Colossians is book 12 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the Paul's Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · Paul's Letters
- Genre
- Letter (epistle): teaching and correction
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Paul, writing from prison with Timothy (1:1; 4:18).
- Other views on authorship
- Scholars are divided: many accept Paul as author, possibly with help from Timothy or a scribe, while others think a disciple wrote it soon after his death.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 60–62, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome, at the same time as Ephesians and Philemon.
- Other views on dating
- About AD 60–62 if by Paul (some suggest Ephesus in the mid-50s); around AD 70–80 if by a follower.
- Chapters
- 4
- Verses
- 95
- Reading time
- About 10 minutes (1,971 words in the BSB)
What is Colossians about?
Colossae was a small town in the Lycus valley of Asia Minor, near Laodicea and Hierapolis. Paul had not visited it; the church was founded by Epaphras, one of his co-workers. When Epaphras brought news that the believers were being unsettled by an attractive new teaching, Paul wrote this letter.
The exact shape of the false teaching is debated, but it seems to have mixed Jewish food laws and festivals, strict self-denial, the worship of angels and claims to special visions. Paul's answer is not mainly to argue point by point but to lift up Christ. A great hymn in chapter 1 presents him as the firstborn over all creation, the one through whom all things were made and hold together, and the head of the church who reconciled all things through the blood of his cross.
Because believers have died and been raised with Christ, they do not need extra rules to reach God. Instead they should set their minds on things above, put off anger and impurity, put on compassion, kindness and forgiveness, and let Christ's peace and word shape their households and work. The letter closes with greetings from Paul's companions, including Mark and Luke.
Outline of Colossians
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thanksgiving and the supremacy of Christ Prayer for the church, the Christ hymn, and Paul's ministry. |
| 2 | Fullness in Christ Warnings against empty philosophy, human rules and false spirituality. |
| 3 | New life Setting hearts above, putting off the old self, and Christian households. |
| 4 | Prayer, wisdom and greetings Final instructions and news of Paul's companions. |
Key themes
- The supremacy of Christ. Christ is over creation, over every spiritual power and over the church. Nothing needs to be added to him.
- Union with Christ. Believers have died, been buried and raised with Christ; their life is now hidden with him in God.
- Freedom from human rules. Regulations about food, festivals and self-denial look wise but cannot change the heart.
- Everyday holiness. New life shows in how people speak, forgive, work and treat their families, doing everything in the name of the Lord.
Key people and places
- Paul — Author, in prison.
- Epaphras — Founder of the church in Colossae, praying for it earnestly.
- Onesimus — A slave from Colossae, now a believer, returning with this letter.
- Tychicus — Carrier of the letter.
- Luke and Mark — Companions who send greetings.
Places: Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Rome.
Key verses in Colossians
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things 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. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
“Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.”
“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men,”
How Colossians fits the big story
Colossians links Jesus to the very beginning of the Bible: the one through whom all things were created in Genesis is the same one who reconciles them through the cross. Its hymn echoes the opening of John and the description of the Son in Hebrews. The letter is a twin of Ephesians, sharing many phrases, and was sent alongside Philemon, the short letter about Onesimus. Its vision of all things united under Christ points ahead to Revelation.
How to read Colossians
At 4 chapters a day you can read Colossians in 1 day — in one sitting. Read 1:15–20 aloud — it may be an early Christian hymn. Then read Philemon, which was carried by the same messengers to the same town.