FocusA 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 1:3
KJVWe give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
Read it in context
Thanksgiving and intercession
Start reading at Colossians 1:1 (Colossians 1:1 to Colossians 1:14).
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.
Paul's prayer connects knowledge of God's will with fruitful conduct, endurance, gratitude, and redemption.
- 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
- 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
- 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
- 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
- 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
- 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
- 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
- 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
- 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
- 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
- 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
- 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
- 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
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? Thanksgiving and intercession. Read Colossians 1:1 through Colossians 1:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul's prayer connects knowledge of God's will with fruitful conduct, endurance, gratitude, and redemption. 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 Thanksgiving and intercession (Colossians 1:1 to Colossians 1:14). Start reading at Colossians 1:1. 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 1:1, Colossians 1:14, 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
- give Rom 1:8-9 1 Cor 1:4 Eph 1:15 Phil 1:3-5 Phil 4:6 1 Thess 1:2
- praying Col 1:9,13 Eph 3:14-19 Phil 1:9-11 1 Thess 3:10-13 2 Thess 2:16-17 2 Tim 1:3
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
Christ's preeminence and reconciliation
Colossians 1:15–23FocusThe 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
FocusGrowth 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 Christ and Paul's ministry
Colossians 1:15–29FocusReconciliation 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.