Who wrote Colossians?
Colossians 1.1
When was it written?
During Paul's first Roman imprisonment - along with Ephesians, Philemon and (later on) Philippians.
Who were the Colossians?
Colossians 1.2a
They were a young church of predominantly Gentile converts in a small Roman city on the bank of a river in what is now Turkey. It was an agricultural town - figs, olives, and wool - that had been in steady decline and was just a shadow of its former glory.
It's more prosperous and influential neighbor (Laodicea) was just 10 miles to the west and another city with a young church plant (Hierapolis) was about 12 miles away.
The church was planted about 7 years prior by a native son (Epaphras) who had been converted under the ministry of Paul (between 52 and 55) when Paul was based in Ephesus - about 110 miles to the west.
Why was it written?
Colossians 4.12
False teaching (probably a mix of Greek and Jewish ideas) had begun to have some affect on the young church. Paul penned this letter to teach, warn and encourage the Colossians believers so that they would no longer be influenced by these ideas.
What was it about?
Colossians 2.6-7 is a great summary statement of the letter.
Here are the big puzzle pieces:
1.1-14 Opening remarks and thanksgiving
1.15-23 The greatness of Christ and His reconciling work
1.24-2.5 Paul's suffering and struggles for Christ and the Colossians
2.6-8 A warning about a hollow and deceptive philosophy
2.9-15 The greatness of Christ and His salvation
2.16-4.6 Living life:
Things to avoid/things to do
Living with insiders/outsiders
Prayer
4.7-18. Final remarks
And some scholarly thoughts:
Paul wrote to the Colossians to help them grasp even more firmly who Christ is and the rich glories of all that God has done in him. It affirms the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as the fullness of God and as our Creator and Redeemer. - Garland
The great themes of Christ's outstanding excellence and the completeness of the salvation that he brought about in dying for his people on the cross run throughout this letter. - Carson, Moo, Morris
What should I expect to learn?
Christ is supreme. Supreme over every thought, everything, and everyone. To include:
Religious fads and fancies.
Forces that we want to manipulate to control our destinies, fortunes, or safety.
Secular theories or seemingly scientific facts.
How will it help me to help others?
Colossians 1.16
He has the power and the vested interest for all the people and things that He has given me the privilege to serve Him in.
We don't play in Paul's league, but we have the same God, Gospel, and Great Commission as Paul did.
Some questions for caregroup:
What are you hoping to get from Colossians? Why?
What are you most excited to learn from this letter?
How will this help you help others?
