Brief Summary:
Colossians was written explicitly to defeat the heresy that had arisen in Colosse, which endangered the existence of the church. While we do not know what was told to Paul, this letter is his response.
We can surmise based on Paul’s response that he was dealing with a defective view of Christ (denying His real and true humanity and not accepting His full deity). Paul appears also to dispute the “Jewish” emphasis on circumcision and traditions (Colossians 2:8-11; 3:11). The heresy addressed appears to be either a Jewish-Gnosticism or a mix between Jewish asceticism and Greek (Stoic?) philosophy. He does a remarkable job in pointing us to the sufficiency of Christ.
The Book of Colossians contains doctrinal instruction about the deity of Christ and false philosophies (1:15-2:23), as well as practical exhortations regarding Christian conduct, including friends and speech (3:1-4:18).
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The Book of Colossians Summary
Summary of the Book of Colossians – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Colossians 1:9–14 is a prayer on behalf of the Colossian Christians. Paul prays for their continued spiritual growth, including knowledge of God, knowledge of His will, and wisdom. Paul also prays for their strength and endurance. In so praying, Paul reminds the believers of Colossae that salvation is entirely the work of God, who drastically changed their fate by rescuing them from sin.
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“Colossians 1:10” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 1:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 1:10
10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God,
Context Summary
Colossians 1:9–14 is a prayer on behalf of the Colossian Christians. Paul prays for their continued spiritual growth, including knowledge of God, knowledge of His will, and wisdom. Paul also prays for their strength and endurance. In so praying, Paul reminds the believers of Colossae that salvation is entirely the work of God, who drastically changed their fate by rescuing them from sin.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 1:13” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 1:13 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 1:9-14
9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love, 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
Context Summary
Colossians 1:15–23 is an extensive praise of Jesus Christ. In this passage, Paul explains that Jesus is eternal, just as God is eternal, and all created things were created by Him, and through Him, and for Him. After describing Jesus as absolutely supreme, Paul then explains that it was His sacrifice which allowed the Colossians—and all saved believers—to be reconciled to God.
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“Colossians 1:15” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 1:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 1:15
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Context Summary
Colossians 1:15–23 is an extensive praise of Jesus Christ. In this passage, Paul explains that Jesus is eternal, just as God is eternal, and all created things were created by Him, and through Him, and for Him. After describing Jesus as absolutely supreme, Paul then explains that it was His sacrifice which allowed the Colossians—and all saved believers—to be reconciled to God.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 1:16-17” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 1:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
Context Summary
Colossians 2:6–15 describes Christ’s superiority in defeating sin. This is shown in stark contrast to the failure of the unbelieving world. Paul encourages the Colossians not to be tricked by deceptive arguments. This passage also explains the drastic nature of salvation. Those who put their faith in Christ are ”spiritually” circumcised and are identified with God through their faith. This act of forgiveness by God frees us from the eternal penalty of sin, restores our relationship, and defeats the evil forces fighting against us.
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“Colossians 2:6-7” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 2:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 2:6-7
6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.
Context Summary
Colossians 2:6–15 describes Christ’s superiority in defeating sin. This is shown in stark contrast to the failure of the unbelieving world. Paul encourages the Colossians not to be tricked by deceptive arguments. This passage also explains the drastic nature of salvation. Those who put their faith in Christ are ”spiritually” circumcised and are identified with God through their faith. This act of forgiveness by God frees us from the eternal penalty of sin, restores our relationship, and defeats the evil forces fighting against us.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 2:9-10” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 2:9 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 2:9-10
9 For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily, 10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ”put to death” such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior. The next passage will contrast these sins with the positive behaviors Christians are meant to undertake.
For a more detailed explanation select the link below.
“Colossians 3:1” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:1
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ”put to death” such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior. The next passage will contrast these sins with the positive behaviors Christians are meant to undertake.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 3:8” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:7-8
7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; 8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. all, and in all.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ”put to death” such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior. The next passage will contrast these sins with the positive behaviors Christians are meant to undertake.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 3:10” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:10
10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:12–17 follows Paul’s advice on sins to avoid by listing positive traits Christians should strive to emulate. Among these are compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. More important than any other is love, which not only inspires the other traits, but which binds Christians together as a single family, under Christ. Paul then opens the idea of following Christ to include every aspect of our lives: whatever we think or do, as believers, ought to be compatible with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 3:12” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:12 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:12
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:12–17 follows Paul’s advice on sins to avoid by listing positive traits Christians should strive to emulate. Among these are compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. More important than any other is love, which not only inspires the other traits, but which binds Christians together as a single family, under Christ. Paul then opens the idea of following Christ to include every aspect of our lives: whatever we think or do, as believers, ought to be compatible with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 3:14” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:14 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:14
14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:12–17 follows Paul’s advice on sins to avoid by listing positive traits Christians should strive to emulate. Among these are compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. More important than any other is love, which not only inspires the other traits, but which binds Christians together as a single family, under Christ. Paul then opens the idea of following Christ to include every aspect of our lives: whatever we think or do, as believers, ought to be compatible with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 3:16” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:16 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
Context Summary
Colossians 3:12–17 follows Paul’s advice on sins to avoid by listing positive traits Christians should strive to emulate. Among these are compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. More important than any other is love, which not only inspires the other traits, but which binds Christians together as a single family, under Christ. Paul then opens the idea of following Christ to include every aspect of our lives: whatever we think or do, as believers, ought to be compatible with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Colossians 3:17” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 3:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 3:17
If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Context Summary
Colossians 4:2–6 completes the main substance of Paul’s letter. This passage starts with a request for personal prayer, then transitions into a command regarding how Christians speak. Paul uses the metaphor of salt. Salt, in Paul’s day, was valuable enough to be used as money, and was treasured for its ability to preserve and flavor foods. In the same way, a Christian’s speech should be helpful and valuable, ”flavored” differently from the speech of non-believers, and preserving the message of Christ.
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“Colossians 4:2” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 4:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 4:2-4
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
Context Summary
Colossians 4:2–6 completes the main substance of Paul’s letter. This passage starts with a request for personal prayer, then transitions into a command regarding how Christians speak. Paul uses the metaphor of salt. Salt, in Paul’s day, was valuable enough to be used as money, and was treasured for its ability to preserve and flavor foods. In the same way, a Christian’s speech should be helpful and valuable, ”flavored” differently from the speech of non-believers, and preserving the message of Christ.
For a more detailed explanation select the link below.
“Colossians 4:6” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 4:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 4:6
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Context Summary
Colossians 4:7–18 ends Paul’s letter to the believers at Colossae in his typical fashion. Most of Paul’s letters begin with an introduction, transition from ideas into applications, and then end with general news and greetings. Here, Paul specifically mentions the town of Laodicea, which was about 12 miles away from Colossae. He also refers to several fellow Christians, some of whom are mentioned in other letters as well, including Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras, and Luke.
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“Colossians 4:17” Bibleref.com
What does Colossians 4:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Colossians 4:17
17 Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
