The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians

• Author: The Apostle Paul
• Where Written: Rome
• When Written: c. 60–61 C.E.

CHAPTER 1

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ² to the holy ones[1] and faithful brothers[2] in Christ in Colossae. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

³ We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴ since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the holy ones; ⁵ because of the hope laid up for you in the heavens. Of which you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, ⁶ has come to you, just as also in all the world it is bearing fruit and increasing, just as also among you from the day you heard about and understood the grace of God in truth; ⁷ just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow slave, who is a faithful servant[3] of Christ on our behalf, ⁸ and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

Prayer for Spiritual Growth

⁹ For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge[4] of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰ so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge[5] of God; ¹¹ strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in the light.

¹³ For he rescued us from the authority of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,[6] ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Supremacy of Christ

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the congregation.[7] He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fullness dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile[8] all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your minds,[9] doing evil works, ²² yet he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul’s Ministry

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the congregation.[10] ²⁵ Of which I became a minister of this congregation[11] in accord with the stewardship from God that was given to me in your behalf to preach the word of God fully, ²⁶ the mystery[12] which has been hidden from the ages and from the generations, but has now been revealed to his holy ones, ²⁷ to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect[13] in Christ. ²⁹ For this purpose also I labor, striving according to his power, which mightily works within me.

CHAPTER 2

Being Built Up in Christ

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,[14] ² that their hearts may be comforted, having been knit together in love, and into all riches of the full assurance of understanding, and that they may have an accurate knowledge[15] of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,[16] ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ This I am saying so that no one may delude you with persuasive arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

 Made Alive in Christ

⁶ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy[17] and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ. ⁹ For in him is dwelling all the fullness of the deity bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. ¹¹ And in him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

¹³ And you, who were dead in your trespasses[18] and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and he has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.[19] ¹⁵ having disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public display of them openly, triumphing over them by it.[20]

Let no Man Pass Judgment on You Based on Misinterpretation

¹⁶ Therefore let no man judge you about what you eat and drink or about the observance of a festival or of the new moon or of a sabbath day.[21] ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality[22] belongs to Christ. ¹⁸ Let no man disqualify you of the prize who takes delight in a false humility and the worship of angels, taking his stand on the things he has seen, vainly puffed up without cause by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

²⁰ If you died together with Christ from the elementary things of the world, why, as if living in the world, do you submit yourselves to decrees: ²¹ Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch,” ²² (referring to things that all perish as they are used)–in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? ²³ These things have indeed an appearance of wisdom in self-made worship, and humility,[23] and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

CHAPTER 3

Put On the New Person

3 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Take Off the Old Person and Put On the New Person

⁵ Deaden, therefore, your members on the earth: sexual immorality,[24] uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry. ⁶ On account of these the wrath of God is coming [upon the sons of disobedience],[25] ⁷ and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. ⁸ But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man[26] with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new man[27] who is being renewed through accurate knowledge[28] according to the image of the one who created him, ¹¹ where there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Seek New Behavior

¹² Therefore, put on as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³ putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on love, which is a perfect bond of union.

¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,[29] to which also[30] you were called in one body. And be thankful.[31] ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ[32] dwell in you richly, in[33] all wisdom teaching and admonishing[34] one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Duties in Christian Families

¹⁸ Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. ²⁰ Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke[35] your children, lest they become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey in all things them who are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord: ²³ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For he who does wrong will receive back whatever wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

CHAPTER 4

Instructions for Fellow Workers

4 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.

The Colossians Are Prayerful, Watchful and Thankful

² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; ³ at the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in prison; ⁴ that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

The Colossians Are Fruitful

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, buying out for yourselves the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Paul’s Coworkers Tychicus and Onesimus

⁷ All my affairs Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will make known to you. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, ⁹ along with Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things that has taken place here.

Paul’s Coworkers Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, and Epaphras

¹⁰ Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand perfect[36] and fully assured in all the will of God. ¹³ For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

Paul’s Coworkers Luke and Demas

¹⁴ Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. ¹⁵ Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the congregation[37] that is in her[38] house. ¹⁶ When the letter has been read among you, have it also read in the congregation[39] of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

Final Greetings

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my prison bonds. Grace be with you.

[1] Holy Ones, Saints: (Heb. קָדוֹשׁ qadosh; Gr. ἅγιος hagios) Persons who are dedicated to God physically, mentally, spiritually, and morally. These ones are God’s people, who have been accredited a righteous standing before God based on the ransom sacrifice of Christ (Matt. 20:28), who are declared holy, pure, and clean in God’s eyes. – Mark 6:20; 1 Cor. 6:2; Php 1:1; 4:22; Rev 18:20; Rev 22:21.

[2] The Greek noun (ἀδελφοῖς adelphois) is in the plural. It is translated as “brothers.” However, it may refer either to men or to both men and women, depending on the context, who are spiritual brothers and sisters within the Christian congregation.

[3] Or minister

[4] Accurate Knowledge: (ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis) This is a strengthened or intensified form of gnosis (epi, meaning “additional”), meaning “true,” “real,” “full,” “complete” or “accurate,” depending upon the context. It is a personal recognition where one understands something clearly and distinctly or as true and valid. Paul and Peter alone use epignosis. Paul uses the term 15 times, while Peter uses it four times. Paul wrote about some who were “always learning and yet never able to come to accurate knowledge of truth.” (2Ti 3:6-7) He also prayed for those in the Colossian church, who clearly had some knowledge of the will and purposes of the Father, for they had become Christians, “that [they] may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Col 1:9) All Christians should desire to obtain or achieve accurate knowledge of God’s Word. (Eph 1:15-17; Php 1:9; 1Ti 2:3-4), It is crucial in one’s effort at putting on the new person that Paul spoke of, and in gaining peace. – Rom. 1:28; Eph. 1:17; Phil. 1:9; Col. 1:9-10; 3:10; 1 Tim 2:4; 2Pe 1:2.

[5] See Colossians 1:9 fn.

[6] Lit the Son of his love

[7] Congregation: (Heb. קָהַל qahal; Gr. ἐκκλησία ekklēsia) A congregation of Christians. A group of Christians who gather for a Christian meeting, implying an interacting membership. In the Hebrew Scriptures, it usually refers to the nation of Israel, i.e., “the assembly of Israel” or “the congregation of Israel.” The Greek New Testament refers to congregations of Christians and the Christian congregation as a whole. – Num. 20:8; Deut. 4:10; 1 Ki 8:22; Ac 9:31; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 14:4.

[8] Atonement, Reconciliation: (כָּפַר kaphar; Gr. καταλλαγή katallagē; καταλλάσσω katallassō) The sense in both the OT Hebrew and NT Greek Scriptures is that of making an amends (cleansing oneself from a sin or one’s sinful condition), i.e., falling short (be it intentional, ignorance, or negligence) and restoring a previously harmonious relationship with God. This would then allow the person to approach God and worship him in an approved condition, regardless of his human imperfection. In the Hebrew Scriptures, different types of sacrifices were offered, especially on the annual Day of Atonement. This was to bring about reconciliation with God, regardless of the sins of individuals and the whole nation. The sacrifices of the Hebrew OT pointed to the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This was the sacrifice once for all time that atoned for anyone who accepts Jesus and evidence faith in that sacrifice, which reconciles that one to God. – Lev. 5:10; 23:28; Eph. 2:16; Col 1:20, 22; Heb. 9:12.

[9] Thought(s), Intention, Purpose: (διάνοια dianoia) This refers to the mind, the place of reason, understanding thinking (Eph. 4:18), a mental disposition, a way of thinking, a manner of thought (Col. 1:21). It also can refer to the thought(s), that is, the content of what one is thinking. (Lu 1:51) It can also refer to preparing one’s mind for action (mental perception). – 1 Pet. 1:13.

[10] Congregation: (Heb. קָהַל qahal; Gr. ἐκκλησία ekklēsia) A congregation of Christians. A group of Christians who gather for a Christian meeting, implying an interacting membership. In the Hebrew Scriptures, it usually refers to the nation of Israel, i.e., “the assembly of Israel” or “the congregation of Israel.” The Greek New Testament refers to congregations of Christians and the Christian congregation as a whole. – Num. 20:8; Deut. 4:10; 1 Ki 8:22; Ac 9:31; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 14:4. 14:4.

[11] See 1:24 fn.

[12] Mystery; Secret: (μυστήριον mustērion) A sacred divine mystery or secret doctrine that lies with God alone, which is withheld from both the angelic body and humans, until the time he determines that it is to be revealed, and to those to whom he chooses to make it known.–Mark 4:11; Rom. 11:25; 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:1; 4:1; 13:2; 14:2; 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 6:19; Col. 1:26; 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:9; Rev. 17:5.

[13] That is, complete

[14] Literally seen my face in the flesh

[15] See Colossians 1:9 fn.

[16] The original reading when looking at the earliest and weightiest manuscripts was (τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ θεοῦ, Χριστοῦ – 𝔓⁴⁶ B) “the mystery of God, Christ” or “the mystery of God, namely, Christ.” There are many more variant readings than have been listed here. These are the primary ones. Variant 2 του μυστηριου του θεου “the mystery of God.” (D¹ H P 1881) Variant 3 του μυστηριου του Χριστου “the mystery of Christ.” (81 (1739) it^b) Variant 4 του μυστηριου του θεου πατρος του Χριστου “the mystery of God, Father of Christ.” (א* A C 048^vid) Variant 5 του μυστηριου του θεου και πατρος του Χριστου “the mystery of God, even the Father of Christ.” (א2 Ψ 0208) Variant 6/TR του μυστηριου του θεου και πατρος και του Χριστου “the mystery of God and of the Father and of Christ.” (D² Maj syr**) The number of variants is evidence that the scribes had some serious difficulties. There can only be one reading, which is the original reading. The reading that the other readings most likely came from is (τοῦ μυστηρίου τοῦ θεοῦ, Χριστοῦ – 𝔓⁴⁶ B), and so it is likely the original. This is the fundamental principle of textual criticism. The other scribes were on a mission to make clearer (variant 1), to shorten (variants 2-3), or expand (variants 4-6) the original reading. Some have argued that if we are saying what all other readings rose from; then, variant 1 and variant 2 were likely original. This cannot be because their manuscript evidence is quite weak. The emendations were an attempt by the scribes to expound on the relationship between the Father and Christ. The scribes who added Father were looking to make clear God was the Father of Christ. 

[17] The NIV reads, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy” and the NET Bible reads, “Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy …” In other words, there is nothing wrong with philosophy (i.e., love of wisdom), but we should be wary of hollow, deceptive, or empty philosophy.

[18] Trespass: (παράπτωμα paraptōma) This is a sin that can come in the way of some desire (lusting), some thinking (entertaining a wrongdoing) or some action (carrying out one’s desires or thoughts that he or she has been entertaining) that is beyond or overstepping God’s righteous standards, as set out in the Scriptures. It is falling or making a false step as opposed to standing or walking upright in harmony with the righteous requirements of God. – Matt. 6:14; Mark 11:25; Rom. 4:25; 5:15-20; 11:11; 2 Cor. 5:19; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 1:7; 2:1, 5; Col 2:13.

[19] The Greek noun (σταυρός stauros) refers to a Roman instrument of crucifixion consisting of an upright stake stuck in the ground or at times with a cross-piece in the shape of a cross (♰).

[20] That is, the cross; it could also be rendered through him

[21] Or days

[22] Or substance

[23] i.e., false, mocking humility

[24] Sexual Immorality: (Heb. זָנָה zanah; Gr. πορνεία porneia) A general term for immoral sexual acts of any kind: such as adultery, prostitution, sexual relations between people not married to each other, homosexuality, and bestiality. – Num. 25:1; Deut. 22:21; Matt. 5:32; 1 Cor. 5:1.

[25] The longer reading, “upon the sons of disobedience,” has good early documentary support, but it is also absent from some very good early witnesses as well. In all likelihood, early scribes felt that something should have been a direct object after “the wrath of God is coming” upon whom? Thus, they likely made it to conform to the parallel passage of Eph. 5:6.  Paul informs his readers as to why the wrath is coming (4:5), but not who the object of that wrath is. Of course, it would be upon those who are disobedient. We retained it in square brackets because it is found in the Untied Bible Society and the Nestle-Aland Greek text.

[26] Or old person

[27] Or new person

[28] Accurate Knowledge: (ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis) This is a strengthened or intensified form of gnosis (epi, meaning “additional”), meaning “true,” “real,” “full,” “complete” or “accurate,” depending upon the context. It is a personal recognition where one understands something clearly and distinctly or as true and valid. Paul and Peter alone use epignosis. Paul uses the term 15 times, while Peter uses it four times. Paul wrote about some who were “always learning and yet never able to come to accurate knowledge of truth.” (2Ti 3:6-7) He also prayed for those in the Colossian church, who clearly had some knowledge of the will and purposes of the Father, for they had become Christians, “that [they] may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Col 1:9) All Christians should desire to obtain or achieve accurate knowledge of God’s Word. (Eph 1:15-17; Php 1:9; 1Ti 2:3-4), It is crucial in one’s effort at putting on the new person that Paul spoke of, and in gaining peace. – Rom. 1:28; Eph. 1:17; Phil. 1:9; Col. 1:9-10; 3:10; 1 Tim 2:4; 2Pe 1:2.

[29] Or control your hearts

[30] Or indeed

[31] Or show yourselves thankful

[32] The Christ P⁴⁶ א² B C² D F G  Ψ 1739 Maj it cop^sa; the Lord א^* I cop^bo; God A C^* 33

[33] Or with

[34] Or encouraging

[35] Or provoking; irritating

[36] Or complete or mature

[37] Congregation: (Heb. קָהַל qahal; Gr. ἐκκλησία ekklēsia) A congregation of Christians. A group of Christians who gather for a Christian meeting, implying an interacting membership. In the Hebrew Scriptures, it usually refers to the nation of Israel, i.e., “the assembly of Israel” or “the congregation of Israel.” The Greek New Testament refers to congregations of Christians and the Christian congregation as a whole. – Num. 20:8; Deut. 4:10; 1 Ki 8:22; Ac 9:31; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 14:4.

[38] Nympha, and the congregation that is in her house is the original wording according to the earliest and weightiest MS B, and 0278 1739 1881 syr^h cop^sa. There are two variant readings are (1) “Nymphas and the congregation in his house” D (F G) Ψ Maj syr^,hmg and (2) “Nympha and the congregation in their house”

א A C P 33 cop^bo.

[39] See 4:15 fn.