COLOSSIANS - Completion
INTRODUCTION: Colossians was one of the four Epistles written by Paul in his Roman jail. It is the most Christ-centered Book in the Bible. Its message is built around the theme of the supremacy if Christ. It has been called the “twin Epistle” of Ephesians: (1) Both were written about the same time; (2) Ephesians magnifies the Church of Christ, while Colossians magnifies the Christ of the Church; (3) Ephesians focuses on the Body, Colossians focuses on the Head.
I. The Author of the Book -
A. The Apostle Paul - Though his name only appears three times, 1st person pronouns are used 25 times.
1. Mentioned by name 3 times (1:1, 23; 4:18)
2. Wrote the post-script with his own hand (4:18)
3. Used 55 Greeks words not found in his other Letters.
II. The Recipients of the Book
A. The City of Colosse
1. Located on a hill overlooking Turkey’s Lycos River Valley.
2. 100 miles east of Ephesus.
3. Major trade route to the Orient
4. Smallest City to which Paul addressed a Letter.
5. Famous for black wool produced there.
B. The Church at Colosse (1:2).
1. No Biblical record of its establishment.
2. Paul had not personally been there at the time of writing the Letter (2:1)
3. Probably started during the time of Paul’s 3 year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10)
4. Possibly started by:
· Timothy, Paul’s companion (1:1)
· Epaphras, their Pastor at the time of writing (4:12-13)
· Nymphas, in whose house the Church met (4:15)
· Philemon, in whose house the Church also met (Philemon 1-2)
5. Mostly Gentiles (2:13)
III. The Date & Place of Writing
A. Place: Written, together with Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, from Rome, while Paul was awaiting trial before Caesar (3:1; 4:1; Acts 28:30)
B. Date: Probably written in late 61 AD, or early 62 AD.
IV. The Purpose of the Book
A. To magnify Christ above all else (1:18):
1. As God - (2:9)
2. As Creator (1:15-17):
· He is the sphere of creation - “in Him” (1:19)
· He is the agent of creation - “by Him” (1:16)
· He is the goal of creation - “for Him” (1:16)
· He is the priority of creation - “before all things” (1:17)
· He is the sustainer of creation - “by Him all things consist” (1:19)
3. As Redeemer - (1:13-14)
B. To warn against a variety of false doctrine (Ch. 2);
C. To encourage godly living (Ch. 3).
D. To express appreciation to fellow-laborers (Ch. 4)
V. The Keys to the Book
A. The key thought = The Preeminence of Christ
B. The key phrase = " That in all things He might have the preeminence" (1:18).
C. The key verse = 1:18
D. Key Words:
1. Head - 3 times
2. Body - 7 times
3. Christ - 26 times
4. Mystery - 4 times
5. Wisdom - 6 times
VI. The Outline to the Book
A. Preeminence Declared - Ch. 1
1. In the Gospel (vv. 1-12)
2. In Redemption (vv. 13-14)
3. In the Creation (vv. 15-17)
4. In the Church (vv. 18-23)
5. In Paul’s Ministry (vv. 24-29)
B. Preeminence Defined - Ch. 2
1. Against Philosophies (vv. 1-10)
2. Against Legalism (vv. 11-17)
3. Against Mysticism (vv. 18-19)
4. Against Asceticism (vv. 20-23)
C. Preeminence Demonstrated - Ch. 3 - 4:1
1. In our Affection (vv. 1-4)
2. In our Walk (vv. 5-11)
3. In our Love (vv. 12-14)
4. In our Praise (vv. 15-17)
5. In our Home (vv. 18-25)
6. At our Jobs (4:1)
D. Preeminence Displayed - Ch. 4
1. Thru Prayer (vv. 2-4)
2. Thru Wisdom (vv. 5-6)
3. Thru Fellowship (vv. 7-18)
