Source edition
The New Testament in the original Greek. Westcott, Brooke Foss; Hort, Fenton John Anthony, editors. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1882-1892.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This epistle, addressed by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Colossae, focuses on the supremacy of Christ and the practical implications of the Christian life. In the opening section, the author expresses gratitude for the Colossians' faith and exalts Christ as the preeminent Creator of all things and the head of the Church. He then warns the believers against being misled by deceptive philosophies, asceticism, and angel worship, asserting that completeness is found in Christ alone. Consequently, believers are exhorted to put off their old earthly ways and put on the "new self" characterized by mutual love and peace. This new life is translated into concrete household codes governing relationships between spouses, parents and children, and slaves and masters. The letter concludes with an exhortation to persistent prayer and warm greetings from various fellow workers.