Letter to the Colossians
in a Nutshell
in a Nutshell
The Letter to the Colossians is a Christ-centered letter written by the apostle Paul, likely during his imprisonment in Rome, to the church in the city of Colossae. Though Paul had never visited this church personally, he writes to encourage the believers and to address false teachings that threatened to undermine the sufficiency of Christ. The letter emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus over all creation and the fullness of salvation found in Him alone.
Paul opens the letter with thanksgiving for the Colossians' faith and love, rooted in the hope they have through the gospel. He prays for their spiritual growth and understanding of God’s will. He then presents a powerful hymn or poem that declares Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the Head of the church. In Christ, the fullness of God dwells, and through His death, God has reconciled all things to Himself.
Paul warns the believers not to be led astray by deceptive philosophies, human traditions, or strict religious practices. These things may appear spiritual, but they are powerless to save or transform. Instead, Paul reminds them that they are already complete in Christ, who triumphed over every power and canceled the record of sin through the cross. Believers have died and been raised with Christ, and their true life is now hidden with Him.
In the second half of the letter, Paul urges the Colossians to set their minds on things above and put to death sinful desires. He calls for a life marked by compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love—the qualities that reflect Christ’s character. Paul also gives practical instructions for Christian households, urging mutual respect and service in relationships between spouses, parents and children, and masters and servants.
The letter closes with final greetings and encouragement to stay steadfast in prayer and witness. Paul highlights the importance of community, cooperation, and spiritual maturity. Colossians boldly proclaims that Jesus is Lord over all and sufficient for every need. In Him, believers find true wisdom, identity, and purpose.
(New Testament Books)
I. Introduction and Thanksgiving, 1:1–14
A. Greeting from Paul and Timothy, 1:1–2
B. Thanksgiving for Faith and Love, 1:3–8
C. Prayer for Spiritual Growth, 1:9–14
II. The Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ, 1:15–2:23
A. The Preeminence of Christ in Creation and Redemption, 1:15–20
B. Reconciliation Through Christ, 1:21–23
C. Paul’s Ministry to Reveal the Mystery of Christ, 1:24–29
D. Paul’s Concern for the Churches, 2:1–5
E. Fullness in Christ, Not Human Philosophy, 2:6–10
F. Complete Salvation in Christ, 2:11–15
G. Warning Against Legalism and Asceticism, 2:16–23
III. Living the Risen Life in Christ, 3:1–4:6
A. Seek the Things Above, 3:1–4
B. Put Off the Old Self, 3:5–11
C. Put On the New Self, 3:12–17
D. Instructions for Christian Households, 3:18–4:1
E. Exhortations for Prayer and Witness, 4:2–6
IV. Final Greetings and Closing, 4:7–18
A. Commendation of Tychicus and Onesimus, 4:7–9
B. Greetings from Paul’s Companions, 4:10–14
C. Instructions to the Colossians and Laodiceans, 4:15–17
D. Final Greeting and Benediction, 4:18
(Old Testament Books)