The letter to the Colossians speaks deeply into our identity in Christ, urging us to root ourselves in Him and to live out that identity in every aspect of our lives. Written by Paul while in prison, this letter serves as a reminder of the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. The Colossian church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, had begun to be influenced by false teachings that threatened to distort the purity of the gospel. These teachings blended elements of mysticism, legalism, and the worship of angels, all aimed at convincing the believers that something beyond Christ was needed for spiritual fulfillment. Paul’s purpose in writing is to remind them—and us—that Christ is enough, and there is no need for anything else to complete our faith.
The letter opens with a thanksgiving and prayer for the Colossians. Paul expresses his joy over their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints. He acknowledges that the gospel, which had been preached to them, is bearing fruit all over the world. This is a reminder that the gospel is not a static message but one that continually grows and transforms lives. Just as Jesus told His disciples that the gospel would spread to all nations (Matthew 28:19), Paul affirms that the Colossians’ faith is part of this greater movement of God’s kingdom.
Paul immediately sets the stage for his core message: the preeminence of Christ. In a world where many competing ideologies were vying for attention, Paul reminds the Colossians that Jesus is supreme over all things. He says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15). Jesus is not just a part of creation or an angelic being; He is the very image of God, revealing God’s nature to us in a way that no one else can. This echoes the words of Jesus in John 14:9, when He says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Through Jesus, God’s character is made known to us. Everything in creation, from the stars in the sky to the smallest particles of matter, was created through Him and for Him. Christ holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17). He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and because of His work, we are reconciled to God through His blood (Colossians 1:20). This is not just theological knowledge but a profound invitation to rest in the truth that Christ’s work is complete and sufficient for us.
Paul continues to remind the Colossians of the hope they have in Christ. In a world full of shifting promises, the gospel offers us a secure hope—“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). This hope is not something abstract or distant; it is the living presence of Christ in us, transforming us and leading us to eternal glory. This echoes the words of Jesus in John 17:3, where He defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. Our hope, then, is tied directly to our relationship with Christ, and it is a hope that sustains us through all trials.
As Paul moves through the letter, he emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of the gospel. He urges the Colossians to set their minds on things above, where Christ is, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). This call is not just about personal devotion but about a radical shift in our priorities. Paul reminds us that we have died with Christ and our life is now hidden with Him in God (Colossians 3:3). This means that we are no longer defined by the things of this world—whether by our status, accomplishments, or failures—but by our identity in Christ. This truth calls us to live differently: to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature—such as sexual immorality, greed, anger, and malice—and to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:5-12). The way we live should reflect the character of Christ, as He is the ultimate model for us.
In this new identity, Paul stresses the importance of love. “Above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). Love is not just a feeling but a command that shapes our relationships. Jesus, when asked about the greatest commandment, responded by saying we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This is the heart of the gospel: that love flows from the relationship we have with Christ and extends outward to others. Paul echoes this when he writes that love binds everything together in perfect harmony. It is the thread that weaves the fabric of our relationships, both with God and with one another.
Paul continues by speaking about how this transformation impacts all areas of life, including our work and relationships. He encourages husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and slaves to live according to the principles of the gospel. For example, he calls wives to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord and husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them (Colossians 3:18-19). He urges children to obey their parents and fathers not to embitter their children (Colossians 3:20-21). This is not a call to rigid, hierarchical relationships but to relationships characterized by love, mutual respect, and grace. In the context of slaves and masters, Paul instructs them to work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that they will receive an inheritance from the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). Whether in marriage, family, or work, the gospel transforms our relationships, calling us to reflect Christ’s love and humility in every interaction.
As Paul wraps up the letter, he calls the Colossians to prayer. He encourages them to be devoted to prayer, watching for opportunities to share the gospel, and to pray for him, that God would open doors for the message (Colossians 4:2-4). Prayer, in Paul’s understanding, is not just about personal requests but about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and participating in the mission of the gospel. This theme of prayer aligns with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:9-13, where He teaches His disciples to pray, asking for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer is the means by which we communicate with God, align ourselves with His will, and partner with Him in His mission.
Finally, Paul concludes with personal greetings and exhortations, showing the deep bonds he shares with the Colossians and his heart for their well-being. He encourages them to read this letter to others and to continue in the faith, standing firm in the truth of the gospel (Colossians 4:16-18). This personal connection reminds us that the gospel is not a distant, abstract truth but a message that brings people together, builds communities, and transforms lives.
In conclusion, the letter to the Colossians calls us to a life that is centered on the supremacy of Christ. Everything we are and do flows from our identity in Him. Christ is not just a part of our lives; He is the reason for our lives. We are called to live in a way that reflects this truth—by putting off our old selves and putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This transformation, however, is not just personal; it shapes how we interact with others. Love is the defining characteristic of our relationships, and our actions, whether in marriage, family, or work, should reflect the character of Christ. As we live in light of Christ’s supremacy, we are empowered to live out the gospel, bringing glory to God in all that we do.