In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua] was in the beginning with God.

COLOSSIANS

The book of Colossians is the seventh of Paul’s thirteen letters referred to as the Pauline epistles. Although Paul had never visited the church in Colossae, he wrote this epistle to the Colossians between AD 60 and AD 62 while in imprisoned in Rome. The ancient ruins of Colossae are located about one hundred miles east of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, which are near present day Selcuk, Turkey.

Paul wrote his letter to the predominantly Gentile church in Colossae in response to a report he had received regarding the growing influence of heresy. They included philosophies of human wisdom, false worship, religious traditions of man and Jewish legalism. Paul made it clear that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is all sufficient in a believer’s life. Christ, preeminent above all, is the head of all principality and power; the believer is complete in Him. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead.

Christ was raised from the dead and sits at the right hand of God. Believers are also raised with Christ, and will appear with Him in glory. As believers, we are to set our minds on things above, not on things of this earth. The wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. We are to put to death the old man in us who desires to do evil, and put on the new man created in the image of Christ. As new creatures in Christ, we are to put on love above all. We are to clothe ourselves in mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering and forgiveness. This is to be reflected in public, family and work life.

Colossians 1: Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer; the supremacy of Christ in creation and redemption

Colossians 2: Paul warns against encroaching heresies of doctrines of man and false worship

Colossians 3: The believers’ position with Christ; putting on the image of Christ; holy living

Colossians 4: Greetings from Paul’s friends and his instructions for reading the letter