Relationship To Jesus Christ

Paul's letter to the Colossians, along with Paul's letters to the Ephesians and Philemon, was apparently written during Paul's first imprisonment. If this is the case, the most likely date is around 60-62 A.D. Moreover, Paul's letter to the Colossians covers much of the same material and uses many of the same themes as his letter to the Ephesians.

There are two key differences between Paul's letter to the Colossians and Paul's letter to the Ephesians that should be pointed out in this introduction. First, Paul's letter to the "Ephesians" seems very general in its greeting, subject matter, and conclusion. This seems strange since so much of Paul's ministry had been previously centered in the city of Ephesus for two years (cf. Acts 19:10). In contrast, Paul's letter to the Colossians has a more pointed warning to be on guard against the Judaizers (i.e., Colossians 2:8-23).

A second key difference is the naming of specific people in the extended conclusion of the letter. This indicates that Paul knew specific people in Colossae that he wished to address directly. One would also expect a conclusion like this at the end of the apostle's letter to the Ephesians. These two facts seem to support the view that Paul's letter to the Ephesians was possibly a letter to be read in several churches (for more information on this issue, see the introduction to Ephesians podcasts or the study of the Book of Ephesians under the "Bible Studies" link at teachmethebible.com).

While there are a couple of key differences between Colossians and Ephesians, the similarities are tremendous. Both have the same structure, order, and content similarities. If you have been with us through Paul's letter to the Ephesians, then much of this letter will sound very familiar.  

In Colossians 1:1-8, Paul greets the Colossian Church and begins to explain his desire for them. Apparently, the Colossians had heard the gospel through Epaphras. Now in prison, Paul writes to welcome them into the Church and to begin the process of instructing them in the faith.

For further study, read Romans 11:13-15 in order to understand Paul’s reasoning for his ministry to the Gentiles.

In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul explained the reason for his ministry to the Gentiles. His desire was for them to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. That knowledge, wisdom, and understanding could only come from the teaching of the apostles through the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

For further study, read Ephesians 2. In this chapter, Paul made the same argument that he has made in Colossians 1.

In Colossians 1:15-23, Paul explained Christ's relation to the Church. While most translations repeat the phrase "all things," what was in Paul's view was not "things" but people. Namely, Paul was explaining that both Jews and Gentiles had been placed together in one body  - the Church. Thus, "He (Christ) is before all and in Him all hold together; and He is head of the body, the Church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead so that He Himself will come to have first place in all." (Colossians 1:17-18)

For further study, read Ephesians Chapter 1. In this chapter, Paul makes the same argument that he made in Colossians 1.

In Colossians 1:24-29, Paul explained his ministry. He was suffering for the sake of the gospel, in service to Christ, and in service to the body of Christ – the Church. Paul's ministry as an apostle who was tasked with taking the gospel to the Gentiles was certainly unique to Paul. However, the sacrifice that Paul made was not unique at all. Not only did other apostles and prophets suffer, they exhorted others to join them in suffering. Identifying with Christ has always had a cost. However, there is also a promise of great reward – eternal life.

For further study, read 2 Timothy. In the first four chapters of this letter, Paul brought up the issue of suffering six times. Pay special attention to 2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3, and 4:5.