Key details for the book of COLOSSIANS

Here is the last of our introduction to Colossians. I hope you find something in it helpful!

COMMENDATIONS PAUL GAVE THE COLOSSIANS

In light of the danger already noted, while Paul warns the church at Colossae, they are worthy of commendation for…

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Paul – author of the book.
Timothy – coworker who was with Paul.
Epaphras – preacher, established church at Colossae.
Tychicus – messenger.
Onesimus – a faithful brother.
Aristarchus – A fellow prisoner with Paul.
Mark – John Mark (writer of the second Gospel), cousin of Barnabas.
Barnabas – Coworker with Paul.
Jesus (called Justus) – of the circumcision (along with Mark, Barnabas and Justus).
Luke – the beloved physician.
Demas – the one who left the Lord’s work for the world (2 Tim. 4:10).
Nympha – the church met in her house.
Archippus – told to fulfill his ministry.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN COLOSSIANS AND EPHESIANS

Both churches were commended for their faith, hope and love (Col. 1:4, 8; Eph. 1:15).

Paul prayed for both concerning their knowledge (Col. 1:9-10; Eph. 1:17).
Both letters emphasize redemption through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:14; Eph. 1:7).
Both set forth Jesus as the head of the body, the church (Col. 1:18, 24; Eph. 1:22-23).
Both teach that Christ reigns above all powers and dominions (Col. 1:16-17; Eph. 1:21).
Both speak of deliverance from darkness into the kingdom (Col. 1:13; Eph. 2:2, 4-6).
Both speak of the termination of the Law of Moses, and thus the barrier being broken between Jew and Gentile (Col. 2:14-16; Eph. 2:14-15).
Both teach the putting off of darkness and giving oneself to holiness (Col. 3:1-17; Eph. 4:17-5:13).
Both teach that God’s people ought to forgive others as Christ forgave (Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:32).
Both speak of submission within various roles (Col. 3:18-4:1).
Tychicus was the messenger of both letters (Col. 4:7; Eph. 6:21).
Paul ends both with a prayer request related to his preaching (Col. 4:3; Eph. 6:19).

PHILEMON WAS FROM COLOSSAE

Philemon was a resident of Colossae, seen through the common names within the two books.

THE LETTER TO THE LAODICEANS

Paul mentions the letter to the Laodiceans that the Colossians were to read; and they were also to have the Laodiceans read the letter Paul wrote them.

The only other mention of the Laodiceans is found in Revelation 3, being the “luke-warm” church (see 3:16).

UNIQUENESS OF COLOSSIANS

Colossians is the most Christ-centered letter in the New Testament (31 references to Christ!). Again, see 1:15-20.
It contains a number of play on words. (Some may be difficult to decipher whether they are by design.) Here are a few possibilities from chapter 1:

– “heard it” (v. 6) – “we heard” (v. 9).

– “filled”(v. 9) – “fully” (v. 10).

– “Spirit” (v. 8) – “spiritual” (v. 9).

MAIN DOCTRINAL MATTER

The preeminence of Christ. When the nature of Christ is rightly understood and honored, He will reign supreme in the Christian’s heart, life and in the church. Some of the practical matters listed below will to some degree demonstrate how His nature is translated into life.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Daren Schroeder