Author
Paul undoubtedly wrote this Epistle to the Colossians, although he did not visit the congregation personally. Bound in chains in Rome, Paul wrote this letter of encouragement, admonition, and warning to the Colossians, probably at the same time he wrote Philemon (Col. 4:10).
Date
Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians is dated during his house arrest in Rome, probably A.D. 60–63 (Acts 28:16–31). Some recent scholars have questioned this time frame and have even postulated that this epistle was written well into the second century to refute a well-developed Gnosticism. Others suggest the letter was written during an imprisonment in Ephesus. However, both theories lack strong evidence. This prison letter was most likely written within the same year as Philemon and Ephesians.
Background
Setting
The church at Colosse was predominantly a Gentile church along with a few Jewish cultural elites. The faith of these new converts was being distorted by Greek mystery religions and mysticism as well as threatened by some Jewish laws and customs. Epaphras had evidently brought word to Paul of this heresy that had infiltrated the church (Col. 1:7). This heresy must be defined from the text itself, for it is diverse and somewhat complicated. Basically Paul refuted several deviations:
• A strict obligation to certain foods and drinks;
• A digression from the supremacy of Christ and His sufficiency for all;
• A denial of the humanity of Christ;
• A “super-knowledge” of Christ, which boasted of added wisdom and insight.
Purpose
Paul urged the Colossians to preserve true doctrine in the church regarding the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. Also, he provided Christian readers with a practical theology for day-to-day living and growth in the faith.
Audience
The new converts in the city of Colosse in the Lychus Valley were the recipients of this letter. Epaphras and Timothy had evangelized this city, along with the cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea (Col. 4:13).
Literary Characteristics
Although Paul’s style differs in this letter from some of his other epistles, he follows a typical Graeco-Roman correspondence form, identifying himself as the author at the beginning of the letter.
Themes
• Christ is God’s only “Son” and a principal participant in creation;
• False asceticism and ritualistic observances are denounced;
• A new freedom “in Christ” is expounded, along with practical guidelines for Christian living.
Outline
Introduction (1:1–12)
The expression of thanksgiving (1:3–8)
The prayer (1:9–12)
I. Paul’s Doctrine of Christ (1:13–23)
A. Christ as Savior (1:13, 14)
B. Christ as divine Creator and Sustainer (1:15–17)
C. Christ as preeminent (1:18)
D. Christ as divine Reconciler (1:19–23)
II. Paul’s Sacrificial Labor for Christ (1:24–2:5)
A. Paul’s rejoicing in suffering (1:24)
B. Paul’s proclamation of the gospel (1:25–29)
C. Paul’s concern for the vulnerable believers (2:1–5)
III. Paul’s Admonition for the Sufficiency of Christ (2:6–15)
A. The necessity to walk “in Him” (2:6, 7)
B. The dangers of worldly philosophy (2:8)
C. The all-encompassing sufficiency of Christ (2:9–15)
IV. Paul’s Warning Against Ascetic Ritualism (2:16–3:4)
A. The inadequacy of rituals (2:16–19)
B. The freedom from legalism (2:20–23)
C. A new life in Christ (3:1–4)
V. Paul’s Description of the “New Life” (3:5–17)
A. Vices to leave behind (3:5–11)
B. Behavior to embrace (3:12–17)
VI. Paul’s Description of the Christian Home (3:18–4:6)
A. Exhortation for living (3:18–4:1)
B. Exhortation for praying (4:2–4)
C. Exhortation for speaking with grace (4:5, 6)
VII. Paul’s Closing Greetings (4:7–17)
A. Paul’s introduction of his messengers (4:7–9)
B. The greetings from Paul’s friends (4:10–14)
C. Paul’s greetings to the Laodicean Christians (4:15–17)
Conclusion: Final Salutation (4:18)