The Mystery Of Christ (Colossians 1)

Into whose kingdom have we been brought? Upon whom do we base our faith? What form of circumcision is still relevant? What kinds of rules do people try to bring into the church? What are some examples? How should Christians live? What is missing that we are divided into so many denominations? What is the perfect bond of unity? How should we act towards unbelievers? Are our lives touched by Christ’s liberating love?

Colossians 1 The Mystery of Christ

Was this a church with faith, hope and love? Is increasing in the knowledge of God important? Is Jesus the image of the invisible God? Is He before all things? Should we continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not move away from the hope of the gospel? Was there a mystery hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints? What is that mystery? Let’s find out beginning in Colossians 1.

Who did Paul and Timothy write to in this letter?

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother. To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Colossians 1:1-2 CEB)

In whom was their faith?

Each time we pray for you, we thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have heard of your faith in Christ and of your love for all God's people, because what you hope for is kept safe for you in heaven. You first heard about this hope when you believed the true message, which is the good news. (Colossians 1:3-5 CEV)

Where did they learn about Christ?

which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. (Colossians 1:6-8 ESV)

For what important things did they pray?

For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9-10 HCSB)

For what else did they pray?

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. (Colossians 1:11-12 NLT)

Into whose kingdom have we been brought?

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:13-14 KJV)

Who is Jesus?

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:15-16 NASB)

Who has the supremacy?

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. (Colossians 1:17-18 NIV)

What does Jesus do?

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV)

Once begun must we continue in the faith?

You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil deeds, yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him, if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, was made a servant. (Colossians 1:21-23 WEB)

Did Paul suffer? Was the Gospel once a secret?

I am glad I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for his body, the church. God's plan was to make me a servant of his church and to send me to preach his complete message to you. For ages and ages this message was kept secret from everyone, but now it has been explained to God's people. (Colossians 1:24-26 CEV)