Colossians Chapter 1
Introduction to Colossians
It is important to study God’s Word, the Bible. It is important to memorize verses and to think upon His Word. The Word of God never changes, even though we live in a world of constant change. Our friends and families change. Circumstances change. Our thoughts and attitudes change. And all around us we experience change every day. But the Word of God remains the same, and is sure and steadfast. We can always depend upon His Word.
Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Psalm 119:89 says, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” and in I Peter 1:23, we read that the Word of God lives and abides forever.In uncertain and changing times, we can always depend upon His Holy Word to give us comfort, strength, grace and power for each moment of our lives, regardless of our situations or our circumstances.
The Word of God also helps newborn babies in Christ to grow spiritually. In I Peter 2:2 we read, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” We, as believers in Christ, are commanded in God’s Word to grow spiritually. II Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
The Word of God has always existed and will always exist. In John 1:1-2 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.”
Read the following verses from the Bible: Psalm 119: 2, 9, 11, 28, 50, 67, 71, 74, 92, 114, 130, 147, 148, 162 and 165.As you begin these study courses of God’s Word, please begin them with this thought and prayer found in Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”
And in Psalm 119:105 we read: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” This tells us how to stand with God and how to go with God.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:16-17
Colossians – “The Pre-Eminence of Christ”
Key Verse: Colossians 1:18, “That in all things He might have the preeminence.”
Key Words: Head – found 3 times; Fullness – found 2 times.
Theme: God’s Fullness in Jesus: 1) He is the Head of the Church (which is His Body) 2) He is the Creator of the Universe
Date: 62 A.D.
Writer: The Apostle Paul
Written to: Church at Colossee (mostly gentile converts). From: Rome (Mamretine Prison). Delivered Tychincus and Onesimus (4:7-9).
The Book: Number in Bible – 51st Book in the Bible; Number of Chapters – 4; Number of verses – 95; Number in order of writing – 12th in the New Testament.
Purpose: Paul Wrote That These Believers Might Be Aware of Their: 1) Inheritance in Christ (1:12) 2) Deliverance through Christ (1:13) 3) Translation in Christ (1:13) 4) Redemption in Christ (1:14) 5) Forgiveness by Christ (1:14) 6) Reconciliation by Christ (1:21) 7) Presentation by Christ (1:22)
Divisions: 1) Doctrinal – to help us be filled with the Spirit (Ch. 1-2) 2) Practical – to help us be faithful in Service (Ch. 3-4)
Outline: Paul identified the Person of Christ as the Creator, the Divine Head of the Universe. He discusses the believer’s completeness in Him. As a result of what Christ has done for the believer, the Christian is encouraged to conduct himself accordingly by “putting off the old man” and “putting on the new man.”I. Christ is Supreme Through Prayer (1:1-12)II. Christ is Supreme in Creation and Redemption (1:13-16)III. Christ is Supreme in Reconciliation (1:19-23)IV. Christ is Supreme in Christian Faith (2:4-7)V. Christ is Supreme in Doctrine (2:8-15)VI. Christ is Supreme in Religion (2:6-23)VII. Christ is Supreme in Spiritual Life (3:1-11)VIII. Christ is Supreme in Risen Life (3:12-17)IX. Christ is Supreme in Human Relationships (3:18; 4:1)X. Christ is Supreme in Christian Service (4:2-9)XI. The Friends of Paul (4:10-18)
Miscellaneous: 1) Church at Colossi (probably) founded by Epaphras (4:12) 2) Paul had probably not visited this church 3) Paul had many friends among its members 4) Philemon was one outstanding person there (4:9) 5) Archippus was Philemon’s son (4:17) 6) Archippus was possibly pastor there (Philemon 2) 7) Epaphras was likely in prison with Paul (Philemon 23) 8) There is similarity between Ephesians and Colossians
Simply click the “Take the Quiz” Button below. Have your KJV Bible with you, and look up the answers to the questions on the quiz. You can then answer the questions from the Bible, (Open Book Test)
