Introduction

Colossians opens with Paul's thanksgiving and one of Scripture's most exalted descriptions of Christ. He is supreme over all creation, the head of the church, and the One in whom all fullness dwells.

Greeting and Thanksgiving (verses 1-8)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace from God our Father. They always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when they pray for them, because they have heard of their faith in Christ Jesus and of the love they have for all God's people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for them in heaven, about which they have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to them. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among them since the day they heard it and truly understood God's grace. They learned it from Epaphras, their dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on their behalf, and who also told Paul of their love in the Spirit.

Prayer for Growth (verses 9-14)

For this reason, since the day they heard about them, Paul and Timothy have not stopped praying for them. They continually ask God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that they may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued them from the dominion of darkness and brought them into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom they have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Supremacy of Christ (verses 15-23)

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.

Once they were alienated from God and enemies in their minds because of evil behavior. But now He has reconciled them by Christ's physical body through death to present them holy, without blemish and free from accusation—if they continue in their faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

Paul's Ministry (verses 24-29)

Now Paul rejoices in what he suffers for them, and he fills up in his flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church. Paul became its servant to present the word of God in its fullness—the mystery hidden for ages but now disclosed to the Lord's people: Christ in you, the hope of glory. They proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that they may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end Paul strenuously contends with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in him.

Key Takeaways

• Image of God: Christ reveals the invisible Father
• Creator of All: All things were made by and for Him
• Holds All Together: He sustains the universe
• Christ in You: This is the hope of glory

Reflection Questions

• How does Christ's supremacy over all creation affect your worship?
• What does it mean that "in Him all things hold together"?
• Is Christ in you producing hope of glory?