At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Paul and Timothy (traditional); critical: disputed, one of the letters attributed to a follower writing in Paul's name (scholars are sharply divided) |
| Date | ~60-62 AD (traditional, Roman imprisonment); critical: later, ~70-100 AD |
| Audience | Colossian church (probably planted by Epaphras) |
| Genre | Epistle |
| Purpose | Combat false teaching with supremacy of Christ |
| Chapters | 4 |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Supremacy of Christ | Colossians 1:15-20, most exalted Christology |
| In Christ, completeness | Colossians 2:9-10, fullness in him |
| Against false teaching | Mystical / ascetic / Jewish-Gentile speculations |
| New life, put off / put on | Colossians 3:5-17 |
| Household codes | Colossians 3:18-4:1 |
Key passages
- Colossians 1:15-20, Christ-hymn (supremacy and cosmic reconciliation)
- Colossians 2:9, the fullness of deity dwelling in Christ bodily
- Colossians 2:13-15, disarmed principalities and powers
- Colossians 3:1-4, "set your minds on things above"
- Colossians 3:12-17, Christian virtues