Understanding Colossians Like Its First Audience Did

Today, we’re going to dive into a Colossians Overview, so that when we study this book, we can better understand it. We’ll look at:

• Who wrote Colossians.
• Why it was written.
• What was going on in Colossae to prompt its writing.
• And some of the big ideas of this book, and how they can impact us today.

Clarifying Context to Equip You for Curious Exploration

As you grow your understanding in these areas, you are better able to read and filter through your own study of Colossians with an understanding of which things might be most important. This Colossians overview will better equip you to receive this epistle. You will be able to better read it in the way its original readers would have.

So, let’s get started.

The Big Ideas and Helpful Highlights in Understanding an Overview of Colossians

Authorship

Most likely, Paul wrote the book of Colossians. As is possible with other letters attributed to Paul, some argue it may have been written posthumously by followers of Paul’s teachings. It may also have been written by a scribe or one of Paul’s disciples writing with his permission. However, it is most likely that Paul wrote this letter himself. The text itself identifies Paul, along with Timothy, as the authors of the letter. For the purposes of this Colossians overview, we talk about the book as if it was – with certainty – written by Paul.

As Michael F. Bird has highlighted in writing for Faithlife, Paul’s specific personal background uniquely equips him for his life’s work. He was an educated Jewish man, born in a Greek-speaking university town. He was also an educated Roman citizen. As such, he was uniquely equipped him to preach the news of Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, to Greeks and Romans in the Eastern Mediterranean. His familiarity with their customs, languages, idioms, culture, and imagery powerfully enabled his ministry.

Audience

Paul sent this epistle (an epistle is a letter written for a wider audience, rather than an individual) to the Colossian church. Paul asks that the Colossians share this letter with surrounding churches as well.

As you continue to explore both a Colossians overview of your own, and as you dig into its chapters, use my FREE Guide “5 Practices for Engaging Bible Study” to help guide and refresh your study. This flexible tool shares new study ideas for anyone reading the Bible. The practices are useful alongside any section of scripture. Click here to get your FREE download!

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