What do I need to know about Colossians?
Introduction. It is commendable when one wants to learn the Bible. The Bible can be understood and understood alike; however, it must be intelligently and sincerely studied, not just haphazardly read (1 Cor. 1: 10, Eph. 3: 3-5).
Basic facts regarding Colossians. The book of Colossians is found under the classification of "the fourteen books of Paul," because Paul was manifestly the author (Col. 1: 1). It appears that Paul wrote to the church at Colosse about the same time that he wrote Ephesians and Philemon, around AD 62. Hence, Colossians is one of Paul's prison Epistles (Paul was incarcerated in Rome for the cause of Christ, Acts 28, Col. 4: 3). We are not sure who first preached the gospel at Colosse, Paul or Epaphras (Acts 19: 10; Col. 4: 12, 13, 1: 7).
The primary design of Colossians. The Lord's church at Colosse had a number of fallacious beliefs apparently being taught. It appears that philosophy, binding the Law of Moses, worship of angels, asceticism (unnecessary deprivation), and distorted views of Jesus' nature were problems within the church (Col. 2: 8, 3, 4; 2: 11, 14, 16, 17; 2: 18; 2: 20-23; 2: 8-10).
What we can profit from studying Colossians today. Colossians is an outstanding work relative to the supremacy of Jesus. All false doctrine belittles Jesus; hence, a healthy understanding of Jesus and his nature promotes the truth. Jesus is presented as "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1: 15). The Father has delivered saints from the "power of darkness" and has translated them "into the kingdom of his dear Son" (vs. 13). Jesus is also shown to be the Creator and Controller of all things created (vs. 16, 17).
Colossians is part of God's inspired and perfect relation (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). The Epistle is replete with exhortations regarding the growth of the Christian and states we are "complete in him" (Christ, nothing else needed, Col. 1: 10, 2: 10).
Basic facts regarding Colossians. The book of Colossians is found under the classification of "the fourteen books of Paul," because Paul was manifestly the author (Col. 1: 1). It appears that Paul wrote to the church at Colosse about the same time that he wrote Ephesians and Philemon, around AD 62. Hence, Colossians is one of Paul's prison Epistles (Paul was incarcerated in Rome for the cause of Christ, Acts 28, Col. 4: 3). We are not sure who first preached the gospel at Colosse, Paul or Epaphras (Acts 19: 10; Col. 4: 12, 13, 1: 7).
The primary design of Colossians. The Lord's church at Colosse had a number of fallacious beliefs apparently being taught. It appears that philosophy, binding the Law of Moses, worship of angels, asceticism (unnecessary deprivation), and distorted views of Jesus' nature were problems within the church (Col. 2: 8, 3, 4; 2: 11, 14, 16, 17; 2: 18; 2: 20-23; 2: 8-10).
What we can profit from studying Colossians today. Colossians is an outstanding work relative to the supremacy of Jesus. All false doctrine belittles Jesus; hence, a healthy understanding of Jesus and his nature promotes the truth. Jesus is presented as "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1: 15). The Father has delivered saints from the "power of darkness" and has translated them "into the kingdom of his dear Son" (vs. 13). Jesus is also shown to be the Creator and Controller of all things created (vs. 16, 17).
Colossians is part of God's inspired and perfect relation (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). The Epistle is replete with exhortations regarding the growth of the Christian and states we are "complete in him" (Christ, nothing else needed, Col. 1: 10, 2: 10).