The Book of Colossians is the twelfth book of the New Testament and one of Paul’s prison letters.

Written to the church in Colossae, this letter responds to false teachings that threatened to diminish Christ’s place and promote human philosophy, legalism, and spiritual elitism. Paul doesn’t name the heresy directly—instead, he exalts Jesus as supreme over all creation, fully divine, and completely sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth.

The second half of the letter focuses on how believers should live in light of who Christ is.

Christ: The Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1)

Paul opens with a prayer of thanksgiving and launches into a powerful hymn, exalting Jesus’ supremacy over all things.

Key Highlights:

• Paul thanks God for the Colossians’ faith and love
• Prays for them to grow in wisdom, strength, and joy
• Declares Jesus as the image of the invisible God
• Christ is before all things, holds all things together, and is head of the church
• Through His blood, God reconciles all things to Himself

Lesson: Christ is not just part of your life—He is your life. He is above all, and all things hold together in Him.

Fullness in Christ, Not Human Tradition (Colossians 2)

Paul warns against false teachings and urges the believers to stay rooted in Christ.

Key Highlights:

• In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
• Believers are to be rooted and built up in Him
• Warns against being taken captive by philosophy and human tradition
• In Christ, we are spiritually circumcised and buried with Him in baptism
• Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities through the cross

Lesson: Everything you need is found in Jesus—not in rules, rituals, or mystical experiences.

Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New (Colossians 3)

Paul gives practical instructions on how to live as those raised with Christ.

Key Highlights:

• Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things
• Put to death sins like anger, lust, greed, and slander
• Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience
• Forgive as the Lord forgave you
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and the Word dwell richly among you

Lesson: Being in Christ changes how we live, think, relate, and love—our whole life is now shaped by Him.

Christ in Everyday Relationships (Colossians 3:18–4:1)

Paul applies Christ-centred living to the home and workplace.

Key Highlights:

• Wives and husbands are called to mutual love and respect
• Children are to obey, and fathers are not to provoke
• Slaves are to serve sincerely, and masters are to treat them fairly
• All work is to be done as for the Lord, not for men

Lesson: Our faith isn’t limited to Sunday or spiritual spaces—it impacts how we live, serve, and relate to others daily.

Prayer, Witness, and Final Greetings (Colossians 4:2–18)

Paul closes the letter by encouraging prayer and gospel witness, followed by personal greetings.

Key Highlights:

• Be devoted to prayer and watchful with thanksgiving
• Make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel
• Let your speech be gracious and seasoned with salt
• Paul sends greetings from his companions and affirms several co-workers
• Encourages the church to read the letter publicly and share it

Lesson: The gospel spreads through ordinary people, consistent prayer, and open hearts.

Stay watchful, wise, and gracious in all things.

Themes of Colossians

• Christ’s Supremacy – Jesus is Lord over all creation, fully divine, and the head of the church
• Spiritual Fullness in Christ – Believers lack nothing in Jesus; He is enough
• Warning Against False Teaching – The gospel must remain pure, free from legalism and tradition
• Transformation Through Union with Christ – Our identity and lifestyle flow from being united with Jesus
• Living the Gospel – Christ transforms all areas of life—thoughts, relationships, work, and worship

Final Thoughts

The Book of Colossians is a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ is supreme, sufficient, and central to every part of the Christian life.

Paul teaches that we don’t need anything beyond Christ—we simply need to go deeper into Him.

When we know who He is and who we are in Him, we can live with boldness, love, and clarity in a world full of competing voices.