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 (in Rome, modern-day Italy)
- Author
- Paul the Apostle
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.
Historical setting: Written from Roman imprisonment to a church in Asia Minor; the Second Temple still standing.
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
Key lessons
- Christ is supreme over everything: the image of the invisible God, creator and sustainer of all things, in whom all things hold together. Col 1:15–17
- In Christ believers are complete; because the fullness of God dwells in him, no philosophy, ritual, or add-on can improve on what they already have in him. Col 2:8–10
- Union with Christ reorients everything; those raised with him “seek those things which are above” and put off the old self to put on the new. Col 3:1–3
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
Critical scholarship view
Where mainstream critical scholarship dates or attributes this book differently from the traditional view above.
- Written
- Disputed; possibly a later disciple, c. AD 70–80
- Author
- Paul or a later disciple (authorship disputed)