Key Verses and Themes in Colossians and Philemon
Verses | Themes |
Col. 1:15-17 He is the image of the invi ... | Jesus made everything in the world. |
Col. 1:19-20 For in him all the fullness ... | Jesus came to redeem the world, includin ... |
Col. 1:9-10 For this reason, since the d ... | We work as image-bearers of God in Chris ... |
Col. 2:8 See to it that no one takes you ... | Depend on Christ’s transforming power, n ... |
What are the theological themes in the Book of Colossians?
All in All: Theological Themes in Colossians 1 (1) “Modern man” will have to be more clearly defined and identified, and the sources of his inability to believe will... 2 (2) If Colossians is to be meaningful today Christians must recapture the sense of living in two worlds, of being... More ...
Why is Colossians so important?
Why is Colossians so important? The church at Colossae was under attack from false teachers who were denigrating the deity of Jesus; they were teaching that He was not actually God. Though Paul had never been to the church itself, he addressed these issues head-on.
Why did Paul write to the believers in Colossians?
The nature of Jesus Christ as Creator and Redeemer was nonnegotiable, so Paul wrote to them that he might bring his wisdom to bear on this difficult and trying situation. It was critical to him that this church know God in His greatness and glory, rather than in the deficient view given them by the false teachers ( Colossians 1:25; 2:1–2 ).
Did the Colossians believe the heavens contain the power of Darkness?
If anything, the recipients of the Colossian letter believed or were informed too widely, although not accurately, about such powers. For the Colossians it was feasible that the heavens contained the power of darkness (1:13).
What are the three main points that Paul made in Colossians?
What are the three main points that Paul made in Colossians?...Terms in this set (46) All the fullness dwells in the preeminent Christ. Believers are complete in Christ.Believers should seek to know more of Christ in his fullness by seeking the things above where he dwells, not the things of the earth.
What is the main message Paul is conveying in Colossians?
His hymn declares Christ's supremacy over both Creation and the church (1:15–23). In Paul's own mission, Christ is the message, the goal of Christian maturity, and the enabling strength by which Paul ministers (1:24–2:5).Jan 25, 2021
What are the key words in Colossians?
Colossians 3 Key Words Flashcards PreviewAPPEAR. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will APPEAR with him in glory. ... BELONGS. ... LUST. ... FILTHY. ... LANGUAGE. ... LIPS. ... PRACTICES. ... CREATOR.More items...
What is the main theme of Colossians chapter 1?
The Thesis of the Letter (1:21—23) The three verses in this part enunciate the major themes of the epistle: past present and future, the journey of the Colossian believers from alienation through reconciliation to perseverance.
What is the meaning of Colossians?
Definition of Colossians : a letter written by St. Paul to the Christians of Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament — see Bible Table.
Who did Paul send to the Colossians?
First, Paul refers to the two men who will carry his letter to Colossae: Tychicus and Onesimus. These two verses appear in almost identical form (v. 8 verbatim, v. 7 in paraphrase) in Ephesians 6:21-22.
What is the theme verse of Philemon?
The most important underlying theme of Philemon, however, is the brotherhood of all believers. Paul writes, “I am sending him… no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.” Some think that Paul was implying that Philemon should free Onesimus — perhaps that is so.Aug 3, 2018
What is the theme of Colossians chapter 3?
Exhortation to slaves (3:22–25) As in the Epistle to the Ephesians, the instructions to slaves are longer than to masters, because they concern not only Christian household slaves, but also slaves working outside households (in agriculture or industry, etc.) and slaves of non-Christian masters.
What is the theme of Colossians Chapter 4?
Being watchful and alert over your soul and spiritual things is not a cause for doubt over your standing with Christ; it is wisdom for a world of tribulations and dangers to your soul. It is a reminder of the need of prayer in that we are completely dependent upon God.Sep 17, 2019
What is the theme of Colossians Chapter 2?
Our goal is in Christ, and is not found in any other message. Paul continues this theme in chapter 2 and explains the power behind our salvation and transformation.
What did Paul write before he wrote the letter to the Christians in Colossae?
Before Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae, he had never been to their city ( Colossians 2:1 ). This helps explain the personal greetings he included at the end of the letter, a practice he usually reserved for letters to churches he had not visited (for example, Romans). Paul sought to develop personal connections with ...
Who was the coworker of Paul in the letter to Philemon?
So Paul sent this letter, along with the letters to Philemon and to the Ephesians, with Tychicus, accompanied by Onesimus ( Colossians 4:7; Philemon 1:10–12 ). Tychicus was a coworker of Paul who would have been able to help the Colossian believers understand and apply the apostle’s teachings in the letter.
Who is the center of the universe?
Paul presented Christ as the center of the universe, not only as the active Creator but also as the recipient of creation—in His taking on of human flesh. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containing within Himself the fullness of Deity ( Colossians 2:9 ).
What is the theme of the Bible?
Themes. Col. 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.
What does the Bible say about working as image bearers of God?
2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. Depend on Christ’s transforming power, not on self-help or human tradition.
What does the Bible say about putting up with each other?
Put up with each other. Col. 3:17, 23 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him...Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters. Work as for the Lord, and not merely for people.
What does the Bible say about reconciling to himself?
1:19-20 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Jesus came to redeem the world, including the work world.
What does the Bible say about transforming power?
Depend on Christ’s transforming power, not on self-help or human tradition. Col. 3:2-5 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
What happens when Christ is revealed?
When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). Do not accommodate to culture in conflict with God’s desires.
Where did Paul write his letter to the Colossians?
Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians while in prison, probably in Rome. The church at Colossae was likely established during Paul’s third missionary journey as he ministered for three years in Ephesus.
What does Paul warn Christians about?
Paul wrote to warn against this false teaching and to encourage the believers in their growth toward Christian maturity. He emphasizes Christ’s authority over all evil powers. Christians are united with the risen Christ, and therefore they share in his power and authority.
How do Christians share in the heritage of the Old Covenant?
Christians share in the heritage of the old covenant people of God through their union with him ( 1:12, 21–22, 27 ). Believers are called to grow in spiritual maturity by getting rid of sinful practices and developing Christian virtues ( 1:10–12, 28; 3:1–4:6 ).
What is the fullness of what God intended in circumcision?
The fullness of what God intended in circumcision namely the cleansing of man , has been accomplished by the circumcision of Christ. And the circumcision of Christ consisted of the stripping and casting off of all the evil powers of the universe which had clung as impure foreskin to the person of Christ himself.
What conditions were used in the writing of the epistle?
The conditions which occasioned the writing of the epistle were those of separation, fragmentation, frustration. Epaphras, who had been instrumental in bringing the congregations of the Lycus Valley into being (1:7, 4:12-13), was with Paul in Ephesus or Rome—separation.
What was the crux of the problem at Colossae?
The way in which the Christian community understood the heavenly world, God’s world and his requirements for men was the crux of the problem at Colossae. Paul insisted on simplicity—Christ only. Those disturbing the Colossians had other ways, intricate systems, additional nostrums to be fulfilled.
Why does the Christian community translate Colossians?
The Christian community in order to translate Colossians for its own efficacy and in order to incarnate its meaning for modern men gives ultimate allegiance to the God who is “behind” this world. But it must deny that there are two ways or more in which man must relate to Him.
What is the otherworldly element in verse 5?
In verse five an otherworldly element has been introduced—God’s heaven or God’s world. The idea of heaven can be badly misunderstood by modem Christians, and the idea of otherworldliness has been a modern stock in which theology has been held to be pilloried from all sides.
What does the New Testament say about theology?
New Testament expressions of theology always move from a specific to the general. God, the father of Jesus Christ, has grasped the life of Paul and given him an a postleship (1:1-2). From this very definite, particular circumstance a complete theology begins.
What is the first requirement of the law and the fulfillment of its highest demands?
The first requirement of the law and the fulfillment of its highest demands are accomplished in one and the same act, the crucifixion. And to be universal about it, all powers foreign to God and hostile ‘to man are stripped away ( apekdusamenos) in that same act.

Who Wrote The Book?
Where Are We?
- In AD 60–61, during his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church after he had received a report that they were struggling with a christological heresy. The report came from Epaphras, likely the leader of the church at Colossae and a convert of Paul’s from his more than two-year ministry in Ephesus. Epaphrashad come to Rome in part to serve P…
Why Is Colossians So Important?
- The church at Colossae was under attack from false teachers who were denigrating the deity of Jesus; they were teaching that He was not actually God. Though Paul had never been to the church itself, he addressed these issues head-on. The nature of Jesus Christ as Creator and Redeemerwas nonnegotiable, so Paul wrote to them that he might bring his w...
What's The Big Idea?
- In this book, the apostle Paul described Jesus with some of the loftiest language in all the New Testament, focusing on Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency in all things. Paul presented Christ as the center of the universe, not only as the active Creator but also as the recipient of creation—in His taking on of human flesh. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containin…
How Do I Apply this?
- Your view of Jesus Christ will impact every area of your life. Many today want only practical instruction and helps for living, eschewing “esoteric” topics such as doctrine and theology because they seem to be out of touch with their day-to-day reality. Paul’s view was different. He saw that the christological problems in the Colossian church had practical importance as well. B…