Colossians
The book of Colossians begins with Paul and Timothy expressing gratitude for the faith and love of the Colossian saints and praying for them to be filled with knowledge of God's will. Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God and the head of the Church, through whom all things were created and continue. The apostle warns the Colossians against being deceived by philosophy and empty falsehoods, and reminds them that they have been filled in Christ and risen again through faith. Believers are instructed to focus on heavenly things, mortify their bodies to avoid sinful behaviors, and live in harmony with one another. The book concludes with instructions on relationships within the household, including wives submitting to husbands, children obeying parents, and servants obeying masters, as well as masters treating their servants fairly. The Colossians are encouraged to be devoted to prayer and to share the mystery of Christ, and the book ends with greetings from various companions and instructions to greet other churches.
Chapter 1
Paul and Timothy express gratitude to God for the faith and love of the Colossian saints, and for the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. They pray for the Colossians to be filled with knowledge of God's will and to walk in a manner worthy of Him. Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God, the creator of all things, and the head of the Church, in whom all things were created and continue. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, God has reconciled all things to Himself, and the Colossians, once foreigners and enemies, have been reconciled and made holy. Paul rejoices in his ministry to the Church, proclaiming the mystery of Christ, which is now revealed to the saints.
Chapter 2
The apostle expresses his concern for the Colossians and those in Laodicea, desiring that their hearts be consoled and instructed in charity and understanding of the mystery of God and Christ. He warns them not to be deceived by grandiose words or philosophy and empty falsehoods, but to walk in Christ and be rooted in their faith. The apostle reminds them that they have been filled in Christ, who is the head of all principality and power, and that they have been circumcised and risen again through faith. He also warns them not to be judged by others regarding food, drink, or feast days, as these are only shadows of the future, and to avoid being seduced by base things and a religion of Angels.
Chapter 3
Believers are to focus on heavenly things, not earthly desires, and mortify their bodies to avoid sinful behaviors. They must set aside old ways of life, including anger and malice, and instead clothe themselves with the new man, renewed in knowledge and in the image of God. Believers are to live in harmony, forgiving one another and having charity, and are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes wives submitting to husbands, husbands loving wives, children obeying parents, and servants obeying masters, all serving from the heart as if serving the Lord.
Chapter 4
Masters are to treat their servants fairly, knowing they also have a heavenly Master. The Colossians are encouraged to be devoted to prayer, praying for opportunities to share the mystery of Christ. Paul sends greetings from various companions, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and Epaphras, who will inform them about his situation. Paul concludes by instructing the Colossians to greet other churches and to have the letter read in the church of the Laodiceans.
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