Bible Book of Colossians | The Preeminence of Christ

A powerful presentation of Christ as supreme over all creation and sufficient for every spiritual need. Colossians chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Epistle. Theme: The Preeminence of Christ

Author: Paul
Date: AD 60-62
Read Time: 20 mins
Purpose: Combat heresy by emphasizing Christ's supremacy.
Key Verse: Col 1:18 - ...that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Christ: The Preeminent One.
Audience: A church facing a 'Colossian Heresy' of legalism and mysticism
Focus: Deity of Jesus Christ.
Christ Preeminence: Explicitly declares Jesus is the Creator, Sustainer, and Head of all things.
Sufficiency Theme: Warns that since we are 'complete in Him,' we need no other religious additions.

Colossians was written to demolish a heresy that tried to make Jesus just one of many spiritual 'levels'.

Focuses on the deity of Christ (1-2) before applying it to the new self and the home (3-4).

Jesus is the Image of the Invisible God (1:15) and the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form (2:9).

Colossians 1 - Greeting

Paul, to the saints in Colossae. May you be filled with wisdom. The Son is the image of the invisible God. I make known the mystery.

Colossians 2 - Alive in Christ

Let no one deceive you. You were buried with Christ and also raised with him. Why do you follow rules that do not restrain the flesh?

Colossians 3 - Put On the New Self

Seek the things above. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. So put to death your worldliness. Do everything in the name of Jesus.

Colossians 4 - Further Instructions

Devote yourselves to prayer. Let your speech be gracious. Tychicus will tell you our news. Aristarchus, Mark and Epaphras greet you.