Colossians Bible Study Resources

by | Jan 13, 2016 | 02 Library, Colossians, Resources by Book

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

Section 1: Background

Background & Outlines

How to do an analytical outline (my favorite study tool)

Analytical Outline
of Colossians

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    Colossians NASB Study Text

    Colossians ESV Study Text

    Map of NT Churches

    Chronology of Paul

    Paul’s use of the Old Testament

    Blue Letter Bible: Chronology of Acts/Epistles

    Bible Atlas: Colossae

    Blue Letter Bible: Colossians Outline

    Ray C. Stedman: Overview of the Book

    John MacArthur: Author, Date, Background

    Principal People in Colossians

    NIV: Colossians Introduction

    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

    Section 2: Maps

    Maps from Bible-History.com

    Paul’s 1st Journey

    Paul’s 2nd Journey

    Paul’s 3rd Journey

    Israel in NT Times

    Kingdom of Herod the Great

    Herod’s Kingdom Divided

    New Testament Cities

    Apostles’ Journeys

    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

    Section 3: Key Words

    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.

    Section 4: Encyclopedias

    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 1:23Php 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

    Alfords Exegetical Commentary

    Albert Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: Colossians

    Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Bible: Colossians

    Geneva Study Bible: Colossians

    Reformation Study Bible Notes

    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

    Section 6: Articles

    Articles

    Richard J Bauckhaum Colossians 1:24 Again: The Apocalyptic Motif

    John Balchin, “Colossians 1:15-20: An Early Christian Hymn? The Arguments from Style,” Vox Evangelica

    Gregory T. Christopher, “A discourse analysis of Colossians 2:16-3:17,” Grace Theological Journal

    Larry L. Helyer, “Cosmic Christology and Colossians 1:15-20,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

    Larry L. Helyer, “Colossians 1:15-20: Pre-Pauline or Pauline,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

    J. P. T. Hunt, “Colossians 2:11-12, the Circumcision / Baptism Analogy, and Infant Baptism,” Tyndale Bulletin

    Johnson, Sherman, “Laodicea and its Neighbors,” The Biblical Archaelogist, February 1950.

    Jeffrey Lamp – Wisdom in Colossians 1:15-20: Contribution and Significance

    William L. Lane, “Creed and theology: reflections on Colossians,” JETS

    Colossians 1-15-20 A Christological Poem- The Cosmological and Soteriological Preeminence of the Christ – Scott Stephens

    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,”

    Stephen Motyer, “The Relationship Between Paul’s Gospel of ‘All One in Christ Jesus’ (Gal. 3:28) and the ‘Household Codes’,” Vox Evangelica

    Robin Ernest Nixon [1932-1978], “Dating the Epistles,” The Theological Students Fellowship Terminal Letter

    Michaels Parsons, “Slavery and the New Testament Equality and Submissiveness,” Vox Evangelica

    Andrew Perriman, “‘His body, which is the church…’ Coming to Terms with Metaphor,” Evangelical Quarterly

    Andrew. Perriman “The Pattern of Christ’s Sufferings: Colossians 1:24 & Philippians 3:10-11,” Tyndale Bulletin

    Bo Reicke, “Caesarea, Rome and the Captivity Epistles,” W. Ward Gasque & Ralph P. Martin

    Robert M. Royalty, Jr., “Dwelling on Visions.On the Nature of the so-called ‘Colossians Heresy’,” Biblica

    The Cross in Colossians: Cosmic Reconciliation through Penal Substitution and Christus Victor – David Schrock

    Editorial: The Glory of Christ in Colossians Stephen J. Wellum

    “If You Continue in the Faith” (Colossians 1:21-23): An Exegetical-Theological Exercise in Syntax, Discourse, and Performative Speech A. B. Caneday

    Proclaiming Christ as Lord: Colossians 1:15–20 Larry R. Helyer

    Raising the Worship Standard: The Translation and Meaning of Colossians 3:16 and Implications for Our Corporate Worship Barry Joslin

    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

    Gary S. Shogren, “Presently entering the kingdom of Christ: the background and purpose of Colossians 1:12-14,” JETS

    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

    Roy Yates, “The Christian Way of Life: The Paraenetic Material in Colossians 3:1-4:6,” Evangelical Quarterly

    Section 7: Got Questions

    GotQuestions.org

    Book of Colossians – Bible Survey

    What are the Pauline Epistles?

    What are the prison 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?

    Section 8: Next

    Next: 1 Thessalonians

    Previous: Philippians

    Series: Resources by Book

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