Pauline Epistles · New Testament
Colossians
c. AD 60
- Section
- Pauline Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 60
- Written
- c. AD 60, from Roman imprisonment critical view: Disputed; possibly a later disciple
- Author
- Paul the Apostle critical view: Paul or a later disciple (authorship disputed)
Paul writes to counter false teaching at Colossae by exalting the supremacy of Christ — the image of God, creator and sustainer of all things, in whom the fullness of deity dwells. Rooted in him, believers are complete and are to set their minds on things above.
Key themes
- The supremacy of Christ
- Fullness in Christ
- Freedom from empty philosophy
- The new life above
- Christ in you
The letter's message
- Christ is the image of the invisible God, creator and sustainer of all things
- In Christ dwells all the fullness of God, and believers are complete in him
- Warnings against legalism, empty philosophy, and false humility
- "Seek those things which are above" — put off the old self and put on the new
- Instructions for households and a call to steadfast, thankful prayer
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”