The Book of Colossians
Christ above all — the supremacy of Jesus and the fullness we have in him.
Overview
Colossians lifts the eyes to the greatness of Christ: the image of the invisible God, the one in whom all things hold together, in whom all the fullness of God dwells. Against every rival philosophy, Paul insists Jesus is enough.
Because Christ is supreme and we are complete in him, the second half of the letter calls us to set our hearts on things above and live out that new life at home and at work.
Key themes
The supremacy of Christ
Jesus is first over all creation, and in him the fullness of God dwells.
Complete in him
Believers lack nothing; they are already full and rooted in Christ.
New life, lived out
Set your heart above, and let it reshape ordinary relationships and work.
Key verses from Colossians
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
In Christ the whole universe holds together.
How to read Colossians
Read chapter 1 for one of the Bible's great portraits of who Jesus is.
Let the truth of Christ's supremacy come before the calls to obey.
Notice how heavenly-mindedness works out in very earthly relationships.