Overview of Colossians

Paul’s letter to the Colossians

Study One: An Overview of Colossians

Read through the letter of Colossians as many times as you have time and interest.  If you have more than one translation (ESV, NKJ, NASB, NIV, etc.) you can read it in more than one.  Check out http://www.biblegateway.com/ for online access to several translations.

Challenge yourself to read Colossians at least once each day for the next week if at all possible.  Before each reading, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and listen for the things He is showing you.  Jot thoughts down.  Take your time…maybe do a question or two each day.  Initially, please answer questions from your study of scripture rather than from commentaries or study notes, but feel free to use additional sources when your own study is complete.  Since this first study is an overview, cite chapter and verse to support your answers as necessary.

1.a.Where was Paul when he wrote the letter of Colossians?  Had he ever been to Colossae?

b.  From whom did this church learn the gospel?  What information can you find about this individual throughout the book?

2. a. What seems to be the tone of this letter?  Is Paul encouraging the church?  Teaching? Warning?  Rebuking?  Etc.?  (He may be doing more than one of these…write chapter and verse where you see them.)

b. How would you describe the false teaching that had infiltrated the Colossian church?

c. What false teaching threatens the church today?  Are there any similarities?

3. a. What themes do you see repeated throughout the letter (look for similar phrases, words, ideas, etc.)?

b.After finding the themes, what would you say is the main message of the book?

c. How does this main message continue to impact the church today?

4.  If you could divide this letter into two sections, one doctrinal (teaching) and one practical (living out the truths taught), where would you put the divisions?  Can you summarize each division with a sentence?

5. Try to picture yourself as a member of the church in Colosse.  What thoughts or feelings might you have had in hearing this letter read for the first time?

6. Read this letter as a message from God to the believer. 

a. What do you learn about God’s character?

b. What is God’s purpose for His people?

c. How is He speaking to you specifically?  (What verses/ideas are jumping out at you?)

7. What are your goals for studying this book?  Jot them down and then consider the questions that follow.

How would internalizing the truth of Colossians:

1. Help you to grow in your relationship with God?  with others?

2. Help you to develop spiritual maturity?  Can you name at least one specific area?

3. Help you to become a more effective Christian?