Colossians 1

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostleApostle: ἀπόστολος (Apostolos). The Greek apostolos (ἀπόστολος) means apostle or sent one—an authorized messenger. The twelve apostles were chosen by Christ and empowered as His witnesses, laying the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, References Jesus: Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, Philemon 1:1. References Christ: 1 Thessalonians 3:2 +2

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: GraceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace: Romans 1:7, Galatians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, Revelation 1:4. Faith: 1 Corinthians 4:17, Ephesians 1:1, 6:21. Holy: Psalms 16:3, 1 Corinthians 1:2 +5

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 We give thanks to GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:15. Prayer: Colossians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:3. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:13

4 Since we heard of your faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, Faith: Galatians 5:6, Ephesians 1:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Philemon 1:5, 1 John 3:23, 4:16. Love: Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 3:14. Sin: Colossians 1:9 +5

5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truthTruth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia). The Greek aletheia (ἀλήθεια) denotes truth or reality—that which corresponds to actuality. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), embodying ultimate reality. of the gospel; Word: Ephesians 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 7:19, 1 Peter 2:2. Hope: Colossians 1:23, 1:27, Acts 23:6, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Titus 1:2. Parallel theme: 2 Timothy 4:8 +5

6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: References God: Philippians 1:11. Grace: Psalms 98:3, 1 Peter 5:12. Sin: Acts 26:18. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:23, Matthew 24:14, Mark 4:8, 16:15, John 15:16, Romans 1:13 +5

7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; References Christ: Colossians 4:12, Philemon 1:23. Faith: Colossians 4:7, Matthew 25:21, 1 Corinthians 4:2, 4:17, 7:25, Hebrews 2:17, 3:2. Parallel theme: Ephesians 5:21 +5

8 Who also declared unto us your loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. in the Spirit. Love: Colossians 1:4, Romans 5:5, 15:30, Galatians 5:22, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Peter 1:22

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Sin: Hebrews 13:21. Prayer: 1 Samuel 12:23, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Spirit: Colossians 3:16, Psalms 143:10. Parallel theme: Colossians 4:5, Hebrews 10:36, James 1:5, 3:17, 1 Peter 2:15 +5

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.; References Lord: Ephesians 4:1, 2 Peter 3:18. References God: Micah 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:1. Sin: Hebrews 13:21, 1 John 3:22. Good: Titus 3:14, Hebrews 13:16. Parallel theme: John 15:8, 15:16 +5

11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Glory: Exodus 15:6, Ephesians 3:16. Parallel theme: Acts 5:41, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Ephesians 4:2, 6:10, Philippians 4:13, 2 Peter 1:6, Revelation 14:12 +4

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Holy: Acts 20:32, 26:18, Ephesians 1:18. Creation: Hebrews 3:14. Light: Revelation 21:23. Parallel theme: John 14:6, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1:11, 3:6 +5

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdomKingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia). The Greek basileia (βασιλεία) means kingdom—both the realm ruled and the exercise of royal authority. The 'kingdom of God' is central to Jesus' teaching, representing God's saving rule breaking into history. of his dear Son: Kingdom: Romans 14:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Darkness: Acts 26:18, Ephesians 4:18, 5:8, 6:12, 1 Peter 2:9. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 3:8, 3:14 +5

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Redemption: Matthew 20:28, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:12, Revelation 5:9. Blood: Hebrews 9:22. Sin: 1 John 2:2, Revelation 1:5. Parallel theme: Psalms 130:4, Ephesians 5:2 +5

The Supremacy of Christ

15 Who is the image of the invisible GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., the firstborn of every creature: References God: John 1:1, 1:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 4:6, Philippians 2:6. Parallel theme: Psalms 89:27, John 1:14, 14:9, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 1:3 +5

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heavenHeaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos). The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2)., and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Creation: Proverbs 16:4, John 1:3, Hebrews 1:2. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:15, 1 Chronicles 29:11, Isaiah 44:24, Romans 11:36, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 1:10, Hebrews 2:10 +5

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:15, Psalms 75:3, Isaiah 44:6, John 8:58, 17:5, Acts 17:28, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 1:8, 1:17 +5

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Parallel theme: Psalms 89:27, Matthew 28:18, Acts 26:23, 1 Corinthians 11:3, 15:25, Ephesians 5:23, Revelation 1:5, 1:18, 21:6, 22:13 +5

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Parallel theme: Colossians 2:3, 2:9, 3:11, Luke 10:21, John 1:16, 3:34, Ephesians 1:3, 1:5, 1:23, 4:10 +5

20 And, having made peace through the bloodBlood: αἷμα (Haima). The Greek haima (αἷμα) denotes blood. Christ's blood 'cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John 1:7), securing 'eternal redemption' (Hebrews 9:12) through His once-for-all sacrifice. Believers have been 'purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28). of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Creation: Hebrews 2:17. Peace: Romans 5:1. Parallel theme: Ephesians 1:10, Philippians 2:10

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Evil: Romans 1:30. Parallel theme: Ephesians 2:12, 2:19, 4:18

22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: Holy: Ephesians 1:4, 5:27, Hebrews 10:10. Parallel theme: Romans 7:4, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 10:20, 13:21, 2 Peter 3:14, Jude 1:24 +5

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hopeHope: ἐλπίς (Elpis). The Greek elpis (ἐλπίς) denotes hope—confident expectation of good. This hope is 'an anchor of the soul' (Hebrews 6:19), grounded in Christ's resurrection and the believer's future inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4). of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Faith: Acts 14:22, Ephesians 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Hebrews 10:38. Creation: Hebrews 3:14. Hope: Ephesians 1:18, Hebrews 3:6, 6:19. Parallel theme: Romans 10:18, Galatians 6:9 +5

Paul's Ministry to the Church

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: References Christ: Ephesians 3:1. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:18, Acts 5:41, Romans 5:3, 2 Corinthians 7:4, Ephesians 1:23, 3:13, Philippians 3:10, 2 Timothy 1:8, James 1:2 +5

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). of God; References God: Ephesians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:2. Creation: Colossians 1:23. Word: 1 Timothy 4:6

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Creation: 2 Timothy 1:10. Parallel theme: Psalms 25:14, Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10, 1 Corinthians 2:7

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: References Christ: Romans 8:10, Galatians 2:20, 4:19. References God: 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 John 4:4. Glory: 2 Corinthians 4:6. Parallel theme: Colossians 2:3, John 14:17, 14:20, Revelation 3:20 +5

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: References Christ: Colossians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 11:2. References Jesus: Acts 8:35, 2 Corinthians 4:5. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:22, Jeremiah 3:15, Matthew 5:48, Acts 20:31, 1 Corinthians 2:6, Ephesians 5:27 +5

29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Kingdom: Ephesians 1:19, 3:7, Hebrews 13:21. Parallel theme: Colossians 2:1, 4:12, Romans 15:20, 1 Corinthians 12:11, 15:10, Philippians 2:13, 2:16 +5