Title and Author: The book of Colossians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. The title "Colossians" refers to the recipients of the letter, the Christian community in the city of Colossae. Paul identifies himself as the author in the opening verse: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother" (Colossians 1:1).

Historical Context: Colossians was likely written around A.D. 60-62 during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome. Colossae was a small city in the Roman province of Asia, located in modern-day Turkey. It was part of a tri-city area with Laodicea and Hierapolis. The city was known for its diverse population and religious syncretism, which influenced the local church.

Audience: The letter was addressed to the Christian believers in Colossae, a group that Paul had not personally met. The church was likely founded by Epaphras, a fellow worker of Paul, who is mentioned in Colossians 1:7-8.

Purpose: Paul wrote to address false teachings that were infiltrating the Colossian church. These teachings included elements of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mysticism. Paul aimed to affirm the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things.

Genre and Style: Colossians is an epistle, characterized by its didactic and exhortative style. It combines theological exposition with practical instruction.1. Paul (Colossians 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the letter to the Colossians. He identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.

2. Timothy (Colossians 1:1)
- Timothy is mentioned as a brother and co-sender of the letter. He was a close companion and fellow worker with Paul.

3. Epaphras (Colossians 1:7)
- Epaphras is described as a beloved fellow servant and a faithful minister of Christ on behalf of the Colossians. He is believed to have founded the church in Colossae.

4. Tychicus (Colossians 4:7)
- Tychicus is referred to as a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord. He was sent by Paul to inform the Colossians about his circumstances.

5. Onesimus (Colossians 4:9)
- Onesimus is described as a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of the Colossians. He was a runaway slave who became a Christian and is the subject of the letter to Philemon.

6. Aristarchus (Colossians 4:10)
- Aristarchus is mentioned as a fellow prisoner with Paul. He was a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys.

7. Mark (Colossians 4:10)
- Mark, also known as John Mark, is the cousin of Barnabas. He is noted for being a source of encouragement and is the author of the Gospel of Mark.

8. Jesus, called Justus (Colossians 4:11)
- Jesus, also known as Justus, is one of the few Jewish Christians who worked with Paul for the kingdom of God and was a comfort to him.

9. Luke (Colossians 4:14)
- Luke is referred to as the beloved physician. He is the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles and was a close companion of Paul.

10. Demas (Colossians 4:14)
- Demas is mentioned as a fellow worker with Paul. However, in 2 Timothy, he is noted for having deserted Paul.

11. Nympha (Colossians 4:15)
- Nympha is mentioned as hosting a church in her house. The gender and name vary in different manuscripts, but she is recognized for her hospitality to the church.

12. Archippus (Colossians 4:17)
- Archippus is encouraged to fulfill the ministry he received in the Lord. He is also mentioned in the letter to Philemon as a fellow soldier.1. Colossae (Colossians 1:2)
- Colossae is the primary location addressed in the letter. It was an ancient city in Phrygia, located in modern-day Turkey. The church in Colossae was likely founded by Epaphras, a fellow worker of Paul.

2. Laodicea (Colossians 2:1)
- Laodicea was a neighboring city to Colossae, also located in the region of Phrygia. It was known for its wealth and was a significant center for trade and commerce. Paul expresses concern for the believers in Laodicea and instructs that his letter be read there as well.

3. Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13)
- Hierapolis was another city near Colossae and Laodicea, known for its hot springs and religious significance. It was part of the tri-city area in the Lycus River Valley. Paul mentions that Epaphras is working hard for the believers in Hierapolis, along with those in Colossae and Laodicea.1. Greeting and Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:1-8)
Paul begins the letter with a greeting to the Colossian church, expressing gratitude for their faith in Christ and love for all the saints. He acknowledges the report he received from Epaphras about their faith and love.

2. Prayer for Spiritual Growth (Colossians 1:9-14)
Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, to live a life worthy of the Lord, and to be strengthened with all power. He emphasizes redemption and forgiveness through Christ.

3. The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20)
Paul presents a profound theological statement about the preeminence of Christ, describing Him as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. He highlights Christ's role in creation and reconciliation.

4. Reconciliation through Christ (Colossians 1:21-23)
Paul explains how believers, once alienated from God, are now reconciled through Christ's death, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

5. Paul's Labor for the Church (Colossians 1:24-29)
Paul speaks about his sufferings for the church and his mission to proclaim Christ, striving to present everyone mature in Him.

6. Christ, the Mystery Revealed (Colossians 2:1-5)
Paul discusses the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He encourages the Colossians to remain firm in their faith.

7. Warning against Deceptive Philosophy (Colossians 2:6-15)
Paul warns the Colossians against being taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy, emphasizing their fullness in Christ and the spiritual circumcision they have received.

8. Freedom from Human Regulations (Colossians 2:16-23)
Paul advises against being judged by religious rituals and human traditions, emphasizing that these are shadows of things to come, with the reality found in Christ.

9. Living as New Creations (Colossians 3:1-17)
Paul instructs the Colossians to set their hearts on things above and to put to death earthly nature. He encourages them to clothe themselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, and love, and to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts.

10. Instructions for Christian Households (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
Paul provides guidance for relationships within Christian households, addressing wives, husbands, children, fathers, and slaves, urging them to act in ways that honor the Lord.

11. Further Instructions and Final Greetings (Colossians 4:2-18)
Paul encourages the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer and to be wise in their interactions with outsiders. He concludes with personal greetings and instructions, mentioning several individuals by name.1. The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20)
- This theme emphasizes the preeminence and divine nature of Christ. Paul describes Christ as "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15), highlighting His role in creation and His authority over all things.

2. Redemption and Reconciliation (Colossians 1:13-14)
- Paul speaks of the believers' deliverance from the domain of darkness and their transfer into the kingdom of Christ, "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). This theme underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice.

3. Spiritual Maturity and Growth (Colossians 1:9-10)
- Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, leading to spiritual wisdom and understanding. This theme encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" (Colossians 1:10), growing in faith and good works.

4. The Mystery of Christ (Colossians 1:26-27)
- The theme of mystery refers to God's plan of salvation through Christ, which was hidden but is now revealed to the saints. Paul describes it as "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27), emphasizing the indwelling presence of Christ in believers.

5. Warnings Against False Teachings (Colossians 2:8)
- Paul warns the Colossians to be cautious of deceptive philosophies and traditions that are not according to Christ. He advises them to "see to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception" (Colossians 2:8).

6. The Fullness of Life in Christ (Colossians 2:9-10)
- This theme highlights the completeness found in Christ, who is the fullness of Deity in bodily form. Believers are "complete in Him" (Colossians 2:10), lacking nothing for spiritual life and godliness.

7. Christian Conduct and Ethics (Colossians 3:1-17)
- Paul instructs the Colossians on how to live as new creations in Christ, urging them to "set your hearts on things above" (Colossians 3:1) and to put on virtues like compassion, kindness, and love.

8. The Role of the Church and Community (Colossians 3:15-16)
- The theme of community is evident as Paul encourages believers to let "the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" and to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:15-16), fostering unity and mutual edification.

9. Prayer and Thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2)
- Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging the Colossians to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2). This theme highlights a life of gratitude and dependence on God.

10. Christian Relationships and Responsibilities (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
- This theme addresses the roles and responsibilities within households and workplaces, encouraging believers to act with integrity and respect, as seen in instructions to wives, husbands, children, and slaves.1. The Son of God (Colossians 1:13)
- Jesus is referred to as the "Son" in the context of being transferred into His kingdom, emphasizing His divine sonship and authority.

2. The Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15)
- Jesus is described as the visible representation of the invisible God, indicating His divine nature and role in revealing God to humanity.

3. The Firstborn over All Creation (Colossians 1:15)
- This title signifies Jesus' preeminence and authority over all creation, not in terms of being created, but as the heir and ruler of all.

4. Creator (Colossians 1:16)
- Jesus is credited with the creation of all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, affirming His divine power and role as Creator.

5. Head of the Body, the Church (Colossians 1:18)
- Jesus is the leader and source of life for the Church, which is described as His body, highlighting His authority and intimate connection with believers.

6. The Beginning and the Firstborn from the Dead (Colossians 1:18)
- Jesus is the origin and the first to rise from the dead, ensuring His supremacy in all things and the hope of resurrection for believers.

7. The Fullness of God (Colossians 1:19)
- "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him," indicating that Jesus embodies the complete nature and essence of God.

8. Reconciler (Colossians 1:20)
- Through His blood shed on the cross, Jesus reconciles all things to God, restoring peace and relationship between God and creation.

9. Mystery of God (Colossians 2:2)
- Jesus is described as the mystery of God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, revealing God's plan and purpose.

10. The Head over Every Power and Authority (Colossians 2:10)
- Jesus is supreme over all spiritual and earthly powers, affirming His ultimate authority and sovereignty.

11. Triumphant Victor (Colossians 2:15)
- Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them by triumphing over them through the cross, showcasing His victory over evil.1. Prophecy of the Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20)
- This passage describes Christ as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. It emphasizes that all things were created through Him and for Him, and that He is before all things. This aligns with Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah who would have divine authority and preeminence (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7).

2. Prophecy of the Mystery of the Gospel (Colossians 1:26-27)
- Paul speaks of the mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to the saints: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This reflects the fulfillment of the promise of a new covenant and the indwelling of God's Spirit, as prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 31:31-34).

3. Prophecy of Reconciliation through Christ (Colossians 1:21-22)
- The reconciliation of humanity to God through Christ's death is a central theme. This fulfills the prophecy of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many, as described in Isaiah 53.

4. Prophecy of the Triumph over Spiritual Powers (Colossians 2:15)
- Paul writes about Christ disarming the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them by triumphing over them by the cross. This can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah's victory over evil (e.g., Genesis 3:15).

While these themes are not direct prophecies with specific fulfillments, they reflect the broader narrative of Christ fulfilling the messianic expectations set forth in the Old Testament.

1. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠14 )

a. Greetings from Paul and Timothy  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2 )

b. Thanksgiving and Prayer  ( 1:3⁠–⁠14 )

2. The Supremacy of the Son  ( 1:15⁠–⁠23 )

3. The Suffering Apostle  ( 1:24⁠–⁠2:5 )

a. Paul’s Suffering for the Church  ( 1:24⁠–⁠29 )

b. Absent in Body, Present in Spirit  ( 2:1⁠–⁠5 )

4. Alive with Christ  ( 2:6⁠–⁠23 )

a. Warning against False Philosophy  ( 2:6⁠–⁠15 )

b. Reject False Teachers  ( 2:16⁠–⁠23 )

5. Rules for Holy Living  ( 3:1⁠–⁠4:6 )

a. Put on the New Self  ( 3:1⁠–⁠17 )

b. Christian Households  ( 3:18⁠–⁠21 )

c. Serving with Honor  ( 3:22⁠–⁠25 )

d. Prayerful Speech and Actions  ( 4:1⁠–⁠6 )

6. Final Greetings  ( 4:7⁠–⁠18 )

a. Greetings from Paul’s Fellow Workers  ( 4:7⁠–⁠14 )

b. Signature and Final Instructions  ( 4:15⁠–⁠18 )