Colossians Bible Study Resources
Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians.
Bible Study: Colossians: Getting the Gospel Right
Jump to: Background; ** Maps; ** Key Words; ** Encyclopedias; ** Commentaries; ** Articles; ** GotQuestions ** Next **
Colossians Basics
- Author: The Apostle Paul
- Who was Paul?
- Date: Written from Roman prison ca 60-62 AD
- Purpose: To clarify the gospel as a heresy was infecting the church at Colosse.
- Key Theme: What is the nature of spiritual maturity?
The Colossian heresy
- 2:8 – it was a philosophy set fort as a tradition
- 2:11 – it misunderstood the role of circumcision
- 2:18; 2:23 – it was supposed to impart true knowledge
- 2:18 – it endorses a form of mysticism, especially worship of angels and visions
- 2:21; 2:23 – it had ascetic dimensions
- 2:9 – it believed spiritual “fullness” was experience only by an elite, exclusive group
Colossian Structure
- 1:1-2 – Greeting
- 1:3-8 – Thanksgiving
- 1:9-14 – Prayer
- 1:15-2:3 – Doctrinal section
- 3:1-4:6 – Practical section
- 4:7-18 – Greetings and messages
Genre: Understanding Epistles
Background & Outlines
How to do an analytical outline (my favorite study tool)
Paul’s use of the Old Testament
Blue Letter Bible: Chronology of Acts/Epistles
Blue Letter Bible: Colossians Outline
Ray C. Stedman: Overview of the Book
John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background
Principal People in Colossians
ESV: Intro to Colossians
ESV: The Global Message of Colossians
James Van Dine: Intro to Colossians
JHampton Keathly: Background on Colossians
Charles Swindoll: Colossians Overview
J Vernon McGee: Colossians Notes & Outlines
James Gray: Colossians – Synthetic Bible Studies
William Orr: Keys to Colossians
Myer Pearlman: Colossians – Through the Bible Book by Book
James Van Dine: Intro to Colossians
Maps from Bible-History.com
Maps
Journeys
Paul’s Conversion and Early Ministry– Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s 1st Journey – Bible-History.com
1st Missionary Journey of Paul– Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s 2nd Journey – Bible-History.com
2nd Missionary Journey of Paul– Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s 3rd Journey – Bible-History.com
3rd Missionary Journey of Paul– Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s Journeys– Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s Arrest and Imprisonment– Holman Bible Atlas
Paul’s Voyage to Rome– Holman Bible Atlas
Pentecost and the Jewish Diaspora– Holman Bible Atlas
Apostles’ Journeys – Bible-History.com
Geography
Israel in New Testament Times – Bible-History.com
New Testament Jerusalem – Bible-History.com
Herod the Great’s Kingdom – Bible-History.com
Herod’s Kingdom Divided – Bible-History.com
The Kingdom of Herod Agrippa I – Holman Bible Atlas
The Kingdom of Agrippa II– Holman Bible Atlas
Expansion of the Early Church in Palestine– Holman Bible Atlas
Key Words in Colossians
Occurrences are based on New American Standard Text. “4x/3v” means the word appears 4 times in 3 verses. “3x” means the word appears 3 times in 3 verses.
in Him/before Him/through Him (27x/22v) – Col 1:10; Col 1:16; Col 1:17; Col 1:19; Col 1:20; Col 1:22; Col 1:28; Col 2:6; Col 2:7; Col 2:9; Col 2:10; Col 2:11; Col 2:12; Col 2:13; Col 2:15; Col 3:4; Col 3:10; Col 3:17; Col 4:8; Col 4:9; Col 4:10; Col 4:13.
Lord (13x/12v) – Strong’s G2962 in Col_1:3; Col_1:10; Col_2:6; Col_3:13; Col_3:17; Col_3:18; Col_3:20; Col_3:22; Col_3:23; Col_3:24; Col_4:7; Col_4:17.
Jesus (7x) in Col 1:1; Col 1:3; Col 1:4; Col 2:6; Col 3:17; Col 4:11; Col 4:12.
all (32x/28v) – Strongs G2956 in Col 1:4; Col 1:6; Col 1:9; Col 1:10; Col 1:11; Col 1:15; Col 1:16; Col 1:17; Col 1:19; Col 1:20; Col 1:23; Col 1:28; Col 2:1; Col 2:2; Col 2:3; Col 2:9; Col 2:10; Col 2:13; Col 2:22; Col 3:8; Col 3:11; Col 3:14; Col 3:16; Col 3:17; Col 3:20; Col 3:22; Col 4:7; Col 4:12.
complete (2x) – Strong’s G5046 in Col 1:28; Strong’s G4137 in Col 2:10.
body (9x) – Strong’s G4983 in Col 1:18; Col 1:22; Col 1:24; Col 2:11; Col 2:19; Col 2:23; Col 3:15; Strong’s G4561 in Col 2:5; implied in Col 3:5.
church (5x) – Strong’s G1577 in Col 1:18; Col 1:24; Col 4:15; Col 4:16; implied in Col 1:25.
wisdom (6x) – Strong’s G4678 in Col 1:9; Col 1:28; Col 2:3; Col 2:23; Col 3:16; Col 4:5.
knowledge (5x) – Strong’s G1922 in Col 1:9; Col 1:10; Col 2:2; Col 2:3; Col 3:10.
mystery (4x) – Strong’s G3466 in Col 1:26; Col 1:27; Col 2:2; Col 4:3.
heard (5x) – Strong’s G191 in Col 1:4; Col 1:6; Col 1:9; Col 1:23.; Strong’s G4357 in Col 1:5.
understanding (2x) – Strong’s G4907 in Col 1:9; Col 2:2.
fullness (2x) – Strong’s G4128 in Col 1:19; Col 2:9.
faith (5x) – Strong’s G4102 in Col 1:4; Col 1:23; Col 2:5; Col 2:7; Col 2:12.
faithful (4x) – Strong’s G4103 in Col 1:2; Col 1:7; Col 4:7; Col 4:9.
Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
City of Colosse/Colossae
American Tract Society Colosse
Fausset Bible Dictionary Colosse
Hitchcock Bible Names Colossae
People’s Dictionary of the Bible Colosse
Watson’s Theological Dictionary Colosse
Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Colosse
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary Colossae
Easton’s Bible Dictionary Colossae
Fausset Bible Dictionary Colossae
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible Colossae
Hastings’ Dictionary of the NT Colossae
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Colossae
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Colossae
McClintock and Strong’s Bible Encyclopedia Colossae (2) Colossae
Letter
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Colossians, Theology of
Holman Bible Dictionary Colossians
Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Colossians Epistle to the
American Tract Society Colossians, Epistle to the
Easton’s Bible Dictionary Colossians, Epistle to the
Fausset Bible Dictionary Colossians, the Epistle to the
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible Colossians, Epistle to the
Hastings’ Dictionary of the NT Colossians, Epistle to the
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Colossians, Epistle to the
McClintock and Strong’s Bible Encyclopedia Colossians, Epistle to The
The Nuttall Encyclopedia Colossians, the Epistle to the
Paul
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary: Paul the Apostle
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Paul
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Paul
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Paul
Holman Bible Dictionary: Paul
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Paul the Apostle
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Paul
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Paul
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Paul, the Apostle
McClintock and Strong: Paul
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Paul
The Jewish Encyclopedia:
Timothy
American Tract Society: Timothy
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary:
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: Timothy
Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Timothy
Fausset Bible Dictionary: Timothy
Holman Bible Dictionary: Timothy
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Timothy
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Timothy
Morrish Bible Dictionary: Timotheus, Timothy
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Timothy
McClintock and Strong: Timothy
The Nuttall Encyclopedia: Timothy
Timothy in Acts: Acts 16:1-3; Acts 17:14-15; Acts 18:5; Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4
Epaphroditus/Epaphras
Holman Bible Dictionary: Epaphroditus; Epaphras
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Epaphroditus; Epaphras
McClintock and Strong: Epaphroditus; Epaphras
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Epaphroditus; Epaphras
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Epaphroditus; Epaphras
Epaphras in NT: Col 1:7, 4:12; Phm 1:23; Php 2:25; Php 4:18
Tychicus
Holman Bible Dictionary: Tychicus
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Tychicus
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Tychicus
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Tychicus
Tychicus in NT: Acts 20:4, Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12
Archippus
Holman Bible Dictionary: Archippus
Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible: Archippus
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Archippus
Kitto’s Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature: Archippus
Archippus is mentioned in Philemon 1:2 and Colossians 4:17.
Commentaries & Study Bibles
Top 5 Commentaries on the Books of Colossians and Philemon – Ligonier.org
Best Commentaries on Colossians & Philemon – Tim Challies
Commentary Reviews: Colossians (I do not agree with #2 NTWright; see: What’s Wrong with Wright: Examining the New Perspective on Paul; and/or The Future of Justification by John Piper)
Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Colossians
Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: Colossians
Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible: Colossians
Geneva Study Bible: Colossians
Precept Austin Commentaries & Sermons: Colossians
F. F. Bruce
Colossians – An Expanded Paraphrase
Colossian Problem – Jews and Christians in the Lycus Valley
Colossians 1:15-20 – The Christ Hymn of Colossians
Colossians 2:8ff- Colossian Heresy
Colossians 2:15 – Christ as Conqueror and Reconciler
Ligonier Ministries Devotionals on Colossians
Colossians 1:1-2 To the Saints in Colossae
Colossians 1:3-5a The Grounding of Hope
Colossians 1:5b-8 The Fruit of the Gospel
Colossians 1:9-10 Proper Christian Growth
Colossians 1:11-12 A Life of Gratitude
Colossians 1:13-14 From Darkness to Light
Colossians 1:16-17 The Great Sustainer
Colossians 1:19-20 Cosmic Reconciliation
Colossians 1:19–20 Jesus, The Perfect Savior
Colossians 1:21-22 The Goal of Reconciliation
Colossians 1:23 Persevering in Gospel Hope
Colossians 1:24 Filling Up Christ’s Afflictions
Colossians 1:25-26 A Mystery Now Revealed
Colossians 1:27 The Riches of God’s Mystery
Colossians 2:8–15 Circumcision and Baptism
Colossians 2:11–12 Dead and Buried with Christ
Colossians 2:11–13 The Severe Judgment of God
Colossians 2:11–13 The Severe Judgment of God
Colossians 2:16–17 Shadows Versus Substance
Colossians 2:23 Appearances Can Be Deceiving
Colossians 3:1-2 Where to Set Our Minds
Colossians 3:1-4 Raised Up to New Life
Colossians 3:3-4 Our Hiddenness in God
Colossians 3:5-6 Putting Sin to Death
Colossians 3:7-8 Life Before Christ
Colossians 3:9-10 Putting Off and Putting On
Colossians 3:9-11 A New Humanity in Christ
Colossians 3:11 A New Humanity
Colossians 3:12-13 Faith and the Means of Grace
Colossians 3:12–14 The Duty of Forgiveness
Colossians 3:14-15 The Love and Peace of Christ
Colossians 3:16 The Handmaiden of Theology
Colossians 3:16 Theology’s Handmaiden
Colossians 3:16-17 Christ’s Word and the Believer
Colossians 3:18-21 Husbands, Wives, and Children
Colossians 3:22-24 Our True Master
Colossians 3:25 No Favored Parties
Colossians 4:1 Just and Fair Masters
Colossians 4:2-4 Praying for the Mission
Colossians 4:5 Wisdom in the World
Colossians 4:6 Lively and Gracious Speech
Colossians 4:7-9 Greetings from the Brethren
Colossians 4:7–18 The Epistles of the Apostles
Colossians 4:10-11 Paul’s Partners and Friends
Colossians 4:12-15 Epaphras and Luke
Colossians 4:16-18 Final Words to Colossae
Articles
Richard J Bauckhaum Colossians 1:24 Again: The Apocalyptic Motif
Gregory T. Christopher, “A discourse analysis of Colossians 2:16-3:17,” Grace Theological Journal
Jeffrey Lamp – Wisdom in Colossians 1:15-20: Contribution and Significance
William L. Lane, “Creed and theology: reflections on Colossians,” JETS
Wayne McCown, “The Hymnic Structure of Colossians 1:15-20,” The Evangelical Quarterly
R. P. Martin, “An Early Christian Hymn (Colossians 1:5-20),” The Evangelical Quarterly
Ralph P. Martin, “Reconciliation and Forgiveness in the Letter to the Colossians,”
Michaels Parsons, “Slavery and the New Testament Equality and Submissiveness,” Vox Evangelica
Bo Reicke, “Caesarea, Rome and the Captivity Epistles,” W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin
Editorial: The Glory of Christ in Colossians Stephen J. Wellum
Proclaiming Christ as Lord: Colossians 1:15–20 Larry R. Helyer
Sermon: A Portrait of the Glorious Community of Faith (Colossians 3:12-17) Lee Tankersley
Meditation: Christ—The Mystery of God Revealed Toby V. Jennings
L. Paul Trudinger, “A Further Brief Note on Colossians 1:24,” Evangelical Quarterly
Edwin M. Yamauchi, “Qumran and Colosse,” Bibliotheca Sacra 121
Roy Yates, “A Note on Colossians 1: 24,” The Evangelical Quarterly 42.2
GotQuestions.org
Book of Colossians – Bible Survey
What are the Pauline Epistles?
What should we learn from the life of Paul- Who was Paul?
What is the mystery of God referred to in the Bible?
What are principalities and powers?
What does it mean that Jesus is the ‘first-born’ over Creation?
Does God require Sabbath-keeping of Christians?
What are the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs mentioned in Ephesians 5-19 and Colossians 3-16?
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