Introduction to the Book of Colossians

“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:18-20, ESV)

Paul

This short book often surprises its readers as it provides a lot of important theological information in just four easy-to-read chapters. It also contains one of my favorite passages in the Bible, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17, ESV). Those verses speak about Jesus being the Creator, plus, it answers a mystery scientists have been struggling with for many years and that is, “what is holding our molecular existence together,” and Paul explains that would be none other than Jesus. You might be wondering why this is one of my favorites, if Jesus is holding me together at a molecular level, He then must know me intimately and that offers me great comfort! He truly knows me better than I know myself.

The book is also surprisingly modern in that it addresses and counters many ‘modern’ issues such as new age philosophies (actually there is nothing truly new as new-age thinking is mostly ‘re-hashed’ Gnosticism), legalism, evolution, and to some degree some passages will challenge people’s views of end-time scenarios. One of the key points Paul’s epistle makes is that Jesus is indeed sufficient to offer salvation to all believers. Yes, a lot in just four chapters!

Colossians is very similar to most of Paul’s letters to the churches in that he writes about what we might call Christian doctrine followed by practical application of that doctrine (essentially how to live as a Christian). So, with all these attributes, this book will undoubtedly be one of your favorites too. The first chapter in this commentary addresses both the construct of the book (a brief overview) and the uniqueness of the city where the church was located. The second chapter reviews Paul’s life and background, and then the actual exposition of the text begins in chapter three.

May God guide and bless you in this study,

David Heywood