Studying Colossians

This Fall, we are beginning a new sermon series on the book of Colossians. As we immerse ourselves in the text over the next few months, in order to help those individuals or small groups who might want to dig a little more deeply into the book, we thought it might be helpful to provide some direction.

Note the Similarities of Colossians with Ephesians

There is considerable overlap between Ephesians and Colossians in terms of themes and wording. Paul also mentions a man named Tychicus at the end of both letters as the one who likely delivered them. If you were to read the two letters back to back, you would likely get the impression that Ephesians was the general letter while Colossians deals with many of the same themes but was addressed to the needs of one particular church.

All that to say, in order to understand one, it is helpful to also read and understand the other.

Note the High Christology of Colossians

Colossians is a book first and foremost about Jesus. It contains some of the clearest statements of Christology in the entire New Testament, especially in the lofty language of 1:15-20. In fact, these verses are actually a hymn the early church sang. Your Bible translations might even format this part of the text differently, like a poem or the lyrics to a song:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians reveals that Jesus Christ is God Himself. He is supreme and incomparable (1:13-20), He reconciled us through His atoning death (1:20-22; 2:13-15), in Him are found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3), and in Him is the the life we have and are looking forward to (3:1-4). As 3:11 states, “Christ is all and in all.”

Take Advantage of the Disciple Guide

As we always provide for our sermon series, we have created a Disciple Guide to be used for personal formation as well as small group discussion. We always want to help you take your next step as a disciple and taking advantage of the resources within the Colossians Disciple Guide is a great next step.

Consider Using a Colossians Commentary

Think of commentaries like tour guides. They are reliable docent’s who are familiar with the terrain and can show you where to look in order to get the most out of the experience. We have put together a list of what we feel are the five best commentaries to consider as you study the book of Colossians. You may want to take a hard look at Mark Meynell’s Colossians and Philemon for You. This is an excellent introduction to Colossians that can serve as a commentary, a daily devotion, or small group discussion guide. It’s so good that we gave it to our Small Group leaders as their source for group preparation.

Also, consider consulting the ESV Study Bible for its vast study notes. This is an invaluable resource and we could not more highly encourage you to consume its various helps.