The Book of Colossians

Colossians exalts the supremacy of Christ over all creation and warns against anything — philosophy, asceticism, mystical experience — that would add to or diminish him.

Testament: New (4 chapters)
Type: Epistle
Date: About 60-62 AD, from prison.

Christ supreme over everything

Chapter 1's hymn — 'who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created... and he is before all things, and by him all things consist' (1:15-17) — is one of the most exalted Christological passages in the New Testament.

Don't add to Christ

False teachers in Colossae were pushing 'philosophy and vain deceit' (2:8), Jewish food laws, angel worship and mystical experiences as add-ons to Christ. Paul's reply: in Christ 'dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily' (2:9). Adding to him is subtracting from him.

Key verses (KJV)

“In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” — Colossians 2:9 (KJV)

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” — Colossians 3:17 (KJV)

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2 (KJV)

How to read Colossians

Four chapters — one sitting. Read alongside Philippians and Ephesians (Paul's other prison letters) for the full vision. Chapter 1:15-23 deserves memorization.

Read Colossians on your iPhone

Read the full book of Colossians in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

Read Colossians free on iPhone.

Download on the App Store

Popular chapters in Colossians

Colossians 3

More New Testament books

From the blog

Frequently asked questions

What is the Book of Colossians about?

Colossians is a book of Epistle, running to 4 chapters. Its main threads: Christ supreme over everything; Don't add to Christ.

Who wrote the Book of Colossians?

Paul, with co-author Timothy.

Where does Colossians come in the Bible?

Colossians is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Epistle books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.