New Testament

Colossians

Author Paul the apostle

Date Written ~AD 60–62

Chapters 4

Theme The supremacy and sufficiency of Christ

Summary

Colossians combats a heresy threatening the church by affirming the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ over all creation, powers, and philosophies. Paul argues that believers are complete in Christ alone and need no supplementary rules, rituals, or mystical experiences.

Outline

Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:1–14)
The Supremacy of Christ (1:15–2:5)
Freedom from False Teaching (2:6–23)
The New Life in Christ (3:1–4:6)
Final Greetings (4:7–18)

Key Verses

Colossians 1:15-16

"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."

Colossians 2:9-10

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness."

Colossians 3:23

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Christ in Colossians

Christ as the image of the invisible God, creator, sustainer, and head of the church; the fullness of deity in bodily form

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