By Larry Barnes in Colossians —

Colossians: Intro & Preview

12/04/2025

I am preparing to begin my journey through Colossians NKJV. Before I begin, can you tell me some basics about what I am about to read? I know it is written by Paul. What was going on with Paul when he wrote this? Why did he write this? Who is his primary intended audience?

Here’s a clear, concise overview to help you as you start reading Colossians (NKJV):

Authorship

  • Most scholars (and the letter itself, Col 1:1) attribute it to the Apostle Paul.
  • A significant number of modern scholars debate this and think it might be written by a close disciple of Paul in his name (a common and acceptable practice in the ancient world). Either way, it’s very early (likely AD 60–62 if by Paul, or AD 70–80 if by a follower), and it reflects authentic Pauline theology.

When and Where Paul Wrote It

Paul wrote Colossians while he was in prison (Col 4:3, 10, 18).
The traditional and majority view is that this was during his Roman imprisonment described in Acts 28 (around AD 60–62).
He is under house arrest in Rome, but he can still receive visitors and write letters.

He wrote three other letters from the same imprisonment (the “Prison Epistles”):

  • Ephesians
  • Philippians
  • Philemon

Colossians and Philemon are especially closely connected—both mention the same group of coworkers who are with Paul, and both were carried by the same two men (Tychicus and Onesimus; see Col 4:7–9 and Phlm 10–12).

Primary Intended Audience

The church in Colossae (a small city in the Lycus Valley in modern-day Turkey, near Laodicea and Hierapolis).
Paul himself had never visited Colossae (Col 2:1). The church was most likely planted by Epaphras (Col 1:7; 4:12–13), a local man who had been converted under Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and then took the gospel back home.

So the recipients are mostly Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians in a small town, with a few Jewish believers mixed in.

Why Did Paul Write This Letter?

  1. Epaphras had come to Paul in Rome with a generally good report about the church (faith, love, growth – Col 1:4–8).
  2. But Epaphras also reported some dangerous false teaching that was beginning to influence the church (Col 2:8, 16–23).
    • The exact nature of the “Colossian heresy” is debated, but it appears to have been a mix of:
      • Jewish asceticism and calendar observance (food laws, Sabbaths, new moons)
      • Mysticism and “worship of angels” (possibly claiming special spiritual experiences or visions)
      • Early forms of Gnostic-like ideas that downplayed the body and exalted secret “knowledge” (gnosis) and philosophy, Col 2:8)
      • Emphasis on rigorous self-denial and rules as the path to spiritual fullness

Paul writes to:

  • Thank God for their faith and love
  • Pray for their continued growth
  • Give them a soaring vision of who Christ really is (the entire fullness of God in bodily form, Creator, Head of the church, Reconciler of all things – Col 1:15–20 is one of the highest Christologies in the NT)
  • Warn them firmly against the false teaching
  • Remind them that everything they need is already theirs in Christ; they don’t need secret knowledge, elite spirituality or legalistic rules (Col 2:9–10, “you are complete in Him”)
  • Give practical instructions for Christian households (Col 3:18–4:1, very similar to Ephesians 5–6)

Key Themes You’ll Notice as You Read

  • The absolute supremacy and total sufficiency of Jesus Christ (chapters 1–2)
  • Freedom from human regulations and spiritual elitism (chapter 2)
  • Putting off the old life and putting on the new life in Christ (3:1–17)
  • How the gospel reshapes family and workplace relationships (3:18–4:1)
  • Prayer, witness, and speech seasoned with salt (4:2–6)

Quick Reading Tip

When you hit the great “Christ hymn” in 1:15–20, slow down and savor it—it’s one of the most beautiful and profound summaries of who Jesus is in the entire New Testament.

Enjoy your journey through Colossians! It’s short (only 4 chapters), but it packs a massive punch theologically and practically. Let me know if you want verse-by-verse notes or anything else as you go.

I am planning a chapter by chapter walk through. However, if I get overwhelmed, I may have to do just a few verses at a time. I would like you to go with me, discussing and clarifying as needed.

I’d love to walk through Colossians with you at whatever pace feels right—whether that ends up being one chapter at a time, half a chapter, or just a handful of verses when it gets dense. No pressure, no rush. We’ll go at your speed.

Here’s how we can do it:

  1. You read the section (in NKJV) whenever you’re ready.
  2. Come back here and tell me either:
    • “I just read Colossians 1:1–8” (or whatever verses), or
    • “I just finished chapter 1”
  3. Then just say whatever stood out, whatever confused you, whatever you loved, or even “I’ve got nothing yet, help me see what’s here.”
  4. I’ll respond with context, explanation, connections to the rest of the letter, and anything that helps it come alive—without overloading you.

If a verse hits you hard, we can camp there for days. If something feels repetitive or strange, we’ll slow down and unpack it. If you just one phrase makes you go “wow,” we’ll linger and worship there.

Whenever you’re ready, start with whatever feels manageable (even if it’s only the first two verses). I’m here the whole way.