Name
The title “Colossians” comes from the intended audience designated in 1:1, “To the saints in Christ at Colossae.” The epistle’s body makes it clear that Paul’s intended audience in Colossae is both Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Author
Paul claims authorship of Colossians in 1:1, 1:23, and 4:18. Also attesting to Pauline authorship is the mention of so many of his brothers in ministry (4:7-17).
Externally, many early church fathers attribute the book of Philippians to Paul, including Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen.
Genre
Epistle
Literary Form
The epistle to the Colossians is a personal letter that includes a section written as poetry (1:15-20) that may have been an early hymn.
Time Frame
Paul was in prison in Rome in A.D. 60-62 when he wrote the letter to the Colossians.
Emphasis
The emphasis of Colossians is on 1) the supremacy and deity of Christ, 2) a polemic against the “Colossian heresy,” 3) to lead believers to spiritual maturity, and 4) to update them on his plans and to ask for their prayers in support of the ministry.
Outline
- Introduction, greeting, and thanksgiving (1:1-8)
- Prayer for spiritual growth (1:9-14)
- The centrality of Christ (1:15-23)
- The mystery of Christ (1:24-29)
- Paul’s suffering for the Lord (2:1-3)
- False teaching exposed (2:4-23)
- The Christian life (3:1-4:6)
- Conclusion (4:7-18)
