul speaks against such false teachings in this letter, affirming that Christ alone is sufficient as the basis for the believer's faith and life.
Date: Approximately AD 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (Colossians 4:18).
Overview: This four-chapter letter focuses on Paul’s teachings regarding the deity of Jesus (Colossians 1:15–20; Colossians 2:2–10), as well as key areas such as forgiveness and the nature of the church. Paul also strongly condemns various false teachings in chapter 2.
Chapter 1 includes a greeting (Colossians 1:1–2) followed by gratitude for the faith of the Colossian Christians (Colossians 1:3–8). Paul then includes a prayer intended to encourage the growth and maturity of believers in this city (Colossians 1:9–14). The letter then transitions to a focus on Christ’s greatness, including his character (Colossians 1:15–23) and notes regarding Paul's own ministry (Colossians 1:24–29).
Chapter 2 addresses various false teachings which were threatening the Colossian believers. These include ungodly philosophy (Colossians 2:1–10), Jewish legalism (Colossians 2:11–17), mysticism (Colossians 2:18–19), and ascetic living (Colossians 2:20–23).
Chapter 3 transitions to practical matters within the church. First, Paul addresses topics related to Christian conduct (Colossians 3:1–17). Second, he addresses Christian households, including bondservants or slaves (Colossians 3:18–4:1).
Chapter 4 focuses on two major themes. First, Paul discusses how a Christian speaks (Colossians 4:2–6). Finally, he presents concluding remarks, addressed to his many friends (Colossians 4:7–18).
Source: BibleRef