Thanksgiving and intercession
Colossians 1:1–14FocusA worthy and fruitful walk
Connection to the wholePaul's prayer connects knowledge of God's will with fruitful conduct, endurance, gratitude, and redemption.
interpretation Colossians 1:15
KJVWho is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Read it in context
Christ's preeminence and reconciliation
Start reading at Colossians 1:15 (Colossians 1:15 to Colossians 1:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The description of Christ leads into the readers' reconciliation, with the stated call to continue in the faith kept within the promise.
- 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
- 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
- 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
- 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
- 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
- 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
- 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
- 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
- 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Timothy included in the greeting and Paul's own greeting at the close. Biblical references: Colossians 1:1; Colossians 4:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Colossians 1:1–2:23): Paul addresses the believers at Colossae, whom Epaphras has taught, concerning Christ and teaching that could draw them away from Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae. The letter was also to be read in the church of the Laodiceans. Biblical references: Colossians 1:2; Colossians 4:16. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Christ's preeminence and reconciliation. Read Colossians 1:15 through Colossians 1:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The description of Christ leads into the readers' reconciliation, with the stated call to continue in the faith kept within the promise. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and refers to messages carried by fellow workers. The letter does not state a calendar date or name the place of imprisonment. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Colosse are addressed, with Laodicea and other nearby communities also mentioned. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Christ's preeminence and reconciliation (Colossians 1:15 to Colossians 1:23). Start reading at Colossians 1:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's supremacy and declares that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily. It joins life in Him with baptism, faith in God's operation, and changed conduct. See Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Reject teachings and practices that displace Christ while also putting away the conduct the letter condemns. Read warnings about ordinances in the specific argument, not as a blanket dismissal of every command. interpretation
Cited: Colossians 1:15, Colossians 1:23, Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and signs the letter.
Colossians 1:1Colossians 4:18
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- the image Exod 24:10 Num 12:8 Ezek 1:26-28 John 1:18 John 14:9 John 15:24 2 Cor 4:4,6 Phil 2:6
- the invisible 1 Tim 1:17 1 Tim 6:16 Heb 11:27
- the firstborn Col 1:13 Ps 89:27 John 1:14 John 3:16 Heb 1:6
- of every Col 1:16-17 Prov 8:29-31 Rev 3:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Colossians 1
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
FocusThe head and the reconciled people
Connection to the wholeThe description of Christ leads into the readers' reconciliation, with the stated call to continue in the faith kept within the promise.
interpretation Paul's labour
Colossians 1:24–29FocusChrist proclaimed to every person
Connection to the wholePaul describes his sufferings and stewardship as service toward presenting people mature in Christ.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Colossians
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Thanksgiving and prayer
Colossians 1:1–14FocusGrowth in the knowledge of God
Connection to the wholePaul responds to the church's faith and love with prayer for a worthy walk, fruitfulness, and endurance.
interpretation FocusReconciliation and mature believers
Connection to the wholeChrist's preeminence and reconciling work explain the message and purpose of Paul's labour among the Gentiles.
interpretation Continue in Christ
Colossians 2:1–23FocusFulness, baptism, and freedom from false demands
Connection to the wholePaul warns against rival teaching by grounding the readers in Christ, His fulness, and their relationship to His death and resurrection.
interpretation The new life practiced
Colossians 3:1–4:6FocusConduct, relationships, and witness
Connection to the wholeThe readers are called to seek things above and put away the old conduct, applying the new life to households, work, prayer, and speech.
interpretation Messengers and greetings
Colossians 4:7–18FocusFellow workers and perseverance
Connection to the wholeThe closing names and instructions reveal the wider fellowship supporting the church and its continued obedience.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.