Biblical Commentary:What does Colossians chapter 1 mean?
Chapter Context
Colossians chapter 1 is mostly focused on describing Christ as supreme. Jesus is not only the God of creation, He is the ultimate authority over all created things. The penalty for sin has been completely removed because of His perfect sacrifice. These are foundational ideas which Paul will use to set up his later points. In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Paul will explain why contrary claims are untrue, and show the right way for Christians to live out what we believe about Jesus.
What does Colossians chapter 1 mean?
Chapter 1 includes a greeting (Colossians 1:1–2) followed by gratitude for the faith of the Colossian Christians (Colossians 1:3–8). Paul then includes a prayer intended to encourage the growth and maturity of believers in this city (Colossians 1:9–14). Paul then transitions to a focus on Christ's greatness, including His character (Colossians 1:15–23) and notes regarding Paul's own ministry (Colossians 1:24–29).
The greeting follows Paul's typical custom; he states his name and information about himself, his recipients and information about them, and follows this with a brief greeting (Colossians 1:1–2). Unlike other churches Paul wrote to, he had not personally met the believers in Colossae. The letter is co-authored by Timothy, who often collaborated with Paul on his missionary work.
In verses 3–8, Paul speaks of his prayers for the Colossian Christians (Colossians 1:3–4). Their faith is increasing and being spread to the whole world (Colossians 1:6). This faith was taught to them by Epaphras (Colossians 1:7), who shared with Paul what he had seen of the Colossian believers (Colossians 1:8). Epaphras is mentioned in the book of Philemon as a "fellow prisoner" with Paul (Philemon 1:23).
Verses 9–14 offer an important prayer by the apostle on behalf of the Colossians. Paul seeks for these believers to grow in wisdom and knowledge, as well as their spiritual strength. Paul makes a distinction between knowing God, in the theological sense, and knowing the will of God, in terms of a personal application to our lives.
Verses 15–23 shift to an expression of worship regarding who Jesus is: "The image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15). All things were made through Him (Colossians 1:16). This is a crucial passage as it sets the tone for the rest of the letter. Part of Paul's purpose in writing is to counter heresy. False teachers were telling the believers in Colossae that they should view the body as evil, worship angels, and put their trust in worldly philosophy. By describing Christ as absolutely supreme, Paul prepares to destroy those false claims.
Verses 24–29 speak of Paul's own ministry. He had suffered for the sake of other Christians, including those at Colossae (Colossians 1:24). He had shared God's Word (Colossians 1:25), and served as a missionary among the Gentiles (Colossians 1:27). He proclaimed Christ (Colossians 1:28) with all of his energy (Colossians 1:29). Paul sees this suffering as a service done for the sake of Christ.
