The book of Colossians is one of four "Prison Epistles" (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon) written by the Apostle Paul about A.D. 60 - 61. The village of Colosse was a Roman city in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) at the base of the 8,000 foot Mt. Cadmus in the Lycus River valley 100 miles east of Ephesus. Actually, there were three small towns in this valley: Colosse, Laodicaea and Hierapolis. All three are mentioned in this letter. Interestingly, Paul never personally visited this valley as far as we know (2:1).
The church at Colosse may have been started by Epaphras, one of Paul's close co-workers. Epaphras was from Colosse (4:12) and cared deeply about this church.
This short letter has great sections on the deity of Jesus Christ (1:15,19), his active participation in the creation of the world (1:16) and the fullness of understanding in him (2:2). Colossians is a great Christological book. Also, rules for family life in Paul's times are found in the third chapter. All-in-all, Colossians is rich in Christian doctrine and directions for practical Christian living.
Christ frees us from human, religious regulations. Reality is found in Christ.
More about "the mystery" now revealed.
Reconciliation - God's great redemptive purpose for us in Christ.
Who is Jesus Christ? This message will tell you.
A special prayer of the Apostle Paul for the church at Colosse - and for us as well. Six requests for believers are lifted up to God.
What fuels the ministry of Paul? It is "the mystery" now revealed. What is the mystery?
Directions for holy living.
Further directions for holy living.
Directions for family life.
Paul's team for evangelism and for Christian nurture. What about our team?
The opening verses of the first chapter establish Paul's love and concern for the church at Colosse.
How Christians relate to pre-Christians.