Colossians, Philemon, Jude

If Ephesians portrays the “church of Christ,” then Colossians must surely picture the “Christ of the church.” While Ephesians focuses on the body, Colossians focuses on the Head.

Through everything he writes, Paul intends to show that Christ is preeminent—first and foremost in everything—and that the Christian’s life should reflect that priority. In what ways is Christ unsurpassed? Paul does not give an exhaustive list, but he does give an impressive one. Jesus is: the exact image of almighty God; the Creator of all that exists; eternal; the glue that holds all things together; the first to rise from the dead, never to die again; the Savior of the world; the storehouse of all of God’s wisdom and knowledge; victor over “principalities and powers”; Lord of life at His imminent return; generous rewarder for faithful service; and Master in heaven.

Because believers are rooted in this preeminent Jesus, alive in Him, hidden in Him, and complete in Him, it is utterly inconsistent for them to live without Him or as if He did not exist. Clothed in His love, with His peace ruling in their hearts, they are equipped to make Christ first in every area of life.

Paul’s letter makes it clear that destructive teaching had crept its way into this young church. To counter it, Paul stresses the centrality of Jesus Christ to the gospel message.

This epistle became known as Pros Kolossaeis, “To the Colossians,” because of 1:2. Paul also wanted it to be read in the neighboring church of Laodicea (4:16). One of Paul’s converts, a man named Epaphras (1:7; 4:12), had a hand in founding the church in Colosse.

Theme: The centrality of Jesus Christ.

Author: The apostle Paul.

Time: Likely written from prison in Rome about A.D. 60–62.

Structure: Like Ephesians, the little book of Colossians divides neatly in half, with the first part doctrinal (1–2) and the second part practical (3–4). Chapter 1 looks at the identity of Jesus and what He means to believers. Chapter 2 describes a growing relationship with God through Christ. Chapters 3 and 4 apply the doctrines surveyed in the first two chapters, covering the various functions of the members of a Christian household.

Charles F. Stanley, The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles, 2005), Col.