Study Guides
Follow focused pathways through the historical setting, message, and theology of Paul's letter to the Colossians.
Historical settingAuthorship, Date, and PurposeExamine the evidence for Pauline authorship, the likely setting of the imprisonment, and the pastoral purpose of the letter.Open guideInterpretive contextThe Teaching Paul OpposedTrace the letter’s evidence for ritual pressure, ascetic discipline, visionary claims, and misplaced attention to spiritual powers.Open guideChristologyThe Supremacy and Sufficiency of ChristStudy why Colossians presents Christ as Creator, Reconciler, Head of the church, and the believer’s complete sufficiency.Open guideTheology and lifeMajor Themes and Enduring SignificanceConnect union with Christ, salvation by grace, moral renewal, Christian community, prayer, witness, judgment, and resurrection hope.Open guide