Colossians

Hey there! Have you ever heard of the book of Colossians? It’s a letter written by a guy named Paul, one of the most important figures in early Christianity. This letter wasn’t just a casual note; it was packed with powerful messages for a group of Christians in a place called Colossae.

What’s the Big Deal About Colossians?

The Colossians were facing some tricky challenges. Some people were trying to lead them astray with fancy philosophies and false teachings. They were telling them they needed more than just Jesus to be true Christians. But Paul knew that wasn’t right.

He wrote this letter to remind them of the most important truth: Jesus is everything! He is the one true God, the creator of everything, and the only way to have a relationship with God the Father.

Key Points to Remember

• Jesus is supreme: He’s not just a good teacher or a prophet. He’s the head, the big boss of everything!
• Jesus is enough: You don’t need any special rituals or secret knowledge to be a Christian. All you need is Jesus.
• Jesus changes everything: When you follow Jesus, your whole life gets turned upside down in the best way possible. You become a new person, filled with love, joy, and peace.
• Jesus is worth it: No matter what life throws at you, following Jesus is always the best choice. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Questions to Ponder

1. Why do you think the Colossians were tempted to follow other teachings besides Jesus?
2. What are some ways that people try to make Christianity more complicated than it needs to be today?
3. How can knowing that “Jesus is enough” change the way we live our lives?
4. What are some practical ways to show that we believe Jesus is supreme?
5. If you could ask Paul one question about the book of Colossians, what would it be?

Challenge

Take some time this week to read through the book of Colossians. As you read, ask yourself: What is Paul trying to tell me about Jesus? How can I apply these truths to my own life?

---

Paul’s purpose is to refute the Colossian heresy. To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the very image of God, the Creator, the pre-existent sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God) in bodily form, and the reconciler.

This epistle was sent because of some difficulties which arose among the Colossians, probably from false teachers, in consequence of which they sent to the apostle. The scope of the epistle is to show, that all hope of man’s redemption is founded on Christ, in whom alone are all complete fullness, perfections, and sufficiency. The Colossians are cautioned against the devices of Judaizing teachers, and also against the notions of carnal wisdom, and human inventions and traditions, as not consistent with full reliance on Christ. In the first two chapters the apostle tells them what they must believe, and in the two last what they must do; the doctrine of faith, and the precepts of life for salvation.

Matthew Henry