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New Testament Overview – Colossians– Session 6

Written by

Jay Downes

in

Led by Central Pastor Jake Rosekopf Vox Church

My Personal Class Notes-

Colossians

Historical Background of Colossians

  • Author: The Apostle Paul (with Timothy, Colossians 1:1)
  • Date: Around AD 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (same as Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon)
  • Audience: The church at Colossae, a small city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)
  • Founding: Likely not founded by Paul himself, but by Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), one of Paul’s converts and co-workers
  • Context: Paul writes to combat false teaching that threatened the church—likely a mix of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical spiritualism

Why Colossians Was Written

Paul wrote Colossians to refocus believers on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, warning them against false teachings and reminding them that Christ alone is the source of spiritual life, maturity, and victory.

Key Reasons:

  1. Combat false teaching (Colossians 2:8)
  2. Exalt Christ as supreme over all creation (Colossians 1:15–20)
  3. Reinforce Christian identity in Christ (Colossians 3:1–4)
  4. Encourage practical holiness in relationships and daily life (Colossians 3–4)

Summary

Colossians is a call to recognize Christ’s cosmic supremacy and to live a life fully grounded in Him—rejecting empty philosophy and embracing true spiritual maturity.

Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown with Verse Examples

Chapter 1: The Supremacy of Christ

Key Verses: Colossians 1:15–17 — “He is the image of the invisible God… all things were created through him and for him.”

  • Paul gives thanks for the Colossians’ faith
  • Delivers one of the most powerful Christological hymns in Scripture
  • Emphasizes Christ as Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler of all things
  • Paul speaks of his own mission to preach Christ

Colossians 1:15–20 (ESV):

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

16 For 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.

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

18 And 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.

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Commentary Insight: This chapter destroys any argument that Jesus is “just another teacher.” He is preeminent—above angels, philosophies, or human tradition.

Chapter 2: Warning Against False Teaching

Key Verse: Colossians 2:8 — “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

  • Warns against deceptive philosophies and legalism
  • Declares that believers are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
  • Refutes mysticism, asceticism, and ritualism

Commentary Insight: Paul reminds the Colossians that they don’t need extra spiritual practices or secret knowledge—Christ is enough.

Chapter 3: Living the New Life

Key Verse: Colossians 3:1–2 — “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

  • Paul urges believers to set their minds on heavenly things
  • He lays out a clear contrast: “put off” the old self, “put on” the new
  • Gives ethical instructions for Christian households and relationships

Colossians 3:4 — “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Commentary Insight: The Christian life isn’t just about belief—it’s about transformation. Colossians 3 is a practical blueprint for living out the gospel in relationships, speech, and action.

“Christ, who is your Life!”

Chapter 4: Final Instructions and Greetings

Key Verse: Colossians 4:5–6 — “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

  • Encourages watchfulness in prayer and wisdom in outreach
  • Sends greetings from Paul’s co-laborers (including Onesimus and Luke)
  • Calls the church to support one another in ministry

Commentary Insight: Even in prison, Paul is mission-focused—he’s building teams, equipping leaders, and encouraging every believer to play their part in the kingdom.

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