Colossians

Overview

Who

Written by "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother" (1:1). Paul writes in bonds (4:3) and signs with his own hand (4:18).

Written to "The saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse" (1:2). They learned the gospel from Epaphras (1:7), and many had not seen Paul's face (2:1).

When

Traditional view: About AD 60-62, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. Tychicus and Onesimus carried it (4:7-9), along with the letter to Philemon.

Scholarly view: Many scholars think a follower wrote it in Paul's name, about AD 70-90; many others accept that Paul wrote it. Some who accept Paul place it during an imprisonment at Ephesus or Caesarea.

Where

Written to Colosse, a town in Asia Minor near Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:13).

Written from The letter does not name the place; Paul is in bonds (4:3, 4:18). Traditionally Rome.

Why

To show that Christ is "the image of the invisible God" (1:15), in whom "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (2:9); to warn against "philosophy and vain deceit" and rules about meat, drink and holy days (2:8, 2:16-23); and to call them to "seek those things which are above" in their daily lives and households (3:1-4:6).

Teaching was going around that mixed "philosophy and vain deceit," the "worshipping of angels," and rules like "Touch not; taste not; handle not" (2:8, 2:18, 2:21). Epaphras had told Paul of their love (1:8) and laboured in prayer for them (4:12). Onesimus, "who is one of you," was returning with Tychicus (4:9).

Outline

1. 1:1-14 Greeting, thanksgiving and prayer
2. 1:15-23 The preeminence of Christ
3. 1:24-2:7 Paul's labour for the church
4. 2:8-23 Complete in him: warnings against false teaching
5. 3:1-17 Seek things above; put off the old man, put on the new
6. 3:18-4:1 Households
7. 4:2-18 Prayer, wise conduct and greetings

Key themes

• Christ has "the preeminence" in all things (1:18).
• Believers are "complete in him" (2:10).
• "Set your affection on things above" (3:2).
• "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (3:17).

From the letter's own text, compared with Philemon; authorship and dating views summarized from standard introductions.